Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
as deadline approaches
US$50M from CDB for basic climate needs US$214M still with Exxon finance, construct gas plant for Iran over Hormuz Strait patrol unit in Region Nine Guyana borrows another
…Opted for inexperienced contractor costing US$ hundreds of millions more
Govt. launches border ...AFC warns of quiet deal as audit dispute drags on
Govt. rejected three cheaper Chinese bids to Corentyne mom kills 7-year-old daughter, injures infant son
Dramatic scenes from Rodeo 2026 as a rider is violently thrown off a bucking bull mid-arena during Saturday’s show. The Rupununi Ranchers Rodeo 2026 was held in Lethem, Region Nine, between April 3–5, Under the theme “Wild & Bold, Rupununi Stories Unfold”
Corentyne mother kills 7-year-old Corent daughter, injures infant son
ByShermonHawker
Residents of Fyrish Village, Corentyne were thrown into shock on Sunday, after a 26-year-old woman allegedly killed her seven-year-olddaughterand attempted to take the life of herinfantson.
Dead is seven-year-old Isabella Dabadial, a pupil of Cooper Primary School, Corentyne,Berbice.
Police reports have confirmed that the woman, SarahElizabethShivpersaud committed the act at about 11:30. She is reportedly a ten-day worker of Fyrish Road,Corentyne,Berbice.
B
experiencing domestic problemswithherhusband.
Initial investigations revealed that her husband had left the home several days ago and had refused to return, leading to her f
n When questioned, Shivpersaud toldpolicethatsheawokeon Sundayandfoundtherewas nothing in the home to eat. She said the situation led to
Trevor Dabadial, 30, with his wife Sarah Elizabeth Shivpersaud, 26
her suffocating Isabella Policestatedthatthemother also admitted to attempting to strangle her one-year, nine-month-old son Ethan, butdidnotsucceed.
It was reported that after carrying out the deed, she tried to take her own life by slitting the veins behind her ankles. She and the children were taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital, where Isabella was pronounceddeadonarrival. The mother was
admitted, treated, and sutured, and is reportedly in a stable condition at the institution under police guard.
Attentionwasbroughtto a post the woman made on Facebook, where she hinted that she would commit the acts. A Facebook profile under the username ‘Sarah El’wasassessed,withapost which read “Me and my babies last pic! I’m sorry! MayGodforgiveme!”
Father devastated over daughter’s death
Meanwhile, pushing back against claims of negligence, Shivpersaud’s husband, Trevor Dabadial said he never left his wife andchildrentostarve.
The shattered 30-yearoldmantoldthispublication on Sunday that he was deeply disturbed and anguished over the tragedy whichhasnowlefthimwith one child. He said he is unaware of what pushed his wifetocommittheact.
“Child Care went in the kitchenandtakeoutpictures ofthekitchenandeverything and proved that she had
Killed: seven-year-old Isabella Dabadial
things to eat,” he stated, in relation to the agency’s visit to the home on Sunday afternoon.
He said he was planning to end the relationship because of her alleged infidelity The couple has beenmarriedforeightyears, Dabadial said, but the relationship was far from smooth. According to him, he would visit his mother’s home to “cool off”, but Shivpersaudwouldonmany occasions threaten that she would kill the children and herself. He said fear of her followingthroughwiththose threats kept him in the relationship.
“She would cheat, and thenusethekids,orthreaten to harm herself and them kids to manipulate me to come back home,” he expressed.
Following news of the incident, Shivpersaud’s mother, Lalita Brijlall said her daughter called her at around 08:00hrs on Saturday, complaining that her husband, who works at theAlbion Sugar Estate, left home since Thursday after receivinghissalaryandwent to his mother’s home
According to her, Shivpersaud confirmed that she was ok and that she was goingto“lockupandsleep.”
“Thismorningnow,meh callshephoneandaskifshe husband come home, she saidno,hesehhegon’come later I asked her if she want metocome,shesaidno,she said she going and cook pumpkin.”
The mother was on her way to church in Canje at around 10:30, when a niece asked her if she saw Shivpersaud’s social media post, in which she hinted at doing something harmful. Soon after, she received multiple calls from other personsaboutherdaughter’s post. Concerned, Brijlall reroutedtoFyrish,where
Continued on page 15
US$214MstillwithExxon
...AFC warns of quiet deal as audit dispute drags on
The Alliance For Change (AFC) is contendingthatUS$214millionbelongingto the people of Guyana remains in the possession of ExxonMobil, while raising concerns over the government’s handling of thelong-standingauditdispute.
InastatementonThursday,thepartysaid thatafterfiveyearsofdelaysandindecision, the administration has only now moved to addresstheissue,warningthatthelateststep couldpavethewayforaquietsettlement.
The AFC was referring to a March 17, 2026 announcement by Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, who indicated that the government and ExxonMobil have agreedtoappointasoleindependentexpertto resolvethematter
However, the party argued that the move raisesredflagsandcouldallowthedisputeto be settled behind closed doors, avoiding full arbitration.“TheAFCurgesGuyanesenotto forget the circumstances under which this scandalous audit became public. It was not voluntarily disclosed, it was leaked,” the partystated.Itaddedthatattemptsweremade to shift blame onto a single employee, who remains employed and has since been promoted, raising questions about accountabilityandtransparency
Thecontroversystemsfroma2019audit conducted by IHS Markit, which examined ExxonMobil’s expenses between 1999 and 2018 Of the US$1 67 billion reviewed, approximately US$214 million was flagged as unsupported or potentially not allowable under the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).
According to the AFC, ExxonMobil has alreadyrecoveredthesecostsfromGuyana’s oil revenues. If the expenses are ultimately
disallowed, the sum would have to be deducted from the company’s recoverable costs, resulting in increased profit oil for Guyana.
Againstthisbackdrop,thepartyiscalling fortheparliamentaryoppositiontoplayarole in selecting the independent expert, arguing that such involvement is critical to ensuring fairnessandpublictrust.
“This is about ensuring the process is transparent and free from manipulation.The involvement of the opposition would help determinewhetherExxonisheldaccountable orallowedtowalkawaywithwhatrightfully belongstothepeople,”theAFCsaid.
Thepartyalsopointedtowhatitdescribed as a troubling pattern of alignment between the government and ExxonMobil, citing a high court ruling by Justice Sandil Kissoon, who found that the state had “abdicated” its statutory responsibilities and acted “in unison”withtheoilcompany
The party further reminded that ExxonMobilhadpreviouslyproposedto Continued on page 3
The home where Sunday’s tragedy unfolded.
Guyana borrows another US$50M from CDB for basic climate needs
Despite its status as one of the world’s fastestgrowing oil economies, Guyana continues to rely on external borrowing to fund developmentalprojects.
The latest example is a newly approved US$50 million loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) aimed at
strengthening climate resilienceandenvironmental management. The financing forms part of a larger US$175millionprogramme, followinganearlierUS$125 million disbursement in 2025.Whilethegovernment frames the loan as essential to advancing sustainable development under its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, it raises a pressing question: why must an oil-rich nation
still borrow to fund foundational systems like water security, climate adaptation, and biodiversity protection?
In a statement CDB said the major investment was secured by the Government of Guyana as the country
continues to pursue economic growth while protecting the environment, the CDB said in a press release. The financing will advancepracticalactionsfor resilience and development that benefits people and nature.
The loan is financed through CDB’s Ordinary Capital Resources and
contributes to maintaining fiscal stability as Guyana scales up climate resilient i
nd environmental management systems. Mr L. O’Reilly Lewis, CDB’s Director of Projects, commended the approval, saying, “As Guyan
experience rapid economic expansion, this additional financing deepens our support for the country’s e
m
d environmental sustainability into national policy and planning, ensuring that key reforms in biodiversity
governance are adequately resourced.”
Reform actions covered underthePBLalignwiththe Government of Guyana’s commitment to equitable climate finance through e
climate resilience and livelihood opportunities T
institutionstobettersteward Guyana’s biodiversity, grounding decisions in improved data, modern m
coordination They have expanded restoration of carbonstoring ecosystems, as well as upgraded socially inclusive early-warning mechanisms for public health and climate resilient water supply systems that
US$214M still with Exxon
Frompage2 returnjustUS$3millionofthedisputedsum. Meanwhile, Minister Bharrat has maintained that the processismovingforwardinaccordancewiththeprovisions of the 2016 PSA. He clarified that reports suggesting the governmentwasmovingtowardarbitrationwereinaccurate. “Thenextstepisthesoleexpertagreeduponbetweenthe twoparties,ExxonandtheGuyanaRevenueAuthority We areatthestageoffinalisingthis,”theministersaid. He noted, however, that the timeline for appointing the expertdependsonbothpartiesadvancingtheprocess. With the US$214 million still unresolved, the AFC is urging greater scrutiny, insisting that the matter involves fundsthatrightfullybelongtotheGuyanesepeople.
serve coastal communities and are built to withstand floodsanddroughts.
The second PBL supports Guyana’s Low Carbon D
ent Strategy (LCDS) 2030 and
international frameworks such as the ParisAgreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity The loanreinforcesCDB’sfocus onclimateactionasoutlined in the Bank’s Strategic Plan 2
prioritises protection of naturalcapitalandincreased capacity of Borrowing MemberCountriestoabsorb and adapt to climate-related shocks. It also aligns with CDB’sCountryEngagement
OnwhatbasiswasLindsayca-CH4(Lindsayca)granted a US$759M contract to construct a Natural Gas Liquids facility and a power plant (GtE components) in Guyana? Howcouldanycompanywiththeshakyanddubioushistory ofaLindsayca-CH4beapprovedtobuildkeycomponents of the US$2B Wales gas-to-energy project? Who in Guyana, serving in the capacity as bid reviewers and approvers, could have been so irresponsible to engage this companytocontributecrucialpartsofaprojectthatholdsso muchpromiseforcitizens?
And which final decisionmakers in the PPPC Governmentcouldhavesufferedfromsuchaterriblelapse in judgment, such a deficit in what ethical leadership demands,thatwhatissoldasamajorreliefeffortforenergystarvedGuyanesehasbeensobotchedfromtheinception?
TherecordofLindsaycaischeckered,tobecharitable, andacompanythatisodious,bestgiventhewidestberth,to be blunt. In other words, its own record condemns it, a companythatthiscountryshouldnotdoanybusinesswith. Certainly, not for US$1M, much less for US$759M, and what amount looks like it is poised to take off by another US$180M. Lindsayca needs that hefty cash infusion to keep it going and delivering something at the Wales GtE project. Itisalreadythebeneficiaryofanarbitrationaward that went against Guyana for US82M, but it is so cashstrappedthatanotherUS$180Mcouldbegobbledupinno time. The project is delayed, more millions are urgently needed for a restart, and Guyanese had better prepare themselvesforanincreaseintheLindsaycaportionsofthe Wales GtE project cost by close to 25% of the original contractofUS$759M.
We at this paper harbor fears that this is just the beginningofadditionstothefinalcostforthelongpromised cheap, reliable electricity When dealing with a company thathashadthedifficultpastofLindsayca,thereisn’tmuch to expect. This company has all the markings of an experiment in failure, of which Guyanese are getting their firsttaste. WehaveeditorializedbeforethattheWalesGtE couldbegoodforcitizens,butitmustbeingoodhands,as builtonagoodbeginning.
