Kaieteur News

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

FRONT PAGE COMMENT

In Senegal, decisive leadership has sent a thunderous message that contracts are not sacred when they are manifestly unjust Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has moved to cancel 71 mining agreements, from gas to gold placing the national interest above paper promises.

In Guyana, the refrain is different. Here, the doctrine of the “sanctity of contract”is recited like scripture Yet many of the same political voices now invoking its holiness once denounced those very agreements as lopsided and injurious to the nation What changed? Not the contracts. Only the custodians of power

When leaders compromise themselves, they mortgage the f u t u r e o f t h e i r c o u n t r y Compromise breeds vulnerability; vulnerability invites exploitation. And exploitation rarely announces itself openly It operates in the shadows, the shadows of secret deals and corruption, and millions of the people’s wealth fritted away. Those who resist are replaced

and punished The result is predictable: a nation rich in oil, gold, and resources, yet struggling to translate that wealth into widespread prosperity

The tragedy is not only that the country’s assets are bartered for a pittance It is that leadership itself becomes captive. The public interest is quietly traded for political survival. Play the game, or pay the price. Too many have chosen to play

And so the people wait, watching wealth flow outward while hardship lingers at home

B u t t h i s c y c l e i s n o t unbreakable. Exposure is its greatest enemy Sunlight disrupts the quiet arrangements, the hidden bargains, the unspoken threats. Citizens cannot judge what they do not know; they cannot demand better if the truth is buried.

The time has come to lift the veil. We at this newspaper will do so Because a contract that impoverishes a nation is not sacred,it is a betrayal.

Top U.S.

quits

“I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful lobby,” Joe Kent wrote in a letter posted to social media.

Guyana leaving face

Suspected cattle thief nabbed, beef, skin recovered

…dismisseschallengewithcosts

GuyanaleavingUS$9Madayonthetable

...as oil windfall surges amid Middle East conflict

Guyanacouldgainatleast

US$9M more daily from ExxonMobil if the government of Guyana (GoG)appliesa25%windfall taxontheprofitsbeingearned by the energy giant as oil prices continue to climb in light of the ongoing war in Iran

TheconflictintheMiddle Easthasresultedinoilprices soaring past US $100 per barrel for the first time since 2022

At the beginning of the year, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh estimated inflows from the sector at an averageofjust$59abarrel

Currently, Guyana is producing an average of 900,000barrelsperday(bpd), meaning that Exxon is generating a whopping US$40extraoneachbarrel

In other words, the Stabroek Block is now generating US$36M more daily than was anticipated by

government

Byapplyingjust25%tax totheexcessprofits,Guyana could earn US$9M more dailyfromthewindfallprofits being enjoyed by Exxon or US$270Mamonth

Even if Guyana opts to benefitfromhalfoftheexcess profits being generated and apply a 50% windfall tax, Guyana will benefit from a whopping US$18M more daily or $540M if oil prices remainatUS$100perbarrel

Trinidadian Energy Expert and International Consultant, Anthony Paul previously pointed out that windfall taxes do not violate petroleumcontracts

Hepointedout,“Sinceall contracts must abide by nationallawandsincesuchan instrument does not violate existing contracts, Windfall Profits Taxes provide a simpleandfairmechanismto ensurethatcountriesgettheir justdues”

The Energy Expert explained that oil companies do not produce oil; nature does The role of the oil companies is simply to extracttheresource

To this end, he reasoned, “Nature blesses countries withit Oncetheoilcompany removes it, that asset is gone forever For this reason, countries should realise that they are not just innocent bystanders to the business ventureofoilandgas”

In fact, the energy expert describedtheroleofcountries as “active contributors,” providing their natural heritage as an asset in the business. This, he noted, makes countries co-investors withacontractor,sothatboth canmakemoney

He was keen to note that stabilisation clauses in contracts are based on an agreed economic model which contemplates a rate of returntothecontractor,based

VandalstargetNationalPark - suspects caught on CCTV

The ProtectedAreas Commission (PAC) has raised alarm over a series of deliberate vandalism incidents at the National Park, warning that those responsible are being activelypursued

Using 24-hour CCTV surveillance and routine patrols, the Commission has documented multiple acts of destruction, including the defacing of park signage, the uprooting of plants near the Children’s Monument, and damage to public infrastructure.

ThePACstressedthattheNationalParkis avitalspaceforrecreation,fitness,andfamily life, it stated in a press release These acts, it said, not only strain limited resources for maintenance and upgrades but also show disregard for the thousands of Guyanese whodependontheparkdaily

“Members of the public are reminded that the National Park is a sanctuary for fitness,family,andnature,andtheseactsof destruction not only deplete resources meant for maintenance and improvement but also disrespect the thousands of Guyanese who utilise the space daily,” the releasestated

Authoritieshavealreadyobtainedfootage oftheincidentsandareworkingcloselywith theGuyanaPoliceForcetoidentifyandtake actionagainstthoseresponsible

The Commission is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or damage to on-site security personnelorviathefollowingnumbers:6041088,694-6653,699-3990,and666-5677

onaprojectedpriceorpricing formula for the commodity onanagreedmarket

However, Paul explained that when the price of the commodityisfarhigherthan the projected price in the economic model, the extra profit is referred to as a windfall To this end, he noted, “Since the market conditions are generally beyond the control of the producer,itisthecommodity itself that creates the higher revenue,notanyactionofthe contractor”

It has therefore become customary in jurisdictions around the world, including developed countries, to introduce a Windfall Profits Tax to ensure that the owner of the resource gets a bigger shareoftheprofit,inlinewith t

contribution the resource makes to the increased revenue, the Energy Expert said

Further, “Since all contracts must abide by nationallawandsincesuchan instrument does not violate existing contracts, Windfall

Profits Taxes provide a simpleandfairmechanismto ensurethatcountriesgettheir justdues,”Paulnoted

Last week, former Finance Minister, Winston Jordancalledongovernment to commence negotiations with the operator of the StabroekBlocktoimplement awindfalltax

Jordan explained that the ongoing conflict in Iran is likely to impact the cost of various items and materials, causing greater financial strainongovernment Hesaid,“Afterallit’sthe government who will also

have to bear the brunt of the cost side where everything thatthegovernmentwillnow import will carry extra cost for which the oil companies will benefit The roads, they drive on the road and don’t pay anything It’s the governmentwhowillhaveto buy bitumen and maintain those roads and import whatever they need to build theroadsorthefactoriesand kinds of things so it’s not unreasonable

r the government to say that they need to benefit from part of this super profit that you are making”

KaieteurNews

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Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

TheBBCprogramme

ItisobvioushowdesperatethePPPCGovernmentisto paintthebrightestpictureonitsmanagementofGuyana’soil revenues. That it has been fair in its distribution of the wealthgeneratedbytheoilsector

Increased production now the routine, with a million barrels a day closing in. Acountry with a tiny population, with less than a million, and a million barrels of daily production almost within the grasp, should be able to take morethansufficientcareofallitscitizens. Therecordisthat thePPPCGovernmenthasnotdoneso,anditisdesperateto hidethatfromtheworld.

Thegovernmentwassodesperatethatitobjectedbehind the scenes to a couple of the Guyanese that the people coordinatingBBCWorldQuestionschoseforpanelistsonits programme. The government was so desperate that it discardedshameandhadaCabinetministeronthesceneof theWorldQuestionsprogramme. Thesittingminsterwasso desperate to create the best impression for the PPPC Government’s oversight of the broadening Guyana oil economythathecouldbarelyrestrainhimselffromsharing his mouthful on the programme. A desperate PPPC Government loaded the programme with panelists who would toe the line by not offering any posture that was threatening to its deceptive narratives. Not satisfied with thatsleight-of-hand,thedesperategovernmentthentookthe safestepofcrowdingtheliveaudiencewithitsownraucous cheerleading section. It would have completely taken over theBBC’sarrangements,butfortheoccasionalglimpsesof strengthfromthemoderator

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance in Guyana, Dr Ashni Singh knowsenoughaboutoilrevenues,andiscompetentenough inhisownright,nottoneedtheextrahelparrangedforhim by his desperate Cabinet comrades. It could be a sign, perhaps, of his own nervousness, his own desperation, that heneededthecomfortofthatcrowdcalledintoactionduring the live BBC session. For another man, with pride at a certain minimum, the presence of that PPPC Government marshaledcrowdwouldbeseenasinsulting,andasnothing butunwanted,extrabaggage. Itmadehisownposition,and confidenceinhimself,lookweak,asthoughheneededthat proptomakehimlookgood.

When leaders are aware that they have not fairly distributed the relatively massive inflows of oil revenues across the various segments of citizens, some horribly trappedinneedandpoverty,thentheyseenothingwrongin going to such desperate lengths to make themselves look better than they are. The distribution of Guyana’s oil revenues is a point of great contentiousness, yet another sharpnailinGuyana’ssocialandpoliticalfabric. Theneedy and anxious grow increasingly unhappy Impatient with whattheyseeandinterpretasmoreadvantagebeingtakenof them,andbythepeopletheyelectedtooffice. Hugenational budgets, but still those made into losers in Guyanese life watchasothersgetfromtheoilwealththatbelongstoall,but they get nothing by afterthoughts and throwaways that shouldn’tbeforbeggars. Thisisthekindofpassionthatthe government is so desperate to stifle into silence, to pretend that is not a part of local existence. So, the BBC World Questionsprogramiscookedfromtheinceptiontowhenit reachesthefinishline.

So, when we hear the government suddenly announcing thatthe$100,000cashgrantwasbeginning,wewonderedif thetimingwasnotanotherdistraction Adistractiontoshift the attention of Guyanese who need that cash grant money fromtheireverydaywoes Adistractionforthemtorefocuson themoneythatwasfirstpromisedbyPresidentIrfaanAliover ayearandahalfago,andthenafterwards Whenpeopleare desperate, they concoct any distraction to reset the scrutiny fixedonthem Neitherleadersnorgovernmentsaredifferent inthisrespect,andthatcouldbewhatisnowbeingwiththe cashgrantannouncement There’relitmusteststhatprovethe PPPC Government’s fairness in distributing oil revenues Lesscomplainingvoices,lesspoorGuyanese,agovernment lessdesperatetoproveitsfairness

Angry Guyanese stuck in the Middle East

DEAREDITOR,

The war in the Middle East (ME) stranded many Guyanese (mostly from the New York and Florida areas) who werevacationinginthearea(Dubaiand AbuDhabi)orhadtransitedtheretoand from India and used Middle Eastern carriers for their travel. Groups of Guyanese and Trinidadian Americans (livinginUSA)gotcaughtinUAEand Qatar(whileintransit)toandfromIndia asthewardragson.

Several Guyanese also got stuck in India when the war began and the airspace to Middle East was closed. Onceairspaceclosed,onlyafewflights began leaving the region as safety allowed The angry Guyanese Americans and others spoke out about their frustration to get back toAmerica and fears as President Trump administrationreassuredthemthatthey are working to get them home. They askednottobenamed.

