Kaieteur News

CARICOM leaders pressed on U.S. deadly strikes in Caribbean

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders on Wednesday adopted a cautious stance when questioned about deathspossiblylinkedtotheUnited States military action in the CaribbeanSea.

For months the U.S. military carriedoutactiontargetingalleged drug smugglers in the region. The regionalblocpreviouslystatedthat it required more time to ascertain the facts before issuing a full response on the military action.At theclosingmediaconferenceofthe 51st Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government in St Lucia, Al Jazeera senior correspondent Josh Rushing questioned the CARICOM leaders about whether the U S has immunity to kill citizens in Caribbean territories for alleged crimes. Healsodirectedaquestion to CARICOM Chair and Prime MinisterofStLuciaPhilipJ.Pierre, about the disappearance of St. Lucians Ricky Joseph and Nafi Williams, stating that evidence points toward their deaths being caused by a U.S. boat strike on February 13, 2026. Prime Minister

CARICOM leaders at the Closing Media Conference of the 51st Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government in Saint Lucia on Wednesday

Pierre responded, “We are very concernedaboutthelossoflifefor anybody, particularly these people lost their lives at sea.” He further disclosedthatStLucianauthorities have requested information from the U.S Government but to date havenotreceivedany “We have not got any informationastowhathappened,as I speak, we still consider it a missingpersons’case,andourown

lawenforcementistryingtheirbest to see if they can decide what happened, but as far as we are concerned, the United States has (not) given us no information on thatissue,”hecontinued.

For her part, Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said that investigationsinhercountryfound no evidence that the individuals involved were T&T nationals

“Nothinghasgivenusanyevidence of the alleged murders, as you’re callingthem,”shesaid.

ThePMstressedthatanylossof life is one too many, but rejected characterising the incident as murder Persad-Bissessar further pointedtolegaladvicereceivedby her government, saying that it did not support such conclusion. She added,“Nowwewereverycareful, wegotlegaladvice,andwearenot

leaving them, whether it’s at St Lucians, whether it’s T&T, whoever it is in these boats…our legal advice has not been that they are murders, and I can only act within the rule of law based on the legaladvicethatwehavereceived.”

Moreover, outgoing

CARICOM Chairman and Prime MinisterofSt.KittsandNevis,Dr TerranceDrew,saidhiscountry’s Continued on page 6

Guyanese roaring over Pres. Ali’s farm while US trillion-dollar oil giveaway escapes national outrage - Glenn Lall

Businessman and social commentatorGlennLallhas questioned what he described as the misplaced priorities of the Guyanese public, arguing that the country is consumed by debate over President Irfaan Ali’s massive farming operation while remaining largely silent on what he considers the far greater issue, the management of Guyana’s oil and mineral wealth.

Speaking during one of his recent social media commentaries, Lall said the nationhasbecomefixatedon the President’s cattle, sheep, poultry, aquaculture and cash crop farm, even as Guyanacontinuestoreceive what he called an unfair share from the Stabroek Block.

“Guyanese have gone wild over President Ali’s cattle, sheep, poultry, fish andcashcropfarm,buthave shownlittleoutrageoverthe giveaway of the Kaieteur, Canje and Stabroek blocks assetsthatareworthtrillions ofUSdollarsandcouldhave transformed the country’s landscapeandupliftedevery Guyanese had they been properlynegotiated.”

AccordingtoLall,public attention has instead been consumed by calls for scrutiny of the President’s farming operations while fundamental questions surrounding Guyana’s oil wealth continue to receive littlepublicpressure.

He argued that Guyana continuestoacceptatwoper cent royalty f

ExxonMobil under the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement, while citizens remain unable to independently verify the volum

g producedeachday

“Still accepting two per cent royalty from Exxon, whereGuyaneseareblocked from seeing the meters with the true figures of what is beingpumpedeverydaythat is not something for Guyanese to roar about. Ali s

important,”Lallsaid.

Hefurthercontendedthat G

transparencyregardingwhat

ExxonMobil’s inflated expenses, which directly affect the country’s share of profitoil.

“Not getting even a glimpse of Exxon’s inflated expenses that affect the country’sshareofoilprofits, your pockets, Guyanese not roaring,protestingorputting upafightoverthat,”hesaid.

Lallalsoquestionedwhy there has been no comparable public outrage over the transfer and sale of interests in Guyana’s offshoreoilblocks.

“Imagine the whole countrygettingshafteddaily insideout,andallwehearing about is the call for an investigation, not an investigation of how Exxon is shafting the country daily butonAlifarmhouse.”

H e n o t e d t h a t

ExxonMobilanditspartners were able to sell portions of theirinterestsinGuyana’soil

blocks for billions of US dollars after acquiring them at no cost, while Guyana at the time was struggling to meetdebtobligations.

“Exxonandothersturned around and sold huge portions of those oil blocks thatwashandedtothemfree, pocketed billions of US dollars, when Guyana was finding it hard to meet its debt payments. I didn’t hear any roar from Guyanese on that, but I am now hearing a big roar about Ali chicken farm.”

While acknowledging the calls by some for accountability regarding the President’s farming operations, Lall argued that citizens should apply the same intensity to the country’s natural resource agreements.

“He must resign and get out of office? When will I hear from the Guyanese people, ‘Exxon must make thisoildealrightorgetoutof Guyana?”

Beyond oil, Lall said Guyanese should also be demanding accountability for the country’s other naturalresources.

“When will I hear Guyanese roaring over the highway robberies going on in our gold and diamond fields, our bauxite, timber, manganese and uranium fields that the foreigners movingmountainsfor?That isnotonGuyaneselips,oron theirminds.”

He also questioned the public focus on the acreage associated with the President’sfarmwhile,inhis

view, paying little attention to the vast areas of mineralrich lands controlled by foreigncompanies.

“Everybody asking how heget150acres,butnothow Exxon alone get 6.6 million acres; how the owners of Kaieteur and Canje got 4.8 million acres; or how foreigners got thousands upon thousands of acres of your mineral-rich lands

That doesn’t bother Guyanese.”

Lall warned that Guyana’s wealth “beneath your feet and beneath your ocean” continues to disappear while national attention remains fixed elsewhere.

“Your wealth is vanishing daily, all in total silence.Butwhenitcomesto Ali aquaculture farm, the country wakes up in an uproar.”

He argued that the nationalconversationshould

instead center on ensuring Guyanese receive every dollar to which they are entitled from the country’s oilandmineralresources.

“Thatistheconversation Guyana should be having, because that is what will shape and protect you, your children and your grandchildren’s future. That is the question I leave with you.”

Lall concluded by warning that history would ultimately judge not merely the scale of Guyana’s oil discoveries, but whether the country’s people truly benefitedfromthem.

“One day, the history bookswillrecordGuyanaas having made the greatest oil discovery on planet Earth. But the chapter that will matter most will not be how many billions of barrels of oil were pumped. It will be whetherthatwealthliftedthe people of Guyana out of poverty, or whether Guyanesewatchedinsilence while it built empires for othernations.

“Thatchapterhasnotyet been written. It is being written every day by the decisions you make, and the issuesyouchoosetofocuson asanation.”

Kaieteur News

PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

Who is watching the nation's wealth?

Ithasoftenbeensaidthatthetruemeasureofanation is not only what it debates, but what it chooses to ignore.Thatobservationcouldnotbemorefittingfor Guyanatoday

For days, the national conversation has been consumed by President Irfaan Ali's sprawling cattle, sheep, poultry, aquaculture and cash-crop enterprise. Questions have been raised about how the President acquired and financed the operation.Thosequestionsarelegitimate.Inanydemocracy, allegations involving public officials must be subjected to independentscrutiny

The relevant constitutional and law enforcement authoritiesmustdotheirjobswithoutfearorfavour Noone, includingthePresident,shouldbeaboveaccountability

But while the authorities investigate those matters, Guyanese should ask themselves another question: why is there not equal, or even greater, public outrage over the stewardshipofthecountry'snaturalwealth?

The Stabroek Block is among the most valuable petroleum discoveries on the planet. It represents wealth capable of transforming Guyana for generations. Yet this countrycontinuestooperateunderanagreementthatleaves itcollectingameretwopercentroyalty,whilelongstanding concernsremainaboutthecountry'sabilitytoindependently verify oil production and rigorously audit billions of US dollarsinrecoverablecosts.

Everyquestionablecostrecoveredismoneythatdoesnot finditswayintothepocketsoftheGuyanesepeople. Where is the national outcry over that? Where are the marchesdemandingbettertermsforGuyana?Wherearethe calls for greater transparency, stronger oversight and accountability from those entrusted with safeguarding the nation'spatrimony?Wherearethedemandsforresignations over the continuation of an agreement that many experts have described as one of the most lopsided petroleum contractsinthemodernworld?

IfGuyanesecanbecomepassionatelyengagedoverthe ownership of one farm, surely they should be just as passionateabouthowanentirenationisbeingcompensated forresourcesworthhundredsofbillionsofUSdollars.

Noristhisconcernconfinedtooil.

Gold, diamonds, bauxite, timber, manganese and other natural resources continue to leave Guyana every day Foreign companies operate across vast concessions extracting wealth that belongs, ultimately, to every citizen. Every ounce of gold exported, every tree harvested and everybarrelofoilpumpedispartofafiniteinheritancethat can never be replaced. The question is whether Guyana is receivingfairvalueinreturn.

Thatdebatedeservesrelentlesspublicscrutiny.Instead, itistoooftendrownedoutbythepoliticalcontroversyofthe day

The imbalance is striking. Much has been said about approximately 150 acres associated with the President's farmingoperations.Comparativelylittleattentionhasbeen paidtothemillionsofacrescoveredbypetroleumlicences, mining permits, forestry concessions and other resource agreementsthatcollectivelydeterminethefutureprosperity ofeveryGuyanese.

This is not an argument against investigating the President's affairs. It is an argument against selective indignation.Publicaccountabilitycannotbeginandendwith one politician or one parcel of land. It must also extend to those who negotiate, administer and oversee the extraction of Guyana's vast natural wealth. Those decisions will determine whether future generations inherit a prosperous nationormerelymemoriesofresourcesthathavelongsince beenexhausted.

Every day, oil is pumped, gold is mined and timber is harvested.Everyday,irreversibledecisionsaremadeabout assets that belong not to any government, corporation or politicalparty,buttothepeopleofGuyana.

Don't rewrite the Wismar tragedy for political convenience

DearEditor,

One of my University of Guyanacolleagueswhowas pursuingherMastersDegree in History engaged me in a discussion on the assassination of Dr.Walter Rodney This was to be part ofherThesis.

The discussion evolved intoanargument.Therewas sharpdisagreementonissues that I witnessed and experienced as Living Historyascomparedtowhat my friend learnt from some bookorwhatshewastold.

I tried to convince my UGcolleagueofwhatIwas, fortunate or unfortunate, to witness, I was relating Living History to her at the time.

I was also Fortunate or Unfortunate to be a young boy at the time of Disturbances in Mackenzie /Wismar/Christianburg.As I stated before, as a child attendingtheMackenzieAllage School, I witnessed the beatingofEastIndians. It was a strategic operation which correlated withburningsatWismarand beatingsatMackenzie.From my vantage point looking through my school's window, overlooking the

Demerara River, I could see andheartheloudexplosions and this was followed immediately by bursts of fire.

IexperiencedaSixinthe Evening to Six in the MorningCurfew This was known as the Six to Dawn Curfew which was blared on loudspeakers by the British Soldiers from their army trucks which patrolled the streets of Makenzie.

The central areas of the Mining Township was always around the market square,wheretotheCinema and Boat Landing could be found.

This area was always filled to capacity with commuters plying the M a c k e n z i e t o Wismar/Christianburgroute. Dutchie Boat Landing was themostpopular Arvida Road was the Regent Street of Mackenzie and everyone can meet everyone around this area. Butitwastheannouncement of the Son Chapman explosion that brought the largest ever gathering of the residentsofMakenzietothis area.

I got to go into a cinema

forthefirsttimebecausethe doors were torn open after people received the news of the Son Chapman tragedy, maybe,itwasflashedonthe screen.

I was too young to understand what was going on. I have never discussed theincidentswhichIsawasa littleschoolboywithanyone everbecause,Ithink,maybe I was too small to interpret whatwasgoingon.

The beatings of East Indians which I saw could have resulted in death. I neververifiedifpersonsdied although, as a curious little youth, I found myself in the midst of the events, either when from school or after Miss Bennett"s lessons in DacamaCircle.

IcanonlyendorsewhatI witnessedandwhatIfeltasa littleboy Ididnotknowwho was responsible for the fear and wanton destruction that wastakingplaceatthattime

History is not History when politicians try to put a spin on the facts, especially when they were not around. Those who were around shouldrelatethetruthsothat this generation can understand where our country is heading towards

racialintegration.

