Kaieteur News

Guyanese now buying one tennis roll on credit in an oil rich nation

ByKhadidjaBa

In a nation currently hailed as home to one of the world's fastest-growing economies,therealityonthe ground tells a devastatingly different story While billions of U.S. dollars from offshore oil operations and massive gold reserves pour past the country's shores, ordinary citizens are finding themselvestrappedinacostof-livingcrisis.

The economic strain has reached such a breaking pointthatGuyanesearenow forcedtoaskforsingletennis rolls, butter flaps and small pastries on credit just to survivetheweek.

Recent financial disclosures indicate that Guyana's Natural Resource Fund (NRF) amassed over US$3.25 billion by the end of 2025, with projections estimating a staggering US$2 79 billion in oil revenues for 2026 alone. Total national budget spending has soared to an unprecedented G$1.558 trillion (US$7.5 billion). Concurrently, foreign

m u l t i

t i o n a l s , predominantly Canadian mining entities, continue to extract tens of thousands of ounces of gold from the country's interior Yet, as globaloilpricevolatilityand regional supply constraints pushlocalpumppricesupby more than 12% at stateowned stations in recent weeks, the trickle-down effect has manifested not as wealth, but as crushing inflation.

Combined with a predatory,unregulatedrental market where a basic onebedroom apartment in Georgetown can cost between G$130,000 to G$250,000 a month, far exceedingtheaveragepublic servant's salary, workingclassGuyanesearewatching their disposable income and savingscompletelyvanish.

TheSmallShopkeepers BearingtheBurden

For the mom-and-pop shops who anchor Guyana's working-class communities, thedailytransactionsattheir counters serve as an unofficial, heartbreaking

Vendors sell butterflaps for $100 each to help persons who cannot afford to buy a pack.

economicbarometer

Onevendorlocatedin'B' Field Sophia, who asked to remain anonymous told KaieteurNewsthattherehas beenanalarmingincreasein requestsforpackagedtennis rolls and butterflaps, which usuallycome4or6inapack to be sold individually She sells a single tennis roll for G$40 and a butterflap for G$100. However, what she

foundmoststrikingwasthat individuals now regularly request these basic items on credit, promising to pay on the weekends. “But I don't trust on the weekend," the vendorexplained."Weekend is for balancing up… yuh know how since people get pay weekly so they would comebalanceupthen.”

She remembered this level of desperation

happening before, many years ago during deep economic depressions, but noted that now, people simply lack the financial means to afford anything extra.

“Greens raise, bus price raise, so food is nuff money to some people. One pound of ocrho is $300 in the market… so when you buy it, you gotta buy meat to stretchit.Whenyoubuythat, yougottapaytogotomarket andso,andthebusmandem raising they price because remember price raise," she lamented.

"Isellthebutterflapeach as$100becauseitcomessix inthepackandIusuallysell it for $300, but usually the kids would come out with $100 fuh something to eat a n d t h e y t r a n s p [transportation] money Sometimes duhz all the money they have to eat, so Izehelpthemyuhknow.”

–vendors

StoriesofSurvival AcrossDemerara

T h e e c o n o m i c desperationisnotisolatedto Sophia and Better Hope. Four other vendors across Georgetown spoke to Kaieteur News, painting a grim tapestry of survival in theeraof"oilwealth."

TheStabroekMarket PastrySeller At the bustling Stabroek Market square in downtown (Continuedonpage6)

AnothervendorinBetter HopeontheEastCoast,who requestedanonymity,shared a similar perspective. Havinggrownupintherural countryside, she was familiar with structural poverty,butexpressedshock at seeing it grip suburban communities so tightly “I understand things tight, so howeverIcouldhelpoutyuh know," she told this publication "Mostly is chirrendoescomefuhtennis roll, but sometimes the big people does come and Ize sell them too… me fadda alwaystellmedoanfussfuh give people food ” She confirmed, however, that while she accommodates tight budgets, she tries to managecashupfronttokeep herownheadabovewater

Thegovernmentof Guyana through the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) on Fridayreceived78bidsfrom investors who are interested in investing in the Guyana Ammonia and Urea Plant Inc.(GAUP)andtheGuyana Gas Bottling and Logistics Company Inc. (GGBLC) at Wa l e s , We s t B a n k Demerara.

A c c o r d i n g t o informationpublishedonthe National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office, 39 investors expressed interest

to invest in Guyana Ammonia and Urea Plant, and another 39 bid to invest in the Guyana Gas Bottling project.

The 39 bidders for the GuyanaAmmonia and Urea Plant project are: HRS Investment&LogisticsInc.; Guyana Gold & Diamond Miners Association; Kings Enterprise Investment Inc.; PetranCorporationInc.,GK Inc , Eikon Guyana Inc ; Danpaul Dyal; Nasheta Yogita Dewnath Dyal; Kilawattee Dyal; Donald Dyal; DMR Holdings Inc.; Mahendra Boodhoo; Poorandatt Boodhoo; Basil Balkaran Dyal; Mokesh

Daby; Sayad Lateef; Davanand Nankissoor Jihan Ibrahim; Diana Aveanda Dyal; Kalpataru Projects International Limited; Akamai Inc ; Kishna M

78bidtoinvestinWalesenergyprojects-NPTAB NOTICE

Boodhoo; Ashok Raj Bose; Adamantium Holdings; Rameez Mohamed; and YoganandPersaud. A

A

S

Construction Inc ; Roopan Ramotar Investment Inc ; Sizwe Jackson; Crown MiningSupplies;JoySmith; Michael A Veira; Tarran Piaralall (Tarran Trading Enterprise);KeshwarSingh; Dhanraj Persaud; Anthony Ameerally; DM Sales & Investment Company Limited; Kempton Scipio; Integrated Group Guyana Inc.; and Kurt Baboolall all bid to invest in the GAUP project.

The contractors who bid fortheGuyanaGasBottling and Logistics Company Inc. project are: HRS Insurance Brokers Inc.; Danpaul Dyal; Nasheta Yogita Dewnath Dyal; Guyana Gold & D i a

Corporation Inc, GK Inc, Eikon Guyana Inc ; Kilawattee Dyal; New Haven Merchant Bank Inc.; KingsEnterpriseInvestment Inc ; Mahendra Boodhoo; Poorandatt Boodhoo; Donald Dyal; GOP Group; Basil Balkaran Dyal; Diana Aveanda Dyal; Bhanmattie Boodhoo; Fenton Persaud; York Investment Inc ; General Procurement & Construction Inc.;Arjune &

Kaieteur News management has been receiving numerous complaints from readersacrossthecountrywhoareunableto find the printed newspaper in their communities.Weacknowledgethisconcern and wish to explain the circumstances behindthissituation.

The challenge lies primarily with the incentives available to our vendors and distributors. Our vendors rise as early as 5:00 am, leave the comfort of their homes, and spend long hours in the dew, sun, and raintosellnewspapers.Yet,aftersellingas manyas50copies,theirearningsamountto just $1,000. This level of return does not provideameaningfulincentive.

Similarly,ourdistributors—whoensure that newspapers reach vendors and distant communities are facing increasing transportation and operational costs, making it increasingly difficult to sustain deliveryacrossthecountry

At the same time, while the national economymayappearstrongonpaper,many businessesarestrugglingandarenolonger able to advertise as they once did.Thishas led to a significant decline in advertising revenue.The situation has already resulted in the closure of Stabroek News. That newspaper was owed substantial sums for

Carol Latchman; Akamai Inc; Star Imports Inc.; Adamantium Holdings; Rameez Mohamed; Yoganand Persaud ; Arcs Regium Logistics & Solutions Inc ; and Nabi ConstructionInc.

In addition, Roopan Ramotar Investment Inc ; Sizwe Jackson; Crown MiningSupplies;JoySmith; Michael A Veira; Tarran Piaralall (Tarran Trading Enterprise);KeshwarSingh; Dhanraj Persaud; Anthony Ameerally; DM Sales & Investment Company Limited; Kempton Scipio; Integrated Group Guyana Inc.; and Kurt Baboolall bid forthesameproject.

Thebidscanbeaccessed v i a t h e l i n k : https://www.npta.gov.gy/wp -content/uploads/TenderEvaluation-Details-May-152026.pdf

The Office of the Prime Ministerinitsadvertisement said the Guyana Ammonia and Urea Plant Inc is estimatedtocostUS$300M. The documents noted that investors can provide up to US$5M, however interested parties can express the maximum amount they are interestedininvesting.

Moreover, government noted“Investorscanassume a government guarantee of 10%annualreturn.”

The Prime Minister's Officealsomadeitclearthat the Guyana Ammonia and

governmentadvertisements.KaieteurNews itself is owed even larger amounts for government advertisements dating back to 2023.

As the only remaining independent newspaperinGuyana,KaieteurNewsplays acriticalroleinprovidingcredible,fearless, and independent journalism. Its survival is thereforenotjustabusinessmatter,butone ofnationalimportance.

In order to continue operations and provide better incentives for our vendors anddistributors,wehavemadethedifficult but necessary decision to adjust our prices. Ifthenewspaperistoreachyoudaily,then those who deliver it must be fairly compensated.Thesepricechangeswilltake effectfromMonday,June1,2026,assuch, the daily edition will cost $200, and the Sundayeditionwillcost$260.

We ask for your understanding and continued support as we take this step together With your partnership, Kaieteur News will continue to inform, protect, and serve the people of this country—ensuring that independent journalism not only survives, but thrives in Guyana with truth, courage,andcommitment,nowandintothe future.

ManagementofKaieteurNews

Urea Plant Inc. will not be a publiclytradedcompanybut aprivatecompany.

Meanwhile,withregards to the Guyana Gas Bottling, andLogisticsCompanyInc., GoG explained, “A cap of US$1M per investor is targeted by the GOG; however, interested parties can express the maximum quantum they are interested ininvesting.”

LikeGAUP,itnotedthat GGBLC will not be a publicly traded company The Gas Bottling project is expected to cost US$40M. Investors can expect a government guarantee of 10%annualreturn.

Kaieteur News reported that for both projects, government promised to givepreferencetoGuyanese, including those in the diaspora although all interested investors are invited to participate in the process.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo in 2025 hinted that Guyanese could be allowed

in the future to invest in the country's energy projects, following an announcement by the Surinamese government that nationals there would be allowed to invest in that country's first oilproject.

He stated, “If we build a fertilizer plant in Guyana, maybewecouldhavepeople take equity in the project or investthroughbonds.”

Chartered Accountant and Attorney, Christopher Ram had described the government's call for investorsas“illegal”.

Thispublicationreported that Ram said the invitation directsprospectiveinvestors to forward their expressions ofinteresttothechairofthe National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) in an apparent expansion of the statutory functions of that body

Thelawyerexplained,“It is a public invitation of investment capital dressed up as a procurement notice, inviting members of the public to commit money on the basis of a government promise on a venture that is likeafinancialplagueonthe country.”

Rampointedout thatthe Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) enacted the Securities Industry Act, (SIA)toprotectthepublicby

ensuring that adequate information is provided to allow informed decisionmakingandrisk-taking.

To this end, he said in failing to meet those standards, the invitation is “reckless, dangerous and unlawful.”

The attorney suggested that the identity of investors will not be “private” as he highlighted the role of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)inadvisingNPTABon identifying the source of funds as part of a test for moneylaundering.

According to him, a “private company” in which the government exercises control is still a government company

Likewise, a private company whose securities areofferedtothepublicisby statutory effect a public company

Theattorneyhasnotonly advised the OPM to seek legal advice on the issue but cautioned investors to be careful about pursuing this o p t i o n o ff e r e d b y government.

“Such an investment is dangerous and frankly, insane. No serious investor should ignore that asymmetry,” Ram cautioned as he pointed to the bypassing of NICIL in this arrangement with Cabinet takingdirectcontrol.

Kaieteur News

Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: DR. GLENN LALL - TEL: 624-6456

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

Oilspillprotection

Oil spill protection: should there be a limit to the dollar amount? Wedonotthinkso. Frankly,wefindthenotionsof ‘open-endedandunquantifiable’offensive,nothingbutweak verbalexercisesthatignorepotentialnationalharm.

Whenagovernmentinanewlyrichoilproducingcountry canjoinhandswithaninvestortofighttheinterestsofitsown people,thatmustrankbeyondcowardlyderelictionofduty It standsasunpardonabletreachery

No one wants to hear the two words ‘oil spill.’ Worse, preface them with a word like ‘major’or ‘massive’and the promise of an oil rich country begins to dissipate in a thick blanketofflamesandsmoke.

No one knows when an oil spill is going to happen, or wishesforsuchaleakorblowouttohappenintheircountry. Nooneknows,shouldtherebeahugeone,anythingaboutthe length of it, the impacts of environmental damage, and the total cost for the entire catastrophe when that has to be counted.

In such a condition, one fraught with many unknowns, noneofthemnecessarilyonthecheapside,itistheheightof basic commonsense to pursue the greatest amount of protectionthatcanbehad. Butmorethanjustpursueit. Theremustbewillingnesstofighttoothandnailtoobtain whatofferspeaceofmindtocitizens. Thereisthecomfortof knowing that a big business is in operation, that its known risks are managed, that there is a healthy balance between production and profits and, after all of those, there is still anotherlayer

Itistheultimateinprotectionofenvironment,economy, and the welfare of the people. People whose welfare is intimately tied to oil operations and oil earnings. From a solely financial point of view, the dollar limit of oil spill protectionisnotaconsiderationtobetakencasually,onethat islimitedinanymanner

At the furious rate of daily oil production currently in motioninGuyana’soffshoreStabroekBlock,itisbettertobe secure than sorry ever after Nothing and no one, neither government nor any other arm of government, should stand intheway,orcontest,orquibble,overwhatshouldbethecap to be placed for protection in the event of a catastrophic oil spill. What could be a more paramount objective than protectingone’shomeland,thantakingcareoftheinterestsof one’sownpeople?

Wefinditrepugnant,therefore,tohearthishollowdebate about limited versus unlimited protection, about unlimited parentcompanyguaranteeversusacap. Especiallywhenthe health of this entire country could be jeopardized by one uncontrolled, consequential oil spill. It is insulting to even engageinsuchadebate,suchadisagreement.

Nonationalleader,nonationalgovernment,shouldbeso depravedastostoopsolowandstandalongsideaninvestor, whilegreatriskslurkforthepeople.

Regardlessofhowloworremotetheprobabilityofanoil spill, a government’s place is not beside an investor An elected government’s only place is beside the people who theyrepresent.

The fact that Guyana’s leading investor is also a partner weigh heavily Which partner that holds the other in a respectablelight,anequalfooting,wouldnotbekeenonthe provision of unlimited oil spill protection? Why not, when the absence of such, or anything less, could devastate the prospectsoftheweaker,now-getting-to-its-feet,partner?

With a cluster of oil wells in a narrow arc, and with production set to grow by leaps and bounds, first to 1.3M barrelsdaily,thento1.7Mbarrelsby2030,thecircumstances make it even more imperative and nonnegotiable that unlimitedoilspillprotectionisinplace.

Unlimitedisusedinitsbroadesteverydaysense,withnot ahairofmeaningsubtracted. Thereisnodollarlimit. There isnoroomforabscondinganddisowningresponsibility

Manybillionsarebeingmadenow Allareglowingwith goodcheernow Anoilspillofgreatmagnitudeseepsintothe pictureandeverythingchangesfortheworst. Unlimitedoil spillprotectiongoessomewayinmitigatingtheeffects,the overalldamage.

Protecting Citizens from Identity Theft and Unauthorized Use of Personal Data in a Digital Guyana – Pt. 2

DEAREDITOR,

I thank the Data Protection Commissioner for engaging publicly with the concerns raised in my earlier letter His response confirms that the DataProtectionActisalreadylaw,that the Commissioner’s mandate flows directly from it, and that work is underway to establish the Data Protection Office. It also confirms that the Digital Identity Card Act and the Data Protection Act were intended to functiontogether

Nowletusreturntothesubstantive and narrow issue, that is protecting citizens from identity theft and unauthorized use of personal data. Let us acknowledge that there are companieswithalotmoresophisticated network security, data protection measures operating in complex jurisdictionswhoselegalandregulatory frameworks are highly complex and

more rigorous than Guyana’s.Yet, still Equifax, Capital One, National Public Data, the 2025 Credentials Crisis and thePersiraibotnetareafewexamplesof data and IP breaches that happened withinthelast5-10years.

Therefore, the existence of a law, a Commission, or a technically sophisticated card does not by minimally addresses the real concerns, neither does this answer the questionhow will personal information actually beprotectedacrossthefulllifecycleof collection, storage, sharing, use, correction, retention, portability, and deletion? Privacy is also about WHO andWHATsitbehindthefulllifecycle, the databases, agencies, contractors, data governance, authentication processes, internal permissions, crossagency sharing arrangements, and the rules governing access, accountability, andredress.

Even “basic” information can become highly sensitive when linked across systems, especially where adequate technical, operational and procedural safeguards are lacking, and with no measure to alert citizens if, when, or how their personal data has been leaked, unlawfully accessed, or otherwise misused. Names, addresses, dates of birth, telephone numbers, identificationnumbers,andagencyheld records can become powerful tools for identity theft, fraud, profiling, exclusion, or surveillance when aggregatedandimproperlyaccessed.

For example, the Data Protection Actmayprovideforaccess,correction, erasure, portability, lawful processing, registration, and security obligations. But how will those rights be exercised across linked public databases? What exceptionswilllimittheminpractice?If

Continued on page 5

The Trailblazers An oil refinery in Guyana is not needed

DEAREDITOR,

Fifty years ago, I was privileged to attend Guyana DefenceForceOfficerCadet Course Number 6 The course assembled just a few

independence anniversary Editor,Iwritetodaybecause t h e s t o r y o f t h a t groundbreaking event in the history of Guyana and the GuyanaDefenceForceisyet tobetold.

“I recall that when we firstrecruitedwomenintothe Guyana Defence Force, the Chief of Staff (Col Ronald Pope) thought that women should be allocated to secretarial duties and telephone operating I gave aninstructionthenandIhope thatthatinstructionhasbeen carriedout.Thoughperhaps women should get first choice on secretarial and telephone duties, they must understand that they are soldiers and the price which they pay for equality and being in the Guyana Defence Force must be their ability to do anything the men can do as well, if not better.” Forbes BurnhamPrimeMinsterofGuyana Editor, on Sunday May 16TH 1976, history was created in the Guyana DefenceForceandtheentire anglophone Caribbean when nine young women joined their male counterparts as members of the sixth officer cadet course conducted by theGDF

TheUnitedNations(UN) had designated 1975 as International Women’s Year Aworldconferencewasheld in Mexico City on the status of women The conference established a set of goals for countriestoattainby1986,in order to advance women’s rightsaroundtheworld.

On Thursday January, 15th 1976, the Prime Minister of Guyana presented to the third ParliamentofGuyana,aState Paper on the equality of women Thesetwohistorical events set the stage for the transformative agenda that followed; female recruits

training with their male counterparts on Basic Recruit Course No 1- 1976; women being selected to be trained as pilots and female and male Officer Cadets trainingtogether

The first female officers oftheGDFreportedforduty on January 30th 1967 and started training at the GDF Training Wing at what was then called Atkinson Field, now Timehri These women along with the first female recruitsunderwentsixweeks oftrainingindrill,fieldcraft, skill-at-arms, shooting and physicalfitness.

The women who assembled at the GDF Headquarter, Base Camp Ayanganna in May 1976 facedafardifferentchallenge than their predecessors The nine women, Ingrid King, Jasoda Kishun, Verian Mentis, Marilyn Pestano, Paulette Pollard, Bridget Smith, Yvonne Smith and Marlyn Telford would have to undergo all the rigours of asix-monthcadetcourse.In this regard, they were trailblazers. Co-ed training courses at all levels in the GDF are now the norm; but thiswasnotthecase50years ago.

On Friday December 17th 1976, at a passing-out parade held at the drillsquare,CampAyanganna,six of the initial nine female cadets graduated as Second Lieutenants; Jasoda Kishun, Verian Mentis, Paulette Pollard,BridgetSmith,Joyce SmithandMarlynTelford. Thesesixwomen’splace in the history of the GDF is secure,fortheyexhibitedthe right stuff and will forever hold the distinction of being the first women Cadets to complete an officer cadet course conducted by the GuyanaDefenceForce

JoyceSmithoneofthesix has the unique distinction of being the first indigenous female officer of the Guyana Defence Force As we celebrate this milestone and the 60th anniversary of our independenceletusremember themandcelebratethemalso MarkA.ArcherAA

DEAREDITOR,

A letter writer recently stated that theCaribbeanandTrinidaddonothave excess unused oil refining capacity However,hethenproceedstoshowthat there is excess unused capacity offline withinTrinidadandtheCaribbean.

He even goes so far as to make the argument for the establishment of new additionalcapacityinGuyanainsteadof bringing the offline capacity back online.

Iamnotsurewhichfinancialmodel wasusedtosupporthissuggestion,but inmostcasesitisusuallylesscostlyto bringbackonlinesomethingthatcanbe repaired or has been shut down due to the lack of use vs. building a new facility and putting in place the

environmental safeguards and institutions needed to support such a newundertaking,whichwouldbeafirst forGuyana.

There was also a complaint made over Jagdeo’s refusal to approve the projectinwhichtheletterwriterhasor had personal financial interest. It is importantthatpersonalfinancialgainis not allowed to distort the facts when makingsuchasignificantdecision.

Trinidad has the experience and so doothersintheCaribbean.Thereisalot of oil refining capacity that can be brought online again, and these countries also have the institutional know-how to deal with the environmental issues that surround suchanundertaking.

Making the correct make vs. buy decision should be based on financial modeling and the business case it supports.

The establishment of an additional oil refinery should also not be just a national consideration, but a regional one that is accompanied by a decision onregionaloilreserves.

The current chaos w

CARICOM may bring pause, but the effective use of the secretariat should continue This includes Guyana’s leaders ensuring that established processes for decision making be followed to rebuild unity and prevent furtherdiscord.

Bestregards, Mr JamilChanglee

Protecting Citizens from Identity Theft...

Frompage4 dataisalreadycopiedacross agenciesoraccessedbythird parties,whatdoescorrection ordeletionactuallymean?If processing is based not on consent, but on legal or public-interest grounds, what exactly are citizens agreeing to when they register for and access services?Whatrights,ifany, arepeoplewaiving,limiting, or permitting the state to encroach upon? What legal authority arises from that registration or agreement, and what are the limits on any subsequent use, restriction,orrepurposingof theirpersonaldata?

A s s u r a n c e s acknowledged and welcomed; however several grey areas, concerns and questions remain as to whether digitization in Guyana will be rightsrespecting, lawful, and trustworthy Public confidence and trust will be secured by operational transparency, enforceable rights, visible institutional capacity, and genuine accountability I am therefore hopeful that further public guidance will be provided on the

following:

1. How will the law, commissionandgovernment agenciesensurethatinternal staff access to personal data is limited, monitored, and recorded so that misuse can bedetectedandaddressed?

2 What penalties or enforcement mechanisms will apply where personal data is wrongfully accessed, negligentlyexposed,orused beyondlawfulauthority?

3. What mechanisms are in place to prevent government held personal informationfrombeingused for profiling, unauthorized surveillance, or secondary purposes unrelated to the original reason for collection?

4.Ifidentitytheftoccurs as a result of a breach or wrongful disclosure, what immediate support, remedy, or compensation will be available to affected persons?Willpeoplereceive a real-time notification that their personal data has been or may be compromised? Will they also receive steps and support to prevent or reduceharm?

5. What exactly is the government legally accepting responsibility for

in relation to the collection, storage, sharing, protection, and misuse of citizens’ personaldata,andforwhatis the Commission, and the government more broadly, prepared to be held legally accountable?

