K
Thursday Edition Maduro to face AIETEUR NEWS new U.S. charges over alleged torture of Americans, official says October 08, 2026 - Vol. 19 No. 41
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Online Price $200 readership yesterday, 46,325
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
BK wins $1.3B contract to salvage MV Barima 13 children receive life-saving - Barima CoI Chairman vows to heart care at GPHC follow evidence wherever it leads
‘WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?’
Life expectancy takes centre stage as massacre convict asks CCJ to cut parole period
‘Pres. Ali blasts visa barriers’ — says Caribbean cannot build tourism Relatives and other stakeholders during a meeting with the MV Barima CoI panel with ‘stone age’ system
ExxonMobil to repair gas-to-energy pipeline - but won’t disclose off Crane nature of defect
Thursday October 08, 2026
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AGM featured as “the Next Generation of Guyanese Gold Mining” in Int’l B2B magazine …company revenue reached US$334M by mid-2026 Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd., a Chinese state-owned mining giant operating in Guyana through its subsidiary AGM Inc., has been featured in Inside Mining as “The Next Generation of Guyanese Gold Mining.” Only recently, Zijin reported that revenue for the first half of 2026 from its Guyana project reached US$334 million. The mining giant’s foothold in Guyana’s mining landscape was solidified in August 2020 when it acquired the Aurora Gold Mine, the country’s largest gold mining operation, from Canadian-owned Guyana Goldfields Inc. for US$238 million. The mine is located in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and holds estimated reserves of close to 184 tonnes of gold, or approximately six million ounces of gold. Commenting on the feature, AGM Inc. said, “This feature reflects something larger than the evolution of a single mine. It captures how responsible resource development, disciplined investment and national development can converge within one operating model.” Inside Mining is an agency based in the United Kingdom (UK) that produces business-to-business publications covering innovations, organisations and ideas shaping the global market. AGM outlined that the gold mine is advancing through a major transition towards underground
Aurora Gold Mine (2023 photo) mining while integrating renewable energy, strengthening environmental and social performance, developing Guyanese talent, expanding opportunities for local businesses and building the infrastructure required for long-term operational resilience. AGM said that each element serves a common objective, to c o n v e r t G u y a n a ’s m i n e r a l endowment into enduring economic and social value. “Our measure of progress therefore extends beyond ounces produced. We look equally at the capability transferred to our
workforce, opportunities created across the domestic supply chain, environmental performance achieved, communities supported and institutional partnerships strengthened. These outcomes define the quality of growth as much as production itself,” AGM noted. Further, the company explained that as Guyana enters a new phase of economic development, its responsibility is clear. AGM stressed that it is committed to operating to high standards, investing with a longterm horizon and ensuring the value generated from mining extends beyond the mine. “We thank Inside Mining for
documenting this chapter of our journey, and our employees, contractors, communities, government agencies and partners whose work continues to shape the next generation of Guyanese gold mining,” it added. Moreover, this publication recently reported that AGM Inc., Zijin’s figure for gold production at the Aurora Gold Mine in the first half of 2026 is slightly higher than the gold declaration figure published by the Ministry of Finance in its mid-year report. Zijin reported that gold production at the Aurora Gold Mine for the first half of the year was 2.2
tonnes, equivalent to 70,731 troy ounces. Meanwhile, government reported that AGM Inc., Guyana’s lone large-scale gold producer declarations fell from 71,316 troy ounces in the first half of 2025 to 70,105 troy ounces in the same period of 2026. The difference of 626 troy ounces between Zijin’s reported gold production figure and the government’s gold declaration figure is valued at approximately US$2.57 million, based on a gold price of US$4,100 per troy ounce. During the reporting period, Zijin said geological exploration Continued on page 3
ExxonMobil to repair gas-to-energy pipeline off Crane Photo of disruption beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean (July 2026 photo)
...but won’t disclose nature of defect ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) will be conducting maintenance activities on the 220-kilometre subsea pipeline it built for the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project at Wales, West Bank Demerara. In a statement on Wednesday, the company said it will soon undertake work to address “a finding” on a near-shore section of the pipeline, offshore of Crane, West Coast Demerara, as it maintains its commitment to the safety, integrity and reliability of the infrastructure. Responding to a media query on what the finding was, EMGL’s media advisor Kwesi Isles said further testing and evaluation will be conducted to confirm the “exact nature of the issue” with the pipeline. Meanwhile, in its statement, the company noted that the finding was identified through inspection activities earlier this year. EMGL completed the pipeline in December 2024 for the GTE project, which has repeatedly failed to meet promised deadlines, with the project now expected to deliver only a fraction of its
intended power output by the end of 2026. The maintenance activities are scheduled to commence on 14th October, 2026, and are expected to continue until around 1st December, 2026, as Exxon aims to complete the work before the start-up of GTE operations, “to minimise potential for maintenance interruptions in the future.” Exxon further noted, “The pipeline is currently pressurised with inert gas (nitrogen) and is not yet in operation. As a result, it does not pose a risk to the public or the environment.” The company also said it is coordinating with relevant stakeholders regarding the activities, while reminding that it is committed to conducting its operations safely, responsibly and in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. EMGL added that a marine notice containing information for mariners operating in the area will be issued by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD). Following reports circulating in
the media alleging that the pipeline had ruptured, a joint statement was issued in July by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and MARAD rejecting the claims. The agencies stressed that the pipeline was not active and that no gas was flowing through it. “As there is no gas passing through the line, there can be no leak or damage of the nature suggested in these reports,” it was stated. In that statement, it was noted that since May 2026, ExxonMobil had been conducting a scheduled inspection of the subsea pipeline,
an exercise expected to span approximately three months. While the agencies rejected claims that the pipeline had ruptured, they confirmed that a report relating to the pipeline had been received and investigated. EPA and MARAD said that following the joint assessment, the matter was determined to be a “slight anomaly”, but noted that, out of caution, further inspections were being conducted to confirm the continued integrity of the pipeline, consistent with standard safety protocols.
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BK wins $1.3B contract to salvage MV Barima T h e N a t i o n a l Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) has awarded GYD $1.034 billion contract to local infrastructure firm BK International Inc. to raise the wreck of the MV Barima. The selection raises sharp questions about technical capability and government transparency, BK International, a company that previously had to rely on state-funded intervention to clear its own sunken barge from the Demerara River bed, has been entrusted with a delicate, high-stakes forensic salvage operation on a “No Cure, No Pay” basis. The contract award was neither announced in a government press release nor disclosed by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD). Instead, media houses visiting NPTAB’s website after the disclosure discovered the upload independently. According to official NPTAB records dated October 7, 2026, BK International Inc. was awarded Contract ID 2 11 / 2 0 2 6 / 3 4 f o r t h e “Salvaging of Wreck MV Barima (Off Devonshire Castle Flats Essequibo Coast)” at a total sum of G$1,034,000,000 under National Competitive Bidding (NCB). The secrecy surrounding the award mirrors the initial evaluation phase, where the government failed to publish the shortlist of bidders until reporters pressed NPTAB directly. The choice of BK International has raised immediate concern within maritime and legal circles. In November 2014, BK International’s barge, the Darren B, sank in the main channel of the Demerara River. Rather than executing
NPTAB listing uploaded on Wednesday a s w i f t r e c o v e r y, t h e company left the sunken vessel abandoned as an active navigational hazard until the government contracted international salvors, Dutch firm Koole Contractors, to clear it out at taxpayer expense. Now, BK International has been selected over specialised competitors, including Netherlandsbased KMS B.V. (Koole Contractors), which submitted a USD $2.035 million (approx. GYD $2.035B) bid, and Industrial Fabrication Inc., which submitted a GYD $1.895 billion bid. MARAD’s original tender specifications required prospective salvors to demonstrate 5 to 10 years of proven marine salvage experience in regional waters under severe tidal and zero-visibility conditions. Confirmation of BK’s selection came during a line of questioning by daughter and niece of still missing Neil and Kenrick Cort, J a s m i n C o r t t o Commissioner Dr. Andrzej Jasionowski, Maritime Consultant of the Commission of Inquiry investigating the tragedy. When Cort pressed the commissioner to state who will be executing the
AGM featured as “the Next... From page 2 activities completed 11,000 metres of drilling at the Aurora Gold Mines. It further disclosed that production exploration activities at the Guyana project is focused on open-pit mining, processing and refining operations and continued efforts to strengthen grade control and ore blending management with 10,000 metres of in-pit drilling completed. The company had five underground drilling rigs operating during the reporting period. Moreover¸ as it relates to project operation and production Zijin stated, “The mine reduced costs and improved recovery rate through measures such as pit backfilling, underground waste-rock backfilling, optimisation of blasting materials, gravity separation and carbon fines recovery.” In April, Zijin published its 2025 Annual Report on its global operation which revealed that its operating income from the Aurora Gold Mine last year was 3.68651 RMB billion (US$ 549.1 million). That report also stated that the Guyana mine produced approximately 4.5 tonnes of gold, representing an 11% increase from 4.1 tonnes in 2024.
recovery, Dr. Jasionowski revealed “It is one of the three, BK.” This was the first time the public had been made aware of such a decision taken by NPTAB. Addressing the delicate
nature of the salvage, Dr. Jasionowski emphasised that the recovery must be executed with extreme care to avoid destroying critical forensic evidence needed to explain how the 87-year-old
ferry capsized on July 18, 2026, taking over 100 lives. “We speak to them, I met with them personally yesterday to discuss those plans... so that no damage to the evidence, no damage will
be done, and that the plan will be careful, because if you rush it, it’s very easy to break it, and once that happens, the recovery becomes a recovery of cut Continued on page 8
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Thursday October 08, 2026
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL - Tel: 624-6456 Editor-in-Chief: Nigel Williams Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
The nation must mourn Ifeng Cao There are tragedies that leave a community stunned. Then there are those that force a nation to confront the depths to which human violence can descend. The killing of six-year-old Ifeng Cao at Parika is one such tragedy. What makes the circumstances surrounding the child’s death even more difficult to comprehend is the allegation that his life was taken in connection with a financial dispute involving his parents. According to information emerging from the investigation, 76-year-old Chinese businessman Quan Sheng Li has reportedly confessed to killing the child following a dispute over approximately US$3 million. Police have reportedly recovered a brown-handled chopper which the suspect allegedly used in the killing. These are chilling allegations, and because the investigation and any eventual criminal proceedings are still unfolding, the facts must ultimately be established through the courts. But whatever the final determination, the death of an innocent six-year-old has already inflicted an immeasurable loss on a family and a community. Ifeng was reportedly returning from school when he encountered the businessman, who had allegedly gone to the child’s parents to collect money he claimed they owed him. An argument reportedly followed, and the businessman was allegedly chased from the premises. It is then alleged that, as the businessman was leaving, he encountered the child and attacked him. The thought is almost unbearable. A dispute over money, regardless of the amount, the circumstances or who was right can never justify taking the life of a child. A child cannot be responsible for the financial disagreements of adults. A child cannot be used as a bargaining chip, a target for revenge or an instrument through which an adult grievance is expressed. If the allegations are proven, this case represents a particularly disturbing failure of humanity and restraint. There were other avenues available. There could have been negotiations, mediation, lawyers, civil proceedings, police intervention or the courts. There could have been disagreement, anger and frustration without violence. Instead, according to the account now being investigated, a six-year-old boy lost his life. For Ifeng’s parents, the circumstances will undoubtedly compound an already unimaginable grief. They must now live with the knowledge that their child, who had simply gone to school and was returning home, would never walk through their door again. No amount of money can restore that loss. The case should therefore be investigated with the utmost thoroughness. Every relevant fact must be established, every piece of evidence properly examined and every person with knowledge of the circumstances interviewed. The alleged confession and recovery of the weapon will form part of that evidentiary process, but the justice system must determine the facts and responsibility according to law. There is also a wider question for Guyanese society. How did a dispute involving millions of dollars reach a point where an innocent child allegedly became its victim? The answer must not simply be found in a courtroom. It must also cause us to reflect on the increasing need for peaceful mechanisms to resolve disputes before anger, threats and confrontation escalate into violence. Financial disagreements, business disputes and personal conflicts will inevitably occur. But society cannot accept the idea that wealth, debt, investments or perceived betrayal can become grounds for violence. And children must remain beyond such conflicts. They are the most vulnerable members of society and depend entirely on adults to protect them. When an adult conflict spills over onto a child, the failure is not merely personal; it is a profound failure of our collective responsibility to safeguard the innocent. The nation must mourn Ifeng Cao not merely as another victim in a crime
Is there enough water to drive the Amaila Falls hydropower dam? DEAR EDITOR, Sharma Solomon MP has re-opened questions about the economic viability of the Jagdeo-era proposed Amaila Falls hydropower dam on the Kuribrong River in Region 7 (‘Solomon seeks disclosure of Amaila Falls costs’, K i s k a d e e Wa t c h , 2 n d October,2026). In addition to doubts about the viability of this small generator (165 megawatts), the government also needs to revisit the data about the amount of water. Amaila Falls was mentioned in Monenco’s survey of national hydropower potential in 1976. The pooja-shop owner Fip Motilall acquired an interim licence to construct in 2002 and sold out the licence to Sithe Global in October 2009. Sithe signed an engineering and construction agreement with China Railway First Group in September 2012 but the State-owned Chinese company was not willing to take a BOOT contract (build,