The idle PNC in defending the events have beenincludingsnippetsinits presentations that are biased and mis-leading; and are designed to display innocence when a peaceful communitywastransformed intoalivingnightmare.

This was the most frightening period in the history of this country, for me, outside of Slavery and Indentureship.Thefeelingof being killed at any time, is theworstfeelingthatonecan experience.

AtMackenzie,itwasthe East Indians who were shipped out on the R H Carr Ferrywhofeltthatinsecurity and suffered great losses. Thiswasthefirsttimeinmy life that I saw the assembly of so many East Indians in Guyana.

Writing and talking about this calamity by a select bunch of selfopinionated politicians, whichtookplacesolongago shows that their irrelevant discussions are meant to clutchatsomethingtowaste thetaxpayers'money Yoursfraternally, JohnMarcus, RasMarcus

Guyana recognised for its environmental stewardship

DearEditor,

What an achievement! I speak here of Guyana's election to the EITI board, the

i

s prominence and global influence in the extractivesector transparency milieu.

As Dr Prem Misir, Adviser for Government Agency EngagementonEITIAffairs at the Ministry of Natural Resources, pointed out, this “ marks a significant milestoneforthecountryand highlights its growing influence in promoting t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d accountability in the

management of natural resources.”

Atouchofhistory,easily accessible too, is in order here, as I recall that the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) was formally launched at a conference in Lancaster House, London in June 2003, where some140 delegates adopted the 12 core EITI Principles. This wasaprogressionemanating from former UK Prime MinisterTonyBlair,oneyear earlier, at the 2002 World Summit in Johannesburg

Very important to note was

The controversy surrounding one farm may dominate today's headlines. The management of Guyana's natural resourceswillshapethenation'sdestinyfordecades.

The relevant authorities must investigate every credible allegation surrounding the President's farm and allow the evidence to lead wherever it may. But Guyanese must also demandwithequalforceandunwaveringdeterminationthat the nation's oil, gold, forests and minerals are managed transparently,negotiatedfairlyandprotectedfiercely.

Forwhenthelastbarrelofoilhasbeenliftedandthelast ounce of gold exported, it will not matter who owned one farm.Whatwillmatteriswhetheranentirenationreceivedits rightfulshareofitsowninheritance.

thattheinitiativewascreated to address the "resource curse"indevelopingnations, where wealth from oil, gas, and minerals often leads to increased poverty, conflict, andcorruption.

Itthusprovidesaglobal standard for openness and accountability, by requiring member countries and companies to disclose revenuesandpayments.

To this august body, Guyana officially became a candidate member in October 25, 2017, by virtue of its 'pledged' commitment to improving transparency and accountability in its growing natural resource, oil,andminingsectors.

NowlookwhereGuyana is?

Asperthenews,Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, was recently elected as a Principal Member of the Implementing Country Constituency on the EITI Board. He was elected to represent LatinAmerica and the Caribbean for the

2026–2029 term, placing Guyanaamongthe'decisionmakers' responsible for guiding the direction of the global transparency initiative.

Andwhynot?Lookatit. Guyana made history as the firstnationtoreceiveprivate sector validation for jurisdictionalcarboncredits, securing landmark agreements (such as a $750 million deal) to ensure standing forests remain economically valuable Guyana, in fact, is an a u t h e n t i c g l o b a l environmental leader in this domain, acting as a net carbon sink, while maintaining 85% of its originalrainforestcover

So indeed, as Dr Misir extolled, the appointment firmly positions Guyana on the international stage as a majorEITImembercountry. Guyana has a voice with a with global audience, as there are some 55 countries that are part of this EITI network.Pity it is that up to (Continuedonpage5)

Hamilton Green questions moral basis of US blockade on Cuba

DearEditor,

At the United Nations today 136 nations voted in favour of holding additional debate ontheUNGeneralAssemblyAgendaitem38 “Necessity of ending the economic, commercial,andfinancialblockadeimposed by the United States of America against Cuba”,thisisastepintherightdirection.In advanceofthenextroundofthisdebate,asa

member of the human race, irrespective of onesreligiousorotherbeliefs,andonbehalf ofpersonsIhavespokentoaroundtheglobe; what wrong things have the people of Cuba done to have a blockade that is causing suffering to an entire nation? A clear lucid answerwillbehelpful.

Sincerely ElderHamiltonGreen

Guyana recognised for...

Frompage4

tispoint“…manyGuyanese are(still)unfamiliarwiththe workoftheEITI,despitethe country's growing oil and gas sector and increasing participation in the organisation.”

Cop granted $1.5 M bail for deadly Line Top 'hit and run'

Suffic

to say that Guyana, asaparticipating country, is periodically being assessed through a validation process, which measures whether or not they are meeting the EITI's globalstandards.

Police Corporal Shareef Mohammed, 29, who is accused of being behind the wheel during the fatal hitand-run crash at Bee Hive, EastCoastDemerara,wason Wednesdaygrantedatotalof $1.54millioninbail.

evidence precludes any

ticism

ding what is happening and how the accountability and transparency are b

d

As was clearly iterated by Dr Misir, “… the EITI is a global standard, established topromotegoodgovernance in the oil, gas and mining industries throughout the entireextractivevaluechain it is a global standard created to achieve good governance of oil, gas, and mineral resources across theseindustries'valuechain. This global standard makes certain that the natural resources benefit the country'scitizens.” Iadd,'sofarsogood,'as Guyanesetrulyhavereasons to be proud, seeing that countrymaintainsover87% forest cover with among the lowestdeforestationrateson Earth, as it sustainably balances economic growth with pristine rainforest conservation, acting as a massiveglobalcarbonsink. Editor, there is no

This kind of work globallyiswellsupportedby theUN,G8,G20,theWorld Bank,andtheIMF I heap kudos on the People's Progressive Party/Civic Government overall, and I specifically 'hail'theworkbeingeffected by the relevant ministries andenforcers.

Yourstruly,

HargeshB.Singh

Mohammed, who is stationed at the Annandale Police Outpost, appeared before the Cove and John Magistrate'sCourt,wherehe was formally charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving in connectionwiththedeathsof Collis Bristol, a horse cart operator of Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara, and Akeem Burgess, a

construction worker of Nabaclis, East Coa

Demerara.The charges stem from the fatal accident, which occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 28,2026,alongtheBeeHive Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara.In addition to the two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, Mohammed was also charged with failing to stop after an accident, failing to render assistance, operating anuncertifiedmotorvehicle, and failing to report an accident.

Hewasgranted$750,000 bail on each of the two causing death by dangerous

Police Corporal

29-year-old

Shareef Mohammed

drivingchargesand$10,000 bailoneachoftheremaining four offences, bringing his totalbailto$1.54million.

On July 4, this publication reported that the 29-year-old policeman had been arrested after investigators allegedly uncoveredwhattheybelieve wasanattempttoconcealhis involvement in the hit-andrun that claimed the lives of two men on the Bee Hive Railway Embankment (Continuedonpage6)

29 contractors bid to rehabilitate Cliff Anderson Sports Hall roof

The Ministry of Culture, YouthandSporthasreceived 29bidsfortherehabilitation oftheCliffAndersonSports Hall'sroof,aprojectwhichit disclosedisestimatedtocost $25,950,000.

This is the second time the ministry tendered to rehabilitate the roof at the facility since it started its

r e m o d e l i n g a n d modernisation project in 2022.Approximately$9.4M was spent previously to rehabilitatetheroof.Rishma and Sisters Enterprise was awardedthatcontract.

According to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) the bidders are:

K&PProjectManagement$26,231,650, J&ALumberyard& ContractingServices$24,860,000, E.J&NGeneral Construction& Maintenance-$23,025,000, ApexEngineering$25,288,000, R&WConstructionPlus$24,854,000, 8BallGeneralContractor$25,262,000, 4AEngineeringEnterprise$25,052,000, DowdatramConstruction& EngineeringEnterprise$25,590,000, EmeraldsGeneral Contracting&Distributors -$25,396,000, DynamicsConstruction& RealEstateInc.$23,535,000, NaranConstruction$22,684,000, Trevor&SonGeneral ConstructionServices$21,040,000, Tony&AnitaConstruction Services-$23,415,000,

IndustrialFabricationsInc.

-$30,932,760, VMRInvestment$22,770,000, R.A&J.PContracting Services-$22,290,000, TwinkleConstruction$19,950,000, S&EPersaudConstruction Services-$29,850,000, N&AGeneralConstruction Maintenance,Supplies& JanitorialServices$22,611,000, ConstructItInc.$54,798,000, N.KBharat&Son

Contracting&Supplies$21,995,000; Edun'sConsultancy& ConstructionServices$22,700,000, PhoenixEngineering Enterprise-$25,220,000, Rockey&SonConstruction -$19,440,000, Javir'sConstruction& SuppliesGeneral-

CARICOM

$24,400,000, ShentecInc., K&PProjectManagement Inc.-$24,580,000, RoyalGeneralSupplies& ContractingServices$25,000,000,& FullworksConstruction$22,136,000 Ofthe29contractors,24 submittedbidsbelowthe engineer's$25.9million

leaderspressedon...

Frompage2 position is guided by the rule of law “We believe,likeourcolleaguesintheruleoflaw We believe everybody is innocent until proven guilty, those are the principles on whichourjusticesystemwillconsiderthem tobefundamentalrightsofourpeople.So,in a broad sense, that is where we stand as a country,”hesaid.

was spent on plumbing worksthatwasdonebyKNV Designs Construction

Another $4 million was spent to replace an area whichhadrottenboardsina concretestructure.

Further,hedisclosedthat rehabilitation was also done on the side walls for $7.9 million,whichwasexecuted by R. Persid Construction, and ceiling works for $12 million.

for various works at the building.InNovember2022, the ministry awarded a $97 million contract to ECS Construction & General Supplies, to cover only the first phase of the modernisation project. That phase, entailed the redesign of the front section of the building, which would be reconstructed.

estimatetodotheworks. Theybidbetween $19,440,000and $25,590,000.

In January 2025, Minister of Culture, Youth andSportCharlesRamsonat a press briefing said the government has since invested some $321 million

In December that year, NPTAB awarded an initial contract for the installation of the HVAC systems at the facility That $89,840,020 project was also awarded to ECS Construction & General Supplies During that month too, another contract for electrical installation was awarded to A. Ogransein & Sons to the t u n e o f $31,409,000.Followingthat, NPTAB awarded a $60,324,675 contract to S&K Construction Consultancy Service & General Supply for the completion of the northern faceofthebuilding.

At the press briefing Minister Ramson said that approximately $7.6 million

Notably, the minister explained that in relation to theinstallationofAC,which wasinitiallyawardedfor$89 million, “We had to terminate that project in 2023.Theycompletedabout $65 million worth of works, butweterminatedtheproject because they were delaying, itwaspoorperformancesoit delayed. It is not that they weren't doing quality work, itisthattheyweretakingtoo long ”To complete the installation of the AC, he explained that the ministry tendered for and awarded a $37millioncontract.

At the time, the minister said that the remaining works to complete the projectrelatedtotheparking lot area and the installation ofbucketseats.

Meanwhile,theministry in 2025 tendered for the constructionofasectionofa fence, an access bridge, and toupgradeofthelightingon the court at the facility, which take it to more than $321 million that have been spenttoupgradethefacility

Recently, the ministry announcedtheinstallationof thebucketseatswhilenoting that the facility now has the capacity to accommodate morethan2,000spectators.

Cop granted $1.5 M bail for...

Frompage5

Barbados' Prime Minister Mia Mottley further stated that her country's position is thattherearealwaysbetterwaystodealwith suchsituationstonotresultinlossoflife. Shesaid,“letusalsobeclearthatthisis going to be a very acrimonious legal and geopoliticalissue. Therewillbedisputesastowhetherthis is an act of war or this is within the normal confinesofcriminallaw,andI'veheardboth sidesofthestory.”

Mottley added, “War, as we understand it, is in a traditional conflict, theater of conflict. By the same token, jurisprudence has evolved, and that is part and parcel of whatmakesthisissuesocomplex…Morally, I would prefer not to see it. If there is engagement between the parties militarily, they're allowed to be able to take proportionate action. So, let us be very clear.”

CorporalMohammedwastakenintocustody after police examined his damaged vehicle and reportedly detected suspected blood traces using luminol, nearly a week after Collis "Cappo" Bristol and Akeem "Burnham" Burgess were fatally struck and leftontheroadway

Kaieteur News understands that Bristol andBurgessweretravellingonamotorcycle whentheywerestruckbyamotorcar,which reportedlyfledthescene.