6. What safeguards exist to protect citizens from identitytheftwherepersonal information is aggregated across multiple government systems?

7. What technical and operational measures are in place to identify threats, prevent unauthorized intrusion, and respond to cyber attacks against systems holding personal data?

8 What exactly are citizens consenting to when theyregisterforservicesand digitalIDcards?

9.Howwillunauthorized access,misuse,orsuspicious activity involving personal databedetected,logged,and investigated?

10. What rules govern third-party access, storage, use, sharing, retention, and deletion?

10.Whatlimitswillexist onfunctioncreep,thatis,the expansion of data use beyondtheoriginalreasonit wascollected?

11. What national data governance framework does theCommissionenvisionfor guiding how personal information is managed across public institutions, and how would that frameworkensureconsistent standards for access, sharing, retention, correction, deletion, and accountability?

12 Who monitors government compliance in practice, and how will that process remain transparent andcredible?

13 Will breach notification rules, privacy impact assessments, and regular audits be required before and after systems go live?

IhopetheCommission’s response marks the beginning of a wider and more sustained public conversation, as well as renewed efforts to place the privacy rights of Guyanese at the centre of digitization, with the ultimate objective of protecting citizens from identity theft and the unauthorizeduseofpersonal data.

Regards, RawleA.Small

Guyanese now buying one tennis roll on credit in oil...

Frompage2

Georgetown, “Uncle Michael”, who has operated a small glass pastry cart for twenty years, noted that his customer base is shifting towardextremeausterity

“People used to buy three and four pine tarts one time,” Michael said. “Now, people in wukking clothescomingandbuyingone‘dry dan’with butter, one pine tart and themting.Theylookyoustraightin yuh eye and ask if I can mark it downinabooktillFriday Ihavea book filled with G$40 and G$80 wuh owe. Ize doan wan say no. Howcanwebeanoilgiantwhenwe cannotbuyfoodwithouttrussing?”

TheVreed-en-Hoop CornerShop

Across the Demerara River in Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, Auntie Sharon runs a small grocery and roadside snackette.Sheconnectsthesudden drop in food purchases directly to the soaring cost of shelter and transportation, and expressed deep worry for the large families strugglingunderhernose.

“RentontheWestCoastusedto be cheap, but now landlords are demanding‘oilmoney’pricesfrom local people,” Sharon explained. “People paying G$80,000 for a bottom-house that used to rent for G$30,000.Whentheyfinishpaying landlords and pay the increased minibus fares because gas went up at the pump, they are left with nothing.”

Sharon added heavily that she “feels it for them parents with nuff chirren because yeah the schools givefoodbutwuhhappentoafter? Whentheycomehomefromschool in the afternoon, they stomach emptyandtheparentsdon’thaveit. A mother came in here yesterday morningaskingfortwoloosetennis rollsoncreditfuhgiveherchildren and she come pay me d night after she get pay I couldn’t tell her no. Whynobodynahgahmoney?”

TheMonRepos MarketStallholder

Further up the East Coast at MonRepos,Devika,avendorwho

sells local provisions and homemade bread, stated that the escalation of fuel prices in the past fewweekshasbrokenthebacksof regularshoppers.

Devikanoted“Ihavetopasson whatever cost increase for me in stocks,evenifit’sjustahundredor twohundreddollars.Buttoafamily living on the edge, a hundred dollarsisaprablem.Ihaveregular customers, people wuh does come hay long, who now walk past my stallbecausetheyowemefromlast weekbutmeentoofussyoverduh.”

TheLindenBusParkSnackette

Near the Linden bus park in Georgetown, Camille runs a small stall. She points out that the economic pressure has completely shiftedconsumerbehavior.

“Nobodyisbuyingawholebox of food anymore,” Camille observed.“Everythingishalffood. ‘Givemesomebutterinthisroll,’I nevahadtothinkofpricefuhbutter bythespoon,orpeopleIknowwuh doeseatawholefoodnowcoming to ask fuh half cah duhz wuh they got cah remember they gotta catch bus and so?’ The math just isn’t adding up, them seh Guyana gah moneybutwheyitdeh?”

Theheartbreakingnarrativesof these six vendors stand in striking contrast to the glowing economic data regularly published by internationalfinancialinstitutions.

While the Government of Guyanamaintainsthatitisutilizing the multi-billion-dollar NRF withdrawals to fund long-term infrastructuraltransformation,such as new highways, bridges, and hospitals,theimmediaterealityfor theworkingclassremainsacrisisof liquidityandpurchasingpower

With no statutory rent controls being enforced to protect citizens from skyrocketing housing costs, and external global conflicts driving up the baseline cost of imported commodities and domestic fuel, the “oil boom” remains a distant, abstract concept for those standing in line at momand-pop shops, hoping to secure theirdailybreadoncredit.

Facts

TherealstoryofChinaGuyanaCooperation OP:ED

ByYangYang

(Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana)

Recently,oneUS Congressman madeirresponsibleremarksaboutsocalled “Chinese influence,” attempting to undermine the ChinaGuyanarelationsanddisruptpractical cooperation between our two countries Such claims are entirely unfounded,detachedfromthereality ofChina-Guyanarelations,andfilled withprejudiceandmisinformation

The truth is simple: although China and Guyana are separated by greatdistance,ourtwocountrieshave longwalkedsidebysideonthepath toward development and prosperity Under the strategic guidance of our two heads of state, China-Guyana relations have continued to grow stronger,whilehigh-qualityBeltand Road cooperation has brought fresh momentum to Guyana’s modernizationprocess.

China and Guyana are trustworthy political partners Guyana is the first English-speaking Caribbean country to establish diplomaticrelationswithChina Over the past 54 years, bilateral relations have maintained steady and healthy growth DuringPresidentAli’svisitto Chinain2023,PresidentXiproposed deepeningthealignmentbetweenthe BeltandRoadInitiativeandGuyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 The five programs for the China-LACcommunitywithashared future, proposed by President Xi, closelyalignwithGuyana’sgoalsof accelerating national development and economic transformation

Guided by the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, China-Guyana cooperation continues to move forward on the right course of mutual benefit and

win-winscenario.

ChinaisacontributortoGuyana’s modernizationdrive Inrecentyears, a number of major projects undertaken by Chinese companies have been implemented across Guyana, creating thousands of local jobs, training large numbers of local technical personnel, and fostering close cooperation with local suppliers The Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge has significantly eased long-standing transportation pressure and become an important link connecting communities and promoting economicdevelopmentonbothsides oftheriver

Six regional hospitals built by Chinese companies are now fully operational, helping to modernize Guyana’s healthcare system The China-GuyanaJoeVieiraFriendship Park, aided by the Chinese government, has also been completed, providing a modern publicspaceforsports,recreationand culturalactivities Bytheendof2025, cumulative Chinese investment in Guyana had reached approximately US$13billion,whilebilateraltradein 2025 totaled US$289 billion an increase of more than 105 percent year-on-year These impressive figuresreflecttheenormouspotential and vitality of China-Guyana cooperation.

China is a steadfast partner in supportingthehealthandwell-being oftheGuyanesepeople SinceChina dispatched first medical brigade to Guyanain1993,21batchesofmore than 300 Chinese medical professionals have worked in the country, treating over 13 million patients and performing more than 70,000 surgeries Many Chinese doctors have traveled regularly to remote villages to provide free medicalservicesandbringhealthcare directly to grassroots communities Through their professionalism and

dedication, Chinese medical teams have earned widespread praise and becomeoneofthewarmestandmost vivid symbols of China-Guyana friendship.

China is a strong supporter of people-to-people exchanges Amity between the people holds the key to sound state-to-state relations In recentyears,exchangesineducation, culture, youth and sports have become increasingly vibrant Over the past 12 years, the Confucius InstituteattheUniversityofGuyana hastrainedmorethan5,000students, organizednearly200culturalevents, and attracted over 50,000 participants, becoming an important bridgeforculturalexchangebetween our two countries Chinese poetry, calligraphy and Spring Festival traditions are increasingly entering Guyanese schools and communities, while performances by the Hebei Acrobatic Troupe from China have been warmly welcomedbylocalaudiences.Last year alone, more than 200 Guyanese participants from government, business, healthcare andothersectorstraveledtoChina for training programs, bringing back valuable knowledge and experience to support Guyana’s development These growing exchangesarebringingthepeoples ofourtwocountriesclosertogether thaneverbefore.

AsaChinesesayinggoes,“Even mountains and seas cannot distance people with common aspiration” Ch

that modernizationisnottheprivilegeofa fewcountries,butthesharedrightof all China stands ready to continue working with Guyana, as well aswithallcountriescommitted to peace and development, in the spirit of openness, mutual respect and win-win cooperation We are willing to share opportunities created by Chinese modernization so that more development outcomes can benefit the peoples of two countries and contribute to the common prosperity of the GlobalSouth

By Christopher Ram

Introduction

H e s s G u y a n a Exploration Limited - a branch of Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd., a Cayman I

c

30% stakeholder in the Stabroek Block-isonceagainthefirst of the three Stabroek oil

The Road to First Oil - Every Man, Woman and Child must become oil-minded.

Column 185 (May 16, 2026)

BeyondStratospheric-2025ReturnsforHess

companies to file its annual returnsandauditedfinancial statements The company was previously a wholly owned subsidiary of Hess Corporation,incorporatedin Delaware, USA, until Chevron completed its

Corporation on July 18, 2025, pursuant to a merger

October22,2023. Also filed at the local Registrywereannualreturns and financial statements for Hess Guyana (Block B) Exploration Limited, a subsidiary of a Bermuda-

formerlyhelda20%interest intheKaieteurBlock.Anote to the financial statements statesthatin2023thebranch

relinquisheditsparticipating interest in that block. It therefore appears that the branch has ceased carrying on business in Guyana, whichunderthelawrequires it to give to the Registrar of

cessation within 28 days. I hope that there is no sinister motiveforthisomission. With the formalities out

of the way, attention now turns to the financial statements of Hess Guyana Exploration Limited itself. Unlike previous years, the 2025 statements are correctly presented in Guyana dollars. Instead of beginning with the Income Statement or Balance Sheet, this review focuses on the Statement of Changes in Equity - the financial statementthattrackshowthe owners' interest in the companychangedduringthe year The source of the information in this Table is the audited financial statementsofthebranch.

Venezuelan threat go unchallenged, companies like Hess could continue extractingwealth-taxfreefrom Guyana well into the lastquarterofthiscentury

Source:Audited FinancialStatements

Recoveryofcost,oil,and plentyofprofits

Thetableshowsthatover the life of its operations in Guyana,thebranchreceived approximately GY$717 7 billion in Head Office Contributions to finance exploration, development and operational activities. Over time, however, those sums were fully repaid. By 31 December 2025, the balance had fallen to nil, meaning Hess had completely recovered every dollarofitsinvestedcapitalnot from loans or external financing, but directly from earnings generated in Guyana.

And if Exxon's repeated warnings about force m a j e u r e o v e r a n y

But the recovery of investment capital is only part of the story After recording net income of GY$605.45 billion in 2025 alone, the branch reports an Accumulated Surplus of GY$1 741 trillion at 31 December 2025, up from GY$1.417trillionin2024. Nor was that surplus simply money left to accumulate in the company Between 2022 and 2025, Hess made distributions to Head Office totaling approximately GY$999 8 billion In 2025 alone, distributions amounted to GY$408.3 billion, including approximately GY$282 billion paid directly from accumulated profits Yet despite these enormous outflows, total equity still surged from GY$297 1 billionin2019toGY$1.741 (Continuedonpage 41)

Weakness in Numbers (WIN)

The recent decision by the police to rescind the personal firearm licences held by Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed (AZMO) and his father has raised troubling questions

about due process, proportionality and political fairness in Guyana. It has also reopened debate about whether the Mohamed family is being subjected to continued political prosecution under the guise ofadministrativeaction.

Reports carried in the press suggested that the justificationforrevokingthe licences related to indictments in a foreign jurisdiction.Butindictments arenotconvictions.Theyare accusations which must still beansweredinacourtoflaw

TheMohamedshavenot yet had their day in court on thosematters.Anduntilguilt is established, it becomes difficultformanycitizensto understand why such allegations should automatically override their right to personal protection, especiallygiventhefamily’s wealth.

What made the situation even more puzzling was the suggestion that the Mohamedsshouldbeinvited to give reasons why their firearm licences should not be revoked. This was after thelicenceshadalreadybeen rescinded. That is not how fairness normally works One would expect that a

person should first be allowed to respond before punitive action is taken Instead, this appeared to many observers as though the cart had been placed firmlybeforethehorse.

There is therefore an opinion, shared widely in sections of society, that this latest move forms part of a broader process of political persecution against the Mohamed family Whether one agrees with that interpretation or not, the perception itself is politicallysignificant.

If indeed this was political overreach, however, another question immediately arises Why was it allowed to happen so easilygiventheconsiderable e l e c

M

l movement? And given that AZMO is now officially the Leader of the Opposition in Guyana

The WIN party headed by AZMO secured approximately 109,000 votes at the last General and Regional Elections. That is notaminorshowing.Thatis a substantial national constituency In fact, it secured for WIN, the designation of the country’s mainopposition.

Had even ten percent of those supporters been mobilizedontothestreetsin peaceful demonstration, the governing People’s

Dem Boys Seh...

ProgressiveParty/Civicmay have been far more cautious and circumspect about taking actions perceived as hostile toward the family Butthathasnothappened.

The We Invest in Nationhoodparty,headedby AZMO, has so far been eitherunableorunwillingto bring out large numbers of supporters in sustained peaceful protest. In truth, even attracting one hundred persons consistently onto a protest line has proven difficult.Andbecauseofthis weakness in visible street

m o b i l i z a t i o n , t h e government may feel politically emboldened in pursuing actions against the family without fear of significantpublicpushback.

Yet this situation also exposes an important political reality Electoral strengthandproteststrength are not the same thing. A person may receive thousands of votes at election time but still st

g

to m

e supporters for direct action in the streets Voting is private, easy and low-risk. Protesting is public, uncomfortable and often risky Many citizens who quietly support a political figure at the ballot box may never be willing to stand publicly in a protest march onthatperson’sbehalf.That distinctionmatters.

There is also another important factor at play: the

Defasterderoadbuild,thequicker heavy-dutyvehiclesbrukkingitup

Demboyssehwhendegovernmentstart fixingcommunityroadsalloverdecountry, peopleusedtostanduppunderoadsideand clap. Billions and billions get spend. Every villagenowgotconcreteroads.Someplaces thatusedtogotpotholesbigenoughtohidea donkey now gah roads that are smooth like babyskin.

But dem boys seh de problem ain’t building de roads. De problem is what happenafter

Nosoonerdeconcretedry,somepeople decidethatdecommunityroadisnowdefit fuh heavy duty use. All of a sudden, eighteen-wheel truck, excavator, bulldozer andmachinebiggerthanasmallhousestart parkinginfrontpeoplegate.Onemangota truck so large that when he park it pun de road, neighbours got to use GPS to find a wayaround.

Dem boys seh some of dem roads only built fuh bicycle, lil car and Miss Sheila carrying she market bag But now de road carryingmoreweightthanParliamentdebate Everynightyuhhearing“grrrrrrmmm!”and wholevillageshakinglikeifearthquakepass through Bymorning,desameniceroadstart toshowwearandtear

And then de funniest thing is hearing people complain about potholes that

historical discrediting of political protests in Guyana. The memories of the unrest followingthe1997elections still linger in the national consciousness. The PNCR protests aimed at seeking to

overturn that party’s electoral loss to Janet Jagan’s PPPC descended into chaos and mayhem

Businesses suffered

Communities were traumatized. Persons were beatenandrobbedandarson tookplaceonalargescale. Since then, political parties have become deeply wary of protest action. Even peaceful demonstrations carrythefearthateventsmay spiral out of control. No political organization wants to be blamed for instability

Asaresult,manyopposition movements now approach protest politics cautiously, aware that public sympathy

can evaporate quickly once disorderentersthepicture.

But there is another uncomfortable belief circulating in political circles. There are those who argue that WIN would only be able to mobilize significant protest numbers t h r o u g h f i n a n c i a l inducements.Inotherwords, by paying protestors

Whether this perception is fair or unfair, it creates anotherstrategicproblemfor themovement.

demselfcreate.Onetruckmanholleringthat deroadbrukupbad.Heblamethecontractor that build the road. But he did not consider that was he heavy duty vehicles that bruck upderoad.

Government spending billions building roads,andsomepeopledestroyingdemfree ofcost.Thatisabetterreturnoninvestment thansomebusinesses.

Dem boys seh community roads should have tonnage restriction. Put up barriers. If de truck too big, park it in a proper yard.

Community road is not a showroom for heavy-duty machinery Some of dem truck park pun de road so long, grass growing underdetire

And children using dem as landmark. “Turn left by de blue truck that been park theresinceChristmas.”

Strictly speaking, heavy-duty vehicle and massive truck should not deh pun community road. Dem blocking traffic, cracking drains, damaging parapets and poundingderoadintosubmission.

Demboyssehatdisrategovernmentgon have to start building roads with titanium and reinforced steel Or maybe put signboardatdevillageentrance:“Welcome. Kindlyremovebulldozerbeforeentering.” Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

This leaves WIN in a difficult political position. It has demonstrated electoral reach but not mass mobilization capacity It has public sympathy in some quarters but limited visible activismontheground.And that gap between ballot support and street presence may well explain why actions against the family continue despite their politicalprominence.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthis newspaper

Paidprotestorsarerarely deeplycommittedtoacause. They are committed to the payment they receive. Once money becomes the fuel of protest action, the moral force of the demonstration weakens considerably Governments understand this. A protest movement sustained by genuine conviction is politically dangerous A protest movement sustained by stipends is far easier to outlastanddiscredit.

Two in custody for gun, ammo found in East La Penitence

Two men are in custody after police discovered a firearm and ammunition on Friday during an intelligence-led operation conducted in East La Penitence, Georgetown.

Police said that the incident occurred between13:00hrsand16:00hrs.

“During the operation, one of the suspects, upon seeing the ranks, allegedly dischargedaroundinthedirectionofapolice rank, who returned fire. No injuries were

reported A search was subsequently conducted,duringwhichthesuspectthrewa firearm through a nearby window Afurther searchwasconductedinthearea,whereone .32 revolver was found along with two matching rounds of ammunition,” police said. Both men were arrested and taken to the EastLaPenitencePoliceStation.Thefirearm andammunitionhavebeenlodged. Investigationsareongoing.

H@RD TRUTHS

ICJ can decide, who will enforce

For sheer drama, Venezuela'sDelcy R o d r i g u e z imitatedGuyana'sIrfaanAli. Putinanappearance. Make a speech Deliver a performance Send a message. Quiteafew,when thedescendantsofSpaniards took the reverse trip to the Dutch Netherlands The intricacies of what world powers left in their march throughhistoryandterritory

President Rodriguez showed the world that she herselfisanactress. Fallout from being close to neighbors, whose leader has made acting his signature attribute.

Message One:America has control of Venezuela. But Venezuelawillnevergiveup on getting control of twothirdsofGuyanabycrookor court. Thecourtisout.

Message Number Two: America has the 300 billion barrels of oil. Now it's a matterofbidingtime. At79 years old, that clock ticks morerapidly Plus,theravagesofallthose highwire acts shorten whatever span is left. Or stuns it. While the U.S. has the winner's hand in Venezuela, even engage in st the loose talk of 51 State, Venezuela still has its unclaimedconsolationprize:

two-thirds of endlessly and mysteriously wealthy Guyana. The mystery is of how much, and how many different veins and gems are stillundiscovered. TheU.S. st can dream of having its 51 State.

Venezuela has its own dreams,andtheymaybeold, but they are not of old men livingintwilightzones. Ina vital, still powerful nation, though weakened and hobbled, there's still the G u y a

Delcy's hand represents a slender, balancing, precarioustripwireact. She must be all things to all people in her sphere of influence.

Andthosewhoinfluenceher every move, every posture. From presidents to generals torivals.

Message Number Three: thelandhawksandwarlords inVenezuela are stooping to conquer In other words, going along to get along. They know their present limitations President Rodriguez must

appease Washington, hold together the allies that mustered to her side, and keep the generals and admirals pacified. It is a waiting game, that so-called long game. America could begoneintime;atleastaless demanding footprint

Guyana isn't going anywhere. Itisalsodivided, poorly led, with plenty of hollow bravado, less brains. Patienceandwisdom. Work thecourt.

Work the domestic crowd. Work on the mind of America.

Message Number Four: thoughthejurisdictionofthe ICJ is of no account to Venezuela,ithasitsusesasa forum to broadcast Venezuela's position to the world.

Grab the opening, seize the moment, rattle some [different] sabers, and presentcards.

Deliberateandadjudicateto whatever degree pleases Who is going to enforce whateverisfinalized? Itwas President Andrew Jackson, who once famously said

seven years short of two centuries: “John Marshall [chief justice] ha made his decision; now let him enforce it.” Ithink that Delcy Rodriguez, with thebackingofherhostileand impatient compatriots have made that their unspoken stand,thestand.

Theoddsfavor Venezuelan history indicates resisting, and working with, US imperialism ChavezMaduro regimes proved the limits of resistance. Delcy andcomradeshavedrawnin the Americans. A US$40 trillionoilfeast,plusmore.

Theissuesnowcenteron how long Guyana can hold and hold onto what

Guyana's near total dependency on America leaves it subject to the commands of the special relationship Reality Sayingnoisout.

In Caracas, U S dominance wields significantinfluence. Iseea meeting of minds. Give up somethingtogetsomething. Land for peace. Riches

relinquished,butstillberich (with promise). Venezuela has been pushing that position. Not a blade of grass and hands-off Essequibo inspire grand passions.

If America distances from that rigid posture, Guyana's is a losing hand. When the jawboning and knocking of heads are done, Guyana could find itself alone and short of land and treasure. DelcyRodriguez's travels and messages made thatclear

N o y i e l d i n g Circumstances coalescing Guyanese must understand how superpowers operate. Their own interests always, notthoseofspecialfriends.

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

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCIES!

In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Dr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecencies in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.

MONDAY–MAY11,2026

StarvingtheLast IndependentVoice Independent journalism in Guyana is being slowly strangled not by lack of readers,butbyasystemthat rewards propaganda and punishes scrutiny Kaieteur News vendors wake before dawn,braverainandblazing sun,andaftersellingdozens of papers, carry home crumbs Distributors battle rising fuel and transport costs while government agencies sit on millions owed for advertisements dating back years. Yet the same government boasts daily about a “booming economy.” Booming for whom?

Stabroek News has already fallen Kaieteur News now stands as the last major independent daily refusing to bow, kneel, or crawlbeforepoliticalpower Truth costs money Courage costsmoney Newspapersdo not survive on patriotism alone.

If Guyanese want fearless journalism to survive, then supporting independent media cannot beoptional.Anationwithout independentnewspapersisa nation left blind, deaf, and easytodeceive.

TUESDAY–MAY12,2026

ThecomatoseOfficeof theCommissioner ofInformation National leaders in the PPP/C just like they are determined not to have a petroleum commission, are ensuring that the Access to Information Act does not work.Theyputamantorun the process, but he is more interested in ensuring Guyanese do not access information rather facilitatingit.

President Ali and other members of his PPP/C

Government have embraced the practice of asserting loudly and consistently about how much they are about transparency We suggest that both the president and his team cast their eyes in the direction of theallbutcomatoseOfficeof the Commissioner of Informationanditshead. By even some minimum standard of self-respect, the president and his people should be prompted to change their minds and confirm that transparency in government is self-serving exaggeration, pure myth Access to information is severely limited, that nonexistent.

