Issuu

Two ships sink near

Thursday Edition October 15, 2026 - Vol. 19 No. 42

Hormuz after being hit by

Price $200

projectiles amid surge in attacks

Online readership

yesterday, 42,722

Opposition Leader, Azruddin Mohamed

Mohamed, staff remain in custody ...as forensic probe Intensifies after Kitty shooting The fire that affected four buildings on North Road on Wednesday (Guyana Fire Service Photo)

MV Barima CoI…

Only one in 10 distress beacons registered, caused major delays in rescue response

Goed Intent house gutted in gas cylinder explosion ...occupant suffers severe burns

Four buildings hit by North Road blaze, eight left homeless

U.S. confident Guyana will stick with American firms despite GTE delays ...ambassador blames swampy Wales site for two-year setback

BK seeking to hire experts to help with MV Barima salvage ...still finalising plans for operation – sources

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Kaieteur News

Thursday October 15, 2026

Kaieteur News

Thursday October 15, 2026

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Oko discovery team joins Australian firm to advance gold exploration in 9M ounce gold district

he geological team behind the Oko-Ghanie gold discovery that was sold this year for US$2.2 billion, has now joined an Australian firm that recently acquired majority interest in two major gold projects in Guyana, to advance exploration in Guyana's Cuyuni Mining District. Liberty Metals this week announced that the technical consulting team is headed by Boaz Wade, former Vice President of Exploration of Canadian firm G2 Goldfields Inc. Wade led the exploration programme that took the Oko-Ghanie discovery from a greenfields target to a resource of over 3 million ounces of gold in about five years. The team will work alongside Liberty's recently appointed Exploration Manager, Finlay Goodwin, as the company seeks to identify and develop targets for its first drilling programme. Back in August, Liberty announced that it acquired 90 per cent interest in the Oko North and Oko South gold projects, a package of 40 granted medium-scale mining permits covering approximately 180 square kilometres (km²) or 44, 479

acres in Guyana's Oko gold district, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) – an area where nine million ounces of gold have already been established by other foreign players. The announcement comes after Canada-based G Mining Ventures (GMIN) completed the US$2.2 billion acquisition of G2 Goldfields in July 2026, consolidating the OkoGhanie and Oko West projects. G2 Goldfields had said the Oko-Ghanie project is expected to produce an average of 281,000 ounces of gold annually during its peak production years. Liberty said the Oko discovery team brings firsthand knowledge of the geology, structural controls and exploration approach that delivered the Oko discoveries, together with established relationships with local crews, contractors and service providers. Liberty expects its partnership with the Oko discover team to materially shorten the pathway from target generation to drilling across the projects, which sit directly adjacent to and along strike from the Oko deposits. Liberty Metals Executive Chairman,

Nicholas Katris said, “The team that discovered Oko has joined Liberty and that is a defining step for the Company. Boaz and his team took Oko-Ghanie from a greenfield target to a 3.5 million ounce resource in around five years, and the ground we hold sits directly alongside and along strike from that system.” He added that with Liberty's existing technical credentials coupled with the addition of Boaz and his team, the company look forward to advancing exploration over the coming weeks. “Soil sampling is underway in Guyana and with people who know the Oko system and successful exploration methods firsthand. The company is well placed to identify the geology and structural controls that delivered the d i s c o v e r y, w h a t t h e mineralisation looks like at surface, and the local relationships to keep crews in the field. It lifts every part of our p r o g r a m , f r o m t a rg e t generation through to drilling, and I look forward to updating shareholders as the work advances,” Katris added.

Gunmen rob two men of cash, cellphone at Prospect restaurant Two men were robbed of $37,000 in cash and a cellphone valued at $40,000 during an armed robbery outside Emily Chinese Restaurant at Prospect, East Bank Demerara (EBD), on Tuesday night. The victims have been identified as Imran Khan, 39, a labourer and Avinash Persaud, 38, a porter both of Little Diamond, EBD. According to police, the robbery occurred at about 22:20 hrs. on in front of the restaurant at Lot 16 Prospect Public Road. Investigations revealed that Khan and Persaud, who are friends, were standing in front of the restaurant when they were approached by two men. One of the suspects was reportedly armed with a black-and-silver handgun, which he pointed at both victims before relieving them of their valuables.

Khan was robbed of $17,000 in cash, while Persaud was relieved of a Samsung A17 cellphone, valued at $40,000, and $20,000 in cash. After the robbery, the suspects escaped on a black 110cc motorcycle, with registration number unknown, heading north along Prospect Public Road. Police said both suspects were dressed in dark-coloured clothing and wore face masks. They were also described as slim-built. CCTV cameras were identified on nearby private property, and efforts are being made to view and extract the footage to assist with the investigation, police said. Several persons have been questioned in the area, but the suspects have not yet been apprehended. Investigations are ongoing.

Regional geological setting of the Oko North and Oko South Projects as well as the gold projects controlled by other foreign players Kaieteur News reported that Liberty's entry was secured through an agreement with a private Guyanese vendor. Under the agreement, Liberty will have four years to exercise its option to acquire the 90% interest. The total consideration is approximately US$8 million, excluding a separate milestone payment. It was explained that the milestone payment would become payable upon completion of a bankable

feasibility study for the project. Liberty Metals is now the second Australian firm to control a significant land package in the district. Altair Minerals in 2025 secured a 70% interest in the Greater Oko Gold Project, which spans 457 km² of contiguous mining lands in the area. Besides Altair and Liberty, GMIN also holds a major land package in the Oko district. Through its recent

acquisition of fellow G2 Goldfields, GMIN expanded its footprint in the Oko district to a contiguous land package of more than 362 km². The combination brings together GMIN's advanced Oko West Gold Project with G2's Oko-Ghanie Gold Projects, w i t h a combined Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource of 7.0 million o u nces and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 2.3 million ounces.

Kaieteur News

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Thursday October 15, 2026

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL - Tel: 624-6456 Editor-in-Chief: Nigel Williams Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Dealing with depression Depression is not a character flaw, a sign of weakness or simply a bad mood that will disappear with a little encouragement. It is a serious medical condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, social standing or religious belief. Yet, in Guyana, where people are often expected to endure hardship in silence, depression is too easily dismissed as merely “feeling low”. This attitude must change. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that approximately 280 million people worldwide experience depression. The condition affects people across all walks of life, with women experiencing it more frequently than men. Depression is also a significant concern among young people, while its consequences can be devastating when symptoms go unrecognised and treatment is inaccessible. The figures demand attention, but behind them are individuals struggling with sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, loss of interest in everyday activities, poor concentration, disturbed sleep and, in severe cases, thoughts of suicide. When these symptoms persist, they should not be brushed aside or treated as evidence of laziness or a lack of discipline. They warrant professional assessment and, where necessary, appropriate treatment. Too often, however, the response to depression is precisely the opposite of what an affected person needs. Someone who withdraws from family and friends may be accused of being antisocial. A person who struggles to concentrate or perform routine tasks may be labelled unmotivated. Someone overwhelmed by personal difficulties may be told to toughen up, pray harder or simply get on with life. Faith, family support and encouragement can provide comfort, but they are not substitutes for professional mental health care when it is needed. Scolding, ridicule and destructive criticism can deepen a person’s distress and discourage them from seeking help. Understanding must replace judgment, and compassion must take precedence over condemnation. Depression is complex. Genetic predisposition, difficult life experiences, financial pressures, relationship breakdowns, bereavement and certain medical conditions can contribute to its development. No single explanation applies to every case, and not everyone exposed to adversity will develop depression. This complexity makes public education and accessible mental health services all the more important. For Guyana, the challenge deserves particular urgency. The country’s rapid economic transformation has brought opportunities, but national prosperity does not automatically translate into emotional well-being for every citizen. Poverty, unemployment, family responsibilities, domestic difficulties and the pressures of modern life can weigh heavily on individuals and households. Women may face disproportionate burdens associated with caregiving and economic insecurity, while men may be reluctant to disclose emotional struggles because of expectations that they must remain strong and self-reliant. The reported prevalence of depression among women also raises important questions about the circumstances in which women live and work. At the same time, concerns about suicide among men in Guyana underscore the need to examine whether stigma, social expectations and reluctance to seek help are preventing some people from receiving support. These issues require reliable local research rather than assumptions. The WHO has warned that access to mental health treatment remains inadequate in many low- and middleincome countries. Guyana must ensure that mental health care is not an afterthought in its expanding health system. Investment in hospitals and physical infrastructure must be accompanied by investment in trained mental health professionals, community-based services, public education

American role in creating Oct 5, 1992 DEAR EDITOR, This is in reference to several missives relating to Oct 5, 1992 (first democratic elections in independent Guyana (May 26, 1966). Clement Rohee said Jagan was the central figure relating to Oct 5, 1992. He is right that Jagan was deeply involved in the local and international struggle for the restoration of democratic governance and free and fair elections. But he neglected to state that it was because of Jagan that Guyana descended into a dictatorship, an almost totalitarian state. If Jagan had not introduced and championed communism in British Guiana, Guyana would not have become a dictatorship. There would not have been the rise of Burnhamism. It was the trend and mood in colonies globally to speak a left-wing nationalist language. And those who did so, paid a price (removed from office or assassinated). African leaders in the Caribbean colonies moderated their ideology and avoided linkage with socialism and the USSR and were allowed to take their colonies to independence. Jagan refused to tow the American line or delink from communism and paid the price. Unless one studies US foreign policy, as Mervin grasps, and early PPP leaders and Freddie Kissoon don’t, one would not understand Washington’s

policy towards Guyana and the region. The US, the most powerful nation, would never allow communism (socialism in its various forms), in the west, certainly not in its backyard in British Guiana or independent Guyana. So many socialist governments were toppled from 1954 thru 2026 (Maduro being the latest). Jagan (and PPP figures) did not understand this American mission, and he naively introduced and promoted socialism in Br. Guiana when he returned from his studies in USA in 1943. Communism led to his downfall and the suffering of his naïve supporters. Jagan spoke a language that was inimical to the interests of America. President Eisenhower was concerned about the rise of Jagan, and he discussed the threat of communism posed by Jagan and the PPP with Prime Minister Churchill. The PPP government was removed from office by Churchill in 1953. Foreign forces created a division in the PPP that would split into two factions – one led by Jagan and the other by Burnham in 1954. When elections were held in 1957, Jagan won. Burnham renamed his faction on October 5, 1957 as PNC. The rise of Fidel Castro in Cuba in 1959 created additional concerns for Washington especially that Castro professed communism which was embraced by Jagan. A socialist

fraternity developed between Castro and Jagan reorienting towards the Soviet bloc, raising worries in Washington and London. Eisenhower and again raised the issue of communist Jagan as Premier of Guyana with Prime Minister Harold Macmillan and sought a delay of independence. Jagan won re-election in 1961. His open praise for Marxist-Leninist doctrines and his warm stance toward the Soviet Union and Fidel Castro’s Cuba alarmed officials in Washington. President Kennedy hosted him at the White House, and he tried to convince the President that he was a Fabian socialist. American policymakers don’t distinguish between different brand of socialism. Jagan refused to tone down his communist rhetoric or distance himself from socialist regimes, convincing Kennedy and key advisers — including CIA Director Allen Dulles — that Jagan was an ideological hardliner who posed an unacceptable threat to American interests. Anyone who understands US foreign policy would know that Washington has been governed by a singular, rigid objective: preventing another “second Cuba”. In British Guiana (now Guyana), this preoccupation led Washington directly into a web of covert intervention, Continued on page 5

The vacant Police Service Commission, in Guyana, is a constitutional crisis we cannot ignore any longer DEAR EDITOR, The ongoing saga surrounding Deputy Commissioner Faisal Karimbaksh has exposed a glaring constitutional vacuum that the government can no longer afford to ignore: the Police Service Commission (PSC) remains unconstituted, and in its absence, chaos and ambiguity now permeate the disciplinary framework of the Guyana Police Force. Karimbaksh, who stands accused of sexually assaulting and threatening a female police inspector, has now mounted a legal challenge against Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken’s authority to send him on pre-retirement leave. His attorney argues—correctly, on the face of the Constitution—that disciplinary control over officers at the rank of Deputy Commissioner resides solely with the Police Service Commission. That body does not exist.

The Commissioner, however wellintentioned, cannot lawfully fill the void left by the PSC’s absence. The Constitution is unambiguous. Article 210 establishes the PSC and vests it with the power to appoint, promote, exercise disciplinary control over, and remove officers at or above the rank of Inspector. The Commission’s term expired in July 2025. Since then, no new Commission has been sworn in. The result is precisely what we now witness: a senior officer accused of grave misconduct challenging the legal basis of the action taken against him, while the public watches due process dissolve into procedural uncertainty. Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond herself has acknowledged that the PSC “ultimately should be the one” to place Karimbaksh on administrative leave, conceding that the Commission is “not currently constituted”. That

and affordable treatment. Schools should help children recognise emotional distress and know where to seek assistance. Workplaces should foster environments in which employees can discuss mental health concerns without fear of ridicule or discrimination. Primary healthcare facilities should be equipped to identify symptoms and refer patients for appropriate care. Public awareness campaigns must also make it clear that seeking psychological or psychiatric assistance is neither shameful nor a failure. Government, healthcare providers, religious institutions, families and the media all have a role to play. Churches and other faith communities, in particular, can offer compassionate support while encouraging people experiencing persistent symptoms to seek professional help.

admission is damning. It confirms that the government knows the proper authority is absent, yet has failed to act. E d i t o r, G u y a n a ’s P o l i t i c a l Opposition has clamoured, ad nauseam, for the reconstitution of the PSC, as constitutionally mandated, to mitigate exigencies as the one currently facing the Guyana Police Force, the legal fraternity and Guyana at large. To date, this clarion call has fallen on deaf ears of the government, and, because of this vacuum, the current standoff exists. Should Karimbaksh mount a legal challenge- win or lose- Guyana’s taxpayers’ dollars will have to foot the bill. Meanwhile, the allegations themselves are deeply disturbing. A female inspector has reported that Karimbaksh held a gun to her head and raped her. Two previous complaints of Continued on page 5

Most importantly, people experiencing depression must not be made to feel that they are alone or that their suffering is a personal failure. Persistent symptoms deserve attention, and thoughts of suicide require urgent support. Guyana cannot continue to treat depression as an uncomfortable subject to be discussed only after tragedy strikes. Mental health must become an integral part of the national health agenda, supported by funding, trained personnel, accessible services and sustained public education A society’s well-being cannot be measured by economic growth alone. It must also be measured by how seriously it takes the suffering of its people. Depression is not simply “feeling low”. It is a health issue that demands understanding, intervention and action. Guyana must respond accordingly.

Kaieteur News

Thursday October 15, 2026

GTUC mourns Eusi Kwayana, a tireless champion of justice, equality and national unity DEAR EDITOR, The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) mourns the passing of Eusi Kwayana, who died on Saturday October 10, leaving behind a legacy of resistance, sacrifice and an unrelenting struggle for a just, inclusive and united Guyana. Kwayana, formerly Sydney King, was among the defining figures in Guyana’s journey from colonial rule to independence and beyond. His life was dedicated to challenging injustice, demanding accountability and advancing the vision of a country in which all Guyanese, regardless of race or political affiliation, could live with dignity and equal opportunity. He was the last surviving member of the group elected in 1953 under the historic Waddington Commission arrangements that ushered in universal adult suffrage—a landmark democratic achievement forged through decades of struggle. That battle had deep

roots in the trade union movement, which championed universal adult suffrage as a central demand in 1926. The struggle gained further momentum with the formation of the People’s Progressive Party in 1950, Guyana’s first mass-based political party. Its ranks included Kwayana, Hubert N a t h a n i e l C r i t c h l o w, recognised as the father of the trade union movement in Guyana and the British Commonwealth, Forbes Burnham, Cheddi Jagan, Jane Phillips-Gay, Ashton Chase and Janet Jagan, among others. Together, these pioneers helped shape the political and social foundations of modern Guyana. Their sacrifices remind us that the democratic rights and freedoms we inherit were neither gifts nor accidents; they were won through organised struggle, courage and determination. Kwayana’s commitment to principle was evident in his hunger strike, petitions and persistent protests

against injustice. He refused to remain silent when he believed the country was falling short of its promise. His advocacy for racial inclusion and a better Guyana for all challenged the nation to rise above division and build a society in which no citizen is excluded from its opportunities or denied a voice. His passing leaves a profound void, but it must not leave his causes unattended. The GTUC calls on Guyanese to honour Kwayana not simply with tributes, but by continuing the struggle to which he devoted his life. That means defending workers’ rights, protecting democratic freedoms, demanding accountability and confronting racial division wherever it arises. It means insisting that Guyana’s development benefits all its people and that independence is measured not merely by who governs, but by the justice, dignity and equality enjoyed by every citizen.

