Kaieteur News

Exxon refuses to tell Guyanese cost of Ogle HQ

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) has relocated its operations to a spanking new three-story building it now calls its Headquarters (HQ) which sitsonamassive15-acreplot at Ogle, overseeing the new Highway The company

moved in over 500 employees to the facility beingpaidforbyGuyanabut is reluctant to disclose the pricetag. In fact, the company

being paid for with

country's oil

...says company only shares “appropriate” information

ExxonMobil's

made it clear that it would only disclose information it deems“appropriate”. The company's Vice President and Business Services Manager, John Collingwasaskedtoprovide thenationwiththecostofthe HQ which the company moved into since February 2025. Instead of stating the

Exxon'sVPandBusiness ServicesManager, John Colling

cost, Colling directed the media to the company's financialsfor2025,wherehe explained that an “approximate” figure could beviewedandcalculated.

“Thecostofthisfacility is included in our financial statements. You'll see them on page 11. It's included as additions to plant property and equipment under buildings and vehicles for 2025...howeverthisbuilding represents the bulk of that cost, ” Exxon's Vice Presidentcasuallysaid.

He added that the figure representedwas“alittleover GY$20B” but only covers Exxon's 45% interest in the Stabroek Block. Hess holds 30%, while CNOOC controls the remaining 25% share.

In response to his explanation, Kaieteur News insisted that the country needs to know the final cost of the facility rather than a proportionate figure that includesothercosts.

“What we want is the cost of the facility, not per partner or included with vehicle costs- the overall cost of the structure,” a seniorreporterurged.

To this end, Colling added,“Correctandyoucan largely estimate that based on what we've disclosed in our footnote to our financial statements.”

Whenaskedbluntlywhy thecompanywasreluctantto sharethecostoftheHQ,the VP explained, “We

ultimately share a level of detail that we think is appropriate under IFRS thereisalotofdetailinthere andthatincludesIwouldsay a very close approximation ofthecostofthisfacility.”

In November 2025 Exxon disclosed that its operationswereinfullswing following the relocation from its cramped former Duke Street, Kingston, Georgetownoffice.

When asked about the cost of the HQ at that time, Exxon's Country Manager AlistairRoutledgesaid,“We are in the process of finalising the spend as we closeout the project, but the final number will not be available until early next year However, we expect that the final cost will be consistent with what we budgetedandcommunicated tothegovernment.”

It was previously reported that the cost of the facilityquestionablyjumped from just around US$50 million to US$160 million eventhoughthedesignofthe structureremainedthesame. Concernswereraisedbythe then Shadow Natural Resources Minister, David Patterson.

The former Minister of PublicInfrastructureargued: “In 2020, the project was under US$52 million or thereabout in total. It's now US$160 Nothing has changed They are still building; I checked my (Continuedonpage6)

Study to assess oil sector labour shortage to be completed this year —Routledge

Ex x o n M o b i l G u y a n a ' s C o u n t r y

Manager, Alistair

Routledge, has announced that a major industrial

b a s e l i n e s t u d y commissioned by the company to assess labour shortagesinGuyana'soiland gassectorwillbecompleted beforetheendofthisyear Routledge made the disclosure on Wednesday while addressing attendees at the Handover Ceremony fortheLetterofApprovalof LocalContentPlans,heldat DukeLodge.

He acknowledged that while the number of Guyanese employed in the sector has grown steadily, the industry continues to facesignificantchallengesin sourcing local workers with the advanced skills and educational qualifications thesectordemands.

"As we look forward, I truly believe that the education sector, whether it be vocational education or professional education, is going to be a critical part," Routledge said "In fact,

E x x o n M o b i l h a s commissioned an industrial

baseline study that will be completedlaterthisyear."

The study is designed to givethecompany—andby extension, the broader industry — a clearer picture of the current state of Guyana's workforce Specifically,itwillassessthe baseline capacity of the existing labour pool,

Dutch disease — that one industry doesn't rob the capacity from the rest of the economy and end up becoming a detriment to the long-term sustainability of theeconomy

evaluate what additional training educational institutions can realistically delivertoraisethatcapacity, and map out the projected demand for workers — not only within oil and gas, but across other sectors of the economyaswell.

That last point, Routledge stressed, is critical to ensuring that the rapid growth of the energy sector does not come at the expense of the wider economy — a phenomenon widely referred to as the "Dutchdisease."

"That's critical to understand if we're to avoid what many have called the

So, it is critical that we are bringing education and the workforce in its entirety into the conversation," he said.

The labour shortage concern is not limited to the privatesector

As this publication reported in February, Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken sounded the alarm over a growing retention crisis within the GuyanaPoliceForce(GPF), directly linking it to the allureoftheboomingoiland gasindustry.

Speaking at the opening of the Police Officers' C

competition from the lucrative energy sector has madeitincreasinglydifficult

to retain officers within the Force even as it undergoes wide-ranging reforms and expands its ranks beyond the required quotaof5,557personnel.

He noted that despite meaningful progress including women now comprising 44% of the GPF retention remains a persistent and pressing challenge, particularly in hinterland and riverain

c

compoundtheproblem.

R o u t l e d g e ' s announcement suggests that the private sector is now takingamorestructuredand

ExxonMobilGuyana'sCountry Manager, Alistair Routledge

data-driven approach to confrontingthesechallenges — one that could, if acted upon, help shape education andworkforcepolicyforthe countryasawhole.

KaieteurNews

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

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

EDITORIAL

GCCI and trade with China

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has made an important and timely intervention by engagingtheChineseEmbassyovercomplaintsfromlocal businessesaboutsuppliersinChina.

As trade between Guyana and China accelerates at a breathtaking pace, mechanisms must be put in place to protect Guyanese businesses from fraud, poor-quality productsandunfairbusinesspractices.

This is not a minor issue. It goes to the heart of how Guyana will manage one of its most important trading relationshipsintheyearsahead.

ChinahasemergedasoneofGuyana’smostsignificant economic partners. Bilateral trade reportedly surged to almostUS$2.9billionin2025,morethandoublingwithina year and cementing China’s position as Guyana’s thirdlargest trading partner Chinese companies are involved in major infrastructure projects and investments continue to flowintoGuyanaatanunprecedentedrate.

Butincreasedtradecannotmeanincreasedvulnerability

The complaints highlighted by GCCI are troubling but not surprising Businesses reported instances where suppliers became unreachable after payments were made. Others said products delivered were vastly different from what was ordered. Such experiences are not unique to Guyana. Businesses around the world have encountered similar challenges when dealing with unscrupulous operatorswhoexploitthevastnessofinternationaltrade.

The difference is that Guyana is now moving quickly from being a small market to becoming a country of considerable economic significance. That means our businessesareengaginginlargertransactions,takingbigger risks and exposing themselves to greater financial losses whenthingsgowrong.

ThisiswhytheGCCIdeservescommendationforacting proactivelyratherthanwaitingfortheproblemtospiralout ofcontrol.

Theproposaltodevelopalistofverifiedandlegitimate suppliers is sensible. It provides a practical layer of protection for local businesses, particularly smaller enterprisesthatmaynotpossesstheresourcesorexpertiseto thoroughly vet overseas suppliers before transferring thousandsofdollarsabroad.

At the same time, the willingness of the Chinese Embassy to investigate complaints and facilitate dispute resolution is encouraging. Diplomatic ties should not only beaboutceremonialvisitsandgrandannouncements.They should also serve ordinary businesses that are trying to conducthonestcommerce.

However,Guyanamustmakeonethingabsolutelyclear: stronger trade relations must be built on fairness, transparencyandaccountability

TheGuyanesemarketcannotbecomeadumpingground forsubstandardproducts.

Consumershavealreadyexpressedconcernsoverpoorqualitygoodsenteringthemarketfromvariouspartsofthe world. Whether it is electrical appliances, construction materials, machinery, household products or industrial equipment, Guyanese deserve products that meet proper standardsandperformasadvertised.

A cheap product that fails after a few weeks is not a bargain.Itisacostlyburden.

Likewise, businesses that spend their hard-earned capital importing goods only to discover they have been misledshouldnotbelefttofendforthemselves.Theremust be systems in placeto ensure that disputes can be resolved quicklyandthatbadactorsareidentifiedandisolated.

ThisresponsibilitydoesnotrestsolelywiththeGCCIor theChineseEmbassy Governmentagenciesalsohavearole toplay Regulatorybodiesmuststrengtheninspectionsand quality assurance systems Customs authorities and standards agencies must be adequately equipped to detect productsthatfailtomeetspecifications.

Orange economy consultation marks a promising beginning for Guyana

DEAREDITOR,

The Orange Economy Consultation held on Thursday18thJune,2026,at

represents an important milestone in Guyana’s ongoingefforttodiversifyits

sustainable pathways for

beyond the extractive industries and traditional sectors.

Ministries of Culture, Youth and Sport and Tourism, Industry and Commerce, s

recognition by Government that culture, creativity, tourism and intellectual property are not peripheral activities but legitimate economic sectors capable of generating employment, foreign exchange earnings and long-term national value.

Ministers Charles Ramson Jr , Susan Rodrigues, and Steven Jacobspresentedcompelling arguments for the importanceofthesectorand its place within Guyana’s future development agenda. Particularly noteworthy was MinisterRamson’sreminder

that the development of the Orange Economy formed partofPresidentIrfaanAli’s pre-election vision, indicating that this initiative enjoyssupportatthehighest levelsofgovernment.

Equally important was the contribution of Ruel Johnson, who outlined how the emerging Orange Economy framework aligns with the broader cultural policy that has been under development for several years His presentation highlighted the reality that a successful Orange Economy cannot exist in isolation but mustemergefromacoherent cultural policy that values creation, preservation, i n n o v a t i o n a n d commercialisation.

The consultation also demonstrated that work is already underway across s e v e r a l s e c t o r s P r e s e n t a t i o n s b y

p r a c t i t i o n e r s a n d government representatives suggested that important groundworkhasbeenlaidin areassuchastourism,music, visual arts, fashion, heritage andcreativeenterprise.

However, while the consultation succeeded in generating enthusiasm and establishing broad objectives, it also

highlightedseveralareasthat deserve further examination as the process moves forward.

Perhaps the most significant issue was the structure of the consultation itself Speakers were generally expected to provide overviews of their sectors within five-minute presentations While understandable from a programme-management perspective, this timeframe proved inadequate for meaningful exploration of many of the issues confronting the creative industries.

If this consultation process is intended to guide policy through 2030, future engagements should consider more extensive opportunities for discussion, sector-specific workshops, written submissions and broader public participation. The Orange Economy will only succeed if the people expected to drive it feel genuinely involved in shapingitsdirection.

One of the central questions that remained largely unanswered was: How will individual cultural practitionersbenefitfromthe formalisation of the Orange Economy?

While Andrew Tyndall correctly identified business registration and compliance with the Guyana Revenue Authority and National Insurance Scheme as important first steps, practitioners also need a clearer roadmap Artists, musicians, filmmakers, writers, designers and cultural entrepreneurs requirepracticalguidanceon what actions they should take today to position themselves to benefit from futureopportunities.

How does a visual artist access new markets? How does a musician monetise intellectual property? How does a filmmaker secure financing? How does a fashion designer become export-ready? These are the types of questions future consultations should seek to address.

The experience of Jamaica offers valuable lessonsinthisregard.

Long before the term “Orange Economy” became fashionable, Jamaica recognised culture as an economic asset. Beginning shortly after Independence, successive governments invested in cultural institutions,intellectual Continued on page 5

President Trump and Guyana Burnham called it massacre

DEAREDITOR,

At the home game of Knicks versus Spurs at Madison Square Garden a week ago that was attended by President Trump, he made brief spontaneous on the spot comments about Guyana. It was carried live on TV and social media. TherewasafemalewhosoughtaphotoopwiththePresident asheengagedthemedia.Trumpagreed.

When theAfro female went up to the President, he asked herwheresheisfrom.Sheresponded,Guyana.ThePresident commentedsomethinglikeJimJones,connectingthecountry withthatnotoriousincidentin1978thattookhundredsoflives inamasssuicideormurderinthejungleofourthenunknown country Then Trump stated, I love Guyana. Trump’s commentssuggestthatthePresidenthasgoodmemoryabout someknowledgeofGuyana.HemetPresidentAlilastMarch in Miami and knows about our issues with Venezuela and security. Guyana should strengthen ties with USA, even becomingsomekindofally.Underthispresidency,wecould get visa waiver to travel toAmerica if we cultivate a strong relationship.

Yourstruly, VishnuBisram

Guyana’seconomyisexpandingrapidlyandinternational trade relationships are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Our institutions must evolve accordingly The reality is that Guyana needs China, and China clearly sees Guyana as an importantpartner

Thatisnotarelationshipthatshouldbeunderminedbya handful of dishonest suppliers. In fact, it is in China’s own interest to ensure that confidence in its products and businessesremainsstrong.