WEDNESDAY–MAY13,2026

Guyanamustfollow Senegal'slead

While Senegal boldly terminatesmultipleoilblock concessions to renegotiate contracts in the nation's interest, Guyana remains shackled by the sanctity of lopsided deals with ExxonMobil Senegal's approach, resizing blocks, reviewing fiscal terms, and prioritising national development demonstrates trueenergysovereignty

By contrast, Guyana's insistence on honoring outdated agreements that favour foreign companies over its citizens risks

squandering potential revenue and long-term economic security Predictabilityforinvestorsis important, yes, but it cannot come at the expense of fairness and national interest Guyana must urgently reassess its petroleum strategy, renegotiate inequitable contracts, and ensure resource exploitation aligns withdomesticpriorities.The Senegalese model proves thatagovernmentcanassert control, protect its people,

andstillattractinvestors.Itis high time Guyana acts decisively before it is too late.

THURSDAYMAY14,2026

Hustlersanddeniers

The PNCR/APNU can keep pretending defections are a “distraction,” but politics is not therapy, it is arithmetic Every person crossing over to the PPP carries family, influence and votes.

Yes, some defectors are hustlers chasing relevance and Bharrat Jagdeo surely knowsit.Butdismissingthe exits while the party base

Norton's statement sounded lesslikeleadershipandmore like denial wrapped in defiance.

The APNU says its struggle is about “people, principle and country,” yet supportersareopenlycrying that if the party is to grow, Norton must go That sentiment is no longer whispered in corners; it is becoming mainstream A party unable to unite itself cannotconvinceacountryit isreadytogovern.Ignorethe warning signs now and the nextelectionscouldbecome anobituary,notacontest.

FRIDAY–MAY15,2026

Developmentvs exploitation

Guyana is becoming the world's open shop while ordinary citizens are left holding an empty basket First it was oil. Then gold. Now the United States is openly eyeing our bauxite and even talking about surveyingourlandsformore minerals. Everybody seems excited about Guyana's wealth except the Guyanese people who still face poor roads, rising food prices, weak wages and struggling publicservices.

Special Constable in custody for stabbing man at Onderneeming Sand Pit

A Special Constable is in custody for stabbing a 34-year-old porter several times at the Onderneeming Sand Pit, Essequibo CoastonFriday

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a statementsaidthataninvestigationhasbeen launched into the incident. “Preliminary investigations revealed that on the date and time mentioned, the victim was at a gathering at Onderneeming Sand Pit when an argument allegedly ensued between him and the suspect, which escalated into a physicalaltercation,”policesaid.

The suspect then allegedly armed himself with what was suspected to be a broken bottle, which he used to stab the victim before making good his escape. The injuredporterwastakentotheSuddiePublic Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries.

He was subsequently transferred to the Lima Regional Hospital, where he was admittedandremainsasapatientinastable condition.

Foreign powers are circling this country like vultures around a carcass, each wanting a bigger slice of the pie They promise “investment,” “technology,” and “development,” but history teaches us that foreigninterestsrarelycome here out of charity They comeforprofit.

The real question is simple: what exactly is Guyana getting in return? If our resources keep leaving whilepovertyandinequality remain, then we are not developing, we are simply beingexploitedwithasmile.

SATURDAY–MAY16,2026

Govt.finallysmellstherot

After years of whispers

becoming roars, the

Government now appears to havefinallycaughtthescent of the corruption stench hanging over procurement andregionaladministration.

President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, in lecturing public officials on transparency, accountability and fiscal prudence, sounded like men awakening to a crisis long obvious to the nation. The warning about officials hiding behind multiple companies and the threat of removal from office suggest that the administration knows abuse within the systemisneitherisolatednor imagined.

For too long, complaints about procurement irregularities, inflated contracts and politically connectedbeneficiarieswere brushed aside or dismissed as opposition noise Now, with public distrust deepening, the Government speaks of artificial intelligence monitoring and stricter oversight. The real test, however, will not be speeches or seminars, but whether friends, financiers and favoured insiders are a l s o m a d e t o f a c e consequences.

Machel Montano won the title for a record 12 occasions, with his tune, Encore

'IndependenceisaMission': Pres. Ali Salutes Joint Services at 60th Anniversary Route March

It was a stirring displayofpatriotism, discipline, and nationalprideearlySaturday morning as thousands of Joint Services personnel took to the streets of Georgetown for the 60th Independence Anniversary Route March Held in observance of Guyana's Diamond Jubilee, spanning from 1966 to 2026, the parade brought together the past, present, and future of the nation's security and civic architecture The massive event beautifully illustrated the official theme of the milestone occasion: "One Route. One Purpose. One Nation Discipline Unity Pride."

T h e p r o c e s s i o n commenced at 07:15 hrs from Vlissengen Road,

d

Ay

Moving with rhythmic precision,theranksmarched

p

e encompassing Brickdam, Camp Street, and Church Street, before heading back down Vlissengen Road Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Irfaan Ali, received the official presidential salute at the intersection of Thomas LandsandVlissengenRoad. He was accompanied by Prime Minister Brigadier GeneralRet'dMarkPhillips, Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond, Chief of DefenceStaffoftheGuyana

opportunitytoservewiththe greatest honour and dignity

In his address, the President directly proclaimed, "This morning, I officially salute all our men and women in uniform and by extension, yourfamilies,whoallowyou this opportunity to serve with the greatest honor and dignitythisbeautifulcountry of ours The people of Guyana salute you.And this morning, I honor your courage, your service, your discipline, and your

Defence Force, Brigadier Omar Khan, Traffic Chief, Assistant Commissioner MahendraSingh,Directorof Prisons (ag) Nicklon Elliott and Chief Fire Office (ag) GregoryWickham.

Addressing the massive gathering of uniformed

ranks, President Ali

delivered his speech, officiallysalutingallthemen and women in uniform and extending gratitude to the familieswhoallowthemthe

dedication."

Hestatedthatsixtyyears ago, under the Golden

Arrowh

ad, Guyana declared to the world that this land is ours, explicitly reminding the ranks that, "Sixty years ago, under the Golden Arrowhead, we declared to the world that G u y a n a i s o u r s Independence was not a ceremony Itwasacovenant. Acovenantthatourfreedom would be defended, our

borders respected, and our people kept safe from internal strife and disorder

Today, through this march, by our disciplined services, we bear witness once again to that covenant. We renew that pledg

contained in the story of the songoftheRepublic."

Quoting the Song of the Republic, President Ali noted how the nation's childrenpledgeeachfaithful

President IrfaanAli addresses members of the Joint Services

commitment and thank you foryourlifeofpatriotism.To the youngsters coming up, I say, take the best of examples from the best among us and make it the value system that allow you to build the best country we can ever have." He told the troopsthatateverystepthey take,theyechothetruththat independence is not a memory, but a mission of which they are the ultimate guardians, directly charging them, "Today, the joint services,Isaluteyou,Ithank you for every sacrifice seen and unseen And at every stepyoutaketoday,echothe truth that independence is notamemory Itisamission andyouareitsguardians."

you as part of our grand family Godblessallofyou."

While the overall public turnoutalongcertainpartsof the route was modest, the spirit of the morning was kept vibrant by enthusiastic residents and children from the Kitty and Campbellville neighborhoodswholinedthe pavementstowatch.Adding a unique international flavour to the spectator crowd, migrant workers from China and various Spanish-speaking nations, currently employed at nearby construction sites, also paused their morning routinestostandandadmire the multi-service spectacle passingby

hourtoguardGuyana'sland, stating,"Ourchildrenpledge each faithful hour to guard Guyana's land. And we are defended to the joint services Thank you for every sacrifice, seen and unseen, march proudly, guard fiercely." Turning to the ex-servicemen and upcoming generations, the President explicitly stated, "Toourveterans,Isaythank you Thank you for your service. Thank you for your

In closing, the President invoked blessings upon the motherland and explicitly t h a n k e d G u y a n a ' s international allies and friendswhostandindefense with us, offering not only their word but their commitment in action, declaring, "I thank you and God may continue to bless our motherland, all of you andyourfamiliesandallthe people of our beautiful country Godblessyou.God bless our allies, our friends whostandindefensewithus, who support us, who give their,notonlytheirword,but their commitment in action. Toourallieswhostandwith us,wethankyouandwesee

Prior to the President's address, Chief of Defence StaffoftheGuyanaDefence Force, Brigadier Omar

Khan, welcomed the Commander-in-Chief and acknowledged the heads of the various technical services.

B r i g a d i e r K h a n emphasizedthatthemenand womeninuniformroseearly with a unique purpose that hasstoodthetestoftimefor thepastsixtyyears,defining that purpose simply as service by noting, "It's another day where the men andwomeninuniformsrose again with purpose A purpose that is unique A purpose that continues to (Continuedonpage40)

'ChozenDancers'toshowcasetalent at Guyana's FolkFestivalinNewYork 'Diamond Jubileee'

Hercules Shakira

With her heart set on becoming a successful entrepreneur, the simply gorgeous, Shakira Aaliyah Hercules, stays motivated, is continuously learning, and is taking every opportunity to grow into the best version of herself. This week's belle is a 21-year-old accountant clerk/administrator from Herstelling, East Bank Demerara who describes herself as hardworking, ambitious, and creative individual who enjoys dancing, makeup artistry, and exploring new business ideas. Shakira's favourite quote is, 'A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step,' is a constant reminder that every great achievement begins with the courage to start.

The OAS faces a moral test in Panama

BySirRonaldSanders

An attempt is now being madebyafewmemberstates of the Organization of American States (OAS), u s i n g p r o c e d u r a l manoeuvres, to prevent a proposed “Declaration on the Rights of Persons and PeoplesofAfricanDescent” fromproceedingtotheOAS

General Assembly scheduled to be held in Panamanextmonth.

D e b a t e o n t h i s fundamentally important declarationshouldhavebeen near its end by now, leaving the way clear for consideration and adoption bytheGeneralAssembly,the highest decision-making bodyoftheOAS.

Normally, the positions expressed in my weekly commentary reflect my own views. I am pleased to say thatthiscommentaryhasthe full support of the Government ofAntigua and Barbuda, whose Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, instructed that “We stand on theprinciplesofjustice,truth andright…Weshouldnever cower in defending these principles”.

T h e p r o p o s e d Declarationistheproductof a negotiating process of a Working Group of the Committee on Juridical and Political Affairs (CAJP) of the OAS, led principally by Brazil and Colombia, and involvingnumerousmember statesacrossthehemisphere, including Antigua and Barbuda.

Yet, some countries are now seeking to block the D e c l a r a t i o n f r o m proceeding, advancing arguments that ring hollow Amongthemistheclaimthat “more time” is needed. But theevidenceofhistoryisnot obscure.Thedenialofrights topeoplesofAfricandescent in the Americas is not a recentdiscovery Itiswritten into centuries of slavery, colonial exploitation, racial discrimination, exclusion, and dispossession. To say now that more time is requiredrisksappearingless asaproceduralconcernthan as an effort to avoid acknowledging truths that havelongbeenplain.

The countries of CARICOM,withmajorityor significant populations of African descent, are among the few places in the hemisphere where those systems have been most consciously challenged

They have done the most to dismantlethestructuresbuilt onthathistory

The draft Declaration seeks to affirm, within the Inter-American system, principles relating to equality before the law, protection against racial discrimination, access to j u s t i c e , p o l i t i c a l participation, education, development, cultural identity,economicandsocial inclusion,andrecognitionof the continuing effects of slavery and colonialism upon peoples of African descentinthehemisphere.

The draft also addresses matters such as the preservation of cultural heritage, the pursuit of reparatory justice, the collection of disaggregated data to expose racial inequality, fair access to education and employment, protection against racial profiling and discrimination in the administration of justice, and measures aimed at improving participation and representation in public life.

In several respects, the Declaration seeks to encourage member states to confront enduring structural inequalities affecting peoples of African descent and to adopt public policies directed toward equality, inclusion, dignity, and opportunity

AntiguaandBarbudahas long played a constructive leadership role within the Inter-American system in confronting racism and discrimination. Our country served as Chair of the OAS Working Group to draft LegallyBindingInstruments

A g a i n s t R a c i s m , Discrimination and All Forms of Intolerance, a process that helped to usher in the adoption of two important Inter-American instruments addressing racism and all forms of discrimination in the hemisphere.

CARICOM countries weresignificantlyshapedby the forced labour, suffering, endurance, and resilience of their ancestors. The prosperity of colonial powers was built in significant measure upon that exploitation The freedom and dignity that the peoples of CARICOM countries now enjoy were won through generations of resistance, sacrifice, and struggle by those who came before us, including the

indentured labourers from India and Madeira. Their descendants, too, joined the wider struggle for African liberationeverywhere.

The names of those struggles,fromslaverytothe end of colonial rule, still echo across the Caribbean: Toussaint Louverture and Dessalines of Haiti; Nanny and Marcus Garvey of Jamaica; Bussa and Barrow of Barbados; Cuffy, Jagan and Burnham of Guyana; Prince Klaas, V.C. Bird and TimHectorofAntigua.

These men and women wereassertingthehumanity, equality, and dignity of African peoples in societies designedtodenyallthree.

Therefore, CARICOM nations would be untrue to their own history, untrue to the memory of their ancestors, and untrue to all those who fought against racism and colonial domination if they do not support a serious hemispheric declaration affirming the rights, dignity, equality, and historical

experience of peoples of Africandescent.

That support does not mean that every word of the current draft is settled or agreed; like many multilateraltexts,itcontains provisions still under discussion and consultation among states. That is the normal process of multilateralnegotiation.

However, what must not happen is the prevention of the Declaration from proceedingatalltotheOAS General Assembly in Panama.

TheGeneralAssemblyis precisely the forum where governments should demonstrate their individual dedication and the commitment of the OAS, as aninstitution,tomorerights for more people, as former Secretary General, Luis Almagro, so often proclaimed To prevent consideration altogether would be contrary to the spirit of dialogue and multilateralengagementthat the OAS is intended to

uphold. There is no justifiable reason for this issue to become a source of unnecessary confrontation within the hemisphere. The rightsanddignityofpeoples ofAfricandescentshouldnot be viewed as a partisan or ideological matter They are matters of history, justice, equality, inclusion, and humanrights.

We would like all OAS member states to join Colombia, Brazil and the 14 CARICOM members in support of this Declaration, which is entirely consistent with the history, values, and constitutional democracies that fashioned the OAS and its many declarations, resolutionsandstatementsof commitment to human dignity and equality for all peoples.

OAS member states should also remember that the General Assembly is beingheldinPanama,where the Canal that enriched world commerce and transformed global shipping was built largely by the labour, sacrifice, suffering, and deaths of thousands of African descendants from the Caribbean. The moral questioncouldnotbeclearer

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States. He is also the Chancellor of the University of Guyana)

WEEK-IN-REVIEW

SUNDAY

AubreyNortonfinally agreestoring-fence upcomingExxonprojects …says Guyana’s profits should not be re-invested …company must use its own resources to fund future developments

Insteadofreceivingjust12.5% of profits, Guyana is already positioned to receive a whopping 50% of revenues generated offshoreandleaderofthePeople’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R),AubreyNortonhascalled for the Government of Guyana (GoG) to act now to ensure the country enjoys full benefits from thepetroleumsector

Norton clearly outlined this position on Friday during a party press conference in response to a question from this newspaper The former Opposition Leader was askedwhetherGuyanashouldringfence the two projects being planned by American oil giant, ExxonMobil since the company previously revealed that the cost bank–orallexpensesrelatedtothe seven approved projects- will be clearedbytheendofthisyear

During his tenure as Leader of the Opposition, between 2020 and 2025, Norton maintained the need to review each of Exxon’s projects before making a final assertion on ring-fencing.

He has now firmly stated that Guyana’s resources must not be continuously re-invested, further delaying the country from receiving 50% of profits from the StabroekBlock.

Inaccordancewiththe2016oil deal, Exxon takes 75% of revenue each month to cover expenses. After all costs are cleared, Guyana and the company will split all the revenue equally, after deducting operatingcosts.

Thecountrycouldreceive50% of profits from the four projects currently operating offshore, instead, Exxon takes a portion of the revenue to develop other projects.

To this end, Norton explained thatthecompanypreviouslyargued that ring-fencing projects could make them “less viable”. He said that if the company believes this then it should provide evidence to thateffect.

Beyond that, the leader said Guyanamustnotbestuckinacycle ofpaymentsbutshouldalsoensure a greater share of profits as providedbythecontract.

He explained, “I raised what is ExxonMobil’s argument, now that argument should be assessed When it is assessed, once it proves not to be true and from my engagement with professionals, it isn’t true so we should proceed to ring-fencetheotherstoensurethat

Guyanabenefitsfromitandthatwe don’t keep reinvesting our resources in new projects while ExxonMobil accumulates extensiveprofits.”

Norton acknowledged that the company has helped the country reapbenefitsfromitsresourcesbut therearefurtherfruitstobeenjoyed whichshouldbepursued.

HesuggestedthatExxonuseits profits to invest rather than continuing to delay Guyana from receiving its 50% profits “The resources, the profits from Exxon shouldbeusedtoinvestinthenew projects. We gave Exxon the deal and I’m saying we are here meaning the two governments…I accept the argument that at the beginning of this process, there wererisksandthereforethoserisks had to be catered for Now that the risks are reduced and we have a better idea of what the situation is, action should be taken to ensure thatGuyanabenefitsmoreandthat we do not allow any company, Exxon is just one to use our resourcestomilkprofits.Weknow thattheymustgetprofits,butnotto milk us and our people are left poorer.”

By failing to ring-fence the projects,Exxonwillcontinuetouse profits that should come to this country to pay for projects that are yet to start producing oil. A ringfencing provision will ensure the countrygetsitsfull50%profits.

Just two weeks ago, the

suspect approached from the oppositedirectioninaToyotaAxio car

The woman told police that while in vicinity of a barber shop both cars attempted to pass each other but were stuck side by side due to the narrowness of the road. Noneofthedriverswantedtomake way for the other to pass This resulted in an argument which escalatedtoascuffle.

Chapman’s girlfriend recalled seeing the suspect being armed withabrownhandleknife.

Publisherofthisnewspaper,Glenn Lall reiterated calls for the GoG to imp

on, highlighting that Exxon was no longer investing into the Stabroek Block, but using Guyana’s profits todoso.

Independent institutions such astheInternationalMonetaryFund (IMF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Chatham House and the World Bank all previously urged Guyana to ring-fence its projects giventhebenefitsforthecountry Chief Policy maker for the oil and gas sector, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo whileservingasOppositionLeader highlighted the importance of this mechanism and assured, “We are gonna renegotiate those contracts because that’s not what we had in mind.”

He added, “When we were in theearlydays,wewerecoaxingthe people (ExxonMobil) to go along. They(Coalition)cameintooffice–three billion barrels of proven reserves and they gave up zero royalties, no taxes, no ringfencing.”

In addition to the PNC/R and APNU, the Alliance For Change (AFC) also cited its support for ring-fencing on numerous occasions.

Mandiesafterneighbour plungesknifeinhischest

A taxi driver died early Saturday morning after he was stabbed during a confrontation at FarmersField,PlumPark,Sophia.

DeadisCaseyChapman,36,of Lot 77-78 South Sophia, Georgetown.

Reports are that, after being stabbed,Chapmandrovehimselfto the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) with a knife stuck to his chest. He died shortly after getting to the hospital. The incidentoccurredataround23:45h.

KaieteurNewsunderstandsthat the victim was stabbed by his 34year-oldneighbour Policesaidthat theduohadpreviousgrievances.

ReportsarethatChapman,who was in the company of his girlfriend, was driving along the Farmers Field Road when the

said in response to being asked, “When you’re talking about continuing to help the Guyanese people, do you have any plans to renegotiate a contract with Exxon?”

He added, “So what we have been doing is trying to manage the contract by optimising the administrativebenefitthatcomesto that.”

Upon seeing the knife, Chapman ran away from the suspectbutthesuspectpursuedand they ended up in a scuffle. During the fight, the suspect plunged the knifeintothemiddleofChapman’s chestanditbrokeleavingtheblade stuckinside.

Chapman retreated to his car with his girlfriend and drove himselftotheGPHCwherehedied whilereceivingtreatment.

The neighbour has since been arrested.

MONDAY

ImprovinglivesofGuyanese doesnotincluderenegotiation ofExxoncontract–Pres.Ali …says move would be an ‘unimaginable legal hurdle’

President Irfaan Ali, when asked if his plans to continue improving the lives of Guyanese includestherenegotiationoftheoil contract Guyana has with ExxonMobil, maintained that

The contract has long faced criticisms due to its lopsided nature-benefitting the oil companies more than Guyana Since assuming office in August 2020, PresidentAli has repeatedly stated that his administration will stick to the terms of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) between Guyana and ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) along with its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC for thelucrativeStabroekBlock.

Despite calls for the deal to be changed, the Irfaan Ali led administrationhasrepeatedlycited “sanctity of contract” as its reason to not push for any changes to the deal.

Governing the Stabroek Block is a deal that waives all taxes from the oil companies, stipulating that Guyana must cover these costs. It allowsthecompaniestorecoverup to 75% of their investments before theremaining25%issplit.Ofthis, Guyanareceives12.5%,inaddition to a 2% royalty paid by the oil companies.

While the deal will not be changed by this current

changes to the contract would not happen under his administration and said that such a move could result in a “legal hurdle of an unimaginablescale.”

The head-of-state made that comment during an exclusive interview last Monday with the Houston Chronicle during his trip toHouston,TexasfortheOffshore TechnologyConference(OTC).

“The sanctity of contract is important for us. We’ve made it very clear that we cannot renegotiate the contract. That, by itself,wouldbealegalhurdleofan unimaginable scale,” PresidentAli

government,thePSAprovidesthat the heavily criticised agreement can in fact be renegotiated. The provisionobtainsatArticle13.2of thePSAbutcomeswiththecaveat — the renegotiations can happen only with a signed written agreement between all of the parties involved.According to that provision in the PSA, commonly referred to as the contract, “This agreementshallnotbeamendedor modified in respect except by written agreement entered into by all the parties which shall state the dateuponwhichtheamendmentor Continued on page 17

Frompage16 modifications shall become effective.”

However, EMGL’s President AlistairRoutledgehasmadeitclear that Exxon is not open to renegotiating the oil contract. He was reportedly asked about using the provision in the contract that catersforGuyanaandthecompany tomutuallyagreetorenegotiatethe contract He said, “We have no interest to invoke that article.As I say, we’ve made US$55 billion worth of commitment to the country To go back and to undermine the basis of that investment would seriously challengeanyfutureinvestments.”

It should also be noted that the deal includes a stabilisation clause which prevents the government from unilaterally altering the contract terms without financial consequences.

The oil deal was signed by former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, who served under the APNU + AFC Coalition government between 2015 and 2020. A few years ago, Trotman in his book titled, “From Destiny to Prosperity” offered support to the government to renegotiate the lopsided Stabroek Block deal However, Trotman’s offer was refused by the current People’s Progressive Party administration.

Ali told the Houston Chronicle thatwhilehisadministrationhasno plans to change the fiscal terms of theExxondeal,hisgovernmenthas created a new PSAwith improved termsthatwillbeusedforfutureoil blocksoperationsoffshoreGuyana.

Moreover, PresidentAli shared that his administration’s approach to maintaining relationships, focuses on cooperation rather than confrontation, particularly when it comes to its relationships with Houston’s biggest companies –ExxonMobilandChevron.

“We try to manage by results. Forus,theresultis,underthegiven circumstances, the best possible outcome for our people, the best decisions that can maximise the benefit that comes to our people. Those benefits include not only the building out of world-class health care, world-class education ensuring that we maximise the typeofopportunitiesthatcancome to the Guyanese We passed a specific legislation that has a local component to upscale transfer knowledge, transfer technology and create as many business opportunities as possible for the Guyanesepeople,”Alisaid.