Constitutional reform process can be more people-friendly DEAR EDITOR, As the Attorney General, the Hon. Anil Nandlall recognises the lack of submissions to the Constitutional Reform Commission, he should consider publishing the 1998/1999 four thousand plus proposals and the final one hundred and seventy recommendations. Many of those proposals and recommendations may still be valid this time round. It is obvious that during that period, there was community-wide involvement in the reform project. The people craved for a more democratic country and they contributed. But

over the recent decades, they were let down over the reform by broken promises. The rules governing the country was just tinkered with. Could it be that the people see the current consultation as yet another waste of their time? Guyana’s Constitution needs to be substantially reformed. Every which way should be applied to get everyone committed to the process again. Those who are leading the process must be determined to get the best outcomes. Faiyaz Alli

The vacant Police Service Commission... From page 4 sexual harassment against him were reportedly substantiated but never pursued. Whether these allegations are ultimately proven or not, the serious nature of the accusations demands that disciplinary authority be exercised by the constitutionally designated body—not improvised by the Commissioner of Police or the Minister of Home Affairs. Every day the PSC remains vacant, the integrity of the disciplinary process is compromised. If the Commissioner’s action is struck down in court, Karimbaksh could remain in his post despite the severity of the allegations. If it is upheld, we will have established a dangerous precedent: that in the absence of the PSC, the Commissioner of Police can assume powers that the

Constitution does not grant him. Editor, President Irfaan Ali must immediately commence the constitutional process for appointing a new Police Service Commission. The procedure is clear: consultation with the Leader of the Opposition, nomination by the National Assembly, and appointment of a Chairman. There is no legal or practical justification for delay. The rule of law is not served by improvisation. It is served by ensuring that the institutions the Constitution creates are actually functioning. The PSC must be reconstituted now—not after the courts have sorted out a mess that should never have been allowed to develop. Sincerely, Jonathan Subrian Esq.

The responsibility now rests with us to pick up where he left off and continue to fight the good fight. We can do no less if we are committed to the dreams of our founding fathers and mothers: a nation that r e s p e c t s i t s d i v e r s i t y, embraces its shared humanity and lives together in peace and mutual respect. “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” must be more than a national motto; it must be our collective undertaking. The GTUC extends heartfelt condolences to Kwayana’s family, friends, comrades and all who were inspired by his life. May his legacy strengthen our resolve to build the just, inclusive and united Guyana for which he fought. May his soul rest in peace.

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Caribbean community unveils plaque for Britain’s largest pre-Windrush arrival

(St. Vincent Times) 2026 marks the 230th anniversary of the arrival of the largest group of African Caribbean people to arrive in the UK pre-Windrush A powerful historic moment of remembrance, honour, and cultural resilience took place on Friday 9th October 2026 for the 230th anniversary event of the arrival of Caribbean prisoners of war at Portchester Castle. The day also marked the exact date of the ship HMS London that was wrecked at Rapparee Cove, Devon, where many prisoners lost their lives. Thousands of Indigenous men, women, and children were captured in St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada creating one of the earliest archival records of Caribbean people in Britain, long before the Windrush era. Caribbean communities across the UK, together with international guests, gathered at Portchester Castle for a Continued on page 6

American role in creating... From page 4 political manipulation, and a long-standing tolerance for electoral fraud. Jagan’s government was destabilized (1962-64) and eventually engineered out of office by the US and UK and replaced by Burnham. Washington and London described Burnham as opportunistic but viewed him as a lesser threat to the West than Jagan. They closed their eyes to rigging, rise of the dictatorship and human rights abuses. J a g a n ’s i d e o l o g i c a l convictions alienated American policymakers, ultimately paving the way for nearly three decades of totalitarian rule under Burnham. A handful of us went to countless fundraisers and events of members of Congress entreating them to take actions on Guyana on rights violations. Lobbying efforts of Congress (Thomas Downey, Robert Mrazek, Raymond McGrath, Joseph Addabbo, Patrick Moynihan, Al D’Amato, among others) and Presidents Carter and Reagan by a handful of us in USA were rebuffed. After the formation of GOPIO in August 1989, at which Jagan was a special guest, the executives repeatedly appealed to Members of Congress and President Bush on our behalf for free and fair elections in Guyana; GOPIO

also allowed us to engage Members of Congress (Solarz, Greene, etc.) and the Bush Administration at its many programs to make the case for Guyana. There were pushbacks to our lobbying efforts and pleas as Members of Congress and the Bush Administration made clear they were not favourable to the idea of replacing a corrupt administration aligned with Washington’s objectives with an avowed communist; Bush had served as Director of CIA and was familiar with Jagan. We persisted with our lobbying efforts with the assistance of GOPIO, hosting fundraisers for Members of Congress (Addabbo, Solarz, among others and joining their election campaigns) hoping to convince them to pressure Hoyte on human rights violations and pursuing political reforms. A c h a n g e i n Wa s h i n g t o n ’s a t t i t u d e towards Guyana came about after the collapse of communism and the friendship and trust that developed between Gorbachev and Bush. An agreement was reached between Washington and Moscow that America would help secure free and fair elections in Guyana and Russia would help to facilitate FFE in Nicaragua. Hoyte lost to Jagan in

Guyana and the Sandinistas lost to Chamorro in N i c a r a g u a . I n i t i a l l y, pressured by Hammie Greene, Corbin and other strongmen in the PNC, Hoyte refused to concede defeat. A stern phone call from Washington changed his mind not dissimilar to the stern phone call that came in 2020 to the PNC to accept the outcome of the peoples’ verdict. If communism was not a defining aspect of Jagan’s politics, dictatorial rule would not have emerged and there would not have been the need for all the struggles that led to October 5, 1992. And several notable figures in Guyana and diaspora played a meaningful role in the restore of FFF in Guyana. The legacy of totalitarian rule in Guyana remains a striking case study of Cold War foreign policy, how two superpowers competed for influence in the third world, illustrating how ideological rigidity led the US to compromise democratic principles, destabilize foreign nations, and sustain dictatorship regimes in the name of strategic containment. When communism was no longer a threat to American interests, democracy was restored. Yours sincerely, Vishnu Bisram

Kaieteur News

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Thursday October 15, 2026

Trinidad and Tobago plans phased restart of Petrotrin refinery The refinery

(CNW) The Trinidad and Tobago Government plans to restart the Petrotrin oil refinery at Pointe-aPierre, which was shut down in November 2018 amid mounting debt and operational losses. Finance Minister D a v e n d r a n a t h Ta n c o o announced the plans on Monday as he presented the TT$63.3 billion national budget to Parliament, saying the Government was evaluating proposals from local and international investors to facilitate the refinery’s phased restart. “We will restart the refinery. We are advancing the phased restart of the Guaracara Refinery at Pointe-a-Pierre,” Tancoo said. He said the Government h a d r e c e i v e d a comprehensive report from the Refinery Restart Committee and was assessing proposals from a shortlist of potential investors. “Let me be clear, we will approach the restart of this national asset with fiscal discipline. Our objective is to secure a credible, commercially viable and fully financed arrangement that protects the national interest while creating the conditions for renewed economic activity,” he said. The refinery, which had operated for more than a century, was closed by the

administration of former prime minister Keith Rowley on November 30, 2018. The previous government said Petrotrin had accumulated an estimated TT$12 billion in debt and recorded losses of approximately TT$8 billion over five years. Tancoo said the closure had affected thousands of people in communities stretching from Couva to Cedros, including contractors and small businesses that depended on the refinery for their livelihoods. “This is about reinstating the very lifeline to communities, downstream contractors, microenterprises, doubles vendors, roti shops, etc. Thousands of residents in communities from Couva to Cedros were suddenly left traumatised by a loss of income to meet the needs of their family since 2018,” he said. He added that the closure had also changed the country’s position in the refined petroleum market. “When the refinery was shut down, the country moved from being a net exporter of refined products to having to import every single litre of diesel, of gasoline, of pitch oil and of engine oil used in this country,” Tancoo said. The finance minister identified energy as the

foundation of Trinidad and Tobago’s economy, noting that more than 70 per cent of t h e c o u n t r y ’s f o r e i g n exchange earnings come from energy commodity exports. He said the Government was also working to address declining natural gas production, which has affected liquefied natural gas (LNG) and petrochemical output. Tancoo blamed the previous administration for relying heavily on the proposed Dragon gas field in Venezuelan waters while failing to reverse declining gas production.

$3.7 billion in fuel price increases absorbed by govt. since February – Vaz (Jamaica Gleaner) Energy Minister Daryl Vaz says the Government has absorbed more than US$23 million, or approximately J$3.7 billion, in potential petroleum price increases since February to cushion the impact of global oil prices on Jamaican consumers and businesses. Speaking at a post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday, Vaz said the intervention was made through Petrojam’s pricing mechanism amid continued uncertainty in international oil markets. Vaz said the intervention had a significant impact on transportation, food prices and the overall cost of living and doing business. He noted that while international petroleum prices had eased in recent weeks, global developments continued to influence

costs. “Increased global oil production has contributed to the recent price reductions, with prices expected to remain relatively stable through year-end,” he said. However, Vaz cautioned that shipping, insurance and logistics costs remained important factors that could influence petroleum prices. He said Jamaica’s energy security remained intact, supported by the country’s refinery, substantial petroleum storage facilities and established supply arrangements. “The Government will continue working with Petrojam and the Ministry of Finance and Public Service to manage these pressures and protect households and businesses, and consumers as far as possible from sudden fuel price increases,” he said.

He said natural gas supply stood at 2.4 billion c u b i c f e e t p e r d a y, representing a 45 per cent decline in output that had contributed to the permanent closure of Atlantic LNG Tr a i n 1 a n d s e v e r a l petrochemical plants. “Today the Point Lisas Estate is almost a ghost town and even those plants still operating are producing significantly below capacity. They have devastated our energy security, but we are fixing it,” he said. Tancoo said restoring natural gas supplies was the Government’s first priority.

To accelerate investment, the administration has established an Energy Accelerator Hub within the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries to streamline regulatory and administrative approvals for major projects. The hub brings together 33 separate approvals across eight ministries and agencies, a move the Government expects to reduce delays and speed up production. Ta n c o o h i g h l i g h t e d several projects expected to boost natural gas supplies over the coming years,

including developments by bpTT and EOG Resources. He said EOG’s Mento development had achieved first gas and reached peak production of 281.58 million standard cubic feet per day in June 2026. Other projects expected to contribute new supplies include bpTT’s Ginger development, Mahogany A Extended Field, Juniper Phase II, Coconut, Aphrodite and Manatee Plus, with several targeting first gas in 2027. The Government is also pursuing additional Continued on page 22

Caribbean community unveils plaque... From page 5 ceremony and the unveiling of a new permanent plaque recognising our ancestors presence and our history. Standing on the very ground where they were held in 1796, we paid tribute to their courage, and their enduring legacy across the Caribbean and its diaspora. The plaque was unveiled by His Excellency Brereton Horne, High Commissioner for St. Vincent and the Grenadines on behalf of His Excellency Anthony Severin OBE, High Commissioner of Saint Lucia and Chair of the CARICOM Diplomatic Caucus UK. Distinguished guests included High Commissioner for Belize, and other diplomatic Caribbean representatives, and the Yurumein Royal led by Queen Mother Chief

Freda Paulino éL— Sideroff. A libation ceremony with traditional Garifuna drumming led by the visiting delegation from Belize, supported by Minister Osmond Martinez and Minister Anthony Mahler of the Government of Belize. The event was organised by SV2G, St. Vincent and the Grenadines 2nd Generation in partnership with the University of Warwick and English Heritage. It builds on more than a decade of research and forms part of a wider programme to preserve and share this important chapter of our Caribbean British history. Christopher Roberts, Chairman of the Board of Trustees said; “The 230th anniversary of the arrival of the

Caribbean Prisoners of War is a moment of profound importance for Caribbean nations and younger generations. It reminds us of the courage, determination, and humanity of those who resisted colonial domination and endured displacement. M a y t h i s commemoration inspire continued unity, learning, and pride across our communities, and may it strengthen the enduring bonds between the Caribbean and the United Kingdom. On behalf of SV2G, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all who have joined us today. Your presence honours the memory of our ancestors and strengthens our shared commitment to preserving and celebrating Caribbean heritage.”

Thursday October 15, 2026

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Thursday October 15, 2026

BK seeking to hire experts to help with MV Barima salvage ...still finalising plans for operation - sources

week after it was awarded a GYD $1.034 billion contract to raise the wreck of the MV Barima, BK International Inc is finalising plans to execute the project. Kaieteur News was told that the company is seeking to hire experts to help salvage the wreckage. The

National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) awarded the contract to the construction company last Wednesday. The selection had raised sharp questions about the technical capability of BK International, a company that previously had to rely on State-funded intervention to

Coast)” at a total sum of G$1,034,000,000 under National Competitive Bidding (NCB). Dr. Andrzej Jasionowski, a Maritime Consultant of the Commission of Inquiry investigating the tragedy, had said during a public meeting with families of the victims that the recovery must be executed with extreme care to avoid destroying critical forensic evidence needed to explain how the 87-year-old ferry capsized on July 18, 2026, taking over 100 lives. “We speak to them, I met with them personally yesterday to discuss those plans… so that no damage to the evidence, no damage will be done, and that the plan will be careful, because if you rush it, it's very easy to break it, and once that happens, the recovery becomes a recovery of cut and scrub metal and whatever remains within,” Dr. Jasionowski explained. “So, it has to take its time, and as far as the team is concerned, I've met the

salvage masters and the engineers. They are operating full days, even before they are contracted, they are preparing for this.” Dr. Jasionowski noted that operational timelines are being established, with daily updates expected “Right now, as of a few days, it will take maybe another week, another two weeks or so. We will be getting daily reports, that's what they promised, so we will be involved in making sure that as far as our terms of reference and getting evidence is concerned, it is capable of salvaging.” The intact recovery of the MV Barima is crucial. Earlier attempts, by the administration to deem the wreck a permanent submerged memorial was met with fierce public backlash from victims' families, who accused officials of attempting to cover up regulatory failures and abandon the search for answers. While heavy demolition

BK International Managing Director, Brian Tiwari techniques, such as those previously used by Koole Contractors on the cargo ship Miss Elissa, are capable of clearing river hazards quickly, MARAD's tender strictly mandates a nondestructive lift. The vessel must be raised intact and placed upright onto a barge so forensic investigators can inspect the hull and internal structures. Meanwhile, during a hearing of the COI in Port Kaituma earlier this week, relatives of the victims of the tragedy raised questions again about BK International's experience in raising submerged vessels. They also called for the company to state exactly when the vessel will be raised.

Guyana to host second Global Biodiversity Alliance Conference, Financing Forum Guyana is set to host more than 140 r epres en tatives from g o v ernments , communities and organisations for the Second Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA) Conference and Financing Forum, as the country continues to push for greater investment in protecting nature and advancing sustainable development. The two-day event will be held on October 30 and 31 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Georgetown under the theme, “Investing in Nature: From Global Commitments to Practical Action.” In a press release the Department of Public Information (DPI) said the conference forms part of Guyana Nature and Biodiversity Finance Week and will bring together political leaders, financial institutions, investors, scientists, Indigenous Peoples and local communities to examine how global biodiversity commitments can be translated into practical action. A major focus will be mobilising public and private financing for biodiversity protection, while ensuring that conservation efforts also support livelihoods and economic development. Discussions will explore financing mechanisms including blended finance, green and biodiversity bonds, carbon and biodiversity markets, and funding through multilateral institutions. The conference follows the inaugural Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit, which

Guyana hosted from July 23 to 25, 2025. The second gathering is expected to build on that foundation by strengthening international cooperation and examining how biodiversityrich countries can develop and finance conservation initiatives that can be implemented and scaled. The programme will also highlight Indigenous and community stewardship, youth innovation and scientific monitoring, while reviewing progress in expanding biodiversity conservation areas and strengthening the Alliance's institutions. The opening day is expected to feature a leaders' plenary, discussions on biodiversity finance and sessions examining the role of young people and women in conservation. An exhibition and opportunities for partnershipbuilding will also form part of the programme. The second day will focus on the Financing Forum, with attention on investment mechanisms and the public policies needed to support them, alongside regional discussions and practical financing sessions. The meeting is expected to conclude with a review of key findings, agreements reached and next steps for participants. With more than 140 members expected to participate, the Second GBA Conference and Financing Forum is positioned to advance the global biodiversity conversation from commitments towards investment, implementation and measurable action.