The GCCI’s intervention sends an important message:

DEAREDITOR,

It was Forbes Burnham who, speaking in the Legislative Assemblyon3rdJune1964,describedtheviolenceatWismar asa“massacre.”

RoopnauthHardyal

THE SQUIRREL

ItwasthefirsttimeIsawasquirrelcloseup

Itwasontherailofthepatiodeck

Itwasamagnificentlittlebeautyofitsworld

Searchingfortidbitswithurgency

Ifelttheurgetoholdit,petit,andenjoy

Butinsecondshedescendedandwasgone Iwasleftgazingatitsinvestigatoryground Marvelingatitspleasantexistence,

OrwasIwronginhearttoreachout

Tothislittlemysteryofmine?

ByKrishnaNandPrasad

Guyanese businesses are not alone and they should not be expectedtoabsorbavoidablelossesinsilence. As Guyana’s economic profile continues to rise, our standardsmustrisewithit.Moretrademustnevermeanless protection.

IfGuyanaistobuildaprosperousfuturewithChinaasone ofitskeytradingpartners,thatfuturemustbefoundedonfair trade, reliable suppliers and quality products that Guyanese can trust. Anything less would be a disservice to both countriesand,moreimportantly,totheGuyanesepeople.

Orange economy...

Frompage4 propertysystems,musicdevelopment,festivalinfrastructure and international cultural branding. Over several decades, they created an ecosystem that allowed talent to move from creationtocommercialisation.

Importantly, Jamaica’s success was not built solely upon talentedindividuals.Itwasbuiltuponindustrydevelopment. The country’s global reputation in music, for example, emerged because governments, educators, promoters, producers, broadcasters, intellectual property agencies and investors all played complementary roles in creating an enablingenvironment.

This lesson emerged repeatedly during the consultation. Natural talent alone is not enough. Talent flourishes when supported by strong institutions, training opportunities, financingmechanisms,marketaccessandlegalprotections.

Asecond important theme was the need for broad-based skillsdevelopment.

Particularly within the music industry, several presenters emphasisedthatGuyanacannotbuildagloballycompetitive creative sector without investing in youth development and technical training. Successful creative economies require a pipeline of performers, technicians, producers, broadcasters and media managers, marketers, writers, educators and entrepreneurs.

A third and perhaps most urgent issue was the need to modernise Guyana’s intellectual property legislation. The currentframeworktracesitsrootstolegislationdevelopedin 1956,longbeforetheemergenceoftheinternet,socialmedia, digital streaming platforms and artificial intelligence. Any seriousefforttodeveloptheOrangeEconomymustincludea modern intellectual property regime capable of protecting creatorsandgeneratingcommensuratefineswhilefacilitating innovationandcommercialgrowth.

Anotherareadeservinggreaterattentionismeasurement.

One of the most significant lessons from Jamaica’s experienceisthatwhatgetsmeasuredgetsfunded.

Jamaica invested heavily in mapping its cultural and creative industries, collecting data on employment, business activity, exports, intellectual property earnings and tourism impacts. This allowed policymakers to quantify the sector’s contributionandjustifycontinuedinvestment.

Guyanamustdothesame.

If we are serious about achieving the ambitions outlined for 2030, then comprehensive data collection, storage and archiving, and sector mapping, and the ability for retrieval mustbecomepriorities.Wecannoteffectivelyplan,investor evaluateprogresswithoutunderstandingwhoourcreatorsare, wheretheyoperate,howtheyearnincomeandwhatbarriers theyface.

The concept of “Brand Guyana” was also referenced throughout the discussions as a vehicle for international marketing. While this is important, it should be recognised thatinmanycreativesectorsinternationalrecognitionisoften built through individual excellence The success of internationallyrecognisedartistsfrequentlycreatespathways for wider recognition of a country’s creative community Nationalbrandingandindividualachievementmusttherefore workhandinhand.

As Guyana embarks on this journey, we should not feel compelled to reinvent the wheel. Jamaica’s decades-long experience provides a valuable blueprint, demonstrating the importance of institutional support, intellectual property protection, talent development, international marketing and rigorousmeasurement.

At the same time, Guyana’s Orange Economy must ultimately reflect Guyana’s unique cultural landscape, demographics,traditionsandopportunities.

The consultation at theArthur Chung Conference Centre should therefore be viewed not as a conclusion but as the beginning of a national conversation. Future consultations must broaden participation, deepen discussion and provide clearerpathwaysforstakeholderengagement.Thesuccessof the Orange Economy will depend not only on government policy but on the collective contributions of artists, entrepreneurs, educators, investors, communities and citizens.

IcommendtheGovernmentfortakingthisimportantfirst step and look forward to a more expansive and inclusive process as Guyana works toward building a vibrant, sustainableandgloballycompetitiveOrangeEconomy

Yoursfaithfully, RusselLancaster

Whoever is designing the roads must have a real understanding of the demographics in every area

DEAREDITOR,

One of the major problems in GuyanaisaBureaucracythatgenerally does not listen. The Ministries, in additiontoutilisingDPIalsohavetheir own PR. But these PR seem not to pay attentiontotheLettercolumntogetthe views of people. Many critical letters could be excellent advice. Fact is most Ministers do not know their Ministries and usually they employ friends or people they trust and who may not be capable of giving creative advice so theyenjoytheperksandgothroughthe routine.Iwroteanumberoftimesabout making traffic education part of the curriculum of fifth formers as they are the future drivers, it seems that the Government is finally doing this However, I would like them to do beyond the traffic book and invite persons who can give lectures beyond

thebasicandthatisteachstudentsabout defensive driving., how to react in differentsituations.

I also wrote about the dangerous intersection in Berbice i.e., the Canje andCorentynePublicroads.Iseeworks thereandIamthinkingtheyareputting aroundabout.

TodayIwanttoraisetheissueofthe median on the roads. It is my opinion that whoever is designing the roads must have a real understanding of the demographics in every area so they would know where to put the break in themediantoallowvehiclestocross.

I am looking at the median in the Coldingen, Enterprise, Melanie area. There is a break in the median on the Coldingen Intersection.The next break isatDazzleHousingScheme.Between the two are huge schemes, Coldingen, Block 12 Non Pariel, Enterprise

Housingschemeandanotherschemeas one drives towards the airstrip, Imax Scheme,BareRootandMelanie.

After Melanie, there is a main road thatcantakeonetoMelanie,Enterprise andBareRoot.Thiswasblockedbythe median. It means that all traffic would be forced to go through the break at Coldingen and then utilise the residential streets for passage to the various schemes. This would increase risk to people especially children in these areas. Also, those streets will come under severe pressure from an increased flow of traffic including the bigtrucksandwouldbedamaged.

I stop here and only hope that the authorities take a look at the area and makesomechangesthatwouldeasethe situation.

Regards,

RajendraBisessar

Lebanon ceasefire agreed after

US-Iran talks in Switzerland scrapped

DUBAI/WASHINGTO

N,June19(Reuters)-Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon on Friday after an escalation in fighting there jeopardised the chances of an interim agreementonendingthewar in Iran turning into a lasting MiddleEastpeacedeal.

U S -Iran talks in Switzerland planned for Fridaywereearliercalledoff as fighting flared in Lebanon, creating new uncertainty about the timing of negotiations vital to ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping.

TheWhiteHousedidnot giveadetailedreasonforthe postponement, but said in a statementonThursdaynight that the logistics of the negotiations “have never beensimpleorpredictable.”

U.S. President Donald TrumplatertoldNBCNews he had spoken with Israel and asked it to agree to the ceasefire.

“You just gotta calm down sometimes and use your head,” Trump was quotedassayingbyanNBC reporter on X, who added that the president had declined to specify whether he spoke with Israeli Prime

Minister Benjamin Netanyahudirectly

A senior U.S. official said the ceasefire came into effect around 4 p m Lebanon time (1300 GMT) following an exchange of fire, adding that negotiators for the U.S. and Qataris had

worked out the ‘agreement withhelpfromIran.

Two sources from Iranaligned Hezbollah and a senior Israeli official confirmed the ceasefire to Reuters.

“If Hezbollah does not attackus,thenforusitisnot a time of war,” the Israeli official said, adding that Israel would keep its forces in southern Lebanon, where ithasoccupiedanareaalong Israel’snorthernborder

Two Lebanese security sources said Israel had carriedoutadozenairstrikes in the first hour of the ceasefire but none were recordedafter5p.m.

Lebanon’s health ministry said Israeli strikes after midnight into Friday had killed 47 people and wounded 97, while the

Smoke billows from southern Lebanon following an Israeli strike, as seen from Nabatieh, southern Lebanon, June 19, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer

Israeli military said four soldiershadbeenkilledinan incidentinLebanon,without givingfurtherdetails.

The conflict in Lebanon could weigh on negotiations because ending fighting there is a condition for the broaderU.S.-Iranaccord.

TOUGH ISSUES STILL UNRESOLVED

A memorandum of understanding signed this weekbytheIranianandU.S. presidents left discussion of Iran’s nuclear programme and other tough issues until later,givingthesides60days to reach a lasting agreement orextendtheinterimdeal.

Preparations for technical talks to start in the Swiss mountaintop resort of Buergenstock were far advanced when the White HousesaidonThursdaythat

fronts,includinginLebanon.

Israel, left out of the talks, says it is not party to thedeal.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, in a phone call with his Pakistani counterpart on Friday, said the U S would be responsibleforanyviolation ofitscommitmentsunderthe deal, including ending the fighting in Lebanon, his ministrysaid.

NEW ROUND OF ISRAEL-LEBANON

TALKS DISCUSSED

discussed holding a next round of Israel-Lebanon negotiations in Washington onJune23-25.TheLebanese presidency said a comprehensive ceasefire was a fundamental pillar for thesetalks.

TRUMP DEFENDS INTERIM DEAL

U S Vice President JD Vance had dropped plans to attend.

The Swiss foreign ministry said the talks had been postponed and that Switzerland remained ready to facilitate them and the relevant preparatory work wascontinuing.

The broad interim deal requires the United States, Iran and their allies to declare an immediate and permanent termination of military ‘operations on all

Lebanonwassuckedinto the regional war when Hezbollah opened fire at IsraelonMarch2,prompting Israel to launch an offensive againstthegroupandinvade thesouthofthecountry

Lebanese President JosephAouncondemnedthe latest Israeli attacks but said the escalation would not hinder efforts to reach a comprehensiveceasefire.

T h e U S S t a t e

Department said Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to Aoun and reiterated the need to disarm Hezbollah while reaffirming U S support for a “fully `sovereign”Lebanesestate.

It said they also

The Iran war, which began on February 28 with U.S.andIsraeliairattackson Iran,haskilledatleast7,000 people, mostly in Iran and Lebanon. It also pushed up energy prices, stoking inflationworldwide.

Brentcrudetickedhigher onFriday,butstayedsetfora weekly fall of around 8% after the Lebanon ceasefire, and ‘oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz picked up after the signing of this week’sdeal.

Thestraitcarriednearlya fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas supplies before it was blockadedbyIranduringthe war

The body set up by Iran to manage the strait said on Friday it would waive planned fees during the interim deal’s negotiation period.TheMoUforesees

Continued on page 9

ExxonrefusestotellGuyanese...

Frompage2 recordsandIfoundthewrite up.It'sthesame500persons will be housed there. They haven't added on an extra floor, they haven't added on an extra building, it's the same thing and he (VP Bharrat Jagdeo) simply allowsExxontosaytheyare nowgoingtospendUS$160 million on a headquarters andhedefendsitandsaysthe

changed.”

PresidentofExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge toldmembersofthemediaat a press conference back in February 2023 that the US$160 million office complexwouldberecovered out of cost oil, meaning Guyana will foot the expenses to construct its localheadquarters.

Since the building was completed however, the company has not revealed the final price tag of the facility

A contract was awarded to NABI/KCL Oilfield Construction Services Guyana in 2019 for the construction of the HQ at Ogle,builtona15-acreplot. According to a Request for Information issued by ExxonMobil Guyana, the scope of works include construction of two buildings; an outdoor p a v i l i o n ; p a v i n g ; landscaping; fill and storm drainage; site utilities; plumbing utilities; and electricalworks.

During a media tour of the facility on October 13, 2025, Exxon showed off selectedpartsofthebuilding and prohibited journalists from capturing certain sections of the facility, like itsnewcommandcenterthat isusedtomonitortheoiland gas operations in the StabroekBlock.

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT BLUNT

...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT ...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT ...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT

Religious leader condemns alleged rape of woman by brother-in-law as victim lives in fear

One week after she was allegedly forced into sexual acts by her husband's brother, a traumatised 26year-old woman now fears forherlife—afearthathas only deepened since her alleged attacker walked free onbail.

Lookesh Daljit, 38, a cane harvester, allegedly

enteredthewoman'shomeat around21:00hlastThursday, where he choked her and demanded sex as a birthday gift — all while her young daughter was present in the home. He was subsequently chargedwithrape.