Canadianfirmdeveloping Guyana’sonlyuraniumproject …Min.Bharratsays“noplans currently”forotherprojects

Canadian-based firm U92 Energy Corp is developing Guyana’s only uranium project

which spans across 92 2 square kilometers at Kurupung Region Seven, hosting some 20.6 million pounds(Mlbs)historicalresource.

WiththerigalreadyinGuyana, U92 plans to start its 5000 metre diamond drill programme in the near future. The company recently highlighted that the long-term uraniumcontractpricehasreached its highest level since 2008. Citing anarticlebytheAmericanNuclear Society, the company outlined that the uranium closed April at US$86.35 per pound, up slightly fromUS$84.25amonthearlier

When contacted by this publication, Minister of Natural ResourcesVickram Bharrat shared that U92 is the only company in Guyanathathasauraniumproject. He also stated that there are no plans currently for any other uranium projects in the near or long-term.

Back in March, U92 entered into a commercial agreement with Orbit Garant for phase one diamond drill programme to build on more than 129,000 metres of historicaldrillingcompletedonthe licences at the Kurupung Project, along with an extensive historical drilling database across multiple depositsandtargetareas.

In its most recent update, the company confirmed that the diamonddrillrigassignedtoU92is currentlyinGuyana.TheCanadian firm has already submitted the requiredenvironmentalapplication for drill pad preparation, and that field teams are on site to complete camp infrastructure, including construction of a fuel storage facility in accordance with the applicable requirements It was also revealed that key machineries have been sourced to support access road upgrades and drill pad construction.

The firm has spotlighted Guyana’srapidriseasoneofSouth

America’s most attractive mining jurisdictions, with a pro-mining government. In its ‘Why Invest’ U92 outlined that it controls a majorlandpackageinGuyanawith historical mineralisation. U92 said itisexcitedtobuildontheproject’s historical Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE), comprising 10.6 Mlbs indicated at a grade of 0.072% and 10Mlb. Inferred at a grade of 0 067% UO, while advancing a set of high-priority, previously untested targets across the project area, within its two explorationlicences.

U92 also noted that the project positions it to capitalise on a structural supply deficit and the global expansion of clean nuclear power

It was noted that the historical uranium resource estimates are from two technical reports by Alexander & Breede (2009) and Workman & Breede (2012). These estimatesareconsideredhistorical, have not been verified as current mineral resources, and should not bereliedupon.Thecompanynoted

ExxonMobil–theeighthandninth – since the company previously revealed that US$5 billion in costs were likely to be repaid by the end ofthisyear

To this end, Bharrat noted that Longtail and Haimara, Exxon’s eighth and ninth projects, respectively are in the planning phase, with no approval granted to date.Thismeansthatthecostbank iscurrentlybeingrepaidorreduced rapidly In accordance with the 2016 oil contract, after the cost bank is clear, Guyana will be entitled to 50% of the revenue generated in Stabroek, after operationexpenseispaid.

that sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as a current mineralresource,andtheCompany doesnottreatitassuch.

Moreover,uraniumisdescribed bytheInternationalAtomicEnergy Agency (IAEA) as a naturally occurring radioactive element that serves as the primary fuel for nuclear power plants worldwide that belongs to a special group of elements called “actinides.” As an actinide uranium is 70% denser than lead and found widely in rocks,soil,andwater Itisprimarily used to produce electricity, providing a highly concentrated energy source where one small pellet can equal the energy output of 88 tonnes of coal. IAEA states that uranium special properties make it the main source of fuel for nuclearreactors.Infact,achickenegg sized amount of uranium fuel can provide as much electricity as 88tonnesofcoal.

TUESDAY

Govt.tomakeannouncement soononincreasedoilrevenue forGuyana–MinisterBharrat …as country inches closer to repaying Exxon

As Guyana inches nearer to repaying ExxonMobil for its investmentsintheStabroekBlock, the country can begin receiving 50%profitsinsteadof12.5%.

This would significantly increase revenue flow to the country, by as much as four times its current share – a subject that is likely to be addressed soon by government according to Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat.

On Monday, minister Bharrat during an interview with Kaieteur News was asked whether the Government of Guyana (GoG) is considering ring-fencing the two new projects announced by

As such, Bharrat explained, “No new project is added because thereisnoapprovalandyouwould have heard from several persons thatwearecomingtoadesaturation point…so we’ll be able to maybe hold a press conference or the president might say something publicly on that issue on the desaturation of the cost bank and how it will operate moving forward.”

Regarding increased revenue flow for Guyana, he noted that although no other project cost has been added to the cost bank, other expenses relating to exploration is stillbeingincurred.

“Onyourquestionabout50/50, remember there is still some amountofexpensesbeingincurred intermsofexplorationactivitiesin the Stabroek Block. Now they still have a year more on that exploration licence, so those are costs that will still be accumulated too. That’s why we say we didn’t pay off the cost bank, but its being desaturatedsowewillnowhaveto lookatthenumbersandlookatthe workongoingintheblocktoseeat what point in time we will get to that 50/50 profit sharing of oil,” Bharratexplained.

Be that as it may, he indicated thatGuyanaisstillpoisedtobegin receiving more oil lifts in a mere “few months” Each oil lift is equivalent to approximately one millionbarrels.

InMarchthisyear,presidentof ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), Alistair Routledge revealed that Guyana was likely to payoffthecostbankbytheendof 2026 due to the higher oil prices. Currently, four projects are producing approximately 920,000 barrelsofoilperday(bpd)offshore Guyana. A fifth project, Uaru is likely to startup before the end of this year and will increase the country’s output to about 1 2 millionbpd.

“If you stay at the current oil price then it will happen this year based on the level of expenditures and the production that we anticipate so that’s a significant acceleration.Whatthatthenmeans isthatinsteadroughlythe14anda halfpercentthatthecountryhas Continued on page 18

Frompage17 beenreceivingbywayofrevenues into the Natural Resource Fund from the Stabroek production and revenues, what will happen is that percentage will significantly increase,”Routledgetoldreporters.

Following the recovery of all costs, Article 11.4 provides “The balance of crude oil shall be shared between the government and the contractor for each field in the following proportions: Contractorfiftypercent(50%)and ministerfiftypercent(50%).”

So far, ExxonMobil has expendedUS$40billiontodevelop the seven oil projects approved to date.

Guyana could have already beenreceiving50%ofprofitsfrom the four projects in operation. Due to the lack of ring-fencing, Exxon takes a portion of the revenue to developotherprojects.

By failing to ring-fence the projects,Exxonwillcontinuetouse profits that should come to this country to pay for projects that are yet to start producing oil. A ringfencing provision will ensure the countrygetsitsfull50%profits.

Senegalterminatesconcessions forseveraloilblocksascontract reviewunderway

…while Guyana govt. bent on sanctity of contract with Exxon

The Senegalese government headed by the youngest democratically elected President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has terminated the concessions for several oil blocks, to cater for reviewstoandrenegotiationsofthe contractsgoverningthem.

According to an article carried bysceneweb.comonSaturdayMay 9, the Senegalese government has madewhatitdescribedas“amajor move” in its energy sovereignty strategy Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and his team of ministers had to play their part in renegotiating certain contracts deemed“unfair.”

The article said in addition to the adjustments on taxes of the cement sector which was announced during a press briefing on Thursday, March 12, 2026, the head of government revealed a seriesofterminationsofoilandgas contracts This therefore clearly marks a break in management of the country’s natural resources undertheMackySallera.Underthe Ministry of Energy’s leadership and the general management of Petrosen, several contracts have been simply cancelled as reported bythePM.

“Since we’ve been here, we’ve had to terminate contracts concerning quite a few oil blocks. We’ve terminated the Diender block,theDjiffereblock.We’lltake backtheKayardeepoffshoreblock inafewdays:it’stheKayarblock, the Kayar shallow offshore block,

Head-of-State President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye

the Saint-Louis shallow offshore block, the Rufisque offshore block…Alltheseblockshavebeen terminatedsincewe’vebeenhere,” herevealed.

These decisions are part of an approachaimedatensuringamore advantageous exploitation of national resources Speaking to journalists, the Head of Government stressed the need to “resizetheblocs”.

“We are also discussing the resizingoftheblocks.Isaiditwhen we were in opposition, the perimeters were too vast and too large. This does not conform to internationalstandards,”hesaid.

In another article carried by Ecofin Agency on Monday March 16, the PM revealed that Senegal will define its national strategy before selecting oil and gas partners, after terminating several petroleum block contracts and plans to renegotiate key agreements, including the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas project.

The country became an oil producer in 2024, with the Sangomar field, while the GTA LNG project began last year The Senegalese government plans to change the way its petroleum contracts are signed, as it is in the processofreassessingthecountry’s hydrocarbonsector

Referencingapressbriefingon March12,PMSonkosaid,“Weare no longer operating under a model where we sign concessions with partners and then meet again in 25 years ” Instead, the government wants to align resource development with the country’s economic priorities and energy needs.

Therefore,thenewstrategythat will be put in place will firstly address requirements for national development and domestic energy consumption. After this phase, the authoritiescanthenbeabletoselect industrial partners who agree to operate within the strategic framework.

Thearticlewentontosaythatit was also during this very briefing that the PM announced the termination of the contracts that

cover “quite a number of oil blocks” since taking office. “An official statement from the prime minister’s office confirmed that several blocks are under review in addition to the Yakaar–Teranga licence, which authorities discussed for possible termination and nationalisation in October 2025. The government identified several blocks in the process of restructuring, including Djiender, Djiffer Offshore, Kayar Deep Offshore,KayarShallowOffshore, Saint-Louis Shallow and Rufisque Offshore.”

In addition, the officials have revealed that they are resizing the explorationareassothattheyalign with international industry standards.Thegovernmenthasalso announced its intention to renegotiatecontractsthatarelinked to the offshore has project Greater Tortue Ahmeyim, which operator BP d

neighbouringMauritania.

“We consider that the signed contracts are excessively favourableandweintendtoreview their substance,” the prime minister’s office said in the statement.BPholdsa56%stakein the project alongside Kosmos Energywith 27%, Petrosenwith 10%,andSMHwith7%.

Meanwhile the Guyanese government has made it very clear thatitwillsticktothesanctityofthe contract it has with ExxonMobil. Recently President Irfaan Ali reiterated that his administration willnotbudge.

The 2016 oil deal with ExxonMobil and its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC for the lucrative Stabroek Block, has long faced criticisms because of its lopsidednature,whichbenefitsthe oil companies’ way more than it doesthecountry.

This publication reported on May 7 that the head-of-state in his address to Rice University’s Baker Institute in Houston, Texas, said that several people have asked

abouttheExxonoildeal.“Wehave made[it]veryclearthatthesanctity ofcontractisimportantforus,”Ali said.

Ali pivoted to note that instead of making changes to the Exxon PSA,hisadministrationhascreated anewPSAwhichgovernsfutureoil agreements with the State for offshoreoilblocks.

Hestated,“Sothere’snosecond guessingwhatwearedoing.Weare ready to make the hard decisions; wemakethosedecisions;wemake them public We stand by the decisions we make So, there’s predictability.”Alistressedthatone ofthemostimportantthingsinthis sector is predictability, as a key component for investors, wanting toseepredictabilityinstate’spolicy anddecisionmaking.

ThelucrativeStabroekBlockis currently governed by a deal that waives all taxes from the oil companies, and stipulates that Guyana must cover these costs. It allowsthecompaniestorecoverup to 75% of their investments before theremaining25%issplit.Ofthis, Guyanareceives12.5%,inaddition to a 2% royalty paid by the oil companies.

The oil deal was signed by former Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, who served under the APNU + AFC Coalition government between 2015 and 2020. A few years ago, Trotman in his book titled, ‘From Destiny to Prosperity’ offered support to the government to renegotiate the lopsided Stabroek Block deal However, Trotman’s offerwasrefusedbyVicePresident (VP)BharratJagdeo.

During an interview while running for president back in March 2020, Ali had strongly criticisedtheExxonPSAsignedby the Coalition Government with ExxonMobil.Hestatedatthetime, “We have made it very clear, and we can never agree, how could, how could, I don’t think any Guyanese agree with this, no

Guyanese except the government thatisdefendingit.Wehavemadeit very clear that we have to go towards, we’re looking at these contracts, renegotiating these contracts, looking at contract managementandallofthesethings. Everything we have to relook at becausewehavetoensurethatour countrydoesnotgetthewrongend ofthestick.”

Ali’s remarks back then indicated a willingness to “review and renegotiate” the contract to secure better terms for Guyana However, since assuming office in August 2020, his administration hasshiftedtosanctityofcontract.

Speaking with British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) SeniorJournalistGideonLongina 2023interview,PresidentAliwhen pressed about the possibility of renegotiation and the Exxon deal noted, “Well, I would say definitely,wedidnothavethebest of deals, Exxon have a good deal signed by the last government ” President Ali had outlined that sanctity of contract is very important to his government, adding,“Wecan’tgobackonthat.”

While the PPP administration hasmadeitclearitwillnotseekto makechangestotheExxondeal,it should be noted that the former APNU+AFC government had renegotiated and signed the Stabroek Block PSA with ExxonMobil’saffiliate.

Afewyearsaftertheagreement was signed, the David Granger administration approached the Exxon consortium, and successfully renegotiated a critical fiscal element of the deal. According to Addendum No. 1 to the Petroleum Agreement dated April 26, 2019, it was evident that the named parties were in agreementthatthecontractallowed forthe2%royaltytoberecovered. To plug this loophole, the Addendum that was subsequently filed with the deeds registry categoricallystatedthatitshallnot be recovered in any way Sealing the new arrangement were former President, David Granger and President of Exxon Guyana affiliate,RodneyD.Henson.

WEDNESDAY

Asdrillinggoesdeeperand wider,Canadianmining companyhittingmassive goldpotential

Canadian miner G2 Goldfields Inc.hasannouncedthatasitpushes itseightdrillrigsatitsgoldproject in Guyana, results have shown strong mineralisation potential at width and at depth for the OkoGhanieProject.

G2iscurrentlyintheprocessof beingacquiredbyfellowCanadian firm G Mining Ventures Corp (GMIN), which owns the adjacent goldpropertyinRegionSevenfor Continued on page 28

MTowards a better life with your psychologist

CO-PARENTING AFTER DIVORCE OR SEPARATION

ost children never recover from the t r a u m a t i c experiences of a divorce or separation, except through extensivepsychotherapy

Theconsequencesofdivorceor separation after living together disrupt a child’s identity, cognitive capacityandpsychosocialbalance. Whattrumpstheimpactofdivorce or separation is staying in a dysfunctionalrelationshipandpoor co-parenting. Co-parentingspeaks to the mental state of both parents. Inmostcases,thechildneedstobe rescued.

KEY CHALLENGES

Struggles in co-parenting indicatethattheparentisnotready for parental responsibilities. The parents cannot regulate their dysfunctional emotional and nervous system and are still consumedbyhurt,pain,bitterness, resentmentorhatred.

It means the parent is psychologically compromised that theycannotputthechildfirst;they would rather consciously and unconsciously destroy the child’s lifetosettlegrievances.

Parents have different grieving timelines; one may have accepted the breakup; the other may still be hurt.Newpartnersdynamics,(who is this person to my children?) usually sparks jealousy, insecurity, andconfusionaboutroles.

Practical and logistical challenges like inconsistent

routines bedtimes, rules, homework expectations, and screen time vary across homes. Schedule conflicts work hours, school, extracurricular, and visitation/parenting time clash Then, there are money issues such aschildsupport,differingviewson spending for kids (clothes, activities,gifts).

Being a parent requires

communicationskills.Yourchildis learningfromyou.

High conflict communication challenges, shouting, blaming, or stonewalling; kids may be drawn into disputes. Using children as messengers speaks of immaturity andillequip.

Asking kids to relay messages or“spy”ontheotherparentisevil. Mismatchedcommunicationstyles one prefers texts, to keep receipts and set boundaries, the other calls and is abusive; one writes long messages, the other responds with onewordonlycomplicatesmatters.

Parenting Style Differences: Parenting styles will always differ because of gender, background, upbringings,education,etc.

Onceabuseandneglectarenot in parenting styles, we should not be consumed by mother’s nurturing and emotional care parenting styles and father’s adventureandconfidencebuilding parentingstyle

Discipline, one is strict, the other permissive; kids may “play” oneparentagainsttheother Thisis where kids are skilled even when parentsaretogether

Religion, culture, education, and boundaries about friends/social media; these are issues that should have been covered before sex and marriage So, the plan can be agreed on and easilyfollowed EFFECTS

Childrencanadapttodivorceor separation if conflict is low and parenting is stable. The main risk factorischronic,intenseconflict.

Emotional and Behavioural Effects: The child may experience anxietyandinsecurity,aboutbeing abandonedoraboutfuturechanges.

Children tend to experience depression, grief over the family changing, missing the “old” home life.

Behaviour issues: Children tend to act out at school/home, attention problems, breaking rules, and lying They may feel responsibleforaparent’semotions (“I have to keep Mom/Dad from beingsad”).

Relationship Effects: In some cases children have loyalty conflicts,feelingguiltyandfeeling forcedto“choosesides.”Theymay experiencedifficultywithtrustand intimacy in adulthood, difficulty with commitment and modelling unhealthyconflictlikeparents.

Academic and Physical Effects: School problems, lower grades, reduced concentration, and absences, somatic complaints, headaches, stomach-aches, and sleepproblemsaretiedtostress.

BEST PRACTICES

Shift the Mindset: from expartners to business partners. Thinkofco-parentingasmanaging a “business” together: your child’s wellbeing.

Ask: “What is best for our child?” instead of “What do I want?” Detach personal from parental,youdon’thavetolikeyour extobeagoodco-parent.

Keepmessagesshortandtothe point. Informative: Stick to facts Friendly:Neutral,non-hostiletone. Befirmandmakecleardecisionsor requests;novaguethreats.

Preferred channels: Use email, text, or keep a record of agreements Reduce emotional escalation.Avoidusingyourchild’s d e v i c e s f o r p a r e n t a l communication.

There are topics to avoid in front of children such as money disputes, past relationship problems, and legal matters Sharing negative comments about the other parent or family is out of thequestion.

Create a stable parenting plan, and clear schedule, regular

parentingtime(days,pickup/dropofftimes).

Keep holiday, birthdays, and vacations. Predictable transitions between homes, same times, and samemeetingspots.

Children feel safer when they know the routine. Sleep and wake times Screen time rules, homework expectations Safety rulesoninternet.Speakofchanges longinadvance.

Another key area is decisionmaking, it must be discussed who decides on education and school changes, medical/mental health treatment, religious upbringing and major activities. Aim for joint decisionmakingonmajorissues.

Neveraskchildrentotakesides don’t ask questions like “Who do youlovemore?”or“Doyouwantto live with me instead?” Avoid interrogatingthem:“Whatdidyour mom/dadsayaboutme?”

Don’t use children as m e s s e n g e r s o r s p i e s

Communicate directly with the other parent Don’t ask your child to report on the other home’s privatelife

Avoid exposing them to hostility, take sides, keep secrets, or mediate Children do much better when; they feel loved and wantedbybothparents

Validate their feelings

Acknowledge: “It’s okay to miss Mom/Dadwhenyou’rewithme.”

Reassure them: “You don’t have to worry about our grown-up problems That’s my job ” Encourage a positive relationship with the other parent. Support calls/texts to the other parent

Celebrate shared events, graduations,performances

Managing Conflict: Choose your battles. Focus on issues that affect safety, health, or major wellbeing Let minor style

By Dr. Telford Layne Jr. PsyD, MSc. Postgrad, BSc. Clinical

differences go; children can adapt to“Mom’sway”and“Dad’sway.” Set boundaries: No namecalling, threats, or discussing old relationshipgrievances.

Use “timeouts” in conflict: “Let’s pause and discuss this tomorrow by message.” Consider parallel parenting for very highconflictsituations

Minimal direct contact and parenting plan: Each parent runs their home independently, with limited need for interaction with others. Communication is mainly written, through apps or third partiesifnecessary

To process grief, anger, and gain tools for communication. A professional can help create parenting plans, manage stress and burnout. Sleep, nutrition, and time for yourself directly benefit your parenting.

Watch for signs like persistent sadness, anxiety, and strong anger Majorchangesinsleep,appetite,or grades. If there is Regression, bedwetting, clinginess; if present, meetwithaqualifiedpsychologist. Host joint sessions, to show united support.

When serious problems are present, domestic violence or coercive control, Substance abuse. Parents should prioritise safety first.

Use legal advice, protective orders, or supervised visitation if needed Communicate only through safe channels or third parties.

GNBS TO JOIN OTHER MEASURING INSTITUTIONS TO CELEBRATE WORLD METROLOGY DAY ON 20th MAY

The Guyana National

Bureau of Standards (GNBS) will join other measuring institutions to celebrate World Metrology Day on May 20, under the theme: ‘Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making’. This theme highlights the importance of accurate and traceable measurements in generating objective evidence for informedandtransparentdecisionmaking.

The Bureau continues to strengthen its role as the National Measurement Institute (NMI) through regional collaboration, technicalcapacitybuildingandthe advancement o

y infrastructure systems that support trade, industry and consumer protection.

ThiswashighlightedbyGNBS ExecutiveDirector,TrevorBassoo, during remarks at the opening ceremony of the Inter-American Metrology System (SIM) MidTerm Council and Quality System Task Force (QSTF) Meetings held

in Guyana for the first time from 11thto15thMay

In welcoming delegates and experts from across the Americas, Bassoo emphasised that the meetings provide an important platform for member-states to strengthen collaboration, share expertise, and improve regional quality systems that support trade, innovation and sustainable development.

World Metrology Day is

commemorate the signing of the Metre Convention on 20th May, 1875, which established the foundation for a globally coordinated measurement system. It highlights the importance of

manufacturing, trade, health, the environmentandpolicymaking.

“These measurements form the foundation of sound, evidencebased decision-making,” the GNBSEDstated,whilenotingthat professionals within the metrology

community understand the critical role traceable measurements play in ensuring that policies are credible and systems remain interoperableacrossborders.

As the National Standards Body,GNBScontinuestomaintain and improve measurement standardsacrossGuyana.

Through its Legal Metrology Department, the Bureau ensures that weighing and measuring instruments used in trade and law enforcement are accurate and complia

i

n

l requirements under the Weights andMeasuresActof1981.

GNBS conducts verification services for a range of measuring instruments to ensure fairness in trade and consumer protection. These include electricity and moisture meters, fuel pumps, supermarket and shop scales, weighbridge scales, and other commercialmeasuringdevices.

The Bureau has also expanded its industrial metrology services over the years to support local

industries through calibration and measurementservicesthatimprove quality assurance, operational efficiency and compliance with internationalstandards.

GNBS calibrates numerous measuring devices, including thermometers, calipers, micrometers, pressure gauges, ovens,amongothers.

Bassoo highlighted several areas where regional cooperation has directly strengthened GNBS’ technicalcapabilities.

In March 2026, the National Institute of Quality of Peru (INACAL) conducted a five-day training programme on the verification of sound level meters. Through this initiative, GNBS Inspectors are now better prepared to verify these instruments in support of the Environmental Protection Agency’s enforcement ofnationalnoiseregulations.