own, operate, transfer). The APNU-AFC coalition did not support the PPP government in carrying the financial risk under a different arrangement, so the deal collapsed and the licence expired in December 2013, after Kaieteur News had published a photograph in October of the almost dry river. Norway was still supporting the first four versions of the Low Carbon Development Strategy and through NORAD funded a project review of the Amaila Falls proposal by the consultancy Norconsult which reported in December 2016. Chapter 5 covers Hydrology and mentions the direct river flow measurements in June-July 1975 and June-August 2011. Sithe Global restarted flow measurements in 2011 but stopped in 2013 when the scheme was ended. Norconsult wrote (page17, section 4.1.3) ‘The live
storage capacity in the AFHP reservoir is limited. The operation of AFHP will therefore follow a next to run-of-river pattern. The inflow estimate to the AFHP reservoir in the dry months is uncertain. It is clear, however, that the low season inflow will not be sufficient for continuous full capacity generation’. And on page 21, chapter 5: ‘We recommend that the programme for continuous water flow measurement is resumed as soon as possible and before a new main sponsor would be ready to take the front seat. 23 additional years of continuous flow data would provide a more reliable basis for an updated energy production simulation and thereby reduce the risks for both parties…’ Since the Norconsult report was made public, the hinterland of Guyana has begun to experience the effects of global climate heating, with longer dry-season droughts as well as more severe
storms, and overall a decline in rainfall. I have not found any report by Hydromet to show that the recommended continuous water flow measurements in the Kuribrong River have been restarted, so the dam project again looks like another infrastructural white elephant. Moreover, Amaila Falls was under discussion before Exxon announced the discovery of the Liza-1 offshore oilfield in May 2015, and long before the proposals for gas-to-energy facilities at Wales and now in Berbice. I am sure that we understand the attachment of Vice President Jagdeo to projects like the bagasse generator at Skeldon (which he was personally going to ‘fix’), and to the tilting concrete slab at Wales, but do we really need an intermittently functioning generator at Amaila in his portfolio? Yours truly, Janette Bulkan
Robert Corbin led the way DEAR EDITOR, Today the APNU is a household name. We take it for granted. But it was not always so. It is difficult to accurately predict political behaviour. What is true for 50 years could change in a d a y. G u y a n a ’s r e c e n t elections have proven the validity of that formulation. All of us got it wrong, even if we got some parts right. The narrow victory by the APNU+AFC Coalition at the 2015 election went against the traditional grain in Guyanese politics. The conventional wisdom has been that, given our entrenched ethnic voting patterns, it was near impossible for the party or parties whose base lies outside the Indian Guyanese constituency to win a majority of the votes. That changed in 2011 when the combined APNU and AFC votes surpassed those of the PPP. As commentators and politicians began to contemplate the possibility that a joint APNU+AFC slate
could actually win, there were some questions that were raised. The big one was whether the majority votes accumulated in 2011 as separate contestants could be replicated if they joined together in a coalition. Some, including this writer, were skeptical. Those who felt it was possible to win premised their calculations on the ethnic identity of the Presidential candidate. They argued that since you could not win the PPP without pulling away a significant section of the Indian Guyanese electorate, it was better to have an Indian Guyanese presidential candidate. In the end all of us were wrong to some extent. First, the Coalition did defeat the PPP. And it did so inspite of the ethnic voting remaining constant. Second, the PPP got 49% of the votes. Those who predicted a Coalition victory did not bargain for such a good showing by the PPP. Third, the Coalition won without an Indian Guyanese Presidential
report, but as a six-year-old child whose life was brutally and prematurely taken. He had a future that should have included years of schooling, friendships, family celebrations, dreams and possibilities. Instead, his name is now being written in the context of a murder investigation. That is the cruelest reminder of all that behind every crime statistic is a human being, a family and a life that cannot be replaced. Let justice take its course.
candidate. More in-depth analysis is needed to determine the real causes of this. But the one thing we know for certain is that the presence of the Coalition made a difference. It had a great psychological effect on the Opposition constituency; it gave them a sense of confidence that their votes could make a difference. The dynamics of Partnership politics are complex. I am sure that some members of the PNC feel that the party gave up too much to the APNU and to the Coalition. Such thinking, while understandable, loses sight of the big picture. The PNC was now back in power. But as part of a broader partnership, it had to share power. In so doing it was potentially insulated against party hegemony, one of the scourges of Caribbean governance. Many people and groups can lay claim to be the architects of the end product, but I would single out two of those for special mention—WPA’s Professor Clive Thomas and Dr. Rupert Roopnarine and PNC’s Robert Corbin. I did not know Robert Corbin outside of politics. My political contact with him occurred during the runup to the 2011 elections
when I was part of the WPA’s delegation and he led the PNC’s delegation at APNU leadership meetings. From as far back as the run-up to the 2006 election Corbin signaled his intention to decisively break with the One-PNC tradition. He was bold enough to court or was open to be courted by the WPA. This took courage. The PNC-WPA rivalry was perhaps the most intense in Guyana’s political history. Corbin was ready for the plunge even if most in the PNC were not. The WPA was not ready in 2006. Emotions still flared. The AFC came on the scene and took away p a r t o f t h e P N C ’s constituency. The PNC had recorded its worst showing in an election up to that point But by 2011 they were ready to take the plunge. Corbin was still there. I got the sense that unlike most of his colleagues, he had freed himself from the myth that the PNC could win an election on its own. But more than that, I think he reasoned that the vote that went to the AFC could be won back by a Coalition. He had become a soldier for Coalition politics, even if he was not the top candidate. He worked for it. He had to navigate the WPA’s demands and that party’s Continued on page 5
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The judiciary must be SVN - Making a difference in the field of education 64 students (8+ Grade Ones), media are not allowed! Spanish is a DEAR EDITOR, allowed to function The success story of the pride of compulsory subject and romantic affair graduated from the CSEC Class of 2026 with the best graduating student being Guyana, more so Region 3 and in is not encouraged! No wonder SVN is making a unique Feiaz Dhanny with 20 ones and 1 two. particular the village of Cornelia Ida, is and punishment a continuum of strict policies, stern difference as a learning institution in the Zhijie Yang was the second-best student principles and steadfast penalties, field of education simply because the with 18 ones and 1 two. Both shared the must meet the crime which support SVN’s fluttering flag, instrument of discipline, the input of limelight as national top performers,
DEAR EDITOR, Daniel Seeram was convicted by a Magistrate of violently beating his (ex)wife. He was remanded without bail until his date for sentencing. He has now filed judicial review of the decision of the Magistrate to refuse him bail. He has filed no appeal against his conviction as yet and therefore is not eligible for bail pending appeal. The judicial review of the Magistrate’s refusal of bail must find that the Magistrate wrongly exercised her discretion to refuse bail. The Bail Act says that bail after a conviction does not enjoy a presumption of innocence and therefore the convicted person must show that the Magistrate was wrong to refuse bail. The issue of bail is therefore on a different footing because there is no longer a presumption of innocence. There was no error by the Magistrate; her discretion is reasonable. It was be an abomination and absolute abuse for the Attorney General to consent to bail being granted. How could this Judge direct that he be held at the Police Station and not be sent to the prison? This Judge is not on record of having done a single trial as a lawyer but decides that a convicted person should not be subject to the law and its consequences. This is special treatment. What does it say to our women folk? Seeram was a member of APNU and crossed the floor to come to the PPP/C before the last election; was it because he hoped for political favours to keep him out of jail for brutally beating a woman? Surely the President will not tolerate such barbarity. Our society must stand for more. The judiciary must be allowed to function and punishment must meet the crime. There should be no exceptions. This soft approach is wrong and Seeram should be immediately dismissed from being the Director of Border Operations. No civilised society would do otherwise. The Bail Act by section 9 makes clear that bail can be granted pending an appeal, but there is no appeal filed. Secondly, the judicial review of the Magistrate’s decision must find the discretion was unreasonable to set it aside. Everyday ordinary citizens are faced with this and must face the law. The Attorney General must uphold the law and protect the public interest. Special treatment in this case means some persons are above the law and undermines confidence in the judicial system and administration of justice. Do not protect wife beaters and please, please protect our women, ensuring that the PPP/C does not become a beacon of abusers, molesters, and predators on women. Regards, A Concerned Guyanese
Robert Corbin led the... From page 4 militant political culture. But he stuck with the project, even as some of his colleagues thought the WPA brought nothing to the table and the PNC should go it alone. The AFC was not ready for the Coalition, but Corbin was never daunted. In the end he delivered the APNU to a skeptical PNC. The 2011 election proved him right. The APNU brought back the traditional PNC constituency together. By 2015, the AFC could join the Partnership. The AFC had great difficulty joining the PNC. They joined the APNU. The rest is history. Robert Corbin led the way. He had the early vision. Regards, Dr. David Hinds
flying with dignity, decorum and distinction. In delivering the Principal’s Report, Mrs. Nirmala Singh reminded the students of SVN that, “one never stops learning, never abandon studies, always speak the truth and practice Dharma.” Last Sunday afternoon, the Saraswati Vidya Niketan held its 22nd “Diksanta Samaroha” (Graduation Ceremony) for the Class of 2026 at Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, a private tutoring institution founded by Swami Aksharananda Ji and known for its scrupulous do’s and stringent don’ts. Students must participate in cleaning the classroom and school compound and cell phones and social
dedication and the instruction for direction are of paramount importance. Also, the value of prayers is preached, practiced and processed as a medium to help mold the young minds. Coincidentally, this week is dedicated towards observing World Teachers’ Day 2026 and present at SVN’s Graduation ceremony was the Honorable Minister Of Education, Sonia Parag. Minister Parag in her congratulatory message, attested that, “ teachers are your second parents.” In this fast moving and revolving pace of high technology, she gently remarked that, “IT should be used responsibly for enhancement purposes and it cannot replace the human mind.”
including Gizelle Nicholson (16 ones and 3 twos), Jiaying Yu (14 ones, 3 twos & 1 three), Emily Basdeo (12 ones & 4 twos) and Riya Nazim (12 ones, 8 twos, & 1 three). There were 9 students from the CAPE Graduating Class of 2026, the best graduating student being Ryan Bhajonauth with 9 ones and 3 twos. Piyush Sammy was declared 2025-2026 SVN Honor Student, having achieved 99.26 %. In an erudite yet persuasive presentation, Swami Aksharananda calmly but composedly, referred to the deterioration of society in Guyana and alluded to the shrinking of values while Continued on page 6
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Thursday October 08, 2026
Widespread distrust in MV Barima inquiry as survivors, families demand answers The overarching theme of Wednesday’s consultation with the commissioners of the MV Barima Commission of Inquiry was a profound lack of trust in presidential inquiries, as speakers repeatedly questioned whether the process could deliver justice and accountability for the families of those who died. The meeting, held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, turned to vivid eyewitness accounts as survivors recounted the sheer terror of the capsizing, shedding further light on the chaotic conditions on board. Diane Cort, whose husband operated the ship’s canteen and perished alongside his brother, delivered an agonising testimony describing how the vessel was forced to set sail despite severe, preexisting mechanical failures. She revealed that the ship had been operating on only one working engine during its return journey from Region One and was severely overloaded prior to its final departure. “Me and my husband were down there since Wednesday preparing. Only one engine was working on that boat - one engine,” Diane testified. “They still decided to load it. The hatch was full of goods, and the engine room was packed. The minister sent a standby generator that Friday, and the engineers didn’t even know where to put it because the
Wednesday's meeting between MV Barima families and Commissioners of the MV Barima COI, the Commission will start public hearings next week. boat was already overloaded. They had to force space for two big generators on a boat that was already taking in water.” Diane shared that her husband frequently complained about water leaking into the hull and pipes breaking, often paying out of his own pocket for sealant because authorities claimed there was no money for basic repairs. “The second engineer told me, ‘Auntie Diane, only one engine working.’ My husband told me that morning, ‘Diane, they pushing this boat to go, and this boat is in no condition to go.’ But they didn’t have a choice because of their jobs. The last thing my husband was doing that night in all that water was cooking for the passengers.” Cort also criticised the State’s post-disaster relief efforts, revealing that a
social worker visited her home offering a $20,000 stipend. “My husband was my breadwinner. What can $20,000 do for me now? Who will pay my bills? Guyanese don’t get justice. Everything just disappears.” Dolly Cox, who lost her father, the sole outboard mechanic for Port Kaituma, expressed deep anger over broken government promises to support surviving dependents. She testified that her sickly mother was forced to seek employment, while four school-aged siblings have been unable to attend classes regularly due to the loss of their family’s primary income provider, “Ah doan trust y’all and ah doan trust this government”. “My father left four children in school who can’t go to school every day because of what this government did. They
promised to help my mother, promised to fix our house, told us to bring a list of materials, and then did nothing. What should I say to my four-year-old sister who is still asking for her father? We have to go to the seaside
and drop flowers in the water just to grieve.” One female survivor, Samantha Ramit, who was traveling with eight of her grandchildren, four of whom survived while four tragically perished,
including an infant who remains missing, recalled the desperate struggle to stay afloat after being plunged into the dark water. “I couldn’t swim, but I just keep pulling up, pulling up in my hand, I’m kicking and I reach up to the surface and there was a box,” she recounted. “I don’t know, God was in that place because a box was just stable... I see a hand went struggling, I don’t know if it was a man, a woman, a child, or whatever, but I snatched down and I placed the hand from the box... when I watch as this lady will pull up, it’s a lady. I ask her one question, I say, ‘You got strength?’…” She described the horrifying realisation that life jackets were completely out of reach for passengers in Continued on page 16
The Chinese should have been allowed to freely practice their customs and traditions at their son’s funeral DEAR EDITOR, I viewed the funeral service on Sunday last for the young Chinese child. Let me state from the outset it is not my intention to belittle or besmirch any religion or faith. I found it a little disconcerting though, viewing the service that while the mother of the dead child was on the ground near the coffin fulfilling the rites, customs, traditions of the Chinese culture, I asked myself why was it necessary for another religion to be inserted and intrusive in the rituals. The deceased child was of Chinese origin and I feel the service should have reflected the Chinese customs of their funeral.