Kaieteur News

Thursday October 15, 2026

PAGE 09

The square peg legacy Burnham’s dream of ‘Guyanization’—a euphemism for replacing the colonial administrative class with locals loyal to the new order was, at its core, a nationalist ideal. But ideals without discipline often lead to farce. The result was a bureaucracy filled with incompetents, party hacks, and ideologues. The state became bloated, inert, and suffocating. Burnham, it is said, later confided in private that many of those to whom he had entrusted power had failed him. They were square pegs in round holes, men and w o m e n w i t h o u t administrative temperament or managerial ability. Some were gifted only in sycophancy. And yet he could not remove them. He had created a patronage machine and he was now trapped within it. The sugar boom gave the illusion of prosperity for a while, but the gloss wore off. When the lean years came, Burnham had ideas but few competent lieutenants to implement them. The machinery of the state creaked, groaned, and ultimately broke down. The irony is that the

People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), the direct descendant of Burnham’s party, the PNC, learned nothing. Rebranded and realigned, first into the PNCR, and then into the APNU+AFC coalition, it returned to office in 2015 after 23 years in the political wilderness. It was given a second chance, rare in the politics of the Caribbean. But instead of introspection and course correction, it repeated history almost step by step. Once again, square pegs were hammered into round holes. Once again, loyalty trumped ability. The ministries became parking lots for political aspirants and loyalists. Critical state agencies were handed over to people who had neither the training nor the talent to lead. Some ministers mistook holding a portfolio for competence. There was noise, announcements, ceremonial ribbon-cuttings but little substance. There were no large-scale economic transformations, no major development projects completed, no significant legacy to boast of. Just like in the 1970s and 80s, there was

the rhetoric of national uplift but the reality of bureaucratic sclerosis. By the time the APNU+AFC coalition faced the 2020 general and regional elections, it had little of significance to show. The hopes of 2015 had curdled into the disenchantment of 2020. Roads were unfinished, jobs were scarce, agriculture remained in decline, and the private sector was increasingly wary of a government that talked reform but delivered stasis. But the worst was still to come. When the electorate rejected the APNU+AFC at the polls, the party did not bow out gracefully. Instead, it sought to squat in power. For five months, Guyana became a stage of the absurd. Electoral officials became protagonists in a failed political pantomime, aided by enablers who sought to manipulate spreadsheets and fabricate results. It was a scheme so clumsy, so badly executed, that it embarrassed even seasoned strongmen elsewhere. In the end, the APNU+AFC was booted out not just by the votes, but by

Dem Boys Seh...

Some people memory shorter than dem temper Dem politician tun like de man wah went to de doctor. He tell de doctor, “Doctor, I gat a serious memory loss problem.” De doctor ask, “How long yuh gat dis problem?” De man look at him and seh, “Wha problem?” De doctor tell he, “You need help!” De man seh, “Help fuh wha? I come here to renew my driver’s licence!” Thing happen just de other day and some politicians develop sudden amnesia. Dem tun fuhgetful. Dem can’t remember. Dem short-term memory gone shorter than a piece of rope cut by a contractor trying to save money! Ask dem who sign something, and dem claiming dem don’t know wha dem sign, when dem sign, or who was standing up next to dem when dem sign. If dem could, dem woulda blame de pen! Is suh when yuh nah want answer question. Yuh does suddenly get fuhgetful. But when election coming, dem memory does return. Dem remember every promise, every project, every dollar dem claim dem spend. Funny how memory does work overtime when votes involved, but go on sick leave when accountability knock at de door! Just like de man dem boys ask how long he had short-term memory loss. He answer, “As long as I can remember.” Dem boys remembering good, though. Dem remember who bin talking about renegotiating de ExxonMobil contract. Dem

remember who bin talking about de sanctity of contract. Dem remember when renegotiation was de big thing and when suddenly everybody become a lawyer defending every comma, full stop and semicolon in de agreement. Now, nobody can remember who promise wha! Is like everybody went to a political school where de first lesson is how to forget yesterday before breakfast. Dem boys remember de story about Memory Man. De man had a memory like an elephant. One day, a lil girl ask he, “Wah yuh had fuh breakfast on de 4th October 1954?” Memory Man tun to she and answer, “Eggs!” Thirty years later, de lil girl, now a grown woman, spot Memory Man at a shop. She walk up to he and ask, “How?” Memory Man look at she and seh, “Scrambled!” That is memory, boys and girls! Some people can remember breakfast from seventy-two years ago, but can’t remember a contract dem sign yesterday. Dem boys warning dem politicians: oil blocks nah like breakfast. Yuh can’t scramble de eggs and pretend yuh never crack dem. Thirty years from now, when dem boys ask who sign what and who promise what, dem hoping nobody answer, “Wha oil blocks?” Because dem boys memory long, and dem files longer! Talk half. Leff half.

the evidence of its own incompetence. The very hands that were supposed to rig the system couldn’t even get that right. History, which had already judged the Burnham years, now turned its gaze on his successors with equal severity. What does this say of the PNCR? That it is an unreformable party? Perhaps not. But it is certainly one that has never come to terms with its past. It has failed to understand that governance requires skill, not slogans. That leadership demands ability, not allegiance. That development is not the outcome of announcements, but of careful planning,

e x e c u t i o n , a n d accountability. Burnham believed in the talent of Guyanese. But belief is not a substitute for judgment. His tragedy was that he did not distinguish between faithfulness and competence. The APNU+AFC fell into the same trap. In both cases, the state was transformed into a sanctuary for the unfit and the unprepared. In both cases, the people paid the price. The lesson, then, is not simply that political power must be localized. It must also be professionalized. Guyanization cannot mean Guyanese mediocrity in high

office. That is not national pride, it is national sabotage. The PNCR would do well to revisit its own history, not with the reverence of nostalgia, but with the clarity of hindsight. For unless it learns from its mistakes, it is doomed to repeat them. And the people of Guyana deserve better than another chapter in a long and repetitive tragedy. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Kaieteur News

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D TR

HAR

BY G

LALL

Thursday October 15, 2026

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

Seeram: Did the Commies takeover On the next occasion that Guyana's Hon Attorney General, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, MP, OE, CCH, opens his book of wisdom and expounds on the rule of law and respect for the law (and of laws, not men), I have a humble addition for inclusion in his encyclopedia. There is Daniel Seeram. He deserves not a page, but a whole volume by himself. Whenever mischievous spirits enter the head of Guyana's Pres. Ali and inspires him to utterances about untainted governance and immaculate leadership, I found a spirit of my own to give to him. There is Mr. Daniel Seeram. He stands as the poster boy of clean governance and credible leadership. Then, there is Guyana's man of steel and might, Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo,

who recently had his incantation about breaches of the law and the consequences that could follow, I have some kind words for him. There is Professor Daniel Seeram. A man now authorized to travel local lecture circuits and give Guyanese law symposia. The next time that Guyana's Hon Prime Minister, former man of war, Ret'd General Mark Phillips, decides to provide a public exhibition of his love for music at high volume (noise) I have something for him. There is Music Master and Noisemaker Hep Cat Daniel Seeram. His label is an impressive one: PPP Productions. It may not be Motown, but Georgetown is as good as any backstreet in Detroit that once awarded itself the title of Hitsville, USA. Last but not least on the

political side, there is the Hon Minister of God and Glorious Guyana Works, Cardinal General, Juan Edghill. For a man who doesn't deal in antichrists, I have a prayer and a hymn for him. Ah shucks, the divinely haloed Cardinal Edghill already guessed the name. There is Daniel Seeram. A man who has his own gods, may even fancy himself to be a god, too. For the time being, Guyana's Hon Minister of Policing, Oneidge Waldron, is given the caring and compassionate treatment, for she just came out of a thunderstorm, all wet and soggy. She has SOCU on her hands, so it would be unconscionable to place Daniel Seeram on her plate. Now, it's time to insert the foreign dimension into this conversation. There's the illustrious U.S.

Ambassador to Guyana, Excellency Nicole D. Theriot and that other American who has achieved his own strain of Guyanese immortality, Mr. Alistair Routledge. When they wax profusely and elegantly about democracy's sparkle and the grandeur of PPP governance in Guyana, there's that man to set right ambassador and conquistador. Daniel Seeram is the name, and freedom is his game. I should pause, but I can't leave out Exxon's Sam Houston. There's CEO, Darren Woods, a man given to excesses of dribbling platitudes about the quality of leadership and governance in Guyana when Pres. Ali puts that bearhug on his elbow. There's the irrepressible and uncatchable Daniel Seeram.

My Lord, my God! This feels like Mexico and the Alamo again. One verdict. One penalty. One man. Mr. Nandlall, where's this law of which so much is spoken, counsel? Mr. Jagdeo, what about the consequences that slipped past the lips, doc? General Phillips, what about a little noise, sir? Deacon Edghill, how about a cry to heaven for the wretched of Guyana, Lordship? I deal with the people that matter. Guyanese can figure out why another was bypassed. I help: what's the use of dealing with showbiz and Entertainment Today when serious stuff is on the agenda? My last word on this grand affair is this. If Mr. Daniel Seeram still wore his

PNC stripes, already he would have been tossed headfirst into a small unlit cell. Then, chained hand and foot, with an iron bracelet strapped tightly across his waist, and all while fastened to a wall. Perhaps, Anil Nandlall, SC, may be interested in telling Guyanese more about that, and his laws, courts, holdings, and to whom they apply (and don't). The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper

ERC seeks public feedback on ethnic glossary as constitutional reform advances The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) is seeking public feedback on its draft Glossary of Ethnically Sensitive Terms as it advances discussions on constitutional reform and examines ways to strengthen its mandate. The Commission on Tu e s d a y c o n v e n e d a Constituency Consultation on Constitutional Reform at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, bringing together representatives from its 10 constituencies, civil society, the Diplomatic Corps, sister constitutional commissions, members of the public and other stakeholders. The consultation examined how Guyana's constitutional framework could be strengthened to promote equality of o p p o r t u n i t y, e l i m i n a t e discrimination, foster ethnic s e c u r i t y, e n c o u r a g e meaningful participation in national life and promote harmonious relations among all ethnic groups. According to a press release from the ERC, in his opening remarks, chairman of the commission, Shaikh Moeenul Hack stressed the importance of ensuring that constitutional reform reflects the experiences, concerns and aspirations of

Guyanese across the country. He acknowledged the Government of Guyana for initiating the national reform exercise and the National Assembly for enacting the legislation establishing the Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC). Hack described the Constitution as a living document that must continue to reflect the aspirations of

against discrimination, ethnic security, participation in national life and the peaceful resolution of disputes. He urged participants to engage openly and constructively, respect differing perspectives and advance practical recommendations. Hack also identified the Commission's investigative powers as an

A section of the gathering during the consultation

The consultation examined how Guyana's constitutional framework could be strengthened to promote equality of opportunity, eliminate discrimination and foster ethnic security. Chairman of the ERC, Shaikh Moeenul Hack the people and retain their confidence. He encouraged broad-based participation, noting that contributions from every community and constituency would strengthen the legitimacy of the reform process and support democratic development. Reaffirming the ERC's constitutional mandate, the chairman highlighted the importance of equality of opportunity, protection

area requiring consideration during the reform process. He explained that the absence of a general mechanism to compel attendance in certain circumstances could create challenges and delay investigations. He called for consideration of whether the existing legal framework provides the powers and safeguards necessary for the (Continued on page 22)

Thursday October 15, 2026

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

BK hires two other firms to help with MV Barima salvage ...operation to start in a “week's time” – sources say

BK International Inc is looking to commence salvage operation of the MV Barima within a week's time, according to sources close to the company. BK International has also subcontracted two other companies-one from the Caribbean to assist with the works. The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) two weeks ago awarded the GYD $1.034 billion contract to BK International Inc. to raise the wreck of the MV Barima. The selection had raised sharp questions about technical capability of BK International- a company that previously had to rely on State-funded intervention to

clear its own sunken barge from the Demerara River bed. According to official NPTAB records dated October 7, 2026, BK International Inc. was awarded Contract ID 2 11 / 2 0 2 6 / 3 4 f o r t h e “Salvaging of Wreck MV Barima (Off Devonshire Castle Flats Essequibo Coast)” at a total sum of G$1,034,000,000 under National Competitive Bidding (NCB). Dr. Andrzej Jasionowski, who is a Maritime Consultant of the Commission of Inquiry investigating the tragedy had said during a public meeting with families of the victims of the tragedy emphasised

that the recovery must be executed with extreme care to avoid destroying critical forensic evidence needed to explain how the 87-year-old ferry capsized on July 18, 2026, taking over 100 lives. “We speak to them, I met with them personally yesterday to discuss those plans… so that no damage to the evidence, no damage will be done, and that the plan will be careful, because if you rush it, it's very easy to break it, and once that happens, the recovery becomes a recovery of cut and scrub metal and whatever remains within,” Dr. Jasionowski explained. “So it has to take its time, and as far as the team is concerned, I've met the

wreck a permanent submerged memorial, were met with fierce public backlash from victims' families, who accused officials of attempting to cover up regulatory failures and abandon the search for answers. While heavy demolition techniques, such as those previously used by Koole Contractors on the cargo ship Miss Elissa, are capable of clearing river hazards quickly, MARAD's tender strictly mandates a non-destructive lift. The vessel must be raised intact and placed upright onto a barge so forensic investigators can inspect the hull and internal structures. Meanwhile, during a hearing of the COI in Port

BK International Managing Director, Brian Tiwari Kaituma earlier this week, relatives of the victims of the tragedy raised questions again about BK International's experience in raising submerged vessels. They also called for the company to state exactly when the vessel will be raised.

Free dialysis services now available at Ministry six new Regional Hospitals - Minister– Health Mustapha

The Ministry of Health on Wednesday announced that free dialysis services are now available at the six newly built Regional Hospitals. In a brief statement, the ministry said this is another major advancement towards accessible and equitable healthcare, bringing critical kidney care closer to the communities that need it the most. According to the ministry, free public dialysis services are now available at Lima Regional Hospital in Region Two, De Kinderen Regional Hospital in Region Three, Diamond Regional Hospital and Enmore Regional Hospital in Region F o u r, B a t h R e g i o n a l Hospital in Region Five, and the No. 75 Regional Hospital in Region Six. “This expansion represents more than improved healthcare access. It means reduced travel burdens, greater convenience for patients and families, and increased access to life-saving treatment,” the Health Ministry explained. Further, the ministry noted that persons requiring dialysis are encouraged to visit any of these facilities to access the service and schedule their treatment sessions. Kaieteur News reported last month that the Ministry of Finance's 2026 mid-year

report disclosed that the government is procuring an additional 15 dialysis machines as it moves to expand access to kidney treatment across the country. The report stated that all dialysis machines at the six new regional hospitals are expected to be fully operational by the end of the year, while the additional 15 machines are being procured to provide services to patients. The report did not identify where the 15 machines will be placed. This newspaper previously reported that in March, during a World Kidney Day conference, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, highlighted the growing impact of chronic diseases, particularly diabetes and hypertension, which are major contributors to kidney disease. Anthony said the Health Ministry had established a dedicated chronic disease department to strengthen prevention, early detection and treatment services across the country. He also outlined plans to expand dialysis services and improve kidney care, noting that dialysis machines were being placed in regional hospitals while partnerships with non-governmental organisations and international institutions continued to support treatment and training. “At the moment, some of

A patient at the Lima Regional Hospital receiving dialysis treatment.

the facilities where we have dialysis are operated with external partners…Going forward, we have been working to introduce dialysis in some of our public hospital,” the minister was quoted by the Department of Public Information as saying. Dr. Anthony said dialysis chairs would also be placed in the six newly constructed hospitals, while the

additional 15 machines would be strategically placed in regional hospitals to broaden access to treatment. In August, the ministry had announced the $6.6 billion Lima Regional Hospital in Region Two, is n o w o ff e r i n g d i a l y s i s services. “The introduction of dialysis services at the hospital forms part of the Ministry of Health's broader

strategy to expand access to renal replacement therapy and decentralise specialised healthcare services,” the ministry said. Dialysis is a lifesustaining treatment for patients whose kidneys are no longer able to adequately perform their essential functions. Historically, access to dialysis services has been concentrated in fewer locations across

Guyana, requiring some patients to travel significant distances several times per week to receive treatment. According to the ministry, expanding dialysis services to regional hospitals aims to bring treatment closer to patients and their families, reduce the burden associated with travelling for care, and further strengthen Guyana's public healthcare system.