Additionally, the GNBS benefited from specialised training on electricity meter verification through the Dominican Republic’s

INDOCAL under the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) and the 11th European Development Fund Programme. This training strengthened the Bureau’sabilitytoverifyelectricity meters used by the Guyana Power andLightIncorporated(GPL). Further,technicaltrainingfrom Costa Rica on the verification of manometersisalsoexpectedsoon. These partnerships continue to strengthenGNBS’internalcapacity while improving the quality and efficiency of services offered locallyandregionally

On the occasion of World Metrology Day, the GNBS is also gratefultotheMinistryofTourism, Industry and Commerce and the Government of Guyana for supporting the expansion and developmentofmetrologyservices bothlocallyandregionally

For more information on GNBS Legal Metrology services, visit www.gnbsgy.org, call 2190064–66, or WhatsApp 692-4627.

MindYour Business

“YouTooFast”-Gossip,SocialSurveillance,and thePsychologyofMindingPeopleBusiness

Why Closely Connected Communities Constantly Observe, Discuss, and Interpret Each Other

ByDr.EonAndre George,PhD,EdD

Insomecommunities, privacy is almost a myth Before you evenreachhome,somebody already knows where you went, who you were seen with, what you were wearing, and what they believe it all means. A new car parked outside too long becomes conversation A visitor entering a yard too

frequently becomes speculation A sudden improvementinsomebody’s lifestyle immediately attracts questions. “Where all this money coming from?” “Something looks funny” “You hear what going on?” And somewhere in the middle of all this observation sits a familiar expression:“Youtoofast.”

Interestingly, the phrase rarely means someone is literallymovingtooquickly

More often, it refers to a person who watches too much,noticestoomuch,asks too many questions, or inserts themselves too deeply into other people’s affairs. It is the individual who always seems to know everybody’s business before everybody else. The phrase sounds humorous on the surface, but underneath it reflects something psychologically deeper: the tension between social connection and social intrusion.

WhyEverybodySeemsto KnowEverything

In tightly connected societies, people grow up emotionally close to each other’s lives Families overlap Neighbors know each other for years Children are raised not only by parents, but by entire streets, villages, extended families, and communities. As a result, observation becomesnormalised.

An elder sitting quietly outside may appear to be doingnothing,yetsomehow notices who passed, who stopped by, who looked upset,andwhosechildcame home late Shopkeepers remember conversations Taxi drivers hear stories.

Hairdressers know relationshipsbeforerelatives do.

This constant social awareness reflects what psychologists describe as social surveillance, where communities regulate

, discussion, and public opinion rather than through formal authority alone. In simple terms, people m

constantly, not because they are officially assigned to do so, but because social life itselfencouragesit.

GossipasSocialCurrency

What makes gossip so powerful is that it functions almost like social currency Information has value. The person who “knows what going on” often gains attention, relevance, and i n f l u e

Psychologistsconnectthisto social bonding theory, which suggests that shared conversation strengthens group connection. Talking about others creates a sense of belonging within the group People feel emotionally connected through shared knowledge, shared reactions, and shared interpretation.

That is why many conversations naturally drift toward discussing other people “You hear what happen?” “You know she move?” “He and that girl done?” Sometimes it begins as harmless curiosity. Other times it quietly becomes judgment The important thing is that gossip often serves emotional purposes beyond entertainment It helps people feel informed, connected, and socially involved. However, the line between connection and intrusion can become very thin.

ThePsychologyof“Too Fast”

The label “too fast” usually appears when curiosity begins feeling excessive.Apersonaskstoo many questions too quickly They notice details others did not even realize were visible. They seem overly invested in information that does not directly concern them Eventually people become cautious around

them.

What is happening psychologicallyisconnected toboundaryregulation,the unwritten emotional rules people develop around privacy and personal space. Every community has invisible boundaries that determine how much curiosity feels acceptable before it begins feeling invasive For example, casually asking how someone is doing may feel normal. Immediately asking how much they paid for something, why their relationship ended, or who theywereseenwithmayfeel intrusive. The issue is not simply the question itself. It is the feeling that someone has crossed an emotional boundary This is why “you too fast” often carries irritationbeneaththehumor It is not only criticism of curiosity It is social correction.

WhyPeopleWatchOther PeopleSoClosely

At a deeper level, constant observation often reflects psychological needs tied to

n, uncertainty, and identity Human beings naturally evaluate themselves in

s Psychologistsrefertothisas social comparison theory (Festinger), where individuals measure their own lives, success, relationships, and status against the people around them.

In environments where communities remain closely c o n n e c t e d , t h e s e comparison

unavoidable. If one person suddenlybeginsprogressing

socially, or behaving

ion increases immediately Observation becomes a way of understanding where everyone“stands”socially

Thatiswhypeopleoften become intensely interested

i n o t h e r p e o p l e ’s relationships, money, p r o b l e m s , a n d

achievements The information helps them

position themselves psychologically within the socialenvironment.Inmany cases, people are not only

being nosy They are unconsciously trying to understand themselves throughcomparison.

ReputationandtheFear ofPublicJudgment

One reason social observation carries so much emotional weight is because reputationmattersdeeply In closely connected environments, people are often judged not only as individuals, but as reflections of their family, upbringing, household, and community A rumor rarely affects one person alone. It spreadsoutwardsocially This creates what psychologists call impression management, where individuals consciously manage behaviour, appearance, and interaction to influence how others perceive them A young woman may think carefully about where she goes,whosheisseenwith,or how she behaves publicly because she understands how quickly assumptions form. A young man may avoid discussing certain plans openly because visibility attracts commentarybeforeprogress even happens. Over time, p e o p l e b e c o m e psychologically trained to monitor themselves constantly because they know they are also being monitoredexternally.

GrowingUpUnder ConstantObservation

Children raised in these environments absorb this awarenessveryearly “Mind how you behaving outside.”

“People watching you ” “Don’t embarrass the family.” These statements teachchildrenthatbehaviour is public long before they fully understand what privacyevenmeans.

As a result, many individuals develop strong s e l f - m o n i t o r i n g behaviours, constantly a d j u s t i n g s p e e c h , appearance, and actions based on how they expect others may interpret them.

For some, this creates social discipline and awareness Forothers,itcreatesanxiety, emotional guardedness, or fearofjudgment.Theperson becomeshighlyconsciousof

Dr. EonAndre George, PhD, EdD

perception,sometimestothe point where authenticity feels risky They are no longer simply living. They are performing social acceptability

SocialMediaHas Expandedthe Surveillance

What once happened mostly in villages, streets, workplaces, salons, and shops has now expanded online. Social media has turned ordinary observation into constant digital surveillance Every post, relationshipupdate,vacation picture, or achievement becomes material for interpretation.Asinglephoto can generate an entire conversation.“Whotakethat picture?” “Watch how she moving now.” “He getting money from somewhere.” People who never directly speak still observe silently fromadistance.

Psychologically, this intensifies both social comparisonandprojection Individuals begin attaching their own assumptions, i n s e c u r i t i e s , a n d interpretations onto limited information. The result is that many people now feel watched even when physicallyalone.

WhenCuriosityBecomes

EmotionalPressure

Over time, constant

observation changes behaviour Some people become secretive Others become defensive Some stop sharing achievements entirely because visibility

attracts too much commentary Others begin living cautiously, carefully filtering what they reveal publicly

This creates emotional pressure beneath everyday social life.The person is not simply interacting socially They are constantly managing perception In some cases, this contributes to anxiety, distrust, or emotional exhaustion. The individual begins feeling that every action may become conversation before they even have time to processitthemselves.

Rethinking“Minding

PeopleBusiness”

Understanding these patterns does not mean communities must become emotionally distant or disconnected Strong communities often develop through closeness, shared concern, and collective awareness The issue is balance.

Curiosity becomes unhealthy when it ignores emotional boundaries Observation becomes harmful when people lose the ability to separate concern from intrusion Likewise, constant public commentary can quietly create environments where people feel emotionally exposed rather than socially supported.Atthesametime, not every question comes from malice Sometimes curiosity reflects familiarity, care,orgenuineinterest.The challenge is learning where socialconnectionshouldend and emotional invasion shouldbegin.

UnderstandingBehaviour ThroughContext

When viewed more closely, gossip and social surveillance are not simply random habits. They reflect deeper psychological needs connected to belonging, comparison, curiosity, reputation, and identity. What appears as “minding people business” may som

lect loneliness, insecurity, boredom, or the need to feel socially connected What a

e curiosity may reflect e

became

generations.

Understanding this adds depth to behaviour that is often dismissed too quickly Because in the end, people do not only observe each other for information. They observe each other to understand status, belonging, identity, and ultimatelythemselves.

Every belief has a history

Everyreactionhasaroot. Understanding them is wherewisdombegins.

GDF marks 50 years of integrated military training for male and female ranks

Ithasbeen50yearssince the Guyana Defence Force launched the Officer Cadet CourseNumber6.Thefeatis beinghighlightedAlumniof Guyana Defence Force Officer Cadet Course Number 6 and will begin celebratingtheiranniversary onSaturdayMay16,2026.

According to a release from the GDF, the Officer CadetCourseNumber6also holds historic significance, because this was the first time that women and men were trained together and

opentothepublic.Laterthat day, the Course Six Alumni willbetheguestoftheChief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan MSS, at a militaryTattooatBaseCamp Ayanganna. Over the next seven months, a series of activities will be held to celebrate this historic event.

A calendar of activities will bereleased.TheGDFOfficer CourseNo.6commencedon Sunday, May 16, 1976

Sixty-six Cadets were in attendance, nine female and fifty-sevenmaletheGuyana

heldtothesamestandards. Prior to 1976, there was no co-ed military training in Guyana or anywhere in the anglophoneCaribbean.GDF Officer Cadet Course Number6alsoproducedthe first female Indigenous officer of the GDF, Second LieutenantJoyceSmith.

To commemorate and celebrate this significant anniversary and historic event, a series of activities areplannedbeginningwitha privatecocktailreceptionon Saturday, May 16, followed by a church service on Sunday, May 17 at Christ Church Anglican Church,

W

, Georgetown; this service is

theGDF,butthiswasnotthe case fifty years ago, these womenwerethetrailblazers.

firsttohavemenandwomen trainingtogether

The nine women were; Ingrid King, Jasoda Kishun, Verian Mentis, Marilyn Pestano, Paulette Polard, Bridgette Smith, Joyce Smith, Yvonne Smith and Marlyn Telford Co-ed training is now the norm in

In May 1976, two of Guyana's neighbours (Venezuela and Suriname), had shown that they were willing to use military force to support their territorial claims. Guyana was forced to enhance its deterrent and defencecapability

Learning from its unpreparedness at the time of the seizure of Ankoko Island, the Guyana government embarked on enlarging the GDF; providing it with more moneyandmanpower More officers and men were

needed; GDF Officer Cadet Course Number 6 became the largest Officer Cadet Course ever assembled by theGDF

The United Nations (UN)haddesignated1975as International Women's Year Aworldconferencewasheld in Mexico City on the status of women. The conference establishedasetofgoalsfor countries to attain by 1986, inordertoadvancewomen's rights around the world. On Thursday January 15, 1976, aStatePaperontheequality of women was presented in the National Assembly of Guyana.

These two historical

events set the stage for the transformative agenda that followed; female army recruits training with their male counterparts on Basic RecruitCourseNo.1-1976; women being selected to be trained as pilots and female and male Officer Cadets trainingtogether

The releasenoted thatas Guyana commemorates its Golden Jubilee, the GDF pauses to remember and place into context this significant moment in time. TheCoursebeganmeredays beforeGuyanacelebratedits th10 year as an independent nation.TheGuyanaDefence (Continuedonpage40)

ByDr.KarenAbrams, MBA.AA.

How a child encounters artificial intelligence depends entirely on the teacher In one classroom, it can feel intimidating, abstract, and disconnected fromanythingthatmattersin a young person’s life. In another,itcanfeelasnatural andapproachableaslearning to read The difference between those two classrooms is not the technology It is the adult standing in front of the children.

Either way, every Guyanese student must develop AI literacy if they are to be competitive in the labour market they will actuallyenter,inthiscountry or anywhere else in the world.TheproblemisthatAI literacy cannot be built on a foundation that is not there. It rests on two prior literacies, and Guyana has beenstrugglingwithboth.

Regular literacy first Kaieteur News reported on 14May2026,citingaUNDP 2024 assessment, that the average Guyanese student now drops out of the school system midway through Grade Nine, around age fourteen.Childrenwholeave school before completing secondary education will likely not develop AI literacy, will probably not develop digital literacy, and will probably not develop thefoundationforanyofthe higher-order skills the next economywilldemand.

The conversation about innovation in this country has to start there, with the basic fact that a system losingitsstudentsatfourteen cannot produce the workforce a competitive economy requires. AGrade Nine dropout in 2025 could still find pathways into agricultural labour, construction, services, or trades that would support a household although they now face increasing competitivepressuresfroma newimmigrantpopulation.

However, a Grade Nine dropout in 2032 will face a labour market in which routine work has been automated and the floor for stableemploymenthasrisen

Advancing Education, Technology & Innovation in Guyana…

DR. KAREN ABRAMS, ED.D.

The three literacies every Guyanese child needs

sharply The cost of the dropout crisis is not what it was twenty years ago. It is muchhigher,anditwillkeep rising Defending regular literacy at the secondary level is therefore not a sentimental aspiration. It is

the precondition for everything else this country wants to become. Digital literacy is the second foundation.

By this I mean not only the ability to operate a phone, which is now widespread,butthepractical

fluency to navigate computers,tablets,operating systems, browsers, email, learning platforms, files, folders, passwords, cloud storage, and the popular software that school, work, and business now require.

Too many Guyanese students and adults can use WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok, but still struggle to attach a document, format a report, search responsibly, complete an online form, manageaspreadsheet,joina virtual class, protect a password, or troubleshoot a simple device problem Consuming social media is not the digital literacy that really matters Digital literacymeansknowinghow to use technology as a tool

for learning, work, communication, production, and problem-solving. It also means understanding which information sources can be trusted,howtoverifywhatis true,howtouseproductivity tools well, and how to participateasacreatorrather thanonlyasaconsumer

The information environment our students live in is now saturated with AI-generated content, synthetic media, deepfakes, and persuasive falsehoods produced at industrial scale.

A child without the habit of asking who made this, why, and on what evidence will

n o t n a v i g a t e t h a t environmentsafely,letalone productively Without this layer,theAIliteracywewant tobuildontopofitbecomes either useless or actively dangerous. AI literacy itself

s i t s o n t o p . A t STEMGuyana, we have tested different approaches with learners as young as nine.Whatwehavefoundis

that the chatbot, which is what most people associate withAI today, is the surface of a much deeper subject. Thechatbotissubordinateto theactualunderstandingour students need to develop, which includes machine learning, the differences

between supervised, unsupervis

reinforcement learning, what a neural network is, whatalargelanguagemodel is, and how such models are trained.

Children at nine and ten are perfectly capable of grasping these concepts when they are taught with care and the right examples. Whatsurprisesthemmost,in ourexperience,ishowmuch guesswork the systems actually do. Adults often assumeAI is harder to teach thanitis.

The children themselves

move through the foundations quickly when theteacherexplainstheideas honestly rather than mystifying them More important than any single technical concept is one structural insight; AI

s

deterministic They are predictive They produce probableoutputs,notcertain

nd

rstand this also understand why their own credibility depends on verifyingwhatAItellsthem, whyhumansmustremainin the loop on consequential decisions, and why getting useful work out of AI systemsrequiresrealskillin prompting, evaluating, and correcting the system rather than passive acceptance of whateveritgenerates.

The labour-market stakes of all this are not abstract A Guyanese teenager entering the workforce in 2032 will face employers and clients who expect AI fluency as a baseline, in the same way computer literacy is now assumed.

Most jobs in services, a d m i n i s t r a t i o n , communications, design, analysis, and increasingly the trades will involve working alongside AI tools everyday.Theyoungpeople whoarefluentinthosetools, who can create and manage

AI agents, implement APIs and other technologies will out-produce those who are not,bymarginslargeenough to determine who is hired, whoispromoted,andwhois paid well. This is not a Caribbean problem alone. It istheglobalterrainonwhich our students will compete. The countries already addressing AI literacy in their school systems, including the United Kingdom, China, Estonia, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates, are building national programmes from the primary level upward. Guyana cannot afford to watch.

But Warde and Sah, in their2019CreatingaSTEMbased Economic Pillar for the Caribbean, were right to insist on a deeper layer beyond fluency The region

needs not only AI users but AI builders We need computer scientists who can design algorithms, train models, build neural networks, and architect systems.Wewillnottrainthe frontierfoundationmodels.

That work requires hundreds of millions of dollarsincomputethatsmall economies cannot deploy But the applied layers ofAI work,inagriculture,climate adaptation, healthcare, financial services, language tools, and creative industries, are entirely within reach Caribbean engineers and scientists can build at those layers if the region

ates the institutional conditions to supportthem.Theeconomic li

l economies, including the brain drain analysis by de la

Croix and Docquier, is unambiguous about what happens to small states that fail to develop this layer Their talented young people leave to build for someone else.

Three literacies, in this order. Regular literacy, defendedagainstthedropout crisis.Digitalliteracy,taught withjudgementandskill.AI literacy, built on the others rather than substituted for them And beyond those three, the deeper layer ofAI builders, scientists, and engineers who turn fluency intofirms.Getthisright,and Guyanese students can compete anywhere in the world. Get it wrong, and the most consequential decade in this country’s history will passwithanothergeneration preparedfortheeconomyof thepast.

Frompage18

someUS$2.2billion(C$3billion).

G2’sinitslatestupdatesaidthat it has eight drill rigs active at the Oko project focused on infill, expansionanddiscoverydrilling.

It noted that the infill holes return high-grade intercepts, highlighting the length, grade and depth of the holes drilled. G2 said the deepest hole drilled to date intersected84.5metresat3.0grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 915 metres, extending mineralisation by some 140 metres vertically to a depthofonekilometre.

The results were announced from the Ghanie deposit, where assay results were reported for 22 new diamond drill holes totalling 10,828 metres. G2 said that the latest drilling successfully extended high-grade ‘downplunge’ at the Ghanie deposit, upgraded and confirmed central infill mineralisation, and extended gold mineralisation south of the existing Ghanie resource along the “BorderZone.”

ChiefExecutiveOfficer(CEO) ofG2,DanielNoonestated,“These

Acquiring G2 will bring the Combined Measured & Indicated Mineral Resources of 7.0 million ounces and Inferred Mineral Resourcesof2.3millionounces.

Thedealisexpectedtoclosein June 2026, subject to shareholder andcourtapprovals.

InDecember2025,G2released key findings from an independent PreliminaryEconomicAssessment (PEA) outlining a combined open pitandundergroundoperationwith a 14-year mine life and estimate total production of 3 2 million ounces gold at all-in sustaining costs (AISC) of US$1,191 per ounce Annual production is projected to average 298,000 ouncesduringyears3through10.

Noagreementsignedfor Guyanatobuygasfrom ExxonMobil– Jagdeo …asGas-to-Energydocuments stillhiddenfrompublic

Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo has denied reports that Guyana has inked an agreement with ExxonMobil to purchase gas

resultscontinuetodemonstratethe strong growth potential at the Oko Project, with mineralisation remaining open both along strike and at depth. With eight drill rigs active, we remain focused on expandingandupgradingresources while advancing additional nearmine and district-scale targets acrossthegreaterOkoprojectarea, which currently hosts 7 million ounces indicated and 2.3 million ouncesinferredacrosstwoadjacent deposits This round of drilling clearly suggests this tier 1 gold camp has significant room to grow.”

On April 9, G2 entered into a definitive agreement whereby neighbouring GMIN will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of G2 G2 and GMIN transactionwillconsolidatethetwo adjacent gold projects in Guyana: G2’s Oko-Ghanie Project and GMIN’s fully permitted and fully financed Oko West Project

Sales Agreement with the company

WhiletheVPhasdenied the existence of such a contract between Guyana and Exxon, the government has refused to publish all documents relative to the project, a move that continuestosparkconcern.

Since 2022 members of the opposition parties have been calling on the GoG to release the contracts signed withExxon.

Last month, former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan in an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News raised a number of questions following a report indicating that Guyana has signed an agreement with ExxonMobil to purchase its own gas from the StabroekBlock.

havetoshowtheevidencethatthis is not so and they can withhold whatever proprietary information fromthecontracts,”hesaid.

Jordansaidthatwhilehehasnot seenthesecretcontractbetweenthe GoGandExxon,hefirmlybelieves thatGuyanashouldnothavetopay for its own gas. “ Jagdeo had said thegaswouldbefreeandallwewill be paying for is the pipeline,” he recalled.

In fact, Jordan pointed out that this notion was used to push the projectasfeasible,whichtherefore raises serious questions about the economicsofGTE.Giventhisnew development, the former minister urged that a study should be conducted to determine whether continuing with the project would be cheaper than continuing the use ofHFOswithimprovedefficiency

Promises to release GTE documents

InDecember2022,theMinister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat informed the National Assembly that although agreementswereinkedwithExxon for the project in June 2022, the time was not right to publish the documents.

“Mr Speaker, the Government of Guyana has signed a Heads of Agreement (HOA) with the Stabroek Co-ventures 30th June 2022. This agreement sets out the principles and conditions for the commercial and technical arrangementsoftheGas-to-Energy Project,”Bharratsaid.

AffairsJacobHelberg.

fromtheStabroekBlocktosupport the Wales Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project.

During a Public Day event, hosted at the Arthur Chung Conference Center, Lilliendaal, East Coast Demerara, this newspaper asked the VP whether Guyana has agreed to buy the country’sgasfromExxon.

To this end, he clearly stated, “No, the gas to the power plant is free.Youcanquotemeonthat.Gas to the power plant is free We negotiated that a long time. We’ve beeninthepublicdomainassaying that the gas to come in – the 50 million cubic feet per day coming in to the power plant – is free. Nothinghaschangedsince.”

The former President did not allowfurtherquestions,turninghis attention to other members of the publicatthevenue.

In April, reliable sources close to the GTE project indicated that government has agreed to a Gas

“The government of Guyana now has to come clean.They have to tell us clearly whether there is a contract between the GoG and Exxon to purchase gas that originallyJagdeosaidwillbemade availableforfree.Thatiswhatwas made the project economically feasible.Ifyounowhavetopayfor gas at the commercial price, what aretheimplicationsfortheGTEin terms of the tariffs? Will they still beabletocuttariffsby50%andif theygoaheadwiththat,howmuch willthegovernmentbesubsidizing electricityandwhetherthatsubsidy would be bigger than the actual subsidytheyaregivingrightnowto the consumers,” the former ministerquestioned.

He said it would be interesting to know what circumstances led to thechangeinpositionregardingthe freegas.

Moreover,Jordanarguedthatif the information published was incorrect, it is the responsibility of the government to not only reject, but respond with concrete evidence.

“We have not seen a single documentinrelationtothisproject and so we keep speculating and they can end all the speculation by putting the document in the public domainorcomeoutandrefutewith evidence what we have said. You

He however noted, “There are other agreements on supply, buyer’s agreement, field development,licensingconditions, onshore works, and land matters thatarecurrentlybeingdrafted.The respective agreements and policy documentswillbepresentedtothis HonourableHousewhentheyhave beenagreeduponandexecuted.All agreements are being done in a timely manner to meet the Final Investment Decision which will allow for the project to be completed by our committed deadlineofDecember2024.”

Subsequently, the project shifted to the Prime Minister’s office which holds responsibility for the energy sector He too made severalcommitmentsinParliament to publish the documents but has notdonesotodate.

THURSDAY

U.S.noweyesGuyana bauxite–UnderSecretary ofEconomicAffairs …wantstosurveymininglands usingadvancedtechnologies toidentifyotherminerals

The United States Government is eyeing Guyana’s bauxite mining industry, seeking to also survey mining lands to identify other minerals This is according to Under Secretary of Economic

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday afternoon at the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown, Helberg told reporters that Washington’s plans to participate in Guyana’s bauxite industry were discussed during a meeting with President IrfaanAli.