Ithasnotbeenso,withsecreciesplaguingtheprojectfrom itsfirstdays,andcallsforthereleaseofthefinancialandother feasibilitystudiesdonefallingondeafears,alongwithintense hostility being a common feature of government leaders Secretshaveshadowedthisprojectfromthebeginning,andto those, we now add coverup, through the US$82M arbitration awardwonbyLindsaycaandthatnowanotheradditiontowhat startedoutatlessthanabillionwhenitleftthedrawingboard, hasnowgrowntooverUS$2B,andisgearedtogrowbyleaps andbounds Suddenly,itisnotanexaggerationatalltothink thattheWalesGtEwillnotjustreachUS$3B,butcouldflypast it The warning signs were there, and it baffles that the Guyanese conducting due diligence on the documents submitted by Lindsayca could have been so blind, and so negligent. Wearetemptedtosaythatitwasalmostwillful. The company’s financials lacked the robustness needed to entrust in its hands two project portions that totaled over threequartersofabillionUSdollars. Whytouchacompany with such financials, who does something like that? The company’sworkhistorydoesnotimpress,andshouldhave been alarming enough to shut down its bid there and then. WhydidthePPPCGovernment’sevaluatorsnotgivethekind of critical weight that they should have to Lindsayca’s track recordinColumbiaandVenezuela,andthegapingholesleftin boththosecountries? Andwhywerethedifficultiesassociated with Lindsayca’s Puerto Rican-based business partner not considered,andbeafactorinrejectingitsbidtoconstructthose twovitalcomponentsintheWalesGtE?
Whenagovernmentmakessecretsitstandardoperating practice, and leaders decide on tricks as the best form of governance,thenaLindsaycacanbeapprovedtoworkhere, only for it to become a costly Guyanese problem. We foreseemoretocome.
Some questions about the Cuban Medical Brigade
DEAREDITOR
How many doctors and other medical personnel of the Cuban Medical Brigade, have returned to Cuba?
Of those who have remained, how many have been retained by the MinistryofHealthas“freeagents”?
geopoliticalledgerbeing rebalanced. The move didn’t just restore Rodríguez’s “legitimacy”; it reset the m
sanctions themselves. In the eyes of Washington, Rodríguez ceased being a violatorofdemocraticnorms the moment she became a
reopening Venezuela’s oil markettoU.S.interests. This is the revolving door of legitimacy at work—what we might call “ReconciliationforAccess”. Once the Venezuelan transition in January/2026 signaled a thaw, sanctions that had stood as moral judgments on “democratic
erosion” dissolved into thin air The legal mechanism wasn’t abandoned; it was repurposed With a few clerical pen strokes, the T r e a s u r y c l e a r e d Rodríguez—and with her, thepathforoilmajorstoreenter arbitration rooms and signnewcontracts.Thelaw, it seems, is not a wall but a gate, opened or closed by strategicconvenience.
Across the Atlantic, Guyana offers a mirror image under a different logic—the“Containmentfor Contract Preservation” model. The recent sanctions against the Mohamed’s family mightappearatfirst glance as an act of moral correction, the sort of U.S. signalingmeantto“cleanse” political ecosystems of corruption.Butwhenplaced beside theVenezuela case, a darkerpatternemerges.
In Guyana, sanctions
aren’t tools of punishment but instruments of preservation.Theyserveasa warningflaretothedomestic political class: change nothing fundamental. The logicofU.S.interestshereis simple.As long as the 2016 ExxonMobil Production Sharing Agreement remains in
he PPP g
n t s t a y s predictable,Guyana’s“lane” stays open, shielded from internal turbulence. The soc a l l e d c o r r u p t i o n designations, critics argue, arelessaboutaccountability and more about pruning the local landscape—silencing orsidelininganyfigurewho might interrupt the flow of oil revenue toward establishedpipelines.
The pattern across both countries reveals a cynical masteryofthesanctionsdial. Washington no longer wields sanctions as moral
verdicts; it operates them as dimmer switches turning up intensity to compel regime shifts or turning down heat to lubricate commercial re-entry In that elasticity, legality itself becomes negotiable A “sanctioned criminal” today may be a “business intermediary” tomorrow, provided the paperwork aligns with U S energy calculus.
At its core, this transactional weaponization erodes the very principle of legalmoralism.
T h e T r e a s u r y Department, far from embodying a moral authority, increasingly functions as a regulatory board for global energy markets—determining who can trade, invest, or even exist politically in resourcerichspaces.Whetherin (Continuedonpage06)
Drifting from the true meaning of Easter
DEAREDITOR
AsIreflectontheEaster ofmychildhood,Iamstruck by how far we have drifted from its true meaning.What once stood as a solemn and powerful reminder of sacrifice, redemption, and renewal is now too often o v e r s h a d o w e d b y commercial excess and hollowobservance. Easter is not merely a holiday; it represents the triumph of life over death, hope over despair, and r
injustice. It calls on us to recommitourselvestoliving a Christ-like life one grounded in humility, service, justice, and love for our fellow man. Yet, in a society increasingly consumed by material pursuits, we risk losing that moral compass, trading spiritual reflection for fleeting indulgence, and forgetting that the season d e m a n d s
, but transformation. As a boy growing up
on the West Coast of Berbice, I looked forward to Easter By now, our kites would have been made usually through a communaleffort.Thosewho could not afford storebought kite paper relied on creativity,craftingtheirkites from newspaper pages Thosewithoutpaste,orwho simplypreferrednottouseit, turnedtoflourpasteorclama cherry—a small wild berry withanaturallystickyjuice.
As I grew older,I came to appreciate that kite flying symbolises the resurrectionandascension ofChrist
Ears were attached to bothsidesofthekite,andthe tail was made from strips of cloth often from old clothing or scraps provided by seamstresses and tailors inthevillage.
For the more daring among us, a razor blade wouldbediscreetlyplacedin the tail to “cut down” other kites It was serious competition whose kite wouldflythehighest,stayup
thelongest,singtheloudest, andboastthebestdesign.We took this childhood creativityseriously
Some even cried when their labour of love failed to perform or was cut down mid-flight.
Easter was akin to Christmas in its festivities.
Ginger beer, rice wine, cakes, buns, homemade ice cream and other treats were prepared.
On Easter Sunday, we rose early, got ready, and went to church After returning home to a hearty meal, we would head to the ballfieldtoflyourkites.
Easter Monday, the highlight of the celebration, sawusbackatthefieldfrom morning, flying kites and enjoyingtheday
Schools hosted Easter Monday parties, usually beginning around 2:00 p m , timed so children could attend and still enjoyicecreamandbuns.
EasterSundayisavery solemn day in the Christian calendar It
marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for man’s r e d e m p t i o n T h a t redemption speaks to pursuing a new path and embracing values that foster harmony and peaceful coexistence among humanity, and for believers, thepromiseofeternallife. Christ taught us not only how to treat people irrespective of their diversity, but because of theirdiversity
This was evident throughout His life’s work
What stands out most for me is His equal embraceofothers
HereachedbeyondHis own circle; treated women, children and the vulnerable with dignity; and rebuked those who soughttodiscriminate
He showed compassion for human frailty while remainingsteadfastinGod’s conviction and His earthly mission.Fromanearlyage, (Continuedonpage06)
The voice of the workers must become stronger
DEAREDITOR,
With the increasing opportunities within the various sectors for women and the disabled, and the growing risks associated with sectors such as construction, oil and gas, and fisheries we must strengthentheimportanceof collective bargaining for improved safety, improved working conditions, improved benefits, and equal pay These are considerationsthataffectall aspects of our economy including the service and hospitality sector, but unfortunately the voices of our workers have been diminished over the years a n d t h e v o i c e o f management has been more focused on capturing the rapid growth occurring and increasing their profitability at the expense of safe work practices,improvedworking conditions, and providing livable wages that keep up with inflationary pressures. The objectives of owners and management can and must be aligned with the needs of the workers, but to dosothecollectivevoiceof w o r k e r s m u s t b e strengthened, and they must have a seat at the table with management and other key stakeholders There are countrieswithinEuropethat have successfully achieved such partnerships between managementandworkers.If theycanachieveit,wecanas well.
The rapid expansion of infrastructure and other government services to support the aggressive transformational agenda being pursued also requires that the collective voice of governmentworkersalsobe heard and protected to ensure that our national development is also done withtheirneedsinmind.For example, our police officers have to safeguard the increasing number of roads and housing schemes being put in place, our firefighters also have to protect the new infrastructure, our military has to deal with increasing risks at our borders, our teachers have to support a larger and more ambitious schoolsystem,andourbrave coast guard personnel must also be strengthened to help our fishing sector avoid the high loss of life we are witnessing. Those in highrisk occupations such as these and the power sector thatGPLsupportsshouldbe
provided safer working conditions and a benefits package that ensures that in theeventoflossoflifetheir families remain financially secure.
This means improved insurance, improved death benefits, and safer work practices and procedures. Similarly, in the private sectormanyexamplesexist. Our fishing sector has experiencedmanytragedies. Fishers have risked their lives to bring in fresh seafood from our healthy waters for our citizens. We must not under appreciate the risks they are taking. A canofsardineshouldnotbe morevaluablethanafreshly caughthighqualityfishfrom our own waters Even overseas the consumer values freshly caught over a canofseafoodthatcansiton the shelf for years. Our workers should be able to easily afford fresh food at a price that reflects the value provided by those risking theirlivestosupplyit. This means a livable wage for our workers at second world levels. There arealsothoseworkinginthe transportation sector who are facing increasing risks on the road due to overworked and underpaid drivers plying their trade, andwiththewideningofthe roadsmanyareinahurryto make that additional dollar thatislackingfromanormal day’s work schedule. The mining sector is also now being overrun by foreign companiesduetoincreasing prices of commodities Some of the foreign miners are not allowing our resources to benefit Guyana but instead are smuggling them across the border for their own country’s benefit. Wemustalsocontinuetobe adamant and focused on protecting the gains achieved in the agriculture sector, but more needs to be done. Our workers in the sector have had strikes due to broken compensation promises and as other sectorsaccelerateingrowth, they must also be given the opportunity to benefit from the growth and positive changes occurring in their sector
CRG recommends that urgentchangesbemadeand accompanied by new compensation packages that allow our workers to keep pacewiththeneweconomy
Asourcountryflourishesso should our workforce. As
expectations rise and Guyana moves from third world status to that of the secondworldthenewneeds andconcernsthatarisemust alsobeaddressed.Ashigher standards are put in place andaccountabilityincreases the tools and processes that allow our workers and organizations to be safe, successful, and more competitive must also be provided to everyone participating in the process of transformation. As our hotels improve in their international ratings our workers supporting the sector should also be compensated suitably so they can also have the opportunity to experience the lifestyle they are providingforourvisitors.
To achieve the necessary boost to our national workforce we must dobetterthanhandingoutan annual cash grant that is the equivalentofakitchenback doorandamonth’sworthof minimumwage.
We must give workers the means to avoid significant debt in the form of a mortgage and a car payment We must give workersthemeanstopayoff their debts quickly and use the gained disposable incometoenjoythefruitsof their labour A house lot shouldbeincreasedinsizeto help increase generational wealth and provide a means for the next generation to avoidthesamedebttrap.
T h e c u r r e n t administration must focus on renegotiating our current contract with Exxon and investing the funds of the National Resource Fund (NRF) with the objective of payingourworkersalivable wage. Guyana must be for Guyanesefirsttoensurethat every Guyanese willing and abletoworkwithorwithout a disability can get a job payingalivablewage.
Once that is achieved then and only then should the government turn to highlyskilledlaboursources
(Continuedonpage06)
The road to war is always paved with good intentions, but truth is always the first casualty
DEAREDITOR
KN’s Sunday, April 5, 2026, article, “Iran rejects Trump’s ‘helpless, stupid’ 48-hour ultimatum, ” sourced to AFP (Agence France-Presse/The Telegraph), is not just another in KN’s longrunning coverage of the Israel-related fighting in the Middle East, for the edification of Guyanese readers. It could portend ominouslydarkeningclouds formingandgatheringwinds of war howling if Iran’s reaction toTrump’s 48-hour ultimatumgoesawry
F r o m a g l o b a l
perspective, what is happeningtodayinIranwas, by most accounts, because only eight months earlier, June2025,theUnitedStates and Israel launched ‘Operation Midnight Hammer’ , which saw targeted strikes that reportedly caused severe damages to Iran’s nuclear research and development sitesatNatanz,Fordow,and Isfahan. After the strikes, President Donald Trump used theword ‘obliterate’to describe the successful outcome of the exercise against Iran’s capacity for nucleardevelopment.Itwas useoftheword‘obliterate’–as in destroy utterly or wipe out – that would later raise serious questions about the truemotiveforlaunchingyet another attack on February 28,2026.