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Thursday October 15, 2026

Kaieteur News

Mohamed, staff remain in ...as forensic probe Intensifies custody after Kitty shooting O p p o s i t i o n L e a d e r, Azruddin Mohamed and two members of his staff remain in police custody as forensic investigations intensify following Monday night's shooting incident outside the Kitty residence of a senior police officer. Authorities have confirmed that Mohamed, along with staff members Eugene Thorne and Mario Mohamed, were swabbed for gun powder residue (GSR) in the wake of the October 12 confrontation. However, laboratory results remain outstanding, and critical questions linger over whether forensic fingerprinting was performed on the firearm recovered by law

enforcement. Mohamed's attorney Siand Dhurjon has said that initial checks of the vehicle along Vlissengen Road immediately following its interception yielded no w e a p o n s . H o w e v e r, a firearm was subsequently reported discovered inside the vehicle after it had been transported under police control to the Kitty Police Station. Defence teams have pressed for transparency regarding chain-of-custody records, demanding to know whether comprehensive forensic procedures, including latent fingerprint analysis, DNA profiling, and ballistic matching, have been conducted on both the

recovered weapon and the vehicle interior. The incident has triggered a war of narratives between the government and the office of the leader of the opposition. According to official government statements, Senior Superintendent of Police, Prem Narine, Head of the Guyana Police Force's Special Branch and a key witness in ongoing extradition proceedings against Mohamed, was inside his Barr Street, Kitty home around midnight on Monday when he observed a dark-coloured, heavily tinted vehicle lingering outside. The government asserts that the vehicle's occupants

were actively filming the residence and that gunshots were discharged from the car, prompting Narine to retrieve his service weapon and return fire in selfdefence. A high-speed pursuit ensued, ending at the junction of Sandy Babb Street and Vlissengen Road, where the vehicle was intercepted. Conversely, the office of the leader of the opposition has fiercely condemned the encounter as a "deliberate assassination attempt." Mohamed maintains that he drove past Narine's home solely to document what he termed the misuse of state resources, specifically citing an excessive police security

Opposition Leader, Azruddin Mohamed detail assigned to a private property. Mohamed alleges that Narine initiated unprovoked gunfire, discharging five to seven

rounds into the vehicle before pursuing and intercepting them, accompanied by physical assaults during the arrest.

Goed Intent house gutted in gas cylinder explosion — occupant suffers severe burns

house at Goed I n t e n t , We s t Bank Demerara, was completely destroyed by fire following a reported gas cylinder explosion, which left one occupant with burns to his left shoulder and back. The Guyana Fire Service responded to the blaze with Water Tender #133, Water Carrier #28 and Ambulance #25 from the Leonora Fire Station, under the command of Section Leader Corbin. Upon arrival, firefighters

found the building completely engulfed in flames. Crews immediately launched a coordinated effort to bring the blaze under control. Their swift response contained the fire to the building, preventing it from spreading to neighbouring properties. However, the building and its contents were completely destroyed. Preliminary reports indicate that one of the occupants was cooking

when a gas cylinder reportedly exploded, causing him to sustain burns to his left shoulder and back. Emergency Medical Te c h n i c i a n s ( E M Ts ) provided immediate medical attention to the injured occupant at the scene before transporting him to the hospital for further treatment. Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the fire and its cause.

The devastation of caused by the fire Following a series of gas cylinder related explosions

The house at Goed Intent, West Bank Demerara that was completely destroyed by fire following a reported gas cylinder explosion

last year, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) to conduct a thorough investigation. Jagdeo emphasised the need for a prompt and rigorous investigation, stating, “I think this should be a standard thing for the EPA and others, the regulatory bodies have to look at this, the GEA and also the EPA should launch an investigation immediately to look into this.” Several explosions related to gas cylinders have been reported in recent months, with some victims accusing a specific gas company of negligence. One of the most devastating incidents occurred on the morning of

January 4, 2025, at Lot 194, Fifth Street Foulis, East Coast Demerara. A suspected fuel leak from a Massy gas bottle led to a violent explosion that claimed the lives of 55-yearold Basmattie Ganpat and her common-law partner, 58-year-old Manu Sukhu. Both victims were admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where Ganpat passed away on January 19, and Sukhu succumbed to his injuries on January 22, 2025. Post-mortem results confirmed that Ganpat died from infected burns sustained in the explosion. The call for an investigation into the incidents continues as the public and authorities seek answers to prevent further fatalities and ensure the safety of consumers.

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Thursday October 15, 2026

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U.S. confident Guyana will stick with American firms despite GTE delays ...ambassador blames swampy Wales site for two-year setback ...says Lindsayca working around the clock to meet December deadline The United States (US) is confident that the Government of Guyana (GoG) will not be deterred from hiring American firms for future major projects despite the massive delays encountered at the Wales Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project being constructed by Lindsayca. During a luncheon hosted by the Guyana Manufacturing Services Association (GMSA) on Tuesday at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown, the US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot told business executives, “Other US agencies also bring tools to the table. US Export Import Bank's $527 million financing for the Gas-toEnergy project is supporting US equipment and engineering while expanding Guyana's power capacity and they have

promised me that we will have first power in December.” Meanwhile in an exclusive interview with this newspaper, she explained that the delays at the project were due to inappropriate soil conditions at Wales, West Bank Demerara. She was asked to say whether she believes the delays can deter government from utilising US firms for major projects in the future. She said, “I do not, obviously there are delays in this project but it's such an incredibly important project for the United States as well as Guyana. We have a large stake in this and it's incredibly important that it moves forward quickly, which it is,” she noted. The Ambassador further pointed out that the company has commenced round the clock construction activities and is progressing as quickly

as “humanly possible.” Lindsayca has employed 1400 workers according to h e r. To t h i s e n d s h e expressed full confidence that the company will meet its year-end deadline. Theriot explained, “The simple fact is the delay was caused by the land. The area that was given to them to build the power plant was marsh. It was a swamp and so it took 18 months to remediate that soil. Can you imagine building an electrical power plant on unstable soil? That's the craziest thing ever and so because this is a US company and it does things correctly the first time, they said, okay, we're going to remediate this soil, and it took 18 months and over $100 million to do that.” In August, government said the contractor committed to deliver 57-

US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot megawatts of power instead of 300-megawatts by December. Lindsayca was initially expected to deliver the power plant as well as the Natural Gas Liquids (NGL)

facility since the end of 2024. The two-year delay has resulted in the country being forced to rent two power ships to supply the nation with electricity to

meet its growing power demands. Nonetheless, the US EXIM bank has already indicated its willingness to finance Phase Two of the GTE project. Chairman, John Jovanovic said, “We are deeply committed to ensuring the GTE One is completed but the GTE Two is brought to life.” As such, the project is likely to be constructed by an American firm. Beyond strengthening its ties with Guyana in the energy sector, the US EXIM Bank is also eyeing partnerships in other “transformative projects” according to Jovanovic such as the deepwater port and housing initiatives in the country. In addition, the US has signaled its interest in financing and constructing the Amaila Hydropower project.

Central Govt. support needed to advance municipal growth - NA Mayor ...says resource shortages hamper development plans Advancing tourism, introducing artificial intelligence (AI) into municipal operations and adopting modern management practices were among the key areas of focus at the recently concluded 28th InterAmerican Conference of Mayors and Local Authorities in Miami-Dade, Florida, United States. New Amsterdam Mayor Wainwright McIntosh, who attended the two-day conference from September 29 to 30, 2026, said the discussions also highlighted challenges shared by municipalities across the Caribbean and beyond, including limited financial resources and weak channels of communication between local authorities and central governments. Speaking with Kaieteur News, McIntosh said the challenges facing New Amsterdam were not unique. He said even municipalities in more developed territories grapple with similar constraints. “What we are experiencing here as a municipality with regard to financial challenges, et cetera, there are other municipalities across the Caribbean which are experiencing similar,” he said. According to McIntosh, the

The M&TC delegation at the conference

Mayor Wainwright McIntosh speaking at the 28th Conference of Mayors and Local Authorities in Miami-Dade County

issue was highlighted during a panel discussion examining the relationship between municipalities and successive central governments. He stressed that town councils remain responsible for addressing

residents' everyday needs, despite the financial constraints under which they operate. “At the municipality level, we have to address the needs of the citizens. Basic services we provide: garbage collection, maintenance of

drainage networks, processing of house plans, health certificates, building permits and so on,” he explained. Tourism and infrastructure development Drawing on presentations by

other municipal leaders, McIntosh said New Amsterdam had considerable potential to develop its tourism sector and attract greater economic activity. He pointed to Miami-Dade County as an example of how waterfronts and port activities could contribute to tourism and commerce. “For example, in Miami Dade County, there are lots of port activities happening there. You have the tourist ships coming to Miami. When we speak of the number of vessels visiting the shores of Miami, they are calling figures like 30,000 vessels within a month's span,” he said. McIntosh urged New (Continued on page 23)

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Thursday October 15, 2026

Guyana to host major US tourism summit in 2027 ...tourism leaders to explore Kaieteur Falls, Essequibo River and community-based tourism Guyana has been selected to host a major international sustainable tourism summit in March 2027, bringing influential North American tour operators and tourism industry representatives to the country to explore its nature, culture and adventure offerings. The Guyana Tourism A u t h o r i t y ( G TA ) , i n collaboration with the M i n i s t r y o f To u r i s m , Industry and Commerce, announced yesterday that Guyana will host the United States Tour Operators Association's (USTOA) Sustainability is Responsibility (SIR) Summit from March 7 to 10, 2027. Guyana secured the hosting opportunity following a competitive international bidding process, with its proposal recognised for its creativity, vision and commitment to sustainable tourism development. The summit is expected to provide an opportunity to showcase the country's natural and cultural heritage while strengthening

its presence in the North American travel market. Organised annually by USTOA, the summit brings together tour operators, travel companies and tourism organisations to discuss challenges and opportunities in sustainable tourism and explore strategies for promoting responsible travel. Previous editions have been hosted in N o r w a y, S i n g a p o r e , Valencia in Spain and Anchorage, Alaska. As host, Guyana will join that list of international destinations, with the event expected to promote the country's growing nature and adventure tourism sector. Delegates to visit Kaieteur Falls The programme will begin in Georgetown before moving to Baganara Island Resort on the Essequibo River, where delegates will participate in educational sessions, discussions and activities highlighting the relationship between tourism, the environment and local communities. Participants are also expected to visit Kaieteur

Falls, one of Guyana's most celebrated natural attractions, to experience its biodiversity and protected landscape. Optional pre- and postsummit programmes are being developed to encourage delegates to explore other parts of the country, including its interior regions and community-based tourism destinations. The activities are intended to give international tourism professionals firsthand exposure to Guyana's tourism products and help them identify opportunities to include the destination in their travel packages. Opportunities for local businesses The GTA said the summit represents an opportunity to establish relationships with influential tourism companies, raise Guyana's international profile and encourage new business partnerships. USTOA's membership includes established tour operators serving the North American market. Their participation could help Guyana

demonstrate its capacity to accommodate international visitors while promoting responsible tourism development. Local businesses, including hotels and other accommodation providers, tour operators, transportation companies, guides and communitybased tourism enterprises, are also expected to benefit from opportunities associated with the event. Tourism Minister Susan Rodrigues said Guyana had deliberately chosen to build its tourism industry around its natural environment, cultural diversity and the communities that preserve its traditions. “Hosting the 2027 USTOA Sustainability is Responsibility Summit gives us the opportunity to show international tour operators how these assets translate into tourism experiences, business opportunities and livelihoods for Guyanese,” Rodrigues said. She added that the summit would help strengthen Guyana's presence in the North American travel market and

Minister of Tourism, Susan Rodrigues establish direct relationships with companies capable of bringing more visitors to the country. The minister said the Government remained focused on ensuring that tourism generates lasting economic benefits for Guyanese while protecting the natural and cultural heritage that makes the country attractive to visitors. GTA Director Kamrul Baksh described the selection as an important milestone and an endorsement of the direction in which Guyana's tourism industry is developing. He said the summit would allow Guyana to demonstrate its commitment to protecting the

environment, celebrating its cultural heritage and creating opportunities for communities across the country. Baksh added that the event would provide an opportunity to establish lasting partnerships to support the sector's continued growth while ensuring that the benefits reach local communities. The summit will be delivered through a partnership between USTOA and the GTA, with support from local tourism stakeholders and industry partners. Further details about the programme and associated tourism experiences are expected to be announced in the coming months.

NPTAB awards $389M contract for Monkey Mountain dormitory ...new contract follows $490M in awards T h e N a t i o n a l Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) has awarded a $389 million contract to Z&H Investment Inc. to complete construction of the Monkey Mountain students' dormitory in Region Eight. A c c o r d i n g t o information published on its website, NPTAB revealed that the $389,070,825 contract was awarded to Z&H Investment Inc. who was among seven contractors that bid for the project which was estimated to cost $384,943,495 – government's engineer figure. This publication understands that this is the second contract awarded by NPTAB for the construction of the students' dormitory which would complement the new Monkey Mountain Secondary School. Regarding the students' dorm, back in 2024, a previous contract was awarded to build this building and other facilities to support the school's operations. It was stated on the NPTAB website that on

12th December, 2024, K's Trucking & Construction was awarded two contracts worth $179,394,560, and $102,603,450 for the construction of students' dormitory, multi-purpose hall & kitchen at Monkey Mountain (Lots 1&2). This same contractor was the company that won the $208 million contract to construct the Monkey Mountain Secondary School. The combined value of the contracts to K's Trucking & Construction's total involvement in the Monkey Mountain Secondary School project as of 2024 was $490 million. It was reported that on 1st July, 2024, former Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand and her team, turned the sod to commence the construction of the $208,282,809 school. The ministry, in a press release, at the time said the Monkey Mountain Secondary School, when completed, is expected to cater to the educational needs of students from the communities of Monkey Mountain, Taruka and

for school and related facilities in 2024

The Monkey Mountain Secondary School under construction. Images shared by the Education Ministry in December 2024. Tusseneng. The complex will also have a teachers' quarter and a small dormitory for the children of Taruka and Tusseneng. The project also includes provisions of facilities including laboratories, an information technology lab,

and a library–ensuring that students have access to modern learning resources. The school was expected to be completed within nine months.During the simple sod turning ceremony, Minister Manickchand highlighted the importance

of the new school, stating that it will alleviate the burden on existing educational facilities such as Paramakatoi by accommodating an average of 250 secondary-aged students. The ministry reported

that currently, students from these communities have had to travel significant distances to access secondary education, often facing logistical challenges due to the limited availability of schools in the region.

Thursday October 15, 2026

Kaieteur News

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Texas de Brazil marks one year of flame-grilled dining in Guyana From tableside carving of flamedgrilled meats, to celebrations with family and friends, Texas de Brazil Guyana marks its first anniversary. Texas de Brazil Guyana opened its doors at MovieTowne Guyana 12 months ago, introducing diners to a distinctive steakhouse experience combining the traditions of Brazilian churrasco with warm hospitality and an impressive selection of flame-grilled meats.

In just one year of sizzling meats Texas de Brazil Guyana quickly established itself as a unique addition to Guyana's growing dining landscape and welcoming thousands of guests through its doors for birthdays, anniversaries, family gatherings, business dinners, date nights and other special occasions. The restaurant is celebrating the 1-year anniversary under the theme “One Year of (Continued on page 19)

Texas de Brazil Guyana Dining Experience

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Four buildings hit by North Road blaze, eight left homeless The aftermath of the fire. PC: GFS Facebook page.