The Guyanese and other Caribbean Americans flew Ethiad, Emirates, and Qatar Airways going to India on a spiritual journey and or for Holi celebrationswhentheywarbegan.Two groups were already in India when the war commenced on February 28 Another group was stuck in Dubai on way to India. Several other Guyanese wereinIndiafortheT20WorldCupand gotstuckinIndiaitselforintheMiddle Eastbecauseairspacewasclosedtofly out. Most Guyanese have returned to USAafter being stuck in ME for up to

The

two weeks; the UAE government provided for their hospitality while stranded, instructing hotels to keep thematthecostofthestate.Butseveral ofthemhadtopurchaseticketsonother carriers through Europe in order to journey to USA, costing them a lot of additional expense and stress. They stayedthereamidstanxietyandgrowing fear worriedabouttheirsafety

Thiswriter,inIndiaonalecturetour and for the World Cup, passed through Iran's air space on a UK carrier hours before the bombing began; beautiful cities and towns could be seen illuminated in the night on the flight route are now in ruins. It was shocking to watch TV reports that bombing had commenced when only hours earlier there was peace and normalcy in the area. The West Indies and England cricket teams were also stuck in India. The West Indians spent over week beforeaflightwascharteredtogetthem home because

e overwhelmed and safety was a major concern. Missiles were raining in the Gulfairspace.Theplayershavereached theirdestination.

GuyaneseandTriniAmericanswho were stuck in India or the Middle East were very angry about the war that disruptedtheirtravel.Unwillingtohave their names published, they said they wereontheirownandhadtomaketheir own travel arrangements to get back to USA And although they had a wonderful,peacefultimeinIndia,their

Invisible Crutch:Why

itinerary was disrupted and the trip not asfulfillingasexpected.

At the back of their thoughts was how they will get home through Dubai orAbuDhabiorQatar

Over100KAmericanswerestuckin the Middle East. The US government tried to bring homeAmericans through militaryandcharterflightsafterthewar began. India and European countries airliftedalotoftheircitizensstuckinthe ME; India also flew out no -Indians to safety Critics said methodical arrangements were not made by Washington before the war on how Americans in the war zone will get home.Thevacationersscrambledtoget home. The war caused them enormous hardship and a lot of unnecessary expenses as well as psychological distress. Their families in USA were also worried about their safety with some requesting from me, a regular travelertotheregion,howtogethome. They were advised to shelter in place and contact the USA Consulate for assistance.TheyweresafeinIndia.The US Consulates in UAE did its best indeed trying circumstances Information was provided by the American consulates in the region. A few are still stuck in Middle East but expected back in USA as more flights are leaving Middle East President Trump committed to help every AmericanstrandedintheME.

Yourstruly, VishnuBisram

the “World’s Fastest Growing Economy” still relies on foreign handouts

DEAREDITOR,

For years, the people of Guyana have been fed a steady diet of worldbeatingstatistics.Wearetoldwearethe "fastest-growing economy on the planet."WearetoldourGDPpercapita is rivaling European nations, projected tohitastaggeringInt$94,000(PPP)in 2026. But a look beneath the hood of this "oil-powered Ferrari" reveals an engine that is actually being kept running by the quiet, consistent, and desperate sacrifices of the Guyanese diaspora.

TheGreatEconomicParadox

While the Government celebrates a projected GDP expansion of 23% in 2026andflauntsbillionsinoilrevenue, astingingindictmentremainshiddenin plainsight:Personalremittanceshave remainedessentiallyflatatover$500 million USD annually In any truly booming economy, the need for "help from abroad" should plummet as local wages rise and poverty vanishes Instead, Guyana remains in a state of arrested development For every gleaming new highway or luxury hotel touted by the administration, there is a grandmother in Berbice or a mother in EssequibostandinginaWesternUnion line just to afford a basket of groceries that has been inflated by the very oil boomtheGovernmentbragsabout.

TheMathofMisery: Wagesvs.Reality

The Government's "sham show" is most evident when one compares the

pittanceofthenationalminimumwage against the soaring costs of survival. Despite recent adjustments, the disparity is a mathematical impossibility for the average

of financial acrobatics. When the price of food rises at double the rate of the general CPI, "low inflation" is a statistical lie to the man trying to buy bangamaryatthemarket.

(2024–2026)Data ValueThe Lived R

Wage $60,147 GYDCovers barely 40% of basic living costs in urban areas Food Inflation (Jan 2026)6.7%Basicproteins(poultry/fish) have risen nearly 35% since 2 0 2 3 P o v e r t y R a t e (Independent)~48%Nearly half the nation lives on less than $6 85

USD/dayRemittance Inflow$500M+ USDThe "silent subsidy" preventing total household collapse.By February 2026, the main income in a lowerincomehouseholdmustnowworkafull dayjusttobringhomeasingleplucked chicken While the elite discuss "macroeconomic fundamentals," the averagecitizenisperformingadailyact

TheCloakofDataandthe Diaspora'sBurden

The administration's most cynical tactic is the suppression of transparent povertydata.Whileinternationalbodies signal that poverty lingers near 50%, the state chooses to cloak the truth, refusing to acknowledge that remittances are the only reason the poverty rate isn't 65% or higher Let us be clear: Remittances are a tax on the diaspora to cover the failures of the state. The diaspora is providing an annual$100billionGYDsocialsafety net that the Government has failed to build, despite sitting on a Sovereign Wealth Fund. We have a two-tiered nation: one for the contractors and politicalelitewhofeastonForeign Continued on page 5

Worker’s Rights in Guyana

DEAREDITOR,

As a concerned citizen and a committed Trade Union Advocate, deeply invested in the welfare and dignity of the Guyanese workforce.

Guyanese people have long been recognised for their resilience, dedication, andstrongworkethic.

Across every sector, our workers continue to give their time, energy, and skills to build this nation and provide for their families. Their contribution to Guyana's development is

both significant and deserving of the highest respect.

However, there is growing unease among many workers regarding the conditionsunderwhichthey are employed and the compensation they receive. There have been persistent allegations of labour rights v i o l a t i o n s , t h e circumventionofestablished labour laws, and a lack of respect for workers' rights and their representatives, particularlytradeunions.

These concerns have been raised in relation to a number of businesses operating across Guyana, including some that are foreign-owned and managed. While investment

a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l

partnershipsareimportantto our country's progress, they must never come at the expense of the dignity and rights of the Guyanese worker Development must be fair,inclusive,andrespectful ofourlaws.Everyworkeris entitled to fair wages, safe working conditions, and the freedomtoberepresentedby a union of their choice withoutfear,intimidation,or victimisation.

Tradeunionsplayavital role in maintaining balance in the workplace and ensuringthatworkers'voices areheardandrespected.Asa nation, we must continue to encourage economic growth, but we must do so without compromising the rights and humanity of our people.

True development is measured not only by investment,butbyhowwell we treat those who contributetoitdaily

I u r g e a l l stakeholders government, employers, and civil society to take these concerns seriously and to work collectively toward a fairerandmorejustworking environment for all Guyanese.

Yoursfaithfully, LorenzoJoseph TradeUnionAdvocate

The Invisible Crutch:Why...

Frompage4

DirectInvestment,andanotherforthe"remittanceclass"who arestrugglingtosurvivethepriceshocksof2026.

Conclusion

Anationproppedupbyremittanceswhileswimminginoil isnotan"economicsuccess"—itisadistributivefailure.Itisa moralindictmentthatinanationofonly800,000people,with billions of barrels of oil, we still require our brothers and sisters in New York and Toronto to send home "salt-bread money."UntiltheGovernmentcanshowacountrywherethe WesternUnionlinesareemptybecauselocalpocketsarefull, their "fastest-growing" labels remain a hollow PR campaign builtonthebacksofadiasporathatGuyaneseathomeliterally cannotaffordtolivewithout.

Regards, HemduttKumar

In a $1.5 trillion national budget, garbage trucks are not political miracles

DEAREDITOR,

During the National Budget Debate on February 6, 2026, Ms Priya Manickchand proudly declared,“Ineverfail,baby.” That display of public bravado may have sounded impressive in the National Assembly, but the reality on the ground tells a very differentstory

Her own words have alreadycontradictedher

In November 2025, Ms. Manickchand stood at StabroekMarketSquareand declared,“Letusgoforward and show this country how wecanco-operateinkeeping Guyana clean ” She promised a system where garbage would be collected twice daily to keep the

market area clean, drained, and functional for vendors and shoppers alike. Yet less than five months later, that promise has collapsed. A walk-through of the market by the Leader of the Opposition in March 2026 revealed garbage piling up, flooding throughout the market, and the familiar stench of neglect hanging in the air The very place Ms. Manickchand promised to fixhasonceagainbeenleftin filthanddisorder

So much for “I never fail.”

Instead of returning to Stabroek Market to account for this breakdown, Ms Manickchand rushed off to theEssequiboCoasttostage another publicity exercise in

A regional strategic oil reserve should be catered for

DEAREDITOR,

Guyoil's decision to maintain current prices at the pump bringsupthesubjectofstrategicoilreserves.Globallymany keyoilproducershavesetupreservesthatallowthemtocater for shortfalls in supply that would cause affordability issues withintheireconomies.Asanewoilproducingnationthatis alsovulnerabletotheoilshocksthatoccur,suchasthecurrent onethathassentoilpricessoaring,wemustalsoconsiderthe needforastrategicoilreservethatcanbufferoureconomyand theregionsfromfutureoilsupplyissues.

Toachievethisourcountrywillneedtopartnerwithother regional oil & gas producers to incorporate forecasted local andregionaldemand&supplyandsupplychainrisks,tocarry outthecostbenefitanalysisofaregionalstoragefacilitythat can meet the requirements of a strategic oil reserve. It is an analysisthatisworthdoingtoachievetheimplementationofa strategic oil reserve that caters for both local demand and regionaldemandattheCaricomlevel.Ajointplandeveloped andimplementedbytheoilproducingcountriesinourRegion will help provide the regional economic stability needed for ourcontinuedprosperityoverthelongterm.

Bestregards, Jamil

Changlee

the typical style of the PPP leaders - always running from the problem to sell snake oil in a next geographic area. There she ceremonially handed over garbage trucks to local authorities and attempted to market this routine government function as if it were some extraordinary act of generosity, when in all civilised societies, this is what Government's do routinelyanditdoesnotneed awholemanufacturedmovie toshowcasethesetrucks.

Let us be clear: in a $1.5 trillion national budget, garbage trucks and basic sanitation services are not political miracles. They are basic responsibilities. These are not favours from politicians; they are services funded by taxpayers and owed to the people of Guyana. What happened with these garbage trucks was just an example of how the people got back some of theirownmoney

Perhapsitisnecessaryto remind this government of a fundamental principle: the role of the Government of Guyana is to organise and managethecountrysothatit serves the needs, rights, and welfare of its citizens Essential services such as garbagecollection,drainage, market rehabilitation, and publicsafetyarenotoptional luxuries They are core functionsofgovernance.

If Ms Manickchand wishes to test whether she has “never failed,” she should take a walk through Stabroek Market today She will see vendors working in

flooded walkways, garbage accumulating where it should have been removed, andcitizensonceagainleftto copewithmoreofherbroken promises. During that same November 2025 visit, Ms. Manickchand told vendors, “Inmeyouhaveafriend.”If abandoningthemtogarbage, floodwaters, and neglect within five months is what friendship looks like, then those vendors hardly need enemies.

She also told them she wantedtoseethem“thrive.” Yetnovendorcanthriveina marketplace surrounded by filth and stagnant water No customer wants to wade through dark, dirty floodwater simply to buy groceries Thus, business will suffer because Ms Manickchand abandoned them.

Sheendedthatspeechby declaring, “This is a beginning.”