As spirited debates swirled among U S politicians, retired military topbrass,andmediaanalysts about whether the United States or Israel was behind the attack, it was Secretary of State Mark Rubio who sought to clear the air on March 2, 2026, saying the U.S launched pre-emptive strikes because it knew Israel was planning an imminent attack, which, in turn, could prompt Iran to retaliate against U S interests, leading to higher U S casualties That revelation created an uproar
and, after some pushback, backlashandquestionsfrom both supporters and critics, there were attempts by government officials to change the narrative and tone, but the damage was alreadydoneasIsraelstarted emerginginthemediaasthe principalprotagonist.
Observers then started asking why Israel would want to launch another attack only eight months after the June 2025 attacks that reportedly obliterated Iran’s nuclear threats? And as the one-day assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei and histopbrassturnedintodays ofwar,observersalsostarted askingwhytheUnitedStates and Israeli military couldn’t have replicated in Iran the spectacular tactical capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (January 3, 2026),withoutadeclaration of war and limiting the loss oflives?
Withthewarhavingjust entered its sixth week, the launch date of February 28, 2026, may hold a deeply provocative clue that religion might be the true reason, thus making this possiblyareligiouswarthat military warfare cannot readilyresolve.Basedonthe Jewishlunarcalendar,either lateFebruaryorearlyMarch every year, Israel observes and celebrates a religious holiday known as Purim, which remembers the deliverance of Persian Jews fromdeathbyaroyaldecree. The storyline, which is found in the Book of Esther (Christian Bible) and the JewishTanakhandKetuvim,
details the plot by a prominent figure, Prime MinisterMinisterHaman,in the Persian Empire (government),toexecuteall theJewsintheland.Theplot wasuncoveredandfoiledby QueenEstherandhercousin Mordecai, both Jews, and the table was turned against Haman and his supporters whodiedbytheverymeans they contrived to eradicate theJews.
FastforwardtoFebruary 27 and 28, which happened to be the Sabbath before the Jews celebrated their upcoming religious holiday, Purim,onMarch2and3.On Saturday, February 28, around 10:00 hours, Iran time, the United States and Israellaunchedtheirsurprise daytime kinetic attacks on Iran’s leadership and military facilities.Whilethe religious element may arguably be found, on the one hand, in the timing of Netanyahu’s motive, it was the Ayatollah Khamenei’s long-running threats to ‘annihilate’Israelandwipeit off the map, on the other hand, that may have been used as the reason, even though most experts still argue Iran did not pose an imminent threat prior to February28.
With Iran’s irrevocable commitment to destruction ofIsrael,whichwasreborna state on May 14, 1948, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuprobablysawthe timing of his February 28 attack from a religious perspective and linked it to ancientplottowipeoutthe (Continuedonpage06)
The voice of the workers...
Frompage05
outsidethecountrytofillthe remaining gaps in the workforce while our school children complete their studies and prepare to enter theworkforce.
Timemustalsobegiven to our workforce to allow themtoestablishthemselves withinoursociety
Upon our Guyanese families securing financial security we should then allow less skilled labourers toenterthecountry’sservice sector to provide the domestic, janito
al, sanitation, and security services needed This approach will help maximize the opportunities available to all Guyanese across several generations, so they can secure their
financialfutureandsecurely elevate themselves out of poverty Exceptions should be made such as in the case ofCuba. They have supported us overtheyearsandshouldbe welcomedwithopenarms. Our people have waited decades and generations for the opportunity to be successful.Itisthedutyand responsibility of the current administrationtoensurethat our resources are used for thebenefitofourpeoplefirst andforemost.
C u r r e n t l y, t h e referendum is pending, the renegotiationofthecontract with Exxon is pending, an improved sea defence and drainage system that can protect us against climate change is pending, and the
structured investment strategy necessary for financial returns from the NRFtobeabletoensurethat the grants put in place are sustainably funded is also pending.
The government must acttosecurethefutureofall Guyaneseforgenerationsto come and our workers must become more organized to
y, competitively and worker rights are upheld and improvedupon.
Itistimeforthepowerof the people to be taken back by the people of our great nation. Our workers must stand together in solidarity tosecureabetterfuture.
Bestregards,
JamilChanglee
The road to war is always paved...
Frompage05
Jews in Persia. Ironically, Persiawastheancientname until 1935, when it was changedtoIran.
Editor, not very many peoplewillbelieveoreven agree that religion is at the root of the fighting in the Middle East, but when you check the Jews’ Torah and
Muslim’s Quran, both identify Abraham as their progenitor or foundational patriarch, but with an eventual divergence of religious legacies leading to the divine Abrahamic promises that include the PromisedLand.
It is indeed tragic that so many lives are being
lost (and will likely continue) in Gaza, Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and elsewhere, but neither human diplomatic efforts nor military warfare can
Easter presents an opportunity to reflect on Christ’s work and sacrifice. It is a time when many recommit to practising His teachings even when doing so runs counter to prevailing attitudes. The wisdom and value of those t e a c h i n g s r e m a i n unshakeable.Theonenessof humankind has not only shaped Christian thought, but is also reflected in the United Nations Declaration, International Labour Organisation conventions, the Constitution of Guyana, and other frameworks that uphold the principles of
equality,mutualrespect,and sharedhumanity
Yet this Easter meets a nation not uplifted, but fractured gripped by political triumphalism, poisoned by racial intolerance, and weighed down by greed, poor governance, creeping corruption, and deepening poverty This is not the Guyana we profess to build. It is a society where too many are marginalised, where families struggle daily to meet basic needs, where opportunity is unevenly distributed, and where individuals are discriminated against for who they are or the choices theymake,andpunishedfor exercising rights that are supposed to be protected underourConstitution.
Wecannotpretendthisis normal. It is not. It is the unmistakable sign of a nation that is becoming spiritually unwell—drifting
from the very Christian principles and rule-of-law standards we claim to uphold. Too many citizens liveinuncertainty,burdened by economic hardship, shackled by fear, hate and victimisation, while justice and fairness are too often selective.
As Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr warned, “Injustice anywhere is a t h r e a t t o j u s t i c e everywhere.” If we fail to confront these realities with honesty and courage, then Easter becomes nothing more than ritual without responsibility.Butifwetake its message seriously, then we are called—individually and collectively—to resist
poverty, restore dignity, and rebuildanationgroundedin fairness, equality, and respectforall.
Sincerely LincolnLewis
The Transactional weaponisation...
Frompage04 Caracas or Georgetown, the message is the same: sovereignty is conditional, and the conditions are contractual.
So, when the next SDN listisupdated,don’taskwho offended American values. Askinsteadwhosesignature now aligns with American interests.Sanctions,afterall, are not about the law—they are about the lane In Venezuela, that lane was closed and needed prying open. In Guyana, it remains open and guarded with precision to ensure no one changesdriversorslowsthe flow Sanctionsas GeopoliticalCurrency
R e c e n t U S realignments in Venezuela and enforcement actions in Guyana reveal a strategic e v o l u t i o n i n h o w Wa s h i n g t o n u s e s sanctions less as instruments of moral censureandmoreastoolsof conditional access The delisting of Venezuela’s Delcy/Rodríguez on
April/1,/2026, following that country’s political transition,illustratesanewly pragmatic approach Sanctions that once symbolized a defense of democratic norms were swiftly removed once their retentionbecameanobstacle toreentryforU.S.oilmajors andarbitrationmechanisms. Legitimacy, in this context, appears as a movable boundary determined by market needs rather than ethicalabsolutes.
In Guyana, the calculus runs in the opposite direction The continuing Global/Magnitsky sanctions against the Mohamed’s family serve as a warning signal, not a reformist intervention.
The parallel between the two countries highlights a broader policy reality: sanctions now operate as a dial, not adeclaration
The U S executive wields them to manage access, regulate risk, and calibrate influence in key energy markets In doing so, the Treasury’s role increasingly converges with that of a global m
resource economy under the guise of governance enforcement.
“Sanctions, once legal i n
ountabili
r u m e n t s o f
y, are becoming transactional currencies traded along the corridors of geopolitics and energydiplomacy.”
By maintaining limited pressure on select domestic actors, the U.S. indirectly reinforces political continuity around the 2016 E x x o n M o b i l Production/Sharing/Agreem entandthestableinvestment climateitguarantees. The sanctions function lessaspunishmentandmore a s preservation mechanisms to secure predictability in a rapidly expanding energy frontier
Sincerely, HemduttKumar
Govt. rejected three cheaper Chinese bids to finance, construct gas plant
…Opted for inexperienced contractor costing US$ hundreds of millions more
Lindsayca/ CH4
was awarded a US$759 million contracttoconstructtwogas plants at Wales, West Bank Demerara- a project which largelyreliedonaloanfrom the United States Export Import(USEXIM)Bank.
But increasing this country’s debt by close to another billion-USD was a deliberate act, one which may haunt Guyana in the future as the project continues to face significant delays and cost overruns. Already, the Government of Guyana (GoG) has forked
out about US$80M to secretly settle a dispute with the contractors, pushing the cost up to about US$841 million.
Lindsayca’s bid, at the time it was submitted, was the highest among five internationalcompanieswho had placed bids for the project in September 2022. Thejointventurehadplaced itsbidtothetuneofUS$898 million,butlaterreducedthe sum to US$759 million in negotiationswiththeGoG. Sources close to the processhoweverleakedbids thatwerefiledbynotone,or
two, but three reputable Chinese firms that were not only interested in constructing the project at a lower sum, but were willing to provide financing to the government.
P o w e r C h i n a
International Group Limited (PCIGL) in its financial proposalofferedtoconstruct the integrated facility for U S $ 7 0 4 M ($703,652,256 29)- a whopping US$194 million cheaper than the initial bid submitted by Lindsayca/ CH4.
PowerChinawasalready
hired in Guyana and was experienced in delivering power projects similar to Guyana’s intended structures.
Additionally, PCIGL offeredtofinanceupto85% of the contract cost, with a 12-year repayment period, through Swiss Export Risk Insurance(SERV).
Meanwhile, China Machinery Engineering Inc. made a financial proposal to construct the integrated facility at just US$696 million. The company was also willing to finance the development, through JP MorganandSERV.
Another experienced Chinese entity, China Energy Int’l Group Co Limited submitted an even lower bid- US$467 million and offered to finance the project through Siemens
Energy A proposal addressed to the Ministry of NaturalResourcesanddated August 31, 2022 indicated thatthecompanywaswilling to provide up to 85% of the financing required for the project.
Since its inception, government has been extremely selective with the informationitshareswiththe publiconthisproject.
Its strategy has often been questioned by not only
members of the political opposition but members of c i v i l s o c i e t y a n d internationalorganisations.
On Sunday, this newspaper reported that when the GoG hired Lindsayca,thecompanywas under significant financial strain as explained by chartered accountant and attorney, Christopher Ram who reviewed its financials between2016and2019.
As per the Request For Bids (RFB) issued in 2021, companies were required to submit three years of financial statements to the GoG to ensure the company wasingoodstanding.
Ram however raised concernsoverthecompany’s persistentnegativeoperating cash flows in both 2017 and 2018, which he says indicates that the business was not generating enough cashtosupportitself.
“Iamalsotroubledbythe extenttowhichthecompany depends on related parties. The balance sheet shows large receivables from related entities, but even more significant payables to those same parties, with related-party liabilities exceeding $35 million. On topofthat,amaterialportion of revenue comes from related-party transactions,”
thecharteredaccountantsaid onFriday From an earnings perspective, Ram said the position was not reassuring.
“Despite growth in revenue, the company recorded a net loss in 2018, and earlier profits appear to have been driven by one-off items rather than sustainable operations,” he explained. Operating expenses are consistently absorbing or exceeding gross profit, which suggested that the underlyingbusinessmodelis weak.
AsfortheUSEXIMloan andUScontent,sourcesand documentsshowthatindeed during the US vetting process, the consortium leaned heavily on an image o f “ A m e r i c a n exceptionalism.”