“We talked about the opportunities around bauxite and expanding Guyana’s economic activitiesinthebauxitesectorwith additional private investment. We also talked about ways that infrastructure investments, especially in roads and potentially autonomous trucking technology, canactuallybecatalytictogetmore Guyanese bauxite on the global market,”theU.Sofficialstated.

Guyana’s bauxite industry recorded robust growth in 2025, expandingbyanestimated53.4per centwithtotalproductionreaching 3 9 million tonnes Last year, export revenues climbing to US$144.1million.

Helberg noted that bauxite was a key focus because reserves are already known and investors are alreadyactiveinthesector Hesaid too, “So we did talk about things that were perspective, but obviously because the reserves of bauxite are known and there are already investments today, we talked a fair amount about those. But I think generally speaking, we both understand that Guyana is a countrywithalotofnatural Continued on page 29

Frompage28 resources.” Speaking of Guyana’s untapped natural resources potential,Helbergunderscoredthat it would not be a leap to consider that there are more types of minerals that could be available if propersurveyingofGuyanamining landsisconducted.

He said that it was also put to President Ali, that the U.S could play a role in surveying mining lands where the land still needs to be surveyed in a more extensive way, where large amounts of new reserves or other types of minerals arebelievedtobelocated.

Ultimately, he said that part of U.Sstrategyistofocusonbringing more foreign investment into Guyana, and to make it easier to undertake advanced types of surveyingtechnologies.

“If Guyana is a hub for foreign investment,therewillbealotmore foreign companies here, there will be a lot more capacity to do things likesurveyingifwegetthefirstpart right,”henoted.

Helberg further outlined that while Guyana has a lot of natural resources,thecountryneedstofind ways to get its resources into offtakeagreementsandontotheglobal markets.

Helbergadded,“Sothatledtoa discussion on logistics and ways that Guyana can actually be a logistics hub for northern Brazil, which densely populated, into the northern part of South America in ordertoallowshipstogotoPanama much more efficiently than the current graph today that currently forces that trade in northern Brazil to go through a really substantial multi-week detour. It has the opportunitytoconnectingNorthern Brazil to the Caribbean through Guyanareallyhasanopportunityto shrinktimedelaysbyseveralorders ofmagnitude.”

TheUnderSecretarylabeledhis discussions with the Guyanese head-of-state as very positive and noted that he believes it could actuallybeunlockedeasilywiththe rightlevelofbusinesscertainty

‘Sandyin,Dwight Johnout’…as President sacks several REOs

Former APNU Vice Chairman Samuel Sandy has been named as the new Regional Executive Officer (REO) for Region 10 replacingDwightJohnaccordingto sources,followingameetingatthe Office of the President on Wednesday

The appointment Kaieteur News understands is part of a broader administrative reshuffle thatalsoseesMarySamarooacting intheroleofactingREOforRegion 6. When reached for comment on thetransition,theoutgoingRegion 6 REO, Narindra Persaud, told Kaieteur News, “I am unable to say.”

The new appointments were formalised during a session led by President Irfaan Ali and Vice President 0rrat Jagdeo The

accountability and good governance, why not remove the corrupt ministers instead of targetingREOsacrossthecountry,” thestatementconcluded.

devastating consequences, costing tens of billions of US dollars, with impactsstretchingdecades.

To this end, he noted that he finds the “strict interpretive approach troubling”. The lawyer pointed out that environmental legislation is not ordinary commercial legislation but exists fortheprotectionofthepublicand national interest. To this end, he suggestedthatthelawshouldhave been interpreted in a broader and more “purposive manner” consistent with the constitutional guarantee of a healthy environment.

Moreover, the Chartered Accountant highlighted the use of state resources by the government of Guyana (GoG) in fighting against full oil spill protection for thecountry

withanunlimitedparentguarantee for oil spills, was unanimously overturned by the justices at the GuyanaCourtofAppeal.

In the absence of the unlimited oil spill guarantee, stakeholders argue that Guyana will be left to foot expenses related to such an event that can not only devastate Guyana,buttheCaribbeanregion.

Exxon has provided a US$600 million insurance package and has reportedly lodged US$2B as an added layer of financial protection tothecountry Giventherapidpace ofoffshoreproduction,thislimited protection continues to cause concern.

In the meantime, government has made it clear that it must determine the level of protection thecountryshouldreceivetocover anoilspillandnottheCourt.

FRIDAY

stern

members, Permanent Secretaries, and officials from the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), where the President issued

management of public funds Addressing the incoming officers, President Ali emphasised that “sacred trust” accompanies public office.Hewarnedthatanybreaches in procurement procedures, including involvement with multiple companies or circumventing transparency laws, wouldresultinimmediateremoval fromoffice.

The Government also announced it will now utilize artificial intelligence to actively monitor regional procurement processes and detect irregularities. Vice President Jagdeo reinforced this stance, stating that every expenditure must be strictly measured against its direct contribution to national developmentandcitizenwelfare.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed said the government’s decision to remove all ten regional executive officersisunprecedentedandraises questions about political victimisation“andthelengthsthey go to with election gimmicks ” Mohamed said: “Never before in the history of Guyana has an administration moved every single REO at once, and the public deservestoknowwhy.”

However,theoppositionleader said, information reaching his office is that “these positions were quietly promised to individuals who crossed over and pledged politicalloyaltytothePPPaheadof theelections.”

Mohamed said: “At the end of the day, all of the REOs take instructions from Ministers. While thegovernmentcontinuestoignore the growing allegations of corruption surrounding several ministersandseniorofficials.Ifthe PPP is truly concerned about

‘Therecanbenolimit$$foroil spillprotection’–ChrisRam …questionsGovt’suseofstate resourcestodefendExxon

Chartered accountant and prominent attorney, Christopher Ram has criticized the recent decision by the Court ofAppeal to overturn Justice Sandil Kissoon’s 2023 ruling which ordered ExxonMobil to provide Guyana withanunlimitedparentguarantee foroilspills.

Hesaid,“Ialsobelievecitizens are entitled to ask why the State found it necessary to expend its own resources defending the positionoftheoilcompaniesrather than advancing the interests and protections sought by its own citizens.Exxonisentitledtodefend itslegalposition.Buttheprotection of Guyana, its environment and its peoplemustremainparamount.”

Itwouldbepoignanttonotethat thiswasnotthefirstinstancewhere the GoG joined with ExxonMobil in fighting against citizens of Guyana.Backin2022,Publisherof KaieteurNews,GlennLallfiledan action to challenge the Petroleum

In an invited comment, Ram who has been advocating for transparencyandgoodgovernance statedhispositionplainly,“Itotally disagreewiththeCourtofAppeal’s decision The Court would be awarethattherecanbenorealprice placed upon a major oil spill…in Guyana’scase,wearedealingwith multiple wells operating in close proximity offshore With every additionalwell,thecumulativerisk necessarily increases, however remote the risk attached to any individual operation may appear,” thelawyerreasoned.

In explaining his point that therecanbenolimitsetonoilspill coverage, Ram cited the Exxon Valdez disaster and the Deepwater Horizon catastrophe which had

Agreement, dated June 27, 2016 between the Guyana Government andtheoilcompanies.

According to Lall the agreement between the oil company and the government grantsexemptionstopersonsother than licensees, which violate the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, the Financial Administration(andAudit)Actand the Constitution. Lall was fighting for the companies to pay their fair share of taxes owed to Guyana but the case was strongly defended by theGoGanddismissedbytheHigh Courtayearlater

It was reported last week that Justice Sandil Kissoon’s 2023 ruling orderingAmerican oil giant ExxonMobil to provide Guyana

DominicanRepublic signscontractfor10% stakeinBerbiceBlock

The governments of Guyana and Dominican Republic (DR) on Thursday inked an agreement that could see the Spanish-speaking nation exploring, developing and eventually producing oil or natural gas from the Berbice Block offshoreGuyana. The agreement was signed in the presence of Presidents Irfaan Ali and Luis Abinader at State HouseinGeorgetown.

TheGuyanesegovernment,ina statement said that building on the 2 0 2 3 M e m o r a n d u m o f Understanding (MOU), which outlinedcooperationintheareasof energy, oil refining, agriculture, tourism and petrochemicals, the two countries have decided to partneronoperationsintheBerbice Block.

Through the MOU, which allows for private sector collaboration in both countries, several initiatives have already advancedacrossarangeofsectors.

Thegovernmentinitsstatement said that the Dominican Republic, through Refineria Dominicana de Petróleo S A (Refidomsa), is consideringinvestmentsrelatingto the Berbice Block, which was previously held by CGX Energy subsidiary On Energy The block was returned to the State in 2023 afteritwasrelinquished.

Several exploration wells were drilled in the Berbice Block: Rosehall-1, L’Esperence-1, Yakusari, Albion, L’Esperence-1, Hermitage-1andSkeldon-1.

Meanwhile, Refidomsa in a social media post said that as the Dominican Republic continues to create strategic alliances to benefit its country and ensure fuel supply, an agreement was signed with Guyana for the exploration and production of oil or natural gas fromtheBerbiceBlock.

“Thisimportantstep Continued on page 30

Frompage29 consolidates bilateral cooperation between the two nations and projects our refinery towards a stage of greater integration and growth in the regional energy sector In Refidomsa, we assume this commitment with pride and vision for the future, betting on initiativesthatcontributetoEnergy Security and the progress of the Dominican Republic We will continue to create connections that transcend borders and generate value for our country and our people,”thecompanysaid.

Meanwhile, Dominican Today reported that under the deal, Refidomsa will represent the DominicanStateandreceivea10% stake in the project without requiring an upfront capital investment.Itwasalsostatedthatif commercially viable reserves are discovered, the Dominican Republic would gain access to crude oil or natural gas under preferential terms, strengthening the country’s long-term energy security

The exploration licence is expectedtobeofficiallygrantedby the GoG soon Notably, this publication contacted Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat for clarification on the terms of the agreement signed on ThursdayinrelationtotheBerbice Block, but up to press time, there wasnoresponse.

For its part, government underscored that the engagements

align with the Ali administration’s long-term vision of enhancing national and regional energy security while positioning Guyana as a key energy partner within the Caribbean.

Itwasalsostatedthatduringthe meeting,bothpresidentswelcomed increasing collaboration between private sector entities in both countries,includingeffortstoform partnerships and consortia in a

petrochemicals.

Both governments also expressed satisfaction with the progress being made under the framework of the 2023 MOUs and reaffirmed their commitment to

strengtheneconomictiesandcreate mutualopportunitiesforthepeople of Guyana and the Dominican Republic.

Moreover, just last month,

discussions he held with President Abinader on advancing plans for the establishment of a local oil refinery as part of a broader strategy aimed at shielding the regionfromexternalshocks.

Since the signing of the MOU, therehavebeendeliberationsabout establishing an oil refinery in Guyana capable of refining approximately50,000barrelsofoil daily It was reported that DR is poisedtoholdacontrollingstakeof

51% in this collaborative endeavour

SATURDAY

Govt.nowadmitstoUS$97M settlementtoWalescontractor …afterdenying‘secret payment’onemonthago

One month after denying “secretpayments”totheWaleGasto-Energy (GTE) contractor, the government has now admitted to making a US$97 million payment, increasing the initial contract price of US$759 million by some 12.8 percent.

In a statement issued on Thursdayevening,theOfficeofthe Prime Minister explained, “...the Government and Lindsayca Guyana Inc have reached a resolution on two matters decided by the Dispute Avoidance/ Adjudication Board (DAAB) in January of 2025 relating to soil stabilisation works required at the Wales site and to delay-related provisions the s

nt represents a 12.8 per cent increase over the original contract sum of US$759M.”

OnApril7,theprimeminister’s office responded to a Kaieteur News article indicating that a US$80M payment was secretly paidtotheWalesGTEcontractorto settle the dispute. The PM at the timehoweverindicated,“Thereare no secret payments made to the contractor Allpaymentsaremade Continued on page 31

Frompage30 via the consolidated fund and reported to parliament For the record, the parties have not advanced the arbitration process and as such there is no arbitration ruling Arbitrationcontinuestobe an option available to the parties It is therefore incorrect to suggest that the GoG has lost the arbitration.”

Following that statement however,KaieteurNewspublished a subsequent article exposing the financials of Lindsayca which confirmedapaymenttothetuneof US$102million.

In its recent missive, the government revealed that this amicable resolution removes the need for further proceedings such as arbitration, and ensures that construction continues under a fully aligned, forward-looking framework Moreover, it was explained that both parties have agreed to forego “respective rights to historical liquidated damages, cappedat10percentofthecontract price.”

Governmentassuredthatwhile the settlement to Lindsayca representsa12.8per centincrease over the original contract sum of US$759 million, the government’s total expenditure for the wider project, comprising the 300 megawatt (MW) power plant, the Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility, transmission works, substations, 230 kV and 69 kV lines, and the new national control centre, remains within 10 per cent contingency of its budget of US$1 billion.

“As such, the GtE plant, the Transmission/Substation project undertaken by KPIL, the new National Control Center (NCC) at Goedverwagting, and all other project related costs funded by GoG, were all budgeted at $1 billion based on the published contract price. The overall cost is not expected to exceed US$1 1 billion, including the 10 per cent contingency,” the prime minister’s officestated.

To this end, it was explained that the commitment to deliver power to the national grid and reduce tariffs by 50 per cent remainsontrack.

According to government, substantial progress has been recorded in works at the site thus far, with stringent milestones set moving forward, following an agreementwithLindsaycaGuyana Inc.tobringthefirstpowerturbine online by the end of 2026. It said this will be followed by all gas turbines which are expected to be fully commissioned by the first quarter of 2027 and the combined cycleoperationtobecompletedby June2027.

OPM pointed out that “failure tomeetthesemilestoneswillallow

the government to re-instate liquidated damages against the contractor.”

Meanwhile, it was explained that the workforce is expected to rise to 1,100 in the second quarter of 2026 and peak between 1,400 and 1,600 workers as construction reachesitsmostintensivestage.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips said, “The Wales Gas to Energy project represents a defining moment for Guyana and for the energy future of every citizen of this nation We are satisfied with the progress being made and remain fully committed to ensuring that Guyanese households and businesses benefit This project will cut electricity costs in half, and we are firmly on track to deliveronthatpromise ” Confidentiality?

Just over a year ago, the GoG claimedthatitcouldnotrevealthe ruling of the Dispute Avoidance and Adjudication Board (DAAB) regarding complaints filed by the contractor.

country’s hydrocarbon sector, with p

appearanceon‘OilTalk’anOiland GasGovernanceNetwork(OGGN) production, hosted this week by chartered accountant and attorney, ChristopherRam,theseniorenergy andstrategyadvisordelvedintothe possibilityofrenegotiationwithoil giant,ExxonMobil.

Ram particularly asked the specialist to share his view on government’s position on sanctity of contract in dealing with a company that controls 40 per cent ofthenationaleconomy

Laying the foundation for his response, Paul said that the coalition government in 2016 had two choices- to renew the contract or to draft a new agreement It however opted to renew the deal, changing little to the original 1999 agreement.

He however noted that if the contractprovidesforrenegotiation, whichitdoes,thenthegovernment today can seek changes to the terms.

“There is one thing that I have seen lacking in politicians on my part of the pond in Trinidad and Tobago When facing big multinational companies, actually its three things- its backbone, backboneandmorebackbone.That is lacking So, it’s not knowing what’sright,notknowinghowtodo it,it’snotgettingitdone,it’shaving thewillandtheconfidencetostand upanddoit.”

He said while this is his experience in Trinidad, Guyanese wouldknowwhetheritisthesame situationintheircountry

InFebruary2025,Officeofthe presidentstated,“Inrelationtothis ruling, the parties to the dispute resolution process are bound by certainrulesofconfidentiality.”

Sources close to the controversialWalesGas-to-Energy (GTE) project first disclosed the disputesettlementaswaspublished byKaieteurNews.

ChangingGuyana’soil contractcallsforpolitical will-T&TEnergyStrategist

Guyana’s lopsided oil contract

with ExxonMobil can be renegotiated,butchangingthedeal requires strong political will, as countries around the world with similar arrangements to Guyana have previously altered their agreements.

Energystrategist,AnthonyPaul of Trinidad and Tobago who advised several governments and independent organisations on oil and gas policy, including Guyana, onThursdayeveningdiscussedthe progress taking place in the

changes. Now we know for instance that there were points in time when there should have been relinquishments. Were those used or were those extended? The fact that they were extended means there was a renegotiation E v e r y t i m

s a renegotiation the fact of the matter is, for it to become valid it means somebody agreed So therefore, and as you and I know, onceyou’rerenegotiating,thenthe otherpartyhastheoptiontoaskfor a quid pro quo. So, in giving this, whatdoIgetinreturn?”

Furthermore, the specialist shared that he is aware of countries that have renegotiated their oil contracts, although they had similar stability clauses to Guyana’s “There was a strong case in Tanzania where they termed the contract a really bad contract and they renegotiated,” Paulshared

Previously, the former head of the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA),Dr VincentAdams argued that major changes to Guyana’s oil reserves justify calls for renegotiation of the Exxon contract.

In 2016, when the Coalition government renegotiated and signed the PSA with Exxon, the country had only found approximately1.1billionbarrelsof oil in the Stabroek Block. To date over 10 billion more barrels have been discovered in the country’s ExclusiveEconomicZone,amajor increase that Adams believes, validatescallsforarenegotiationof thelopsideddeal.

Paul was clear, “If there is provision in the contract for renegotiation and if events have shown the contract not to be just theneverycontract-asyouknowas a lawyer better than I do- every contract presumes some level of justice and the question is, in the contract, if things have changed materially when the contract was drawnupandchangeshavemadeit more unjust or grossly unjust then there may be a basis for renegotiating.”

Companiesseekrenegotiation

Moreover, the energy strategist pointed out that companies often seekrenegotiation,simplybecause theyhavethebackbonetodoso.

He explained, “Companies always renegotiate, always ask for

AlthoughtheGoGcontinuesto use the ‘sanctity of contract’as its reason for not renegotiating the contract,bothpartieshavedeviated from the terms and adjusted provisionsinthepast.

For instance, the contract specificallystatesthatauditsofthe company’s expenses must be conductedwithintwoyearsbutthis timelinehasbeenextended.

Additionally, stakeholders argued that the contract required a feasibilitystudytobeconductedfor the use of gas resources in Stabroek, however no such study wasconducted.

An addendum to the contract was also signed to explicitly state that the 2% royalty paid by Exxon will not be recovered by the contractor

The Missing Soccer Ball

Every afternoon after school, a group of friends metatthecommunityfieldto play soccer Amir, Leah, Joshua, and Mia loved spendingtimetogether They laughed, shared snacks, and always worked as a team duringtheirgames.

One Friday afternoon, Amir arrived carrying a brand-newsoccerball.Itwas bright red and white, and he had saved his allowance moneyformonthstobuyit.

“ Wo w ! ” J o s h u a exclaimed. “That ball looks amazing!”

“Can we use it today?” Miaaskedexcitedly Amir grinned proudly “Of course But let's be carefulwithit.”

Thegamebeganquickly Thechildrenracedacrossthe field, cheering and calling for passes. Leah scored the first goal, and everyone clapped and celebrated. The warm breeze and golden sunshine made it a perfect afternoon.

As the game continued, the score became tied Everyone grew more competitiveandexcited.

“Lastgoalwins!”Joshua shouted.

Leah dribbled the ball down the field while Amir triedtoblockher Shekicked theballashardasshecould, hoping to score the winning goal. Instead, the ball flew high over the net, bounced across the road, and landed in a muddy ditch beside the field.

“Ohno!”Leahgasped. The children ran toward the ditch Amir climbed down carefully and picked

uptheball.Mudcoveredthe sides, and there was a sharp tearalongoneedge.

“My ball!” Amir cried.

“It'sruined!”

Leah looked shocked. “I didn't mean for that to happen.”

“Youkickedittoohard!” Amirsnappedangrily.“Itold everyonetobecareful.”

Leah felt her stomach twistwithguilt.“IsaidIwas sorry.”

“Well, sorry doesn't fix it,”Amirreplied.

The field suddenly became quiet Joshua and Mia exchanged nervous looks. No one knew what to say

Leah stepped back slowly “MaybeIshouldjust go home ”Without another word, she picked up her backpack and walked away from the field with her head down.

Theotherssatquietlyon the grass. The fun afternoon wascompletelyruined.

Afewminuteslater,Mia spoke softly “Amir, I know you'reupset,butLeahdidn't doitonpurpose.”

Joshua nodded. “It was anaccident.”

Amir looked at the muddy ball in his hands. He was still angry, but deep inside, he knew his friends were right. Leah had never triedtohurthimbefore.

Meanwhile, Leah walkedslowlyhome,feeling terrible. She kept thinking about Amir's disappointed face. She wished she could undowhathadhappened.

That evening, Leah used someofhersavingstobuya ballrepairkitfromanearby

shop.Thenextmorning,she went to Amir's house carryingthedamagedsoccer ballandtherepairkit.

When Amir opened the door, Leah took a deep breath.

“I know you're still upset,”shesaidquietly,“but I really am sorry. I brought this so we can try to fix the balltogether.”

AmirlookedatLeahfora moment. He could tell she truly regretted what happened.

Finally,hesighed.“Iwas reallyangryyesterday.ButI know you didn't mean to damageit.”

Leah nodded sadly “I'd neverdothatonpurpose.”

Amir smiled a little. “I forgiveyou.”

Leah's face brightened withrelief.“Thankyou.”

Thetwofriendsspentthe morning cleaning the mud off the ball and patching the tear carefully By the afternoon, the ball looked almostnewagain.

Later, they returned to the field with Joshua and Mia Before the game started, Amir spoke to everyone.

“Accidents happen sometimes,” he said. “What matters is that we forgive eachotherandstayfriends.”

The others agreed happily.Soon the field was filled with laughter again The friends passed the repaired ball across the grass, cheering and smiling together From that day on, they remembered that forgiveness is one of the most important parts of friendship.

CraftforKids

Flower Fairy

Craft idea inspired by Jodi Durr from Meaningful Mama. (meaningfulmama.com)

MaterialsNeeded

• Freshflowers

• Leavesandsmallgreenery

• Whiteglue

• Double-sidedtape

• Heavycardstockpaper(regular papercanworktoo)

• ThinblackSharpieormarker

• Scissors(optionalfortrimming flowers/leaves)

• Crayonsorcoloredpencils

• Glitter

• Stickers

• Smallgemsorsequins

CraftInstructions

1.Goonanaturewalk:Collectflowers, leaves,andsmallplantsfromyouryardor garden.Choosecolorfulpetalsand interestingleafshapes.

2.Planyourfairydesign:Placethe flowersandleavesonthepaperfirsttosee howthefairydress,wings,orhairwilllook.

3.Drawthefairy:UsetheSharpieto drawafairyhead,arms,legs,andfacial featuresaroundthenaturalmaterials.

a.Flowerscanbecomedresses

b.Leavescanbecomewingsorskirts

c.Smallpetalscanbecomecrownsor shoes

d.Gluethenaturalpieces:Attach flowersandleavesusingwhiteglueor double-sidedtape.Tapeworkswellforflat

leaves,Glueworksbetterforthickerflowers

4.Adddetails:Drawextradecorations likestars,butterflies,orpatterns.Youcan alsoaddglitterorstickers.

5.Letitdry:Leavethecraftflatfor severalminutesuntileverythingsticks properly

6.Displayyourfairyart:Hangitona wall,placeitinaframe,oruseitasa greetingcard.

Tips

Pressflowersinabookfirstifyouwant flatterdesigns.

Cardstockworksbestbecauseitis sturdier

Everyfairycanlookdifferent,sobe creative.