When Daljit appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias at the Blairmont

Magistrates' Court on Tuesday,hewasnotrequired to enter a plea. He was granted $250,000 court bail and ordered to maintain a distance of at least 50 feet fromthevictimatalltimes.

But for the woman, the magistrate's order has done little to ease her terror She toldKaieteurNewsthatprior

to his arrest, Daljit had threatened her — warning that if she spoke out about what had happened, she would face consequences. His release has not only deepened her psychological traumabuthasdisruptedher dailylife.Sheisnowunable totraveltowork,astheroute toherworkplacepassesnear wheretheaccusedresides.

"Somehavejustice; somedon't"

Thecasehasdrawnsharp condemnation from a religious leader within the community, who did not mince words in calling out what he described as a deeply troubling pattern — both in the prevalence of sexual violence and in the unequal application of justice.

He noted that one need not be a legal scholar to recognisethatrapecasesare alarmingly common across Guyana, and lamented what he described as a glaring

disparity between how the law treats the privileged versusthevulnerable.

"In society, some have justice and some don't have justice. The ones who are less fortunate, they don't haveany,"hesaid.

His concerns were not abstract.Herevealedthat,to his knowledge, Daljit had committed a similar act against someone known to him — but that the case faded from public attention and was never pursued to a conclusion. That culture of silence and inaction, he warned, only emboldens perpetrators.

"Andthisguydidthisnot once, and he continue doing it. And my concern is it happenedtoone,totwo,that it can happen to many more if we do not put a stop to what is going on here. We need people to stand up, especially for the single mothers.And the law needs tobeabitbetterthanthis,"he urged.

The religious leader calledonauthoritiestoapply thelawwithconsistencyand fairness, regardless of a person's social or economic standing—andstressedthat every member of society, rich or poor, deserves equal access to justice and protection.

He also raised the alarm a b o u t t h e a d d e d vulnerability of the victim, who is responsible for the care of a young child — a reality that places both mother and child in a precarious and potentially dangerouspositionwhilethe accusedremainsfree.

"Themanisontheroad; you never know what can happen. He can do anything tothem.Ifeelthatthereisno transparencyinthelawwhen it comes to this case," he said.

Daljit is scheduled to return to court on June 29, 2026.

TEK A TASTE

Thedriverdroveto the parking spot, aligned the vehicle into one of the lanes and then shut the engine down. I opened the door so thatwecouldexit.

The scene was slightly intimidating. This was a posh location. If the service matchedthefaçade,thenthis was the perfect place to enjoy an evening in the companyoffriends.

Dining in a classy joint

was something that my friend and I looked forward to.Asweentered,wenoticed thattheinsidewasevenmore stunning than the exterior It wasaniceplace. We took a table and waitedfortheservice.Allthe while, we observed our surroundings, impressed again by what we saw. This wasprogresswethought.

It was a quiet night. There were not many patrons.Apartfromus,there

was just one couple in the joint.Itwasaslownight.

We took our seat and waited for someone to serve our table. After 10 minutes, weseemtohavebeenonour own. No one came asking what we wanted. No one seemed interested in our presence. We began to feel that perhaps the place had closed and that we had intruded.

I noticed a barman and decided to ask whether

Lebanonceasefireagreed...

Frompage6 relief for Iran from economic sanctions, the unfreezingofassetsworthtensofbillionsof dollars and immediate U.S. waivers for ‘its exports of oil. It also provides for a $300 billionreconstructionfundforIranandother financialincentives.

Trump again defended the deal after criticism in Washington, including from

some of his Republican allies in Congress whoquestionwhetherheconcededtoomuch toendawarunpopularwithmostAmericans aheadofmidtermelectionsinNovember.

“TheWarhasdiminishedIran!”hewrote insocialmediapostsonFriday,adding:“We didn’tmeetoutofdesperation,Irandid.They are FINISHED! We’ll play out the 60 days. Theygetnomoney,nottencents!”

Dem Boys Seh...

Womennahneedman!

Times changing! All ah dem men wah feeldatwomenneeddem,betterthinkagain.

Womenbecomingmoreindependent.

Lang ago, if yuh was a certain age and nah get children or gat a fellow, dem neighboursusetotalkyuhnamebehindyuh back.Demdoescallyuholdmaidandclaim howyuhmorebarrendandeSaharaDesert.

Demdoessehhowyuhgetleffpondeshelf.

Desedayssomewomenlikegetleffpon de shelf. Nuff ah dem women had bad experiencewithmen. Demfeelisbetterfuh besingledanfuhdehwithamanwahraising yuh blood pressure, and, worse yet, raising hehandponyuh.

Dem men come and use dem, and only giving dem headache and heartbreak. Dem womendecidedatisbesttobealonedanget

tiedownwithwanungratefulanddishonest partner

Nuff women nowadays dem is professionals Dem earning dem own money Andinsomecases,demmekkinmo moneydansomeman.Sodemnahneedman fuhmoney

Dem nah need man also fuh carry dem out. Dem girls coming together after wuk anddemgoingtodembarsanddembuying dem own drinks and enjoying demselves. Dem going out at nights to dinner and dem payingfuhdemownfood.Anddemdancing with one another and having a good time. Demnahneedmanfuhdancewithdem.

Demcangohomeafterdepartyandhave aniceexperience…withoutaman.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

someone would take our order

The barman was alert, pleasing and courteous. He said that someone would eventuallycometoourtable. IpleadedthatthiswaswhatI had expected 10 minutes ago. He hailed out to someonebutthepersontook no notice. He apologetically said he would see what he coulddo.

Then he asked whether I wasdining.Thatwashisway of differentiating having a drink from eating. I said we wanted to do both. He said thatsomeonewouldcomein due course Someone eventuallydidcometoserve us.

We asked for a menu. The server left to get one, forgettingtoaskwhetherwe wanted something to drink. Hecamebackwithtwowell cushionedmenus.

He waited by the table while we perused the menu andasanafterthoughtasked whetherwewantedanything to drink. We said yes and orderedaroundofbeers.

The waiter left immediately It took five minutes for the order to come. By that time, we had still not decided what to eat. We asked what was special for the night. This stumped the waiter He did not understandourquestion.We wentbacktothemenu.

The entrées were

enticing by name. We asked the waiter what he would recommend He said, “Everythingnice!”Thatwas notveryhelpful.

Intheend,wesettledfor thesamefoodandplacedthe order.We were told that one of the things we ordered from the menu was not available. We did not complain.

The food also took some time. It always does when youarereallyhungry,andwe were so hungry, we could have devoured a lion. But wild meat was not on the menuandwesettledforwhat wasordered.

When the food came, it was colder than the plate. It was laid out colourfully on the plate and looked appetising.Iwashungryand couldnotwait.Idugmyfork into the food and lifted a serving to my mouth. The foodnestledonmytongue.It tastedhorrible.

We decided that liquid refreshments would occupy the remainder of our stay But each round took a long timetocome.Afteraboutan hour,thewaitercamearound and asked whether we were okay I said, “For the time being!”

He stood his ground. He said that the shift was changingandaskedwhether I could settle the bill. I was shocked.Hewastechnically asking us to leave because

thereisnowaythattherewas goingtobeagraveyardshift thatnight.Ipaidthebilland contemplated withholding a tip since the service was lousy

A few days later while driving around, the issue of dinner was raised. Just then, we were passing a popular fast food establishment. I asked that we try the drive through.Wedid.

The service was excellent. The window staff were immensely courteous, extremely helpful and went out of their way to ensure thatwegotwhatwewanted. We never had to leave our vehicle.As we were driving off, the young lady delivering the order, wished usagoodnightandurgedus todrivesafely

T h i s w a s o n e establishment that had paid attention to treating their customersproperly Alasting impressionwasmade. The food tasted so much better And simply because oftheservice.

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

H@RD TRUTHS

Keeping my day job advising Pres. Ali

Because Pres. Ali needs the hand, I'm keeping my day job. Unpaid advisor to HEAli. It'sathanklessgig.

But for country and presidency, no sacrifice is too high. Guyana needs some standards. Plenty; with starting all over recommended.

Theleadergaveitashot. To the churches Be “society's moral compass.” And, “together, let's find the soul of this nation.” Part of thisdifficultjobistowhisper to the president what he doesn'twanttohear It'swhy many of his people last so long. TheybutterDr Aliup, to butter their own bread. Me, I am too old to change, too hardheaded to know better Bargingahead,Igo.

Mr President:therecan't be any soul to find, if there neverwasone. Orwhenthe souls that once were here

have all migrated

Respectfully:findwhat,sir?

Jesustriedtosavesomelost souls. He won some, couldn'tmovetherest. Who wants to take vows of poverty, chastity, and humility? Maybe elsewhere, but not in Guyana. Ifthatwasthebest Jesus recorded, best of luck, Excellency

In focusing (again) on being “society's moral compass ” I congratulate Pres Ali for his nifty footwork. He delegated a nontransferable section of hisjobtothechurches. Talk about resourcefulness, and it's my pleasure to introduce Mohamed Irfaan Ali. It's fine to forget the name. I'll keepmentioningit.

Frankly, the onus, the leadership, for being this “society's moral compass” begins with Guyana's First

Citizen. Humbly, that is among the president's more important, ultrasensitive, jobs. Thechiefcitizenmust be “society's moral compass.” Ireeloffafewto enhancemyadviceportfolio (and reputation). No 'sweet woman ' No outside children. No secret bank account. Onshoreoroff. No roving eye. No fast hands. No footsies under the table. No special duty-free arrangements. No putting people out of buses. No word given, then breaking them(sanctity). Awshucks, now I get everybody vex. I agree that those are more thanamoralcompass. They are the whole moral universe,forcryingoutloud. Forthosewhoinsistthatnow isnotthetimeformoralsand principles (and Pres Ali should know who to include),duetothepresence

of oil, I correct them Gently,naturally Whenever it is not the time for morals and principles, then government is what it is (leprous). Leadership deteriorates to the dogs (rabid). Standardsdiminish, shatter(dry-rot).

It's an all-weather rot considering the state of Guyana nowadays. Here's an instance of madmen in America rising to the occasion, makes Guyanese lookpitiful.

Pres.Trumpsponsoreda brawl on the White House lawns An adrenalinepumpedwinnernameHockit celebratedwithanobscenity Insulted a woman. ABlack woman.

A former First Lady Yeah, a Black woman in the White House who wasn't a maid. Mr Hockit got upset and lashed out. The British

had a suitable penalty: drawn and quartered, then burned the pieces at the stake. And,iftheskullstill remains, then display thatonapike. Forme, that's law, order, justice. Is Mr Nandlall hearing me? A mad dog Republican (and Trumpeter),DavePortnoyfromhis well-followed cyberspace Barstooldid,andletlooseon Mr Hockit. Whatanasinine

a n i m a l ! W h a t a musclebound moron! A Republican fundamentalist can do that to a UFC braindeadwhoinsultedLady Michelle Obama The Republican fanatic may not bemykindofpeople. Buthe still has a moral code. Still some class. He has risen in mybook.

Last, a tiny sidestep for

Excellency MIA Not

Motley Ali! More free advice, Dr Prezzy: whenever PPP pit-bulls foamatthemouth,showthe whites of their eyes, and lunge to maim, they maim the presidency They maim the legacy of Mohamed Irfaan Ali. They maim and disfigurethiscountry There are too many White people around. What will they think? Of Guyana, of Pres. Ali dealing with dregs and callingthosehisdamselsand deacons Try a Dave Portnoy, Mr. President Those that know better do better There's the broadest, the sturdiest, the brightest, the best of “society's moral compass”. As proclaimed, there's the pathway to fame. Or more shame.

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

Lindsayca routing US-millions for foreign workers through

payment firm, allegedly dodging tax and labour laws

Hundredsofworkersemployed on Guyana's flagship Gas-toEnergy(GTE)projectareallegedly working without valid permits and being paid through a third-party company in a system that may be circumventing Guyana's labour, immigration and tax laws, according to documents and testimony obtained by Kaieteur News

Leaked documents, digital paymentrecordsandaccountsfrom

...employees call for urgent visit by Labour Minister

A redacted view from the whistleblower's internal mobile app, exposing the digital transfer structure used to bypass official banking channels. Identifying details have been strictly obscured to protect the source's safety and livelihood.

workers suggest that foreign labourers at the Wales, West Bank Demeraraprojectareallegedlynot beingpaiddirectlybyLindsaycaor its known partners. Instead, wages are reportedly routed through an intermediarycompanyidentifiedas MOAPInc.

According to sources familiar with the arrangement, MOAP Inc. allegedly functions as a financial conduit for payroll, potentially bypassing statutory obligations, including National Insurance Scheme(NIS)contributions,while facilitating payments to hundreds ofundocumentedforeignworkers.

This publication understands that MOAP avoids a paper trail through the traditional banking system and executes bulk salary disbursements via a local digital

paymentsystem.

Kaieteur News has obtained dozens of these redacted payment confirmations,showingmillionsof dollars quietly pinging into digital wallets, completely circumventing Guyana'staxandlabourregulatory frameworks.