The Chinese rituals were relegated to a secondary place. I am sure at the candle light night the other religion was well observed with hymns sung and other attendant heeding. Like I said at the beginning this is not intended to bash any religion or anyone. We ought to be cognizant that Guyana has morphed into a multi-ethnic, -cultural society. Different cultures must be allowed to practice their traditions, especially on occasions such as funerals, without the intrusion of another person’s customs and traditions. Regards, Shamshun Mohamed
SVN - Making a difference in the... From page 5 acknowledging the massive development in Guyana. In a tranquil tone, he urged all stakeholders to pay attention to this sad state of affairs. “While material growth is visible, morality is on the decline.” He solemnly advocated for the preservation of humility, respect and compassion which will germinate the characteristics of finesse as the students craft a passage in the journey of life. Swamiji was ecstatic to introduce the guest speaker for the night, the worldrenowned cricketer, a prolific batsman and a classic fielder, the son of Port Mourant’s soil, Shriman Alvin Kallicharan ji. It was most fitting to have Mr. Kallicharan talking to the graduands about overcoming difficulties and challenges as they venture into their adventurous lives, reminiscing about his exposure and experience in the realm of cricket, the arena of pessimism and the environment of negativity.
Making reference to Puttaparthi’s Satya Sai Baba, he paid reverence to the children’s orderliness, their noiseless behaviour and the institution’s high standard for mannerism. In his concluding remarks, Shriman Kallicharan ji promoted the idea of spending quiet moments with themselves, protecting their unguarded anxiety of fear and to follow through with a positive plan. As observed, entering SVN is easy but staying is difficult. SVN’s classic art of teaching, their meticulous management of the students and the intricate involvement of the parents, contribute towards making an impressive difference in the promulgation of education, their excellent results and the product of exceptional quality. It was a resounding evening filled with much deserved accolades, tumultuous applause and thoughtful appraisals. Yours Respectfully, Jai Lall
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Kaieteur News
Thursday October 08, 2026
‘WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?’ - Barima CoI Chairman vows to follow evidence wherever it leads The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the fatal capsizing and sinking of the MV Barima officially opened its public proceedings on Wednesday morning, with commission chairman Godfrey Smith, SC, pledging a thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Delivering his opening statement at the preliminary hearing at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Georgetown, Smith emphasised that the tribunal’s mandate extends far beyond the vessel’s final moments, promising to examine operational failures, regulatory compliance, and individual accountability without fear or favour. “Put in plain language, our task is to find out what happened to the BARIMA and why it happened,” Chairman Smith declared. “What circumstances permitted it to happen? Were there warning signs? Were there failures? Were laws, regulations and safety procedures complied with? Were they adequate? Were they properly administered and enforced? Who is responsible and what is to be done about it?” The M/V Barima sank on the night of July 18, 2026, inflicting severe loss of life and leaving numerous persons unaccounted for. Following the disaster, President Irfaan Ali appointed the commission on July 30 under the Commission of Inquiry Act, tasking the body with investigating the casualty, the emergency response, and the broader maritime oversight system. Addressing the scope of the probe, Smith outlined six interrelated areas of inquiry, the
Commissioners of the CoI, Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry, Justice Godfrey Smith (centre) along with members of the Commissioners Dr. Andrzej Jasionowski (far left), Nyree Alfonso (left), Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Hayden Pritchard (right), and Captain Hamada Fouda (far right) during their opening ceremony on Wednesday. seaworthiness and physical stability of the vessel, passenger and cargo loading procedures, the qualifications and decisions of the crew, the effectiveness of search and rescue operations, human factors during the emergency, and the regulatory oversight provided by State entities such as the Transport and Harbours Department and the Maritime Administration Department. Smith, a former judge of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, sought to clarify the legal nature of the proceedings, stressing that the commission holds statutory powers to summon witnesses and compel evidence, yet does not sit as a court of law. “From the outset, it is important that the public understands the character of these proceedings,” Smith said. “This is a Commission of Inquiry. It is not a criminal trial. In many ways, a Commission of Inquiry may appear to resemble a court, but it is not. It does not sit as a criminal court and will not determine the criminal guilt of anyone. Nor will the commission determine civil liability like a court exercising civil jurisdiction.” He noted, however, that if evidence of criminal or civil wrongdoing emerges during the hearings, the commission will refer its
findings to the appropriate authorities, meaning the inquiry’s report could act as a catalyst for future legal proceedings. To guarantee procedural fairness, the tribunal has enacted formal rules of procedure allowing individuals, organisations, or affected families to apply for interested party standing, while ensuring that any party facing adverse criticism is afforded a full opportunity to respond. Reiterating a public call for evidence, Smith urged survivors, witnesses, and knowledgeable members of the public to come forward and submit statements to the commission’s secretariat, assuring that all documentary and testimonial evidence will be scrupulously examined. The commission began field work, meeting with survivors in Georgetown on Wednesday afternoon before conducting
physical inspections on Thursday and Friday at the Kingston Goods Wharf, MARAD, the Transport and Harbours Department, and dry dock facilities. Early next week, commissioners will travel to Region One to engage affected residents and families directly in Mabaruma and Port Kaituma. Chairman Smith stated that the commission expects to complete its work within approximately six months and noted that the tribunal stands ready to issue interim safety recommendations to the president prior to submitting its final report if urgent risks to public safety are uncovered. “We do not intend to take short cuts, jump to conclusions or deliver a rushed report,” Smith affirmed. “Our allegiance is to the law, to our terms of reference, to procedural fairness and, above all, to the truth as established by credible, tested evidence.”
‘Guyana, Caribbean must ‘scale up’ tourism investment, infrastructure’ – President Ali tells tourism confab
Guyana and the Caribbean region should BK wins $1.3B contract to salvage... be scaling up their tourism investment and
From page 3 and scrub metal and whatever remains within,” Dr. Jasionowski explained. “So it has to take its time, and as far as the team is concerned, I’ve met the salvage masters and the engineers. They are operating full days, even before they are contracted, they are preparing for this.” Dr. Jasionowski noted that operational timelines are being established, with daily updates expected “Right now, as of a few days, it will take maybe another week, another two weeks or so. We will be getting daily reports, that’s what they promised, so we will be involved in making sure that as far as our terms of reference and getting evidence is concerned, it is capable of salvaging.” The intact recovery of the MV Barima is crucial. Earlier attempts, by the administration to deem the wreck a
permanent submerged memorial were met with fierce public backlash from victims’ families, who accused officials of attempting to cover up regulatory failures and abandon the search for answers. While heavy demolition techniques, such as those previously used by Koole Contractors on the cargo ship Miss Elissa, are capable of clearing river hazards quickly, MARAD’s tender strictly mandates a non-destructive lift. The vessel must be raised intact and placed upright onto a barge so forensic investigators can inspect the hull and internal structures. With the contract now officially awarded to BK International under “No Cure, No Pay” terms, the firm faces mounting public scrutiny to prove it possesses the engineering expertise required for one of the most complex, evidence-sensitive salvage operations in Guyana’s maritime history.
infrastructure President Irfaan Ali told the State of Tourism Industry Conference 2026 (SOTIC) which opened on Wednesday in Georgetown. He believes investment and infrastructure are at a very important point in the region’s tourism sector, and for the first time a strong connection between investment, investors, and governments must be present, otherwise they will fail the challenges of the future. “I believe that it is at this point that we need to very clearly articulate that for tourism to succeed, compete, and stay alive in this region, we have to scale up our thinking, scale up our infrastructure, scale up our commitment and for people within the region, we need to scale up our approach,” Ali said. Justifying his statement, he explained that if one looks around the world today, tourism can be defined by investment, especially primary investment into what is termed as transport linkages. T h e r e g i o n ’s m o s t c h a l l e n g i n g disadvantage is exactly this and countries are beginning to realise that infrastructure that is led by transport investment is not just a key factor for survival, it is critical, the Guyanese leader said. “It is very important for our populations to understand that we need also to scale up the investments we are making, thinking in a larger, more dynamic way. The projects that we contemplate for the future must be fundamentally different from our traditional approach to investment in tourism. When we
President Irfaan Ali during his address to SOTIC. (DPI Photo)
conceptualise a project today, we must be building for resilience, building for market, building for experience, building for expectation, building for storytelling. An airport today is not an airport of yesterday. It’s not an airport for persons to come in and go out,” he said. “The airport itself must be able to tell a story and present a picture, and this is one of the reasons there is a huge investment being made in airports and air hubs, to allow an experience to be had,” President Ali said. In Guyana, he said this change is being embraced, and this is the reason the government has decided to invest into Terminal 2, which will not be seen only as a new terminal, but as a terminal that will tell the story of Guyana and where Guyana aspires to be. “It is important for us to understand what the important elements are both in the private sector and the public sectors, and this must be the shaper for investment decisions, and policy making.”
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Thursday October 08, 2026
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Leave, but please explain why Apparently, in Guyana, the moment a person is accused of a serious offence, a mysterious administrative switch is supposed to be flipped. CLICK. The accused goes on leave. No investigation into w h e t h e r t h e p e r s o n ’s continued presence could interfere with the investigation. No examination of the circumstances. No consideration of where the person works, who the person supervises, what access the person has to witnesses or evidence, or whether the person could actually influence anything. Just: Accused? Serious offence? Send him home. This is a wonderfully simple system. It has only one disadvantage. It isn’t really a system. There is a perfectly legitimate reason why an employee accused of a serious offence might be placed on administrative leave. It is not, as some seem to believe, an automatic course of action. Nor is it punishment by another name. The principal reason is considerably less exciting. It is about the investigation. If an accused person’s continued presence in the workplace creates a realistic possibility that he or she could interfere with the investigation, influence witnesses, access evidence, intimidate colleagues, coordinate stories, destroy records or otherwise compromise the process, then removing that person temporarily from the
workplace may be entirely sensible. It is a precaution. Think of it as putting a large umbrella over the investigation. You do not put the umbrella there because you have decided it is going to rain. You put it there because, if it does rain, you don’t want everybody standing around saying, “Well, this is unfortunate.” But there is an important little word in all of this. That word is ‘could’. Could the person’s presence interfere with the investigation? Could the person influence witnesses? Could the person access relevant information? Could the person exert authority over people involved? Could the person intimidate, pressure or otherwise compromise the process? Those are the questions that should be asked. What appears to be missing from much of the public discussion about the current case involving a senior police officer is any serious attempt to answer them. We are told that someone has been accused of a serious sexual offence. That is serious. The allegation should be investigated thoroughly, fairly and without fear or favour. But we are also told that the officer works out of an office separate from the Criminal Investigation Department. Fine. Then somebody needs to explain the connection. What exactly is the danger
created by him remaining at work? Does he supervise investigators? Does he have access to the investigation? Does he have authority over the alleged victim or witnesses? Can he influence the officers conducting the investigation? Can he access evidence? Can he interfere with the chain of command? Can he make telephone calls that would make investigators suddenly develop an interest in gardening instead? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then by all means, administrative leave may be appropriate. But if nobody has established any such risk, then demanding automatic suspension begins to look less like a carefully considered investigative safeguard and more like a ritual. And now we arrive at the interesting part. The person who made the allegation is also a police officer. That does not mean the allegation is false. It does not mean the accuser should be treated as guilty of anything. It simply means that, if the argument for sending the accused on leave is that his presence might influence the investigation because he is a police officer, we ought to apply the same principle consistently. Could the complainant’s presence influence the investigation? Could she have contact with officers involved? Could she speak with potential witnesses? Could she have access to information about the investigation? Could her
Dem Boys Seh...