Public-spiritedcitizenslatercametotheir assistance, but both men were pronounced deadattheEnmoreRegionalHospital.

ReportsreachingKaieteurNewsindicate

thatactingoninformation,policerankswent toLot25RiverviewHousingScheme,Unity, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, where they contacted Mohammed, the registered owner ofmotorcarPAK1593.

The vehicle reportedly bore damage consistentwithatrafficcollision.

When questioned, Mohammed told investigators that at about 9:20 p m on Monday, June 29, 2026, he had lost control of the vehicle along the Unity Access Road, Mahaica, causing it to end up in a trench Investigators, however, later linked the vehicle to the fatal Bee Hivecrash,leadingtothechargesagainstthe policecorporal.

BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT

Luxury on taxpayers’ backs

The proposed Former Presidents Bill is rapidly becoming a symbol of everything that is wrong with governance in oil-rich Guyana. No reasonable citizen would object to former heads of state receiving dignified retirement benefits. But dignity is one thing; unlimited taxpayer-funded luxury is another. Uncapped utility bills, lifetime tax exemptions, household staff and limitless perks amount to an open cheque drawn on the public treasury.

At a time when pensioners struggle to survive on meagre incomes and public servants continue to plead for better wages, this legislation sends a cruel message about whose interests truly matter. Even more troubling are concerns that these benefits could subsidise private commercial ventures if a former president owns expansive business interests. The government must explain why such extraordinary privileges are necessary. Parliament should reject excess, protect taxpayers and remember that public office is a duty to serve, not a pathway to lifelong entitlement.

Duosentencedtolifefor2020murderofHenrycousins

ByShermonHawker

The trial into the gruesome killings of cousins Isaiah and Joel Henry wrapped up at the Berbice HighCourtonWednesday,withthe twomenconvictedofmurderbeing handedlifesentenceseach.

Anil Sanchara 39, called ‘Magga’, of D’Edward Village, West Coast Berbice, and Vinod Gopaul, 35, called ‘Dan Pole’and ‘Rasta’of Yakasari, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, were convicted on two counts each for murdering thetwoboys,betweenSeptember5 and 6, 2020 at Cotton Tree, West CoastBerbice.

Castofthecase

Pleading not guilty, the duo relied on the legal services of Dexter Todd and Associates to champion their case, while state counselMarisaEdwardsarmedthe prosecution’s case with over 40 witnesses.

Justice Simone Morris adjudicated the matter, which was one of the most followed in recent time.

40+witnessesandatrumpcard

On May 6, just over a month ago, the high-profile case commenced, and proceeded with tension and drama, as both prosecution and defense advanced

compelling arguments. The jury noted attentively, while Sanchara and Gopaul appeared struggling to concealthedreadoffacinglengthy prisontime.

Gladstone Henry, the father of Isaiah, struck a note of pain as he recounted the tragic unfolding of September 6, 2020. He detailed having to journey to the backdam wherehefoundhissonandcousin’s badlybutcheredbodies.

Edwards eventually narrowed

downherwitnessestojustabout20, but this reduction did not harm the prosecution, as testimonies from other family members, police officers, and a decisive summary from pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh anchored its contentionagainst the defense.

It was the testimony of key witnessAkashSingh,however,that uprooted the duo’s prospect of success. Under cross examination, Singh withstood the intensity of

D e x t e r To d d a n d t h e meticulousness of Chandra Sohan in his two-day testimony, in which heconfirmedthathe,alongwiththe two used cutlasses to butcher the cousins. Sanchara, he said, had accused Isaiah and Joel of destroying their weed farm. Singh graphically described being forced tocarve‘x’ontheforeheadsofthe boysafterthechopping,andadded that the boys were dragged with a horsetoalocationwheretheywere foundlater

Finalstand

Gopaul and Sanchara in separate addresses, told the court that Akash was part of a wellcoordinatedschemewiththepolice to have them take the fall for the murders. On June 9, they were found guilty by a mixed jury on both counts of murder Following the verdict, both men lost their composure and bitterly accused Singh of colluding with the police foradeal.

Addressing the court before Wednesday’ssentencing,Sanchara expressedsorrowoverthedeathsof the two teenagers but insisted he hadnevermetthem.

Acknowledging the jury’s verdict, he pleaded with the court for mercy Gopaul also maintained his innocence, telling the court he

hadspentyearsinprisonforacrime he did not commit and likewise askedforleniency

Handing down the sentence, Justice Morris ordered that both Sanchara and Gopaul must each serve 35 years before becoming eligibleforparoleoneachcount.

Rippleeffects

Many exhaled in relief at Wednesday’ssentencing,believing that it was long overdue and that justicewasfinallygranted.Others, however, expressed doubt that Gopaul and Sanchara were the actualkillers.

Isaiah’smother,PatriciaHenry, and Joel’s mother Gail Johnson, hadledthecriesforjusticefortheir murdered sons, but did not live to see their hopes realised. Patricia died in 2022, while Gail passed away nearly a year later Relatives attributed the women’s deaths to the harrowing impact of the tragedy, particularly the manner in whichtheirsonswerekilled.

In response to the murders, relatives, friends and several communities essentially hijacked the West Coast Berbice zone through violent protests The matter rapidly became a national focus,andthegravityalsoattracted attention from the international community

India’s $100 Billion grid bet is accelerating a solar manufacturing boom

Oil Price - Just a decade ago, the Indian government seemed hell-bent on using coal to power its industrialization drive, with large-scale solar energy virtually unheard of in the country apart from a few microgrids serving remote rural villages and rooftop installations.

In early 2015, the Modi administration set a goal to double domestic coal output toroughly1.5billiontonnes by 2030 However, the country’s energy landscape has since undergone a massive transformation in a shortspaceoftime.

Whilethemajorityofthe world’s industrial heavyweights built their modern economies on coal andoil,Indiaisnowlooking to bypass this highemissions pathway by rapidly scaling up remarkably cheap domestic solar installations. Indeed, India is on track to become the first major country in history to power its primary economic industrialization predominantlythroughsolar energy rather than fossil fuels.

India is currently going through a massive solar boom, and recently

leapfrogged the United Statestobecometheworld’s second-largest market for solar capacity additions behindonlyChina.

Driven by massive utility-scale projects and aggressive government subsidies, India added a record-breaking 44 GW of solarpowerinthe2025/2026 financial year alone, taking itsinstalledsolarcapacityto 154 gigawatts (GW), third globally behind China and the U.S. India’s solar sector isgrowingatascorchingclip with annual capacity additionsclockinginat40% CAGR, and installed capacity set to double again by2030.

While coal still accounts for ~70% of India’s electricity production, its share is projected to drop below 50% by 2035 as new coal plant planning winds down with cheap solar alternativestakingover The InternationalEnergyAgency (IEA)nowprojectsthatsolar will meet roughly half of India’s massive electricity demand growth through 2030.

India’s rapid solar expansionisbeingdrivenby a mix of falling solar costs, favorable geographic

government subsidies, and protective domestic manufacturingpolicies.

The monstrous Khavda solar park is situated in the remote, barren salt desert of theRannofKutch,spanning over 726 square kilometers near the India-Pakistan border

The facility is set to become the world’s largest solar farm with a generating c a p a c i t y o f 3 0 gigawatts—enoughtopower ~25millionU.S.homes.

In addition to policies that promote rooftop solar forresidentialuse,theIndian government has adopted several incentives to fasttrack utility-scale solar development, including the ProductionLinkedIncentive (PLI) to boost domestic manufacturing of highefficiencysolarPVmodules, and Green Energy Open Access Rules that allow large consumers with a sanctioned load of 100 kW andabovetoeasilypurchase green power directly from solardevelopers.

Meanwhile, India has evolved from an importdependent market into a domestic manufacturing powerhouse that now

activelyexportssolarpanels. To insulate itself from geopolitics and lower relianceonChineseimports, thecountryhasimplemented the Approved Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) policy, a major regulatory framework introduced by India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to verify the quality, authenticity,andcountry-oforigin for solar energy components.

Only solar products and manufacturers on this government white list are legally permitted for use in government-subsidized, government-funded, netmetered, and open-access renewable projects across thecountry

I n d i a ’ s s o l a r manufacturing capacity has been surging, with total cell capacity standing at 30 GW annually, driven by a ProductionLinkedIncentive (PLI) scheme and ALMM mandates.

That said, India has to contend with a multitude of

challenges in its ambitious solar odyssey To wit, the country’s transmission grid has struggled to keep pace with surging solar generation: last year, nearly 40% of solar energy produced in western desert regionsfailedtoreachmajor industrial and population centers, mainly due to inadequate transmission lines.AreaslikePhalodiand Jaisalmer face daytime curtailments, leaving nearly 4.3GWofcapacitystranded. Consequently, developers likeAdani, NTPC, and JSW have been forced to dial down peak-hour production toprotectgridsecurity

Thankfully,NewDelhiis executing a $100-billion program to rapidly expand thenationalgridby~30%by 2032 through several initiatives.

The government is also investing heavily in energy storage to shift surplus daytime solar into the evening Rajasthan is building a 5,000-megawatt Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to ease grid congestion and meet peak demand,whileIndiaaimsto develop more than 100 GW of Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS)by2047.

Projectssuchasthe500megawatt Kundah pumped storage facility in Tamil Nadu, along with new developments in Madhya Pradesh and by Tata Power, areexpectedtoplayacentral role in balancing the country’s rapidly growing solarfleet.

New transmission lines, including the Green Energy Corridors, are being built to move electricity from solarrichstatessuchasRajasthan and Gujarat to major industrial and population centers. The grid is also becoming more flexible through digital scheduling systems that better match electricity supply with demand, while coal and gas plants are being upgraded to reduce output when solar generation peaks during the day and ramp up quickly aftersunset.

A foreign policy somersault

The recent statement by the Government of Guyana on Cuba represents a startling departure from the position that Guyana itself has consistently articulated at the United Nations General Assembly under President Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Rather than a carefully calibrated foreign policy intervention, the statement appears rushed, poorly considered and internally inconsistent with the very positions advanced by Guyana’sownHeadofState overthepastseveralyears.

The language of the statementisstrikingbecause itavoidsthecentralissuethat has dominated Guyana’s

o w n d i p l o m a t i c interventions on Cuba: the impact of the United States economic embargo and the recent naval oil embargo aimedatcripplingCuba.

I n s t e a d o f acknowledging the decadeslong sanctions regime imposedonCubaandcalling foritsremoval,thestatement shiftsattentiontowardvague

c o n c e p t s s u c h a s “humanitarian law,” “transparency,” and “good governance.” In doing so, it departs sharply from the approach previously taken by President Ali himself at

theUnitedNations.

Between2021and2025, PresidentAli’s statements at the UN General Assembly consistently recognised the need for a change in the international approach toward Cuba. In 2021, he stated:

“The strained relations between the United States andCubaarealsoamatterof deep concern to our region. We are convinced that normalization of relations between Cuba and the United States would have a beneficialimpactonpeacein the hemisphere and greater prosperityforall.”

Thatstatementidentified the problem correctly: the abnormal relationship between Washington and Havana.

It did not frame Cuba’s difficulties merely as an internal governance issue. Instead, it recognized that the hostile relationship between the two countries had regional consequences and that normalization would benefit peace and prosperity.

In 2022, President Ali wentfurther,declaring:

“In our own region, we againjointheoverwhelming majority of members of the international community in

Dem Boys Seh...

reiterating Guyana’s rejection of the sanctions imposed on the Republic of Cuba.”

T h i s w a s a n unambiguous position Guyana aligned itself with the majority of the international community in opposing sanctions against Cuba. It acknowledged that external economic pressure was a major factor affecting Cuba’sdevelopment.

In 2023, President Ali again strengthened that position,stating:

“The Republic of Cuba has been the object of aggressionformorethansix decades. We repeat our call for the dismantling of the unacceptable embargo against our sister Caribbean state.”

Healsocalledforanend to Cuba’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. In 2024, he reiterated that C u b a ’s “ r i g h t t o developmentcontinuestobe stymied by the economic embargo,” again calling for the embargo to be removed. In2025,hespokeoftheneed for “a frank conversation on Cuba,” while emphasizing that lifting the embargo and removing Cuba from the terrorism list were central to Cuba’sfutureprosperity

Monitoringiseasy;knowingwho yuhmonitoringisanotherstory

Dem Boys hear an official say that the Government of Guyana monitoring the situation of Guyanese living in Venezuela followingtheearthquake,andDemBoyssit downandscratchdemhead.

Because Dem Boys want to know something:justhowexactlythismonitoring happening?

Monitoring does sound like a big government word. It does sound serious. It doessoundlikesomebodysittinginaroom with a computer, watching a map with flashinglightsandknowingeverythingthat going on. But Dem Boys asking: when it comes to Guyanese scattered all over Venezuela,whoexactlyisbeingmonitored?