Eight people, including children, have been left homeless after a fire swept through four buildings on North Road, Georgetown, on We d n e s d a y a f t e r n o o n , threatening nearby structures before firefighters brought the blaze under control. According to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), the fire broke out behind Akbar Auto Sales, in the vicinity of Cummings and North Roads. In a subsequent Facebook update, the GFS said when firefighters arrived at the scene, two buildings were already engulfed in flames, while nearby structures were threatened by the rapidly spreading blaze. The Fire Service dispatched water tender #130, water bowser #26, ambulance

#23 and crews from its headquarters under the command of Section Leader Kingston. Water tender #131 and a crew led by Section Leader Marcus also responded from the Campbellville Fire Station. “Through swift and coordinated efforts, firefighters brought the main blaze under control. Two nearby houses also caught fire, but it was extinguished, preventing further spread,” the GFS said. The affected properties comprised two-storey, threestorey and single-storey buildings constructed of wood and concrete. The Fire Service said investigations into the cause of the blaze are ongoing.

Police issue wanted bulletin for Trinidadian over cyber crime Wanted: Ronnie Sankar

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is seeking the public's assistance in locating a 36-year-old Trinidadian national wanted for cyber crime. According to a wanted bulletin issued by the Force, the individual has been identified as Ronnie Sankar, whose last known address is Lot 24 Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara. Sankar's overseas address is listed as 68 2nd Street, Union Park, East Marabella, Trinidad. The police are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the nearest police station, call 911, or use the contact numbers listed on the wanted bulletin.

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Thursday October 15, 2026

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65 women among 102 GSA graduates as agriculture sector expands

The GSA graduates and other officials including Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha. Sixty-five women accounted for nearly two-thirds of the 102 students who graduated from the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) on Tuesday, as the institution marked its 61st graduation ceremony amid growing demand for skilled professionals to support Guyana's expanding agriculture sector. The Class of 2026 comprised 65 females and 37 males who completed studies across six programmes at the school's Mon Repos and Essequibo campuses. Of the graduates, 66 earned either Credit or Distinction, while 10 students referred in 2025 successfully completed their programmes this year, the Agriculture Ministry said in a press release. Delivering the feature address, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha highlighted the increasing participation of women in agricultural education, describing it as a reflection of the sector's changing landscape and expanding professional opportunities.

The graduating class represented nine of Guyana's 10 administrative regions, alongside 12 students from other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries, including 10 from Grenada and two from Saint Lucia. The graduation comes as the Government continues to increase investment in agriculture, with Mustapha reporting that the sector grew by 11.5 per cent in 2025, while budgetary allocations rose from $18.4 billion in 2020 to $113.2 billion in 2026. He said the investments are supporting the modernisation of production systems, expansion of agricultural infrastructure, increased access to technology and new opportunities in crop and livestock production, agroprocessing and other areas. Against this backdrop, the minister stressed that institutions such as the GSA must ensure that graduates are equipped with the technical knowledge, practical skills and innovative thinking needed to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving sector. “For more

than six decades, the Guyana School of Agriculture has played an important role in preparing men and women for service in agriculture and national development. Since its establishment in 1963, the institution has produced 4,497 graduates who have gone on to serve as farmers, extension officers, animal health professionals, foresters, agroprocessors, researchers, and agricultural leaders,” Mustapha said. He noted that the school's expansion beyond its original agricultural programme to include F o r e s t r y, F i s h e r i e s , A g r o Processing, Animal Health and Veterinary Public Health, and Livestock Production and Management reflects the changing needs of the industry. With technology advancing, consumer expectations evolving, markets becoming increasingly competitive and climate change affecting production, Mustapha said agricultural education must continue to adapt. “Our educational

Texas de Brazil marks one year... From page 15 Sizzle!” to mark an exciting first chapter filled with memorable dining experiences, special occasions and the tremendous support of the Guyanese community. At the heart of Texas de Brazil is the traditional churrascaria experience. Throughout the meal, traditionally dressed Gauchos move through the dining room carrying skewers of freshly flame-grilled meats, carving selections tableside according to each guest's preference. The restaurant's familiar red and green cards allow guests to set their own pace – green invites the Gauchos to continue serving, while red signals a moment to relax and enjoy. Among the selections is the signature Picanha, the celebrated Brazilian-style sirloin, alongside an assortment of beef, lamb, pork, chicken and Brazilian sausage. The experience is complemented by favourites including warm pão de queijo, traditional Brazilian cheese bread, and garlic mashed potatoes. Beyond the grill, the expansive gourmet salad area offers a wide selection of fresh salads, imported cheeses, charcuterie, vegetables and specialty accompaniments. Guests can also enjoy the signature Caipirinha, Brazil's famous cocktail, alongside a selection of wines, cocktails and other beverages. A representative of the restaurant shared that while the first anniversary is an important milestone, the past

year has been about much more than great food. “It has been about the people, celebrations and memories that have filled the restaurant since opening its doors,” he said. To commemorate the milestone, Texas de Brazil Guyana has planned an entire anniversary weekend of celebrations. Throughout the weekend, guests can look forward to entertainment, special activities, drink specials, giveaways and more, all designed to celebrate an incredible first year with the community that has supported the restaurant from the beginning. Texas de Brazil Guyana extended its gratitude to the Guyanese public for the welcome and support received during its first year of operation. The restaurant also recognized its dedicated team — from its Gauchos, chefs and service staff to those working behind the scenes - whose passion and commitment have brought the Texas de Brazil experience to life in Guyana each day. With its first year behind it, Texas de Brazil Guyana looks ahead to the next chapter, maintaining its focus on flame-grilled food, warm hospitality and memorable dining experiences. “As the flames continue to burn, Texas de Brazil Guyana looks forward to its next chapter with the same commitment with which it began: exceptional food, warm hospitality and memorable experiences,” the representative said.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha while handing out an award to one of the graduates. institutions must therefore continue to equip students with the knowledge, practical skills, and innovative thinking needed to respond to these developments,” he said. The minister also urged young people to look beyond traditional farming and recognise opportunities in agricultural science, technology, business management, research, veterinary services, environmental management, logistics and marketing. He emphasised, h o w e v e r, t h a t e d u c a t i o n a l opportunities must be accompanied by access to financing and other resources to help young professionals establish businesses in farming, agroprocessing and agricultural services. “But access to education must be matched by access to opportunity. That is why the Government is also working to expand opportunities for young entrepreneurs,” he said, pointing to financing available through the Guyana Development Bank for eligible young entrepreneurs. Mustapha also welcomed the GSA's successful re-registration with the National Accreditation Council of Guyana through 2029, describing it as an important step in maintaining recognised educational standards and ensuring the continued relevance of its programmes. He highlighted partnerships with the InterAmerican Institute for Cooperation

on Agriculture (IICA) and EMC, which have supported training in hydroponics and protected agriculture. He also pointed to the introduction of digital farm record systems and collaboration with the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) as efforts to strengthen the connection between training, research and practical production. Among the outstanding graduates, Analesia D'Aguiar received the Chairman's Prize for the best graduating student in the programmes offered at the Essequibo Campus. She completed the Certificate in Forestry programme with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.97, the highest recorded in the graduating class. Marlon O'Donoghue received the Chief Executive Officer's Prize as the best graduating student in the two-year programmes offered at the Mon Repos Campus. He completed the Diploma in Agriculture programme with a GPA of 3.71. Two Grenadian nationals, Jacob Thomas and Adonis Jones, were also recognised among the year's outstanding performers. The Guyana School of Agriculture began operations at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, on 9 th September, 1963. Over more than six decades, it has developed into a key institution for agricultural training, supplying professionals to support the country's agricultural production and wider development.

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MV Barima CoI...

Only one in 10 distress beacons registered, caused major delays in rescue response The emergency distress beacon aboard the ill-fated MV Barima was not registered with the global satellite system that aids search and rescue tracking, the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the ferry disaster heard on Monday during its opening public hearings at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC). The systemic failure left aviation and maritime authorities unable to match t h e s i g n a l ’s u n i q u e identification code to records detailing the vessel, its owner, or emergency contacts during the crucial initial hours of the tragedy. The MV Barima sank off the Essequibo Coast while en route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma late on July 18, 2026. Out of the 179 passengers and crew on board, at least 100 people lost their lives, with over 30 bodies still unrecovered and 76 survivors rescued. Today, the inquiry is scheduled to hear testimonies from Guyana

Director of the Air Navigation Services, Rickford Samaroo

Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard first responders as commissioners continue to probe the operational timeline and emergency response. Unregistered beacon left authorities ‘in the dark’ Testifying before the five-member commission chaired by Justice Godfrey Smith, Director of Air Navigation Services at the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Rickford Samaroo,

explained that an Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) transmits on the 406 MHz frequency through the international Cospas-Sarsat satellite system. Samaroo noted that Guyana receives its distress alerts through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States Mission Control Centre (USMCC), which forwards messages containing the beacon’s

Digital evidence emerges as police probe CMC guard’s execution Police are questioning a suspect and pursuing a second person of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of CMC security guard Esan Rose at Lida Chinese Supermarket on Sussex Street, Charlestown, last Thursday. Police told Kaieteur News on Wednesday that investigators have reportedly obtained “compelling digital evidence” linking the suspects to the killing of the 37-year-old guard. No further details were disclosed as investigations continue. Rose was shot dead at about 3:05 p.m. while inside the supermarket, approximately five feet from its southern entrance. He was armed with a 9mm service pistol, serial number TWB 33600, and a magazine containing nine rounds of ammunition. According to police, the gunman, who wore a surgical mask, arrived at the supermarket as a pillion rider on a red-andwhite XR motorcycle. The motorcycle travelled west along Sussex Street before the pillion rider dismounted. The motorcycle then continued east along the street while the gunman entered the supermarket. Police said the suspect fired two shots in Rose’s direction, striking him once in the chest. Rose fell to the ground, and the gunman fled the supermarket, heading west along Sussex Street before turning north onto Charles Street.

Shot Dead, Esan Rose An emergency medical technician was summoned, but Rose was pronounced dead at the scene by Dr. Harikissoon of the Georgetown Public Hospital. Police said Rose was found lying on his back, dressed in a cream jersey, black long pants and black boots, with blood stains on his face and jersey. His service pistol was found on the ground near his body, along with the magazine containing nine live rounds of 9mm ammunition. Investigators recovered one spent .32 shell and two live .32 rounds at the scene. The items were marked, sealed and lodged as part of the investigation. Rose’s service firearm and ammunition were also lodged.

unique identifier (HEX ID), date, time, coordinates, and location reliability. When properly registered, a beacon’s HEX ID code immediately links to vital details, including vessel description, ownership, intended journey, and nextof-kin contacts who can clarify how many people are aboard. While an unregistered beacon still transmits geographical coordinates, Samaroo stressed that it leaves search and rescue authorities entirely in the dark regarding who needs assistance. When questioned by Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a g o maritime law expert Nyree Alfonso on whether the MV B a r i m a ’s b e a c o n w a s registered, Samaroo confirmed: “From our side, it wasn’t registered.” Samaroo added that because of the lack of registration data, officials could not determine whether the distress signal was coming from a fishing vessel or another craft, and he only learned the actual name of the vessel hours later on July 20, 2026. Timeline of the initial response and protocol discrepancies The inquiry heard that the first distress signal arrived at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Control Tower, which serves as Guyana’s central point of contact for both air and maritime emergency reports, at 10:43 p.m. on July 18, 2026. However, Samaroo was not notified until almost t h r e e h o u r s l a t e r, a t approximately 1:00 a.m. (or 1:15 a.m.) on July 19, when GCAA Director General Retired Egbert Field called him to report that a vessel might be in distress and that approval had been granted for two Roraima Airways aircraft to investigate. Samaroo distinguished between standard operating procedures for aviation and maritime emergencies, testifying that staff is required to inform him immediately of an aircraft distress signal, but no such requirement exists for maritime vessels. In maritime emergencies, tower staff notifies the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), the GDF Coast Guard, and the Lighthouse directly.

Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) Officer, Tia Valenzuela After receiving the Director General’s call, Samaroo contacted tower personnel at Timehri to advise that the aircraft were cleared to proceed, at which point he was briefed on the USMCC distress alerts. He called the tower back at approximately 4:00 a.m. and was informed that the vessel had been located and rescue operations were underway. 1 in 10 Beacons Registered A e r o n a u t i c a l Information Service (AIS) Officer Tia Valenzuela, the second witness to take the stand, gave a detailed account of her shift at the CJIA Control Tower on the night of the disaster. Valenzuela testified that when the constant distress beeping began on the Aeronautical Message Handling System (AMHS) at 10:43 p.m. on July 18, she was in the AIS Unit with two trainees, while another officer on duty had left earlier. Standard procedure requires printing the message, plotting the coordinates in SkyVector to establish the location, extracting the HEX ID to identify the vessel owner, and generating reports for the Coast Guard and Lighthouse. However, between 10:43 p.m. and 11:37 p.m., the USMCC system dispatched a total of seven distress alert messages. Valenzuela described an influx of constant alerts that required her constant manual acknowledgment, which she could not delegate to trainees. “I printed and plotted and constant messages, distress messages kept coming in one after the other, so I had to respond to the USMCC as well... There were multiple coordinates that came in

after the initial one, so I had to keep replying.” Tia Valenzuela, AIS Officer Valenzuela confirmed that due to the absence of registration data tied to the HEX ID, she was completely unable to contact the owner or any representative of the vessel. Highlighting a troubling systemic issue across Guyana’s maritime sector, Valenzuela revealed that out of approximately 10 HEX IDs received during her tenure, only 1 was properly registered. On the night of July 18, 2026, a fast-moving emergency response unfolded following an initial distress alert received by the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Control Tower from the United States Mission Control Center (USMCC) at 10:43 PM. Within minutes, an emergency communications o f f i c e r, i d e n t i f i e d a s Valenzuela, dispatched the precise location coordinates to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard Operations Mobile via WhatsApp at 10:51 PM, with the Coast Guard acknowledging receipt just a minute later. Coordination efforts intensified rapidly as initial contact was established with the Lighthouse at 11:01 PM, followed by direct communication with Coast Guard Officer-in-Charge Commander Shamshudeen at 11:07 PM. By 11:13 PM, the Coast Guard confirmed that a vessel was en route to the designated area. To ensure full operational tracking, Valenzuela emailed the complete coordinate reports and HEX ID details a t 11 : 1 4 P M , w h i c h Commander Shamshudeen Continued on page 23

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Thursday October 15, 2026

Guyana may scale back LNG plans as Exxon needs more gas for its wells, sources say

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HOUSTON, Oct 13 (Reuters) - ExxonMobil (XOM.N), opens new tab has told Guyana it will need more offshore gas to maximize oil production than the government had expected, potentially leaving less for liquefied natural gas production and exports, two people close the talks said. Guyanese officials are now weighing whether to shrink a planned LNG project or skip exports altogether and use the gas for domestic power and petrochemical facilities only. It would deal a blow to the South American nation’s ambitions to become a regional energy powerhouse as it continues to grow oil and gas output. Guyana has been pushing a consortium led by Exxon, which controls all of the country’s crude and gas production, to deliver as much gas as possible so that the nation can monetize its reserves, which rank among the largest in the region. But the Exxon group, which also includes Chevron (CVX.N), opens new tab and China’s CNOOC (600938.SS), opens new tab, is forecasting it will need about 2 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) of gas for reinjection into oilfields so

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project is the most likely plan, they added. President Irfaan Ali’s administration is focused on getting a muchneeded gas-fired power plant running soon, one of the people said. Other industrial projects are likely on the back burner for now, including a proposed bauxite-to-alumina refinery, fertilizer production and large data centers. “We’re working with the government of Guyana on development plans that maximize resource recovery and value to the country,” an ExxonMobil spokesperson told Reuters on Monday. Gas development in Guyana requires supply and demand to be developed at the same time, the spokesperson added. Fulcrum did not respond to a request for comment. With a base of almost 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent in recoverable resources and plans for up to eight offshore developments by 2030, Exxon’s Stabroek block in Guyana is the crown jewel of its portfolio and a major engine of growth for the economy of Guyana, among Latin America’s least developed countries. The country has emerged as a notable oil and gas pro-