What yuh doing deh? Dem Boys seh Guyana got a new national sport. It ain’t cricket. It ain’t football. It is going to a meeting you don’t trust, then complaining that you don’t trust the meeting. This is what got Dem Boys scratching dem head over the meeting between the Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the M.V. Barima and the families of those who died. If you genuinely believe the Commission cannot be trusted, that it is a charade, or that the people sitting on it cannot possibly find the truth, Dem Boys got one simple question: Why you deh there? This was not a political rally. It was not a press conference. And it certainly was not a meeting designed to give somebody another stage to announce how much they distrust the Commission. It was a meeting with families who lost loved ones. People went there because somebody they love never came home. They went because they want answers. They want to know what happened, who was responsible and what can be done to prevent
another tragedy? So if somebody already decided that the Commission is worthless, what exactly they doing sitting down with the Commission and those grieving families? Maybe they believe in the new Guyanese principle: “I don’t trust you, but I still want to attend your meeting.” That is like going to church every Sunday to tell everybody you don’t believe in God. If you have no confidence in the Commission, there are plenty things you can do. Hold a press conference. Issue a statement. Write a letter. Go on Facebook and tell the whole country. But why turn up to a meeting involving grieving families? Dem Boys seh the families deserve better. You can distrust the Commission. You can criticise it. You can challenge its work. But if you have already decided that nothing it does can produce a credible answer, Dem Boys got only one thing left to say: Then why you deh there? This meeting was for the families. Not for you. Talk half. Leff half.
position within the Force affect the conduct or outcome of the investigation? If the answer is yes, then the same precautionary principle applies. Perhaps both should be removed temporarily from the environment in which the investigation is being conducted. Or perhaps neither should be. That is precisely why we have investigations. The answer should depend upon the circumstances, not upon which person happens to be standing in which corner of
the allegation. There is another important distinction. Administrative leave is not supposed to be a prize awarded to the public whenever an accusation becomes sufficiently alarming. It is an administrative tool. Sometimes it is necessary. Sometimes it is unnecessary. Sometimes an employee can remain at work with appropriate restrictions while an investigation proceeds. Sometimes the only sensible course is to keep the person completely away from the
workplace. The relevant question is not whether somebody been accused. The relevant question is: “What must be done to protect the integrity of the investigation?” (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
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Thursday October 08, 2026
Congrats to Drs. Ali, Jagdeo It must be done; avoiding out of the question. Congratulations to Excellencies Ali and Jagdeo, the former a sitting president, the latter still a president in all but title. Drs. Ali and Jagdeo must have pig iron stomachs. Whoever is halal or haram, holy or a heathen (like me), there’s awe at the strength of their constitutions. What they chew, absorb! How they masticate, then regurgitate! Pres Ali went around the bush once one Xmas Season. Beat it boisterously. His hope was to rouse some
flighty birds. Due to catastrophic failure, the president was compelled to call another gathering, beat the bushes a second time. He must be praised for consistency, staying with a losing team in a losing battle. REOs. RHOs. CEOs. And some other Joes. Apparently, the president’s first message didn’t get through as deeply as it should. So, he summoned a second summit to deal with bottlenecks and roadblocks that cost Guyanese taxpayers. Slowing down means someone is circling around, calculating a fixup.
Is the president genuinely dealing with the issue, or going through the motions of doing so? In between his blistering beatdowns (if they were that), there was Guyana’s other Oscar winning actor, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. A doctorate in pretense and creativity is his claim to fame, probably his only recommendation. He called his own sit-down in a place named after another president. All these presidents, I confess, is too rich for me. Like Ali, like Jagdeo. The same theme, the same supporting narrative to virtually the same audience. This confounded nonsense must cease. It must stop now. No more teefin, no more mismanagement of the people’s millions (American), no more breaches of procurement laws and regs, no more hankypanky, no more free passes (the nonconsequential). In sum, a slew of white-collar crimes, but no fine, no time. Time is up.
In thanking Pres Ali and Vice President Jagdeo, reality must be faced, environment understood, and PPP culture detected. There will be a fourth convention for yet another riot act to be read. It’s either someone can’t read well; or the listeners don’t hear well. When a beast of a machinery was constructed (men, women, and billions), then let loose on trusting Guyanese, a mauling that was inevitable. Blood (billions) down the drain. No one held accountable. Not one government officer, not a single PPP comrade, taken apart and put in handcuffs. But Ali and Jagdeo continue with their now tiring motion pictures. A meeting. A greeting. A tongue lashing. Then fullscale retreating following those three signature actions of leaders who hold the copyright on the way Guyana is. If Pres Ali doesn’t know (surprised if he did), Vice President Jagdeo knows. To
his acute discomfort he knows that everyone else knows. When procurement, where big money teems, is put in the hands of mainly comrades of a certain disposition, there can be only one outcome. No number of games (summoning, delivering hard messages, and selling a slick story to the public), succeeds in fooling many. They attended this type of dogfight before; walked away with one idea: a fix happening, a rather laughable one. Because not only the buying and selling (the procurement machinery) is largely in hairy hands, those who have a duty to check on them are made of the same sticky stuff. They suddenly develop several sicknesses. They can’t read. They don’t know to write. So, they can’t find anything, nor report anything. The rip-offs of the people continue unchecked, and the leadership cooking shows are shared with the
public. It’s primetime TV when Drs. Ali and Jagdeo call their session. What’s cooked. How it’s cooked. Only the famished imbibe the stuff that Ali and Jagdeo cook. Recall my assertion on the pig-iron quality of their stomachs. They are forced to eat their own cook-ups. And when they spit it out, hungry dogs lift their hind legs to celebrate it. Congrats to Master Chefs Ali and Jagdeo. Their days of making rings around Guyanese now backfire. They have much more to swallow, what can’t be kept down. Procurement breaches aka PPP business. Try Maalox Excellencies Ali. Jagdeo. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.
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Thursday October 08, 2026
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Zoo, Botanical Gardens set for major transformation — Wildlife sanctuary, aquarium, SkyTrail and amphitheatre among new attractions
Foreign Secretary and Chairman of the PAC, Robert Persaud
Work in progress at the Guyana Zoo and Botanical Gardens Guyanese and visitors to Georgetown could be walking through a vastly transformed Botanical Gardens and Wildlife Sanctuary within the next three years, as Government pushes ahead with a major redevelopment of the historic facility. The project, being undertaken through the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), is expected to turn the Gardens into a modern destination combining wildlife conservation, education, recreation and nature-based tourism while retaining much of its historic character. Foreign Secretary and Chairman of the Protected Areas Commission, Robert Persaud, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the project is being advanced to deliver a facility that preserves the Gardens’ character while introducing experiences designed for future generations. “The vision is for the gardens to continue to be a place of connection, with new ways to experience nature in Georgetown.” Central to the transformation is converting the existing zoo into a Wildlife Sanctuary, featuring larger, more natural habitats, improved animal care facilities, and spaces that give animals more opportunities to express natural behaviours. The redevelopment will also introduce a new entrance along Homestretch Avenue, a Discovery Centre featuring an aquarium, themed gardens, improved waterways and walkways over the ponds. A SkyTrail through the treetops will connect five observation towers, while other planned attractions include a Roraima inspired waterfall, canoe facilities, internal shuttle services and a nature inspired children’s play area. An amphitheatre is also taking shape along Homestretch Avenue near the corner opposite the National Cultural Centre, creating another venue for performances, storytelling, exhibitions and community gatherings. The plans retain the mature trees and familiar landmarks that have long formed part of the gardens’ identity, while
introducing new infrastructure that will broaden how visitors interact with the space. For families, the redevelopment is expected to offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and discovery, with themed gardens, wildlife encounters, bird watching, canoeing, shaded seating and accessible pathways. The Discovery Centre will provide an important educational component, allowing students and visitors to learn about Guyana’s biodiversity through interactive experiences involving the aquarium, gardens and wildlife habitats. The project is also expected to strengthen the Gardens’ role within Georgetown’s wider tourism offering, with opportunities being explored for local guides, entrepreneurs, businesses and community partners to participate in the visitor experience. Animal welfare remains a key consideration throughout construction. The animals currently remain on site under the daily supervision of the facility’s veterinarian and animal care personnel. Officials say retaining them at the Gardens avoids the risks associated with transportation and unfamiliar surroundings while construction continues around them. As new habitats are completed and certified as safe, animals will gradually be moved into their permanent environments. The redevelopment also provides scope for specialised conservation initiatives, including breeding and rehabilitation programmes for species such as macaws and sun parakeets. Where appropriate, release into the wild will be considered. The facility is also expected to play a greater role in responding to wildlife that cannot safely return to nature. This includes animals surrendered by individuals who are no longer able to care for them or wildlife encountered as human interactions with animals increase. Potential exchanges with other zoological institutions could eventually broaden the range of species available for educational purposes, subject to strict animal
health, veterinary and welfare requirements. The gardens will also continue to provide habitat for free living species within Georgetown. Areas will retain a more natural character, providing food and shelter for birds and other wildlife. The redevelopment programme is targeting the completion of foundations and internal roads, alongside the removal of most old enclosures, by the end of 2026. CNQC is the main contractor, supported by SRKN in engineering advice and supervision. CNQC’s previous work on the Guyana China Friendship Park at Joe Vieira Park is also informing confidence in the contractor’s
capacity to deliver the project. Construction is being accelerated during the extended dry period, while the temporary closure of the facility allows work to proceed safely and limits public activity around construction zones and animals. Engineering assessments are being undertaken to address soil conditions, drainage and the requirements of larger structures, while attention is also being given to the long term maintenance of the upgraded facility. Staff training, recruitment planning, plant propagation and preparations for future partnerships with botanical gardens are also being undertaken ahead of the reopening. “As we attempt something at this scale here for the first time, we are doing our best to minimise disturbance while taking the time to learn and adjust where needed,” he said. With construction progressing and the foundation for the new experience taking shape, the historic gardens are being repositioned not simply as a restored facility, but as a modern national destination that brings nature closer to the people of Guyana.
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Thursday October 08, 2026
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13 children receive life-saving heart care at GPHC - Apollo team performs 10 open-heart surgeries in five-day mission Thirteen children have received specialised cardiac care at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), including 10 complex open-heart surgeries, through a collaboration between Guyanese healthcare professionals and an international medical team. The procedures were performed between September 28 and October 2 by an 18-member team from Apollo Hospitals in India, working alongside more than 50 GPHC healthcare professionals. The team completed 16 procedures during the five-day mission—10 open-heart surgeries, three catheter-based device closures and three diagnostic catheterisations. Some of the children underwent diagnostic catheterisation before proceeding to corrective surgery. Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony visited the patients in the h o s p i t a l ’s P a e d i a t r i c H i g h
Dependency Unit, where he met with the children and their families and received updates on their recovery. Three of the 13 patients remain hospitalised for continued care, while the others have been discharged. The initiative forms part of efforts to expand access to specialised treatment for children with congenital heart defects, enabling them to receive complex cardiac care without having to travel overseas. The programme also provided an opportunity for GPHC doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to work directly alongside the visiting specialists, strengthening local expertise in paediatric cardiac care. The collaboration is expected to contribute to the continued development of Guyana’s capacity to manage complex congenital heart conditions locally.(DPI)
Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony interacts with one of the patients
The team of healthcare professionals who performed the paediatric heart surgeries
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Kaieteur News
Thursday October 08, 2026
Minister Bharrat to represent Guyana, LAC on EITI Board Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat was on October 6, formally appointed to represent Guyana, Latin America and the Caribbean on the Board of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) for the 2026–2029 term. Bharrat’s appointment was first announced on June 30, when he was named Principal Member of the EITI Implementing Country Constituency on the international board. The natural resources minister is currently in Brussels, Belgium, where he participated in the 68th EITI board meeting held at the Centre Albert Borschette as part of the programme for the 2026 EITI Global Conference. The global conference, scheduled for October 8 and 9 in Brussels, will bring together representatives from governments, the extractive industries, civil society and international organisations to discuss transparency and governance in the natural resources sector. Bharrat is expected to contribute to discussions on natural resource governance and will participate in a panel titled “Golden opportunities: Securing shared benefits from artisanal and small-scale gold mining.” The panel will examine ways in which artisanal and smallscale gold mining can deliver more equitable benefits while supporting livelihoods and promoting responsible mining practices. Minister Bharrat said the conference provides an opportunity for the region to share its experiences in natural resource governance while contributing to international efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability in the extractive sector. “Our countries have different experiences, but we share a common responsibility to manage our natural resources transparently and ensure that their benefits reach our people and communities,” he said. “As members, we must continue to focus on practical ways to support livelihoods and strengthen accountability across the extractive sector.” The EITI is an international initiative focused on improving transparency and accountability in countries where natural resources play a significant role in the economy.