Guyanesepeopledoestravelalloverthe world. Some does go for work, some for business,somebecauselifecarrythemaway likearivercurrent.VenezuelagotGuyanese living there, including in Caracas and other partsofthecountry Somepeoplemayhave registeredwiththeembassy Somemayhave family connections. Some may be living quietly and nobody in Guyana even knows theythere.

So,whenGovernmentsayitmonitoring the situation, Dem Boys want to know the details.

DowehaveacompletelistofGuyanese citizens in Venezuela? Do we know where everysingleoneliving?Doweknowwhois in the areas affected? Do we have a system wherefamiliescancallandgetinformation?

These statements represent a clear and consistent diplomatic position:Guyanarecognized that Cuba’s economic difficulties cannot be separated from decades of externaleconomicpressure.

The recent Foreign Ministry statement, however,appearstoabandon that position. It speaks of a “sustainable solution” based on “the will of the Cuban people,” but it fails to acknowledge the most obvious external factor affecting Cuba’s economy: the United States embargo, which has been repeatedly condemnedbyGuyanaatthe United Nations More recently, restrictions affecting Cuba’s access to energy supplies have worsened shortages and humanitariandifficulties.

The omission is glaring. A statement claiming solidarity with the Cuban people while refusing to identify the principal external pressures affecting Cuba’s economy is incomplete at best and politically hypocritical at worst.

The reference to “humanitarian law” is also bizarre. Humanitarian law traditionally concerns the conduct of armed conflict: the protection of civilians, treatment of prisoners of war, and obligations during

wartime Cuba is not a country experiencing an armed conflict. There is no war taking place on Cuban territory Therefore, invoking humanitarian law in this context appears misplaced and risks confusing a political and economic dispute with the legal framework governing warfare.

The statement’s emphasis on “the will of the Cuban people” is also presumptuous No government has the right to speak on behalf of another nation’s population while ignoring the external forces shaping that nation’s circumstances

Guyana appears to have a d o p t e d l a n g u a g e remarkably close to the arguments advanced by Washington: focusing on internalCubanmatterswhile avoiding condemnation of the sanctions regime.

Indeed, if one were unfamiliar with Guyana’s previous diplomatic statements, one might reasonably assume that this new statement had been draftedinalignmentwiththe UnitedStatespositionrather than emerging from the independent foreign policy tradition Guyana has historicallymaintained.

Or is the monitoring simply somebody checking the news and hoping everything alright?

Dem Boys ain’t saying Government should have a crystal ball. Even the richest countries with the biggest systems does sometimes struggle to account for citizens duringdisasters.Butwhenanofficialmakes a statement, Dem Boys naturally want to understandwhatbehindthestatement.

Because “we are monitoring” could mean many things. It could mean there is a well-organised operation with names, contacts, and regular updates. Or it could meansomebodydrinkingcoffeeandsaying, “Wekeepinganeyeonthings.”

And Dem Boys know Guyanese. When trouble happens, people don’t want to hear fancy words. They want to know: “Is my mother alright? Is my brother safe? Is my childaccountedfor?”

A government’s first duty is not just to make announcements; it is to know its peopleandreachthemwhentheyneedhelp.

So, Dem Boys asking the simple question: When we say we monitoring GuyaneseinVenezuela,whoexactlyarewe monitoring, how are we monitoring them, and can we confidently say that every Guyanesethereisaccountedfor?

Becauseinacrisis,“wethinkeverybody alright” is not the same thing as knowing everybodyalright. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

Unless Guyana is flipflopping, a foreign policy statement must demonstrate consistency, historical awareness and respect for international realities By failing to condemn the embargo that Guyana itself previously described as u n a c c e p t a b l e , t h e Government has created the impression of a dramatic diplomaticretreat.

The result is a statement that contradicts the President’sownrecordatthe United Nations, weakens Guyana’s credibility in the Caribbean, and raises troubling questions about whether Guyana’s foreign policy is drifting away toward becoming an i n s t r u m e n t o

imperialism.

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

The danger is that this represents more than a poorly worded statement. It raises questions about the direction of Guyana’s foreignpolicy Acountrythat previously defended noninterference, sovereignty, and opposition to unilateral sanctions now appears to be movingtowardaposturethat mirrors the priorities of a majorexternalpower

LALL H@RD TRUTHS

Pres.Ali’sfarm-whoelsecloseby

Pr e s A l i h a s contributed to the broadening story of blackbelly sheep, prime c a t t l e , l a n d a n d a mindboggling array of other rich attractions. I thank the president, commend him

Now I share some words of myownonwhat’spartfarm, part estate, part futuristic model, part politics, part commerce,andpartofmany unknowns.

First, on such a gargantuandevelopment,the

presidentmaynotbetheonly investorandoverseer

Hemayhavecompany,a pantheon of illustrious names and personalities Whoelseamonglocals,who from foreign shores, have hand and interest in this business of shrimp, shrub, and so much more that captivatesthemind?

Second, for a project of this monstrous expanse, much seed money and maintenance (operational) money had to go into it. To getitgoing,tokeepitgoing. From the revelations, the millions multiplied by the hundreds,thenrolledintothe billions.

Those dollar numbers look plausible, even though on the lean and mean side. From where that money came? Who are the people with that kind of money?

Those are two of the first questionsthatstir

For colour, I recall how many regional and international kingmakers came to Guyana during that distressing 2019-20 time Some were already resident here.

Many Guyanese should recall how they involved themselves way beyond the dictates of protocol, etiquette, and accepted norms in Guyana’s politics anditsdomesticbrawls.

Unprecedented and highly unusual, I assert Further, in the years since 2020, some past senior diplomatic presences have returned here in different capacities.

Either as head of official delegations; or more stealthily Probably to sidestep local radars. Do theyhaveanyproximity,any

type of association, to this Great Animal Farm deep inside the Lind Highway? Were their involvements in the 2020 fiascoes part of their initial downpayments?

W i t h t h e i r o w n spreadsheets and calculators heldinreserve. Speakingfor myself, I am convinced that this stunning animal farm, currently mentioned alongside his name only, is bigger than Guyana’s Pres Ali.

Third,itissurprisingthat there is a project with its grandiosesprawl,withallof its possibilities, is in full swing, and former president Bharrat Jagdeo is a seemingly disinterested and disengaged party Quite abnormal for a character of hisproportions,Ithink. And nottoforgethishistorywith projectsofstature.

Fourth, all Guyana is aware of how big and committed Dr Jagdeo and the PPP are on agriculture. The sidelines and silence do not fit into the mold. Not when there is a megaproject of this magnificence, and with agriculture and aquaculturealltherage.

Nothavingasay,andnot knowingofthiswaysowellmapped out, does strike differently These are amongthetipsoftheiceberg not yet sticking their noses abovewater

Fifth, I recall that some blackbellysheepwerepartof

a country-to-country (Barbados to Guyana) transactionafewyearsback. The blackbelly sheep reported on Pres Ali’s farm: are they from that flock or someothersource?

Sixth, that megafarm, a conglomerate by any reckoning,shouldhave,asa matter of sound business practice,theexportmarketin mind.

Quality products for quality people in quality places and at quality prices. Scale is what matters. I am thinkingaportandanairstrip have to be part of the farm program to complete the circle.

And,consideringthesize of this great field of endeavor, I cannot help thinking of who, besides, President Ali, have set themselves up for some rich harvesting.

Guyanesedowelltohold close to this formula: 25 X 2025 + 5. I translate: Food security level by a stated deadline(nowpast),butwith anotherhalfdecadeattached toaccommodatedelivery Last: what else could be in this Ali Animal Farm? Plenty,Ithink.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

Georgetown,T&TChambers signdealtotackletradebarriers

T

he Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce signed a

M e m o r a n d u m o f Understanding (MoU) on Wednesdaycommittingboth organisations to closer cooperation on bilateral trade and to jointly address

non-tariff barriers hamperingGuyana’sexports toTrinidadandTobago.

The agreement was signed by GCCI President Kathy Smith and T&T Chamber President Karen Yip Chuck during a signing ceremonyheldintheGCCI’s boardroom. Also on hand were Priya Marajh, President and CEO of the EnergyChamberofTrinidad and Tobago, and Dr Vashti Guyadeen,CEOoftheT&T Chamber

GCCI President Kathy Smith (left) and T&T Chamber President Karen Yip Chuck after the signing ceremony.

Smith described collaboration as one of the GCCI’scorevaluesandsaid the MoU targets a specific set of long-standing trade obstacles.

“This Memorandum of Understanding is geared towards addressing key issues affecting trade between Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana particularly non-tariff

barriers,” Smith said. “We will work towards actively identifying and resolving barrierstomarketaccessand other challenges, and cooperatively address these formutualbenefit.”

Sheaddedthatthe

Continued on page 16

Reg. 3 Rice Farmers receive over $201M in cash grants

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha (2nd left) is handing over a cheque to a rice farmer

Rice farmers in Region Three began receiving more than $201 million in cash grants as the government fulfilled a commitmentmadebyPresidentIrfaanAlito help reduce production costs and strengthen thericeindustry

The distribution exercise, held at the LeonoraTrackandFieldCentreonTuesday, will benefit 560 farmers cultivating 15,636 acresofrice.

Farmers cultivating 50 acres or less are receiving $15,000 per acre, while those cultivating more than 50 acres are receiving $10,000peracre,representingatotalpayout of$201.7millionfortheregion.

Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha said the initiative reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting rice farmers and honouring the promisesmadetothesector

He emphasised that the $2.763 billion national cash grant programme is another demonstration of the government’s peoplecentred approach, providing direct financial

support to help farmers offset rising productioncostswhileincreasingdisposable income.

“We are here again to deliver on another commitment to you, the farmers. We will continue to support the rice industry because we recognise the important role you play in ensuring food security and driving Guyana’s agricultural development,” Minister Mustaphastated.

He highlighted the government’s continued financial assistance to farmers, including fertiliser support, and the waiving of export commissions to ensure millers couldofferimprovedprices.

Addressing the farmers, Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture Vikash Ramkissoon reminded them that they have also benefited from major investments in drainage and irrigation, rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads, improved transportation services and increased mechanisation.

Rice farmer loses millions as fire guts Corentyne home

ACorentyne rice farmer and his

f a m i l y a r e grievingoverthelossoftheir home and valuables which were reduced to ashes by a fireonTuesdayafternoon.

The distraught man, Vishnu Ganpat, 49, resided at Lot 45 Section ‘G’Alness Village, Corentyne, in the property where he and his family of six occupied for approximately11years.

In an interview with K a i e t e u r N e w s o n Wednesday, the rice farmer recalled wrapping up his day’s work in his rice field and preparing to venture out of the backdam via tractor, when his neighbor’s son contacted him on his phone at around 3:30 on Tuesday afternoon.

“Igotaphonecallsaying my house on fire. Where I was,itisoverfourmiles.The closest distance was Black Bush (Polder) road, about twenty minutes When I come out, I see big smoke.

When we come out, everythingdonelikeduh.”

Ganpat disclosed that he lost approximately $3 2 million in personal cash as part of his farming activity, which then amounted to about $4 million when the other portions of cash belonging to other relatives wereadded.

Hiswife,GumattieDesa, 38,relatedthatshewasinthe kitchen preparing dinner

Her 16-year-old son was at home with her at the time. A neighbor’s son would alert her of an electric situation thatpromptedthefire.

“I hear a lil voice saying ‘Aunty Vanie, yuh house wire sparking. Aunty Vanie, fire’.So,Irunoutthekitchen and when I look up at the front of the house, the wire giveanotherspark,”shesaid.

In panic, she told her son to shut down the main switch, while she tried to put out the flames with water Her son was unable to proceed upstairs, as the flames had already spread throughout the upper flat of the two-storey wooden and concrete structure They would quickly exit the house tosafety

The family occupied the residence since 2015, Ganpat disclosed. His wife

said all they owned and had to show for years of hard work went up in flames, leaving them clueless as to whatnextcoursetopursue.

“I don’t know what’s the next move. There is nothing left that you can start back from In 20 minutes, everything just vanish. I’m married for 22 years, I have four kids, and that is everything we had. The only thing I run out with is my phone in my hand,” the

Norton Street man

wanted by CANU for narcotics trafficking

The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) on Wednesday issued a wanted bulletin for Patrick Kireem Sanmoogan,whoselastknownaddressislisted as Lot 65 Norton Street, Lodge in connection withthepossessionofnarcoticsforthepurpose oftrafficking.

CANU is asking anyone with information about Sanmoogan’s whereabouts to make contact with the authorities on telephone number +592 226 0431 or email: INFO @CANU.GOV.GY

publication.