(byUncleRoy)

IknowIfeelnicewhensomeonegivesmesomething, Andwhenothershelpmeinsomeway; Iknowitfeelsgoodwhenpeoplesmileatme, Andtellmewordsthatmakemefeelgay

ThismeansthatIshouldalsotry TodothesameforotherswhatIcan, Ishouldnotonlyseektogetformyself, Butdomybesttohelpeveryone.

FirstImustobeymyparentsathome, Andtrytokeepbrothersandsistershappy, NextdowhatIcanformyfriends, Andthenseekwaystohelpanybody

ThegreatthingisthatwhenItry Tohelpothersandmakethemfeelthebest, IfindthatImyselfgainsomuch Thatitmakesmefeelthegreatest.

TEEN TIME

Remember that we all need to develop a Sense of Belonging to feel a part of the various areas in which we live and interact

These are some clear steps which one needs to take to foster thisall-importantfeeling:-

1.Setclearrulesandprovidea structure for the way in which the home, school, work-place or communityfunctions.

Whenpeoplearebroughtupin anenvironmentwheretheyarewell aware of the limits and behave under these terms, they feel better about themselves. Stress is also reduced when their rights and responsibilitiesaremadeclear We mustalsorememberthatpeopleare more likely to follow rules when they have a say in making them. Think of the rules which can be adoptedinyourownhometomake everyone feel more secure in any environment in which you live and participate,andmakeanefforttohave asayinmakingthem.

personalresponsibility

The manner in which rules are enforced also affects people's sense of security

actions on what is right and fair

5 Persons must accept socialresponsibilityinplaying their part in organising a productive and orderly community

It would be useful if you wouldtakesometimetothink ofthewaysinwhichyoucould contribute to the welfare of those in your community, by yourself and together with p

communityleaders.

6.Trytogetridofthefears which you may be secretly harbouring, and which tend to keep you from acting in a sociallyresponsiblemanner

Family First

by Uncle Roy (from his book “Shape Up Your Personality”)

Whileeachpersonlivingonthisearth Owessomecommitmenttoallhumanity, Itremainsanindividual'sforemostobligation Togiveprioritytohisownfamily

Sothatallmembersfulfillthissacredduty, Eachneedhaverespect,trustandpatience, Beingalsoopen-minded,lovingandkind, Willingtoappreciatewhatothersexperience.

2 Enforce rules fairly and consistently

When there is no bias or wrong judgement in enforcing the rules, then thereisorder. Itwouldbeagoodthing, then if you point this out to your parents, teachers, and any other in authority, to give you this opportunity the next time rules are to be made. Of course,youhavetodosoinarespectful manner, and not make any harsh demands on those who are ultimately responsibleforyoursecurity

3. Preserve self-respect and build

They should be treated as responsiblepersons,andtheywillreact in like manner Correction must be effected in such a way that people are notputtoshame,andwillberespected justthesame.

4. Act in ways that foster trust in thoseinauthority

Try to maintain a sense of trust in your parents, teachers, and others on whom you depend. This feeling enables you to behave without fear or anxiety. Rely on them to act in a consistent manner, and to base their

Someofthesefearswouldbereal, butmanytimespeopledevelopfearsof things which may not exist, or which maybeexaggerated. Youwillneedto search your mind and examine these fears and make efforts to get rid of them. Thethingsthatfrightenusmay exist at school, at home, with other people,involvingplacesandtasks,and evensomeeventsinwhichyouhaveto playapart. Thewaytodealwithallfearsisto consciouslyexaminethemwithaview todealingwiththemeitherbyyourself, if you feel confident to do so, or by invoking the help of qualified persons tohelpinthisprocess.

Theymusttogetherstrivetocreateacommunityofsupport, Inallaspectsoftheirdevelopment, Eachbeingsensitivetowhattheothersfeelandneed, Providingfortheirspecialflawsaswellastalents. Theyshouldhavefun,eatandpraytogether, Loveoneanotherandexpressthisregularly, Celebratethesignificantoccasionseachholddear, Buildingmemoriestosustainthemthroughdifficulty

Theywillneedtosharetheresponsibilities Inbuildingahomeofsolaceandhappiness, Neverhesitatingtogotheextramile, Inmakingupforanymember'sweakness.

Relationshipsmusttakealeadingplace Inallaspectsofourfamilyaffairs, Ensuringwenurtureandmaintainourbonds, Creatingaharmonioushavenagainstallfears.

Mostimperativeistheneedforformationofgoals, Bothforeachandthewhole, Planningtogetherfortheshortandlongterm, Workingtogethertoachievetheseforall. family experience. the

Make a sincere effort to follow this week's rules, and you will benefit tremendously. tremendously

“All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.”

Abraham Lincoln

Guyanese medical student, KellyAnetta Hyles

Guyanesemedicalstudent and nonprofit founder, Kelly AnettaHyleshasbeennamed among recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust's 100 Young Leaders Award, a recognition she says comes from her commitment to helping Guyanese better access education and healthcareservices.

Hyles, born and raised at Vryheid's Lust, East Coast Demerara (ECD) shared that the award recognised her work through Gears for Success, the non-profit organisation she founded in

Hyles with her mother, mother Anetta Sealey, following her graduation from Harvard University.

Guyanese youth advocate named among recipients of Commonwealth Young Leaders Award - recognised for service in education and healthcare

totheeducationspaceherein particular,” Hyles said in an interview with this publication. She credited her mentors like Asafa George and Linden Morrison for encouraging her work in public service and youth development.

She explained that the inspiration for Gears for Success came about during her time as a mentor at the Harvard Ed Portal in the UnitedStates,whereshe saw firsthand the educational resources available to students there and wanted Guyanese children to benefit

2017 to improve educational access for children across Guyana.

The Queen Elizabeth II

Commonwealth Trust (QECT) established the 100 Young Leaders Awards to commemorate what would have been Queen Elizabeth II's100thbirthday,honouring young leaders across the Commonwealth for contributions in education, health, the environment, inclusion and other fields. “I think it is a representation of mydedicationtoGuyanaand

from the same. So she began by consulting teachers and administrators at her former school, Vryheid's Lust Primary School, to better understandtheirneeds.

The organisation initially focused on providing mathematics supplies and establishing a library at the school before expanding into science summer camps and STEM-focused initiatives, and Hyles is now preparing for a national STEM fair called “Gears Innovation (Continuedonpage40)

National Independence

TheNationalIndependenceVisual Arts Exhibition at Castellani House markedtheofficialopeningonFriday evening. It features the work of more than 54 artists, the exhibition celebrates Guyana's rich creativity, culture, and artistic talent as part of Guyana's 60th Independence DiamondJubileecelebrations.

Speaking at the event, Minister within the Ministry of Culture,Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs highlighted the significance of the exhibition as part of the nation's Independence celebrations and also spoke on the importance of Guyana's growing orange economy, emphasising the value of investing in the country's creative industries and the role artists and creatives play in national development.

He noted that the exhibition beautifully highlights the creativity, talent, and cultural expression of our localartistsaswecontinuecelebrating Guyana's rich artistic heritage during

participatingartistsandorganisersfor

Visual Arts Exhibition opens at Castellani House

an inspiring showcase of national pridethroughvisualart.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson, who spoke about the ongoing renovations and enhancements to Castellani House, including the development of the garden space designed to inspire artistsandcreativestodraw,paint,and createoutdoors.

Minister Ramson also revealed plans for more murals to be

established across Georgetown and other regions throughout Guyana to further showcase and celebrate Guyanese artistry, an initiative supportedbyPresidentIrfaanAli.

He further underscored the importance of art and creativity in telling Guyana's story and history, while reaffirming the Ministry's commitmenttocontinuinginvestment inartistsandcreativesacrossGuyana.

The exhibitionwill run from May 15toJune12from9:00amto5:00pm daily under the theme “The IndependentArtist.”

‘Chozen Dancers’to showcase talent at Guyana’s

‘Diamond Jubilee’ Folk Festival in New York

Localdancersattachedto Chozen Academy of Dance will get the opportunity to showcase their talent and passionfortheartformatthe upcoming annual Guyana Folk Festival slated to take place onAugust 30,2026 to September 6, 2026 in New York.

The Guyana Folk Festival is being held under the theme “roots, rhythm, harmony”, celebrating Guyana's Diamond Jubilee intheUnitedStates.

Jadiamond Johnson, CEO and co-director of Chozen Academy of Dance sharedthat12dancersforthe young dance troupe were selectedtorepresentGuyana in the U.S. She said that it was an honour to be among those selected since the academy was only formed a

yearago. Johnson said that what began as a small group of dancers with a shared love for movement has grown into a family united by discipline, creativity, purposeandGod.

S h e s a i d , “ T h e inspiration came from a desiretocreateopportunities for young dancers and to showcase the richness of Guyanese talent. From the beginning, faith has played an important role in our journey, and we continue to trust God as we grow and stepintonewopportunities.”

The dance instructor noted, “Although our group is still very young, we officiallyturnedoneyearold on March 31, 2026 and we h a v e a l r e a d y s e e n tremendous growth in talent

and discipline In a short time, the dancers have developed stronger technique and greater commitment.Ourvisionhas also expanded beyond local p e r f o r m a n c e s t o international opportunities

The group includes dancers from ages 3 and up, creating a beautiful mix of youthful energy and

‘Big Smith'

Longtime journalist, Leroy Smith from the Big Smith News Watch media outlet is trying his hand in the food industry, officially launchingSoupNTingslastFriday atthefoodcourtalongtheSeawall Bandstand in Kingston,

ofhisbestfriend,Neville,whoisa chef.

The business, which will only be open during weekdays for now (from 10 am to 8 pm), offers soup andbroth(GuyaneseCreole'braff') along with natural drinks like cane juice,fruitjuiceandcoconutwater

Georgetown.Smith,40,ofEnmore, East Coast Demerara, had always thought of getting into the food business but was always trying to figureoutwhichwouldbetheright spot for him. In an interview with The Waterfalls, he shared that his interestinpartcameaboutbecause

HeadingwestfromCampStreet,it isthefirststallalongthefoodcourt. Assmallasthespacemaylook,he said it cost him roughly $4 5 milliontogettheoperationgoing.

Reflecting on his efforts to launchthebusiness,Smithrecalled that he initially thought of selling

Dancers from ChozenAcademy of Dance after their performance at Guyana's Festival 2026

growingmaturity.”

Jadiamond Johnson, her mother Natasha are co-directors of ChozenAcademy of Dance

Chozen Academy of Dancespecialisesinafusion of contemporary, modern, cultural, praise dance and interpretive dance. “Our unique identity lies in s t o r y t e l l i n g . O u r choreography blends emotion, culture, and strong

visualstaging.”

With her as co-director mother Natasha Johnson, Jadiamond keeps culture at t h e h e a r t o f t h e choreography.

S h e s a i d , “ w e intentionally incorporate Guyanesemusic,themesand colours that reflect our

identity It's important to us that whenever we perform, audiences can see and feel a pieceofGuyana.”

Reflecting on the moment, she realised that Chozen was selected to attend the Guyana Folk Festival, the dancer said, “It was an exciting and unexpected moment for us, andweimmediatelysawitas achancetorepresentGuyana and showcase our talent on aninternationalstage.”

Although plans are still in progress, the Chozen codirectorsaidtheyhavebegun preliminary rehearsals, concept development, and costumeplanning.

Johnson explained, “Danceissoremusclesafter long rehearsals, repeating the same step until it finally clicks, and showing up even (Continuedonpage41)

launches Soup N Tings at seawall food court

out of his minibus but that persons advised him against this and urged him to find a spot. When plans didn't work out for a space he pursued in Enmore, he decided to call First Lady Arya Ali for assistance in getting a caravan.

“SheaskedwhatIneededitforand saidtherewasaspotontheseawall that I can apply for and they will considerit.So,Iappliedandgotit,” heshared.

Further,theclosureof Stabroek News earlier this year reminded him that he had to work harder at keeping his media house open “One of the reasons that really pushedmetoworkonitin2026is the closure of Stabroek News I haveamediahouseandwestruggle togetadvertisements.Wehaveads

which were cut from us, we have agencies that call to say they no longer advertising,” he reflected.

Adding “I don't want to close my media house. I employed seven youngpeoplewithme,soIdecided togetintoanotherformofbusiness tosupportmymediahousebecause Iwanttobeabletostillbringnews topeople.”

Smith said he will never opt to close his media house, even if he gets into a tight spot and has to continue it on his own He is optimisticthathisnewventurewill work out and help to support him further

“Iamapusherandafighter IfI wantsomething,IhavetogetwhatI want.IfIputmymindtoit,Ihaveto getit,”heexpressed,adding,“Iam

very happy, satisfied; feel very accomplishedandamnowlooking to see what other areas I can get into.

Once this is able to operate independently of me having to be here every day, I am moving on to somethingelse.”

Smith is advising other young people to identify ideas that are practical, workable, and easy to develop, noting that there are individuals who genuinely want to see youths succeed and are willing to offer support when approached withgoodideas.

However, he said that young people must also be able to effectively present and market themselvesandtheirideasinorder togainthatsupport.

Asthepageantseasonfastlyapproaches,Miss,

MrsTeenIndiaGuyanaFranchiseisthrilled tointroducethedelegatesofthe2026class.

Age:19

Academic Pursuit: Associates of Science in Pre-Medical Sciences

Favourite Quote: "Keep your head up, chin up, keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about,” Marilyn Monroe

Age: 20

Academic Pursuit: Education

Favourite Quote: "Be the change you wish to see in the world"Mahatma Gandhi

Aseriesofgreateventswillbeexecutedcommencing 21st June, 2nd August and concluding on 8th August where three beautiful women will emerge winners and

Miss Delegates

Age: 20 years

Academic Pursuit: Major in Civil Engineer

Favourite Quote: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Age: 19

Academic Pursuit: Bachelor of Law

Favourite Quote: “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill

Age: 23

Academic Pursuit: Law

Favourite Quote: “You don't make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.” — Shirley Chisholm

Age: 27

Academic Pursuit: Business Management.

Favourite Quote: “True leadership isn't about winning; it's about using your platform to make a difference and inspire change.” Simon Sinek

willrepresentGuyanaattheMiss,Mrs.,andTeenIndia Worldwide 2026 pageant this October in Trinidad & Tobago.

Age: 20 Years

Academic Pursuit: Engineering / Entrepreneurship

Favourite Quote: “Never Lose Hope, Just When You Think It's Over. God Will Make a Way For You” (Isaiah 43:19)

Academic

Mrs. Delegates

Teen Delegates

Age: 20 yrs

Academic Pursuit: Phlebotomy

Favourite Quote: “Be yourself know that you are beautiful stop comparingyourselfwith othersbecausethat'swhatmakes youunique” -Harnaaz Sandhu

2026

Age: 32 years.

Academic

Favourite

Banditsgrab$3Min workers'payafterbeating ofceadministratorwithgun

Two bandits on Friday reportedly beat an office administrator employed with Nabi Construction Inc and grabbed some $3 million dollars in cash that he was to pay workers at one of the company's worksites located at Prospect, East Bank Demerara(EBD).

The bandits also grabbed his Samsung Galaxy S24 cellular phone and an additional $100,000 from anotheremployee.

Police said the armed robbery took place around 15:15hrs at the Prospect SecondarySchoolCompound and described the suspects as menofAfricandescentcladin blackjumpsuits.

Onewasmaskedwhilethe other was not and both of them, according to police werearmedwithhandguns.

The Office Administrator told police that he was in one of Nabi Construction Inc.'s container offices paying construction workers when themenattacked.

Whentherewere16more envelopes to hand out, the colleague reportedly left the office while the office administratorremained.

The two bandits then walked to the office and held him at gunpoint They instructed him not to move before he lashed him in his head with a handgun. He fell to the ground and was reportedly kicked about his bodyashelayontheground.

The bandits grabbed the moneyfromthe16envelopes that remained and stole his cellphone The colleague reported that he was robbed too by the bandits while standinginthecompound.

He said the armed men removed $100,000 from his pocket.

Police learnt that the bandits escaped on a Honda XR motorcycle without a numberplate.

Investigations are ongoing.

He was handed cash by another employee who bandits also robbed while theyweremakingtheirescape and both of them began the payment process by placing monies into individual envelopes.

GWI to build two new offices in Region 8

The Guyana Water Inc. is currently seeking contractors to build two new regional officesthataretobelocatedin Mahdia and Paramakatoi in RegionEight.

Accordingtoaninvitation forbidsissuedbytheagency, bids are expected to open at theNationalProcurementand TenderAdministration Board (NPTAB) office on May 21, 2026.

The government has allocated a sum of $21 6 billiontothewatersector,part of which will be used to finance the two office projects Kaieteur News understands that upon completion of the offices, GWI would be in a better position to connect with its customers across the region thereby improving customer service and improved water infrastructure resulting in a morereliablesupplyofwater Backin2021,atthesiteof the construction of the $23 million GWI Lethem office, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal had mentioned that moves to construct these offices form part of a bigger plan to

consolidate the offices that fall under the purview of the Ministry

“As you're aware, GWI has a number of regional offices for which we're renting…sointhelongtermit is intended for us to have permanent regional offices and so we'll have savings in ouroperationalcostbutmore importantly, the staff will be comfortable,” he said at the time.

The constructing of regional offices also forms partofGWI'spushtoachieve 100 percent water coverage across the hinterland communities Some of the areasGWImovedtoestablish offices include Lethem in Region Nine, and Mabaruma inRegionOne.

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Pres.AliSalutesJointServicesat60thAnniversary...

From page 12 stand the test of time and for the past 60 years. This purpose is service. Purpose to serve. Purpose to protect. Purpose to help. Purpose to lead. Purpose to cherish and to realize the dreams of our people.

One clerk for TSI Eccles office English 1, Maths 2 call 615-9132oremailapplication totechserigy@gmail.com

Driver must be able to assist inworkshopatEccles,age2350,Car/Vanlicence.Call6159132.

Maid for East Bank area call 615-9132.

One(1)Plumbercall:615-9132

Construction company seeks JuniorAccountsClerk,Maths & English required, Bel Air Village,email:latchmiekumar @amcomguyana.com or whatsapp:758-4277

AilialAggregates Inc Vacancy forAssistantSecretary, Drivers, Chef, Managerapplyviaemail: Ailialaggreates@outlook.com

General Domestic (4 day work) & experiened handyman, apply at Keyfood Trading,McDoomnexttothepost office.

Now Hiring: accounts clerk, secretary, project manger, construction workers, and truckdrivers.Call652-3538/ Whatsapp+1917-935-9210.

Land for sale near Hogg Island Stelling 100 Acres, ideal for crops & vegetables. Call:227-1813

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The ambition of a nation and the pride of our country Our Independence Route March this morning is a demonstration of this purpose. And I thank all of you for demonstrating this purpose through your presence here this morning.”

BrigadierKhannotedthat the Independence Route March was a perfect demonstration of this purpose, seamlessly integrating the past, present, and future, directly asking, “What more can it be when wehavethepast,thepresent, and the future integrated in purpose and service? This is purpose. This is purpose to serve. This is purpose to protect. And this is purpose tohelpandtolead.AndIwant to thank all of you for demonstrating this service

this morning.” He extended his specific gratitude to each faction of the security forces, stating, “From the fireman and the woman who steps out every day prepared to save lives and property. I thank you for your service. To the prison officer overseeing the rehabilitation process of inmates and ensuring their successful integration back into our society Thank you foryourservice.Tothepolice officer waking up every day to ensure a safe and secure environment is maintained. I thankyouforyourservice.To our soldiers standing guard securingourbordersall83,000 square miles. Thank you for your service.To our veterans who serve, I thank you for your service.”

Addressing the youth, he said, “you have embarked on a rewarding journey of service. The path you have taken will allow you to be all thatyoucan.Andwearehere to guide you. All of us here are with purpose. A purpose of service. And I thank you for saving.

The people of Guyana deserve no less. Your commitment,yourdedication to service and to serve the people of Guyana. It’s remarkable. Significant. And it’s one of our corner pillars of our professionalism to serve our country. Happy 60th Independence Anniversary Wewillbecelebratinginafew days’ time. May God continue to bless you, your families,ourpeople,andour nation.”

Reflectingontheopening of the Guyana Festival 2026 the previous evening, which was launched by the Commander-in-Chief to usherintheDiamondJubilee celebrationsunderthetheme “Sound, Soul, and Taste,” Brigadier Khan concluded that this motif applies perfectly to the security forces.

He assured the President of their unwavering devotion, closing his presentationbystating,“Just last evening, our commanding chief at the opening of the Guyana

Festival2026tousherinour 60th Independence Anniversary celebration reflected on our country’s past, present, and the future wearebuilding.Ofparticular interest, the festival was launched under the theme Sound, Soul, and Taste. I have concluded this theme isnotuniquetoservice.And commanding chief, all of us in uniform, across the joint services, the young cadets, the scouts, the ambulance brigade, we will continue to sound the alarm of service, be our souls of service, and encourage everyone to indulge in a taste of service. Commanding chief, it is an honour to welcome you to address the troops of this 60th Independence Route March for real. I thank you. Thank you very much.”

Accompanied by their respective martial bands, a steel pan orchestra, and mounted soldiers, the proud troupes marched onward, setting a disciplined and unified tone for the upcoming independence anniversary celebrations.

Guyaneseyouthadvocatenamedamongrecipients...

From page 35 Week,” which is expected to bring together students from acrossGuyanalaterthisyear Shesaidtheinitiativeaimsto expose more students, particularly those in rural communities, to opportunitiesinSTEM.

In addition to her nonprofitwork,Hylesiscurrently pursuing both a Doctor of Medicine and Master of Business Administration degreeatStanfordUniversity and is expected to complete theMBAprogrammeinJune before applying for a general surgery residency. She shared that combining medicine with business studies was a deliberate decision that stems from her

interest in healthcare equity and expanding access to specialised surgical services for vulnerable populations.

“Having those business skills means I can think outside of the operating room,” she explained, noting that her work in healthcare policy also extends to Guyana.

Before entering Stanford Medicine, she returned to Guyana through the Richardson Postgraduate Public Service Fellowship programme, where she worked with the Ministry of Health and the 5G Dialysis Centreonexpandingdialysis access.

Herworkherecontributed to the development and

GuyanaFestivallaunched...

From page 24 clear your memory, but to erasethepainandpencilback to the future,” he said, declaring, “Let One Guyana notbeadreamdeferred,buta workinprogress.Love,unity, faith, hope – let those be the words that take us forward.”

And with those words, he formallydeclaredtheGuyana Festival2026open.

Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce,SusanRodrigues, credited the revival and concept of the festival to the visionofPresidentAli.

It was first introduced in 2014 when he was the then MinisterofTourism,Industry andCommerce.

She explained that it was aimed at showcasing the best of Guyana while also positioning the country as a

leading cultural and tourism destination within the Caribbeanandwiderregion.

Minister Rodrigues declared, “This is more than a festival. This is a national statement. A declaration that Guyanaisproudofitspeople, its culture, and its identity and at the centre of this initiativeisaveryclearmessage to Guyanese everywhere. Guyanaistransforming,”

The event continues on Saturday with a Culture and Food Extravaganza Showcase, and closes on Sunday, May 17, with a National Cookout Competition and the One Guyana Concert featuring contemporary local artistes.

implementationofarecurring dialysis subsidy programme aimed at assisting vulnerable patients.

“What makes me most proud is that it is not a onetime grant,” she said. “It is a recurring subsidy, which means it continues to affect the lives of people from vulnerable populations long after I was involved.”

Hyles reflected that her original plan after being acceptedtoHarvardadecade ago was to complete undergraduate studies, attend medical school immediately and become a surgeon. However, she said life experiences, travel and exposure to different healthcaresystemstaughther the value of flexibility and growth.“Themoreexperience I have had, the more I travelled and saw different

healthcare systems, the more Iunderstoodtheintricaciesof healthcare,” she said.