ERC seeks public feedback... From page 10 ERC to discharge its responsibilities effectively. Former Chairman of the Constitution Reform Commission, Ralph Ramkarran, SC, delivered a presentation on Guyana’s constitutional development, the objectives of the current reform exercise and the importance of public participation. Tracing the country’s constitutional evolution from Independence through the adoption of the 1980 Constitution and subsequent reform initiatives, Ramkarran examined questions surrounding public participation and the legitimacy of constitutional arrangements. Participants subsequently engaged in structured discussions facilitated by Ramkarran and the ERC’s Legal Officer, Seeta Bishundial. The discussions

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it can meet crude output targets at its government-approved projects, the people said. That required volume would constrain supplies for any gas export projects, including a floating LNG facility proposed by Fulcrum LNG, the US developer the government chose in 2024 to build and operate gas infrastructure in the country. Instead of the 6 million metric tons per annum (mtpa) of capacity initially planned, the project may now have to start with up to 3 mtpa and expand later, the people said. Exxon has been working to determine how much gas its fields can produce and supply, at what cost and on what timeline, one of the people said. Guyana has been seeking greater clarity from Exxon on available gas supplies, Natural Resources M i n i s t e r Vi c k r a m B h a r r a t t o l d Reuters in an interview earlier this year. He declined to comment this week on status of talks. The government has yet to make a final decision on what it will do with the reduced amount of available gas, frustrating potential investors, the people said. Scaling back the LNG

allowed stakeholders to exchange views and propose recommendations relevant to the Commission’s mandate and the wider constitutional reform process. The ERC said it will review, analyse and consolidate the contributions into a report for submission to the CRC before the December 31, 2026 deadline. The report will also include recommendations arising from the Commission’s institutional experience and assessment of matters relevant to its constitutional mandate. Ethnic glossary open for public feedback The consultation also featured the latest draft of the ERC’s Glossary of Ethnically Sensitive Terms, a public education resource intended to raise awareness of how language, context and terminology can influence relations among Guyana’s diverse communities. ERC Commissioner and Chairman of the Media/PR Subcommittee, Neaz Subhan, explained that words and expressions can be interpreted differently depending on context and individual experience. Terms considered acceptable by some people may be perceived as offensive by others, including persons from the same ethnic

background. Participants offered varying perspectives on the draft, including suggestions on how particular expressions should be treated and the importance of considering context. Subhan said the draft had benefited from input from experts at the University of Guyana. He explained that its circulation was intended to stimulate further discussion and obtain public feedback before the document is finalised and published. The Commission said it will also publish the CRC feedback form on its social media platforms, allowing persons who were unable to attend the consultation to access and complete the form online. Members of the public are encouraged to use the opportunity to share their views and contribute to the national constitutional reform process. The ERC said the consultation forms part of its continuing commitment to public education, stakeholder engagement and the promotion of harmonious relations among all ethnic groups in Guyana. It also thanked participants, presenters, constituency representatives and other stakeholders for their contributions to the discussions.

ducer in recent years following the discovery of large offshore fields in the last decade. Exxon’s fifth floating output facility arrived in Guyana in August, which is expected to begin operations before year-end.

In May, the group applied for government approval for Haimara, its ninth project in the country, which along with the eighth project, Longtail, is expected to develop nonassociated gas and condensate.

Trinidad and Tobago plans... From page 6 exploration and development opportunities, including crossborder and deepwater gas resources. Tancoo said bpTT had secured an exploration and production licence for Loran Phase II, which could help the country monetise more than four trillion cubic feet of natural gas from regional and cross-border fields. He also cited bpTT’s proposed acquisition of Woodside’s 70 per cent stake in the Calypso gas field, which is expected to close by the end of 2026. Beyond natural gas, Tancoo said the Government was pursuing investment in oil exploration and production, including a potential US$21 billion investment involving ExxonMobil. He said ExxonMobil had completed a three-dimensional seismic acquisition programme in an ultradeepwater block, with analysis underway to identify potential drilling targets. Other international companies, including Chevron and Occidental Petroleum, have also expressed interest in Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector, he added. Upstream capital expenditure is estimated to exceed US$2 billion in 2026, with investments projected to rise to US$2.3 billion in 2027 and US$2.6 billion in 2028 before reaching US$1.4 billion in 2029, according to Tancoo. The government is also encouraging smaller local and foreign operators to develop marginal oil reserves while state-owned Heritage Petroleum Company Limited continues drilling and workover programmes in producing fields, including East Soldado and South West Soldado. Tancoo said the investments were intended to strengthen the country’s energy sector, improve production and restore economic activity in communities affected by the downturn. Debate on the national budget is scheduled to begin on Friday.

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Central Govt. support needed to advance municipal... From page 13 Amsterdam and other communities in Region Six to maximise the potential of their waterfronts, arguing that the town could benefit significantly from greater investment in port-related activities and tourism. The government is considering the development of a deep-water harbour in Region Six. McIntosh said such a facility, if established in New Amsterdam, could stimulate commerce, attract investment and accelerate the town’s development. “From container ships coming to land their containers here in New Amsterdam, to tourist boats and passengers coming for a stop. We’re talking a lot of economic spin off. These very initiatives will provide economic opportunities for both our small and large businesses with the town of New Amsterdam,” the mayor said. He also highlighted the limited presence of manufacturing establishments in the town, arguing that attracting more companies could generate employment and improve residents’ livelihoods. Traffic lights among proposed upgrades Despite New Amsterdam’s relatively small size and less extensive road network compared with Georgetown, McIntosh said the town required improved traffic

Mayor of New Amsterdam Wainwright McIntosh joins Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore (first from left) and Linden’s Mayor Dominique Blair (centre) for a photo op at the conference. management infrastructure. He identified several critical intersections where traffic lights could be installed, including Tacama Turn, Philadelphia Street, Vryheid Street, the Berbice High School corner and Canje Turn. However, the mayor acknowledged that the municipality lacked the financial resources to implement all of its development plans independently. He said collaboration with central

government would be essential to advancing the proposed improvements. AI to modernise municipal services The conference also explored h o w t e c h n o l o g y, i n c l u d i n g artificial intelligence, is being used to improve the delivery of services and the day-to-day operations of municipalities. McIntosh said New Amsterdam needed to embrace appropriate

Only one in 10 distress beacons registered... From page 21 formally acknowledged at 11:23 PM. Training, Communications, and Scrutiny Under questioning by Commissioner Retired Rear Admiral Hayden A. Pritchard of Trinidad and Tobago regarding her qualifications, Valenzuela stated that managing the alerts that night “wasn’t hard but I had multiple things to do.” Valenzuela, who began training with the AIS Unit in 2024 and became an AIS Officer in June 2025, admitted that while she had handled over 10 distress alerts previously, none were of this scale. She confirmed there were no communication systems available beyond WhatsApp, telephone, and email, and acknowledged she had no training in coordinating joint air and maritime search and rescue operations. The distinct handling of aviation versus maritime alerts has brought two key response elements under scrutiny, the speed at which alerts were relayed to maritime responders on the water and the delay in informing senior aviation officials. In response, the Commission requested standard operating procedures, an after-action report, and complete communication records from the initial 10:43 p.m. alert through the close of operations on the afternoon of July 19. Legal representation & modernization In a separate development at the hearings, former Acting Chancellor

of the Judiciary Carl Singh applied to appear before the Commission to represent Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill. Singh, practicing since 1983, requested leave to appear periodically when necessary, explaining that Minister Edghill maintains a “substantial interest in the subject matter of this inquiry” given public discussion and criticism. “I ask your leave to be allowed to appear with no intention of discourtesy or disrespect being extended to the Commission,” Singh pledged. The Commission indicated a willingness to grant the application on principles of procedural fairness, requesting a formal written submission for the record. $123M Digital upgrade to overhaul legacy manual systems The systemic flaws exposed by the disaster highlight the stark contrast with recent national search-and-rescue upgrades. In January 2026, the government launched a new $123 million modernised Search and Rescue Information and Management System (SARIMS) at the Timehri Control Tower Complex, supplied by Canadian firm Intelcan Te c h n o s y s t e m s I n c . i n collaboration with IAMSAR. Prior to SARIMS, operations relied heavily on manual processes, telephone calls, faxes, emails, and hand-written log sheets, which increased workloads, risk of human error, and delayed information retrieval during prolonged missions. Speaking at the launch,

Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar emphasized the critical nature of response times “When you are getting a stroke or a heart attack, you know there is something called the golden half hour or golden hour, which is the time between when you can save a life or lose a life. That is what the reduction in time does to the process: it makes sure all the information is quickly available so you can deploy assets faster.” Sixteen coordinators across the GCAA, CJIA, GDF, and Ogle Airport were trained under the digital platform, which integrates real-time data for the Georgetown Rescue Coordination Centre. The government is also moving forward with a complementary maritime search-and-rescue centre at Kingston. Commission Mandate and Media Guidelines The five-member panel, examining the ferry’s seaworthiness, loading procedures, crew competence, search and rescue adequacy, and potential negligence, is expected to hear from more than 100 witnesses under an extended six-month mandate. Separately, Secretary to the Commission Javed Shadick announced that while media houses are invited to record and cover the daily proceedings, live streaming will not be permitted. The Commission indicated it will issue Standard Operating Procedures for press coverage to ensure transparency as public hearings continue today with Coast Guard testimony.

technological solutions to improve efficiency and make municipal services more accessible to residents. “Our role in the 21st century, with the emergence of AI, municipalities across the world are running with the technology, and that is the place we want to be, where we will be able to use technology to improve on our internal workings,” he said. He envisaged a system in which residents and business owners could access municipal services online rather than having to visit the council and wait in lines. Under such an arrangement, residents could pay rates and taxes electronically, submit complaints and make enquiries in real time. McIntosh acknowledged, however, that achieving this would

require the appropriate technology and supporting infrastructure. “But of course, we have to get the right kind of technology, the right kind of infrastructure set-up to bridge these gaps,” he said. Call for change in civic behaviour Beyond infrastructure and t e c h n o l o g y, M c I n t o s h s a i d changing public attitudes towards civic responsibility remained an important challenge for New Amsterdam. He lamented the continued practice of littering, noting that some residents dispose of their waste improperly despite the availability of public spaces and municipal services. “When it comes to littering, persons go out there and they dispose of their waste in an undesirable manner. The minute they jump on a plane or they go to live in another country, they adapt. You wouldn’t find that trend of just dumping the soda bottles or snack packs,” he said. The mayor argued that greater public responsibility was necessary to maintain a clean environment and improve the overall appearance of the town. Meanwhile, McIntosh said New Amsterdam received international exposure during the conference through a video presentation showcasing the municipality, its people, history, landmarks and way of life. The video was periodically displayed as part of the conference proceedings. McIntosh attended the conference alongside Deputy Mayor Kirk Fraser and several New Amsterdam municipal councillors.

UN chief condemns mass killing in latest gang attack in Haiti (CMC) – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday condemned the latest gang attack in Haiti that left at least 11 people dead and several others injured in G r o s - M o r n e ’s t h i r d communal section on Monday. Among those killed were four members of the same family who were transporting a sick woman to hospital when they were caught in a violent crossfire. Three suspected members of the Kokorat San Ras armed gang were fatally wounded. Interim Mayor Hubert Cénéac, said the killings followed a confrontation between the Kokorat San Ras gang and a Sri Lankan contingent of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) in the nearby Savane Longue communal section. He said security forces raided the area to clear a

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stretch of the national road linking the Northwest and Artibonite departments, where the armed group had set up a checkpoint to extort drivers and passengers. On Monday, the United

Nations Security Council voted to extend the mandate of the 5,500-strong GSF for six months as Haiti prepares for elections in December. “I can tell you that the Secretary-General

condemns the reported gang attack on Monday in GrosMorne, which is one of the communes in that department, which reportedly left at least 11 people dead,” said Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesman for the Secretary-General. “This horrific attack is another reminder of the heavy toll that gang violence continues to take on Haitians living in areas under the control or just under the influence of armed gangs,” he said, adding, “it also underscores the urgency of strengthening security efforts in Haiti”. Dujarric said this includes the full deployment of the GSF, “which is there in Haiti in support of the Haitian National Police, as well as we need to improve the broader efforts to address the drivers of violence and instability that we have seen in Haiti.

“According to our colleagues at the Human Rights Office, more than 3,000 human beings were killed in Haiti between January and June of this year,” Dujarric said, adding “we and our partners continue to provide food, healthcare, psychosocial support, and emergency cash assistance. “However, humanitarian needs continue to outpace available resources. As you can imagine, more funding is needed.” M e a n w h i l e , H a i t i ’s Catholic Bishops have, in a statement, said that the French-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) country’s “descent into hell causes us increasing alarm every day. “The general situation is deteriorating before our horrified eyes: on one hand, the alarming advance of armed groups occupying our

neighbourhoods and the s u r g e i n kidnappings—which traumatise our families and disrupt the functioning of schools and universities; and on the other, the spectacle of failing governance, unable to restore public peace or protect the population.” The bishops say that Haiti is “facing profound confusion, a glaring lack of leadership, and an absence of long-term vision. “The population has been left to fend for itself. The horrific Kenscoff massacre remains fresh in everyone’s minds, and the blood of the victims cries out to heaven for justice,” they said. A brutal gang attack on the farming community of Kenscoff on 23 -24 August, 2026, left at least 47 to over 164 people dead and dozens kidnapped, according to the authorities. rd

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Two ships sink near Hormuz after being hit by projectiles amid surge in attacks Smoke rises from the bulk carrier vessel Cape Dao after an attack at sea September 23, 2026, in this screen grab obtained from a social media video. Social Media/via REUTERS Damage on the superstructure while smoke rises from the bulk carrier vessel Cape Dao after an attack at sea September 23, 2026, in this screen grab obtained from a social media video. Social Media/via REUTERS

(Reuters) - A container ship and a dry bulk carrier have both sunk near the Strait of Hormuz in the past after being hit by projectiles in separate incidents, maritime officials said on Wednesday. Attacks around the waterway have surged over the past 10 days, with Iran saying it is stepping up strikes in response to the US blockade of its ports and tougher sanctions introduced last month. The Singapore-flagged GFS Pride, a small container

vessel with a capacity of 2,824 20-foot equivalent units (TEU), sank while sailing through the strait, according to maritime security sources. “GFS PRIDE sustained damage and a fire on board, and has since sunk. All 21 crew members were safely evacuated. No injuries have been reported,” the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said in a statement on Wednesday, adding that the vessel had been sailing through the strait on Tuesday.

In a separate incident, the Antigua and Barbudaflagged Cape Dao sank close to the strait, weeks after being struck by a projectile on September 23, data from UN shipping agency the International Maritime Organization showed on Wednesday. One crew member was killed, the rest of the crew evacuated straight after the strike, maritime sources said. Its UAE-based manager Peonies Shipmanagement FZE could not be

immediately reached for comment. The GFS Pride and Cape Dao are the second and third vessels to have sunk since the US-Iran war began on February 28, according to an analysis of IMO casualty data. “ M PA i s d e e p l y concerned about the continued attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz,” the Singapore authority said. “Such attacks are unprovoked, unjustifiable, and a breach of international law.” GFS Pride’s United Arab Emirates-based manager, GFS Ship Management FZE, could not be immediately reached for comment. “The latest incidents reinforce the continuing

threat to commercial shipping transiting the Strait of Hormuz,” maritime risk management company MARISKS said on Wednesday. “The threat is not confined to tankers, with container vessels and bulk carriers also sustaining serious damage.” IRAN TIGHTENS GRIP A sharp escalation in threats to commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade passed before the war, has heightened concerns about security in the waterway. Tehran has sought to tighten its grip on the waterway since US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, restricting

transit in an effort to gain leverage over Washington. Iran is increasingly deploying new tactics against vessels transiting the strait as it seeks to keep oil prices elevated and influence US midterm elections, two senior Iranian officials told Reuters. While Iran and the US have focused their attacks on tankers, cargo and container vessels have also been attacked, immobilised or sunk. The Maltese-flagged container ship Safeen Prestige was hit by a projectile in March and later sank north of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards attacked and seized the container ship MSC Francesca in April.