No injuries were reported from the incident. The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has stated that the official cause of the fire is underinvestigation. Meanwhile,thefamilyof six is seeking assistance from the public for reconstruction of a new home. Persons can contact Ganpat on 677-4420/6392014.

Pres. Ali urges Guyanese in Saint Lucia to invest, return

home at Diaspora Town Hall

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan

Ali used a Town Hall Meeting in Saint Lucia on Tuesday evening to encourage Guyanese living overseas to invest, return home and participate in Guyan

g development.

The meeting, hosted by the Guyana/Saint Lucia Association at the Financial Administrative Center in Castries, attracted a large

audience and formed part of the President’s engagement with the Guyanese diaspora while attending the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of GovernmentofCARICOM.

accompanied by Minister of

International Cooperation Hugh Todd, Minister of Public Service, Government E

Implementation Zulfikar

Ally, and National Security Advisor Captain Gerry G

engagement, the President o

initiatives in infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing, technology and digital services, while highlighting investment, employmentandeducational opportunities available in Guyana.

featured an extended

session, allowing members of the diaspora to raise

clarification on issues affecting them and the country’s development President Ali and members of his delegation responded directly to questions from attendees.

Guyana’s Honorary Consul to Saint Lucia, Richard Cheong, welcomed the turnout, saying it

reflected the diaspora’s continued interest in developmentsbackhome.

Public Relations Officer of the Guyana/Saint Lucia

President Ali and his delegation for meeting with Guyanese living in Saint

committed to strengthening links between the diaspora

investment, trade, education andculturalexchange.

Theeventformedpartof the President’s programme while in Saint Lucia for the

Governmentmeeting.

CA R I C O M ’ s humanitarian aid packageforCuba has finally been cleared for delivery, after funds sent to purchase supplies for the island were rejected three times over sanctions-related bankinghurdles.

T h e u p d a t e w a s delivered Wednesday at the closing media conference of the 51st Regular Meeting of

CARICOM Heads of GovernmentinSaintLucia. The aid initiative was first announced in February attheconclusionofthe50th

Regular Meeting in St Kitts and Nevis, when thenCARICOM Chairman Dr Terrance Drew unveiled the plan in response to Cuba’s deepening humanitarian crisis.Theisland’snearly10 million residents have faced mounting economic hardship since the Trump administration cut off the flow of oil to Cuba earlier this year, in what CNN reported was an effort to pressure the communist-run island into major political andeconomicreform. Under the initiative,

CARICOM governments agreed to jointly procure essential goods on behalf of member states, including powdered milk, baby formula, non-perishable food such as beans, wheat flour,riceandcannedgoods, basicmedicalsupplies,solar panels, batteries and water tanks,forshipmenttoCuba. The Government of Mexico is supporting the effort by identifying suppliers able to deliver goods to the port of departure and by providing freeshippingfromMexicoto Cuba.

That support has not spared the initiative from repeated setbacks. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley revealed Wednesday that funds earmarked for baby formula had bounced back three times before finally clearing.

Mottley attributed the repeated rejections to the practical difficulty of moving money for Cuba whileundersanctions.

“The money that was sent back because of the sanctions, it is almost impossible to be able to

deliver it, and we’ve had to go through circuitous routes with respect to dealing with countries who are willing to

ensurethathumanitarianaid is delivered to Cuba,” she said.“Nobodyisgoingto Continued on page 16

GTUC demands COI into president’s 150-acre ranch

TheGuyanaTrades Union Congress (GTUC)iscalling for an independent probe into President Irfaan Ali’s privateassets.

In a press statement issued on July 8, the trades

union demanded the immediate establishment of anindependentCommission ofInquiry(COI)toscrutinise

the acquisition and development of President Ali’s 150-acre ranch

Simultaneously, the union

body called for the immediatewithdrawalofthe

controversial Former Presidents’ Benefits and Other Facilities Bill 2026, labeling it an “unjust burden”ontaxpayers.

“PublicOffice isaPublicTrust”

The GTUC’s call for a COIcentersonwhetherstate

resources, regulatory concessions,ortheinfluence of the presidency facilitated the expansion of President Ali’s 150 acres private agricultural venture The union insisted that the inquiry must not be directed by the Executive or staffed bypoliticalappointees.

“This inquiry must be empowered to summon witnesses, examine public records, receive expert testimony,andhearevidence f r o m i n d e p e n d e n t stakeholders,” the GTUC stated. “Rhetoric must not shroud the necessity for accountability in public office.”

The union explicitly dismissed official government defenses that characterisetheheadofstate as simply a passionate, lifelongfarmer.

The GTUC argued that the sheer scale of the 150acre commercial interest raises legitimate questions regarding conflicts of interest,questioningwhether managing such private venturesiscompatiblewitha presidency already heavily funded by taxpayers Turningitssightstothe2026 Former Presidents’ Benefits Bill,theGTUCdescribedthe legislation as “particularly offensive” given the high cost of living currently squeezing working-class families.

“Workers- past, present and future- should not be expected to underwrite open-ended privileges for political officeholders,” the union’s declaration read “Public service is a duty to thenation,notaguaranteeof

lifelong financial entitlement at taxpayers’ expense.”

AGSlams“Malice andSpite,”Defends EqualTreatment

Meanwhile, on Tuesday evening, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, SC Anil Nandlall pushedbackonhis“Issuesin the News” programme, blasting what he said is a “deliberate campaign to mislead, distort, and scandalise” the proposed legislation.

Responding to mounting public criticisms, Nandlall clarifiedthatthe2026Billis not a new framework designed to create bespoke privileges for President Ali. Instead,heexplained,itisan exact replication of the original2009Act,whichwas introduced to codify and settle benefits that former presidents had historically receivedonanad-hocbasis.

Nandlall detailed a legislative history, noting that the APNU-AFC administration repealed the 2009Actandreplaceditwith arestrictiveversionin2015. However,theAGarguedthat the 2015 law was legally “impotent” because it could not retroactively strip away the vested proprietary rights of living former PPP presidents Bharrat Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar, and SamuelHinds.

Ironically, Nandlall revealed, the strict 2015 limitslegallyappliedonlyto APNU-AFC’s own former President, David Granger, when he demitted office in 2020. Yet, theAG disclosed that the current PPP/C administration chose not to enforce those restrictions on Granger.

“From 2020 to now, the People’s Progressive Civic administrationneverapplied that 2015 law to President Granger It applied the 2009 law to President Granger,” Nandlall said. “And I don’t wish to state the reasons why I will leave it like that.”

The attorney general accusedoppositionelements and critics of “crocodiletype criticism,” pointing out historical inconsistencies He noted that in 2017, the APNU-AFC administration passed the Prime Minister Hamilton Green Pension Bill, granting a broad package of benefits exclusively to a single individual 30 years after he leftoffice.

“They didn’t pass a prime minister bill that Moses Nagamootoo, for example, could have benefited from, or Mark Phillipscouldhavebenefited from,” Nandlall charged “That is nepotism and cronyism.”

According to the government, the 2026 Bill simply undoes the “deplorable state of affairs” created by the 2015 repeal, whichNandlallclaimedwas driven entirely by “ill will, malice, and spite” to target formerPresidentJagdeo.

“The 2026 bill is intended to restore the dignity to the office of a formerpresidentandtobring certainty and equity,” Nandlall concluded

“Whether it’s former President Granger, whether it’s Ramotar, whether it’s Hinds, whether it’s Jagdeo, whether it’s Irfaan Ali, and whoever may come in the future...thebillisintendedto treatallofthemequally.”

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HoneywellRefrigerationGas:

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Georgetown, T&T Chambers sign deal to tackle trade...

From page 11 partnership will extend beyond trade barriers to joint projects aimed at expanding economicandsocialopportunities for members and business communities in both countries, including shared research on sectors with strongdevelopmentpotential.

51 year old male of African decent looking for future partnerofanyracewithinthe age group of 35-45yrs. Call #603-6400

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MOVE IN READY: Fully furnished two bedroom apartment. Residential area, East Coast $1500 US monthly.Call#600-9981

Vreed-en-hoop junction: Place for office, lessons, storage bond and other. Call #603-6400

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK: Graphics design,advertisements, weddingarchrentals.Tel:6267040.

Experiencedcookandkitchen assistant, located at Charlestown.Tele#601-4918/ 676-5534

Technician wanted: Air conditioner installation and Air Conditioner Servicing, Call/WhatsApp #689-9856. DriversLicensewouldbean asset

We buy house lot and land withunfinishedbuilding.Call K.Lakeram,Building Contractor #216-0671 or WhatsApp#622-0267

Advocacy with regulatory agenciesandotherkeystakeholderswillalsoformpartof the effort, she said.

Yip Chuck framed the signing as the start of a longer-term partnership rather than a one-off formality.“Today’ssigningis not simply about executing a MemorandumofUnderstand-

ing,ratheritisaboutcreating an enduring framework through which the private sectors of our two countries can work together to identify challenges, advocate for solutions and unlock new opportunitiesforbusiness,”she said.

Officialsfrombothchambers noted that discussions

on bilateral trade issues date back to 2022, with particular focus on easing the export of Guyanese agricultural products into the Trinidad and Tobago market. Under the new MoU, a working group will be established to track implementation and ensure the agreement’s objectives are met on schedule.

CARICOM’s humanitarian aid for...

From page 14 releasethemilkwithoutpayment, and because we are shippingittoCuba,therefore the process goes through enhanced due diligence.” Mottley acknowledged the crisisremainspoliticallysensitive but said CARICOM headshadagreedthatdebate on the matter must proceed without prejudice, with the priority placed squarely on resolving the humanitarian emergency

“There is a humanitarian crisis, and you cannot continue to ignore that reality,” shesaid.“Humanitarianrelief comesaboveeverythingelse, because none of us can give back life to anybody.”

She added that while the situation remains “complicated and complex,” a dynamic reflected in recent debate at the United Nations, CARICOMremainscommitted to humanitarian assistance and to dialogue that

could help de-escalate the standoff.

Mottley disclosed that CARICOM has informed both Washington and Havana that it stands ready to help facilitate talks between the two governments.

“When you live in a neighborhood,whathappens in the neighborhood affects everyone, and the neighborhood stretches from Florida to Guyana and Suriname in the South,” she said.

NewPouderoyen Markettocost atleast$1billion

ThenewmarketfacilityplannedforPouderoyen,Region Three, a project undertaken by the Ministry of Local GovernmentandRegionalDevelopmentwillcostatleast$1 billion.

This is according to bids submitted to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). The project has attracted 33 contractors and is divided into threelots.

No engineer's estimate was stated by NPTAB, but contractors who tendered for all three lots bid between $1,081,163,686and$2,349,261,188toexecutetheworks.

The construction of the market will form part of the $18 billion which was approved from the national budget for marketprojectsacrossthecountry

Belowarethecompaniesandtheirbids:

Bidder AmountTendered

Urban Road Builders

Emeralds General Contracting & Distributors

Andrect Engineering & Construction Inc

Bidder

Metal & Fabrication Inc.

Empress General Service

MidnightTrucking & Heavy

Services & Construction

Westbrook Caribbean Inc

Solace Construction Inc

S&S Proserve

PermaulTrading & Distribution

K&S General Contractors Inc

AmountTendered

Lot1

$822,960,609

Lot2

$470,738,672

Lot3

$140,805,699

Lot1

Lot2

Lot3

Lot1

$994,133,476

$554,957,267

$197,189,510

$1,040,662,098

Lot2

$619,493,563

Lot3

Lot1

Lot2

Lot3

Lot1

$206,452,400

$857,178,505

$482,872,015

$166,565,770

$994,474,220

Lot2 $501,873,593

Lot1

$930,917,742

Lot2 $510,741,164

Lot3 $160,620,600

Lot1

$1,195,714,716

Lot2 $694,779,072

Lot3 $458,767,400

Lot1 $820,500,000

Lot2 $435,690,000

Lot3 $175,200,000

Trump threatens more strikes on Iran as Tehran warns

of 'fearless' response

Lot2 $464,070,836

Lot1 $936,874,218

Lot2 $480,212,867

Lot3 $16,747,500

Lot1 $921,393,788

Lot2 $521,939,260

Lot3 $162,741,600

KAL Investments Inc .