ERC to host consultations of constitutional reform The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) will host a National Consultation on Constitutional Reform and the ERC’s Draft Glossary of Ethnically Sensitive Terms on Tuesday, 13th October, 2026, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal. The event will get underway from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The consultation forms part of the Commission’s commitment to promoting harmony and good relations among Guyana’s diverse ethnic communities and will provide an opportunity for citizens and stakeholders to contribute their views on matters relevant to the ERC’s constitutional mandate. According to a press release, ERC said the principal focus of the consultation will be constitutional reform, particularly matters relating to ethnic relations, equality, inclusion, protection from discrimination, ethnic security, and the role and effectiveness of institutions established to support those objectives. Participants will engage in structured discussions through 11 groups, comprising 10 constituency groups and one public participation group. These discussions are intended to garner recommendations on constitutional matters relevant to the remit and mandate of the ERC. The recommendations emerging from the consultation will be consolidated by the ERC into a report for submission to the Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC) before its 31st December, 2026 deadline. The consultation will also include a brief introduction to the ERC’s Draft Glossary of Ethnically Sensitive Terms, a public education resource intended to promote greater understanding of language and terminology relating to ethnicity and its potential impact on social relations. Participants will have an opportunity to provide feedback, at a later date, on the Draft Glossary as part of the broader consultation process. Citizens are encouraged to participate based on their experiences, perspectives and ideas for strengthening equality, inclusion and harmonious relations in Guyana. The consultation is open to the public, and the ERC encourages all community organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders to participate in this important consultation. Persons interested in attending can currently register by visiting the ERC Guyana social media pages, @ERCGuyana, where the registration link and further information are available.
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President Ali blasts visa barriers, says Caribbean cannot build tourism with ‘stone age’ system
Phillips to represent Guyana at regional energy meeting in the Dominican Republic
The president said modern technology should allow authorities to verify a traveller’s identity and background quickly, rather than relying on lengthy processes. He told delegates that the region must decide whether it is prepared to take bold steps to improve connectivity or remain on the defensive. Ali also stressed the need for Caribbean countries to determine together which major international events they want to attract, stating that regional cooperation is critical to making that possible. Using the Middle East as an example, he pointed to the ease of movement between countries across a wider regional network, including Greece, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, China and the Philippines, as well as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states such as Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. “That entire circuit flights almost every hour, between one hour flight to two and a half, three hours,” he said. The president said such connectivity was not accidental, but the result of countries investing in infrastructure and building an ecosystem that allows travel, business and tourism.
Prime Minister, Mark Phillips, will represent Guyana at the 56th Meeting of Ministers of the Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE), scheduled for 8th-9th October, 2026, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He will be accompanied by Dr. Mahender Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency. The meeting, convened as part of the 11th Energy Week, which will bring together regional energy leaders, development partners and international organisations to discuss energy security, investment, technological innovation and cooperation across Latin America and the Caribbean, the Office of the Prime said in a release. Prime Minister Phillips is expected to outline Guyana’s priorities for developing a diversified, affordable and reliable energy system in keeping with the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030. These include the development of natural gas and renewable energy, electricity grid modernisation, battery storage, energy efficiency and electric mobility. Guyana’s participation will also highlight efforts to expand electricity access in hinterland, riverine and Indigenous communities, supporting education, healthcare, local enterprise and improved living standards. The Ministerial Dialogue, themed “The strategic role of Latin America and the Caribbean in the new global energy order,” will examine how the region can use its energy resources to attract investment, strengthen competitiveness and advance sustainable development. Discussions will address resilient infrastructure, regional integration and the implications of artificial intelligence and digitalisation for electricity demand and energy planning. Ministers are also scheduled to consider draft decisions on artificial intelligence and energy, electrification of energy demand, circular economy practices in the energy sector, and the establishment of a Regional Council of Youth in Energy. Through its participation, Guyana will reaffirm its commitment to regional cooperation and an inclusive energy transition that strengthens energy security and delivers tangible benefits to households, businesses and communities.
President Irfaan Ali on Wednesday criticised visa barriers facing Caribbean travellers, noting that visa and biometric requirements are undermining tourism, regional connectivity and the hosting of international conferences. Speaking at the State of the Tourism Industry Conference 2026 (SOTIC), held at the Atlantic Suites by Hyatt in Georgetown, President Ali compared the Caribbean’s travel connectivity with that of other regions, particularly the Middle East and Europe. He pointed to the availability of electronic visas in the Middle East, pointing out that the Caribbean and its international partners must modernise how visitors access the region. “The European Union is still backward in this region. We have to travel to Trinidad and Suriname to get biometrics to do it.” The Guyanese leader said the requirement for travellers to spend several days completing visa procedures makes it difficult to build tourism partnerships and attract visitors to major international events. “In a day of digitisation in AI, we have the EU that is operating from a stone age kind of operation, and they’re our friends. We can tell them frankly, but it’s
President Irfaan Ali the truth,” he said. “We can’t have people have to go two days and three days. We can’t build partnership and friendship like that, where people gotta spend four days to get a visa before they travel to your country,” the president added. He said the issue becomes even more significant when countries seek to host international conferences and other major events. He addressed the practicality of inviting people to conferences while requiring them to spend several days securing a visa before they can travel.
60 Freeburg students take first step towards welding careers
14 new wells to strengthen water access ...expand affordable water services
Students during one of the training sessions as part of the “Weekend Welders” programme. Sixty Grade 10 students of Freeburg Secondary School have embarked on a six-month welding programme aimed at equipping them with internationally recognised technical skills and preparing them for opportunities in Guyana’s rapidly expanding industrial sector. Under the theme “Building the foundation for the future”, the initiative was conceptualised by the Deputy Chief Education Officer for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr. Ritesh Tularam. It aims to introduce young people to the fundamentals of welding and occupational safety, establishing a base for future technical education, apprenticeships, employment or entrepreneurship, the Ministry of Education said in a press release. The course runs for 208 hours over 26 weeks at the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC) workshop, located on Woolford Avenue, with the Ministry of Education providing transportation for all participating students. The programmes were specifically designed
to condense a one-year programme. Combining weekday sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with weekend training on Saturdays and Sundays, the schedule is designed to simulate a commercial workshop environment, with each session dividing four hours of daily contact time between theoretical safety briefings and continuous hands-on booth instruction. Over the six months, the programme takes students through a progressive sequence of trade skills. Early modules cover health and safety, manual handling, housekeeping, technical drawing and precision measurement. Students then move on to power tool operation, mechanical cutting and introductory engineering calculations before starting core training in Manual Metal Arc Welding (MMAW) and Oxyacetylene Welding (OAW). The final stages focus on workplace communication, advanced computations and practical assessments. The entire course is aligned with the Caribbean Vocational Qualification
( C V Q ) L e v e l I i n We l d i n g (CCMEM10202). Students who demonstrate competence across all required units—including joint preparation, heat control and workshop safety—will receive full regional certification following final internal and external verification. Education officials highlighted that rapid growth across construction, oil and gas, mining, manufacturing and infrastructure has created an urgent need for certified tradespeople. By holding sessions outside regular school hours, the programme provides essential vocational training without disrupting the pupils’ standard academic timetables. Dr. Tularam noted that the programme is expected to expand to additional secondary schools in 2027, incorporating other critical technical disciplines. Beyond modernising TVET nationwide, the Ministry of Education is driving a broader mandate to ensure every secondary school student graduates with proficiency in at least one practical skill.
The government is advancing plans to drill 14 new wells across four regions, strengthening water infrastructure in several developing and established communities as part of efforts to expand reliable access to potable water. The initiative, being advanced through the Ministry of Housing and Central Housing and Planning Authority, will see six wells drilled in Region Four, four in Region Six, three in Region Three and one in Region Ten. The planned wells are expected to support the continued development of housing schemes by ensuring that critical water infrastructure keeps pace with population growth and the expansion of residential communities. The programme will complement wider efforts by the Guyana Water Incorporated, GWI, to improve access to water and make the service more affordable for residents. According to GWI’s Chief Executive Officer, Shaik Baksh, the wider initiative followed a mandate from His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, for the utility to strengthen water services across Guyana. “This is an initiative to serve the people of Guyana and to make water affordable to the people,” he said. Among the initiatives is the establishment of water refilling stations across the regions, with at least two to three stations planned in each region. Several are already operational, including stations at Lima in Region Two, Port Mourant in Region Six , Pouderoyen and Vergenoegen, where the CEO described the facility as a success. The programme is also being expanded to communities including Bartica and Linden. For residents, the stations are designed to provide a more affordable option for accessing treated water, with a five-gallon container costing just $100 to refill. The two initiatives therefore address different but complementary aspects of water access, while the planned wells strengthen the infrastructure needed to support growing communities, the refilling stations provide residents with an accessible and lower-cost option for obtaining potable water. Together, they form part of the government’s broader efforts to expand water services, support the development of new housing communities and improve access to an essential service across Guyana. (DPI)
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Thursday October 08, 2026
World Bank: Stronger growth possible in Latin America, Caribbean despite 2.2% outlook
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WASHINGTON, 6th October, 2026— Latin America and the Caribbean is projected to grow 2.2% in 2026, broadly in line with the rate of 2.4% recorded in 2025, according to the World Bank Group's Latin America and the Caribbean Economic Update. Although average regional growth remains modest, diverging country paths show that a stronger performance is possible. Several countries making sound and durable policy choices are delivering stronger results, including faster growth consistently above 3 to 4%, more investment, and greater market confidence. El Salvador and Paraguay continue to outperform the regional average, supported by improved security conditions, fiscal consolidation, and robust private investment. Panama and the Dominican Republic have sus-
tained strong growth on similarly durable policy foundations. Argentina is on a similar trajectory, projected to expand for three consecutive years from 2025 to 2027, the first time in nearly two decades, driven by fiscal adjustment, tax reforms, and a more open economy. "Latin America and the Caribbean has the potential to achieve stronger and more ambitious growth. Countries that have maintained sound macroeconomic frameworks, strengthened institutions, and advanced reforms are demonstrating that stronger growth is possible," said Susana Cordeiro Guerra, World Bank Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean. "The region has significant talent and resources. The priority now is to build on these strengths through consistent policies and investment that can raise productiv-
ity, create better jobs, and increase incomes." The risks to the region are tilted to the downside. Energy price volatility could stall disinflation and keep central banks cautious, prolonging the high real interest rates that constrain credit and investment. High debt and interest burdens continue to limit fiscal space and crowd out public investment. El Niño could further disrupt agriculture and hydropower and push up food and energy prices. The report examines how artificial intelligence could raise productivity while reshaping work across the region. Firms are already adopting AI broadly, though rarely in ways that reach their core business processes. Among the wider population, a median of 17% of working-age adults across the region report using GenAI tolls,
roughly half the rate in the U.S. and Canada. In both cases, the main barriers to productive use are not cost or access, but managerial knowhow, workforce skills, and firms’ capacity to reorganise around new tools. "AI is already here. The question is whether the region can use it productively," said Carlos RodriguezCastelan, World Bank Acting Chief Economist for Latin America and the Caribbean. "A powerful tool is less relevant if workers and firms lack the capacity to act on what it produces. Governments that invest now in skills and firm capabilities will likely see real gains." The report identifies that generative AI is already changing cognitive work: roughly 8% of the workforce holds high-skill, knowledgeintensive jobs that could be enhanced by AI, while a simi-
lar share of the workforce, around 10%, works in routine cognitive occupations whose tasks are more exposed to automation. A second wave could reach physical work over time, as automation hardware becomes cheaper. About a quarter of workers hold routine manual jobs that may be exposed. The report recommends building firms’ capabilities, expanding short-cycle and technical training, and modernising digital government and data systems. It also highlights the potential of “small AI,” low-cost applications adapted to local needs that are already showing promise in areas from education and telemedicine to public service delivery. Small AI could also be a powerful tool for small and medium enterprises, farmers, and the broader population, putting scarce expertise within reach of millions.
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From page 6 the centre of the boat, leaving families helpless as the vessel went down. “I tried to reach the life jacket, but it was on top of the rack and I couldn’t get it. I drank water, drank water, drank water, and prayed to God for strength. We lost four children that night, and we still haven’t found the baby.” “This boat was overloaded, fully packed,” one survivor explained to the panel. “When you operate with only one working engine, that engine is supposed to push the boat under normal conditions. But when water
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starts merging into the hull, one engine cannot handle that load or give you the power needed to manoeuvre out of danger. Once that happened, there was no coming back. It became an arm of death.” He further criticised the decision to load two heavy standby generators onto the vessel at the last minute, “The generator was the very last thing put on that key, forced onto a boat that was already weighed down. It was a disaster waiting to happen.” Opposition Member of Parliament, Odessa Primus criticised the government’s post-tragedy actions, highlighting an outreach trip conducted by the subject minister to Region One shortly after the disaster. Addressing the commissioners directly, Primus pointed out a glaring contradiction in the State’s handling of the disaster: while three low-level crew members face criminal charges, the broader institutional and administrative decision-makers have es-
caped scrutiny. “We have three innocent men sitting in prison, but you don’t ask to figure out who really caused this or who is liable,” the MP stated, calling on the Commission to issue bold, unvarnished recommendations. “If the minister is responsible, say it clearly in your report that he has caused failure systemically. If he is not, say clearly, he is not. We are depending on you not to shroud this in fancy words.” In response, commission members acknowledged the legal complexity created by concurrent criminal proceedings. Chair of the commission, Godfrey Smith explained that under standard legal protections against self-incrimination, individuals facing criminal charges cannot be compelled to testify before an inquiry, which limits direct oral testimony from those key figures. However, the panel stressed that it remains committed to examining all surrounding evidence to determine systemic responsibility.