The documents show that an American company, Lindsayca Solutions, and its principals were listed as the project lead The organisation
submittedtowinthecontract w
projecting a facade of strict U.S. corporate governance and reliability to secure the billion-dollardeal. However, once the ink wasdryandtheinitialfunds were secured, the facade crumbled. By January 2023, shortly after the Guyanese g
ssued a massive down-payment of approximately $150 million forGTE,theLindsayca-CH4 co
ium began to aggressively morph. In a swift maneuvering of corporate structure, two of the original four companies that made up the trusted consortiumwerekickedout: the primary American Engineering Firm and the local civil contractor hired forvitallocalworks.
Questions therefore remain on the selection process for this country’s single largest financial projectinhistory
Table showing three bids submitted by Chinese firms, hundreds of millions of USD cheaper than Lindsayca/ CH4.
The echo of ‘reciprocity’
Thereissomething almost medicinal about the word “reciprocity.” It rolls off the tongue with the moral authority of a proverb. It suggests balance, fairness, and the possibility that somewhere in the universe, justice is keeping tabs of whatistakingplacebetween GuyanaandSuriname.
InGuyana,“reciprocity” has become the preferred euphemism for “we are thinking about doing something stern, but only after careful consideration, consultation, and perhaps a lightlunch.”
The Government has invoked it. The Vice President invoked it four yearsagowiththesolemnity of a man announcing the arrival of consequences, though those consequences appeartohavebeendelayed
G
o r g e
o w
d Paramaribo.At the time, the issue was the dishonouring ofapledge,bySuriname,to grant fishing licenses to Guyanesefisherfolk.
The President has now invoked it again, reminding Suriname that its businesses have enjoyed the warm, accommodating embrace of Guyana’s economy The implication, delivered with diplomatic politeness but unmistakable intent, is that embraces, like everything
else in international relations, can be withdrawn. Enter the Private Sector
Commission and the
Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, w h o , l i k e d u t i f u l understudies have taken up the same line. Reciprocity, they affirm, is fundamental. Imbalance invites response. The Chamber goes further, suggesting that discussions on the Corentyne River bridge should be halted unless matters are resolved.
Thisanideathathasthefaint aroma of refusing to build a bridge because one is not pleased with the traffic on theriverbelow
Now,Iamnotopposedto reciprocity It is, in fact, a lovelyconcept.Ifyouinvite me to dinner, I feel morally obliged to invite you back, though in my case this is complicatedbymycooking.
But reciprocity in international relations is a delicateinstrument.Itisless ahammerthanaviolin.Used properly, it produces harmony Used carelessly, it producesasoundthatcauses neighbouring states to quietlyclosetheirdoorsand pretendnottobehome. Thedifficultyhereisthat both the Government and these private sector bodies seem to believe that Surinamewillrespondtothe gentle threat of retaliation with a sudden burst of cooperative enthusiasm This is a charming notion, but one that fails to take account of the fact that Surinameisasovereignstate with its own interests, calculations, and, quite
possibly, its own supply of the word “reciprocity ” States, regrettably, do not negotiate well under duress. They negotiate under incentives, under mutual interest, and occasionally under exhaustion. But the idea that one can coax agreement by hinting at retaliation is rather like attempting to improve a marriagebyremindingone’s spouse of the legal complexities of divorce. It introduces tension, but not necessarilyresolution.What isparticularlycuriousisthat the private sector organizations—have chosen to echo this approach rather than anchor their arguments in customary international law. This is a missed opportunity.
Because the law, unlike reciprocity, does not require raisedeyebrowsorcarefully worded press releases. It simply exists, quietly asserting that the use of a boundary river such as the Corentyne is governed by principles that are both practical and, in their own way, reassuring Yes, sovereignty matters Suriname’ssovereigntyover the Corentyne River up to the low-water mark is recognised. But sovereignty comeswithlimitations.
Customary international law affirms that Guyana is entitledtonavigatetheriver
Not as a favour Not as a concession. As a right. And not a fragile right, easily discouraged by fees and
DEM BOYS SEH
PlentyrainthisEaster
Dem boys seh this Easter look like it take a vow to baptize the whole country—whether you want it or not. Rain falling like it trying to wash away every memorysinceIndependence.Oneoldman seh he ain’t see so much water since 1971, and even then he think the clouds did get stagefrightandholdbacklilbit.Thisyear? Nahbai—skyopenlikesomebodyforgetto turnoffthepipe.
Everywhereyouturnismud,puddleand peoplehoppingliketheyplayinghopscotch just to reach the shop. Kite flying? More like kite swimming. If your kite ain’t waterproof, you better send it back in the bagandtellittryagainnextyear.Demboys seh even the Easter cross buns looking –wellcross.
Butwhilerainsoakingeverybody,some folksraisingstormofadifferentkind.They carrying on about government not putting on theatrical productions for Guyana 60th anniversary Like if Independence celebrationdoesonlycountifsomebodyin costumeshoutingdramaticlinesonastatefundedstage.
formalities, but a robust one grounded in the shared understanding that rivers, especially boundary rivers, are meant to be used. Of course, Suriname may regulate that use. It may impose charges Butthose charges must be reasonable, proportionate, and tied to actualservices.Theycannot be invented without regard tosafety,maintenanceandto services rendered. In other words,onepaysforwhatone receives, not for the privilegeofusingtheriver
This is where the argument should have been made. Calmly. Firmly. The
private sector could have articulatedthispositionwith clarity and persuasion
Instead,wehaveachorusof ‘reciprocity’,echoingacross statements. It is all very dramatic, and one cannot denyacertainentertainment value But international relations, like most things that matter, tend to reward precisionoverperformance.
Intheend,theissueisnot whether Guyana should respond. It is how One can respond with hints and warnings, or one can respond with law and logic. The former may produce headlines.Thelatterismore
likely to produce results. And if there is one thing the private sector ought to appreciate, it is that r e s u l t s u n l i k e reciprocity cannot be indefinitelydeferred.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Demboyssehholdon—wasn’titwhen money tight tight that local theatre turn professional?Backthen,nobigsponsor,no fancy grant—just talent, hustle, and a lil faith that people would buy tickets. And guesswhat?Itwuk!Peoplelaugh,cry,clap, andpay
Sonowthatpocketsalilfatter,whythe sudden amnesia? Why theatre suddenly need government to hold it hand again? Is like learning to ride bicycle without help, then years later demanding somebody run behindyouwithtrainingwheels. And leh we be honest—government ain’t sponsoring plenty things this anniversary. Nobody crying for statefundedbird-whistlingcompetition.Nobody protesting for national horse-cart race championship. Dem boys seh nothing stoppingthetheatreproducersfromputting on dem own shows. In fact, with all this rain, people might just pay good money to sitdryinsideandlaugh.Whoknows—they mighteventurnaprofit.Andwouldn’tthat betherealindependencestory? Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
H@RD TRUTHS
Pres.AlimustseetherealSuriname
Th e G u y a n a
Government, G u y a n e s e leaders, and the Guyanese people had better come quicklytotheirsensesabout Surinam. If not, these dripby-drip intrusions will continue from Paramaribo, leaving this country looking like a global pushover, a certifiedpatsy Pres.Alihas to get his head in the right place, so he can get his act together, do what benefits this country, enhances its dignity Guyanacan’tbethe richest country globally, but remain the weakest A punching bag for other
countries to attack continually,whilecontentto hang passively, give off hollow sounds whenever slapped. The latest Surinamese adventure in aggravation is toimposeatributeonvessels plying the Corentyne River Tribute,ortoll,feeorlevy,it is a shakedown by Surinam. Surinam is neighbor and partner,orit’sanextortioner, alowdownusurper Notfor thefirsttime. Recallfishing licenses for Guyanese. Call to mind Guyanese nationals trekkingtheseasforaliving, but caught, locked up, and held to virtual ransom. Go
back and dig up the New River Triangle, and I have had enough of Surinam Why is this relationship so one-sided, with Guyana always holding onto the jagged end of the stick? WhenGuyanaalwayscomes out a loser, it is not a respectful, honest, and dignified relationship from the Surinam side of the relationship. Pres. Ali can bury his head wherever pleaseshim,butthelessthat Guyana has to do with Surinam, the better it is for thiscountry Untilsuchtime that Surinam’s leaders come to their senses and discern
thatGuyanaisnottobetaken forgranted,nottobepushed around, then the PPP Govt should have little dealings with thisrogueneighbor Pres.Aliisonthewrong track when he talks about partnering with Surinam to constructabridgeacrossthe Corentyne Not when Surinam drummed up charges against Guyanese fishermen,drumsupwaysto makemoneyoffthebacksof Guyanese,thenbeatsadrum a b o u t n e i g h b o r l y relationship with the Guyanese people. Like hell there is. This is the worst way that Surinam can think of to express its credentials as a trusted friend, one that can be partnered with for suchalargecapitalprojectas an international bridge. I don’t trust these folks Frankly,Idon’tseethemasa good neighbor, but a scammer and a skimmer Take a fee now, separate from a dollar tomorrow What will it announce afterwards? Aspecialtaxon its residents of Guyanese origins?
As a courtesy to ExcellencyAli:scrapvisions
andtalksaboutthatbridge. Can’thaveitwhenthisisthe temperature. Don’t want it when this is the pulse of the environment. And when leaders in Surinam continue to manifest a tendency to find ways to reach into Guyanese purses, and make them lighter, then it is time for time for Pres. Ali to changecourse,showwhathe ismadeof,anddonotretreat. ThePPPGovtcanstrongarm Guyanese that it finds objectionable in the manner thatpunksdo.
Thus,thesamePPPGovt leadership must exhibit the same strongman power projection and standup against Surinam overreach. Otherwise,thePPPisapunk in the domestic realm, but a pitiful pussycat (clawless and toothless [no bark, no spring in the step]) when internationaldutycalls.
The fee is an overreach. No bridge. Open piracy on open waters. No bridge. Why do business, Dr Ali, withpeopleofthatkind? To this point, different governments in this neighboring territory at differenttimeshavepusheda gun up into Guyana’s nose. When have leaders in this country (other than Burnham) stood up, rolled back their fists, and stepped forward against various Surinamese assaults on Guyana’s dignity? To Pres. Ali, this is respectfully offered: when a man or a country operates like a coward, that is what others see: a sniveling, groveling coward. Guyana no longer shouldbeled,asthoughitis some pathetic poor relation to be pitied. Over and gone arethosedays. Instead of lodging complaints,getupandgetin people’sface. Ifnotaninch of Essequibo, why a gallon and fathom of river unless a dollar paid in the East? Unless, of course, the army, national guard, and PPP militia are reserved for undesirables who rub Guyana’sleadersraw (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Govt. launches border patrol unit in Region Nine
President IrfaanAli on Sunday launched Guyana’s first Border Patrol Unit in the country’s largest administrative region, RegionNine.
The unit will enhance the protection of Guyana’s borders, particularly in light of mounting security challenges along the country’sporousfrontier.
The announcement came during the president’s visit to Rukumutu and surrounding villages, where he engaged directly with residents, emphasising the critical importance of securing Guyana’s sovereignty
“Our borders are important. Supporting you in the protection of our borders is important. We want our borders to be protected from the level of the community,” hesaid.
President Ali stressed that it is the responsibility of the people living closest to the borders to help protect them. “I want to say that in Yurong Paru we launched a policing group recently of about 30 persons. But that community policing group will be under the umbrella of community policing and border patrol unit. We are coming together and what we are going to do it to launch, this will be the first district that the border patrol unit will be launched,” the presidentannounced.
In a step to further support these community efforts, the government will
Irfaan Ali
provide three brand new all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)toassistinthepatrolandmonitoring oftheregion’sterrain.TheATVswillserveas tools to ensure round-the-clock vigilance across three major villages, with the added benefit of full-time support from the patrol unit.
Theunitispartofalargernationaleffort to address security concerns arising from Guyana’sporousborders,whichhave Continued on page 16
President
$1.5BairstripcommissionedatKarasabai
Residents of Karasabai are set to benefit from safer, faster and more reliable transportation following the commissioning of a modern airstrip on Saturday, a project President Mohamed Irfaan Ali described as transformative for the region.Theupgradedfacility is expected to serve more than 1,200 residents, significantly improving access to essential services and economic opportunities. Itwascompletedinjustthree months at a cost of $1.53 billion.