JK Enterprise Inc

Lot3 $154,048,930

Lot1 $910,000,000

Lot2 $515,000,000

Lot3 $158,000,000

I Khan Contracting Services

Lot1 $896,241,651

Lot2 $511,459,977

Lot3 $144,679,360

Toolsie Persaud QuarriesInc

Lot1

$903,176,950

Lot2 $513,991,254

Lot3 $164,231,515

D Chowkai & Sons Construction

Holistic Contracting & Procurement Inc

Supergraphics

Extreme General Construction & Supplies

Puran Bros Disposal Inc

Lot1 $1,190,580,022

Lot2 $700,197,015

Lot3 $220,644,900

Lot1 $1,200,706,138

Lot2 $707,054,565

Lot3 $225,894,900

Lot1 $1,232,638,836

Lot3 $167,879,600

Lot1 $987,585,105

Lot2 $534,467,225

P.D Contracting

M K Hanif Construction Service

NK Engineering Services

Lot1 $1,200,300,051

Lot2 $675,437,601

Lot3 $168,306,280

Lot1

$959,691,082

Lot2 $547,042,062

Lot3 $182,423,220

Lot1

$916,367,047

Lot2 $515,404,791

ProAxis Construction Services Lot1

V B New Approach General Construction Inc

Lot1

$814,415,752

$927,346,612

Lot2 $527,323,368

Lot3 $168,071,200

A&K Construction & Maintenance Services

Lot1

$1,004,050,761

Lot2 $582,715,245

Lot3 $188,441,400

Kraft Innovation Momentum Inc Lot1 $912,864,155

Golden Bricks Construction

Lot1

$1,009,641,276

Lot2 $584,221,837

Lot3 $182,976,150

(BBC)DonaldTrumphassaidtheceasefireagreementwith Iran is "over", blasting the country's leadership as "scum" and "cuckoo"afterfreshexchangesoffireovernight.Speakinglater toreportersataNatosummitinTurkey,theAmericanpresident saidtheUS"hitthemveryhardlastnight"andwill"probablyhit them hard again tonight".He accused Tehran of violating an interimdealsignedbybothcountriesinJunethatcalledforan end to the conflict, adding that they "lie" and "cheat".Iran's ForeignMinisterAbbasAraghchirespondedinapostonX:"We do not answer vulgarity with vulgarity, but with action: fearlesslyandwithgreatvalour."TuesdaynightintoWednesday sawtheworstexchangeofstrikesbetweentheUSandIransince the deal - known as a memorandum of understanding (MoU)wassignedon17June.Itincluded14points,amongthema60day period for a ceasefire during which negotiations should continue, the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of HormuzandtheUSliftingsanctionsonIran.Whenaskedabout thedealattheNatosummitonWednesday,Trumpsaid:"Ithink it'sover Idon'twanttodealwiththemanymore,they'rescum... they're led by sick people and they're vicious, violent people."”We make a deal... They [Iran] go outside, talk to the press, they say 'we never even talked about it'. There's something wrong with them. They're cuckoo. As far as I'm concerned,it'sover.Speakingaheadofthesummit,thepresident saidUSnegotiatorscouldcontinuetalks"iftheywant"butsaid he saw it as "a waste of time".However in a later news conference, Trump told reporters he didn't think the Iran war wouldstartagainandsaid"anythingthathappenswillbeover quickly".

His comments have prompted responses from several Iranian officials.Asenior adviser to Iran's supreme leader,Ali AkbarVelayati,warnednewstrikesfromtheUSwouldbemet with an "immediate response".Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister KazemGharibabadialsosaidTrump'scomments"arenotasign ofstrength,butratheranadmissionofthefailureofapolicybuilt onbruteforce,sanctions,andthreatsforyears,whichcouldnot bring the Iranian nation to its knees".US Central Command (Centcom)saidonTuesdayithadlaunched"powerful"strikesin response to attacks on three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media said eight members of the country's army had been killed in US strikes in Bandar Abbas and Bushehr, southern Iran.The US also said it had revoked its temporary suspensionofsanctionsonIranianoilsales.OnWednesday,Iran said it targeted US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait in retaliation.

Oil prices jumped after Trump's comments, although they arestillwellbelowthehighsseenduringthefullclosureofthe strait.Centcom said on Wednesday more than 20 US Navy warships were continuing to patrol waters across the Middle East.Iran'sparliamentaryspeakerMohammadBagherGhalibaf, whoisalsothecountry'schiefnegotiatorwiththeUS,accused theUSofbreachingtheMoUonsanctionsonoilsalesandother issues, including the attacks in southern Iran and "violating Iranian adjustments in the Strait".”The era of bullying and extortionisover Itleadsnowhere.Wedon'tfold,"hesaidafter the US strikes.Nato chief Mark Rutte described theAmerican strikesas"absolutelynecessary",sayingthatIranwas"basically violating the ceasefire".There have been several exchanges of fire since the MoU was signed last month.The US launched a seriesofstrikesonIranon26JuneafteranIranianprojectilehita cargoshipintheStraitofHormuz.FurtherUSstrikestookplace on27June,followinganattackonatanker Butlaterthatmonth bothsideshadagreedto"standdown".

Industrial Fabrications Inc

Lot1

$877,405,231

Lot2 $485,069,016

Lot3 $105,541,485

DR Engineering Lot3 $167,867,105

A M I.C General Contracting Services

Lot1

$954,704,107

Lot2 $543,786,537

Lot3 $178,003,560

Angad Ganesh Building & General Construction

Lot1

Lot2

Lot3

$937,000,000

$537,000,000

$178,000,000

Part of the MoU's 14 points is for an "immediate and permanentterminationofmilitaryoperationsonallfronts".Both sides had continued negotiations on the terms of a permanent endtothewar,buttalkswerepausedduringfuneralceremonies forthelateAyatollahAliKhamenei,whowaskilledonthefirst dayofUS-IsraelstrikesonIran.Ceremoniesaretakingplacein Iraq on Wednesday, with the final rites and burial set for Mashhad in north-east Iran on Thursday.It is not clear when talks will resume after this latest round of strikes, as Trump responded to a question about further negotiations with the comment:"Idon'tcare".

"Frankly,Idon'twanttowastemytimewiththem.Now,I'll let our wonderful negotiators keep talking if they want, but I don't see it," Trump said.Trump also referenced his special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner, calling them"goodpeople"whocouldnegotiateiftheywantedto.The pair previously played a role in peace talks."I'll speak to our negotiators,iftheywanttonegotiatethey'regoodpeople-Steve Witkoff,JaredKushner-buttheyhavetocomebacktome,as farasI'mconcernedit'sjustawasteoftime."

U.S. launches more strikes on Iran

...blasts reported in south of country

BBC - The US has launched a new round of strikes on Iran after President Donald Trump signalledhe'd"hitthemhard again tonight" following an overnight exchange of attacksonTuesday

Explosions have been reported by Iranian state media in parts of the country's south, including Sirik and Bandar Abbasport cities on the Strait of Hormuz.

After the latest strikes, TrumpsaidinapostonTruth Social:"Thisisinretribution for yesterday's bombing of ships by Iran. If it happens again, it will get much worse!"

Iran has not yet commented, but senior officials earlier warned any attackfromtheUSwouldbe met with an "immediate response" US Central Command (Centcom) said the strikes were carried out to "further degrade Tehran's abilitytothreatenfreedomof navigation" in the vital waterway

In a statement it added: "The United States is holdingIranaccountablefor recentunjustifiedaggression

againstcommercialshipping and civilian crews freely navigating a vital internationalwaterway."

Several explosions have alsoreportedlybeenheardin other parts of the Iranian coast, including the cities of KonarakandChabahar IranianstateTVreported eight explosions in Bandar Abbas,andsaidtwomissiles hadhittheportsofbothSirik and Jask - also in southern Iran.

It added that two projectiles hit the island of Abu Musa, which has been thesubjectofalongstanding ownership dispute between Iran and the United Arab Emirates Air defence systems have been activated in Bandar Abbas, according to reports in Iranian state media.

The extent of damage fromtheUSstrikesisnotyet known, but Iranian media has reported power cuts in Chabahar and a fire at an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) barracksinBushehr

Twoofthreepowerlines cutoffinChabaharhadbeen restored quickly and a third would be operational soon,

the Iranian Students' News Agency said Speaking to reportersfromAirForceOne on Wednesday evening, the US president said Iran had "calledalittlewhileago"and wanted to make a deal "so badly".Trumpadded:"Ijust don't know if they're worthy of making a deal. I don't know that they're going to honour the deal, that's the problem."

On Tuesday, the US militarysaidithadlaunched "powerful" strikes in response to attacks on three tankersinthestrait.

OnWednesday,Iransaid

Trump said the new strikes were "retribution for yesterday's bombing of ships by Iran" in the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane. (REUTERS)

it targeted US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait in retaliation Tuesday into Wednesday saw the worst exchange of strikes between the US and Iran since the d e a l , k n o w n a s a m e m o r a n d u m o f understanding (MoU) was signedon17June.

T r u m p s a i d o n

Wednesdaythattheceasefire agreementsignedlastmonth with Iran is "over", and addedtheUS"hitthemvery hard last night" and will "probably hit them hard againtonight".

Hetoldreporters:"Idon't

want to deal with them anymore, they're scum. You knowwhatscumis?They're scum.They'resickpeople."

In response, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas AraghchisaidinapostonX: "Wedonotanswervulgarity with vulgarity, but with action: fearlessly and with greatvalour.”

ThedealbetweentheUS and Iran included 14 points, amongthema60-dayperiod for a ceasefire during which negotiations should continue,thesafepassageof vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and the US lifting

sanctionsonIran.

The 60-day-period for negotiationsisnotyetup,but Trump has said he saw further talks as "a waste of time".

These are not the first strikes since the MoU was signed.

TheUSlaunchedaseries ofstrikesonIranon26June afteranIranianprojectilehit a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

Further US strikes took place on 27 June, following an attack on a tanker But later that month both sides hadagreedto"standdown".

Death toll from Venezuela quakes rises to 3,535 as thousands remain displaced

(Reuters)-Thedeathtollfrom Venezuela's twin earthquakes has risen to 3,535, authorities said on Monday, while nearly 18,000 peopleremainhomelessmorethan aweekafterthedisasterstruckthe capitalandnearbycoastalareas.

ToplawmakerJorgeRodriguez saidthelatestofficialtallyshowed 16,740 people injured and 17,854 left without housing after the June 24 quakes, which measured magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 and struck withinsecondsofeachother

Thenewfiguresunderscorethe scale of the ​disaster in and around CaracasandLaGuaira,thecoastal area hit hardest, as criticism mounts over the government's response.

Venezuela's social vice presidency said at least 12,800 people were staying in 80 shelters acrossCaracasandLaGuaira.

HEALTHRISKSIN ​TEMPORARYSHELTERS

Dr Mauricio Cerpa Calderon, an adviser to the Emergency Operations Center of the Pan American Health Organization in Washington, warned of the ​health risks mounting in these temporary sites."An event associated with or following an earthquake is the setting up of temporary shelters or

camps,"CerpatoldReuters."These health risks are related to overcrowding, limited ventilation, interrupted access to safe drinking water, water and sanitation issues, and inadequate handling of food and waste."Cerpa said ​immediate priorities include addressing "respiratory infections, diarrhea, skin diseases, wound infections, dengue, and vaccine-preventable diseases such as tetanus, measles, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis and ​polio."

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has defended the government's handling of the disaster amid growing frustration from Venezuelans who have described the response as late and inadequate humanitarian organizations including the International Rescue Committee have also c

government'sresponse.

Rodriguez said security forces were deployed immediately after the quakes and announced the creation of a new military unit to helptacklefutureemergenciesand disasters.

AUTHORITIESBURY EARTHQUAKEVICTIMS

In La Guaira on Monday, Reuters witnesses saw trucks and

Workers prepare graves on the day of the burial of earthquake victims, in the aftermath of the June 24 earthquakes, at La Esperanza Cemetery, in La Guaira, Venezuela, July 6, 2026. REUTERS/Adriano Machado

forensic workers transporting coffins, while machinery dug trenchesinanopenareamarkedby white crosses, where authorities wereburying​bodies.

Venezuela's Ministry of Communication and Information ​did not immediately respond to a requestforcomment.

Photos published by Spanish newspaper El Pais showed some graves marked with names and otherswithnumbers.Toassistwith

theinfluxofcasualties,Cerpasaid PAHO and the World Health Organization ​have supported the management of bodies by providing technical guidelines and body bags, as well as ​facilitating three refrigerated containers for bodymanagementattheportofLa Guaira and two crematoriums in otherlocations.TheUnitedNations said it was continuing to ramp up aidoperationsincoordinationwith thegovernmentinCaracas.

"Somesearchandrescueteams remain deployed in the affected areas, while other specialized engineering teams and ​medical support continue to arrive," U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric toldreportersonMonday National health ​authorities are currently evaluating targeted vaccination campaigns in the temporary shelters based on risk, vaccine availability and national guidelines,Cerpaadded.