Commissioners also reiterated their personal and professional independence from local partisan politics. “Each of us is outside the politics of Guyana,” Commissioner Nyree Alfonso noted, reassuring the audience that panel members were selected for their technical expertise from international jurisdictions, including Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Poland, and Egypt. “Nobody is going to vote for us…no one is voting for us in an election. Whatever went wrong, and wherever the evidence leads, it will be revealed fearlessly.” Leader of the Opposition Demands COI Halt, Citing Conflicts of Interest and Systemic Corruption Addressing the session, the Leader of the Opposition Azruddin Mohamed delivered a critique of both the government’s post-disaster handling and the integrity of the Commission of Inquiry, declaring a total lack of confidence in the proceedings. The opposition leader also raised serious allegations regarding the salvage procurement process, claiming that contractor selection was pre-determined long before formal announcements: “Before this contract was awarded to the grasshopper... the person that had to get the contract to bring in the wire ropes already, done ordered wire ropes a month or two months ago. They already knew that the contract was awarded.” Calling for the immediate dismissal of criminal charges against the three crew members currently in jail, warning that they are being used as scapegoats while senior decision-makers escape ac-
countability and urging immediate $5 million interim payouts per affected family to cover severe economic hardships, alongside adequate transportation, food, and basic support during official consultations. Relatives, community elders, and legal representatives argued that completing an investigation without inspecting the sunken hull is fundamentally flawed, as crucial physical evidence, including cargo weight distributions, machinery, and the trapped remains of victims, remains underwater. Commissioners conceded that retrieving the ship represents the ideal condition for gathering evidence, stating that panel members have repeatedly pushed State authorities to expedite salvage efforts. However, the Chairman cautioned that the Commission itself lacks statutory power or operational equipment to physically raise the vessel. “There is no disconnect between what you are asking for and what we are asking for,” a Commissioner explained. “We are of the strong view that raising the vessel offers the best possible circumstance for evidence. However, if that does not happen, our terms of reference still require us to investigate systemic failures so that this never happens to another family.” Civil society members countered that the commission must advocate publicly and forcefully for the vessel’s retrieval, warning that any final report delivered while the wreck remains submerged will lack legitimacy in the eyes of the public.
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Life expectancy takes centre stage as massacre convict asks CCJ to cut parole period By Renay Sambach Justices at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Wednesday heard an appeal filed by attorneys for Michael Caesar, who earlier this year had his sentences for the Lusignan and Bartica massacres reduced by the Guyana Court of Appeal (COA). A significant part of the hearing was focused on the question of life expectancy in Guyana, which is one of the grounds being argued by the appellant, who is contending that by the time he becomes eligible for parole, he will be well beyond the Mark Royden Williams Clebert Reece Michael Caesar average life expectancy in Guyana. Dennis Williams Attorneys-at-law Nigel Hughes Another argument Hughes to statistics used by the applicant and Kiswana Jefford have appealed justices, Hughes said, “We are not to the CCJ, challenging the challenging the conviction; we do introduced was based on life based on statistics from the WHO, sentences imposed by the COA not remotely attempt to challenging expectancy, arguing that if it had which most recent figures are based following Caesar’s convictions for the gravity they were particularly been a case of life without parole, it on 2021. A male’s average life manslaughter arising from his horrendous, we do not challenge would show that rehabilitation is expectancy was 63 years old and involvement in the Lusignan and the imposition of life imprisonment not possible. “For example, if you generally 66 years. O’Brien, however, contended and we certainly do not challenge are 60, a 40 years sentence would Bartica massacre killings. On March 11, 2026, the COA the power of Court of Appeal to fix be unlawful, because it exceeds the that the aforementioned would have taken into account the maximum,” he noted. delivered its ruling, which reduced minimum parole periods.” While he did not offer a COVID-19 pandemic, which The essence of their move to the the sentences originally imposed by the High Court against Caesar and CCJ is that the minimum periods prognosis on when his client is would have caused a decline in Clebert Reece, another convict in arrived at by the COA were reached likely to die, Hughes explained that overall life expectancy. “By comparison for instance in by an “unlawful, unprincipled, and with his client being 35 at the time the massacres. The COA found that the trial disproportionate exercise of the of sentencing, Caesar would be 2016 when the appellant would approximately 75 years old before have been convicted the male life judge’s sentencing approach was sentencing discretion.” He said the COA fell into error becoming eligible for parole. “Life expectancy was 64.3 and overall, it excessive and inconsistent with established legal principles. The in its application of a sentence of expectancy is 62, the Court of would have been 67.6…” she Court resentenced both appellants, life without the possibility of parole Appeal accepted that figure. A noted. O’Brien argued that life substituting sentences of life until after 40 years, which is sentence where the court thinks parole is part of the sentence ought e x p e c t a n c y b e i n g a m a j o r imprisonment with defined parole “erroneous.” Hughes outlined that Caesar’s to be consistent with the average consideration in the case “is a eligibility periods in place of the original determinate sentences, conviction arose from a plea of lifespan of Guyanese at that time,” moving goal post”, adding that it can vary. which the appellants argued guilty to manslaughter, which was Hughes said. She further noted that their Heinous crimes accepted by the State. He noted that effectively exceeded the statutory On the other hand, the Director position is based on jurisprudence in this case, the maximum penalty maximum. For Caesar, the COA imposed is life imprisonment, adding that of Public Prosecutions maintains which defines life as natural life. life imprisonment with the the reduced sentence by the COA that the sentences imposed were The Deputy DPP acknowledged possibility of parole after serving took rehabilitation into account, appropriate and befitting the that there is jurisprudence 30 calendar years on each of the citing the Court’s decision to gravity and heinous nature of the suggesting that where a sentence could be as high as 70 years, it may eight counts relating to the impose a period of eligibility for offences. In her address, Deputy Director be appropriate to impose life Lusignan killings, and life parole. However, he argued that the of Public Prosecutions Diana imprisonment instead. imprisonment with the possibility O’Brien added that while of parole after serving 40 calendar period for eligibility for parole had O’Brien pointed to statistics by the years on each of the 12 counts to be a realistic period, saying he World Health Organisation (WHO) several countries in the region have relating to the Bartica killings. All believes the COA fell into error and noted that using life expectancy legislation, case law or sentencing sentences run concurrently from when applying the principles in a sentencing process is not guidelines specifying periods that would be equivalent to a life recommended. the date of the original sentencing governing the period for eligibility. “We are respectfully saying that sentence, it is not the same for Hughes’ argument was based on on December 8, 2016. However, while the COA the consideration that the mere u s i n g t h a t a s p a r t o f t h e Guyana. Natural life effectively imposed a reduced possibility of parole by the COA mathematical exercise as a However, she said Guyana has sentence on Caesar, his legal team opened the door to the belief that justification is fundamentally u n s t a b l e b e c a u s e o f t h e no such established figure, noting is now before the CCJ contending rehabilitation is possible. fluctuations…” she said, pointing that even in cases where the issue of Life expectancy that these minimum periods 30 and 40 years are excessive, as their client would be approximately 75 years old before becoming eligible for parole. It should be noted that their appeal is confined solely to the determination of the appropriate minimum periods to be served before p ar o le elig ib ility. Th e appellant argued that the COA failed to give sufficient consideration to Caesar’s advanced age and prospects for rehabilitation. Some of the CCJ justices at a Ceremonial Sitting to commemorate The in-person hearing was held in St. Lucia. the opening of the 2026/2027 Judicial Year held in St. Lucia. Speaking before the CCJ
a sentence exceeding life imprisonment has been discussed, no precise period has been set for Guyana, where the position remains that life imprisonment means natural life. “But the reality is in Guyana that we don’t have such a figure coming out even in the cases that have been discussed as to what exceeds life, there is nothing that has been set out precisely for Guyana to say in Guyana this would exceed life because the position remains life is natural life…” the Deputy DPP said. Further, she noted that while the maximum penalty is deemed to be life imprisonment, case law deems life as natural life, but there is still no figure in terms of what natural life equates to. It was proposed that stakeholders become involved in determining the proper jurisprudential principles on which to base life imprisonment without parole. For his part, Hughes said he is in favour of scientific consultations and recommendations, noting that as much as the public is entitled to their views, it will have to be captured in a scope that will be used to identify principles. Meanwhile, O’Brien did not disagree with the Court getting inputs from stakeholders on the question of life expectancy. She expressed concerns about how it would be done, whether hypothetically and how directly it can be applied to the appellant at this stage, but noted that consultations with different arms of society are not opposed. The CCJ justices are President of the CCJ Winston Anderson, Justice Maureen Rajnauth-Lee, Justice Denys Barrow, Justice Peter J a m a d a r, J u s t i c e C h a n t a l Ononaiwu, Justice Chile EboeOsuji and Justice Arif Bulkan. The matters before the Court involved Mark Royden Williams, Dennis Williams, Clebert Reece and Michael Caesar. On January 26, 2008, the men were involved in the Lusignan massacre, one of the most brutal killings in Guyana’s history. During that attack, 11 people between the ages of four and 52 were shot and killed in their homes. Later, on February 17, 2008, the gunmen attacked Bartica, firing at police officers at the Bartica Police Station and elsewhere in the c o m m u n i t y. T h e g a n g eventually fled using a boat moored at the Bartica Stelling. Before leaving, one of the gunmen opened fire on passengers at the stelling, ordering them to lie face down before escaping. Twelve people were killed that day, including three members of the Guyana Police Force.
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Thursday October 08, 2026
Attacks on tankers in Hormuz Maduro to face new U.S. hit highest of any week since charges over alleged torture start of Iran war, sources say of Americans, official says Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, October 2, 2026.
(Reuters) - Attacks on tankers sailing through the Strait of Hormuz hit their highest last week of any week since the Iran war began, according to maritime security sources tracking incidents, amid bigger export push by Gulf producers. Attacks, attempted attacks and harassment activity including drone overflights, surveillance and hailing using VHF radio by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have persisted in the strait, the U.S. Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) said in a note on Sunday. “These actions continue to demonstrate Iran’s `intent to assert presence along key transit lanes and maintain pressure on transiting vessels,” the JMIC said. In the week of 28th September- 5th October, there had been at least 12 attacks on oil, liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas tankers around the Strait of Hormuz, according to data from three maritime security sources who analysed incidents based on information received from
the area. That was the highest number of attacks in a single week since the U.S. war with ‘began on 28th February, the sources said. Separate data collated by the UN’s shipping agency, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), showed nine incidents involving vessels in the same week. The UN body tends to take longer to verify and officially record incidents, maritime sources say. The ‘closest week in terms of comparable incidents was the week of 13th July when there were eight incidents, separate IMO data showed. Gulf oil exporters topped pre-war levels for about half ‘of September, shipping data showed on Monday, though attacks on tankers and logistical constraints cloud the outlook for sustained higher flows. India’s foreign ministry said on ‘Tuesday that 12 crew members were injured after an unknown projectile struck Panama-flagged oil tanker On Peace while it was passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Supporters of Venezuela’s government rally to demand the release of ousted President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, two months after their capture by the U.S., in Caracas, Venezuela March 3, 2026. (Reuters) - Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas and his wife Cilia Flores are expected to face new criminal charges in the U.S. over the alleged torture of Americans held in the South American country, a U.S. official said on Wednesday. The new charges could come as ‘soon as Thursday, according to the official, who was briefed on the investigation. Maduro and Flores were captured by the U.S. military from their homes in Caracas on 3rd January and brought to New York to face drug trafficking charges. They have pleaded not guilty. A spokesperson for the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s office, which brought the charges, declined to comment.
Lawyers for Maduro and Flores did ‘immediately respond to requests for comment. The possibility of new charges was first reported by CNN on Wednesday. Details of the new charges, including the identities of the alleged torture victims, were not immediately available. Maduro’s ‘13 years in power in oil-rich Venezuela were marked by tensions with the United States. Washington said that several of its citizens ‘were wrongfully detained in the South American country during his tenure. Venezuela has been led since Maduro’s capture by his ‘former vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, who has increased cooperation with the Trump administration.