For decades, the community relied on an earthen airstrip that became unusable during rainfall and at night, often forcing flight cancellations and delaying e m e rg e n c y m e d i c a l evacuations. “Just over 70 days ago, if the weather changed,pilotshadtorushto leave or risk being stranded. Today, aircraft can land here at full capacity, day or night,” the President noted duringhisaddress.
The new airstrip, designed to last up to 30 years, features a rigid concretesurfaceeightinches thick, stretching 3,000 feet
Gone without a trace…
President Irfaan Ali delivering the feature address at the commissioning of the Karasabai airstrip.
long and 50 feet wide, with a strength of 5,000 pounds per squareinch(PSI). A d d i t i o n a l l y , a p p r o x i m a t e
5 0 navigational lights have beeninstalled.Itenablessafe night-time landings and take-offs, particularly critical during medical emergencies With the upgraded infrastructure, medevac aircraft can now access Karasabai directly at any time.This eliminates the need for lengthy travel to Lethem during urgent situations.
“Dayornight,amedevac can land here and take
patients to where they need c a r e T h i s i s w h a t development looks like,” President Ali emphasised.
The project also delivered
benefits,employingabout60
constructionphase. Further enhancing the facility, a modern passenger
terminal, modelled after the oneinAishaltonwasdonated by International Import and Supplies. It offers a more comfortable and efficient space for travellers. Beyond transportation, the airstrip is expectedtoplayakeyrolein advancing agriculture and business in the region. The government is already
Pic save as airstrip
The Karasabai airstrip
Pic save as president
workingwithstakeholdersto expand production of crops. This includes peanuts, ginger, cassava and coffee, supported by investments in storageandtransportation.
The Karasabai project forms part of a wider hinterland development strategy, with similar airstrips already completed
investments are aimed at bridging the gap between hinterland and coastland communities. “This is not a standalone investment. It is partofaholisticplantobring prosperity to every region of Guyana,” President Ali said. (DPI)
Families reject ‘drowned at sea’ as four Guyanese fishermen remain missing
Five months after four Guyanese fishermen vanished in Surinamese waters, their families remain gripped by uncertainty, clinging to hope that the men are still alive despite official assumptionsoftheirdeaths.
Authorities in Suriname reportedthatonOctober18,2025,a fishing vessel carrying four Guyanese nationals sank in the Saramacca River Since then, no bodies, debris, or personal belongings have been recovered, deepeningthemysterysurrounding theincident.
Among those onboard was 18year-old Rockey France, along with his cousins Charles Piper, 28, and Mickel Rodrigues, 26, all of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara
The boat was owned by Roy Sukdeo
When Kaieteur News spoke with relatives on Thursday, family members said the absence of evidence has made it difficult to accept that their loved ones are dead.
Rockey’s mother, Olda France, said she continues to hold on to
hope.
“I need answers. I think my son is alive somewhere out there. It is very hard for us every day not knowing where he is I need answers,”shesaid.
She recalled that during their last conversation, her son assured her that he was okay and was preparing to meet his brother in Suriname. The next day, however, she was informed that he had gone
on a fishing trip and the boat had reportedlysunk.
“I never heard back from my son. All I heard was that the boat sankinSurinamewaters.TheCoast Guard went out, but they couldn’t find the boat or any crew members,”sheexplained.
The grieving mother said the ordeal has reopened emotional wounds following the loss of her husbandadecadeago.
Other relatives are not convinced the men perished at sea, suggesting instead that foul play mayhavebeeninvolved.
“Four crew members missing and nothing was ever found—not even a piece of the boat. If a vessel sinks, something should surface. I believe they were kidnapped,” one relativestated.
Family members noted that this was Rockey’s first fishing trip.
Though initially hesitant, he was persuaded by his more experienced cousins, who had worked in Suriname for over six years and assured him it would be a brief, two-dayjourney.
None of the men were seen or heardfromagain.
Adding to the uncertainty are conflicting details surrounding the vessel’sfinalmoments.
Sukdeo’s wife reportedly told authoritiesthathehadsetcoursefor Paramaribo in a newly acquired boat.
During their last conversation, heindicatedthatwaterwasentering the vessel and asked her to record coordinates,fearingtheworst.
There were also reports that individuals claimed to have seen the crew adrift using ice boxes However, extensive search efforts by the Suriname Coast Guard, the army’s Marine Corps, police, and localresidentsyieldednoresults
Fivemonthson,thefamiliessay they are still left with more questions than answers—and a lingering belief that their loved onesmaystillbeoutthere.
“When I watch, I see bloodonthebed....whenwe goinnow,Istarttoshakeup all of them, lashing up all of them, but only the baby, the lil boy, he raise he foot and respondtowe,butthelilgirl, she not responding to
nothing, neither she (Shivpersaud), ” the distraughtwomanrelated.
Thepolicewerecalledin and her daughter and granddaughterweretakento the Port Mourant Hospital, where her granddaughter was pronounced dead on arrival.
“I can’t even tell people how I feel. I’m feeling more for my granddaughter She wassoattachedtome.Also, my daughter to, but meh daughteralreadybig.Butshe issoyoung.Shejuststartlife and she does make everybody happy She always make anybody happy,” the grieving woman stated.
SadandHeartbreaking
Minister of Human ServicesandSocialSecurity, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, described Isabella’s tragic death as “sad and heartbreaking,”assheurged greater awareness and support for mental health challenges.
In a statement, the minister said, “A little child has lost her life most horrifically at the hands of her mother This is hard for anyonetocomprehend.”
…”There will be more clarity as to why this
happened,butapparentlythe mother did not reach out for assistance,”Persaudstated.
Theministeremphasised that the incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly situations can spiral out of control, and the devastating consequences thatcanfollow
“Mental health is fragile for many people, and often individuals do not reach out tothehealthsystemforhelp for various reasons,” she said.
Persaudcalledonsociety to be less judgmental and m o r e s u p p o r t i v e , encouragingthoseindistress to seek help without fear of stigma.
She pointed out that the Ministry of Health has systems in place to address mental health and suicide, and urged persons to utilise theseserviceswhenneeded.
Shealsostressedtherole offamiliesandcommunities, particularly when children areinvolved.
“If families are aware of what is happening, they should step in with help.
Where children are concerned, there must be checks to ensure their safety,”shesaid.
Persaudaddedthatwhile the full circumstances remain unclear, compassion andsupportarecriticalatthis time.
“No one knows how thesesituationswillturnout. Kindness and support are essential,”shenoted.
Sheurgedthepublictobe patient as investigations continue and to extend prayers and support to the grievingfamily
VACANCY WANTED
Sales Rep needed, ages 1830 years. Knowledge of vehicle model will be an asset. Contact: 619-1237.
Security guards to work in Georgetown,must have a sound primary education.Call: 223-5273/4.
Able Bodied Security Guard to work in Geogetown. Tele # 624-7436.
Wanted house lot to buy and land with unfinished building call 216-0671/ 6928464 or WhatsApp 622-0267.
Visa Application:U.S.A, Canada & UK:Graphics design, advertisements, wedding arch rentals.Tel:6267040.
Repairs pumps,water heater and more.Call 627-7835 or WhatsApp 659-5664 site visit.
Contact Panther Visa Consultancy on IG, FB or call 6230406 for visa consultancy, travel packages.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Aracari Hotel Renovated rooms, A/C, TV, Restaurant, Bar, Pool, Gym. Stay 7 nights, 1 FREE! Call: 2642946.
VEHICLES FOR SALE
1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, spoiler, low mileage, PTT Series (first owner). Call: 649-0956.
FOR SALE
T RUCK TIRES 295 / 75R22.5 $40K EACH. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL / WHATSAPP:+592-6883201.
Pure breed German Shepherd puppies for sale-Call Whatsapp : 648-0111.
PROPERTY FOR SALE
Seaforth street,Subryanville,Barr st. Kitty,La Penitence public rd,Charlestown,Melanie
E.C.D.Contact Ray's Realty 627-9685.
Mon-Repos E.C.D Land size 45x137.Contact: 645-9805.
One clerk for TSI Eccles office English 1, Maths 2 call 615-9132 or email application to techserigy@gmail.com
Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50, Car/ Van licence Call 615-9132.
Maid for East Bank area call 615-9132.
Tiler to lay small numbers of tiles call -615-9132
Vacancies exist for bulldozer operators,TM truck drivers,excavator operators & cook to work in interior.Contact: 223-5273/ 4,621-5907.
LAND FOR LEASE
Wales Public Road, W.B.D, Parcel 21 (0.467 acres) 20,342 sq ft. Available Long term 20-25 years. Sign on property. Phone/Whatsapp: 615-2270/628-8619.
Wales Public Road, W.B.D, Parcel 25 (0.494 acres) 21,388 sq ft. Available Long term 2025 years. Sign on property. Phone/Whatsapp: 615-2270/ 628-8619.
Malgre Tout, W.B.D, (South of Masjid)-Lot "C" (1.347 acres) 58675 sq ft. Available Long term 20-25 years. Sign on property. Phone/ Whatsapp: 615-2270/6288619.
Versailles, W.B.D, (South of Aracari Hotel)-Lot 167 (4.6606 acres) 203,016 sq ft. Available Long term 20-25 years. Sign on property. Phone/ Whatsapp: 615-2270/6288619.
LAND FOR SALE
La-Grange W.B.D road to river,Silver Hill 20 acres,Craig (9 acres) Spring Gardens (Dora) 20 acres,Long creek & Tucan Drive.Contact Ray's Realty 627-9685.
FOR RENT
V/Hoop Empty, lot 1 New Road,public road,W.C.D.1 Acre rental investments for prime businesses Tel#2274377.
V/Hoop front lot building and land next to KFC . Lot 8 New Road,W.C.D.Investment for businesses Tel#2274377.
Tuberculosis still a silent threat in Americas
An estimated 350,000 people in the Americas fell ill with Tuberculosis and another 30,000 died with the disease in 2024, the Pan American Health Organisation said in a statement last week.
The statement was made on the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day observed on March 24. PAHO said the day is observed as an opportunity to raise awareness about a preventable and curable disease that continues to pose a significant public health challenge in the Americas.
In this context, Dr. Pedro Avedillo, Regional Advisor for Tuberculosis Prevention, Control, and Elimination at PAHO, shared insights on the current situation of the disease, recent advances, and the role of primary health care in bringing diagnosis and treatment closer to people, reducing gaps, and advancing toward elimination.
He said in the Region of the Americas, an estimated 350,000 people fell ill with tuberculosis and around 30,000 died from the disease in 2024. Of these deaths, approximately 29% were attributed to TB-HIV coinfection. That same year, an estimated 77,000 people with tuberculosis (about 1 in 4) were not diagnosed, meaning many continued without treatment and may have kept transmitting the disease.
Avedillo said in recent years, there has been some stabilisation in TB incidence and mortality, along with an increase in the number of di-
- 30,000 died with disease in 2024-PAHO
agnoses and people receiving treatment. “This reflects efforts to strengthen the response, for example by expanding rapid molecular testing for diagnosis and introducing shorter treatment and prevention regimens,” the official said according to the PAHO release.
Tuberculosis remains closely linked to poverty, overcrowding, malnutrition, and barriers to accessing health services. Many people with symptoms are not diagnosed in time or interrupt treatment, allowing transmission to continue in the community. Other factors also play a role, such as HIV coinfection, drug-resistant TB, and disruptions in health services like the ones seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Diagnosing tuberculosis early reduces transmission of the bacteria to others and allows treatment to begin before the disease causes more serious complications. When diagnosis is delayed, the infection can progress and spread to other organs, increasing the risk of long-term sequelae. Early detection remains one of the most effective strategies for working towards elimination of the disease.