On the ground, workers describeutmostfear,beingtrapped in a system of dependency One worker spoke with this newspaper strictlyofftherecordoutoffearfor his safety The employee detailed the grim reality of life inside the Lindsayca-managedcamps.

According to the worker, “We, asundocumentedworkerspaidbya third party in MOAP have little recourse and are afraid for our job and income. We wish that Keoma (Continuedonpage23)

23contractorsviefor$521M SupenaamStellingUpgradeContract

Amajor infrastructure push is underway in Region Two, as 23 contractors have submitted bids to execute the planned northernextensionandgeneralupgradeofthe Supenaam Ferry Stelling a project estimatedtocostjustover$521million.

According to information from the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), the project fallsundertheMinistryofPublicWorksand carries an estimated price tag of $521,030,974.

The 23 contractors and their respective bidsareasfollows: Correia & Correia Limited who bid $532,218,358; B.KInternationalInc.-$502,811,504; MahaseConstruction-$428,652,796; MJ's Contracting & General Supplies$475,582,303; LongReach Investments & Construction Inc.-$335,078,529; DCSN Construction & General Supplies Inc.-$489,824,358;

Basheir & Son's Construction Inc.$476,070,261; S Maraj Contracting Services$399,751,903; D. Chowkai & Sons Construction$483,658,403; A&S General Contractors Inc$474,068,518; R&N Construction Services$468,175,518; Crown Road & Drainage Contractors$416,300,612; Mohamed'sExcavatingConstructionInc. -$471,639,011.

Holistic Contracting & Procurement Inc. -$490,376,027; B M Property Investments Inc$489,514,025; IvorAllen-$473,901,882; ParijanConstruction-$413,300,612; VS Engineering & Investment$445,212,104; PlatinumInvestmentsInc.(Continuedonpage21)

Rose Hall butcher dies from fractured

skull and cervical spine

A p o s t - m o r t e m examination has confirmed that Jermaine Junior Smartt, apopularbutcherfromRose Hall Town, Corentyne, died as a result of shock with cerebral haemorrhage, sustained fractures to both the skull and cervical spine — injuries consistent with the violent motorcycle collisionthatclaimedhislife earlierthisweek.

The autopsy was conducted on Friday by government pathologist Dr VivekanandBridgemohanat Bailey's Funeral Home, No. 4 Village, West Coast Berbice The body was identified by Smartt's c o u s i n , L a w r a n c e Rodrigues,inthepresenceof the police, before being released to relatives for burial.

Smartt, the sixth of nine children, lost his life

Wednesday evening along the Mibicuri Public Road,

B

, Corentyne—acollisionthat also left a 14-year-old boy seriouslyinjured. According to police

reports, Smartt was riding hismotorcycle,licenceplate CP1482,headingwestalong the road, when teenager

S

Mibicuri South, Black Bush Polder,approachedfromthe opposite direction on a

functioning headlamp. The tworiderscollided,andboth wereflungontotheroadway, sustainingseriousinjuries.

Good Samaritans at the scene swiftly transported

both victims each unconscious—tothenearby Mibicuri Public Hospital Despite receiving treatment, Smartt succumbed to his injuries at the facility He was later transferred to Bailey's Funeral Home ahead of Friday's postmortem.

Smartt

s mother, Bridgette Moore, speaking to Kaieteur News on T

d a heartbreaking picture of her son's final moments. She

— Autopsy

revealedthatshehadspoken withhimjustminutesbefore the fatal crash Moore alleged that Culpepper was riding an unregistered motorcycle — one with no lights and no functioning brakes — and that the teen hadsuddenlyveeredintoher son's path, triggering the deadlycollision.

"He was riding a naked skin bike — no lights, no brakes,"Mooresaid.

Culpepper, a student of Mibicuri Secondary School,

remains hospitalised at the No 75 Village Hospital, C

e regained consciousness shortlyaftertheaccident,his conditionislistedasserious, and he continues to receive medicalattention.

The incident has left the Rose HallTown community in mourning, as residents remember Smartt as a familiar and well-regarded figure. Investigations into the circumstances of the crashareongoing.

CitizensBankopensnewbranchinBartica

DPI - Citizens Bank on Friday commissioned its new state-of-the-art branch in Bartica, expanding financial services and strengthening support for residents and businesses acrossRegionSeven.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali joined bank officials, regional leaders andresidentsfortheopening ceremony, describing the investment as a signal of confidence in the region's

future and Guyana's continuedeconomicgrowth.

“I expect, given the dynamic leadership of

Citizens Bank and their proactive approach to service, to see a strategic plan laid out for Region Seven, how we can drive financial inclusion in all of thevillagesandcommunities across Region Seven,” he said.

Meanwhile, Managing Director and Chief

Executive Officer Clifford Reis said the opening represents more than a new building, calling it “a celebration of progress, confidenceandpartnership.”

He noted that Bartica occupies a strategic position

as the gateway to the hinterland and serves as a key hub for commerce, mining, tourism, agriculture andentrepreneurship.

Citizens Bank first established operations in Bartica on April 3, 2000, from a 938-square-foot office staffed by eight employees.Overthepast26 years, the branch expanded alongside the region's growth, prompting investment in a larger, modernfacility

SinceopeninginBartica, the branch has disbursed more than $5.5 billion in

loans to support housing, businesses, transportation, equipment purchases and o t h e r p r o d u c t i v e investments.Ofthatamount, approximately $1.8 billion wasapprovedwithinthelast fiveyearsalone.

Today, the branch serves approximately 7,000 customers throughout Region Seven The new facility includes expanded customer service areas, u p g r a d e d

technology, a drive-thru

accessibility features and a dedicated digital support

zonetoassistcustomerswith online banking services and financialeducation.

The investment also creates addi

employment opportunities, w

increasing from 9 to 17 employees.

Reis highlighted that the Bartica operation remains largely locally driven, with staff originating from and returningtoservetheregion.

During the ceremony, C

supportforhomeownership, reducing its mortgage interest rate on loans up to $30 million from 4.95 per cent to 4.6 per cent and r

registration-related costs for qualifyingborrowers.

He also invited the bank toestablishapresenceatthe planned Governm

nt ServiceCentreinKamarang to extend services to Upper and Middle Mazaruni communities.

Additionally, President Ali welcomed the investment and said the governmentlooksforwardto continuedcollaborationwith thebankingsectortodeepen financial inclusion and improve service delivery acrossRegionSeven.

“The greatest measure of any banking system is confidence. Do people trust it?Dobusinessestrustit?Do investors trust it? The answer is clear Public confidence in our banking system remains high,” he stated He added that investments such as the Bartica branch reflect confidenceinboththeregion and the country's long-term prospects.

“This new facility can only enhance the quality of service provided not only to the people of Bartica, but also to surrounding communities It signals confidence in the future of this region and confidencein thefutureofGuyana.”

Labourer charged with Attempt to Obstruct Course of Justice in Alberttown murder investigation

A36-year-oldlabourerofHoggStreet,Albouystown,has been charged withAttempt to Obstruct the Course of Justice following investigations into the alleged murder of Daintier VegasInfante.

Junior Callender was arrested on Wednesday, June 18, 2026, and formally charged the following day, Thursday He facesonecountofAttempttoObstructtheCourseofJustice, contrary to Section 330 of the Criminal Law (Offences)Act, Chapter8:01.

The charge arises from ongoing investigations into the death of Infante, who was allegedly murdered on Saturday, May 10, 2026, at Forshaw Street, Alberttown. Investigators allegethatCallenderattemptedtoobstructthecourseofjustice by falsely implicating himself in the matter, purportedly in a deliberateefforttoassumeresponsibilityonbehalfofawanted individualconnectedtothemurderinvestigation.

Callender appeared on Thursday, June 18, 2026, before Magistrate Orintha Schmidt at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court,wherethechargewasreadtohim.Hewasnotrequired to enter a pleaMagistrate Schmidt granted Callender $175,000bailandissuedafurtherorderrequiringhimtoreport tothePoliceeveryFridayat09:00hours.

ThematterhasbeenadjournedtoJuly3,2026. Investigations into the murder of Daintier Vegas Infante areongoing.

Guyana&PerusignhistoricMoUtoadvanceaviationrelations

Guyana has taken a significant step toward expanding its international aviation footprint, with the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) withtheRepublicofPeruon Thursday evening a movethatsignalsanewera of bilateral cooperation between the two South Americannations.

The MoU, described as historic by the GCAA, sets thestageforthenegotiation of a full Air Services Agreement (ASA) and associated arrangements Officialssaytheinitiativeis poised to strengthen air transport connectivity, deepen cooperation, and unlock new opportunities for economic and cultural exchange between Guyana andPeru.

The virtual signing ceremony brought together two of the region's top civil aviation officials Director General of the GCAA, Lt Col (Ret'd) Egbert Field, and Director General of the Directorate for Civil Aviation of Peru, Ms. Paola Mariella Marin Ugarte. Both officials used the occasion to underscore the significance of the milestone, emphasising its role in advancing regional i n t e g r a t i o n a n d connectivity

Under the terms of the MoU, airlines from both countries will be permitted to operate regular passenger, cargo, and mail servicesonmutuallyagreed

routes. The agreement also grants extensive traffic rights — including third, fourth, fifth, and sixth freedom rights for mixed services, and up to seventh freedomrightsforall-cargo operations These provisions are widely expected to stimulate trade, boost tourism, and strengthen people-topeopletiesbetweenthetwo nations.

"Both parties expressed satisfaction with the longstanding partnership between Guyana and Peru and reaffirmed their strong commitment to concluding an ASA that will promote shared objectives and mutual growth," the GCAA reported.

Oncefinalised,theASA willbesignedandratifiedin accordance with each country's national procedures—aprocessthat officials say will further c

relationship and provide a durable framework for aviationcooperation.

Beyond commercial aviation,theMoUreflectsa shared commitment to innovation, enhanced aviation safety standards, and the strengthening of regulatory frameworks. In doing so, it positions both Guyana and Peru as

on a distinction that carries considerable weight as the region looks to rebuild and expand connectivity in the post-pandemicera.

Minergets3years forObtaining Money byFalse Pretence

A37-year-old gold miner of Lima Sands, Essequibo Coast, was on Friday sentenced to three years and five months'

Law (Offences) Act, Chapter8:01. Alex DaGuair, was arrestedonThursday DaGuair appeared before Magistrate Teriq Mohamed at the Bartica Magistrates' Court, where the charge was read to him andhepleadedguilty

‘Spread your wings regionally’ - Min. Bharrat tells locals in oil sector

Local companies operating in the oil and gas sector are being encouraged to extend their reach regionally This call was made on Wednesday by Minister of Natural ResourcesVickramBharrat.

Minister Bharrat encouraged the local companied to venture to Trinidad and Tobago, SurinameandBrazil.Hewas at the time speaking at the Handover Ceremony for the Letter of Approval of Local Content Plans held at the Duke Lodge, Kingston, Georgetown.

“ I think the local private sector, they too deserve a big round of applause for answering, for takingtherisk,foranswering

the call, and for investing. And they have realised now that the oil and gas sector is different, different in the sense that you can't do it alone most of the time, you need partners You need partners, because we didn't have the experience, we didn'thavetheexpertise,we didn't have technology,” he said.

In this regard, locals partnered with foreign companies that brought the resources, qualities and expertiseneededtoGuyana, workingtogethertobuildout theoilandgassector

“Iwanttoencourageyou don'tstophere,Surinameour neighbour is developing their oil and gas sector

Sometimesoontheytoowill

start producing, and exploration continues there. Some of the companies involved here are also in Suriname So, why not spread your wings?” the ministerencouraged.

The minister continued: “We can have a Guyanese branded company say that we are working in Brazil oil and gas sector, or Suriname oil and gas sector. That is whatwewanttoseefromour local companies, because over the last five years we built capacity, you're fully entrenchedintheGuyanaoil andgassector.”

His comments come on theheelsofFinanceMinister Dr Ashni Singh urging Guyanese business owners to pursue investment and

expansion opportunities overseas, arguing that local companiesshouldfollowthe exampleofforeigninvestors who continue to flock to Guyana's rapidly growing economy

Last month, while addressingthePrivateSector Commission's 34th Annual General Meeting at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Dr. Singh said Guyanese businesses should begin positioning themselves beyond the domestic market and seek to establish a presence in regional and internationaleconomies.

“I will tell you all of the big regional conglomerates, all of the big regional conglomerates started as a family-owned business, or

asfamily-ownedbusinesses.

The big regional giants like Massy Regional giants today, they all started as family-owned businesses within a single domestic jurisdiction Through consolidation and strategic partnerships, through active pursuit of regional markets, they have now grown and expandedintolargeregional conglomerateswithnotonly a regional footprint but a globalfootprint,”hesaid.

Dr Singh's appeal may raise questions among some local business owners who argue that many sectors within Guyana's own economy have become increasingly dominated by foreign companies and workers, leaving local firms s

opportunities in their home

unprecedented economic growth.