Brazil’s Bolsonaro pledges broad review of Lula-era taxes (Reuters) - Brazil presidential candidate Senator Flavio Bolsonaro said on Wednesday his team was studying constitutional amendments to revise parts of a planned consumptiontax reform — alongside other fiscal measures — arguing the current design would leave the country an excessively high tax burden. “There are several constitutional amendments that are possible,” Bolsonaro told reporters, citing “aspects of the tax reform” among measures he would pursue if elected, alongside lowering the age of criminal r e s p o n s i b i l i t y, e n d i n g presidential reelection and implementing a political reform. In 2023, leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva approved the consumptiontax reform, a long-awaited overhaul of Brazil’s tax
system, set to begin taking effect next year, which will consolidate multiple levies into a dual value-added tax administered at the federal and regional levels. “I support modernizing our tax system, which is genuinely too complex,” Bolsonaro `said. The reformed consumption tax’s effective VAT rate — estimated to be about 28% by economists but not yet finalised by the government - would be too high, Bolsonaro said. Bolsonaro also said he wanted to reduce payroll taxes and ensure that “more of Brazilian workers’ income stays with them rather than the government.” O n Tu e s d a y, t h e senator’s top economic adviser, Daniella Marques, told local media that a Bolsonaro administration would review a broad range
of tax measures enacted under Lula, including a dividend tax that took effect in January. Marques served in the elder Bolsonaro’s government. She said that administration had previously only proposed taxing dividends alongside a reduction in corporate income taxes. Bolsonaro would also eliminate the 12% tax on crude oil exports introduced t h i s y e a r b y L u l a ’s government, Marques said, describing the levy as an “aberration.” Lula introduced the tax to help finance fuel-tax relief for Brazilians amid a global oil-price spike linked to the U.S-Israeli conflict on Iran. Other tax measures on ‘chopping block include reversing increases to the Financial Transactions Tax (IOF) on corporate credit operations, foreign-
exchange transactions, and certain private pension investments, Marques said. By contrast, Lula’s platform pledged to deepen efforts to promote “tax justice” and reduce inequality through the elimination of tax distortions and privileges, while implementing the consumption-tax overhaul approved during his administration. Lula this year introduced a tax on dividends to help finance an tax exemption on higher income for middleincome earners, while his administration has argued for further cuts to tax exemptions and the elimination ‘of what it views as inefficient tax incentives. Bolsonaro, the eldest son of ex-President Jair Bolsonaro, outperformed expectations to finish ahead of leftist incumbent
Brazilian presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro. REUTERS/Diego Herculano President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Sunday’s first round. The rivals go head-tohead in an October 25 runoff. DEBT RESTRUCTURING Amid near-record levels of household debt in Brazil, Senator Bolsonaro also said his government would buy ‘debt from over-indebted consumers and refinance it through state-owned lender Caixa Economica Federal. Borrowers would also gain access to new credit lines to help finance small businesses, he said. Lula, like Bolsonaro, has also pledged to purchase
debt as part of a campaign promise. The government said it will hold an auction in November to buy ‘and restructure household debt, spending 15 billion reais to acquire up to 150 billion reais of delinquent loans at discounts of at least 90%. The program is expected to cover about half of the debt stock deemed eligible. Households would then be able to clear overdue obligations at the discounted value, with the full benefit of the write-down passed through to borrowers.
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PYARG cricket clinics expand youth development across Reg. 3 The President’s Youth Award Republic of Guyana (PYARG) Programme, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, continued its youth cricket coaching initiative across Region Three, with young players from Wakenaam and Leguan benefiting from recent training sessions. The latest clinics were conducted at the Meer-Zorg Cricket Ground in Wa k e n a a m a n d t h e
Enterprise Ground in Leguan, providing participants with an opportunity to develop their cricketing abilities while gaining valuable lessons in teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship. The sessions formed part of the programme’s wider commitment to using sport as a vehicle for youth development and community engagement. Coaches worked with the young participants on
Young cricketers from communities across Region 3, including Wakenaam and Leguan, continued their cricket development as part of the MCYS/PYARG programme.
Thursday October 08, 2026 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) If you find that there's tension in a close relationship, you may get the feeling that this isn't the right partner for you. Don't automatically assume that the problem lies in your partner. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) When tension builds, your sense of security is likely to falter, Taurus. You may have a hard time dealing with other people. You could be tempted to turn to food or alcohol for inner nourishment. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You might have difficulty expressing your needs, Gemini. The bottom line is that there's no right or wrong way, although it may be difficult to see this on a day like today. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Although you may find it hard to express yourself in some ways, Cancer, the one avenue that's completely wide open today is art. Difficult tension is laced with emotional insecurity, making it hard for you to express your feelings.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Be careful about being too boisterous and chipper around people who don't exactly feel the same way, Libra. Be sensitive to other people's feelings, and don't make jokes that are too harsh for the occasion. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your mood should be quite good for the most part, Scorpio, but there's apt to be some tension in your relationships. Romantic endeavors aren't exactly in your favor now. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) There's a deep longing to be comforted and reassured, Sagittarius. You may want nothing more than for someone fix you some warm, homemade soup. If this is the case, feel free to call and ask a good friend to come over, if possible. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You may feel like you desperately need something, Capricorn, yet you're unsure as to what it is exactly. Someone close to you may be trying to fit the missing puzzle piece into place.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You might be feeling rather insecure when it comes to your peace of mind. It may seem like your relationships are on the rocks. Having problems in your relationships is making you less likely to trust these close partners.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You may want to remedy every situation by talking things out or taking some sort of action, Aquarius. Be careful of making any sudden moves before you really understand what you're feeling.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may feel more reserved than usual, Virgo, especially when it comes to romantic relationships. You may be feeling apprehensive about expressing yourself fully, even in the most intimate situations.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Compliments are apt to feel like gold to you, Pisces. There's nothing you need more than love and affection on a day like this. Beware that you may end up as putty in the hands of whoever showers you with flattery.
fundamental cricket skills, while also emphasizing the importance of discipline, cooperation and respect, qualities that extend beyond the playing field and contribute to personal development. The PYARG programme is designed to empower young people through opportunities for leadership development, skills training, personal growth and meaningful participation in their communities. The ongoing cricket clinics therefore provide
Westside Golf team set... From page 25 Aleem Hussain, GGA President, said the trip represents more than simply an opportunity to compete for individual honours. “Westside Golf Course is proud to represent Guyana once again in Suriname. Our relationship with Golfclub Paramaribo has grown beyond competitive golf, particularly through our junior development initiatives,” Hussain said. He added, “We see these regional exchanges as an important part of building stronger players and stronger relationships between our golfing communities. We extend our gratitude to Suriname Captain Sarah Chehin and the Golfclub Paramaribo Executive Committee for extending the invitation.” The Westside team will now turn its attention to the O c t o b e r 1 7 – 1 8 championship, with the players expected to carry Guyana’s hopes of making an impact in the A Category. Beyond the competitive aspect, the participation is expected to further strengthen the sporting ties between Guyana and Suriname while providing valuable international experience for the country’s golfers.
more than technical instruction, giving youths an environment in which they can build confidence and develop positive values through sport. The initiative also reflects the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport’s continued efforts to broaden access to sporting opportunities at the community level. With cricket deeply embedded in Guyana’s sporting culture, programmes such as these are aimed at identifying and
nurturing young talent while ensuring that youths in communities outside the traditional sporting centres have opportunities to participate and develop. The Ministry has also continued its investment in the rehabilitation and development of community grounds and recreational facilities across the country. These efforts are intended to provide safer and more accessible spaces where young people can train, compete and pursue their sporting ambitions.
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PYARG Medal of Service Programme expands in Reg. 5 The expansion of the President’s Youth Award Republic of Guyana (PYARG) Medal of Service Programme is continuing in Region Five, with more than 150 persons participating in awareness sessions held across the region. On Sunday, October 4, 2026, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS), through its D e p a r t m e n t o f Yo u t h , conducted awareness sessions at Blairmont, Paradise and Fairfield. The majority of those in attendance were young Guyanese. During the engagements, Member of Parliament and Director of Youth, Hon. Suresh Singh, led discussions on the history and development of the PYARG Programme, its current activities and locations across Guyana, the recently concluded Adventurous Journey, and the digital systems used by the Ministry to implement, manage and monitor the programme. Beginning this week, participants from the three Region Five communities will have opportunities to
participate in cricket, football and volleyball. The activities will be facilitated by staff of the Department of Youth, alongside trained coaches. With the latest expansion, more than 1,500 young Guyanese who are new participants for 2026 will be engaged across Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10. They will participate in 20 different activities at 62 locations nationwide. The PYARG Programme was resuscitated in 2021 following a period of inactivity and has since expanded significantly across Guyana. Between 2021 and July 2026, more than 15,600 young people have been trained and participated in PYARG, demonstrating the programme’s growing reach and its role as a platform for youth empowerment, leadership development and national development. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport remains committed to meaningfully engaging young Guyanese through quality programmes that promote personal development, leadership and the acquisition of essential
Thursday October 08, 2026
Member of Parliament and Director of Youth Suresh Singh engages with participants during the PYARG programme in Region 5.
life skills. Also present at the three engagements were Region Five Chairman Recardo Phillips; Region Five Vice Chairman Kleon Lindey; Field Officer Omar Rupnaraine; Region Five Yo u t h O f f i c e r A n s o n Barrington; representatives of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs); and staff of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.
4R Lioness capture Prime Minister’s Softball Cup title
West Indies Women complete Zimbabwe... From page 23 Taylor was at the heart of the victory, producing a superb all-round display. Taylor claimed two wickets for eight runs from her four overs before returning with the bat to smash an unbeaten 64 from 39 deliveries. Her performance also saw her join an elite group in women’s T20I cricket. Taylor became only the fourth woman to reach 3,000 T20I runs and 100 wickets, underlining her remarkable longevity and all-round contribution to the West Indies. Zimbabwe, batting first, were led by Kelis Ndhlovu, who carried her bat for an unbeaten 63. However, the hosts were unable to convert a promising start into a challenging total, finishing on 142 for six. Taylor and Jahzara Claxton applied pressure with the ball, claiming two wickets apiece as the Zimbabwe innings lost momentum during the latter stages. The West Indies chase was then anchored by Taylor, who combined power and placement to steer her side comfortably across the line. The clean sweep capped an impressive T20I leg for the Caribbean side. The Windies had won the opening match by eight wickets after restricting Zimbabwe to 97 for nine before chasing the target in 12.5 overs. They followed that with another eightwicket victory in the second match, reaching
108 for two in only 9.1 overs after Zimbabwe managed 106 for seven. The second match also produced a major individual milestone, as 17-year-old Eboni Brathwaite smashed 57 from just 23 deliveries. Her innings included six sixes and three fours and established a new record for the fastest fifty by a West Indies player in women’s T20I cricket. The T20I sweep provides further encouragement for a West Indies side that has been building momentum across the limitedovers formats. The tour had initially featured a threematch ODI series, with the Windies winning the opening and final matches while Zimbabwe claimed the second encounter. The West Indies also produced a commanding 91-run victory in the third ODI, posting 271 for five before dismissing Zimbabwe for 180. The Zimbabwe tour formed part of Cricket West Indies’ broader preparation across both formats following the team’s campaign at the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and their successful tour of Ireland. CWI had retained much of the core squad for Zimbabwe, while introducing younger players such as Brathwaite to the international set-up.
The victorious 4R Lioness team strikes a pose with their trophy The 4R Lioness cricket team emerged as the 2026 Prime Minister’s Softball Cup female champions after defeating Bacchus X1 in the 15-over final on Sunday at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, Georgetown. The champions produced a composed run chase to secure the title, reaching their target of 76 with 23 balls to spare after losing three wickets. Sherry-Ann Frazer anchored the successful pursuit with a well-made 35, earning the Player-of-the-Match award for her decisive contribution with the bat. The victory also earned 4R Lioness $400,000 and the championship trophy, while Bacchus X1 received $200,000 and a trophy for their efforts. The prizes were presented by Prime Minister of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who is also the tournament’s patron. In his remarks, Phillips congratulated 4R Lioness on their triumph while encouraging
Bacchus X1 to return stronger in the next edition. The Prime Minister also promised an expanded tournament in 2027, which will mark the 10th anniversary of the softball cricket extravaganza staged under the auspices of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister. The female competition featured six teams, which entered the knockout phase last Thursday, setting the stage for a tightly contested battle for the championship. Defending champions Supreme Stars were among the teams chasing another title but saw their campaign end at the semi-final stage, where they were eliminated by eventual champions 4R Lioness. With their decisive final victory, 4R Lioness capped a strong run through the knockout competition and added their name to the growing list of champions in the Prime Minister’s Softball Cup.
Kaieteur News
Thursday October 08, 2026
PAGE 23
Teams, fixtures and $8M prize purse to be unveiled Saturday for K&S tournament By Rawle Toney The countdown to the return of the Kashif and Shanghai Football Tournament to Linden will enter another important phase on Saturday, when the participating teams for the 2026/27 edition are officially announced at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Kashif and Shanghai CoDirector Kashif Muhammad confirmed to Kaieteur News yesterday that details surrounding the 16-team tournament will be unveiled at the event, including the fixtures, the breakdown of the total $8 million cash prize and other key aspects of the competition. The tournament will run from December 13, 2026, to January 1, 2027, and will be played exclusively in Linden, with matches shared between the redesigned Mackenzie Sports Club and the Bayroc National Stadium. The opening match-day will take place on December 13 at the Mackenzie Sports Club, marking
the return of the prestigious tournament to the venue where it was first staged in 1992. The facility will also host matches on December 20, 25 and 29. Bayroc National Stadium will take centre stage on December 18, 22 and 26 before hosting the grand final on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2027. The return of the tournament to Linden was officially announced at
its launch last weekend under the theme, “Destination Linden, Football Means Business.” For the first time since 2008, the championship final will be played in Linden, restoring the tournament’s decisive fixture to the community that has played such an important role in its history. The revival is being viewed as more than a footballing occasion.