Unfortunately, it appears that the “beginning” lasted onlyafewmonthsbeforethe promiseswereforgottenand the people left behind. This pattern of lofty speeches followed by disappointing results is precisely why many working people in Guyana are deeply skeptical of political promises. Words areplentifulwhenitcomesto thePPP;deliveryisscarce. In the final analysis, Ms. Manickchand's record speaks louder than her slogans. At both the local government level and previously in education, the pattern has been the same: plentyofrhetoric,plentyof

Continued on page 6

Troubling conditions at Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary School

DEAREDITOR,

A s a p u b l i c communications analyst, I have been approached by several educators who wish to bring attention to the troubling conditions they continuetofaceattheVreeden-Hoop Secondary School. These concerns are not rooted in opposition to development, but rather in the urgent need to address thepresentrealitiesaffecting bothteachersandstudents.

The institution is currently in a transitional phase, as a new school is under construction at Crane. This project represents a s

onal investment of nearly $1 billion and forms part of the Government's broader mission to deliver universal, modernsecondaryeducation across Guyana When completed, the facility is expected to accommodate over 500 students and

provide both academic and technical learning opportunities. While this initiative is commendable and reflects forward-thinking planning, the temporary arrangements currentlyinplacehaveraised serious concerns among educators Until the new school is completed, both teachers and students are required to function in environments that are far from ideal for effective teaching and learning According to one educator, the school is presently divided between two separate locations. Forms 1 to 3 are housed within the MinistryofEducation,while Forms 4 and 5 are being taughtontheupperfloorofa supermarket along New Road This division has created logistical and instructional challenges that disrupt the cohesion of the school community

Educators have expressed that these temporary conditionsarenotconducive to maintaining the standard of education that students deserve The lack of appropriatespace,resources, and a unified academic environment has affected both teaching delivery and student engagement, raising concerns about the overall learning experience during thisinterimperiod.

In light of this, the teachers are respectfully calling on the Ministry of Education to review and improve these temporary arrangements While the long-

n is promising,itisessentialthat immediatestepsaretakento ensure that the current environment supports both educators and students in achieving their best outcomes.

Sincerely, Blane

RBunbury

Stabroek News gave civil society its voice

DEAREDITOR,

I wish to join the scores of readers who have lamented the pending closureoftheStabroekNews asanationaliconandwhich hassetloftystandardsinthe history of journalism in Guyana. While the national newspaper and the other private paper shuts out voicesthatoffercritiqueson nationalissues,theSNalong with the KN gave Civil Society (CS) its voice in national affairs Many people have told me they read my letters in the SN. With SN gone, that civil society voice will be much diminished.

Inthegovernanceofany country, the voice of Civil Societymustbelistenedtoas they reflect what large swatches of citizens are thinking too While Governments may see the viewpointsofCSactivistsas a nuisance, it does so to its ownperil.

The SN as a responsible

newspaper will not publish materialthatisslanderousor libelous.Withitsclosure,the unintended consequence for the Government will be that rabble rousers will peddle fake news, falsehoods and slanderouspropagandatofill in that space and make it hellish for any Government whichdoesnotlikecriticism and commentaries highlighting policy failures orfailuresingovernance.So, the Government side might regretnotthrowingtheSNa lifeline.

The SN was denied a radiolicencealthoughitwas an established media. That mighthavehelpedtheSNto be viable. The non-payment foradsandservicessupplied by the SN did much to hurt the SN remaining solvent. When I thought the Government would throw a lifelinetotheSN,insteadthe Government side, like the soup Nazi in the Seinfeld show,said“nosoupforyou.” SNwastoldtherewillbeno

In a $1.5 trillion national...

Frompage5 theatrics, but far too little lasting substance. The people of Guyanadeservegovernance,notgimmicks. Itistimetopull yoursocksupMs.PriyaManickchandanddosomerealwork bymonitoringandevaluatingthereliabilityofyourpromises, if you want to be the Presidential Candidate to replace PresidentIrfaanAli. Thepeoplehaveseenyouforwhoyou are-someonewhoispreparedtoplaywiththeirintelligence andtheydonotlikeit. Thatisnothowyouwinvotes-witha "prettyfaceandabadcharacter"asthesongsaid.

Regards, Vishnu

Prashad

moreadsforMarch.

I am a trained journalist and will always support the freedom of the media, freedom of information, and the free access of the media to the coverage of public matters in parliament and outsideofparliament.Igrew up reading the PPP's newspaper – the “Mirror,” during the 28 years of the Burnham/PNC dictatorship. It was from the Mirror thatI developed my concepts about a free press, freedom of information, democracy, civilrights,citizens'rightsto criticise, fair mindedness andjustice.

The PPP then told us what right and what was wrong, and what good democracy looks like I became a Jaganite in my thinking.That'swhyasaPPP supporter,Ioffercritiquesas a Civil Society advocate, trusting that the current leaders of the PPP are committed to those Jaganite principles, and that we wouldnothavearesurgence of Burnham-type thinking and actions. We must be vigilant to ensure Guyana does not go down that road again.

The DeCaires family, Miles Fitzpatrick, and the various editors of SN are national heroes. Editor-inChief Anand Persaud deserves a national honour for his contribution to journalism.Wewillmisshis incisiveeditorials,especially those on education issues. Guyana will be the poorer without the SN. Thanks to theBoardandallthestafffor theirservicetoGuyana.

Sincerely,

Dr JerryJailall CivilSocietyAdvocate

Appeal Court rejects bias claims in Mohameds’ extradition case …dismisses challenge with costs

The Court of Appeal on Tuesday handed down a decision effectively ruling out that there was any politicalbiasinvolvedinthe State’s facilitating an extradition request by

Mohamed and his father, NazarMohamed.

The Mohameds are facing a federal indictment in Miami, United States, following the unsealing of a 25-page indictment on October 2, 2025 The indictment alleges a wideranging fraud and moneylaundering scheme involving gold exports, customs fraud, bribery, and the evasion of millions of dollarsintaxesandroyalties

owedtoGuyana. Following a formal request from the United States, Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond signed the Authority to Proceed, allowing the extraditionmattertoproceed in the magistrates’court. If sufficient evidence is established during committal proceedings, the magistrate could order the Mohameds’ extradition to face charges in the United States.

The appeal stems from an earlier high court ruling involving a judicial review challenge to the Minister of Home Affairs’ Authority to Proceed (ATP) in the extraditioncase,aswellasa constitutional challenge to sections of the Fugitive

Offenders(Amendment)Act 2009. On February 4, 2026, theHighCourtdismissedthe judicial review application, whichhadallegedbiasbythe government, particularly Walrond.

On Tuesday, Chancellor (Ag)oftheJudiciary,Justice Roxane George gave a virtual account of the ruling that was unanimously endorsed by Appeal Court Justices Rishi Persaud and Nareshwar Harnanan AccordingtotheChancellor, theAppeal Court found “no merit,” in the application to overturn the initial decision of the Chief Justice (Ag) Navindra Singh where he found that the allegation of bias was not made out, because the mere fact that Mohamed is the Leader of

the Opposition and the Minister is a member of government.

TheCJfoundthisdidnot establishbadfaith,improper purpose, predetermination or unlawful bias in the exercise of the statutory power to issue theATP The CJ dismissed contention raised by attorneys representing the embattled businessman. He held that the minister’s decision to issue the ATP was an executive and not a judicial decision that can attract the considerationofbias.

“Therefore, on the facts of this case, bias does not arise. It is not a case of the minister having to make a decision as between two competing parties or competing positions once

Azruddin Mohamed (right) and his father, Nazar Mohamed during a court appearance

thestatutoryprovisionshave beenmetincarryingoutthis function, Once the minister dresses her mind to and has complied with the statutory considerations and requirements regarding the issuance of anATP, theATP must be issued,” the Chancellorsaidinherruling.

Given the decision, JusticeGeorgesaidthecourt is of the view that the appe

established that the minister was affected by bias that would disqualify her decision to issue theATPon the factual circumstances of the case. “The court holds that the contentions regardingbiasintheminister and the [Attorney General] have no merit. The minister does not start the process in relation to extradition. A request for extradition from another state does so. Once therequestissubmitted,itis for the Minister to consider the factors in the fugitive Offenders Act,” Justice Georgesaid.

Further, the Chancellor saidthereisnoevidencethat the minister did not do what wasrequiredundertheact.

She noted “It cannot be that the minister or any Minister of the Government who has responsibility for extradition matters cannot sign an ATP regarding someone who is a political rival The fact that the statementsweremadeonthe election hosting does not translate into presumed or

apparent bias, the minister has no interest in the outcome of the case. United States,astherequestingstate does, further they are the safeguarding provisions of the fugitive Offenders Act, whichrequireamagistrateto consider the documentation and evidence provided to determine whether in fact, the request relates to an extraditableoffense.”

T h e C h a n c e l l o r emphasised “indeed, for the avoidance of doubt, there is nochallengetotheATPitself as content before the appellants in the speaking notes. This is, in essence, a challengetothequalification and standing of the Minister tomakethisdecisionhaving regard to presumed bias as wellasapparentbias.”

While the Mohameds also submitted that the responsibilitytoconsiderthe issuance of the ATP could have been transferred or delegated to another minister,theCourtnotedthat it was unclear from the appellant’s written submissions to which the minister was to delegate her functions.Onthosegrounds, thesubmissionwasrejected. The Chancellor added “The court is of the opinion that thisappealhasabsolutelyno merit.”

Therefore, the appeal was dismissed with costs to theMinisterofHomeAffairs and to theAttorney General in the sum of $1.5 million each.

Suspected cattle thief nabbed, beef, skin recovered

AcattlelarcenyinvestigationontheEastCoastDemerara has led to the arrest of a 44-year-old man following the discovery beef, cow skin and a heifer alive, at a property locatedatFactoryRoad,Paradise,E.C.D.

A61-year-old farmer of Melanie Railway Embankment, ECD reported to police in Regional Division 4 ‘C’that two heifers were stolen from a pasture at Bachelor’sAdventure, between Saturday, March 14, 2026 at about 17:30hrs and Monday,March16,2026around06:00hrs.

Actingoninformationreceived,policeconductedasearch ontheParadisepropertyleadingtothediscoveryofbeefand skin.Policealsorecoveredoneofthemissinganimalsalive.

Thesuspectwasthenarrested.

Wordsalonedonotkeepthelightson

Cuba, a country, already burdened by years of economicstrainisnowbeing pushed closer to the edge. With fuel supplies choked offanditsfragileenergygrid collapsing, the island has been plunged into darkness, literally and figuratively Entire communities are withoutelectricity Hospitals struggle. Food spoils. Daily life, already difficult, has become an exhausting exerciseinsurvival.

This is not an abstract geopolitical dispute. It is a humanitarian crisis. Around theworld,therearesignsthat others understand the urgency Countries like Brazil, Mexico, Spain and China have begun mobilizing humanitarian support. Brazil is sending food and Mexico is sending food and medical supplies but not fuel for fear of American retaliation. Spain is sending token aid through theUnitedNations.

China has already sent

substantial aid including 60,000 tons of rice, US$80 million for electrical equipment,andthousandsof solar power systems

Additionally, China is investing in solar parks, providing solar kits for homes.Thesearenotactsof charityalone;theyareactsof recognition that when a nation collapses under pressure, the consequences ripplefarbeyonditsborders. The Caribbean knows this better than most. At its r

cen

summ

he Caribbean Community acknowledgedthegravityof the situation. Its statement was careful, diplomatic, and measured, but its meaning was clear: the region cannot afford to ignore what is happening in Cuba The leaders spoke of a “growing humanitarian crisis” and expressed a willingness to act in ways that would benefit the Cuban people while maintaining regional stability

Dem Boys Seh...

,

Fine words. Necessary words. But words alone do notkeepthelightson.