That reality has fueled concerns about whether Guyanese businesses should first be given a stronger foothold at home before being encouraged to seek expansionabroad.

The finance minister reminded that the vision President Irfaan Ali has for Guyana is one where Guyanesecompanieswillbe the next big regional conglomerate, having a global footprint as many others like Trinidad and

Tobago, Barbados and Jamaica which had emerged inapreviousera.

“…we must fix the roof while the sun is shining and not when it begins to rain”, the minister said noting that as far as things on the economic side are concerned, the sun in Guyana is currently shining brightlyandintherightway on the business community “So, from that perspective it isbesttofixtheroof”.

“For us to continue to grow in the manner that we have been growing, and for us to realise the potential to which we refer, it is absolutely imperative that wearegloballycompetitive, that we not only secure transactions and deals and contracts, but that we are abletodeliverthematworldclassqualityandworld-class efficiency,”hesaid.

Zeelugt man on $100k bail for drug trafficking

A 22-year-old operator from Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo, was on Friday charged with possession of narcoticsforthepurposeoftrafficking.

GorshomeEdwards,ofLot822,Zeelugt,wasarrestedon ThursdayandappearedbeforeMagistrateTeriqMohamedat the Bartica Magistrates' Court, where the charge was read to him.

Edwardspleadednotguiltyandwassubsequentlyplaced on$100,000bail.

The matter has been adjourned to August 8, 2026, for continuation.

Israel kills 'a child a day' on average in Gaza despite ceasefire, UN says

'Noceasefirecanbeconsideredmeaningful whilechildrencontinuetobekilled'saysUNICEF

Aljazeera - One

Palestinian child has been killed every day on average for more than eight months in Gaza since a so-called “ceasefire” with Israel was announced, the United Nations children's agency says.

UNICEF describes the truce as a “cruel and deadly illusion” as Israel continues to attack the besieged enclave.

Israeli forces have killed at least 265 Palestinian childrensinceOctober2025, when the halt in hostilities was declared, UNICEF said onFriday

“During a period supposedly defined by restraint and protection, a child has been killed, on average,everysingledayfor more than eight months,” UNICEF spokesperson JamesEldertoldreportersin Geneva.

He said the continued deaths exposed the hollowness of a ceasefire that has not protected Palestinian children from

Israelifire.

“While the world continues to speak the language of ceasefire, families in Gaza continue to bury their sons and daughters,”hesaid.

Elder said children had been killed in homes, schools and public spaces, including while playing footballorfishing.

“Thisweek:a2-year-old boy was shot and killed by Israeli forces; a 13-year-old boy was shot and killed inside his tent; a 5-year-old boy and his father were killed by an Israeli strike, and on and on it goes,” he added.

According to UNICEF, morethan400childrenhave also been injured since October, many with devastatingwounds.

“The suffering does not end with those killed. More than 400 children have been injured, many with catastrophic wounds,” Elder said.

“You sneeze near the Orange Line and you may

well get shot,” Elder maintained, referring to the “continual creeping” of Israel's so-called “Yellow Line” and “Orange Line” boundariesofoccupation.

He cited recent cases involving a 12-year-old girl shot in the chest inside her tentandathree-year-oldgirl shot in the face by a bullet from a quadcopter drone

whileinsideherhome. Wanttocomebacktothis article?Saveitforlater.

Elder warned that hundreds of children urgently need medical evacuation, while Israeli restrictions on essential medicinesareincreasingthe

Israel's genocidal war on Gaza has killed tens of thousands of children, charity groups report, in spite of a ceasefire in place

[File: Mahmoud Issa/Reuters]

woundedchildren. 'Loss and violence have becomeconstant'

Israel's blockade and military restrictions have trapped children inside a devastated health system, where hospitals are struggling with shortages of medicine, fuel, staff and equipment after months of bombardment and siege,

humanitarianssay.

E l d e r s a i d t h e psychological toll on Gaza's children had become unbearable, with fear and violenceshapingdailylife.

“For Gaza's children, fear, loss and violence have become so constant that trauma is no longer an episode in their lives – it is wovenintotheveryfabricof theirchildhood,”hesaid.

He urged governments andinternationalinstitutions toact,sayingcontinuedchild deaths during a ceasefire should alarm anyone committed to international law.“No ceasefire can be considered meaningful whilechildrencontinuetobe killed,”hesaid.

Elder also pointed to Lebanon, where UNICEF said 247 children have been killed and 992 injured since hostilities escalated on March2.

The warning on Friday came as an Israeli air strike hitatentshelteringdisplaced families in al-Mawasi, west of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, injuring at least five people, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa.

Palestinian health authoritiessaidonThursday thatIsrael'sgenocidalwaron Gaza has killed at least 73,018 Palestinians and wounded 173,273 since October7,2023.

They said Israeli attacks havekilled1,007peopleand wounded 3,165 since the “ceasefire” took effect on October 11, while rescue teams have recovered 784 bodies from areas that had p r e v i o u s l y b e e n inaccessible.

CDC conducting flood assessment in Kwakwani

Ateam from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), headed by Director General, Colonel NazrulHussain,iscurrentlyinKwakwani, Region 10 where an impact assessment is beingdonefollowingfloodsthere.

The CDC team is also engaging key stakeholders to support ongoing response efforts.

person

the Kwak

ni Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), to discuss the current flood situation,communityimpacts,andpriority responseneeds.

TheCDC in a statement said that it “remains committed to working closely with regional and local authorities to assess the affected households affected by the current flooding.”

During the visit, the team met with Regional Executive Officer (REO), Dr HarrisattheRegionalDemocraticCouncil (RDC) and Ms Michelle Simeon, C

Pres. Ali unveils bold plan to hand Guyanese greater stake in mining industry

DPI - President Irfaan Ali on Friday announced plans to create a national mining consortium that would allow miners and ordinary Guyanese to collectively participate in large-scale mining opportunities through a world-class, locally owned company

The announcement was m a d e d u r i n g t h e commissioning of the new Citizens Bank branch in Bartica, where the president outlined the government's broader vision to deepen financial inclusion and expand investment opportunitiesforGuyanese.

According to President Ali, the proposed model would bring together small, medium, and large-scale miners with ordinary

citizens to create a national mining company capable of competinginternationally

“We're going to come t o g e t h e r, c r e a t e a consortium, buy the best technology, do all of the technical work, and move towards creating a worldclass mining company ownedbyGuyanese,builtby Guyanese, in which every citizen now broadens financial participation,” the presidentstated.

He explained that the initiative is intended to ensure Guyanese retain greaterownership. He said that they must benefit from the country's mineral resources rather than relying heavily on external operators for largescaleopportunities.

“Instead of having large

miners from around the world taking up the largescale opportunity, we are going to build this national mining company together,”

PresidentAlisaid. The president linked the proposal to a wider transformation underway in

President Irfaan Ali, addressing residents of Bartica, Region Seven, on Friday (DPI)

strengthening financial accessacrosscommunities. Among the initiatives under consideration are the

development of a Junior Stock Exchange, the launch of a Guyana Development B a n k , i n v e s t m e n t opportunities linked to agriculture, infrastructure and industrial projects, and closer integration between governmentandcommercial banks.

President Ali said the govern

working closely with the banking sector over the past year to create systems that support broader financial participation.

He also announced that discussionsareongoingwith

establishing a Development Bank desk and an electronic ID support desk to improve access to services for residentsofRegionSeven.

underscored that financial inclusion goes beyond access to banking and must create pathways for citizens to invest, build wealth and participate directly in nationaldevelopment.

“Financialindependence is not only financial access, it is the independence to invest in your own idea, support your own idea and embrace your own idea,” he toldthegathering.

President Ali noted that the long-term objective is to create new investment vehicles and opportunities that allow Guyanese

shareholders in sectors traditionally reserved for larger investors, while e

participation across the country

Cubans greet sweeping market reforms with hope, doubt and fatigue

HAVANA, June 19 (Reuters) - Cubans in Havanareactedwithamixof hope, skepticism and exhaustion on Friday after thegovernmentapprovedits biggest market-oriented reforms in decades, opening parts of the island’s tightly controlled economy to privateandforeigncapital.

For many on the Caribbean island, the announcement was notable notonlyforitsscale,butfor what it implied: that one of the world’s last Soviet-style economies may be edging toward a model closer to

China or Vietnam as a deepeningcrisiserodesdaily life.

Lawmakers approved a package of 176 measures after ‘the Communist Party endorsed the plan earlier in the week The proposals include expanding private enterprise, attracting more foreigninvestment,allowing private participation in banking and opening some state companies to private shareholders.

Authorities say the reforms are meant to preserve socialism, not abandonit.

On Havana’s streets, however, the reaction was cautious.

“First, let’s see whether these measures are actually implemented,” said Olian Valdes, 50, who said he learnedoftheannouncement hourslatebecauseblackouts hadcutpowertohishome.

“I don’t think it will make much difference for ordinary `Cubans because theyhavenothingtoinvest,” he said. “The gap between salaries and prices will remainthesame.”

Cuba has struggled for yearswithshortagesoffood,

fuel and medicine, and conditions have worsened sharply in 2026 as fuel supplies tightened and blackouts spread.

“We’reatapoint where the current `system simply isn’t working,” said Omara Oliva,53.“Ifnewmeasureseven capitalist ones - help people eat better and improvetheirlives,thenthey arewelcome.”

Still, officials have providedfewdetailsonhow quickly ‘the measures will takeeffect,howtheywillbe regulatedorwhowillbenefit first That uncertainty is

National Stadium’s Orange Stand roof set for multi-million-dollar overhaul

The Ministry of Culture,Youth and Sport is moving to rehabilitate the Orange Stand roof at the Guyana National Stadiumwithapproximately$29millionearmarkedforthe project. Bids for the project were recently opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB),withthreecontractors—IndustrialFabrications Inc, Steel Pro Guyana, and Zeco Group of Services — throwingtheirhatsintheringforthecovetedcontract. Belowarethecompaniesandtheirbids:

GuyanaPowerandLightInc

Supplyanddeliveryoffrontendloader andknuckleboomtrucks-Lots1-2.

MinistryofCulture,YouthandSport

RehabilitationoftheOrangeStandroof oftheGuyanaNationalStadium.

Procurementofsecurityservice fortheNationalSportsCommission.

Procurementofsecurity service-GuyanaNationalStadium.

Procurementofsecurity serviceforRegions2,3,4,6&10.

especiallyacuteinacountry where inflation has battered wages and ‘many families rely on remittances or the informaleconomy

People stand on a balcony in Cuba. REUTERS/Norlys Perez/File Photo 23 contractors

“For now, we have to waitandsee,”saidLeonardo Benitez, 61, who said the reforms would help only if appliedfairly

Frompage12 $472,420,699; PremaulKhiemrajConstructionService-$389,597,602; UrbanEdgeBuildersInc-$589,524,161; Blue Print Builders Inc. - $581,620,161; and STP InvestmentInc.-$561,300,355.

ThelowestbidwassubmittedbyLongReachInvestments & Construction Inc. at $335,078,529 — nearly $186 million belowtheprojectestimate—whileUrbanEdgeBuildersInc. submitted the highest bid at $589,524,161, exceeding the estimatebyapproximately$68million.

MinisterofPublicWorks,JuanEdghill,madethecasefor theinvestmentearlierthisyearduringtheconsiderationofthe 2026budgetestimates,paintingapictureofafacilitystraining undertheweightofitsownsuccess.

“Supenaam is becoming a hot spot and the people of Essequibo are very pleased with the level of connectivity being enjoyed, however, the facilities are aging and need upgrading,”MinisterEdghillstated.

Heoutlinedthescopeoftheplannedworks,whichinclude repairing the catwalk and expanding the northern section of the ferry docking terminal, in addition to a comprehensive generalupgradeofthefacility

“Wehavetogetthecatwalkfixed…Wewanttoexpandthe northernsectionoftheferrydockingterminalandthegeneral upgradeatSupenaam,”theMinistersaid.

The project forms part of a broader government commitment to river transport infrastructure. In the 2026 nationalbudget,thegovernmentallocatedasubstantial$11.2 billion for river transport — a clear signal of its intent to moderniseandexpandGuyana’swaterwayconnectivityasthe country’seconomycontinuesitsrapidexpansion

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LEGALNOTICE

2026/72-FD-APN-DEM IN THEHIGHCOURTOFTHE SUPREMECOURTOFJUDICATUREFAMILY,DIVORCE ANDMATRIMONIALJURISDICTIONFAMILYDIVISIONPetitionNo.FD-72,BETWEEN: (HEADLY) VANESSA IVERNAApplicant -and(WONG)COLERIDGE ANDRÉARTHURRespondent TO: COLERIDGE ANDRÉ ARTHUR WONG

91 1,Plantation Westminister, West Bank Demerara, Guyana. (last knownaddress)

TAKE NOTICE that on the 26th day of March, 2026 an Application Relating to Child(ren) with Affidavit in Supportwasfiledagainstyou by VANESSA IVERNA HEADLY,theApplicantinthe Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

ANDFURTHERTAKENO-

TICE thataspartofanOrder made on the 14th day of May 2026 the Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petitiononyoubypublication ofaNoticeintwo(2)consecutive Saturday issues of Kaieteur News a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana.

ANDFURTHERTAKENOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-atLaw at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Notice of Application together with related documents.

ANDFURTHERTAKENOTICEthatifyoudesiretoDefend this Application, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Notice of Application, you must file a Reply and/or Affidavit in Answer, via the online portal,(https:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy) within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the Second and final publication of this Notice.

TAKENOTICENOTICEthat the Application is fixed for DirectionsHearingonMonday the10thdayofAugust,2026 at10:15ambeforetheHon-

orable Mr. Justice Gino PersaudviaZoom.Meeting ID: 733 558 9086 and Passcode: Court3 at the Family Division of the High CourtatGeorgetown.INDEFAULTofyoufilingaReply and/or Affidavit in Answer mayproceedinyourabsence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, includinggrantingtheApplication.TheRegistryoftheFamilyDivisionoftheHigh Court is located at the Law Courts[Georgetown, Demerara].Theofficeis open to the public between 8:00amand3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00amto2:30pmon Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.

Dated the 5th day of June, 2026FORREGISTRAR [Signature]

LEGALNOTICE

2026/95-HC-CD-FDA-DEMCIV 2026/06/12 11:29 IN THEHIGHCOURTOFTHE SUPREMECOURTOFJUDICATURE OF GUYANA REGULARJURISDICTION 2026/95-HC-CD-FDA-DEMCIV BETWEEN TRITON TRANSPORTATIONSERVICES&LOGISTICSINC., Company incorporated in Guyana under the provisions of the 1991, Companies Act ofGuyanawithitsregistered office situate at Lots 13-15 Earl’sAvenue,Subryanville, Georgetown.

Applicant-and- 1. RAWLE ABRAMS also known as RAWLE ANTHONY ABRAMS2.MICHAELRON MUNROE3.THEREGISTRAROFDEEDSRespondentsNOTICE:TO:RAWLE ABRAMS also known as RAWLE ANTHONY ABRAMS Lot 2437 ER Burrowes Street, North Ruimveldt Georgetown, Guyana

TAKENOTICEthataFixed DateApplicationwasfiledon the 23rd day of April, 2026, against you by TRITON TRANSPORTATIONSERVICES&LOGISTICSINC., Company incorporated in Guyana under the provisions of the 1991, Companies Act ofGuyanawithitsregistered office situate at Lots 13-15 Earl’sAvenue, Subryanville, Georgetown, in the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara, where the Applicantasksfor:a)AnOrderfor specificperformancecompellingtheFirst-namedRespondent to complete the sale and transfer of property described hereunder which the

subject of the Agreement of SaleisandPurchasedated7th November,2025betweenthe Applicant and the Firstnamed Respondent, that is to say:Lotnumbered2437(two thousand four hundred and thirty-seven) being a part of lot numbered 1 (one) Section “C” being a portion of block “X” being portion of Great Diamond, in the Golden Grove-Diamond Place Local Government District, situate on the East Bank of the DemeraraRiver,intheCounty of Demerara, in the Republic ofGuyana,thesaidblock“X” containing area of 678.3412 (six hundred and seventyeight decimal three four one two)acresasshownonaplan by M.E. Rafiek, Sworn Land Surveyor dated the 14th day of June, 1996 and deposited in the Deeds Registry at Georgetown on the 18th day ofJune,1999,thesaidlotcontaining an area of 0.1409 (nought decimal one four nought nine) of an acre as shown on Plan No. 31741 by D. Ramkarran Sworn Land Surveyor dated the 26th day of October, 2001 and deposited in the Deeds Registry, aforesaid on the 5th day of June, 2002 with the building and erections thereon. Alternatively

(a) (i) An Order that the Applicant be authorized to apply for on behalf of the Firstnamed Respondent and lodge with the Registrar of Deeds, the Third-named Respondent, a Certificate of CompliancefromtheGuyana RevenueAuthorityandNDC Certificate from the local authority, Certificate of Valuation and any or all other relevant statutory documents required to pass Transport numbered 1989 of 2023 into the name of the Applicant, should the First-named Respondent fail to so do.

(ii) An Order that the Applicant be authorized and empowered to apply for and be issued with the relevant TIN CertificateoftheFirst-named Respondentinordertofacilitate the application for the relevantCertificatesofCompliancefromtheGuyanaRevenue Authority,

(iii) An order that the Applicantbepermittedtolodgethe balance of the purchase REMECOLIDTOFpriceless the cost of obtaining the relevant Certificate of Compliance,NDCCertificateandall other expenses incurred to facilitate the passing for Transportnumbered.1989of 2023intothenameoftheApplicant.

(iv)AnOrderauthorisingthe Third-named Respondent to passTransportfromtheFirstnamed Respondent into the name of the Applicant upon the compliance with the statutoryrequirements,asset outintheDeedsRegistryAct Chapter 5:01 of the Laws of Guyana.

(c) An Injunction restraining the First-named Respondent from in any way alienating,

encumbering, selling, mortgagingordisposingofproperty described hereunder, in Transportnumbered1989of 2023, that is to say: “Lot numbered 2437 (two thousand four hundred and thirty-seven) being a part of lotmemberedI(one)Section “C”beingaportionofblock “X” being portion of Great Diamond, in the Golden Grove-DiamondPlaceLocal GovernmentDistrict,situate on the East Bank of the Demerara River, in the County of Demerara, in the RepublicofGuyana,thesaid block“X”containingareaof 678.3412 (six hundred and seventy-eight decimal three four one two) acres as shown on a plan by M.E. Rafiek,SwornLand Surveyordatedthe14thday of June, 1996 and deposited in the Deeds Registry at Georgetown on the 18 day of June, 1999, the said lot containinganareaof0.1409 (nought decimal one four noughtnine)ofofananacre asshownonPlanNo.31741 by D. Ramkarran, Sworn Land Surveyor dated the 26th day of October, 2001 and deposited in the Deeds Registry, aforesaid on the 5th day of June, 2002 with the building and erections thereon.” Injunction restraining the First-named Respondentfromconveying COURT Transport of the said property into the name(s) of any other person otherthantheApplicant.(e) Alternatively, an Order that theFirst-namedRespondent reimburse the Applicant for all sums expended towards the purchase price and construction works carried out onthesaidpropertyamounting to the sum of $23,232,937.00 (twentythree million two hundred and thirty-two thousand nine hundred and thirtyseven dollars). (f) Such furtherOrderorreliefwhichto the Court seems just. (g) Costs

ANDFURTHERTAKENOTICE that as part of an Ordermadeonthe22nddayof May, 2026, theApplicant is directed to effect service of this application on you by publication of a Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the KAIETEUR Newspaper, a newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana.

ANDFURTHERTAKENOTICE that if you desire to defendthisApplication,you must forthwith, within 28 (twentyeight)daysafterthe secondandfinalpublication, enteranAppearancethereto, andserveanAffidavitinDefence on Kissoon & Kissoon Chambers, whose address for service and place of business is at Lot 99 Hadfield Street Stabroek,Georgetown, Demerara, Guyana, Email: Kisson& Kissoon@yahoo.com, and

Lindsayca routing US-millions for...

From page 11

Griffith and Ministry of Labourwhohasnevervisited nor inspected our job sites or accommodations take action onthismatterandinvestigate whywearenotreceivingbenefits nor properly employed, and instead we depend on thisMOAPInc.andwhoever runs this scheme.”

NovisitbyLabourMinister

The worker’s plea highlights a glaring dereliction of duty by the Minister of Labour.Recently,thesubject minister championed the project as a massive employment opportunity, providing high-profile jobs for Guyanese.

It has however been disclosed that the project under construction at Wales, West Bank Demerara employs about1,500personswithonly 50 of those being Guyanese. Sources linked to the project have accused the Ministry of Labour of failing to conduct duediligenceonhowthisforeignworkforceisactuallybeingsourcedandpaid.Byfailing to act, the Ministry is essentiallyallowingintermediaries like MOAP Inc. to blatantly break Guyana’s immigration and NIS laws, the source close to government said.

This newspaper was informed that to date, there has been zero labour inspections at the GTE campsites, no checksforlegalworkpermits, and zero accountability for the lack of statutory benefits for the hundreds of men building the nation’s largest infrastructure project on record.

Beyond the non-payment oftaxesandotherbenefitsfor workers, the use of an intermediary company has raised file same to this cause in the Registry of the High Court at Georgetown via the High Court’s eLitigationonlineplatform with the use of the authorisation code: RGThPP, not later than 4 (four) days before the date fixedforhearingoftheapplication, and you or your Attorney-at-Law must appear at the hearing.

ANDFURTHERAKENO-

TICEthatifyoufailtofile an Affidavit in Defence and/or if you fail to appear at the hearing, final judgment may be given against you notwithstanding your absence.

AND FURTHER TAKE

NOTICE that the Fixed Date Application is adjourned to 26 June 2026 at 9:00ambeforetheHonorableJustice.FORREGISTRAR Dated this 12th day ofJune,2026

deeper concerns relating to accountabilityformillionsof US-dollars.

These bloated manpower invoices, if true, can serve a dual purpose: dodging local taxes while generating lucrative kickbacks for Lindsayca managers operating on site.

Leaked company records obtained by this publication revealthatMOAPInc.iscontrolled by paper directors— local frontmen operating in tandem with foreign associates tightly linked to Lindsayca’s supply chain.

The government source who spoke to this newspaper saidinactionbythePresident Irfaan Ali administration thereforeraisesseriousquestionsastowhyhastherebeen no inspection of the intermediary manpower companies by the Minister of Labour? And how is it legally permissible that the largest, most

heavilyfundedinfrastructure projectinGuyana’shistoryis utilising employment agencies that have never once been audited, regulated, or subjected to a basic site inspection?

The source also questioned how are these companiesstillallowedtoparticipate in projects that control Guyana’s energy future, noting that despite numerous scandals—massive cost overruns, tense legal battles at the Dispute Adjudication and Amicable Settlement Board (DAAB), Lindsayca remains firmly favoured by the head of the GTE Taskforce, Winston Brassington and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo.

In fact, sources have indicated that the pair seems determinedtokeepLindsayca as frontrunners for Phase Two of the Gas-to-Energy project.

USAdominateAustraliatocloseinonlast32

(BBC Sport) - The United States took a huge step towards winning their World Cup group as they beat Australia 2-0 with a dominant, high-energy performance in front ofaboisterousselloutcrowdinSeattle.

The US secured consecutive wins at a World Cup for the first time since 1930, and willbeconfirmedasgroupwinnersifTurkey failtobeatParaguaylatertoday

The tournament co-hosts were without talisman Christian Pulisic because of a calf injury, but subjected Australia to severe pressureinthefirsthalfwhichresultedintwo goals. Australia defender Cameron Burgess inadvertentlystabbedtheballintohisownnet in the 11th minute after US striker Folarin Balogunhadracedtothebyelineandsquared acrossthefaceofgoal.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side doubled their lead minutes before half-time when Alex Freeman reacted quickest to a deflected Sergino Dest strike to nod past Australia goalkeeperPatrickBeach.

The goal was awarded following a video

assistant referee (VAR) check after initially beingflaggedoffside.

Balogun scored twice in the US’4-1 win against Paraguay on matchday one, and impressed again despite spurning an opportunity early in the second half when playedthroughongoal.

Australia hardly threatened after Mohamed Toure saw a low shot saved 40 seconds into the match, but improved in the second half after the introduction of Nestory Irankundaatthebreak.

The 20-year-old was a surprise omission from the starting XI after scoring in the 2-0 win against Turkey, and showed his danger whenhechargeddownthewingandsquared forCristianVolpatowhofiredover

The intensity of the US’ press understandably eased up as the second half progressed, but Socceroos captain Harry Souttar was unable to convert from a knockdownfromafree-kick.

The US will face a third-place finisher in theroundof32iftheyfinishtopofGroupD.

The USA players charge off in celebration as the Seattle Stadium erupts in joy after Alex Freeman’s goal against Australia was given after a VAR review. (AP)

England winger Saka unlikely to start against Ghana

Bukayo Saka came on in the 72nd minute of England's opening win against Croatia. (Getty Images)

(BBC Sport) - England head coach Thomas Tuchel has hintedthatBukayoSakaisunlikelytobeincontentiontostart againstGhanaonTuesday.

Saka came off the bench in the 4-2 World Cup win over CroatiaonWednesday,andimmediatelyprovidedanassistto fellow substitute Marcus Rashford, who slotted home England'sfourth.

Before the tournament, Tuchel said Saka would require managing through the opening stages because of what is understoodtobeanAchillestendinitisissue.

On Monday, Saka insisted he was ready to play and was preparedto"gamble"onhisfitnesstohelptheteamduringthe WorldCup.