Kennard's Memorial Turf Club Emancipation Horserace Meet

set for Sunday 2nd August

-EmancipationCupthefutureeventwithcloseto$10Matstake

BySamuelWhyte

TheKennard'sMemorialTurfClub

(KMTC) Emancipation

HorseraceMeetissetforSunday 2nd August at their race track, Bush Lot Farm,CorentyneBerbice.

Atotalofsevenracesareontheday'scard withtheEmancipationCup,whichisopento all 3 year old and over horses, the feature event. The distance is one-mile with a winner'sprizeof$1Mandtrophy

Other events on the day's card are the E classnonwinnersandopentoFandGclass horses over seven furlongs.The winner will raceawaywith$500,000andatrophy

Thereisaracefor3yearoldGuyanabred maidensand3yearsoldGuyanabredwinner of one. The distance is 1mile with the

winner'spursebeing$400,000andtrophy

ThehorsescompetingintheHclassand lower contest will be battling over seven furlongs.Thewinningprizeis$400,000and atrophy

Two years old Guyana bred maiden horses have five furlongs to cover as they compete for the $350,000 and trophy availableforthetoprunner

Horses classified J and K will be racing for$350,000andatrophyinasevenfurlong race.

IntheLclassracetheanimalswillalsobe competingforthewinner'stakeof$350,000 andtrophyinthesevenfurlongscontest.

The event will be conducted under the aegisoftheKMTC.

Racetimeis12:30hrs.

Thursday July 09, 2026

ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19

Events taking place at churches,meditationcenters, and other places with a spiritualorientationcoulddraw younear,Aries Youmightwant toattendaserviceorprogramat oneofthem,ifpossible

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

It's likely that the previous few days have been especially hectic, Taurus Today you're apt to entertain a few daydreams about gettingawayfromitall.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Today your intellect is likely tobemoreinclinedthanusual toexplorefieldsthatseemabit speculative Ancient spiritual rites, prehistory, or strange stories could be on your mind,Gemini.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Some intense dreams could visit you tonight. Keep a notebook and pen by your bedside,Cancer It'simportant yourememberthem

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Events involving the arts or spiritual studies could take placetoday Youmightbeput in contact with new people whoshareyourinterests.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Daydreamsaboutyourfuture could take up a lot of time today,Virgo.Inspirationcould give a real boost to projects you'vebeenworkingon These mightinvolveartisticendeavors orperhapssomesprucingup.

Djokovic shines in longest...

Frompage23 onTuesdaybutGauffsolved the puzzle for an impressive victory.

"Prettyinsane,honestly," was Gauff's immediate reaction to the win over her f e l l o w A m e r i c a n

"Considering how I hadn't ​wonamatchongrassintwo yearsbeforethistournament, I'm definitely just really happy with how I played today."

Zverevlost12ofthefirst ​13pointsasheresumed⁠at33 in the third set against Lehecka and looked heavylegged as all his good work

on Monday appeared to be unravelling.

But he steadied the ship and, despite serving a double-fault on match point in the fourth-set tiebreak, he gotitdone."Whowouldhave thoughtit'sonlytakenme12 years to get (to my first Wimbledon quarter-final), butI'mincrediblyhappyand relieved.ButofcourseIwant toplaythreemorematches," he said on a paint-peeling dayin⁠LondonSw19.

NOSWEAT​FORSINNER

Sinner's second-round meltdown in a Parisian heatwave a few weeks ago

had raised doubts about the red-haired Italian's ability to operate in extreme temperatures. He never managed to find top gear against Grand Slam quarter-final debutant Struffandthingsmighthave got sweaty if he had not saved a set point in the secondset.

But,ultimately,precision serving eased the top seed through to his 10th Grand ​Slam semi-final, where he faces seven-times champion Djokovic in a rematch of their clash at the same stage lastyear

Saint Lucia Kings unveil overseas...

Frompage24 built a reputation across T20 leagues worldwide for his ability to strike at crucial

moments and control the game with guile beyond his years. TimSeifertcontinueshis associati

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

You might find yourself daydreaming about faraway places,Libra,perhapstoyingwith theideaoftakingalongvacation

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)

You might look around your houseandthinkofsomenew andexcitingwaystospruceit up a little, Scorpio Perhaps some new paint, wallpaper, or carpet,orevenasmallartobject couldmakeabigdifference

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Something is happening nearby, Sagittarius, and you want to participate. You could feel like you have one foot in this world and one in another.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Thisisagreatdaytodevelop any latent talents you've wantedtoexplore,Capricorn, particularly those involving thearts Youmightwanttotry working with friends who havethesametalent

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Today you might feel especially a

ic, particularly regarding the visual arts. A lot of exalted ideascouldcomeyourway

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

You're a deep thinker by nature, Pisces, and today yourmindmaynotbeinthis world. Books on psychology and metaphysics could be appealing Churches, meditationcenters,andother places.

e franchise,havingestablished himself as one of the most destructive wicketkeeperbatters in the CPL.The New Zealand international's versatility across the batting order, and his form in franchise leagues around the globe, make him a cornerstoneoftheKings'top orderonceagain.

Maheesh Theekshana joins the Kings bringing his sharp variations and consistencyinthepowerplay and death overs. The Sri Lankan off-spinner has been a fixture in franchise cricket internationally,valuedforhis control and ability to trouble battersofallstyles.

Charith Asalanka adds further batting depth and captaincy experience to the group The elegant lefthander gives the Kings a proven finisher capable of anchoring an innings or accelerating in the closing stages.

Shadley van Schalkwyk rounds out the overseas quintet, bringing pace and bouncetotheKings'bowling unit. The USA quick has impressed in franchise cricketcircleswithhisability to generate awkward angles and contribute with the new ballandatthedeathalike.

Mickle's 24 not enough as Guyana fall to Turks and Caicos

Guyana's campaign at the FIBA AmeriCup 2029

Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers got off to a disappointing start last evening as the host nation suffered a 68-55 defeat to the Turks and Caicos Islands at the Cliff AndersonSportsHall.

Despite a game-high 24

points from Kevin Mickle, Guyana was unable to overcome a disciplined Turks and Caicos side that capitalised on key moments to secure an important openingvictory

Backed by a vocal home crowd, Guyana showed promise early and held a

Kevin Mickle had a gamehigh 24 points in a losing effort for Guyana.

narrow12-10leadattheend ofthefirstquarter

However, the visitors seized control in the second period, outscoring the hosts 21-11totakeacommanding halftimeadvantage.

Guyana attempted to mount a comeback after the break,butalthoughthethird quarter ended 24-19 in favour of the home side, the early deficit proved too muchtoovercome.

Turks and Caicos maintained their composure in the final period to close out the contest and hand

Team Guyana ahead of tip-off against Turks and Caicos Islands.

Guyana a disappointing openingdefeat.

Ethan Taylor led the scoring for the Turks and Caicos Islands with 16 points, while the team's balanced offensive display proved decisive against a Guyanesesidethatstruggled to find consistent scoring supportforMickle.

Mickle was the lone Guyanese player to finish in doublefigures,producingan imp

n Wiggins contributed nine points, but no other player

managed to significantly impact the scoresheet as the hosts found it difficult to break down the Turks and Caicosdefence.

The loss leaves Guyana with little room for error in the tournament, where only the group winner will advance to the next stage of the FIBA AmeriCup qualificationprocess. Elsewhere on the opening day, Barbados cruisedtoanemphatic89-54 victory over the Cayman Islands, while St. Vincent andtheGrenadinesdefeated

Fiftyyearsago,agroupof15-&16-yearold boys from St Stanislaus College were invited to play in the inaugural CARICOM Day FootballTournament.These young men weretaskedwithcompetingagainstseasoned veteran professional footballers from throughout the Caribbean and local pros, several of whom represented their countries nationally Thetournamentkickedoffwiththe sizeablecrowdsatthevenuelaughingatthese 7 young lads competing against these pros. After their first game which they won, the mood starting to shift from laughter to “who arethesekids”.Theyounggroupofstalwarts continuedtowineverygameandbythetime they were in the finals the crowd had completely flipped and started supporting them.

The team went on to win the tournament and write history in Guyana's football. Fifty years later - these young lads should be celebrated as many have moved onto significantlycontributetosocietylocallyand internationally,withtheauthor,launchingthe Lady Jags Women's National Programme (Guyana's National Team) in 2009 and creating more history by successfully coachingtheteamtothe2010Women'sWorld Cup CONCACAF Championship and the 2016 Women's CONCACAF Olympic Championship continuing to write Guyana's footballhistoryforalltocelebrate.

Grenada85-66.Antiguaand Barbuda also enjoyed a winning start, recording an 82-50 triumph over Bermuda.

The tournament continues today, Thursday with another full slate of matches.

TheCaymanIslandswill face Grenada, Haiti take on Barbados, Dominica meet the Turks and Caicos Islands,whileGuyanareturn toactionagainstAntiguaand Barbudainwhathasalready become a must-win encounterforthehomeside.

Mark Rodrigues 'many moons' later creating history with the

Djokovic shines in longest Wimbledon quarter-final as Gauff, Zverev break new ground

LONDON,(Reuters)-Novak DjokovicoutlastedthirdseedFelix Auger-Aliassime in the longest Wimbledonquarter-finalinhistory astheSerbprevailed7-6(10)3-663 6-7(4) 7-6(10-4) in five hours and 15 minutes on Tuesday to set ​upashowdownwithholderJannik Sinner

The victory kept alive the 39year-old's hopes of capturing a record-equalling eighth crown at the All England Club and a 25th Grand Slam trophy that will take himtothetopoftheall-timelistof majorchampions.

Djokovicmaybeinthetwilight of his glittering career and facing questions about his powers fading inrecentyearsbuttheseventhseed showed he was every bit the competitor with a Centre Court displaythatleftfansinraptures.

"It'sexcitingtobepartofsuch anepicmatchthatwasplayedover fivehours,whateveritwas.Idon't even know the exact time," Djokovictoldreporters.

"Itwasoneofthebest​matches IwaspartofinWimbledon.Idon't recallplayingthislong.Maybethe RogerFedererfinalin2019comes close in terms of the time and length.

"But it was really super ​even. Anyone's game. Felix played on a high level. He dropped his level a little bit in that super tiebreak. I usedallmyopportunitiesandhung ⁠in there, played the right shots. Thatwasenough.

"The crowd was up on their feet, particularly the last 30 minutes. They also recognised how special the moment is of us battling the curfew, as well, a few

​minutesbefore11p.m."

GAUFF,ZVEREVBREAK NEWGROUND

While Djokovic reached a record-extending15thWimbledon semi-final, American Coco Gauff and Germany's Alexander Zverev broke new ground but Naomi Osaka'stitlehopesevaporatedona blazing day at the All ​England Club.

Hot weather warnings might have furrowed the brow of men's defendingchampionJannikSinner buthetamedGermanveteranJan-

in 2019 and had never gone past thefourthround.

The bond is clearly getting strongerthoughassheprovedwith a composed 4-6 6-3 6-3 victory over American number one and fourth seed Jessica Pegula on CentreCourt.

OSAKA'SBIDFORFIFTH ​MAJORHALTED

Second seed Zverev, whose Wimbledon ceiling had also previously been the last 16, returned to finish off dangerous Czech Jiri Lehecka to reach his

Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning his quarter final match against Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime. (REUTERS/Jaimi Joy)

Lennard Struff 7-5 7-6(4) 6-3 to reachthesemi-finals.

Seventh seed Gauff's relationship with grass has been lukewarm since she made her Wimbledondebutasa15-year-old

firstquarter-finalhere.

The 29-year-old was three games from victory on Monday ​evening before being snagged by Wimbledon's curfew and despite allowing Lehecka back into the

Coco Gauff of the U.S. celebrates after winning her quarter final match against Jessica Pegula of the U.S. (REUTERS/Mark o Djurica)

match on the resumption, he completed a 6-4 7-5 3-6 7-6(6) win.The French Open champion will be back on court on Wednesday to face sixth-seeded American Taylor Fritz a ⁠battle of 140mphservers.

Osaka'soutfitsandtennishave sparkled in equal measure at this year's Championships, and the Japaneseplayer'sdominantvictory over world number one Aryna Sabalenka on Sunday had many predictingshecouldgoonandwin afifthGrandSlamtitle.

The14thseedranintoinspired Czech Karolina Muchova in the quarter-finals on Tuesday, however,losing7-6(4)6-4.

On a day of personal bests,

Old Fort, GCC and Hikers set to compete in Inaugural IPH Outdoor Tournament T

Asizeable contingent of

Guyanese hockey players departed earlier thisweekforTrinidadandTobagoto compete in the inaugural IPH Outdoor Tournament, with three local clubs carrying the nation's hopes when the four-day championship gets underway from today,July9toJuly12.