At Harvard, she studied Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology with a secondary concentration in Ethnicity, Migration and Rights, and became heavily involved in the Harvard Caribbean Club, eventually serving as president and organisinginitiativesaimedat celebratingCaribbeanculture and representation.

Hyles credited mentors and institutional support for helpingherpursueambitious goals,includinginternational public health work in Zimbabweandpublicservice fellowships in Guyana. “What I have learned is that there is always someone willing to help, and there is always a way to fund the vision,” she expressed.

Tickets are priced at $1,000 for adults. Children under 12 are admitted free. (Modified from DPI) GDF marks 50 years of...

From page 23

Force, just ten years old, had assumed the moniker, the ‘People’sArmy’; a Force searching for an identity as it grew and prepared to meet its mandate to defend the sovereignty andterritorialintegrityofGuyana.

Thiswasthatmomentintimewhenninewomenandfiftyseven men stepped forward and marched into history. Some notablealumniofGDF OfficerCadetCourseNumberSixare: Retired Justice Brassington Reynolds MSM, Colonel LawrencePaulMSM(Deceased),FormerDeputyChiefofStaff GDF,ColonelLindonRossMSM(Deceased),FormerDeputy Director of Culture, Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports, Major Derrick Lawrence AA, Former Director - Corps of Wardens,MinistryofNaturalResources,Lt.ColYvonneSmith, FormerConfidentialSecretaryto(SandraGranger)FirstLady of Guyana; Capt. Ovid Walton (Deceased), Former Regional ChairmanUpperDemerara–Berbice;VerianMentis–BarkerAuthor, Blogger (xpressblogg.com); Mark Anthony Archer AA,Author,FormerDirectorofCommunicationsMinistryof the Presidency, Patrick Stephens Former Vice President Orphans International Guyana, Member Board of Governors BrickdamSecondarySchool,MajorDr.MeerKhan-Dentist.

Beyond Stratospheric...

Frompage8 trillionbytheendof2025.

Just to digress Our government says it will not orderring-fencingbecauseit wants to encourage the oil companiestore-invest.How littletheyknow!

Every other taxpayer in Guyana is subject to withholding or remittance taxes on profits transferred abroad, including deemed branch profits remitted to overseas parents Exxon, Hess and CNOOC are exempt under the 2016 PetroleumAgreement.

Put a number to it. Had withholdingtaxes appliedto the actual and deemed remittances, Guyana would h a v e c o l l e c t e d approximately GY$409 billion.

Instead, Guyanese taxpayers are effectively subsidising one of the most profitable oil operations in the world while some of the world’s most successful companies enjoy a virtually tax-free pipeline for exporting billions abroad to theworld’slargesteconomy

More outrageously still, these companies pay no corporation tax in Guyana, yet receive certificates declaring that taxes were paid on their behalf by the Government of Guyanacertificates they can then present in their home jurisdictions to avoid taxation there as well. It is a legalfictionsoabsurdthatit bordersonfraud.

Comparisonwith Guyana’sNatural ResourceFund

The scale of Hess’ earningsbecomesevenmore startling when compared with Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund (NRF). In 2025, the Fund recorded profitoilinflowsofG$451.2

billion, royalties of G$68.9 billion and G$3.1 billion from the signature bonus. Sinceinception,theNRFhas accumulated approximately G$1.579 trillion from profit oil, G$232.9 billion from royalties and G$3.1 billion fromthesignaturebonus,for total inflows of roughly G$1.815trillion.

This means that Hess Guyana’s accumulated surplus alone - GY$1.741 trillion-isnowalmostequal to the total petroleum revenues Guyana has received through the NRF since oil production began. Put differently, the retained profitsofasingleforeignoil company are approaching theentiresumdepositedinto Guyana’s sovereign wealth fund.

The comparison is even more striking because Hess holds only a 30% interest in the Stabroek Block ExxonMobil holds 45% and CNOOC 25%, meaning the consortium’s combined earnings are vastly larger Unfortunately, the accounting disclosures, unresolved audit issues and opaque financial reporting surrounding the other companies make any simple extrapolationrisky

AComparisonThat ShouldEnrageGuyanese And here is another comparison that should makeeveryGuyaneseseethe with anger. Guyana’s entire 2026 national budget is $1.558 trillion, yet Hess’s accumulatedprofitsfromthe Stabroek Block now exceed the State’s total annual budget and are almost four times the Guyana Revenue Authority’s projected tax collectionsfor2026.

Only months ago, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh boasted about

presenting the “largest Budget ever ” Yet the retained profits of a single foreign oil company operating in Guyana now exceed the amount the Government proposes to spend on the entire country inayear

This is the real meaning of President Irfaan Ali’s obsession with “sanctity of contract” - political servitude disguised as policy While Exxon, Hess and CNOOC reap profits larger than Guyana’s national budget, the Presidentdefendsacontract so lopsided that no leader genuinely committed to his peoplecouldjustifyit

The parallels with the firstwaveof“discovery”are chilling Then, foreign adventurers arrived with shiny beads, disease, and promises of prosperity, only to carry away gold and wealth while the natives remainedpoor,dependentor dead,andreceivedtrinkets.

Today, the caravels have become FPSOs, the crowns have become corporate logos, and the conquest is wrapped in productionsharing agreements instead of royal decrees. But the outcome is hauntingly familiar: Guyana’s wealth flowing outward while its leaders act as overseers for foreignextraction.

The result is a humiliating national reality: oneforeignoilcompanycan accumulate more wealth from Guyana’s oil than the Government of Guyana can spend on the entire country in a year - and the President stillcallsthissuccess.

Part 2 of this column willbepublishedsoon.

This column first appeared on chrisram.net and is reproduced with the kindcourtesyoftheauthor

‘Chozen Dancers’to showcase talent...

Frompage37

when you’re tired It’s the nerves before steppingonstageandthereliefwhenthemusic starts It’slaughingthroughmistakes,pushing eachothertobebetter,andfindingconfidence youdidn’tknowyouhad”

At present, she said, the group is actively reaching to sponsors and supporters to help maketheopportunitypossibleforthedancers

“Our biggest support has been our teamLatevia Williams, Vanessa Bowman, Elijah AdamsonandCharlesGreaves,alongwithour families and mentors Their encouragement, belief, and sacrifices have made this journey

possible. Having people who genuinely believe in your vision keeps you grounded andmotivated.”

Askedwhatshehopeswillbeaccomplished from the experience, Johnson stated that she hopes Chozen can show diaspora and internationalaudiencethatdancersfromGuyana cancompeteandperformoninternationalstages withexcellence

“This experience can inspire younger dancers to dream bigger and encourage more investmentintheartslocally It’saboutopening doors and proving that our culture and talent deserveglobalrecognition,”shesaid

Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Launches

“Guyana at 60” Independence Exhibition at Red House

The Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (CJRC) officially opened its doors today for the “Guyana at 60: Independence Exhibition,” a Diamond Jubilee event dedicated to chronicling the nation’s sixtyyear journey from colonial rule to sovereign republic.

The launch held on Thursday evening at the historic ‘Red House,’ featured stirring reflections on the struggles of the past and a call for national healing and unity The opening ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, highlighting the international significance of Guyana’s independence milestone.

In attendance were ChineseAmbassador to Guyana, H.E. Yang Yang, and Deputy ChiefofMission,HuangRui,bothofwhom expressedtheirsupportfortheexhibitionand thepreservationofGuyana’srichhistory The event also gathered relatives of Dr Cheddi and Janet Jagan in attendance to honour the enduring legacy of the nation’s founding leaders.

They were joined by stakeholders, reflectingtheexhibition’sprimarymissionto serve as a pedagogical resource for the next generation of Guyanese.Aprimary focus of the exhibition is the “Long Road to Independence,” providing a deep dive into the specific events and political milestones thatdefinedthedecadespreceding1966.

Visitors will explore detailed archival

accountsofthe1940sand50s,includingthe formationofthePoliticalAffairsCommittee (PAC)andthesubsequentriseofthePeople’s Progressive Party (PPP) as a mass movement The display offers specific insights into the 1953 suspension of the constitution and the turbulent 1960s, documenting the international and local pressures that shaped the final push for sovereignty

Central to the realisation of this project was the curatorial expertise of Amrita Naraine, a specialist in Data Science andAI for Creative Industries and the founder of ArtellicaAI.

Theformalproceedingswereinitiatedby Mr Hydar Ally, Chairman of the Cheddi JaganResearchCentre,whoemphasisedthe importance of institutions like the CJRC in maintaining a factual record of the nation’s progress. He then invited Mrs. Indranie Chandarpal, Administrator of the Women’s Progressive Organisation, and former President Donald Ramotar to the podium to sharetheirreflectionsonthearduousjourney towardGuyanesesovereignty

Mrs.IndranieChandarpalreflectedonthe exhibition as a tool for national reconciliation. “There comes a time when people understand that we have to keep fighting for what we believe in. We have to heal and work together as one. In 1957, we talked about One People, One Nation, One

Destiny and now, our President is talking about‘OneGuyana.’

“Thatiswhatwehavetofocuson—our independence,whichcameasaresultofalot ofstrugglesandheartbreaks.”

Former President Donald Ramotar, in delivering the featured address, provided historical context framing the 1966 achievementasacontinuationofcenturiesof resistance.

“The winning of Independence in 1966 wasthecontinuationofalongstruggleinour country,”Mr Ramotarremarked.

HetracedtherootsofGuyanesefreedom back to the 1763 Uprising, noting its global significance alongside the Haitian Revolution. Ramotar also addressed the

historical efforts to use race as a weapon to divide the movement, a challenge he noted thenationisstillworkingtoovercomeinthe spiritoftheunityuponwhichthemovement wasfounded.

The exhibition is free to the public and runsuntilMay29,2026,atthe‘RedHouse,’ Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, Kingston, Georgetown. The doors are open Monday throughFridayfrom9:30AMto3:00PM.In his closing remarks, Mr Hydar Ally, Chairman of the CJRC, encouraged all members of the public to attend, noting that the archival films, doctoral theses, and rare photographsondisplayareindispensablefor understandingGuyana’spost-warsocialand politicaldevelopment.

- 2025 financials reveal Hess earns US$3B from 12.5% Stabroek Block stake as Guyana 50% share brings in US$2.5B

…will negotiate only if it is serious - Araqchi says Iran has ‘no trust’ in U.S.

Iran's Foreign Minister AbbasAraqchi attends a press conference at the Iranian embassy in New Delhi, India, May 15, 2026. REUTERS/AdnanAbidi

Guyanese left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie will start out for the Barbados Tridents this season (Getty Images)

Motie thanks Guyana Amazon Warriors team, fans ahead of new journey

Left-arm spinner and as of now former Guyana Amazon Warriors, spinner Gudakesh Motie sent heartfelt thanks to his old franchise after being recently drafted to the Barbados Tridentsforthe2026RepublicBankCaribbean PremierLeague(CPL).

Motiewasoneoffewplayerstofindanew homeaheadofthestarttothisseason,shaking uptheatmosphereasthefranchisewillfeature new teammates, partnerships and possibly history;couldembodySummer’sbiggestparty

During a social media post, the Guyanese sent his thanks and love to fans, his old teammates and franchise while signalling his intentionsforthisseason

A key cog in the Warriors make-up for a numberofyearsandoneoftheirfront-linestrike

bowlers who played his role during their title reignafewseasonsago,laudedhistimewiththe local franchise further thanking them for makinghimapartofthefamily

“Firstly I want to thank the Amazon Warriorsorganisationforbackingmeatthestart of my CPL journey and for the memories and experiences over the years” Said the West Indiesplayer

AformerWestIndiesU-19spinnerandone ofthemorebelovedplayersacrossalllevelsbut especiallywithinthelocalfraternity,theHarpy Eagles star sent a heartfelt message to his fans aheadofhisdeparture

“AspecialthankyouaswelltotheAmazon Warriors fans for their continued love and support, throughout my journey I love you guys”.

Speakingonhisnewchapter,Motiesaidhis goalsremainthesame,asheplanstobringthe same intensity when he appears for his new team

“BeingdraftedbytheBarbadosfranchiseis anewchapterinmycareerandI’mexcitedfor the challenge ahead My focus remains on contributing in every way possible, while continuingtogrowasaplayerandhelpingthe teamcompeteforatitle”.

The spinner concluded by saying he was eager to meet his new teammates while embracing the culture of his new team “I’m lookingforwardtomeetingtheplayers,staffand fans and giving my best throughout the tournament” (CliftonRoss)

Guyana/T&T chase history as...

Sunday May 17, 2026

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Today is all about communication, and your ease with words should help you to make the most of it! Now is the time to let people know just where they stand withyou.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You worry about that one friend a little. They're acting kind of strangely But take a second look, because it maybeyouwho'soutofsorts today Try to take it easy for now

GEMINI(May21–June20)

You've got plenty going on today,butnottoomuch!It'sa good idea for you to step up and take care of the big, important stuff first, because youknowyou'llgettothefun stuffeventually

CANCER(June21–July22)

Youtakeyourresponsibilities seriously,andtodaybringsat leastonenewoneyourway It could be that you've got to have a serious talk with a family member or maybe worklaterthanyouwantto.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

You'refeelingquiteimpressed with someone new today, so make sure that you're turning that energy around and impressing them right back! You're more than up to the task,sogoforit!

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Yourmentalenergyissharper thanusualtoday,somakethe most of it! You can reason through things more quickly than usual, and that could meanthatyou'reaheadofthe packbytheendoftheday

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

You see both sides of everything, which sometimes carries a cost, but not today! Your energy is just right for makingsurethatpeopleareon your side, so say yes to as muchasyoucan.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

You're feeling more cautious thanusual,andyouneedtogo with that feeling, especially when it comes to work or business.Seeifyoucanplayit safefortherestoftheday

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Someonecloseisalltalkright now, so much so that you might decide that you need to grabthembythehandandtake them away with you on your adventures. That might work outforthebest!

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Today is perfect for clearing outyourdesk,closet,orto-do list. Any extra stuff needs to go!Onceyou'vetakencareof the obvious stuff, hunt down anything that seems to get in yourway

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) A deep conversation might turn into something even deeper if you're feeling theromanticurge.Letyourself fall for someone's mind They're sure to fall for yours! It'sagoodtimetoexpressyour feelings.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Don't let anyone nail you down on any specific plan today Makesurethatyou'reas flexible as possible when it comes to plans. Fortunately, most people are accepting of ambiguity

Frompage49 skipper, says his team is confident of finishing the season unbeaten with anothervictoryinthefinal.

“The guys are eager and ready;thefeelingislikelast year where the title was decided with the last game against Trinidad. However, it should be a good game, and we are finalizing our preparation despite some rain around, but the players areingoodspiritsandready forthatgame.”

Guyana boasts a formidable bowling attack, but Trinidad & Tobago Red Force have their captain JoshuaDaSilvaleadingtheir charge with the bat. He tops the tournament run chart with402runsinfiveinnings at an average of 80 40, including a double century andtwohalf-centuries

He has been well supported by Amir Jangoo, whohasscored359runs,and opener Cephas Cooper, who has made 229 runs, highlightedbyacenturyand a fifty against the Barbados Prideintheplayoffround.

All-rounder Terrance

H i n d s h a s a l s o complementedthetoporder, contributing 222 runs along with nine wickets so far in thetournament.

With the ball, Anderson Phillip has been the tournament’s leading wicket-taking pacer with 21 wickets,whileJaydenSeales has claimed 16 wickets in justthreematches.

Thedepthandversatility of the bowling attack, combined with the strong battingform,arekeyreasons why Da Silva remains confident about turning the tables and ending the Red Force’s 20-year wait for the title.

“There’s a reason Guyana has done so well in the red ball format over the

lastfewyears.Weknowthat we might be going in as the underdogs, but that’s good for us,” Da Silva explained.

“We know the strength that we have We know the calibre of players that we haveandwithAndy,Jayden, Bryan, Khary, I think the bowling attack is one force that is really the strength. We’rejust going intoit with

everything that we can, leavingitalloutonthefield, andmaythebetterteamwin overthefourdays.”

With history on the line forbothsides,Sunday’sfinal promises a high-stakes showdown between a dynastyseekingtoextendits reign and a challenger desperate to end a 20-year wait.

Int’lSOSreaffirmspartnershipwith DCCinUniformsponsorshipdrive

Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) has received a significant boost ahead of the upcoming domestic season, as longstanding corporate partner International SOS Guyana renewed its commitment to theclubwithatimelydonationofuniforms forbothitsfirstandseconddivisionteams.

The presentation ceremony drew a strongturnoutofclubexecutives,players, and coaches, a reflection of just how meaningfulthispartnershiphasbecometo theDCCfamily

With a packed competitive season slowly approaching, the ability to outfit multiple divisional squads is no small matter Club members and players were unequivocal: this sponsorship is not merely symbolic, it is a practical and powerfulstatementofsupportthatwillbe feltacrosseveryleveloftheclub.

International SOS Guyana has been a trusted pillar of the Guyanese community since2018,deliveringreliablemedicaland emergency services both onshore and offshoreacrossthecountry

Theorganisation’sportfoliospansremote medical evacuation, mass casualty management, and comprehensive occupational health programmes, including; OEUK-standardassessments,return-to-work evaluations, case management, and public health support. Their clinic further offers spirometry,audiometryanddrugandalcohol testingalongsideprimaryandspecialistcare, cementingtheirreputationasoneofthebestroundedhealthserviceprovidersoperatingin Guyanatoday

Guidedbyrespect,expertise,andpassion, International SOS has long distinguished itself through a philosophy of global reach with a personal touch, always placing the

International SOS representative, Tiffany Roberts, presents Demerara CC coach, Renole Bourne with a club jersey. In the back ground: DCC President, Lawrence Smith (centre), 1st VPJamal Hinckson (right) and 2nd VP, Roger Harper

healthandwellbeingofpeopleatthecentreof everythingitdoes.

That people-first ethos now extends beyond the clinic and into the community, with DCC standing as the latest and most prominent beneficiary of the company’s ongoinguniformdrive.

This renewed alliance between International SOS and Demerara Cricket Club speaks to something larger than kit and equipment. It represents a shared belief in investinginlocaltalent,buildinginstitutional resilience,andchampioningsportasavehicle forcommunitypride.

As DCC sets its sights on another ambitiousseason,itdoessowiththebacking ofapartnerthathasconsistentlyshownup— yearafteryear—whenitmattersmost.

ArcheryGuyanadeclaresopen the2026IndoorNationalC’ships

Archery Guyana officially declared open its 2026 Indoor N a t i o n a l Championships today on May 16, 2026 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, marking what has been recorded as the largest indoor archery competition in the Federation’shistory

T h e Championships were formally opened by Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon, President of Archery Guyana, w h o w e l c o m e d athletes, officials, and supporters gathered for thenationalevent.

In her opening remarks, PersaudMcKinnon expressed delight at seeing many new faces participating alongside returning archers, noting that this balance reflects the continued growth,

development, and renewed energy within the sport of archery in G u y a n a S h e highlighted that national championships remain a special occasion, bringing together athletes, coaches, officials, parents, and supportersunitedbyashared passion for archery and a commitmenttoexcellence.

ThetournamentisofficiatedbyNationalArcheryJudges undertheleadershipofRyanMcKinnon-DirectorofShooting.

Special thanks were e x t e n d e d t o t h e CompetitionsCommitteeof Archery Guyana for their extensive preparation and coordination. Following the playing of the Guyana National Anthem, the Championships were officially declared open, with the President encouraging archers to compete with confidence, d i s c i p l i n e , a n d sportsmanship throughout thetournament.

Atotalof56participants fromaffiliatedclubsandthe Federation competed, makingthe2026editionthe largest Indoor Nationals stagedtodate.

Athlete Welfare and Sports Science Support

P r o f e s s i o n a l physiotherapist Reshonah Gordon was present during opening day and will continue throughout the Championships, providing essential medical and recoverysupporttoathletes. Thiscollaborationcontinues through the invaluable support of Vanessa Wickham, the National

SportsClinic,andDr Ariane Mangar of the Ministry of HealthGuyana.

Archery Guyana reaffirmed its commitment tointegratingsportsscience into its programmes, strengthening athlete care systems and supporting improved performance both locallyandinternationally.

Competition Officials and Technical Team

The tournament was officiated by National Archery Judges under the leadership of Ryan McKinnon, Director of S h o o t i n g , w h o s e management ensured safe, smooth, and efficient competitionoperations.Line and Target judging duties were carried out by Judges Robert Singh and Afzal Karim,whoupheldtherules, standards, and integrity of thesport.

Technical scoring operations were managed by Results Manager Saeed Karim, with verification

support provided by Anoopa Ramdial, ensuring accurate scoring and timely publication of results t h r o u g h o u t t h e Championship.

O f f i c i a l e v e n t photography is being conducted by Mr Bidesh

Dwarka and a link providing access to all photographs is available on Archery Guyana’s website

and Flickr account. Further, will be available together with live scoring on the international software Ianseo

Archery Guyana e x t e n d e d s p e c i a l appreciationtotheMinistry of Culture Youth and Sport Guyana, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, Roy MacArthur, Facility Supervisor of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, and the staff of CASH for their continued support in f a c i l i t a t i n g t h e Championships.

The Federation also conveyed sincere gratitude to Guyana Beverages Inc foritsgeneroussponsorship through the provision of Oasis Water and Altitude sports drinks, ensuring athletes remained hydrated and able to perform at their best throughout the competition.

Finals continue

The 2026 Indoor National Championships will continue on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, with competition resuming at 9:00 a.m. and the Finals scheduled to begin at 11:00 a m , concluding at approximately2:00p.m. Archery Guyana invites the public to attend and support the nation’s archers astheycompetefornational honours

Fast bowler Shamar Joseph will make his return in today’s start of the West Indies 4-Day Championships final

2026/27 West Indies 4-Day Championships…

…Imlach aiming for 3rd title as Eagles skipper Guyana/T&T chase history as storied rivalry continues

The defending champions, the Guyana Harpy Eagles, stand one win away from securing a fourth consecutive West Indies Championshiptitle,butstanding in their way are the Trinidad & TobagoRedForce,asidechasing itsfirstchampionshipin20years, asthetwoteamspreparetoclash in Sunday’s decider at the Sir VivianRichardsStadium.

The Harpy Eagles have been a dominant force in this format, winningthelastthreeeditionsof the tournament. They cruised into the season finale with three consecutive victories over the Windward Islands Volcanoes, as well as a comfortable inningsand-21-run win over the West IndiesAcademyintheleadupto thefinal.

TheHarpyEagleshavemade one change to their squad, with ShamarJosephreturninginplace ofThaddeusLovell.

Skipper Tevin Imlach going through his paces as he chases his 3rd title

FormerWestIndiesUnder-19 representative and Academy graduateMatthewNandustarred inthewinovertheAcademyside, scoringamaidendoublecentury

He also registered two halfc

tournament, taking his tally to 353runs.

Nandu’s opening partner, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, struck amatch-winningcenturyagainst the Volcanoes and has three fifties to his name, bringing his tournament total to 367 runs. Together, they have been the main catalyst at the top of the orderforthechampions.

All-rounder Jonathan Van Lange, this year’s West Indies Under-19 representative, produced an elegant century on debut against the Academy, strengthening his case for selectioninthefinal.

The spin duo of Gudakesh MotieandVeerasammyPermaul have combined for 39 wickets thisseason,withMotieclaiming 26 and Permaul reaching the milestone of 600 first-class wickets after taking three in the matchagainsttheAcademy CaptainTevinImlach,whois aimingforhisthirdtitleas

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