However,Tuchel says theArsenal attacker is unlikely to startuntilthefinalgroupgameagainstPanamainNewJersey on27June.

He said: "Bukayo is ready and will get more and more ready Ithinkoncewegotothelastgameofthisgrouphewill beready."

Sakahasbeencarryingtheissueforsometime,andwhile there was concern behind the scenes at Arsenal about the niggletheydeemedtheirforwardfitenoughtostartregularly duringtheirtriumphanttitlerun-in.

ItisunderstoodthatSaka'songoingAchillesissuehasnot deterioratedsincetheclimaxofthedomesticseason.

ArsenalbossMikelArteta,whoisoftenveryguardedwith regards to his players' injury concerns, has generally kept information about Saka's condition in-house but Tuchel's admissionthatthe24-year-oldhastobemanagedthroughat leastpartoftheWorldCuphasthrustthewinger'sfitnessinto thelimelight.

Tuchel'slatestcommentsappeartoshowthattheGerman is protecting Saka, knowing the attacker will likely be a crucial asset during the latter stages of the tournament - but couldalsostartthegameagainstGhanaifrequired.

C.V.NunesPrimarytoputEssequibo...

Frompage29

scoringtablets—thelatterof which is a forward-thinking initiative to introduce these youngcricketerstothedatadriven mechanics of the modern game. Furthermore, to ensure no school leaves empty-handed, all 16 participatinginstitutionswill receive baseline fitness equipment to foster longtermathleticdevelopment. The tournament gets underway on Saturday morning in a rapid-fire sequence across four

simultaneouspitches. The marquee opening session at 10:30h sees title favourites C V Nunes Primary launch their campaignagainst8thofMay PrimaryonPitch4. Simultaneou

, Riverstown Primary faces Taymouth Manor Primary (Pitch 1), Hampton Court Primary clash with Lima SandsPrimary(Pitch2),and Good Hope Primary squares off against Sparta Primary (Pitch3).

Thesecondwaveoffirst-

round fixtures bowls off at 11:30h, featuring Huis T’ Dieren Primary vs Mainstay Lake Primary (Pitch 1), Onderneeming Primary vs Fisher Primary (Pitch 2), Charity Primary vs Friendship Primary (Pitch 3), and Capoey Primary vs SuddiePrimary(Pitch4).

Admission to the Anna Regina National Stadium is entirelyfree,andmembersof the public are encouraged to come out and support the future stars of Guyanese cricket.

Lewis, Prendergast fifties in vain...

Frompage33

Amy Hunter for 2 before Prendergast and Lewis saw through her remaining three overs,whichwerebowledon thetrot.

The rest of the attack didn’t look as threatening, whichtheduoofPrendergast and Lewis capitalised on, especially by stepping out andmakingroomtofindthe gaps. Prendergast also got a life when a leaping Nensi Patel got a hand to a slice at pointbutonlygotfingertips. The pressure on New Zealand was visible as the runs kept coming and wickets eluded them by fine margins.

Saturday June 20, 2026

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

The fiery energy of the day is helping you press on with projectsyouhaveintheworks

Set things in motion now Move out of the background andontocenterstage

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You might be charged with energy but feel you have nowheretoaimit,Taurus.The forceisthere,butthegoalmay not be. Talking with others may only confuse you. Listen toyourself.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Arguments that have been brewing are coming to a climactic point for you. Don't be surprised if heated opposition rears its head today.Thisislikelyaresultof yourowndoing.

CANCER(June21–July22)

There is no need to frown whenanotherpersonwalksby just because you don't know that person. You must break the habit of living your life in fear Take active steps toward curing this trend by not steppingdown.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

A blast of energy is headed your way today, Leo. You'll findthatthereisnoshortageof adrenaline in your system. Don't delay - there are opportunities now that may notbethereforyoulater

VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)

You could run into some emotional roadblocks today This could be due to a lackof honesty on your part. Make sureyou'restickingtothetruth atalltimes.Astrong,forceful energy could challenge your ego.

Lewis survived a loud lbwappealon25offMeliein the ninth over and New Zealandlostareviewasballtrackingshowedtheballwas missing leg stump

Prendergast was given out lbwoffJessKerrthreeovers later but a review saved her as ball-tracking again showed the ball going down leg The duo picked a boundary each off Nensi in the next over to reduce the equationto59from42.With only five bowlers at their disposal, the match was slipping out of New Zealand’shands. Meliesnatchesthematch Melie had two overs left andshebroughtherselfback f o r t h e 1 4 t h a n d

Prendergast’s six off her on the leg side made it 50 from 36. That soon became 34 from 24 but Melie’s last attempt in the 18th over finally worked for New

Z e a l a n d S h e h a d

Prendergastholeouttodeep

midwicket while Rebecca Stokell hit one to cover two ballslater Thefour-runover had turned the tables on Ireland. With 25 to get from 12,Lewistookchargeasthe setbatterbutsheskiedoneto cover after a boundary and the match was now New Zealand’s to lose Bates came on for the finishing toucheswiththeballtooand only a streak of singles and doubles off her bowling foundIrelandshort.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Thereisafun-loving,boisterous energy to the day that should give you a great deal of power and self-confidence. You'll be ex

everythingyouputyourhandto

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

You might be getting a bit forceful with your emotions today, Scorpio Don't be surprised if you're like a firebreathing dragon when you speak. Sparks are apt to fly Strong feelings have been buildingupinsideyou.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

This is a fantastic day for you, Sagittarius.You'll have a great dealofphysicalpower Engage in activities that put this strength to good use. Tackle projects vigorously and feel freetospeakup.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

This is a good day to stand up foryourselfandmakeitknown that you aren't a pushover, Capricorn. Use the powerful energy of the day to follow through on projects that may havelostmomentum.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

If you want to shine brightly, Aquarius, then do so Maintaining balance includes sometimes being a bit selfish. Feelfreetoradiateyourbeauty to the world. If you aren't in a situationthatmakesyouhappy, changethesituation.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Peoplewouldbewisetogetout ofyourwaytoday,Pisces.You mightfindyourselffeelinglike a steam engine that's stoked to the brim with fiery hot coals. You're likely to be adamant aboutyourcourse.

President Irfaan Ali Chairs wide-ranging discussion at 22nd PMSC on Cricket

ST JOHN’S, Antigua –President of Cricket West

Indies (CWI), the

Honourable Dr Kishore Shallow, has expressed sincere gratitude to His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, for the inclusive and consultative approach adopted in chairing the Twenty-Second Meeting of the Prime Ministerial SubCommittee (PMSC) on C r i c k e t , h e l d v i a videoconference on Wednesday,17June2026.

The meeting, convened under the auspices of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), brought together a broad crosssectionofstakeholdersfrom government, cricket administration, the business community and the playing fraternity – a composition CWI described as reflective of a timely and welcomed engagement on the future of theregionalgame. Notably, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda joined the discussions, lending the w

leadership to the session. Participants also included government ministers, members of the CWI Board ledbyPresidentDr Shallow and Vice President Azim B

CWI executive management, including Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring. The cricket fraternity was represented by figures including Sir Clive Lloyd, C

ney Wa

nd Ramnaresh Sarwan, while WestIndieswomen’scaptain Hayley Matthews joined to

offer a player’s perspective. Representation from the business community was alsopresentonthecall.

Speaking after the meeting, Dr Shallow commended President Ali for the manner in which the sessionwasconducted.

“On behalf of Cricket West Indies, I want to thank President Ali for the inclusive approach he has adoptedasChairofthisSubCommittee Bringing together government, the cricket community and the business sector around the

same table speaks to a genuine recognition that the development of our game requires the input of all stakeholders. This kind of engagement is both timely and welcomed, and we are encouraged by the spirit in whichitwasconducted,”Dr Shallowsaid.

He added that the involvement of past and present players ensured that thevoicesofthosewhohave representedtheregiononthe field were reflected in the discussions, alongside the perspectives of government, business and CWI’s own executiveleadership.

In addition to matters arising from the meeting’s agenda,includingupdateson developmentsinWestIndies cricket, discussions also focused on the state and development of cricket infrastructure across the Caribbean.

In this regard, the SubCommittee considered the

proposed establishment of a joint CARICOM–Cricket West Indies Infrastructure DevelopmentandUtilisation Sub-Committee, which would provide strategic o v e r s i g h t a n d recommendations on the planning, maintenance and development of cricket and multi-purpose sporting facilities throughout the region. The terms of reference for this body remain subject to finalisation, though it is anticipated that the SubCommittee will be formally establishedinshortorder

The meeting also agreed ontheintentiontoconvenea Regional Cricket Business Forum aimed at increasing the involvement of the Caribbean business community in cricket. The forumisexpectedtoexplore opportunities for greater investment, partnership and collaboration in support of the continued growth and development of the regional game. Cricket West Indies looks forward to continued collaboration with CARICOM, regional governments and all stakeholders as these initiatives advance, and reaffirms its commitment to workingalongsidethePrime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Cricket in the months ahead.

WestIndies,SriLankaandthe...

Frompage30

She didn’t have to. Nilakshika’s excellent use of the crease and her ability to make room for herself brought three more boundaries, including a lap over short fine, a gorgeously timed cover drive and a sweep as she charged down to meet Melie Kerr’s last ball. Very few people would have known Nilakshika had that kind of big-match temperament in here butsomeonedid:herbowlingcoach.“WhenSilvaisfielding, sheismid-off,mid-offbothsides,sosheisrunningmorethan anyone else and she has done a lot of awesome work,” ChamilaGamagesaidafterwards.“Today,underpressure,it isafantasticthingforusbecausewelostthefirstgameandwe neededtowinthismatch,otherwisewecan’tgotothesemifinals.Ithoughtshebattedreallywellunderpressure.”

Nilkashikabarelycelebratedherfifty,whichcamewith14 runs still needed off 12 balls but let her emotions out when Nuthyanganasmearedthewinningrunsovertheon-side.She lookedskywardsseveraltimeswhileherteam-mateshugged andfist-bumpedandwhoopedonthesideandeventhen,there seemedarestrainttoherjubilation.Jobdone,morejobstodo, perhaps?

AndthatiswhatsetsupthefirstmatchofSuperSundayas aWestIndiansidewhoareclearlyfeelingtheheattakeonaSri Lankanteamstruttingaroundcoolly.Aplaceinthesemi-final isonthecardsforboth.VictoryforWestIndieswillseethem takeamassivesteptowardsthefinalfourbutaSriLankawin keepsthegroupthatmanythoughtwasaforegoneconclusion beforethetournament,tasty

The crunch match between West Indies and Sri Lanka takesplaceinBristolandstartsat10:30am.

C.V. Nunes Primary to put Essequibo Zone title on the line in Future Warriors Tapeball

AfterthrillingactioninDemeraraandBerbice,theFuture WarriorsTapeballforPrimarySchools,whichispoweredby ExxonMobil Guyana, arrives at the Anna Regina National Stadium today, with C.V Nunes Primary firmly under the spotlightastheylooktodefendtheirEssequiboZonecrown.

They enter the 16-team knockout bracket not just as participants, but as the team with a target on their backs, carrying the hopes of the Anna Regina faithful who expect nothinglessthanaclinicaldisplayonhomesoil.

Already, West Ruimveldt have locked up the Demerara title,whileSt.TheresePrimaryflexeditsmusclestoclaimthe honoursinBerbice.

The team that emerges from the Essequibo crucible this weekend will complete the trio, progressing to the coveted ChampionofChampionsnationalfinalsslatedforAugustor September

“Theactioninthepreviouszoneswasexceptional,andwe have witnessed some exceptionally good cricket from these young players,” Tournament Director John Ramsingh said aheadoftheweekend’sblockbusterschedule.

“WeexpecttheenergyandtalentinEssequibotomatch,if notexceed,whatwehaveseenacrossDemeraraandBerbice. WemustalsoextendoursincerethankstotheMinistryof Culture,YouthandSportforlendingsupportintermsofonce again giving access to a top-class facility, especially in this rainyseason.”

In keeping with the tournament’s focus on grassroots development,therewardsextendfarbeyondthesilverware.

The top four schools from the zone will take home comprehensiveequipmentbags,agilitykits,andelectronic

Continued on page 27

West Indies, Sri Lanka and the two sides of pressure

If you want to know the kindofpressureWestIndies haveputthemselvesunderat the 2026 T20 Women’s World Cup, watch Deandra Dottin during her second overagainstScotland.