U.S. inflation rises before midterm elections, fuelling rate hike fears (AL-JAZEERA) United States consumer prices jumped in September in the final inflation report before the midterm elections, increasing chances of an interest rate hike later this month. Annual inflation accelerated to 3.7 percent, up from 3.4 percent in August. On a monthly basis, prices rose by 0.6 percent, according to the Consumer Price Index report released by the Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on Wednesday. Petrol prices led the surge as tensions between the US and Iran, as well as Russia and Ukraine, weighed on global energy prices. Petrol prices rose 9.1 percent in September, accounting for more than half of the CPI monthly increase, according to the BLS. They were up 34.2 percent from the same time a year ago. “The directionless war in Iran continues to disrupt global supply chains, driving up the prices of food and fuel,” Kyle Moore, chief economist at The Century Foundation, an economic think tank, said in a statement provided to Al Jazeera. Petrol prices have continued to climb. The average price for a gallon of petrol is $4.33 ($1.14 per litre), compared with $4.31 a month ago, according to the American

Automobile Association (AAA), which tracks daily petrol prices. Diesel prices are higher, at $6.29 per gallon (1.66 per litre), compared with $6.23 a month ago. In a post on X, Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy, said, “2026 has now seen more days with average gas prices over $4/gal than any year before: 158 days.” Shelter costs also jumped 0.4 percent from the previous month, following a 0.3 percent increase in August. Food costs were a bright spot in the report, remaining unchanged overall. Food away from home, including restaurant meals, rose 0.2 percent, but that increase was offset by a 0.1 percent decline in food-at-home prices, which track grocery costs. At the grocery store, poultry prices jumped 0.7 percent, fruit and vegetable prices rose 0.5 percent, and juice prices increased 1.1 percent. However, milk prices dropped 2.1 percent and beef prices fell 0.9 percent. Amid heavy investment in AI infrastructure, prices for computer software and accessories have jumped 28 percent from the same time last year.

“The AI boom is playing a huge part, and we have all read about the hundreds of billions being poured into data centers, AI firms, and models,” Rami Cassis, principal of Parabellum Investment, said in comments provided to Al Jazeera. Fed pressures The inflation data comes days before the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision later this month. Last month, the US central bank raised rates by 25 basis points, bringing the target range to 3.75–4.00 percent, the first hike in three years. Economists are divided over Petrol price increases whether the Fed will raise rates again have fueled higher inflation or hold them steady. According to CME FedWatch, [File: Richard Vogel/AP] which tracks the likelihood of monetary policy decisions, there is a 52.9 percent chance that rates will showed that about 78 percent of Americans remain in the 3.75–4.00 percent range, while blamed US President Donald Trump’s a 47.1 percent chance of a quarter of a policies for price increases. percentage point hike that would bring them US markets trended downward following to 4.00–4.25 percent. the inflation report. The Nasdaq fell 0.8 The inflation data puts pressure on percent and the S&P 500 dropped 0.6 percent, Republicans before the midterm elections on while the Dow Jones Industrial Average was November 3. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll roughly flat in midday trading.

T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N T B . U . L . L T B . N . U . N U T L N B . U . T . L N T U N B . N U . . L U L LUNT B . T . . T T N N B U B . U . L . L T B . B . . N . . . T T LU N N T U Tax incentives for whom? U L N L B U . B . . L . . . T B T . . N . N T U L N LU B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . N T B . . U N . L T U B L N . . B . U . . T L . N T B . . U N . L N T B U N . . L . U T B L . . N B . . . T U . L N T B U . . L . UN T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N B U U .BLUNT. . . L . T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U . UN .BLUNT.. UNT...BL T...BL . L N . T B U . . L LUN ...BLUNT. LUNT...B NT...BL T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U BBL T...BLUN BLUNT... ...BLU . T . N . N T T U L U N L B U T...BLU U B . L . N . B T . . . N T U N N N L U U U B L . L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Thursday October 15, 2026

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FIFA’s proposed $6.35 billion development boost could... From page 33 competition framework across the federation’s nine Regional Associations. Launched on May 9, the programme introduced national youth competitions at the U13, U15 and U17 levels, with a U20 men’s championship planned for 2027. For a country seeking to improve its competitiveness within Concacaf, the importance of consistent youth competition cannot be overstated. Identifying

talented players is only the beginning; developing them requires qualified coaching, appropriate facilities, structured competition and continued assessment over several years. Meanwhile, facilities remain another critical component of Guyana’s football development ambitions. The GFF has been advancing infrastructure projects with FIFA support, including mini-pitches under the global FIFA Arena

initiative. Two facilities have been allocated to Haslington on the East Coast of Demerara and Retrieve in Linden, with the objective of expanding access to safe, quality playing surfaces for schools, grassroots programmes and surrounding communities. The proposed funding framework reportedly onethird of the development allocation for women’s and youth football, another third for infrastructure, and the remaining third for projects.

Thursday October 15, 2026 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Grab hold of the day's boisterous energy and run with it, Aries. This is a good time to kick up your heels and have fun. You might find that people are a bit more highstrung than usual.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) This is a terrific day for you, Libra, and you will find that the fast pace of the day suits you well for what you need to get done. There's a general feeling of grandeur in the air that reminds you to take your time when getting dressed.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You might be frustrated by the fact that people are doing things hastily today, Taurus. You might have to accept the fast-paced energy of the day just so you can keep up.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Do your best to keep up today, Scorpio. Things might move quickly. You may be raising your hand and waiting politely for someone to call on you.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) People may come into conflict with you today, Gemini. More than likely, the issue at hand will have to do with others being a bit too focused on themselves, while you're more concerned with the collective.

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) This is a good time to take control of the situation, Sagittarius. You've done your preparation and now it's time to put it to good use. You're about to face your enemy eye to eye. Have confidence in your training.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Jump-start the day with a s m i l e , C a n c e r . Yo u r generosity and sincerity won't go unnoticed on a day like this. People will probably need more attention than usual, so take the time to attend to the emotions of those you love.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Don't be surprised if the oldfashioned, practical solution doesn't make the grade today, Capricorn. Probably the new devices and special electronic shortcuts will be the most impressive thing going.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) There could be an unexpected tension coming out of nowhere today. More than likely your emotions will be running at a high level. It could be that your aggressiveness start to annoy others.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You may be able to zip through chores like lightning today. There's an added swiftness to your step that helps in every one of your endeavors. You might want to engage in just about every activity except work.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Yo u r s l o w a n d s t e a d y approach might be met with a bit of opposition today. People could be demanding of your energy. It's one of those days in which the people behind you in line at a coffee shop might give you dirty look.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You're likely to go to extremes today on many levels, Pisces. The problem is that you may encounter opposition everywhere you turn. There's an incredible stubbornness to the day that is evident in everyone's mood.

Infrastructure investment would also have to provide equal access for women’s and youth football. That approach aligns with the GFF’s efforts to strengthen the women’s game. In April, the federation and DOF Subsea formalised a five-year partnership involving a G$40 million commitment towards establishing and operating the DOF–FIFA Arena Girls Football Academy. The initiative is intended to provide structured training and development opportunities for young female players. FIFA’s proposed increase comes amid controversy surrounding President G i a n n i I n f a n t i n o ’s abandoned FIFA Forward

Enterprise plan, which sought private investment in F I F A’ s c o m m e r c i a l operations and competitions. The proposal attracted criticism from several continental football leaders, adding scrutiny to the governing body’s financial and governance decisions.

Against that backdrop, the distribution of development funding will be closely watched by member associations, including those in the Caribbean, where limited resources have often constrained the delivery of long-term football programmes.

Deonarine replaces... From page 32 their opening Group A encounter, with both teams expected to enter the tournament with ambitions of challenging for the title. The hosts will also have to negotiate a demanding Group A that includes Australia, Wales, Colombia, Canada, Namibia and defending champions South Africa. With Deonarine now added to an already experienced unit, the West Indies will be hoping their blend of international pedigree and veteran cricketing experience can provide the foundation for a successful campaign on home soil. The 2026 IMC Over-40s World Cup is expected to showcase former international and first-class players from around the world, with the 16-team field competing throughout the tournament before the eventual champions are crowned on October 31.

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Liverpool hit six as PSG stun Manchester City …Real Madrid rebound to beat Roma

he UEFA Champions League delivered a drama yesterday, with Liverpool producing a six-goal performance, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) overcoming Manchester City in a heavyweight clash, and several other matches providing plenty of attacking action in Matchday 2 of the 2026/27 league phase. Liverpool, PSG and Real Madrid headline results Liverpool FC were among the day’s biggest winners, defeating LASK 6-3 in Austria to maintain their winning start. Bradley Barcola stole the spotlight with a hat-trick, while Ronald Araújo, Jeremie Frimpong and Lewis Koumas also scored. LASK’s three goals exposed some defensive vulnerabilities, but Liverpool’s attacking quality proved decisive. The standout fixture saw reigning champions PSG beat Manchester City 4-2 at the Etihad Stadium. Désiré Doué and Ousmane

Dembélé struck early before Vitinha added a third to give PSG a commanding first-half advantage. Erling Haaland scored twice after the break to revive City’s hopes, but Maghnes Akliouche restored PSG’s three-goal cushion. City had a late penalty opportunity, but Ferran Torres failed to convert as PSG claimed an impressive victory. Real Madrid produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Roma 4-3 in Italy. Trailing 3-1, Madrid scored three times in the closing stages, with Antonio Rüdiger providing the decisive goal in a dramatic turnaround. Aston Villa also delivered a commanding performance, thrashing Fenerbahçe 6-0. Nicolas Jackson and Ross Barkley each scored twice, while Johan Manzambi and Tammy Abraham added a goal apiece in Villa’s biggest European victory to date. Other results from Wednesday, October 14 Feyenoord 3-2 Como — Feyenoord edged a five-goal

contest to claim their first win of the league phase. Bodø/Glimt 1-0 Borussia

Bradley Barcola scored the 13th hat-trick in Liverpool’s European Cup history on Wednesday.

Dortmund — Bodø/Glimt secured a notable victory over the German side.

Real Betis 3-2 Porto — Betis came from behind to maintain their winning start.

Infantino faces growing opposition at FIFA Council meeting ZURICH, Switzerland — FIFA president Gianni Infantino faces mounting pressure from some of football’s most powerful leaders when the organisation’s 37member Council meet today, amid growing divisions over his leadership, governance and a failed plan to sell a stake in FIFA’s commercial operations. According to Reuters Sports, the meeting marks Infantino’s first encounter with FIFA’s top decisionmakers since he abandoned the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) scheme in July, just days after announcing the proposal. Infantino has faced calls to resign from leaders of three regional confederations, UEFA in Europe, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF, which governs

football in North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Their representatives will join counterparts from Africa, South America and Oceania for discussions expected to shape FIFA’s future direction. The controversial FFE proposal sought to sell a minority stake in a FIFA commercial subsidiary to private investors. A company launched by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, son-inlaw of U.S. President Donald Trump, was identified as the proposed lead investor. The plan exposed divisions within world football, with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, AFC president Salman Al Khalifa and CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani calling for a change at the top of FIFA.

H o w e v e r, I n f a n t i n o i s continuing to build support as he prepares to seek re-election in March 2027. Prospective candidates must submit their nominations by November 18. Former Switzerland and Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega announced last week that he intends to challenge for the presidency but has yet to confirm whether he has secured the backing of the five national associations required to enter the race. Despite the opposition, Infantino retains considerable support. He received a standing ovation when he met African football leaders in Cape Verde last week and is expected to receive backing from South America at next year’s election in Rabat, Morocco. Several Asian countries, including a bloc of Arab nations, have also indicated their support. People familiar with the matter told Reuters that although finding a viable replacement for Infantino remained difficult, his opponents were determined to isolate him further and curb his powers. Today’s agenda will also include FIFA’s financial reserves, development funding for its 211 member associations, disciplinary procedures, governance reforms and the controversial Peace Prize

GIANNI INFANTINO awarded to Trump last year. L a s t m o n t h , U E FA a n d CONCACAF called on FIFA to release US$10 million to each member association, contrasting with the abandoned FFE proposal, which could have provided US$20 million in development funding and access to a further US$20 million. Emanuel Medeiros, founder and global chief executive of the Sport Integrity Global Alliance, urged FIFA to undertake a meaningful governance review. “The eyes of the world are on them,” Medeiros said, according to Reuters Sports, calling for an

independent, comprehensive and transparent review. However, Miguel Maduro, F I FA’s f o r m e r G o v e r n a n c e Committee chairman, questioned whether the meeting would produce meaningful change, warning that a review without genuine independence and enforceable measures could become merely a public-relations exercise. The meeting will test whether Infantino’s critics can translate their opposition into concrete reforms or whether he can maintain his authority ahead of the 2027 election.

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Tucker leads Guyana’s medal quest at Poole backs Australia World Masters Powerlifting Championships to challenge for Veteran Guyanese strongman Frank Tucker will lead Guyana’s medal charge Masters Cricket title when the International Powerlifting Australia head coach Justin Poole is confident his side can mount a strong challenge for the 2026 International Masters Cricket title when the tournament bowls off on Saturday at venues across Guyana. The competition, which brings together some of the world’s leading Masters teams, will culminate on October 31 with the grand finale at the National Stadium, Providence. Poole’s charges arrived in Guyana on Tuesday night and wasted little time getting acclimatized, holding their first training session on Wednesday at the Police Sports Club ground at Eve Leary. With Australia set to open their Group A campaign against the West Indies on Saturday at Providence, Poole said his players are eager to get the competition underway and are confident of going all the way. “We trying to acclimatize yet but we [are] pretty confident of lifting the trophy; I expected great competition but we are prepared for challenges ahead at this World Cup,”

Justin Poole

Poole told the local media following Wednesday’s session. Australia’s Group A opponents include hosts West Indies, Wales, Colombia, Canada, Namibia and defending champions South Africa, setting up what is expected to be a highly competitive preliminary round. The Australians will have another opportunity to finetune their preparations when they face the Rest of the Caribbean in a practice match on Thursday at the Lusignan Community Centre on the East Coast of Demerara. Poole said the warm-up fixture will be important as his team continues to adjust to the local conditions and sharpen its game ahead of Saturday’s opening encounter. “Look, we are here to play competitive cricket; the guys have shown positive attitude towards this tournament but we have got to play good cricket from the beginning to the ending,” Poole said. Group B features New Zealand, England, Scotland, the United States, India, Pakistan, Rest of the World XI and Rest of the Caribbean. Sri Lanka have withdrawn from the tournament because of visa issues affecting several members of their squad. Australia will enter the tournament with unfinished business from the inaugural Over-40s World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2024. The Australians advanced to the semi-finals before being eliminated by the eventual champions. Poole will therefore be hoping his experienced unit can go a step further in Guyana and convert its confidence and preparation into a championship-winning campaign.

Federation (IPF) World Masters Powerlifting Championships get underway today in Reno, Nevada, USA. The championships, scheduled for October 15 – 24, will see 507 male and female lifters from 39 countries converge in Nevada, with Guyana represented by a five-member team seeking to build on an impressive showing at the recent South American Powerlifting Championships in Santiago, Chile. The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) returned from Chile with a haul of 21 medals (six gold, 10 silver and five bronze) from a 17member contingent. The federation will now look to its Masters athletes to maintain that momentum on the world stage. At 74, Tucker will be one of G u y a n a ’s m o s t e x p e r i e n c e d competitors and is set to make his debut a t t h e I P F Wo r l d M a s t e r s Championships. He will compete in both the Classic and Equipped divisions, beginning his campaign today in the M4 93kg category. Tucker will face two competitors from the United States in the 93kg class and enters the competition with confidence after what he described as a productive period of preparation. The veteran lifter said his training has gone well and that he is eager to finally test himself at the highest level of Masters powerlifting. Tucker’s participation is also expected to be one of the highlights of Guyana’s campaign, with the 74-yearold looking to demonstrate that experience, preparation and determination can continue to produce results regardless of age. Another veteran carrying Guyana’s hopes is USA-based Naranjan Singh,

Frank Tucker (left) and Kerma Singh who will celebrate his 83rd birthday on October 20. Singh will compete in the M4 83kg division for Guyana, marking his third appearance at a World Masters Championships. Despite his advancing age, Singh remains confident of maintaining his impressive tradition of medalling for Guyana on the international stage. Gordon Edwin Spencer will also be in action, competing in the M3 93kg Equipped category. Spencer faces a field of five other competitors representing the United States, Finland and Estonia, making for a highly competitive battle for the medals. GAPLF General Secretary Roger

Rogers will contest the M2 120kg division against seven other lifters. His international challengers will come from the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Great Britain, Sweden and France. The youngest member of the Guyanese Masters contingent, Tremel Clarke, will also be looking to make his mark after recently entering the Masters ranks at age 40. Clarke made a promising start to his Masters career at the Fesupo competition in Chile and will now face a significantly stronger field in Nevada. His M1 105kg category includes competitors from the United States, Chile, Great Britain, Brazil, Mexico, New Zealand and Canada.