According to PAHO, in recent years, several important innovations have emerged. One is the use of digital radiology with AI-assisted reading, which enables more timely screening and brings diagnosis closer to those who need it most. Rapid
and PAHO works with Member States to strengthen national responses through technical cooperation. This includes supporting the adoption of evidence-based recommendations, the implementation of new diagnostic and treatment tools, and the development of national capacities to improve surveillance and advance toward elimination.
molecular tests have also expanded; they are highly sensitive and can be used near the point of care, significantly reducing the time needed to confirm diagnosis.
In terms of treatment, fully oral and shorter therapeutic regimens are now available, both for treating the disease and for prevention in people at risk. These options make it easier for patients to adhere to treatment and improve outcomes.
Primary health care brings services closer to people, enabling early detection, timely diagnosis, prompt initiation of treatment, and continuous support throughout the course of care. It is also essential for contact tracing, reducing stigma, and working with communities to address the social determinants of the disease.
PAHO said Tuberculosis is among the diseases prioritised for elimination under the Elimination Initiative,
In addition, through the PAHO Strategic Fund, countries can access quality medicines, supplies, and technologies at affordable prices, facilitating timely access to active case finding, diagnosis, and treatment. Examples include portable digital radiography equipment with artificial intelligence and molecular platforms for rapid TB diagnosis.
As such PAHO said strengthened primary health care, with a fully integrated TB response, is essential to achieving TB elimination. This approach, PAHO said can expand access to more sensitive diagnostic tools and ensure that everyone, especially the most vulnerable, has access to timely, quality diagnosis and treatment. At the same time, we must work with communities to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with the disease.
By placing people at the center of the response and making full use of available tools, it is possible to make sustained progress toward eliminating tuberculosis in the Region.
Govt. launches border patrol unit in Region Nine...
From page 10 become increasingly difficult to manage. This problem has been exacerbated by the influx of thousands of Venezuelan refugees fleeing the economic and political crisis in Venezuela. The government has faced mounting pressure to improve border security and provide better support for local communities, who are often at the frontline of these challenges.
In 2023, the Government of Guyana enacted legislation to formally establish the patrol unit, which will operate alongside the GDF and Guyana Police Force to monitor, secure, and patrol Guyana’s extensive and complex borders. The unit is designed to work on both the land and maritime borders, improving the country’s abil-
ENTERTAINMENT
Call: 264-29469.
ity to respond to threats and challenges.
The launch of the border comes at a time of heightened tensions between Guyana and Venezuela, particularly over the disputed Essequibo region In March 2025, a Venezuelan military vessel entered Guyana’s waters and came dangerously close to the FPSO Prosperity, which
operates in the oil-rich Stabroek Block. The Venezuelan vessel radioed the FPSO, stating that it was operating in “disputed international waters.” This provocative act was followed by a direct approach toward other FPSOs operating in the block.
In addition to the unit, the government has been enhancing security infrastructure in
Region Nine. As of August 2025, three new police stations have been commissioned in Annai, Karasabai, and Lethem, alongside a new Information Technology Centre. These efforts are aimed at strengthening the region’s ability to manage security challenges and provide better services to the communities in these remote areas.
Family Fun Aracari Resort! Crystal clear pool, safe kids & adult sections, Music & food. W.B.D.
Dr. Pedro Avedillo, Regional Advisor for Tuberculosis Prevention (PAHO
Former Caricom SG Roderick Rainford passes away
Former Caricom Secretary General, Roderick Rainford has died.
In a message of condolences, Caricom Chairman, Dr Terrrance Drew said the Caribbean Community has learnt with great sadnessofthepassingofRainford, CCH, OJ, OCC who served as CARICOM Secretary-General from 1983 to 1992. A national of Jamaica, Mr Rainford also served as Deputy Secretary-General and led the Secretariat in a period of significant global turmoil, including high oil prices and heightened Cold War tensions, which impacted the Region negatively “Faced with the regional repercussions of the 1983 military invasionofGrenada,Mr Rainford,
in his calm and dignified manner, drew on his vast reserves of diplomatic and academic skills to steerregionalintegrationonasteady path,leadingtothe1989GrandAnse Declaration Thissetthefoundation for the CARICOM Single Market andEconomy(CSME),throughthe establishment of the Common External Tariff (CET),” the Caricomchairmansaid.
DrewnotedthatRainfordwasa firm believer in the benefits of econom
c and func
nal integration to advance regional development and, above all, to improvethewelfareofCommunity nationals from all spheres of life. Amongthedevelopmentsunderhis tenure were the rudiments of the Regional Stock Exchange, the negotiation of the framework for
Former CARICOM Secretary General, Roderick Rainford
the Caribbean Investment Fund, and reactivation and revival of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA).
During his stewardship, the Region heightened focus on environmental management and protection His contributions
Flood fears return …commentators bemoan lack of planning, poor drainage
Socialcommentator are warning that Guyana may be drifting toward another majorfloodcrisis,ascurrent conditions increasingly mirror those that led to the devastating 2005 Guyana floods.
TheGlobespanshowlast Wednesday was moderated by businessman Nohar Singh and featuring guestschartered accountant and lawyerChristopherRamand former Editor-in-chief of Stabroek News Anand Persaud - raised the issue of infrastructural management and discussed some of its weaknesses.
The flooding in 2005, according to Persaud, was thought to be linked to the verypoormaintenanceofthe East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) so that intense flooding was experienced in Georgetown and the East Coast for several weeks during that period.
“This underlines the importance of paying a t t e n t i o n t o k e y infrastructure.
The drainage channels within the conservancy had becomeblocked,overgrown withweedsandtheretention
capacity for the EDWC was farlessthanwhenitwasfirst incepted.
So, if you don’t manage yourinfrastructurewell,you are going to end up in this sortofproblem,”hesaid.
“Andwhathashappened since then is the continued poor maintenance of infrastructureandyouhavea lotofdamsandcanalsfilled over that reduced the drainage capacity meant to bethere,”hecontinued.
Persaud said that in the capitalcity,overthepastfive or six years since oil was discovered, there has been a significant amount of construction, which has created greater problems withwaterflow
He added that to effectively address drainage issues,itisnecessarytohave experts in hydrology conduct water flow studies and determine where improvementsareneeded.
Singh reminded how $81Bhasbeenbudgetedthis year for drainage and irrigation, while Ram said that, in addition to major concrete works, waterways in the city have been narrowedduetothepushfor dual carriageways, leaving water with limited places to
go. He also charged that the National Drainage and IrrigationAuthority(NDIA), w h i c h i n c l u d e s representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Agriculture, and Public Works,hasnotbeenproperly constituted since 2023 and has not produced an annual reportsince2018. R
there appears to be little
billions of dollars being allocated without proper
he described as part of a broaderpatternofcorruption inGuyana.
Meanwhile, Acting TownClerkCandaceNelson
yesterday that from the Mayor and City Council’s end,theyaretryingtoensure thatthesluicesareopenedon time. “All of the pumps are working.
If ther
ny blockage anywhere, we have a team, once it’s reported to us, that would go and try to clear that blockage so the water can flow freely,” she shared. d weak oversight askeyrisks.
development of
CARICOM
construction and infrastructure development, and the creation or consolidation of institutions for common regional action, such as the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI) and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA, now CDEMA).
For these and other signal contributions to the advancement of regional integration, he was awardedtheOrderoftheCaribbean Communityin2024.MrRainford’s patience, equanimity, team spirit and analytical skills are fondly remembered by those who worked with him in the CARICOM Secretariat and across the Region. Our Community is stronger for his dedicationandservice.CARICOM conveysdeepestcondolencestohis
Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness described Rainford as a distinguished Jamaican who served our nation and the wider Caribbean with integrity and strength “Mr Rainford’s contribution to public life was significant. As SecretaryGeneral of CARICOM from 1983 to1992,heplayedanimportantrole in advancing regional cooperation, and his leadership as Governor of the Bank of Jamaica reflected his deep understanding of economic development and governance. His work helped to shape institutions that continue to guide our region today OnbehalfoftheGovernment and people of Jamaica, we extend sincere condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues across the Caribbean. We stand with you in thistimeofloss,”Holnesswroteon hisfacebookpage.
Trump threatens ‘hell’ for Iran over Hormuz Strait as deadline approaches
(AL-JAZEERA) -
United States President
Donald Trump has threatened to attack civilian infrastructure inside Iran, includingbridgesandpower plants, if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened by his stated deadline of Monday
Trumpmadethethreatin an expletive-laden social media post on Sunday, in which he repeated previous threats to pummel vital infrastructureacrossIran.
“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F****** Strait, you crazy b*******, or you’ll be living in Hell –JUSTWATCH! Praise be to Allah,”TrumpsaidinaTruth Socialpost.
On March 26,Trump set a10-daydeadlineforIranto reopentheStraitofHormuz,
a key shipping route for the globalenergymarket,where traffic has ground to a halt since the US and Israel first attacked Iran on February 28.
He told Fox News on Sunday that Iran was currently negotiating with the US and that he believed the two could reach a deal beforethedeadline.
Iranian officials have slammed Trump’s threats andpromisedtoretaliatefor any attacks on their infrastructure.
“Once again, the US presidentopenlythreatensto destroy infrastructure essential to civilian survival inIran,”Iran’smissiontothe United Nations said in responsetoTrump’sthreats.
“The international community and all states have legal obligations to prevent such atrocious acts ofwarcrimes.Theymustact
now Tomorrow is too late,” it added Seyyed Mehdi Tabatabaei, deputy for communications at the Iranian president’s office, also stated that the strait would only be reopened following the payment of reparations for damages causedbythewar
He said those payments would come in the form of transit fees through a “new legal regime” around the strait, consistent with previous Iranian statements that it may seek to translate itscontroloverthestraitinto a system whereby ships passing through pay a fee evenafterthewarends.
Tabatabaei dismissed Trump’sthreatsasasignthat the US has “resorted to obscenitiesandnonsenseout of sheer desperation and anger.”
The US president has frequentlyrepeatedthatIran
is seeking a deal to end the war and that fighting will end soon since the conflict began. Iran has stated that it isnotseekingtoendthewar and has vowed to step up escalation across the region if its infrastructure is targeted Throughout the war, US officials have threatened Iran with overwhelming violence if it does not capitulate to US demands. Last week, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth threatened to send Iran“backtotheStoneAge”.
US-Israeli strikes have already targeted civilian infrastructure and facilities, including bridges, schools, healthcare facilities, and universities. Experts have warned that some of those strikes could constitute war crimes. Asked if he was concerned about the impact of targeting infrastructure such as bridges and power
US President Donald Trump prepares to speak about the Iran war, on April 1, 2026, at the White House in Washington, DC, the United States [Alex
plants on Iran’s civilian population, Trump told the Wall Street Journal that he wasnot.
“No, they want us to do it,” he said during an interview, adding that Iraniansare“livinginhell”.
Trump also declined to offeratimelinefortheendof the war, stating only that “I will let you know pretty soon.”
The US president has saidthathewillholdanews conference in the White
HouseonMonday
Trump also offered additional details about the operation to locate and extractthepilotofanF-15E fighter jet that was shot downoverIranonFriday
“We have rescued the seriously wounded, and really brave, F-15 Crew Member/Officer, from deep inside the mountains of Iran,” he said in a separate socialmediapostonSunday
“AnAMAZINGshowof braveryandtalentbyall!”
OPEC+ agrees to boost oil output when Strait of Hormuz reopens
(Reuters) - OPEC+ agreed Sundaytoraiseitsoiloutputquotas by206,000barrelsperdayforMay, amodestrisethatwilllargelyexist on paper as its key members are unable to raise production due to theU.S.-IsraeliwarwithIran.
Thewarhaseffectivelyshutthe StraitofHormuz-theworld’smost important oil route - since the end of February and cut exports from OPEC+membersSaudiArabia,the UAE, Kuwait and Iraq, the only countries in the group which were able to significantly raise productionevenbeforetheconflict began.
Crude prices have surged to a four-year high close to $120 a barrel, translating into soaring ‘pricesfortransportfuelswhichare pressuring consumers and businesses across the globe, and triggering government action to conservesupplies.