West Indies were defending 34 off the last three overs and Darcey Carter, albeit with an injury that was hampering her running, was on 50 and her sixth-wicket partnership withAilsa Lister had grown to45.Dottinwasplayingher 150th T20I and her match c o n t

territory She scored 14 off 16 before being stumped in the midst of a middle-order strangle and her first over, which was the second of the innings, cost 13. With the spinners bowled out on a surface where they were more effective, Hayley Matthews had to turn to Dottin, who was her most experiencedbowlinghand. WithListeronstrikeand pouncingonanythingonoff stump, Dottin’s plan was to

crampherforroom.Herfirst delivery went down leg. As did her second. And her third.Thefirstlegitimateball of the over was outside off and Lister ran one. Then Dottin overcompensated, went too far outside off and Carter swung and edged for four Dottin dropped it shorter Carterwasbeatenas shetriedtopull.Dottinwent even shorter and Carter cut foranotherfour Twelveruns came off the first four balls and Scotland’s requirement wascutto23off15ballsand Dottinrealisedwhatshewas doing.

Mid-over, Dottin broke downintoanuglycry Tears poured from her as she scowled at the situation Matthews and Chinelle Henry had to form a protective shield and coax her back from the brink. Whatever they said worked and Dottin fired in a yorker and another full ball that found the edge to close out the over well but the enormityofthesituationhad clearly affected her What

exactlywasgoingon?

“It was just about the nerves that were going around. Being one of the leaders in the team, Hayley, myself, and a couple others just went and made her realise that she’s probably oneofthebestdeathbowlers wehaveintheteam,”Henry said at the post-match press conference “It was just aboutbackingherskills,and she came out of that over prettywell.Deandraisoneof those persons who is very emotional,averypassionate person who wears her heart on her sleeve. It’s just about tryingtogethertoremember that she is one of the best players we have to be out there at this moment. There werealotofemotionsgoing aroundatthattime.”

That Matthews, once Dottin’s junior, and Henry, who was herself not fully fit after she sustained an injury in the warm-up match and then missed the first game, had to convince one of their most decorated players of her worth tells you as much

as you need to know about WestIndies’insecurity

I t ’s a l s o w o r t h rememberingthatDottinhas a history when it comes to hysterics. In 2017, when WestIndieswerebowledout for their second-lowest total of 48 by SouthAfrica in the ODIWorldCupinLeicester, Dottin also sobbed. Then, shewasdismissedforaduck and conceded 23 off 3.2 overs,includingthewinning runs.

That tournament took placeayearafterWestIndies

have been able to absorb, watch the way Nilakshika Silva batted against New Zealand.

were crowned T20 World Cup champions in 2016 but they were not even close to being in the running for the ODIcup.Theyfinishedsixth of the eight teams competing, and won only two of their seven matches. Since then, Dottin has tried to end her relationship with West Indies and retired in 2022, saying that “the current climate and team environment has been nonconducive to my ability to thrive and reignite my passion.” Two years later, she reversed that decision and said she was returning “enthusiastic about mentoring younger players and contributing to the overall development of women’s cricket in our region.”

Sheplayedthe2024T20 World Cup, where West Indies reached the semifinal, and was their leading run-scorer at the event, so it may be a case of unfinished business that brought on the waterworks against Scotland.“Becauseshecares so much, it breaks her when she can’t do what she wants fortheteam,”Matthewstold thepost-matchbroadcast.

It’s fair to read that as a desperationtodowell,andit seems to run through West Indies After defeating defending champions New Zealand,thankstoalong-inthe-making career-best 90* fromtheirmost-cappedT20I

p l a y e r, S h e m a i n e Campbelle, they may have thought the hardest bit was over But Scotland have recent history of dumping

West Indies out of tournaments and beat them in the ODI World Cup Qualifier last April. Losing to them would complicate matters, especially with matches against the hosts and before that Sri Lanka, who beat West Indies in a seriesinMarch,tocome.

Ifyouwanttoknowwhat kind of pressure Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka had been downedbyamassive87runs in the tournament opener by England. Their coach Jamie Siddons was so angry he could barely unclench his jaw to speak afterwards and chasing 151 against New Zealand, they slipped from 45 without loss in the powerplay to 55 for 4 in the ninthover Theirbestbatters were back in the dugout, or sowethought.

Nilakshika, who is 36 years old and had just one half-century to her name in 115T20Isbeforethis,should have been dismissed for 1 whenshetop-edgedasweep o f f A m e l i a K e r r Inexplicably,NewZealand’s catching has been slippery throughoutandtheballburst through Bree Illing’s hands at short fine It took Nilakshika 12 balls before she found the boundary for the first time, off none other than New Zealand’s oldest hand on the day, Sophie Devine.

SriLankaneeded65runs off 42 balls, with four wickets down and should havebeenfavouritesbutona seven-matchlosingstreakat T20 World Cups, their odds were long. Nilashika didn’t care. She went after Devine again, this time in the field, when she sent Rosemary MairtowardsDevineatdeep midwicket, and over her for six.TheSriLankanteamsat huddled together, cheering every run as though it was the winning one. Chamari Athapaththu, the captain on whom the team was thought to revolve and who hit the innings’ only other maximum, sat alone, as though in meditation, watching.

She would not have enjoyed what she saw next. Nilakshika urged Kavisha Dilhari to try and take two runs off the last ball of the 15th over but Dilhari was ball-watching. She stayed at the non-striker’s end as Nilakshika joined her and thensacrificedherselfsoher senior partner could bat on. SriLankaneeded46runsoff 30 balls and the onus rested on Nilakshika and young wicket-keeper Kaushini Nuthyangana.Thenextover only yielded seven runs, a light drizzle enveloped the ground and maybe Athapaththulookedaway

Continued on page 28

West Coast Warriors beat QCC Monarchy by 75 runs

The rampant West Coast Warriors surged to a commanding, 75-run win over QCC Monarchy in another fixtureofthisyear’sCommonwealthCricketLeague30-over competition on Sunday at Brentwood ground, Long Island, New York. Warriors have now got six victories from seven gamesandremainedatthetopofthepoints’standing.

After winning the toss and opted to take first strike, Warriors rallied along to a competitive 205 all out in the penultimateover

QCCMonarchyrepliedwith130alloutoff19.2overs. Pacer and US-based Guyanese Javed Shafeek was the chief destroyer for Warriors nabbing 4-23 from 4.2 overs whileEssequibianandleggyBrandonCabosesupportedhim byclaiming2-39offhismaximum6-overs.

Having placed in a precarious position at 39-3, QCC Monarchy struggled for momentum despite a stubborn 31 from skipper HamzaAli while Patel Keval andAtul Poddar scored27and25respectivelytoalsoputupafight. Earlier, Warriors had a rousing start from the inform Youghestir Bachan and Rajendra Khan posting up 82 in 9.1 overs. Khan was adjudged leg-before for 43, an innings comprisedoftwosixesandfivefoursfrom28balls. Bachan,whoalreadyregisteredacenturythisseason,also batted with equal flamboyance hitting 59. The left-handed Bachan occupied the crease for 64 deliveries hammering 8 foursandtwosixesaswell.

After their separation, Warriors lost skipper and former GuyanayouthplayerKevinChristianfor01.

Christianhasbeeninsuperbformthoughafterclobbering anenterprising99thepreviousdayplayingforKingsmenXI intheNewYorkNationalCricketLeagueSaturdayPremiere Division.FrontlinebatterChandrapaulPersaudwentbackfor 00 before Avi Dhanpaul revived things with a typically aggressive46(4x4,4x6).

There were two wickets each for Anmolpreet Singh, GurbakshjotSidhu,KevalandIssaMuhammad.

Meanwhile, the 12-team competition will continue on Sunday West Coast Warriors will come up against Gotham CricketClub.ThecompetitionclimaxesinAugust.

Toney, CKush front Stag Beer’s Match Day Scratch and Win Promotion

Renowned Guyanese sports journalist and sports enthusiast Rawle Toney, along with popular dancehall artiste Jared “CKush” Lewis, have teamed up withStagBeertospearheadthebrand’s exciting Match Day Scratch and Win Promotion, bringing football fans and beer lovers closer to the action during one of the busiest periods on the sportingcalendar

The promotion gives customers the opportunity to win cash instantly with thepurchaseofasix-packofStagBeer Consumers simply purchase their sixpack, scratch their promotional card, and could walk away with cash prizes onthespot.

Aspartofthecampaign,Toneyand CKush will be making appearances at select bars across Guyana, interacting with customers and giving Stag fans evenmoreopportunitiestobepartofthe excitement.

Theinitiativecomesatatimewhen football is dominating conversations around the globe, with major international competitions captivating audiences and creating a festive atmosphereamongsupporters.

Toney expressed his enthusiasm aboutbeinginvolvedinthepromotion, noting that it perfectly aligns with his passion for sports and engaging with fans.

“This is a busy season for sports, especiallyfootball,andI’mhappythatI canbepartofsomethingthatwillbring joy to thousands of Stag customers acrossGuyana,”Toneysaid.

“The atmosphere around football right now is incredible, and this promotion adds another layer of excitement for fans. Whether you’re watching a match with friends or enjoying the action at your favourite bar, there’s now an opportunity to win cashinstantlyaswell.”

Toney is encouraging supporters to stayalertasheandCKushtravelaround thecountrythroughoutthepromotion.

“Sokeepaneyeoutforus,grabyour

Stag, drink responsibly, enjoy the football action, and be part of the excitement. You never know when we might show up at your favourite spot,” headded.

Withcashprizesavailableinstantly and surprise appearances from two well-known Guyanese personalities, StagBeer’sMatchDayScratchandWin Promotion promises to make every matchdayevenmorerewardingforfans acrossthecountry

iBet Supreme sending One Lucky Winner on an Unforgettable VIP Football Experience in New York

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Lewis, Prendergast fifties in vain as Melie magic helps NZ win a thriller

New Zealand had another poor day in the field andwerenearlyembarrassed by Ireland on a glorious sunny day in Southampton

before the defending champions held their nerve and kept their semi-final chances alive with their first winofthetournament.Itwas farfromaconvincingdayfor New Zealand, who were reduced to 10 for 3 and 110 for5beforethemiddle-order lifted them to 140. Ireland also kept New Zealand sweating for much of the 20 overs in the chase until the magic arm of Melie Kerr broke the century stand between Orla Prendergast andGabyLewistobringthe equation to 25 needed from 12.

Ireland needed 18 from eightballsonceLewisfellin thepenultimateover,andthe two new batters found it much tougher to nail the big shots.LouiseLittleandLeah Paul brought it down to 15 off the last over that was given to Suzie Bates, who wasplayingherfirstgameof this World Cup, having replaced Sophie Devine, who fell sick just before the game.Thelackofpacefrom Bates meant Paul and Little couldn’tfindaboundary,and they fell short by four runs whentheyneededsixoffthe lastball.

Now fourth in Group 2, New Zealand will know better than anyone that they will need far better performances to make the knockouts, as their last league game will be against England after they meet Scotlandnext.

At the helm for Ireland was Prendergast, who first dented New Zealand with hernew-ballburstbeforeher 45-ball half-century took Ireland agonisingly close, only three days after they gave England a scare too. New Zealand’s hero also turned out to be their allrounder Melie, who first pulledthemoutofaholeand pickedtwocrucialwicketsin theend.

Theblastfrom Prendergast New Zealand were in deep trouble early and lots had to do with Prendergast, whokeptgoingforthetopof

middle stump and was rewarded twice Isabella Gaze fell first when she missed a scoop on the first ball of the second over for just 1. That she fell the very next delivery after Georgia Plimmer had handed a catch straight to mid-off made the score6for2.

Maddy Green had eaten up five dots and when she charged against Prendergast at the start of the third over, New Zealand had slipped to 10 for 3. Prendergast was, however, taken off after two oversthatfetchedherfigures of2for6witheightdotballs. It was Melie who rescued them along with Brooke Halliday as the captain stepped out against the spinners regularly to rotate the strike and find boundaries while also scooping and cuttingArlene Kelly for back-to-back boundariesinthelastoverof the powerplay to lift the scoringrate.

Halliday,Sharp,Bateslift NewZealand Hallidaywaslargelykept quiet at the start as Ireland bowled smartly to their fields. But Melie perished too, holing out to deep midwicket for 30 off 24 as theIrelandspinnerstookthe pace off considerably to make hitting a lot tougher While Halliday largely anchored, Isabella Sharp startedtofindthegapsmore frequently as at last one boundarywashitfromovers 10 to 13 to lift the run rate fromundersixto6.61.

But Ireland fought back and dried up the boundaries for the next 35 balls while alsoremovingthesetbatters.

Halliday had just received some medical treatment and swept one straight to short fine leg for 34 in the 17th over before Sharp holed out to long-off for 36 off 28. Bates,battingatNo.7forthe firsttimeinT20Isinher19yearcareer,finallybrokethe boundary drought with a reverse lap and also ended the innings with a desperate six pulled from way outside off after exposing her stumps.

PrendergastandLewis nearlypullitoff Left-arm quick Bree Illing gave New Zealand’s

defenceafierystartwithher pacecloseto120kphandher height making things uncomfortable for Ireland’s top-order She nailed an inswingingyorkertoremove

Continued on page 27

iBet Supreme sending One Lucky Winner on an Unforgettable VIP Football Experience in New Y

C.V. Nunes

Primary to put Essequibo Zone title on the line in Future Warriors Tapeball