So far, the region’s response has been slow—painfully slow And hereinGuyana,thesilenceis evenmorestriking.Thisisa country that has shown, not too long ago, that it can act decisively when disaster strikes When a volcano erupted in St Vincent, assistance was mobilized. When Jamaica was battered by a hurricane, support

compassion There was leadership.

Whynotnow?

Cuba’s crisis may not come with dramatic images ofashcloudsorfloodwaters, but its effects are just as devastating A prolonged nation-wide blackout is a slow-burning emergency that touches every aspect of life. And if it is allowed to worsen, it will not remain contained Desperation

Slow yuh roll… or stop it altogether!

Dem boys seh lately some people tek it pon demself to play traffic police. New thing pon de road now is “slow-rolling” — whenciviliansdecidefuhcreepinfrontyuh likemolassesandblockyuhfrompassing,as ifdemgetbadgeovernight.

Now leh we be clear: Guyana road hard enough already Traffic heavy and people doing all kind of crazy things pon de road. And now to add to we problems, we gat citizens forming mobile roadblocks. Is wah next? People issuing ticket from car window?

Dem boys seh is time fuh the Guyana PoliceForcecomeoutcleanandstraightand tellwe:isthisthinglegalornot?

Because as far as common sense — and law — go, slow-rolling sounding real close to obstruction. Yuh deliberately impeding traffic.Yuhinterferingwithnormaluseofde road.Andifyuhmisjudgetiming,yuhcould cause accident too. Then is who fault? The “honoraryofficer”infront?

Dem boys seh if somebody commit offence, write down de number, make a

report,andlehtherealpolicehandleit.That isdemwuk.NotfuhTom,DickandHarrilal to decide dem running interception operation.

Imagine every citizen decide dem going enforce law One man feel yuh speeding — heslow-rollyuh.Nextonefeelyuhovertake wrong — he block yuh. Before long, traffic turnintoonebigconfusion,witheverybody policingeverybody

Andlehwenotforget—thingscouldget dangerous fast. People does get vex pon de road.Yuhtrapwrongpersonandsuddenlyis morethanhornblowing.Isescalation.Dem boys seh law got structure fuh a reason.We can’treplaceorderwithslowrolling.Today isslow-rolling,tomorrowiswhoknowwhat. So Police, step up. Clarify it plain: can civilians box in a vehicle or not? Because silence does breed creativity — and not always de good kind. Till then, dem boys seh: if yuh feel fuh enforce law, join de Force. Otherwise, drive yuh car and mind yuhbusiness.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

travels It moves across borders. It arrives on distant shores. Guyana will not be immune. Already, there are concerns about increased migration flows to countries like Guyana where it is believed that we have close t o 2 0 , 0 0 0 C u b a n immigrants, with more to come should the situation in Cubagetworse.Butbeyond the practical implications lies a deeper question: what kind of nation does Guyana want to be in this moment? One that watches quietly from the sidelines, or one that acts in the spirit of regional solidarity that it so oftenproclaims?

More than one hundred citizenshavealreadytakena step in the right direction by petitioning the President of Guyana. That effort should not end in a letter quietly filed away It must grow It must be seen. It must be heard.

Peaceful public demonstration has always been one of the most powerful tools available to ordinary people. It signals that an issue matters. Those whohavesignedthatpetition should now take the next

step: come out, stand together,anddemandaction. Not confrontation, but conscience The call is s i m p l e : m o b i l i z e humanitarian aid for Cuba. Not tomorrow Not after another round of meetings.

Now

There are practical ways to help. Solar panels, for example, could provide immediate relief to homes struggling with blackouts. Medical supplies, fuel

assistance, technical expertise—noneoftheseare beyond Guyana’s reach, especiallyatatimewhenthe country is benefiting from newfound oil wealth. The resources exist What is neededisthewill.

And then there is the matter of history of memory The old guard of the PPP would do well to remember the legacy of Cheddi Jagan, a leader who understood the importance of standing with Cuba. A peaceful picketing exercise at Babu Jaan on Sunday, March 29, when the party honours Cheddi Jagan, would not be an act of defiance; it would be an act ofremembrance.Areminder

that solidarity is not something to be spoken of only in speeches, but somethingtobelived.

Because right now, it is h

government has grown hesitant and overly cautious in the face of external pressure, reluctant to act where it once would have led. Statements are issued. Positions are noted But actionisabsent.

And in moments like these,absencespeaksloudly Cuba does not need sympathy alone. It needs support.AndGuyana,ifitis to remain true to its own ideals, must decide whether itwillbepartofthesolution or content to remain a cowardly observer as that countrystrugglesinthedark.

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

From Democrat to Republican

An old thread could be reweaving its way back into U.S. politics. It’s a foreign thread; one with a dagger tiedattheend. Thoughtime and aging may induce

forgetfulness, a top Democrat had his head handed to him, with feet flying, a while back. Now, the question is whether that same sticky, unshakeable thread will connect to a top Republican and tumble him from his impregnable, untouchableheights.

From 45 years ago, I exhumeJamesEarlCarter,a peanut farmer cum nuclear engineer from hardline Georgia who took up residence at 1600 Pennsylvania, when he became president of the United States Only in America,astheysay Inhis run for a second term in the

WhiteHouse,themullahsin Tehran (the same Iran) held the cards that mattered

Remember those 66 hostages, and the global embarrassment for superpowerAmerica. America made to look third-rate by a group of obstinate men in flowing robes running out of control in the desert. Jimmy Carter paid a price for helicopter failure, for dead U S Servicemen, and for the outrage felt by Americans over their seeming helplessness.

The hostage situation in Iran was one of the straws that broke the back of the reelection chances of

President Carter A thoughtful man, but not tough enough leader to get the job done. Off with their heads, would have pleased

theimpatienthawks. Helost his own head, and any chanceofasecondterm.

Reports were that

Republican operatives had a hand in the timing of the releaseofthosehostages. It was eerie, and carried more than a whiff of the powerful in its path What was suspicious, sinister And Un-American Carter wasn’t even allowed the dignity of the 66 U S hostages released under his watch, to give him the best going away he could have imagined.

They were held up beyond the last agonising minutes of his up-and-down presidency Then those battered and bewildered were set free into the welcoming and loving embrace of the Great Communicator, Ronald

Reagan. From Hollywood to Macbeth’s Birnam Wood inonegiantleap.

Republicanssayitdidn’t happen. SeniorIranianssaid that it did The U S Congress, through the work of various sub-committees, saiditwasn’tsosure. Then, it was held in some circles that the Iran Contra arms deal, with Robert MacFarlane leading the charge, was Reagan’s payback for what has been called the October Surprise. Conspiracytheory?

The sour grapes of sore losers, Democrats? Or the extraordinarily farfetched figments of overactive imaginations? For me, the timing of the release was a littletooneat,toosweet,and definitely too tight. Looks like they were held back, so there was a push to ensure thatPresidentCartergotthat one last kick to send him sailing out of the White House. Out with a lovable Democrat, in with an even cheerierRepublican.

NowIranisbackagainin

the picture Big, Bad, Beautiful, Donald Trump decided thatIranhadtobetaughta lesson it wouldn’t forget. Preemptive strikes to derail planned attacks on U S assets and U.S. allies. Like President Carter, President Trump is discovering that Iranisatoughnut. Onethat doesn’t rollover One that defies the odds, is hard to crack The longer this ‘massive military operation’ aka war lasts, the more the U.S. economy is threatened, and the more the U S midterm elections become a cliffhanger

Democrats are knocking onthedoor,withvisions,and within a whisker, of sending the Republicans under, and taking over Congress. The IranFactorloomslarge.

A grim picture, it is, for Republicanwatchers. What President Trump thought was Desert Storm II (overpowering, lightning fast, and back to golfing) suddenly isn’t that kind of picnic, anymore. Not yet

quagmire; but purgatory stirring.

InIran. FortheU.S. for Republicans at the November polls Better hurryupandgetthisdanged war over The spinners can takeover then, work their magic,anddeclarewhowon. Idon’tthinkanyonedid. Iran battered. The world bruised. International law shredded. (Vladimir Putin saiditbest:int’llawisdead). U.S. presidency wounded. Republicans suspended Thechallengeishowtopick up the pieces. I struggle to locate those pieces. Size of them, their identities Serious, probably irreversible, damage done. It’s 1979-80 repeated in 2026.

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

Berbice man on trial for $16M fraud, claims he was framed

A 12-member jury was established on Tuesday at the Berbice High Court in New Amsterdam, for the trial of a man facing multiple fraud and larceny charges dating backsome13years.

HemrajSinghPahalad,ofNo.11Village, West Coast Berbice, has been formally chargedwithtwocountsofembezzlementby a clerk or servant, contrary to Sections 190 and184oftheCriminalLaw(Offences)Act, Chapter8:01,andonecountoflarcenybya clerk or servant. The offenses allegedly occurredwhilePahaladwasemployedunder RamdialRamoutarin2013.

The first count of embezzlement states thatbetweenFebruary12–16,2013,Pahalad allegedly embezzled $3,529,750, which he receivedfromSahidrulSataronbehalfofhis employer The second count, occurring withinthesameperiod,involves$3,071,500 receivedfromKaramdeoMangru.

Inadditiontotheembezzlementcharges, Pahalad faces a larceny allegation that he stoleatotalof1,051bagsofflourofvarious types—including Thunderbolt 100-1 lb, 2 kg, 1 kg, high fiber, and self-rising flour—worth $10,127,995, all belonging to Ramoutar

While awaiting trial, Pahalad has maintained his innocence, claiming that he hasbeenwronglyaccusedandframedbyhis former employer He explained that he workedunderRamoutarfor15years,whohe saidactsasanagentfortheNationalMilling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO), and insisted that he never engaged in any malpractice during his employment. “I did nothing wrong They accused me wrongfully,”hetoldreporters.

Now working as a construction worker,

Hemraj Singh Pahalad, slapped with fraud charges, maintains he was framed

a maximum sentence of 14

imprisonment. The trial is set to officially commenceonThursday

U.S.militarysaysitdropped5,000-poundbombsonIran

(ALJAZEERA)

The U.S. military has said that it dropped “multiple 5,000pound (2,267 kg) deep penetrator munitions” on Iran, claiming it was targeting “hardened Iranian missile sites” along its coastline near the Strait of Hormuz.

“The Iranian anti-ship cruise missiles in these sites posed a risk to international shipping in the strait,” the military’sCentralCommand saidinasocialmediapost.

The munitions struck along Iran’s coastline near the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Central Command says in a social media post “The Iranian anti-ship cruise missiles in these sites posed a risk to international shipping in the strait,” the U.S.militarysays.

Meanwhile, a CNN article reported that a U.S. Navywarshipbelievedtobe carryingMarinesandsailors totheMiddleEastisnearing the Malacca Strait off Singapore as it makes its

way to the region, maritime tracking data showed

Tuesday

The amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli was approaching Singapore, at thesouthwesternedgeofthe South China Sea, Tuesday morning, according to AIS tracking data seen by CNN.

U.S. Navy ships often move with AIS transponders turnedoff.

Revealingtheirpositions

The USS Tripoli (LHA-7) amphibious assault ship enters the Singapore Straits, as seen from Singapore, on Tuesday, March 17. Edgar Su/Reuters

while transiting areas with heavy maritime traffic, like t

nd Singapore, enables safer operations.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the additional Marineswouldbeferriedby the Tripoli to the Middle East Those Marines are coming from the Okinawabased 31st M

ne Expeditionary Unit (MEU), a rapid-response force of

2,200 personnel, after the Pentagonorderedtheunitto deploy, according to three officials familiar with the plans.