Guyana Hockey Board confirmed yesterday that Guyana will be represented by Old Fort Hockey Club, Georgetown Cricket Club Hockey men's and women's teams, and a mixed squad from Hikers Hockey Club competing under the banner Shane & Friends Elite.

The Hikers-based outfit will feature players drawn from Hikers, Old Fort and Saints, along with players from Trinidad and Tobago, underscoring the collaborative spirit

of the inaugural regional

competition.

The tournament presents an important opportunity for Guyanese players to test themselves against quality regional opposition while gaining valuable outdoor hockey experience.

Beyond the results, the championship is expected to aid the continued development of the local gamebyexposingplayerstodifferent styles of play and higher levels of competition.

The event also offers participating clubs a chance to strengthen relationships with their Caribbean counterparts, fostering greater collaboration while contributingtothelong-termgrowth of hockey across both Guyana and thewiderregion.

In a release, the Guyana Hockey Board praised the dedication of the clubs, players, coaches and supporters whose commitment has

made the trip possible. The Board noted that participation in tournaments of this nature is vital to raising the standard of local hockey as Guyana continues to build competitivepathwaysforbothsenior andemergingathletes.

The Board also acknowledged the contributions of private sector sponsors, supporters and local fundraising initiatives, highlighting that the travelling clubs worked tirelessly to secure the resources needed for the overseas assignment. Accordingtotherelease,thesupport received demonstrates the value placed on sport, youth development andcommunityrepresentation.

The Guyana Hockey Board concluded by extending its best wishestoallthetravellingteamsand players, expressing confidence that they will represent both their clubs and Guyana with distinction at the inauguralIPHOutdoorTournament.

Muchovaalsoensuredherdeepest Wimbledon run after twice falling in the last eight and the 10th seed willnowstandinthewayofGauff. GAUFF'SGRASSDROUGHT ENDING

Muchovacouldbejoinedinthe semi-finals by a second Czech on Wednesday when Linda Noskova playsEliseMertens.

Gauff's progress ​at this year's Wimbledon has been far from smooth, ​dropping sets in three of herfourmatches. But⁠sheisfindingwaystowin. FriendanddoublespartnerPegula, playing her first ever match on Centre Court, looked the more assured player for a set and a half

(Continuedonpage21)

Guyanese teams to make full use of their chances as Inaugural IPH Outdoor tournament swing off today.

Saint Lucia Kings unveil overseas contingent for CPL 2026

The Saint Lucia Kings announcedtheiroverseasplayer roster ahead of the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season, bringing together a world-class blend of spin bowling, powerhitting, and all-round versatility from across the international game.

The five overseas signings confirmed for the upcoming campaignare:

NoorAhmad(Afghanistan)

TimSeifert(NewZealand)

Maheesh Theekshana (Sri Lanka)

Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka)

Shadley van Schalkwyk (USA)

The Kings' recruitment strategyfor2026reflectsaclear intenttostrengthenboththespin

and pace bowling stocks while retainingtheexplosivetop-order presence that has become the franchise'scallingcardinrecent seasons.

NoorAhmad,oneofthemost sought-after white-ball spinners in world cricket, returns to bolstertheKings'bowlingattack through the middle overs. The youngAfghan wrist-spinner has (Continuedonpage21)

All Caribbean Wrestling: Guyana to host

Guyana is preparing for what promises to be its biggest professional wrestling showcase to date when All CaribbeanWrestling(ACW)stagesthe highly anticipated "Georgetown Smash" on Saturday, August 8, at the newlyupgradedCliffAndersonSports Hall (CASH).Billed as the biggest combat sports entertainment event of thesummer,theone-dayextravaganza will bring together internationally

acclaimed wrestling stars, championship bouts and high-octane entertainment in front of what is expected to be a packed Guyanese audience. The event will also be broadcastlivearoundtheworldonpayper-view,placingGuyanafirmlyinthe globalwrestlingspotlight.

Leading the list of special attractions is the appearance of WWE Hall of Famer and former World's Strongest Man Mark Henry, who headlines an impressive lineup of wrestlingpersonalitiesmakingthetrip toGuyana.Joininghimwillbeformer WWE and TNA standout "The Pope" Elijah Burke, with organisers teasing the possibility of additional surprise

a

earances throughout the night.Inside the ring, championship

gold will be on the line as ACW ChampionPrinceAgballahpreparesto defendhistitleagainstachallengeryet to be announced, while Leroy Jones w

Championship on the line in another marqueecontest.

The card also features an international showcase of talent, highlightedbyadoptedson-of-the-soil Kenny King, whose return to his father'shomelandisalreadygenerating significantexcitement.

Having built an impressive career since making his debut performance back in 2002, King's first-ever performance in Guyana is expected to be one of the evening's biggest attractions.

The women's division is equally stacked, with ACW Women's Champion Kaylia Capri set to feature alongside the highly anticipated debut of Venezuela's El Diablo Maduro. Patrons can also expect appearances fromthepopularBollywoodBoyzand reality television personality Paola Mayfield, adding further star power to an already loaded event.Organisers believe the blend of championship clashes, international superstar

appearances and local representation will deliver a memorable evening of

entertainment The festivities begin evenbeforefightnight.Fanswillhave an opportunity to meet several of the featured stars during an official Meet and Greet on Friday, August 7, at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, offering supporters the chance to interact with their favourite wrestlers ahead of the main event.On show day, activities begin with a Kids Zone outside the venue from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., creating a family-friendly atmosphere before the arena doors open at 4:00 p.m. The opening bell is scheduled to ring promptly at 6:00 p.m., signaling the start of what promises to be an unforgettable night of All Caribbean Wrestling.Withglobalwrestlingicons, hometown pride, championship stakes and worldwide exposure all converging inside CASH, the stage is setforGeorgetownSmashtodelivera blockbuster spectacle unlike anything Guyanese wrestling fans have experiencedbefore.

Youcanpurchaseyourticketstothe show via the link below https://GtownSmash.eventbrite.com/

Junior squash team depart to defend CASA crown in Tortola

Guyana's junior squash team has departed local

shores for the BritishVirgin Islands, where they will defend their Caribbean Area Squash Association(CASA)JuniorChampionshiptitlefromJuly1016inTortola.

ThetalentedGuyanesecontingenttravelstotheregional championships brimming with confidence after reclaiming the coveted team title in the Cayman Islands last year Now, with the championship target firmly on their backs, the defendingchampionshaveoneclearobjective—toprovelast year's triumph was no fluke by successfully retaining the regionalcrown.

Ahead of the team's departure, Guyana Squash Association (GSA) President David Fernandes expressed immense pride in the young squad and underscored the significant role improved sporting infrastructure has played intheirpreparations.

Fernandes also extended gratitude to the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport for providingthefacilitiesandresourcesthathelpedsharpenthe team'sskills.

"I want to say a special thanks to the Government of Guyana for these facilities which have served as a great trainingground,"Fernandessaid,notingthattheinvestment significantlyenhancedtheplayers'preparation.

"This tour is an important part of our commitment to playerdevelopment,providingopportunitiesforourathletes to test themselves, learn and grow We are pleased with the dedicationandtheefforttheplayershaveshownthroughout theirpreparationandselectionprocess."

TheGSApresidentaddedthattheassociation'slong-term focusremainsoncreatingapositiveexperiencethatnurtures the development of the nation's young athletes while preparing them to serve as outstanding ambassadors for Guyana.

The squad comprises Brenno DaSilva, Egan Bulkan, EmilyFung-A-Fat,EthanBulkan,JibrilAlli,JoshuaVerwey, Justin Ten Pow, Kaiden Alli, Kaylee Lowe, Malia Maikoo, PaigeMendonca,RyleeRodrigues,ShilohAsregado,Tehani Munroe, Zoey McDonald,Averi Simon,Azaria Profitt, Ella Fernandes, Jacob McDonald, Jude Gobin, Zain Alli, Zion Hickerson and Alexis Arjoon. Blake Edwards has been entrustedwithcaptaincyduties.

Guyanaentersthisyear'schampionshipsseekingtobuild onanimpressivelegacy

Their2025triumphwasthecountry'sfirstoverallCASA junior title since winning on home soil in 2022, after an unprecedented 12 consecutive championships run between 2005and2016.

The team's campaign has also received strong corporate backing. Alicia De Abreu, Chief Executive Officer of ACADOGuyana,saiditwas"deeplyfulfillingasasponsorto seethecommitmentfromtheteam."

Additional support has been provided by ENet, KFC Guyana and Bounty Farms Limited, whose contributions havehelpedmaketheteam'stitledefencepossible.

NSC behind Malachi Austin as he seeks World U20 Championship glory

Guyana'snational400m

record holder,

Malachi Austin, has received a timely boost from the National Sports Commission (NSC) as he prepares to represent the GoldenArrowhead at the 21st Wo r l d A t h l e t i c s U 2 0 Championships, scheduled for August5-9atHowardFieldonthe campus of the University of OregonintheUnitedStates.

The 19-year-old met with Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle on Wednesday, where he was assured of the Government's continued commitment to supporting the development of athletics and nurturing the country's emerging sporting talent.

Austin heads into the global championships in outstanding form after a remarkable freshman season at Louisiana State University (LSU), where he consistently lowered his personal best times while competing against some of the strongest collegiate athletes in the United States.

His most memorable performance came at the NCAA

East Regional in Lexington, Kentucky, where he produced a stunning run of 44.87 seconds to set a new Guyana national record inthemen's400metres.

The historic performance also made him the first Guyanese athlete to break the coveted 45second barrier, further cementing his status as the country's fastesteverone-laprunner.

The talented quarter-miler has alreadybuiltanimpressiverésumé atthejuniorlevel.Austinisatwotime CARIFTA Games 400m champion, a CARIFTA 400m Silvermedallist,andalsoclaimed thesilvermedalintheeventatthe most recent Commonwealth Youth Games, achievements that have established him among the Caribbean'sbrightestyoungsprint prospects.

During the meeting, Ninvalle praised Austin not only for his achievements on the NCAA Division I circuit but also for the professionalism and maturity he has displayed while representing Guyanaabroad.

The Director of Sport said the NSC, along with the Ministry of Culture,YouthandSport,isproud

of Austin's accomplishments and views him as one of the athletes capable of inspiring the next generation of Guyanese track and fieldstars.

He reiterated that the Commission remains committed tosupportingwhathedescribedas thefutureofathleticsinGuyana.

Austin expressed gratitude for the Commission's continued encouragement, noting that the

motivation ahead of one of the biggestcompetitionsofhisyoung career

2

Championships in Oregon will mark Austin's second appearance attheprestigiousevent.

At the 2024 edition in Lima, Peru, he advanced to the semi-

international experience against theworld'sbestjuniorathletes.

This time, however, the Guyanese standout will arrive with significantly greater confidence, stronger credentials and a national record to his name ashesetshissightsonreachingthe podium and bringing home a historicgoldmedalforGuyana.

2026 CWI Rising Stars U-19 50-Over Championships…

Guyana, T&T to tangle in opening round

Regional youth cricket spotlight will light up from this Friday, July 10, 2026, when the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Under-19 Men's 50-Over Championship officially bowls off in Antigua.The Caribbean's top Youth players and future West Indiesseniorteamprospectswillbe on show over the coming days, as theregion'stop6territoriesprepare for battle.A strong Guyana team,

led by captain Parmeshwar Ram and vice-captain Romario Ramdeholl, will look to make the most of an extremely dedicated coupleofweeksincamppreparing for the championships The Guyanese team has undergone intense preseason training during campastheyaimtoestablishearly dominance in the 50-over format. With big-name stars in Shamar Apple, Adrian Hetmyer, Justin

Dowlin,KhushSeegobin,Jonathan Mentore, Darwin Joseph, and Micah Amsterdam forming the engine room, the local lads should fancytheirrunthisseason.

Guyana have prepared to kickstarttheircampaignonJuly11 against old rivals Trinidad & Tobago, followed by July 13's skirmish versus the Jamaicans, followedbytheBajansonJuly15.

Ramandhismenwillthenturn

their attention to the Leeward Islands on July 18, with the WindwardIslandsmatchonJuly20 wrappingupthepreliminaryround of the tournament.Meanwhile, the hostterritory,theLeewardIslands, willalsolooktoshowtheirclassled by dynamic all-rounder Matthew Miller and the classy Tanez Francis, who will act as his deputy.The Windwards enter the opening round well-prepared,

boastingtoptalentssuchasbatting all-rounder Theo Edward and legbreak bowler Cody Fontenelle amongotherbuddingstars. Meanwhile,thetrioofTrinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, and Barbados is led by top youth prospects who will be keen on taking this year's trophy back to their respective homes.

Game time is set for 9:30 hrs. (CliftonRoss)

Junior squash team depart to defend CASA crown in Tortola