The OPEC+ quota increase of 206,000 bpd represents less than 2% of the supply disrupted by the Hormuz closure, but it signals readiness to raise output once the waterwayreopens,OPEC+sources have said. Consultancy Energy Aspects called the increase “academic” as long as disruptions inthestraitpersist.
“In reality it adds very few
barrels to the market,” said Jorge Leon,aformerOPECofficialwho now works as head of geopolitical analysisatRystadEnergy
“When the Strait of Hormuz is closed additional barrels from OPEC+ become largely irrelevant.”
OPEC+CONCERNED ABOUTATTACKSON ENERGYASSETS
Eight members of OPEC+ agreed to the increase in May quotas at a virtual meeting on Sunday, OPEC+ said in a
statement. Besides the disruptions affecting Gulf members, others such as Russia are unable to increaseoutput-inMoscow’scase due to Western sanctions and damage to infrastructure inflicted duringthewarwithUkraine.
Inside the Gulf, damage to infrastructure from and ‘drone attacks has also been severe Several Gulf officials have said it would take months to resume normal operations and reach production targets even if the war stopped and Hormuz reopened
immediately. A separate OPEC+ panel that alsometonSunday,calledtheJoint Ministerial Monitoring
Committee, expressed concern about attacks on energy assets, saying they were expensive and time-consuming to repair and so have an impact on supply, OPEC+ saidinastatement.
Iran said on Saturday Iraq was from any restrictions to transit Hormuz, and shipping data on Sunday showed a tanker ‘loaded with Iraqi crude passing through
thestrait.Still,itremainstobeseen if more vessels will take the risk involved,asourceclosetotheissue said.
WARCAUSESWORLD’S WORSTOILSUPPLY DISRUPTION
May’s OPEC+ increase is the same as the eight members had agreed for April at their last meetingheldonMarch1,justasthe warbegantodisrupt‘oilflows.
A month later, the largest oil supply disruption on record is estimatedtohaveremovedasmany as12to15millionbpdorupto15% ofglobalsupply Oil prices could spike above $150-anall-timehigh-ifflowsvia HormuzremaindisruptedintomidMay,JPMorgansaidonThursday OPEC+ groups 22 members including Iran. In recent years ‘ onlytheeightcountriesmeetingon Sunday have been involved in monthly production decisions, and they started in 2025 to unwind previously agreed output cuts to regainmarketshare.
The eight raised production quotas by about 2.9 million bpd fromApril2025throughDecember 2025, before pausing increases for JanuarytoMarch2026.
The eight hold their next meetingonMay3.
Brandon/Pool via Reuters]
The Callisto tanker sits anchored in Port Sultan Qaboos as the traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 12, 2026. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT
Guyanatoomustrise
On this Easter Monday, as kites rise over Guyana’s skies, we are reminded of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a triumph of hope over despair, life over death.
The soaring kite becomes more than tradition; it is a symbol of a people yearning to lift above burdens that weigh heavily upon us. Today, our nation faces harsh realities: an oppressive Exxon contract, a crushing cost of living, corruption and the daily tragedy of lives lost on our roads. These are not just headlines they are wounds in the body of our society.
Yet Easter calls us to rise. As Christ rose, so too must we.We must demand integrity, pursue justice, and rebuild with courage and faith.
Let our kites not only dance in the wind, but remind us that Guyana, too, must rise.We cannot ignore mismanagement that erodes trust daily.
ShamisetsupLSGvictorybeforePant...
Frompage26 lap off Avesh but ended up playing it too fine, and Pant dived across to take the catch That sucked the momentum out of SRH’s innings; they could score only 33 runs in the last four overs while losing five wicketsontheway
Markramleadsthechase
Openingthebowlingfor SRH, Harsh Dubey started with a two-run over But MarkamandMitchellMarsh picked up three fours off Reddyinthenext.Markram
also hit the first six of the innings when he pulled a slower ball from Unadkat over wide long-on. Marsh felltoEshanMalingafor14 off 12 balls, but Markram keptgoing.Inthelastoverof the powerplay, he hit two fours and a six off Unadkat totakeLSGto53for1.
Pant was struggling at the other end but Markram ensured LSG remained ahead of the asking rate. He eventually fell to Shivang Kumar while trying to clear long-off.
Awobbleinthemiddle
Pant tried to break the shackles with back-to-back foursoffShivanginthe12th over, but Dubey had Ayush Badoni stumped. Nicholas PoorancameoutatNo.5and lasted just four balls. He swept Shivang fine, and set off for a single, without realising that Kishan had stopped the ball, and was thusrunout.
PanttakesLSGhome
With 43 required from fiveovers,LSGwerestillthe favourites, but it was far
fromawalkinthepark.Pant then picked up two fours off Unadkat, and Samad did the same against Malinga to make it 19 needed from 18 balls Dubey tried to keep LSG in the contest with Samad’swicket,andHarshal Patel bowled a four-run 19th over But Pant stayed firm Unadkatstartedthefinalover with a full delivery; Pant drilled it past him for four Unadkat then bowled a sloweroneintothepitch,only for Pant to swat it down the groundforanotherboundary
Two dots later, Pant lofted one over mid-off to sealthegame.
Monday April 06, 2026
ARIES
You'll find that things are slipping nicely into place for you today, Aries. Your persuasivemannerandgentle nudges are just enough to get peoplewhereyouwantthem.
TAURUS
When faced with ten entrees onthemenu,itmightbehard for you to choose just one. Feelfreetoordertwoormore, Ta u r u s D o n ' t l e t indecisiveness slow you down.Atthesametime.
GEMINIS
Your dreams won't come true unless you believe in and act onthem,Gemini.Nooneelse is going to do it for you. Unless you have a fairy godmother, you need to take mattersintoyourownhands.
CANCER
If people hassle you or give you a hard time about your appearance today, pay them nomind,Cancer Youhavethe righttoliveyourlifeanyway youwantto.
LEO
Reachforthepotofgoldatthe end of the rainbow, Leo. It's closerthanyouthink.Indeed, your dreams are completely within your reach, and there are huge forces at work helping you achieve your goals.
VIRGO
Today is your day to dream and dream big, Virgo. Think aboutwhatitisthatyouwant most out of life. Aim your arrow to the stars and pull back your bow as far as possible. There's no limit to howfaryoucango.
LIBRA
Expand your mind to its furthest reaches today, Libra. There's an incredible opportunity opening up for you in which you can make great strides in a creative realm.Followthemusic.
SCORPIO
Your mind may seem rather cloudy today, Scorpio, but don't let this hinder you. In fact, you'll find that you can use this feeling of fantasy to your advantage. Try to bring moremagicintoyourlife.
SAGITTARIUS
Today is an excellent day for you,oneinwhichyou'llfinda great deal of strength in your emotions, Sagittarius Trust that your instincts are serving youwell.
CAPRICORN
Things might get a bit confusing for you today, Capricorn. Don't feel like you needtomakesenseofitall.In fact, this task may be impossible. Just be yourself. Let your creative nature shine through.
AQUARIUS
Mix your reality with a bit of fantasytoday,Aquarius.Allow your feet to come off the ground for a little while. Give yourselfarest.Takesometime to meditate and clear your mindofyourdailyworries.
PISCES
Let yourself go into high creative mode and drift into a whole other world, Pisces. Escape your present reality and explore your fantasies through any sort of artistic endeavor Dreamasbigasyour mindallows.
Dehring pushing...
Frompage26 modern professionals compared to what young Caribbeancricketershaveto workwith.
“We’re trying to get a better understanding of the kind of facilities that our youngsters just don’t have accessto,”henoted.
With that in mind, Dehring also unveiled a plan to position the Caribbean as a global h u b f o r c r i c k e t development, centred around a state-of-the-art high-performancefacilityin Antigua.
“It is our intention to establish the Caribbean as
the hemispheric hub for cricket in this side of the world,”Dehringsaid The facility, which will include cutting-
science laboratories and recovery amenities, is designed not only for WestIndiesteamsbutalsoto attract international sides seeking elite preparation environments.
“It’s going to be available not just for the West Indies teams but for teams around the world to come here and train and develop,” he added
Golden start, silent Sunday for Guyan...
Frompage27 inSectionTwowithatimeof 2:01.24s, just outside the advancingpositions.
Meanwhile, Javon Robertsdeliveredoneofthe standoutperformancesofthe dayforGuyana,executinga tactical race in challenging rainy conditions to storm into the Boys U20 800m final.
Roberts clocked 1:53.73stofinishstronglyin Section Two and will be a serious contender for a medal.However,compatriot Kaidon Persaud was unable toprogress,placingeighthin Section One with a time of 1:57.57s.
In sprint relay action, Guyana’sBoysU174x100m team of Omari Welch, Malique Kendall, Jarel Campbell and Jumeel Cornettefinishedsixthinthe final,clocking43.25s.
The Bahamas claimed gold in 41.36s, followed by Trinidad and Tobago (41 56s) and Barbados (42.25s).
Attention now turns to thedayinStGeorge’s,where Guyana will be aiming to reigniteitsmedalcharge.
Anderson,Solomon,and Roberts will all be in action in their respective 800m finals, carrying the nation’s hopesinthemiddle-distance events.
Additionally, Omari Welch is set to compete in the Boys U17 long jump final, providing another opportunity for Guyana to breakitsDayTwodrought.
The relays are also expectedtobeamajorfocus. With Malachi Austin in the lineup, Guyana will be targeting gold in the U20 men’s 4x400m relay, while Tianna Springer is poised to lead the charge in the U20 women’s4x400mfinal.
CWI President, CEO respond following backlash from Barbados
Cr
Indies (CWI)
President Dr Kishore Shallow and CEO
Chris Dehring recently responded after Barbados
following the decision to
Kensington Oval off the
2026 host venues for all regional and international games. During the latest episode of the Mason and Guest show which featured both Dehring and Shallow, among others, the CWI president first addressed a number of topics following the financial reconstruction of cricket across the
Caribbean,whichseemingly will affect all territories in a numberofways.
Touching on the latest comment made by former Minister in the Ministry of financeinTrinidad,Mariano Browne, regarding the 2025 CWI Financial Report that he stated was a “PR Document”’ made out of
“ignorance”, Shallow said BrowneneverreadtheAudit Report and was wrong to make such a comment Meanwhile, CWI CEO, ChrisDehring,anotherguest alongside Shallow on the Mason Show, chimed in on Browne’s comment citing it asunfortunate.
In his defense, Browne
CWI CEO Chris Dehring
said he was sticking to his position that it was a PR Document and had nothing toapologisefor Dehring also disagreed with Barbados Cricket
Association (BCA) President,CalvinHope,who recently lashed out at the CWIforthecurrentselection process; with Dehring responding by saying that Barbados over the last five yearshasseenalotofcricket playedthere.
Dr Shallow summed up that the rising costs associated with hosting games across multiple venueswithintheCaribbean has basically become unsustainable from a financialperspective.
The comments were in response to Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley recently highlighting a shift in Barbados’ cricket
CWI President, Dr. Kishore Shallow
strategicplans.
Her comments followed after CWI confirmed the legendary Kensington Oval was cut from all regional Tests, ODIs and T20Is for 2026.
The upcoming home series against Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan, bowls off in June and ends August but will only be hosted by Jamaica,Antigua, Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana.
The Prime Minister made it clear that Barbados can no longer rely solely on CWI to push the sport’s developmentalendeavors.
Shallow expressed disappointment with Mottley’s position on the situation,furtheraddingthat Barbados could have footed the bill which would have then allowed them to host games.
Port Mourant Easter Cup horse race rescheduled to April 26
Due to heavy rainfall across the ancient county of Berbice, the Port Mourant Turf Club Easter Cup horse race is postponed to Sunday April26.
They were also engagementstohosttherace on April 12 but a final decisionwasmadeforApril 26.
The organizers explored all possible options to host the race but the weather did notallowsuch.
The event was also relocatedfromPortMourant to the Kennard Memorial Turf Club in an attempt to save the race day; and the date was shifted for Easter Sunday
However, despite these efforts,thepersistentrainfall continued without relief, preventing the track from drying sufficiently to host the event safely at both tracks.