U.S. Central Command hassaidthatroughly50,000 US troops are already in the Middle East as part of the war with Iran. CNN has asked the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet and 5th Fleet for comment Officials told CNNtheunitwasbeingsent

to the Middle East, without revealing exactly where it wouldbedeployedorwhatit wouldbeusedfor

AnMEUconsistsoffour elements:command,ground combat, air combat and logistics combat MEUs typically have been used for missions like evacuations and amphibious operations that require ship-to-shore movements, like raids and assaults.

They also have ground and aviation combat components,andsomeunits are trained for special operations.

Marinetraffic.com showed a track for an “unspecified U.S. warship” departing Okinawa on March11,throughtheSouth China Sea and nearing Singapore Tuesday morning at a speed of about 22 mph. Based in Sasebo, Japan, the Tripoli,almost850feetlong and displacing 45,000 tons, isessentiallyasmallaircraft carrier and carries F-35 stealth fighters and MV-22 Osprey transports as well as landingcrafttomovetroops ashore.

It is the lead ship in an amphibious ready group, which would normally include the amphibious transport docks USS New OrleansandUSSSanDiego. CNN could not confirm the presence of those smaller ships with the Tripoli in maritime tracking sites Tuesday

Over 50 families face eviction from private Friendship property proper

—APNUurgesGovt.tofind housingforthosedisplaced

More than 50 families at Friendship, East Bank

Demerara are facing eviction, some removed on Tuesdayafteracourt-ordered evictionsawtheirhousestorn down and belongings dumpedalongtheroadside.

The affected area, reportedly acres of farmland has been home to over 30 families,manyofwhomhave lived and farmed there for decades. The eviction was carriedoutbycourtmarshals, supported by armed ranks of the Guyana Police Force,

who moved into the community early Tuesday They were met by angry and

APNU’s MP, Ganesh Mahipaul

distressed residents as masked workmen began dismantlingwoodenhomes. Images and videos from the scene showed furniture, appliances, and personal items strewn along the roadway, while entire structures were reduced to rubble In some cases,

The aftermath of homes at Friendship, East Bank Demerara, which were destroyed following a court order.

residents were not even at homewhentheirhouseswere demolished.

Speaking with Travis Chase who livestreamed the ordeal, one resident can be heard saying, that they were only given notice on March 10thtoremovefromtheland. “Yuh come 2025 in JuneJuly,August time, come and survey this place , (in) 2026 now the 10th of this month, you bring a notice for me to moveoutinsevendays.How thatcanbefair,howthatcan be fair?You come to destroy my hard-earned money,” the residentexpressed.

“It get a girl living here,

get five children Inspector, whereshegonnagowithher children,” another resident protested. This publication understands that several persons who operate small businesses and livestock farms are all being affected. According to copies of the Certificate of Title seen by this publication, the land is reportedly owned by Rozel Di Leon Investment Limited who became the registered proprietor under the Land Registry Act on April 22, 2022.

Additionally, the court orderseenbythisnewspaper wasdatedMarch17,2026for removal of occupants from the land Upon receiving reports of the eviction, APNU’s Members of Parliament (MP) Ganesh MahipaulandNimaFlu-Bess visited the area to assess the situation.

After visiting several homes which were affected, Mahipaul spoke with the residents during which he called for the government’s intervention He told residents that similar situations like these have o c c u r r e d i n o t h e r communities over the past coupleofyears.“Nowthisis a common thing that is happening here, people are occupyinglandsfordecades.

Continuedonpage17

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Errors,missingrecordsdominatecrossexaminationinMohameds’extraditioncase

The extradition proceedings involving Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed continued on Tuesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, with defence attorneys intensifying theirchallengetothecredibility and handling of key government records.

The matter resumed beforePrincipalMagistrateJudy Latchman,asPermanentSecretary of the Ministry of ForeignAffairsandInternational Cooperation, Sharon Roopchand-Edwards, remainedundercross-examination by Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde.

Tuesday’s proceedings centered on documents produced by the Permanent Secretary’soffice,particularly entries in the Ministry’s incoming correspondence books, which the defence arguedwereriddledwithinconsistencies and lacked proper verification.

Addressing reporters after the hearing, Forde explainedthatthedefence’sline of questioning sought to highlightseriousdeficiencies in the way the alleged extradition documents from the United States were recorded and handled.

According to Forde, the records for October 30 and November 26, 2025, showed irregularities,includingmultiple entries that did not follow any consistent pattern and, in some instances, appeared to have been made after the events they purported to record. He argued that these discrepancies undermine the reliability of the Permanent Secretary’s testimony

“The documents indicated that the materials she said she received were not

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Azruddin Mohamed (back right) with his defence attorneys’ Roysdale Forde, Damen DaSilva and Siand Dhurjon

properly recorded,” Forde said, adding that there is still no clear evidence before the court to show that the necessarydocumentsfortheextradition process were properly received and processed by theGovernmentofGuyana.

He stressed that proper documentation is critical, since decisions regarding the acceptanceandprocessingof extradition requests would haverequiredformalacknowledgment by both the Ministry of ForeignAffairsandthe MinistryofHomeAffairs. Forde further pointed out thatthereisnowrittenrecord identifyingwhodeliveredthe documents, the exact time they were received, or what specific materials were submitted.Hemaintainedthatthe absenceofsuchdetailsraises seriousdoubtsaboutwhether the documents were ever properly presented for consideration in the extradition

proceedings.

Duringthecross-examination, Roopchand-Edwards conceded that an incorrect entry was made in one of the Ministry’stwoincomingcorrespondence books. While her office had previously indicatedthatextraditiondocuments were received on October 29, 2025, she told the courtthatnosuchdocuments were received on that date and that the entry was made inerror She clarified that the extradition request from the UnitedStateswasreceivedon thenightofOctober30,2025, and that the entry reflecting this was made on October 31 by a member of her staff.

The court also heard that Roopchand-Edwards did not contact the U.S. Embassy to verifywhetherthedocuments weresent,nordidsheinstruct any of her subordinates to do so. Under questioning, she

confirmed that neither she nor her staff sought external confirmation of the documents’authenticity

Additionally, when pressed by Forde on whether the correspondence books reflected the receipt of additional documents referenced in her testimony, the PermanentSecretarystatedthatshe could not agree with that suggestion.

The cross-examination also delved into the absence of key details in the correspondence books, including missing signatures, dates, and references to couriers or officialsresponsiblefordelivering the documents, issues thedefencecontendsarefundamental to establishing a proper chain of custody

Meanwhile, State Prosecutor Glenn Hanoman criticised the length of the cross-examination, noting thatthefirstwitnesshasbeen on the stand since January 6.

“We are inching closer towards the end of the crossexaminationwiththefirstwitness called,” Hanoman said, adding that the process has been ongoing for nearly two and a half months. He described the situation as a “masterclass in delay” and expressedconcernthat,atthe currentpace,theproceedings couldextendforseveralmore months.

Hanoman also took issue with the defence’s position that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not receive the extradition documents from the United States, describing that stance as difficult to accept.

The Mohameds were Continued on page 17

Pres.Alicallsurgesactionto protectstudentsfromrising gangviolenceinschools

President Dr. Mohamed IrfaanAlihasraisedconcerns over the growing presence of gangs in secondary schools across the Caribbean, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to the future security of the region.

Speaking at the opening of the Senior Officers’ Conference 2026 of the Guyana Prison Service at the Arthur ChungConferenceCentreon Monday, the head-of-state emphasised the need for an urgent, coordinated response to what he described as a ‘pandemic of gangs’ within the school system.

He emphasised that confronting the issue requires greater involvement from schools, families, religious bodies and community lead-

erstoidentifyandsupportatrisk youths before they are drawn into criminal activity

“We have to get into those schools. We have to get into those communities. We have to get into those homes,” he stated.

The president explained thatthegovernment’sbroader approachtocrimeprevention focuses on addressing the root causes that lead individualsdownthewrongpath. These include, he said, broken homes, trauma, poverty, lack of positive role models and exposure to negative influences.

President Ali also highlighted the importance of communitynetworksinidentifying vulnerable households and supporting at-risk

children.Hesaidcivilsociety, religious institutions, and professionals living in communities must work together to guide young people toward positive opportunities.

“Ifwecanbringthereligious community and civil society as part of this movement and identify at-risk homes in a community,wewillbeableto address these challenges at the root cause,” he noted. The President argued that crime prevention must begin long before individuals encounter the justice system. He pointed out that interventions at the school and community levels are critical to building a safer society and steering young people away fromthepathofincarceration. (DPI)

Top U.S. security official quits, says Iran did not pose immediate threat

WASHINGTON, March 17 (Reuters) -Atopsecurity official in U.S. President

D o n a l d T r u m p ’ s administrationresignedover the war in Iran on Tuesday, sayingthecountryhadposed

no imminent threat to the States.

JoeKent,whoheadedthe National Counterterrorism Center, is the first senior

official in Trump’s administrationtoresignover

the conflict, now in its third week. “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to ournation,anditisclearthat we started this war due to

...Primus tells Norton in defamation showdown ‘Noapologyandnomoney’

Me m b e r o f Parliament

O d e s s a

Primus has retained legal

counsel following allegations of defamation linked to a statement concerningformerLeaderof the Opposition, Aubrey Norton The response, issuedbyprominentattorney Eusi Anderson Esq., was addressed to Dexter Smartt ofDexterTodd&Associates and sheds light on the MP’s legal stance regarding the matter In the letter dated March 17, 2026, Anderson

h i g h l i g h t s t h a t a

correspondence from Smartt, dated February 24, 2026,hadinitiallyrequested aresponsebyFebruary25,a deadline that was missed. Anderson described the delay as an unfortunate but minor procedural issue, emphasisingthenecessityof examining the linguistic context of the alleged defamatorystatement.

Centraltothedisputeisa statement reportedly made

by Primus on January 30, 2026,whichread:“Tellyour people who collecting Bharat money?” Anderson stressed that the phrasing wasarhetoricalquestionand should not be interpreted as anaccusation.Hequestioned whether the reference to “ B h a r a t ” i m p l i e d wrongdoing by Norton, clarifying that “Bharat” is the name for India. He also humorously posed whether the MP could face liability from India’s 1 45 billion citizens.

The legal letter further asserts that Primus’ comments were aimed at accountability and transparency, rather than defamation Anderson w a r n e d t h a t a n y misinterpretation of the statement was a result of flawed linguistic analysis.

Highlighting the MP’s dedication, Anderson wrote that Primus, a woman of “virtue,vigor,andboundless talent,” remains focused on the people’s business. He

underscored that there are only two choices when confronting a remarkable public servant like Primus: support her work or be “mowed down by the juggernaut that is her prowess ” The letter concluded unequivocally that no apology or compensation would be forthcomingfromPrimus.

Meanwhile, in his letter demanding an apology and $500,000 compensation, Attorney Smartt said that Norton, a long-standing political figure and leader within the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), considers the statements to have caused serious harm to his reputation locally, r e g i o n a l l y a n d internationally He said the allegations have not only tarnishedhispublicstanding but could also negatively impact his future professional prospects, particularlyinacademia.

pressure from Israel and its powerfullobby,”Kentwrote in a letter posted to social media.

Some experts have said animminentthreatwouldbe required for the United States‘tolaunchawarunder the international law of war Kent’s letter to Trump included“falseclaims,”said White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt in a statement “As President Trump has clearly and explicitly stated, he had strong and compelling evidencethatIranwasgoing to attack the United States first,” said Leavitt. “This evidencewascompiledfrom manysourcesandfactors.”