Isun Health Conscious “One Love” O40 Football C’ship…
Linden Masters secures the title
Tournament Directors, Aubrey Major (L) and Kashif Muhammad Organisers and government officials have highlighted the potential economic benefits to Linden, with an influx of players, supporters, officials and visitors expected to generate increased activity for hotels, Airbnb operators, restaurants, transportation providers, vendors and other businesses. Muhammad, meanwhile, confirmed that the tournament will retain its traditional First Division character this year, with only First Division clubs eligible to compete. That means several high-profile teams, including former champions Slingerz FC, Camptown and Fruta
Conquerors, will be absent after Elite League clubs were excluded from the 2026/27 edition. The decision keeps the competition focused on First Division football and gives clubs and players at that level an opportunity to compete for one of the most coveted trophies in Guyana’s domestic football calendar. Saturday’s announcement will therefore be closely watched, particularly with the identity of all 16 teams, the tournament draw and schedule expected to provide the first clear picture of the road to the January 1 final.
West Indies Women complete Zimbabwe T20I sweep in emphatic fashion The victorious Linden Masters Football Team.
T
he Linden Masters Football Team emerged victorious in the finale of the Isun Health Conscious “One Love” Over 40 Football Championship, when they battled Beacon FC to a 3 – 1 score-line. With the triumph, Linden Masters claimed the Championship Trophy and top prize of $200,000 while Beacon had to settle for the runner-up silverware and $100,000. In the final, Andrew Edwards led the way with a brace and was supported by Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams, who found the back of the net once. Those goals were enough to overshadow the lone successful
strile by Carlos Grant for the opposition. Prior to the final, GDF Masters claimed third place in a 4 – 2 penalty shootout against Riddim Squad, after their match also ended nil all. For their efforts, GDF received the third place trophy and $60,000, while Riddim Squad was awarded a trophy and $40,000. Earlier in the tournament, Beacon FC sank Riddim Squad Masters 2 – 0 in the semifinal, compliments of a goal each from Sherwin Rose and Abrams. In the other semi, GDF Masters and Linden battled to a nil all fulltime score, which sent the match
into a dreaded penalty shootout that was won by Linden 10 – 9. Meanwhile, GDF and Linden dominated the individual awards: MVP – Garfield Shepherd (Linden), Top Goal Scorer - Delroy Fraser (GDF), Best Midfielder Travis Waterton (Linden), Best Defender - Julian Davidson (Linden), Best Goalkeeper Linden Dennis and Best Coach Randy King (GDF). Tournament Organiser Junior Forrester wishes to extend special thanks to the sponsor, Isun-Health Conscious, along with the Guyana Responsible Parent Association (GRPA) and Ministry of Health (MoH) for coming board.
West Indies women’s team completed their T20 sweep over Zimbabwe. The West Indies Women completed a dominant 3-0 T20 International series sweep over Zimbabwe on Wednesday, closing out the tour with another emphatic eight-wicket victory at Takashinga Sports Club in Harare. Chasing 143
for victory after Zimbabwe posted 142 for six from their 20 overs, the Windies reached 143 for two in just 17 overs to maintain their commanding form in the shortest format. Veteran all-rounder Stafanie Continued on page 22
Kaieteur News
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Thursday October 08, 2026
Who owns the MSC? ...MSC General Secretary Joe Chapman questions ownership, calls for transparency The new MSC Ground, now MSC Stadium
MSC Ground General Secretary, Joseph Chapman
By Rawle Toney
W
i t h t h e remodeled Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) preparing to reopen its doors for the return of the acclaimed Kashif and Shanghai Football Tournament, questions surrounding the ownership, management and development of the historic Linden facility have resurfaced. General Secretary of the Mackenzie Sports Club, Joseph Chapman, has publicly chronicled the longrunning issues involving the club, its membership and executive, while calling for greater transparency over the legal ownership of the property. The facility, located at 464 Greenheart Street, Mackenzie, Linden, is scheduled to open on December 13, when it will host the opening ceremony and first match-day of the Kashif and Shanghai tournament. The occasion will carry particular significance, as the competition returns to the venue where it was first staged in 1992. The remodeled facility, which has increasingly been referred to in some quarters as the “Mackenzie Stadium,” is also approaching its 70th anniversary, adding further historical weight to its reopening. Chapman’s concerns
date back to August 2020, when the MSC Executive, led by President Avery Trim, held an informal meeting with Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. to discuss the Government’s plans to improve the facility. Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Kashif Muhammad, was also part of the ministerial team. According to Chapman, Ramson presented the proposed development as a collaborative undertaking between the Government and the MSC. “I am happy to have the support from the MSC, the executive. We would like to do some work here, and it is important for me to do work in a collaborative way, where we get the support and cooperation from management and the members of the MSC,” Ramson stated at the time. The minister also sought to reassure the club that the Government did not intend to displace its authority. “ I d o n ’t i n t e n d t o supersede anybody. I want a working relationship and intend to involve you in every step of the way as far as the projects [we] intend to proceed.” Chapman said those assurances created an expectation within the MSC Executive that the proposed redevelopment would be carried out through consultation with the club and its membership.
However, he contends that the situation changed significantly by October 2022, when Ramson returned to Linden and announced that the MSC had become the property of the Government and that construction was expected to commence shortly. That position, Chapman said, immediately raised questions within the Committee of Management, particularly because the minister had previously indicated that the Government was not seeking to take over the facility and that the MSC belonged to the people of Linden. There was also an understanding, according to Chapman, that the MSC Executive would be shown concept drawings for the proposed redevelopment before construction began. He maintains that this did not happen. The MSC subsequently wrote to the Government and the minister on several occasions seeking meetings and clarification on the development plans and the future status of the facility. Chapman said the Committee’s position was that there had not been meaningful engagement with the MSC or relevant local authorities concerning the project. At the heart of the dispute, however, is the question of ownership. Following Ramson’s October 2022 announcement
that the Government was the new owner of the MSC, the Committee of Management wrote requesting documentation to establish how ownership of the property had been acquired or transferred. Chapman said the Committee has yet to receive the documentation it requested. He also pointed to a 2019 meeting during which the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) sought information concerning ownership of the MSC facility. According to Chapman, when Ramson met with MSC representatives in October 2022, he indicated that ownership had subsequently been transferred from NICIL to the Government in April of that year. The ownership issue is further complicated by the facility’s history. Chapman
recalled that more than 25 years ago, a previous PPP/C Government had also sought to have the MSC’s land and assets transferred to the ministry responsible for sport. That proposal, according to the MSC Committee of Management, was rejected. C h a p m a n s a i d representatives of the ministry at the time were directed to a plaque displayed in the MSC Lounge, which the Committee considered relevant to the history and status of the facility. The Committee has also maintained that several important documents concerning the Club’s ownership were destroyed during a 2012 fire at the Linmine Secretariat. The fire occurred amid protests on the Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge over proposed increases in electricity tariffs in Linden. For Chapman, the history underscores the need for clarity rather than continued uncertainty. He is therefore calling for the relevant ownership documentation to be made public or provided to the MSC so that the legal status of the facility can be established conclusively. The issue takes on added significance as the Government-funded redevelopment prepares to
give the historic venue a new lease on sporting life. The MSC has been central to Linden’s sporting and social landscape for generations, and its ground has hosted football, cricket, athletics and other major activities. Its return to the national sporting calendar through the Kashif and Shanghai tournament is expected to attract significant attention from Lindeners at home and abroad. The December 13 reopening will consequently represent more than the return of a football tournament. It will also mark another chapter in the story of a facility that has been deeply woven into Linden’s sporting identity. As the Kashif and Shanghai tournament prepares to bring the spotlight back to the MSC, Chapman believes the occasion should also provide an opportunity to settle the outstanding questions surrounding its ownership and future management. For the MSC General Secretary, transparency is central to that process. If ownership was lawfully transferred to the Government, he argues, the documentation should establish when, how and under what authority that transfer occurred.
Messi signs off in tears after... From page 25 including four World Cups, and was also ending his international career. Messi then set up Nico Paz, one of the ‘players seen as a potential successor for Argentina’s No. 10 shirt, to score the second goal. In a fairytale ending, Messi converted a penalty for 3-0, his 126th international goal, prompting another round of “Messi, Messi” chants from the crowd. At the final whistle, teammates, opponents and the referee gathered ‘around
Messi for embraces before a drone show lit up the sky. Argentine singer Soledad Pastorutti, known as “La Sole”, then sang her signature “Brindis” as part of a tribute to Messi and his journey with the national team. Messi leaves as the country’s ‘mostcapped player (208) and record scorer having transformed years of frustration on the international stage into a story of World Cup and Copa America triumphs. For years, Argentina asked Messi to deliver. On Tuesday, it simply came to say ‘Thank You’. (Reuters)
Kaieteur News
Thursday October 08, 2026
PAGE 25
Westside Golf team set for Suriname Invitational challenge Westside Golf Course will send an eight-member team to represent Guyana at the 2026 DSB Suriname Invitational Golf Championship, scheduled for October 17–18 at Golf Club Paramaribo in Suriname. The Guyanese contingent will be led by Guyana Golf Association (GGA) President Aleem Hussain and Vice Presidents Monnaf Arjune and Philip Haynes. They will be joined by some of the country’s leading players, including Lakeram “Panko” Ramsundar, as well as GuyaneseAmerican/Canadian golfers Roy Dhori, Anwar Shaffie, Dustin Spivey and Sabi Dhori. The team will compete in the A Category, where the Guyanese golfers are expected to face strong competition from players representing Suriname, French Guiana and other regional jurisdictions. The tournament provides another opportunity for Guyanese golfers to test their skills against
The Westside Golf team that will represent Guyana at the upcoming DSB Suriname Invitational Golf Championship. regional opposition while strengthening the country’s presence on the regional golf circuit. Golf Club Paramaribo, established in 1954, is the oldest golf club in Suriname and has played an important role in the
development of the sport in the country. Its long-standing involvement in regional competition has made the Suriname Invitational an important fixture for golfers seeking competitive exposure across the region.
Messi signs off in tears after one last Argentina master class
Fans were emotional at Lionel Messi’s farewell Lionel Messi delivered one last master class in blue and white on Tuesday as Argentina’s captain brought the curtain down on his extraordinary 21-year international career by scoring one goal and setting up two others in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin. The 39-year-old’s final bow in front of more than 85,000 fans at a packed Monumental stadium was less about football and more a national celebration of Messi’s service to the national team. Landmarks across the capital glowed with the team’s sky blue and white colours, while fireworks lit up the skies above the heaving stadium as fans poured their hearts into a rendition of Argentina’s national anthem. “It’s hard to talk,” said Messi, whose family watched proudly from the stands alongside some of Argentina’s World Cup winners of `1978, 1986 and 2022. “There are a lot of emotions, a lot of things going through my head. The first thing I think about is my old man,” he added, referring to the recent death of his father.
“It was a huge source of pride for me to wear this shirt all this time, more than 20 years. “Not coming anymore is going to hurt a lot. I swear, I’d love to keep coming my whole life, because playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.” ‘GRACIAS’ Hours earlier, a massive No. 10 shirt emblazoned with “Gracias” was unfurled at the National Flag Memorial in Rosario, Messi’s hometown. As the team bus travelled from the training centre bearing his name, Messi wiped away tears as thousands lined route. When ‘the teams took the pitch, Benin’s captain looked lost for words as he handed Messi a gift and letter during the pre-match handshake. After a goalless first half, Messi supplied the assist for Nicolas Otamendi to tap home Argentina’s opener. Otamendi shared 17 years with Messi in the national team, Continued on page 24
The upcoming tournament also continues the GGA’s growing relationship with its Surinamese counterparts. In recent years, the association has collaborated with Golf Club Paramaribo and local partners on initiatives aimed at promoting
junior golf and introducing newcomers to the sport. Among those initiatives is the Junior and Beginners Drive, Chip & Putt competition, which has brought young golfers from Guyana and Suriname together since 2023. Continued on page 21
WHO OWNS THE MSC? …MSC General Secretary Joe Chapman questions ownership, calls for transparency
The plaque which stipulates the handing over of the new Pavilion and Club House on December 8, 1956.
West Indies Women Messi signs off in complete Zimbabwe T20I sweep in emphatic fashion tears after one last Jahzara Claxton and Stafanie Taylor added 71 together.
Teams, fixtures and $8 million prize purse to be unveiled Saturday for K&S tournament
s t r o Sp
Argentina master class
Lionel Messi bids farewell to international football.
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