Accordingtoorganizers, the safety of horses and jockeys remains paramount, along with ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for our spectators.
“Wesincerelyapologize for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding and continued support,” the organizerssaid.
A total of 11 races, includingthejockeydash,is ontheeventscard.
This next race day is of greatimportanceasitmarks the second nomination day fortheGuyanaCup,whichis slated for August 23 at a venuetobeannounced.
According to the provisional programme, for the Easter Cup, horses will run at approximately one mile in the feature race and thetotalpursefortheraceis $4million.
Leeds draw Chelsea, Man City face Southampton in FA Cup semis
Leeds last reached the FACup semi-finals in 1987 (Getty Images)
(BBC Sport) - Leeds United will play Chelsea at Wembley after reaching the FA Cup semi-finals for the firsttimein39years.
liftedthetrophyfortheonly timein1972.
Their meeting with eight-time winners Chelsea willalsostirupmemoriesof the1970showpiecebetween thesides,inwhichtheBlues triumphed after a replay at Old Trafford - the first FA Cup final at that time to requireonesince1912.
This year’s ties will be played at Wembley on the weekendof25-26April.
LeedsdefeatWestHam
The Hammers went into the shootout with 20-yearold Finlay Herrick in goal after Alphonse Areola was injuredlateoninextratime.
convert his spot-kick for West Ham, with Pablo also having an effort saved by Lucas Perri before Pascal Struijk scored the decisive penalty,withLeedswinning theshootout4-2.
Leeds had been 2-0 ahead with 90 minutes on the clock, but 11 minutes
followed and West Ham scored twice through Mateus Fernandes and Axel Disasi to force extra time.
following a deflected opener from Ao Tanaka and a Dominic CalvertLewinpenalty
Daniel Farke’s side beat Premier League relegation rivals West Ham 4-2 on penalties to progress after a thrilling 2-2 draw on Sunday.
Last year’s beaten finalists Manchester City will take on Championship side Southampton in the othersemi-final.
The Saints, whose only FACuptriumphwasbackin 1976, stunned Premier League leaders Arsenal on Saturday to set up the encounter with seven-time winnersCity.
LeedslastreachedtheFA
Cup last four in 1987, when they were beaten 3-2 by eventual winners Coventry City at Hillsborough, and
Herrick,whohadafourmonth loan spell with fifthtier Boreham Wood earlier this season, was making his first senior appearance for the Hammers, and he saved fromJoelPiroe.
But England forward Jarrod Bowen then immediately failed to
Despite West Ham taking the game to a shootout, the visitors were the ones to triumph to secure a semi-final at Wembley, where Chelsea willawaitthem.
Shami sets up LSG victory before Pant fifty takes them home
(Cricinfo) - Mohammed
Shami’s miserly 2 for 9 and R i s h a b h P a n t ’ s uncharacteristichalf-century helped Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) open their account in IPL2026 as they beat Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by five wickets in Hyderabad.
After Pant put SRH in, Shami dealt the early blows by dismissing Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head cheaply He bowled three overs in the powerplay, and was done with his quota by theendoftheninthover Ishan Kishan and Liam Livingstone didn’t last long either,leavingSRHon26for 4intheeighthover Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy rescued them by adding 116 in 63 balls - the highest fifth-wicket partnership for SRH. The previous record, of 82, was set in the previous game by these two very batters. But
Avesh Khan and co came back strongly in the death overs to restrict SRH to 156 for9.
Come the chase, Aiden Markram’s 45 off 27 balls gave LSG the desired start. But the pitch wasn’t conducivetostrokeplay,and LSG kept losing wickets at regular intervals. In the end, itcamedowntonineneeded fromthefinaloverwithPant on strike. He had barely
looked fluent until then but found two fours off the first twoballsoffJaydevUnadkat tolevelthescores.Twodots later, Pant lofted one over mid-offtosealtheresult.
Shami,Princeleave
SRHindisarray
Bowling against his former team, Shami struck twiceinhisfirstsevenballs.
On the last ball of his opening over, he had Abhishek caught at short thirdwithanoffcutter Then, withthefirstballofhisnext, Shami outfoxed Head with
Markramtookadivingcatch atmid-offonthisoccasion.
In the following over, Prince Yadav uprooted Kishan’s off stump with an inswingertomakeit11for3.
Livingstone fell soon after HetriedtolapDigveshRathi but ended up deflecting the ball onto his shoulder Pant, whowasmovingtowardsthe legside,divedtohisrightto complete a one-handed catch.
Klaasen,Reddy reviveSRH
Forthesecondgameina row,KlaasenandReddyhad to revive SRH’s innings.
Theystartedslowlyandtook SRH to 35 for 4 after ten overs - it was the fourthlowest total by a team in the IPL at the halfway mark. SRH had hit only one four and one six until then, but after that, Klaasen and Reddy took the attack to the opposition. They plundered 79 runs inthenextfiveovers.
Klaasen, who was dropped on 19 by Mukul ChoudharyoffMSiddharth, brought up his fifty off 33 balls.Reddytookonly30to get to his. After 16 overs, SRH were 123 for 4, and wouldhavebeeneyeing170 -probablyevenmore.
LSG’scomeback LSG’s bowlers brought them back into the contest with some excellent death bowling.Reddyholedoutto sweeper cover off Siddharth in the 17th over In the next, Klaasenwentforareverse
(Continuedonpage23)
Dehring pushing for cost-efficient restructuring of regional game Time for an overhaul…
(Trinidad Express)Cricket West Indies (CWI) chiefexecutiveofficerChris Dehring believes the time is rightforacompleteoverhaul of the region’s domestic cricket structure as the organisation grapples with rising costs and a changing globallandscape.
Dehring, speaking during a recent CWI news conference, revealed that CWI has already begun changing up its domestic competitions to make them more efficient, productive a n d a l i g n e d w i t h internationaldemands.
“We have to re-engineer everything,” he admitted, pointing to the inclusion of cricket in multi-sport events such as the Pan American Games and Olympic Games as the catalyst for the evolution of the game in the Caribbean.
A major factor driving thechangesistheexpansion ofglobalmulti-sportevents, which now require structured qualification pathways.
“We have the Pan Am Games We have the
Olympic qualification processthatwe’realsogoing to have to incorporate,” Dehringexplained. Thatintegration,hesaid, will fundamentally change how domestic seasons are structured moving forward, with CWI ultimately overseeing the qualification pathway for individual countries who are eligible through their Olympic Committeeaffiliation.Atthe sametime,financialrealities are forcing a rethink of how resourcesareallocated.
“Wehavetofindamuch more cost-efficient way howwespendourmoneyon domestic tournaments,” he said. Dehring pointed out that in the 1960s, there was just one format of the game and thus one format for regional competition. But since then, the number of competitions has grown dramatically with the 50overandT20formatsaswell as the introduction of women’s cricket. However, he lamented that all this has happened without a corresponding increase in revenue. “Fifty years later
we now have over 25 tournaments but the economics have not necessarilychanged.”
Logisticalchallenges
Dehringalsohighlighted the unique logistical challenges faced by CWI compared to other cricket boards, noting that travel between Caribbean territories significantly increasesoperationalcosts.
“When you move from onevenuetothenext...itwill c o s t u p w a r d s o f US$250,000,” he said Despite those challenges, Dehring is confident that a restructured system will betterservebothplayersand theorganisation.
“It’s time to have a serious re-look,” he said, noting that the region’s biggest challenge is not a lack of talent, but the absence of a structured system to consistently develop it. He said that the inconsistencyofWestIndies teamsstemsfromgapsinthe development pipeline rather thanability
“Whatwedon’thaveare the facilities and the
production pipeline that can hone this talent from six yearsold,”heexplained.
According to Dehring,
t h e a b s e n c e o f a comprehensive system —
spanning coaching, infrastructure and long-term training limits the region’s ability to produce consistently high-level performers. As a result,
West Indies Women were recently whitewashed at home by Australia in both the T20I and ODI series.
flashes of brilliance often emerge without sustained success.
“Every once in a whilethatrawathletictalent comes to the fore,” he said, pointing to the West Indies’ recent run in the ICC T20 WorldCup.
Newattemptat betterstructure
To address the issue, he saidCWIwillbefocusingon
building a more structured pathway that nurtures players from grassroots to internationallevel.
He also revealed that consultations with past and present players have been central to shaping a new approach, including discussions around the resourcesavailableto
(Continuedonpage23)
Prince Yadav’s inswinger knocked over Ishan Kishan (BCCI)
GMR&SC adds female class to April 11
Dexterity and Auto Expo
Georgetown, Guyana (April 5, 2026) — The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) has added a dedicated female class for its upcoming Dexterity and AutoExpo,withregistration ongoing.
Theevent,scheduledfor April 11 at the National Track and Field Centre’s parking lot in Edinburgh, is already attracting growing interest from competitors andenthusiasts.
Organisers say the addition of a female category represents a meaningful step toward ensuring that more women feel welcomed and encouragedtocompete.
A club spokesperson noted that fostering female participationisakeypriority fortheorganisation.
“Motorsport has traditionally been male dominated,butwewantto change that narrative It’s important for us to create opportunities where women feel comfortable entering and competing, and the female class is one of the wayswe’redoingthat.”
The spokesperson added that the initiative aligns with the club’s wider vision of making m o t o r s p o r t m o r e accessible to a diverse audience.
“Inclusivity is critical to the growth of the sport We want to ensure that a n y o n e w i t h a n interest regardless of gender—has a pathway to getinvolved.”
Sponsored by ENET, GUYOIL,andCastrol,the Dexterity and Auto Expo will combine competitive
Golden start, silent Sunday for Guyana at CARIFTA Games
BYRAWLETONEY
Guyana’spromisingstart tothe53rdCARIFTAGames in St. George’s, Grenada, lost momentum on Sunday, astheteamenduredamedal droughtonDayTwoafteran impressive five-medal haul ontheopeningday
Buoyed by three gold medals in the U20 men’s (Malachi Austin) and women’s 400m (Tianna Springer) events, along with a dominant Mixed 4x400m relay performance, Guyana had also collected a silver andabronzetositamongthe earlyleaders.
engagement activities.
Registration is currently open at the club’s Thomas Lands’ office and online, withorganisersencouraging early sign-ups as interest continuestobuild.
Unlike traditional racing format
emphasize speed and en
dexterity competition will focus on precision,control, andtechnicalskill.
Participants will be required to navigate a series of obstacle courses
accuracy
Organisers indicated that six to seven course configurations are being c o n s i d e r e d , w i t h competitors aiming to complete each in the fastest possibletime.
Classes will follow a structuresimilartoendurance racingcategories 0–1500cc,
unlimited with separate divisions for cars and motorcycles, in addition to thenewlyintroducedfemale class.
Beyond the dexterity competition, the event will feature a range of motorsport attractions, includingracingchallenges, motorcycle stunt riding, competitive go-karting, and driftingexhibitions.
Anautoexpowillfollow the competition, providing patrons with an opportunity to interact with drivers and viewavarietyofvehiclesup close.
Admission is set at $2,000, with gates opening at16:00hrs.
However,despiteseveral spirited efforts on Sunday at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium, the podium remainedoutofreach.
Thedaywasnotwithout encouraging signs, particularly in the middledistance events, where severalathletesbookedspots
…Guyana eyes 800m, 4x400m relay gold on final day
Olivia Solomon had a sensational run to win her Heat in the U17 girls 800m at the CARIFTA Games (Shaconeil Burnette photo)
intoday’sfinals. In the Boys U17 800m, Bryson Anderson advanced after finishing third in SectionThreewithatimeof 2:00.70s.
He will be joined in the spotlightbyOliviaSolomon, who produced a confident runtowinSectionOneofthe Girls Under-17 800m in 2:13.39s, booking her place inthefinal.
(Continuedonpage23)
Jermaine Shepherd narrowly missed out on qualification in the Boys U17800m,finishingfourth
Javon Roberts celebrates after winning his pre-lims in the Men's U20 800m at the CARIFTAGames (Shaconeil Burnette photo)
The Easter Cup horse race is rescheduled toApril 26