Kent did not respond to requests for comment and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which o v e r s e e s t h e counterterrorismcenter,also did not immediately respond Still, the announcement came as a surprise, one U.S. official said. Kent is close with Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who has kept a low profile since the Iran war began. Gabbard has not any ‘public statements since the war startedwithIranandhasonly appearedinpublicduringthe dignified transfer of American soldiers killed during the conflict The

National Counterterrorism Center Director Joseph Kent

National Intelligence

Council, which is overseen by Gabbard’s office, issued several assessments both before and after the U.S. strikes began that highlighted the risks of U.S. intervention.

Those reports indicated the Iranian government was unlikelytocollapseandIran wouldlikelyretaliateagainst U.S. outposts in the region and Gulf allies, as ‘Reuters previously reported Kent has been criticiSed by Democrats for his associations with far-right figures. Media reports have linked Kent to self-avowed white nationalist Nick Fuentes Kent has since denouncedFuentes’views.

Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the Intelligence

Committee, has said he should never have been confirmed to head ‘the counterterrorism office

“Butonthispoint,heisright: There was no credible evidence of an imminent threat from Iran that would justify rushing the United States into another war of choice,” Warner said in a statement.

Last year, Kent pushed intelligence analysts, opens new tab to rework an assessment on ‘Tren De Aragua, a Venezuelan gang, that did not support the WhiteHouse’sargumentthat Venezuelan President

Nicolas Maduro was directing its operations. The administrationhadportrayed the gang as a security threat to justify its immigration crackdown.

Over 50 families face eviction from...

Frompage14

I met a guy just now who toldmethatheislivinghere for over 40 years and there are many other people who are living here for decades and what we see is people showing up who are not from the area with documents and they are sayingthatcourtordergive them right to these lands,” hestated.

Mahipaul noted that there is a need to review how business is done in Guyana especially when it comes to land and land allocation, “...because it is becoming a trend where people who claim to have money are having land and people who are occupyingthelandsfordecades,theyarenot havingtheopportunitytogetfirstpreference totheland.”

A copy of the court order to have occupants of the lands be removed on Tuesday.

Errors,missingrecordsdominate...

Frompage16 granted bail in the sum of $150,000 each following their arrest on October 31, 2025, after U.S. authorities filed an extradition request.

Theextraditioncasestemsfromcriminal chargesfiledinaUnitedStatesfederalcourt in Miami, Florida. According to a 25-page indictment unsealed on October 2, 2025,

U.S. prosecutors allege that the Mohameds orchestratedalarge-scaleschemeinvolving fraudulentgoldexports,customsviolations, bribery, and the evasion of millions of dollars in taxes and royalties owed to Guyana. Further cross-examination of the PermanentSecretaryisexpectedtocontinue on Wednesday as the high-profile case progresses.

The MP noted that for persons living on thelandfor40plusyearsandtonowhaveto beremovedinthismanneris“totallywrong.”

Subsequently, via his Facebook page, Mahipaul in a statement disclosed that if the land is legitimately privately owned and the evictionofthesefamiliesisbeingcarriedout by way of a court order, “then I respectfully urge the Government to intervene from a humanitarianstandpoint.”

The APNU MP stated that immediate

priorityshouldbetheallocationofhouselots to the affected citizens. He said that where familieshavealreadybeenallocatedlandbut are unable to afford construction, support must be extended. “The Men on Mission programme, which received a $900M allocation, can play a critical role in helping tobuildhomesforthesefamilies,”headded. “Sixty families, many with children and babies, are now being displaced after occupying the area for decades. This is not just a legal matter; it is a human one. The emotional, financial, and social impact cannotbeunderstated.Compassion,urgency, and practical support must guide the response,”Mahipaulexpressed.

Iran rejects de-escalation offers; Israel says it kills Iranian security chief

(Reuters) - Israel said on TuesdayithadkilledIran’ssecurity chief, the most senior figure targeted since the war’s first day, while a senior Iranian official said the new supreme leader had rejected de-escalation offers conveyed by intermediary countries.

Iran did not immediately commentonIsrael’sannouncement it had killed Ali Larijani, widely viewed as one of Iran’s most powerfulfiguresandaconfidantof slainSupremeLeaderAyatollahAli Khamenei and his son and successor,Mojtaba.

In a sign of Iran’s continued defianceaftermorethantwoweeks of war, the senior Iranian official whoaskednottobeidentifiedsaid theyoungerKhameneihadrejected proposals that were conveyed to Iran’s Foreign Ministry for “reducing tensions or ceasefire with the United States” The officialdidnotgivefurtherdetails.

The official said Mojtaba Khameneihadheldhisfirstforeign policy session since being named supreme leader, and had declared that it was not “the right time for peace until the United States and Israel are brought to their knees, accept defeat, and pay compensation.”

He did not clarify whether the youngerKhamenei,whohasnotyet appeared in photos or on TV since being named last week to replace his slain father, had attended the meetinginpersonorremotely

The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran is now in its third week, with at least 2,000 people killed and no ‘end in sight.

The Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed off and U.S. allies have rebuffed U S President Donald Trump’s calls for them to

help reopen the vital waterway, throughwhichabout20%ofglobal oilandliquefiednaturalgasflows.

Trump has called on allies to provide military assistance to ease the global economic impact by reopening the strait. Most NATO allies have informed the U.S. they don’t want to get involved in the conflict, Trump said on Tuesday, describingtheirpositionas“avery foolishmistake.”

“Because of the fact that we havehadsuchMilitarySuccess,we no longer ‘need,’ or desire, the NATOCountries’assistance—WE NEVER DID!” Trump wrote on social media, also singling out Japan,AustraliaandSouthKorea.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in an interviewwithReutersonTuesday that nobody was ready to risk the lives of their people in protecting thestrait.

“We have to find diplomatic ways to keep this open so that we don’t have a food crisis, fertilisers crisis,energycrisisaswell,”Kallas said.

Oil prices rose about 3% on TuesdayasIranreneweditsstrikes on oil facilities in the UnitedArab Emirates, and are up around 45% since the start of the war on February 28, raising concerns of a renewed spike in global inflation. The World Food Programme said tensofmillionsofpeoplewillface acute hunger if the war continues throughJune.

ISRAEL TARGETS IRAN’S SECURITY OFFICIALS

The killing of Larijani in an Israeli strike, if confirmed, would make him the most senior figure killed by Israel and the United States since war’s first ‘day when they killed the supreme leader, other members of his family and

Smoke rises after Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, amid escalation between Hezbollah and Israel, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, as seen from Marjayoun, Lebanon, March 17, 2026. REUTERS/Karamallah Daher

otherseniorofficials.Larijani,who servedassecretaryoftheSupreme National Security Council, was closetotheslainleaderbutalsohad areputationforpragmaticrelations with other factions in the ruling system.

Israel said it had also killed another top official, Gholamreza Soleimani, who led the volunteer Basij militia, which plays a major roleindomesticsecurity

Iranian state media confirmed Soleimani’s death but did not say whetherLarijaniwasstillalive.

In a video posted on social media, Israeli Prime Minister BenjaminNetanyahupulledasmall card out of his suit jacket pocket and said: “Today I erased two names on the punch card, and you see how many more to go on this batch.”

AIR RAID SIRENS

SOUND IN ISRAEL

In Israel, where Iranian missile attacks have killed 12 people, air raid sirens sounded ‘throughout

TuesdayinthecommercialhubTel Avivandsurroundingcitiesasloud blasts of interceptions were heard asfarawayasJerusalem.

The barrage underscores Tehran’scapacitytocarryoutlongrangestrikesdespitemorethantwo weeks of pounding by U.S. and Israeliweapons.

The Israeli military said it was targeting “Iranian regime infrastructure” with strikes across Tehran, as well as Hezbollah sites inBeirut.

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel “had, in effect already wonthewar”,butgavenotimeline forwhenthewarmightend.

Morethan900peoplehavedied since Israel began attacks on Lebanon‘onMarch2,theLebanese Health Ministry said on Tuesday U.S.-basedIranhumanrightsgroup HRANAsaidonMondaythatmore than3,000peoplehavebeenkilled inthecountry

FUJAIRAH PORT DISRUPTED IN THIRD ATTACK

Iran has responded with wideranging attacks on its Gulf neighbours.

GulfArab states, including the UAE, have faced more than 2,000 missile and drone attacks on U.S. diplomatic missions and military bases as well as oil infrastructure, ports,airports,shipsandresidential andcommercialbuildings.

Oil loading at the UAE port of Fujairahwasatleastpartly‘halted on Tuesday after a third attack in fourdayscausedafireattheexport terminal.

Fujairah lies on the far side of theStraitofHormuzfromtheGulf, makingitoneofthefewportsfrom which the region’s oil can be shipped without passing through theblockadedwaterway UAE authorities said debris fromaninterceptedballisticmissile also fell in Abu Dhabi’s Bani Yas area,killingonePakistaninational, whileafirecausedbyadroneattack was being fought at Abu Dhabi’s Shahgasfield.

Rubio says Cuba needs to ‘get new people in charge’ as U.S. ratchets pressure

(AL-JAZEERA)

United States

SecretaryofStateMarcoRubiohas said that Cuba “has to get new people in charge,” and the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump continues to heap pressureontheislandnation.

Rubio made the comment on Tuesday during an Oval Office event, saying Cuba “has an economy that doesn’t work in a political and governmental system.”

He spoke as the U.S has continuedtoimposeadefactofuel embargo on Cuba since the abduction of Venezuelan leader NicolasMaduro.

The threat of sanctions against anycountrythatdeliversfueltothe island has worsened a years-long economic crisis and stoked humanitarianfallout.

RubiosaidthatCuba’sdecision announcedthisweektoletcitizens living in exile invest and own businessesinthecountrydidnotgo farenough.

“What they announced yesterday is not dramatic enough. It’s not going to fix it. So, they’ve gotsomebigdecisionstomake,”he said.

Rubio further said Cuba has survived “on subsidies” since the Cuban revolution in the 1950s,

…Washington continues to block fuel to island nation, as Trump floats ‘doing something with Cuba very soon’

adding “the people in charge, they don’tknowhowtofixit”.

“So, they have to get new peopleincharge,”hesaid.

Trumpfloatsimminentaction

For his part, Trump, who on Mondaysaidhecould“take”Cuba, and has previously floated a “friendly takeover” of the country, said on Tuesday that a new action wasimminent.

“We’llbedoingsomethingwith Cubaverysoon,”hesaid.

Last week, the U S and Cuba announced they had entered into talks to end the pressure campaign

President Miguel Diaz-Canel to stepdown,althoughnodetailshave emerged about his possible replacement.

The U.S. has maintained a decades-long trade embargo against Cuba and its communist government.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is seen in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC [Alex Wong/ Getty Images via AFP]

SeveralU.S.mediaoutletshave since reported that the Trump administration is calling for

On Monday, a national power outagefurtherunderscoredthedire situation on the island, where periodic blackouts have long been common.

By early Tuesday, power had been restored to two-thirds of the country, including to 45 percent of the capital Havana, which is home to1.7millionpeople.

…CCAC steps up enforcement with 1,300+ inspections in 2025 $157 million back to consumers

Guyana has significantly strengthened consumer protection, conducting more than 1,300inspectionsandsecuring$157million inredressforcitizensin2025.

ThemilestonewashighlightedbyMinister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, as the country observed World ConsumerRightsDayunderthetheme“Safe Products,ConfidentConsumers”

In her message, the minister emphasised that as Guyana accelerates along its rapid economic growth path, safeguarding

consumers remains essential to ensuring development is matched by fairness, transparency, and accountability, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported.

The Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) conducted 1,331 inspections nationwide in 2025 to ensure businesses complied with the Consumer Affairs Act. As a result, 259 compliance certificates were issued to companies meeting required standards recognising

responsibleandethicaloperations.

The consumer protection system also delivered tangible outcomes Of the complaintslodged,428caseswereresolved, an 85% success rate. Beyond enforcement, the CCAC ramped up public education through nationwide sensitisation campaigns andschooloutreachprogrammes.

Students of Leonora Secondary School were among those engaged, gaining insight into their rights under the ConsumerAffairs ActNo.13of2011andhowtoactwhenthose

rightsareviolated. Rodrigues underscored that awareness must be matched with action. “Awareness aloneisnotenough.Enforcementiskey,”she stated, pointing to ongoing inspections and compliancemonitoring.

Supporting these efforts, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) continues to play a vital role inspecting, testing, and monitoring goods at ports of entry to prevent unsafe and substandard productsfromenteringthelocalmarket.

Omaiopenspublicconsultationon2.1Mozgoldproject

Canadian-based explorer OmaiGoldMinesCorp. has begun hosting public consultations in several communities on its Region Seven goldproject.

Omaiisthe100%ownerofthe Omai Gold Project, located in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) in “mining-friendly” Guyana. The project hosts two orogenic gold deposits: Wenot and the adjacent Gilt Creek. In August 2025, the company announced an updated MineralResourceEstimate(MRE), reflecting a 96% increase at the Wenot Gold Deposit to 970,000 ounces of gold (Indicated) and 3,717,000 ounces (Inferred) Combined, Wenot and Gilt Creek nowtotal2,121,000ouncesofgold (Indicated) and 4,382,000 ounces (Inferred).

Last year, Omai’s subsidiary, Avalon Gold Exploration Inc applied to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeking environmentalauthorisationforthe projectaspartofitsEnvironmental ImpactAssessment(EIA)process.

In a statement on Tuesday, it was noted that public consultation meetingshavebeenheldinseveral locations, including Linden, Mile 58, Georgetown and Mahdia, providing an opportunity for residents and stakeholders to learn more about the project and share theirperspectives.

Theconsultationsformspartof the EIA process and includes detailed environmental studies as well as ongoing engagement with communitiesandstakeholdersnear theprojectarea.

During these consultations, discussions highlighted the potential economic benefits of the project, including employment opportunities and new prospects for local businesses and service providers.

The company outlined that large-scale mining developments oftencreatesignificantdemandfor

goods, services and skilled labour, which can generate broader economic activity in surrounding communities.

Duringoneoftheconsultations, MayorofLinden,DominiqueBlair said, “We are excited to see that Omai can once again be a largescale gold mine that will provide many good jobs for the people of Lindenandsurroundingareas.”

“We know from the past that large mines operate with quality equipment, high safety standard andprovidemanyspin-offjobsfor transportation, food services,

suppliers and many others. It is good news to hear that they have found much more gold this time and that, once built, this mine is likely to operate at least 20 years butnowpossibly30yearsormore. This will be a great thing for our communities,”hesaid.

While the project is in the exploration and evaluation phase, Omai is advancing technical studies and regulatory processes required t

development.

Omaihascompletedworkona PreliminaryEconomicAssessment

(PEA),withresultsexpectedinthe secondquarterof2026.Thisstudy will provide updated technical and economic insights, including proposed milling capacity, mining approaches, and metallurgical processing strategies Notably, workhasalreadybeguntowardthe Pre-FeasibilityStudy(PFS).

Subject to the successful completion of environmental reviews, technical studies and p

construction of the new mining operation at Omai could begin by 2027.

Historically, the Omai Gold Mine produced over 3.7 million ouncesofgoldfrom1993to2005, ceasing operations when gold prices fell below US$400 per ounce. The project now benefits from existing infrastructure, including an on-site airstrip and road connections to Guyana’s two largest cities, Georgetown and Linden.

Inthepastfiveyears,Omaihas completed more than 80,000 metres of drilling, supported by airborne and ground geophysical surveysandtechnicalstudies.

The company is continuing detaileddrillingwith50,000metres planned for 2026 along with engineering work to further define the mineral resources and advance theprojecttowardthenextstagesof development.

Thirty-two schools to battle for Massy U18 Football title

- Teams briefed; balls distributed as Petra gears up for Saturday’s kickoff

Thirty-two secondary schools are set to compete for top honours in the 12th Annual Massy Distribution

Under-18 Football Championship, as the Petra Organisation prepares to kick off its Secondary

S c h o o l s F o o t b a l l programme this Saturday, March 21, at the Queen’s

College Ground in Georgetown.

T

t

followedthetraditionalteam briefingandballdistribution

exercise, which was conducted yesterday by PetraofficialsattheMinistry ofEducationGround.

For over a decade, the Petra Organisation has successfully hosted this tournament, which was formerly known as the Milo U18 Championship. Over the years, the competition hasservedasalaunchpadfor

several outstanding young footballers, many of whom would have represented Guyana at the national programme.

With the tournament’s continued growth and impact, Massy Distribution has stepped in as the title sponsor for this year’s edition Backed by new sponsorship and refreshed branding, the championship ispoisedforanotherexciting

andsuccessfulrun.

Massy Distribution, a leading supplier of household products such as ice cream, nutrition drinks, and juices, now adds its support to one of Guyana’s premier school football competitions.

Wednesday March 18, 2026

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Afestive event takes place in yourhometoday,Aries.Isita family member's birthday? A lotoflightheartedbantertakes place alongside intense discussions of deep subjects and stories of strange events occurringaroundtheworld.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Your neighborhood is a busy placetoday,Taurus.Perhapsa publicgatheringofsomekind is happening, maybe social, political, or humanitarian in nature.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Financially,thingsseemtobe goinggreatforyourightnow, and therefore you could plan tomakeaninvestmentinyour home.Ifyoualreadyownone, you might decide to remodel orredecorate.

CANCER(June21–July22)

At this time, Cancer, most of yourfocusisoneitheragroup you're affiliated with or an intellectual subject in which youhaveanintenseinterest,or perhapsboth!

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Today you might decide to spendmuchofyourdayalone at home, Leo, perhaps working on a creative project of some kind. Your intellect andimaginationareoperating atahighlevel,andagathering offriendsmighthavebrought inspirationyourway

VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)

Expect to be surrounded by genuine love and affection today, Virgo. Friends, family members, and a very special romantic partner could pay you far more attention than usual.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Idealisticlovecouldcomeyour way today, Libra. This might involveacolleagueorpossibly someoneinagroupwithwhich you're affiliated. It might even be someone you've never beforeconsideredasmorethan afriend.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

Travel by air, perhaps in the company of some friends, could well be in the works for you.Agroupwithwhichyou're affiliated might want to take a triptogether,perhapstoaplace associated with artistic or spiritualtraditions.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

A lucky break could put you into a higher financial bracket than you were two days ago. Career matters, perhaps those concerning the arts, could be involvedinsomeway

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

A social event could bring a fascinating new someone, perhaps from a different culture, into your life, Capricorn. This person could enduptalkingtoyouforhours about a number of intriguing subjectsthatinterestyouboth.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Are you falling for someone you know on the job, Aquarius?Ifso,youmightfind out that your feelings are reciprocated.Yourfriendcould telephone or email and invite youout,awayfromwork.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Loveandromancearefirstand foremost on your agenda for today, Pisces. You and your romantic partner may leave a gatheringoffriendstobealone togetherandtalk.

The Massy U18 Championshipalsoservesas a pathway to further opportunities At the conclusion of the tournament, the top eight secondary schools will qualify for the Republic Bank U18 Schools Football League, scheduled for later thisyear Fromthere,thetop two teams will go on to representGuyanaattheKFC Year-End International Series.

Beyond football, this year’s tournament will also addressthegrowingissueof violence in schools. As part of an awareness initiative, players particularly team captains will present personal messages aimed at discouraging verbal and physical aggression among students.

The team briefing saw the presence of several familiar faces, highlighting thehighlevelofcompetition expected this year In the previous edition, Dolphin Secondary captured the title with a thrilling 3-2 victory over arch-rivals Chase’s AcademicFoundationinthe final.

Speaking on behalf of Petra,Troy Peters expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership “We are extremelyproudtowelcome Massy Distribution on board We also extend sincere thanks to the MinistryofEducationforits continued support, providing the necessary approval and logistical b a c k i n g f o r o u r programmes,”hesaid.

Dexterity

Racing...

Frompage20 motorcycle stunt riding, and competitivego-karting.

Following the dexterity, theclubwillalsohostanauto expo to deepen the local networkofcarculture.

Theeventwilltakeplace ontheStadium’sTarmac.

Admission is $ 2,000, making the event accessible to motorsports fans of all ages.

MoE,

P e t e r s a l s o acknowledged the ongoing contributionoftheDemerara Mutual Group, noting their commitment to sponsoring Petra’s tournaments throughouttheyear Representing the Ministry of Education, Eon DeVeiracommendedPetra’s efforts, stating, “The Petra Organisation has been ou

development of youth football across Guyana.

briefing.

Theyhavecreatedavaluable pathwayforyoungplayersto grow and pursue their dreams of becoming professionals.”

With the team briefing and ball distribution now complete, participating schoolshavejustafewdays to finalize preparations. The tournament officially kicks off this Saturday, with the March Past scheduled for 10:00 hrs at the Queen’s CollegeGround.

Dexterity Racing & Auto Expo 2026 for Edinburgh Facility Tarmac

FansofMotorsportwillseethereturnofa long-dormant form of motorsport: Dexterity racing,whichpitsparticipantswithdiffering carsthroughapredesignedcourse.

TheDexterityRacing&AutoExpo2026, hosted by the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club, is billed for the National Track andFieldFacility’sTarmac,Edinburgh,West Coast Demerara, on Saturday, April 11,

startingfrom16:00hrs.

The event is open to all persons interested, with registration details to be publishedshortly

According to GMR&SC Executive Azaad Hassan, the club decided to resurrect thisformofthesportprimarilytoalignwith roadsafetymandates.

“It’sbeenquitesometimesincewehave

hosted a dexterity event, and it’s generally something that is seen as fun and easier to host than most other events. At this point, we’vehadtopostponetwoeventsbecauseof rehabilitationworksonvenues,sothisisalso to try and address the shortfall in events for motorsportfans.”

“Secondly,we[theexecutive]satandhad a discussion regarding the state of our

roadways and how skilled motorists are and inkeepingwithourmandateasamotorsport club,wethoughtitfittingtohostaneventthat gives drivers a chance to understand their vehicles better; that’s what dexterity is; it isn’taboutpower,itisaboutcontrol.”

The event will feature a lineup of racing action,includingracingchallenges, Continued on page 23

Guyana Harpy Eagles 2026 Regional 4-Day preparations…Practice Match 2…

Permaul and company put Nandu XI in strong position heading into 2nd day

Seasoned left-arm spin ace Veerasammy

Permaul claimed 4 wickets for cheap in the first innings.

A fine spell of the left-arm spin courtesy of the ace Veerasammy Permaul, backed by a few teammates with the ball,keptNanduXIinthedriver’sseatastheytrailImlach’s XIby76-runsheadingintotheseconddayatEverest.

In what ended as a far more competitive opening day compared to Game 1, batting first didn’t go well for skipper TevinImlachandhismenwhowerereelingat79-7duringone stagebeforeeventuallybeingstrangledfor127-10after49.3 oversintheirfirstinnings.

Theleadingwicket-takerinfirstclasscricketandarguably one of the biggest weapons in the Guyana Harpy Eagles arsenal,PermaulwasinstrumentalinkeepingtheImlachXIto amediocrescoreasheraked4-35from17overs,tohelpput histeaminawinningposition.

Histeammatesdulysupportedthemission,asfast-bowler NialSmith(2-18)drewfirstbloodbybaggingbothopenersin RaymondPerez(15)andUshardevaBalgobin(8).

Youngmedium-pacerThaddeusLovell(2-30),alsofound success as he picked up a pair of key wickets in Navindra Persaud (12) and a returning Kevin Sinclair (7); who were both out caught. Permaul by then had already knocked over his fellow Berbician in Kevlon Anderson for 9 runs, before takingcontroloftheinnings.

AlthoughImlachresistedwithagrueling36from84with apairoffours,hisdismissalatthehandsofPermaulinthe41st over, came at a bad time especially with his team barely crossingthe100-runmarkafewoversprior Power-hitters Johnathan Van Lange (10) and Ronaldo Alimohammed (0) missed out along with Richie Looknauth (7); who all succumbed to the mastery of Permaul, before spinnerJuniorSinclair(1-23)claimedthefinalwicket. Bystumps,NanduXIhadrepliedstronglywith51-1after 27oversandwillneedopenerTagenarineChanderpaul(30*) andnew-manKemolSavory(6*)todothelion’sshareofthe worktoday;afterunfortunatelylosingtheirskipperMatthew Nandu(12)shortlybeforecloseofplay

Thanks to pacer Alimohamed, who got the huge breakthrough at the right time, Imlach XI got a bit of momentum going back with the wicket of the opposition skipperbutwillneedtocontinuetochipawayatthedangerous battingorder,cometodaywhenplayresumes.(CliftonRoss)

Springer, Hinckson and Austin back to lead Team Guyana at CARIFTA Games

Guyanawillheadinto this year’s CARIFTA GamesinGrenadawitha blend of proven talent and emerging prospects, as returning standouts

Tianna Springer, AthaleyhaHinckson,and Malachi Austin headline a competitive national squadaimingtomakeits mark on the regional stage.

TheGamesaresetfor April 4–7 at the Kirani James Stadium in St George’s, where Guyana will be looking to improve on last year’s showing in Trinidad and Tobago, which yielded five medals;onegold,onesilver, andthreebronze.

Springer, one of Guyana’s most reliable junior quarter-milers, who now competes at the University of Georgia, returns in the Girls U20 categorytocontestthe400m, an event she has dominated attheregionallevel.

Aformer U17 champion w h o s u c c e s s f u l l y transitioned to the higher category, Springer will be aimingtodefendhertitle.

Known for her strong finishing speed and calm execution, she remains a cornerstone of Guyana’s medal hopes, both individually and in the relays.

H i n c k s o n , a l s o competing in the Girls U20 division, will line up in the 100m and 200m. Widely regardedasoneofGuyana’s most explosive young sprinters, she has shown steadyimprovementoverthe past year, particularly competing for Louisiana StateUniversity(LSU).

Ontheboys’side,Austin, who also competes at LSU, returns in the U20 category with responsibilities across the 400m and both the 4x400m and mixed 4x400m relays. His versatility and endurance make him one of Guyana’s most valuable assets, particularly in championship environments where tactical awareness is critical.

IntheGirlsU17division, Angela Jeffery will contest the100mand200m,leading a promising group of young athletes.

She is joined by Olivia Solomon, who takes on the demanding 400m and 800m double, events that require bothspeedandstamina.

The Boys U17 squad features depth across multiple disciplines. Omari Welch will compete in the 100m and long jump, while Malique Kendall lines up in the100mand200m.Middledistance responsibilities will be carried by Jerrel Campbell (400m, long jump), Jermaine Shepherd (800m, 1500m), and Bryson Anderson(800m).

In the field, Keimal Gishardwillcompeteinboth the triple jump and high jump, while Nathaniel Samaroo is entered in the shotputanddiscus,ensuring Guyana’s presence across keyfieldevents.

At the Under-20 level, Onesi Dunn and Gordon Thompson will contest the 100m, whileTishaun Easton and Dequan Farrell are set for the 200m. Farrell will also double in the 400m alongside Austin, adding depth to the one-lap event. JavonRobertswillrepresent in the 800m and 1500m, while Kaidon Persaud takes on the javelin and Ebo McNeil the 1500m and 5000m. Relays are expected to play a pivotal role in Guyana’smedalambitions.

The U20 4x400m team, anchored by Austin and Farrell, could be a strong contender, while the mixed 4x400m relay, featuring Austin, Persaud, Springer, and Akela Dover, adds further promise. Sprint relay teamsacrossbothagegroups also provide additional opportunities.

ofDisciplinary Committeeand LegalCounsel

On Sunday, March 15, 2026, the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF) formally appointed its DisciplinaryCommitteeanddesignatedlegalrepresentatives. TheseappointmentsunderscoretheFederation’scommitment tomaintainingthehigheststandardsofintegrity,transparency, andgovernancewithinthesport.

TheDisciplinaryCommittee

The newly formed committee comprises five distinguishedprofessionalsfromthelegalandfitnesssectors:

Anastasia Sanford-Fredricks, Attorney-at-Law –Chairperson

JusticeNigelNiles

GabrielA.A.Benn,Attorney-at-Law

JulioSinclair–Co-owner,HighEnergyFitnessZoneGym

Alejandra Vieira – Co-owner, High Energy Fitness Zone Gym

MandateandObjectives

TheDisciplinaryCommittee(DC)isestablishedtouphold sportsmanship, the Athletes’ Code of Conduct, and the internationalstandardssetbytheIFBB.Acorepriorityofthe committeeisensuringstrictcompliancewiththeWorldAntiDopingAgency(WADA)protocols.

TheDC’sprimaryresponsibilitiesinclude:

Enforcement: Ensuring all members, athletes, and officials adhere to the competitive standards established for nationaltrialsandsanctionedevents.

Sanctioning: Determining fair and proportionate penalties for infractions, ranging from formal warnings and finestotemporarysuspensionsorlifetimebans.

ProceduralFairness

The GBBFF Disciplinary Committee operates under the fundamental principles of natural justice. Central to its function is the Right to a Hearing, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to present their case and provideevidencebeforeanyfinaldeterminationismade.

LegalRepresentation

In addition to her leadership role on the committee, Anastasia Sanford-Fredricks has been appointed as the OfficialLegalRepresentativefortheGBBFF Inthiscapacity, she will oversee all legal matters and professional standards involving the Federation’s domestic and international interests.

2026 Commissioner of Police T20 Cup Super 7s Round…

Jeffers 97 in vain, as GPF Officers secure 12-run win over Presidential Guards

A collective all-round performance led by a vicious half-century from ChristopherBarnwell,coupledwithIvor Trotz’3-fer,helpedtheGPFOfficerspull offadaringheistwhileovershadowinga brilliantknockfromMarkJeffers,asthey beat the President Guards by 12-runs during yesterday’s exciting encounter Sent in to bat first during an important Super7encounter,GPFOfficersposteda solid175-4fromtheirallotted20overs, anchored by an outstanding unbeaten knock from Barnwell Barnwell scored an aggressive 35-ball 71* (4x4 4x6), while Ronald Alli (35) and Stephen Harris(28*)helpedtopilotGPFOfficers to175-4from20overs

Jason Heliger snatched 3-29 bowling for the Presidential Guards,

who almost pulled off a heist before being restricted to 163-8 after Jeffers missed out on what would have been a mind-blowing ton when he fell for a whirlwind97.

IvorTrotz was the hero for the GPF Officerswiththeball,bagging3-25from his4overs,withTroyBennreturning231whileBarnwellclaimed1-19 Jeffers, whodealtprimarilyinsixes,muscled10 maximumsalongwith4foursduringhis 40-ballknockwhichalmostdeliveredthe game for his team under a pressure situation In a two over span the game turnedtwiceafterJeffershitAlliforfour straight sixes in the 17th over before falling to Trotz in the very next over, which inevitably halted the Guards’ chase.

The Guyana Boxing Board of Controlisinreceiptofnotification indicating that Elton Dharry (Guyana)hassufferedaninjuryin trainingandbywhichhehasbeen declaredmedicallyunfittocontest hisupcomingboutagainstSalmin Kassim (Tanzania) for the IBO Super Bantamweight World Title scheduledfor28thMarch2026.

Hismanagementhasrequested an extension of three weeks (21

days) from the scheduled date to returnhimtofullfitness. Inthecircumstances,pleasebe advised that the event is hereby rescheduled for Saturday 25th April 2026 at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre. All other arrangements for the event will remain the same. Tickets for the eventwillbereleasedshortly,and a press conference will be held advisingadditionalbouts.

Szeplaki claims top honours in Fifth Round of Promotech National Golf League

CompetitioninthePromotech National Top Flight Golf

L e a g u e ( N T F G L ) intensified on Sunday when players returned to the Lusignan Golf Course for the fifth round of the tournament, producing another closely contested battleintheracefortheleaguetitle.

Joseph Szeplaki emerged as the round’s top performer, producing a superb net 68 to claim the overall victoryandearneightpoints,whilealso capturing the back-nine honours to secure an additional two points, finishingthedaywith10points.

TheroundbeganwithPatonGeorge settingtheearlypace.Georgedelivered an impressive net 31 on the front nine, earningthefront-ninehonoursandtwo points. His promising round, however, was disrupted by a costly seven-overpar score on a par-four hole, which prevented him from maintaining his earlymomentum.

Asplaymovedtothebacknine,the competition tightened considerably The battle for the overall victory eventually came down to Szeplaki and former Guyana Open champion Mike Mangal. Over the final six holes, Szeplaki surged ahead with a two-

under-par finish, while Mangal carded one-over-par,allowingSzeplakitopull clearandsecurethewin.

Theroundalsoproducedlatedrama onthefinalhole.OrsonFerguson,who had quietly pieced together a strong round,stoodoverasix-footputtonthe 18th green for birdie that would have given him a net 67 and the outright victory

However, the putt narrowly missed and Ferguson settled for a bogey, finishingwithanet69.

Despite the disappointment, Fergusonsecuredsecondplaceandfive points,edgingMangalonatie-breaker Mangal finished with a net 69, earning three points for his efforts, while Ian Gouveiacardedasteadynet71toclaim two points. Patanjilee Persaud battled through the round to record a net 72, earningonepoint.

A late afternoon shower briefly unsettled the field, slowing the greens and making bunker shots more challengingduringtheclosingstagesof thecompetition.

Following the completion of five rounds, Videsh Persaud continues to lead the league standings on 17 points. Patanjilee Persaud has moved into

Joseph Szeplaki claimed first place in round 5 of the competition.

second place with 15 points, while Brian Hackett sits close behind on 14 points.

Szeplaki’s strong performance has significantly tightened the standings. He now joins Mike Mangal, Chet Bowling,andKeshanBacchusinafourway tie on 10 points. Further down the leaderboard, Ian Gouveia and Orson Ferguson each sit on six points as the competitioncontinuestointensify

Withseveralroundsstillremaining, thePromotechNationalTopFlightGolf League continues to deliver exciting competition, with the race for the championshipstillwideopenasplayers pushtoclosethegapontheleader

Petra wraps up Team Briefing and Ball Distribution exercise yesterday at the Ministry of Education ground. Seated (from left) is MoEAlliedArts rep Eon De Veira, PetraAsst Secretary, Nareeza Latif-Boston and PR Consultant Troy Peters, schools’representatives also sharing the moment.

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