ExxonMobil U18 enters third round From page 32 programme at 3:30pm. On the West Coast of Demerara, De Willem Secondary will play West Demerara Secondary at Friendship Park from 2:00pm, followed by Leonora Secondary against Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary at 3:30pm. Victoria will host two East Coast boys’ matches, beginning with Beterverwagting Secondary against Hope Secondary at 10:00am. The winner of Game 5 will then meet the winner of Game 6 at noon. At No. 5 Ground in Region Five, Mahaicony Secondary and Belladrum

Secondary will meet in both divisions. The girls’ game starts at 1:00pm, followed by the boys’ encounter at 2:30pm. In Region One, the winner of Game 1 will face North West Secondary in a boys’ encounter at Mabaruma Township from 3:00pm. A MAJOR PLATFORM FOR YOUTH FOOTBALL The scale of the competition underlines the growing importance of the ExxonMobil Guyana U18 Schools Football Tournament as a platform for youth development. The inaugural tournament has brought together 118 school teams from

eight of Guyana’s 10 administrative regions, comprising 68 boys’ teams and 50 girls’ teams. Backed by ExxonMobil Guyana, the tournament is intended to expand competitive opportunities for young footballers while establishing a pathway from school football into academy, club and senior-level competition. The initiative has also received support from the Guyana Football Federation, the Ministry of Education’s Allied Arts Unit and the National Sports Commission, with talent identification forming an important component of the programme.

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Thursday October 15, 2026

ExxonMobil U18 enters third round …tournament reaches busy weekend Part of the action in the ExxonMobil U18 Boy’s and Girl’s tournament.

h e i n a u g u r a l ExxonMobil Guyana U18 Schools Football Tournament moves into its third round this weekend with a packed schedule of boys’ and girls’ matches across several regions, as schools continue their pursuit of

regional honours and progression in the nationwide competition. Organised by the Vurlon Mills Football Academy (VMFA), the tournament has generated significant participation since its launch on October 1, with the latest round featuring 36 scheduled

encounters on Friday, October 16, and Saturday, October 17. The extensive programme will see young footballers in action in Georgetown, on the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara, West Demerara, Berbice, Linden and Region One, among other

Deonarine replaces Emrit in West Indies Masters squad

Narsingh Deonarine

Former Guyana and West Indies batsman Narsingh Deonarine has been called into the West Indies squad for the 2026 International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40s World Cup, replacing Trinidadian all-rounder Rayad Emrit. The tournament bowls off on Saturday and runs until October 31, with 16 teams set to contest the competition in a round-robin 45-over format at venues across Guyana. The championship match will be played at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. Deonarine, 43, brings considerable international experience to the West Indies Masters lineup. The lefthanded batsman represented the senior West Indies team in 18 Tests, 31 One-Day Internationals and eight Twenty20 Internationals. His inclusion further strengthens an experienced West Indies squad that will begin its campaign against Australia on Saturday at Providence. Emrit, who represented the West Indies in two ODIs and four T20Is, was forced to withdraw from the squad because of his commitments with the West Indies Legends in India. Deonarine is no stranger to Masters cricket, having represented the West Indies Masters earlier this year in Pakistan. His return adds another experienced campaigner to a squad captained by former West Indies wicketkeeperbatsman Denesh Ramdin. Ramdin will be supported by several other players with significant international experience, including former West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Devendra Bishoo and Jason Mohammed. The West Indies will face a strong Australian side in Continued on page 25

participating communities. FRIDAY ACTION Friday’s programme begins with several fixtures in the capital. At the Queen’s College Ground, Chase’s Academic Foundation will face Richard Ishmael Secondary in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions, with the respective encounters scheduled for 3:30pm. At Tucville, Central High School will take on Dolphin Secondary in a girls’ fixture at 3:30pm, before Lodge Secondary and Charlestown Secondary meet at 4:00pm. The East Coast will see Annandale Secondary and Ann’s Grove Secondary contest a boys’ match at Victoria from 2:00pm, followed by an encounter between Bladen Hall Secondary and Golden Grove Secondary at 3:30pm. Region Five will stage a double-header involving Lower Corentyne Secondary and Canje Secondary at All Saints Ground. The girls’ match begins at 2:00pm, with the boys’ contest following at 3:30pm. In Linden, Linden Foundation Secondary will meet Harmony Secondary in the girls’ competition at Wisburg from 2:00pm, while Wisburg Secondary and New Silvercity Secondary will also contest a girls’ fixture. Region One will have a particularly busy schedule, with Santa Rosa Secondary facing St. Nicholas Primary Top in both divisions at Santa Rosa. The first two matches are scheduled for 10:00am, followed by Waramuri Secondary against Kwebanna Secondary in separate boys’ and girls’ fixtures at noon. Hosororo Secondary will also face Wauna Primary Top in the boys’ competition at Hosororo from 3:00pm.

On the East Bank, Camille’s Diamond will meet Friendship Secondary in the boys’ division at Providence from 3:00pm, while Camille’s Soesdyke and Diamond Secondary will clash at the same venue at 2:00pm. SATURDAY’S BATTLES The action continues Saturday with another full slate of fixtures, highlighted by several matches in Georgetown. At Queen’s College Ground, Campbellville Secondary and Cummings Lodge Secondary will meet in the boys’ competition at 10:00am, followed by North Georgetown Secondary against Christ Church Secondary at noon. Queen’s College will then face St. George’s School of Science in the boys’ division at 2:00pm, while Marian Academy will meet Queen’s College in the girls’ competition at the same time. Tucville will host three boys’ encounters. East Ruimveldt Secondary takes on Charlestown Secondary at 10:00am, followed by Dolphin Secondary against West Ruimveldt Secondary at noon. The New Central High will then face the winner of Game 11 at 2:00pm. Berbice will also be heavily involved, with five matches scheduled at All Saints Ground. New Amsterdam Secondary and Vryman’s Erven will open the programme at 10:00am in the boys’ division. New Amsterdam Secondary will then face Tutorial Academy in a girls’ encounter at noon, while Vryman’s Erven meets Berbice Educational Institute in another girls’ match. Corentyne Comprehensive and Berbice Educational Institute will contest a boys’ fixture at 1:30pm before Port Mourant Secondary and Tutorial Academy close the Continued on page 31

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Thursday October 15, 2026

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Over 300 benefit as NSC’s ‘Learn to Swim’ Programme expands to Mahdia

n a historic milestone for Region 8, more than 300 children and adults are currently acquiring vital water safety skills through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) and National Sports Commission (NSC) “Learn to Swim” initiative. This marks the very first time the nationwide program has been introduced to the Mahdia community. Backed fully by the Government of Guyana, the weeklong initiative represents a major step forward in community empowerment and holistic youth development. It expands upon the highly successful broader national campaign, which has already taught thousands of Guyanese to swim across Regions 2, 4, 5, 6, and 10. Hosted at the Roger Hinds Swimming Pool in Mahdia, the program has ignited widespread enthusiasm across local neighborhoods. Young participants have been drawn from several area schools, including: Mahdia Primary and Secondary, Micobie Primary and Secondary, Campbelltown Primary and Princeville Primary. To support families and eliminate barriers to participation, the MCYS and the NSC have provided complimentary swimming gear to every single person enrolled in the program. The week-long camp launched on Monday, October 12, and is scheduled to wrap up on Saturday, October 17. To guarantee safety and highquality instruction, a dedicated

A section of the students waiting to be registered for the NSC’s Learn to Swim programme in Region 8.

team of 15 certified coaches all of whom are fully trained in first aid and certified as lifeguards are administering the lessons. Head Coach Paul Mahaica highlighted that the program utilizes a highly structured daily routine to comfortably accommodate the massive turnout. The schedule features five distinct one-hour training sessions per day with Daytime Sessions Dedicated entirely to children and youths between the ages of 6 and 18. Evening Sessions are carved out specifically for local adults eager to master this critical life skill. Through professional guidance and grassroots outreach, the initiative continues to bridge recreational gaps and ensure that impactful athletic opportunities reach every corner of Guyana.

The NSC’s Learn to Swim programme is happening in Region 8 for the first time.

FIFA’s proposed $6.35 billion development boost could accelerate football’s growth in Guyana By Rawle Toney

FIFA president, Gianni Infantino (left), and GFF President, Wayne Forde

I FA’ s p r o p o s e d multibillion-dollar increase in global football development funding could provide a significant opportunity for the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to accelerate its efforts to build a more sustainable football system, from grassroots participation to international competition. The world governing body is preparing to propose an additional US$3.4 billion in development funding for the 2027–2030 cycle, which would bring its planned spending on football development to approximately US$6.35 billion, according to reports ahead of Thursday’s FIFA Council meeting. Under the proposed distribution framework, each of FIFA’s 211

member associations would receive US$25 million over the 2027–2030 cycle. Each of the six continental confederations would be allocated US$99 million, while each of the 13 zonal and regional associations would receive US$8.25 million. An additional US$1.1 million would be allocated to 100 member associations under a solidarity programme intended to assist with travel and equipment expenses. The proposal follows the commercial success of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is expected to place particular emphasis on women’s and youth football. For Guyana, where the GFF has been pursuing a nationwide approach to youth development, expanding playing facilities and creating more structured pathways for young players, the proposed increase could provide additional

resources to consolidate existing initiatives and address longstanding developmental challenges. However, the proposal is not yet approved. FIFA’s Council is expected to finalise the distribution framework at its December 2026 meeting, before the plan is submitted to the 77th FIFA Congress in March 2027. The precise allocation available to individual member associations will depend on the final arrangements. Building on Guyana’s youth football investment One of the most significant developments in Guyana’s football landscape this year has been the launch of the GFF-FIFA Youth Ensemble Programme, designed to establish a structured, year-round Continued on page 27

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Thursday October 15, 2026

Hope’s ton, Paul’s five-for sink India …WI vs India T20I series tied 2-2 West Indies produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat India by 24 runs in the fourth Twenty20 International at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in H y d e r a b a d o n We d n e s d a y, levelling the five-match series at 22 and setting up a winner-takes-all decider. Captain Shai Hope led from the

front with a magnificent century, while fast bowler Keemo Paul delivered a match-winning fivewicket haul as the visitors defended their imposing total of 247-3, restricting India to 223-9 in 19.3 overs. The victory was a timely response from the Caribbean side, which had fallen behind 2-1 after losing the third T20I by 14 runs in Indore.

Former Guyana Caption, Ramnaresh Sarwan

Six teams step up Over40 World Cup preparations today …West Indies to face USA at Providence Six teams will take to the field at three venues in Guyana today as preparations intensify for the 2026 International Masters Cricket Over-40s World Cup, which bowls off on Saturday. The practice matches, scheduled to begin at 10:00 am, will provide the participating teams with an opportunity to finetune their combinations and assess their readiness ahead of the tournament, which runs until October 31, when the championship final will be contested. All three matches will be played over 45 overs per side, mirroring the format of the World Cup and allowing teams to

acclimatise to the conditions and demands of the competition. At the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, the West Indies will face the United States of America in what promises to be a useful examination for both sides ahead of the opening weekend. Meanwhile, Australia will take on a Rest of the Caribbean selection at Lusignan, while Canada and Namibia will meet at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ground. The simultaneous fixtures form part of the final phase of preparations, with teams seeking to build match rhythm, evaluate their playing combinations and sharpen their strategies before the tournament gets underway.

With the series on the line, the West Indies combined explosive batting with disciplined, decisive bowling to ensure the contest would go down to the fifth and final match. Hope’s century sets the platform After winning the toss and electing to bowl, India would have expected to restrict the West Indies and maintain their advantage in the series. Instead, they were made to pay for an expensive bowling display as the visitors piled up 2473 from their allotted 20 overs. Hope and young opener Jewel Andrew immediately put the Indian attack under pressure, adding 52 runs from just 26 deliveries for the opening wicket. Andrew contributed 21 before Axar Patel broke the partnership, but the breakthrough did little to slow the West Indies’ scoring rate. Hope continued to dictate terms, bringing up his half-century from 28 balls as the West Indies reached 118-2 at the halfway stage of their innings. The captain’s innings was a demonstration of controlled aggression, combining sound shot selection with the power to punish anything loose. He received valuable support from Shimron Hetmyer, who struck 33, and Rovman Powell, who added 24 to keep the innings moving at a formidable rate. The decisive acceleration came through Hope and Sherfane Rutherford, who combined for an unbeaten 91-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Rutherford played an explosive supporting role, striking 49 not out from 26 deliveries, including four boundaries and three sixes. His aggression allowed Hope to continue building his innings while e n s u r i n g t h e We s t I n d i e s maintained their momentum through the closing overs. Hope saved his most dramatic flourish for the end. On 90 with two deliveries remaining, he launched consecutive sixes to bring up his century and finish unbeaten on 102 from 50 balls. It was his third T20I century and his second hundred of the ongoing series, underlining his exceptional form against India. The West Indies captain’s innings, combined with Rutherford’s late assault, left the hosts facing a daunting target of 248. Paul’s five-wicket haul dismantles India’s chase India began their pursuit aggressively, with Sanju Samson

Sherfane Rutherford (right) and Captain Shai Hope

leading the charge in a blistering opening passage. The right-hander smashed 56 from just 23 deliveries as the hosts raced to 60 runs inside the first four overs. At that stage, India appeared well placed to mount a serious challenge to the target. However, the West Indies responded with crucial breakthroughs that transformed the contest. Keemo Paul emerged as the chief architect of the turnaround, removing Samson and Ishan Kishan, who made six, in the fifth over. Those dismissals disrupted India’s early momentum and brought renewed pressure on the middle order. Gudakesh Motie then compounded the hosts’ problems by dismissing Abhishek Sharma for 29 and Naman Dhir for a duck in consecutive deliveries, leaving India struggling to rebuild their innings. Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy attempted to revive the chase with a fighting partnership. Varma scored 43, while Reddy contributed 41, as the pair tried to restore some stability and keep India within reach of the required rate. However, Paul continued to strike at critical moments, finishing with an outstanding five-wicket haul. His intervention prevented India from building the sustained partnerships required to complete what would have been a challenging chase. India eventually finished on 223 in 19.3 overs, falling 24 runs

short of the target. P a u l ’s p e r f o r m a n c e w a s particularly significant, as it represented his second five-wicket haul in T20 internationals. His ability to break partnerships at key stages ensured that Hope’s magnificent century was backed by an equally decisive contribution with the ball. Decider awaits in Bengaluru The result leaves the five-match series evenly poised at 2-2, setting up a decisive fifth T20I in Bengaluru on Saturday, October 17. India won the opening match by eight wickets before the West Indies responded with a six-wicket victory in the second T20I. The hosts reclaimed the advantage with a 14-run win in the third encounter, only for the Caribbean side to produce a commanding response in Hyderabad. The West Indies will take considerable confidence from their latest performance, having demonstrated the ability to compete with India in both high-scoring batting contests and pressure situations with the ball. With neither side able to establish a decisive advantage, the series now comes down to one final contest. The West Indies have given themselves another opportunity to claim a significant series victory on Indian soil, but they must reproduce the discipline and intensity displayed in Hyderabad to finish the job.

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Thursday October 15, 2026

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Guyana gets FIBA AmeriCup lifeline ...Guyana replaces Antigua and Barbuda for Nicaragua tournament Guyana’s senior men’s national basketball team has been handed a major opportunity to advance its international programme after being named the replacement team for the second round of the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Pre-Qualifiers. The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) yesterday confirmed that Guyana will enter the competition following the withdrawal of Antigua and Barbuda, having been identified as the next highest-ranked men’s national team in the Caribbean. The opportunity gives Guyana a pathway to continue its pursuit of a place in the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Qualifiers and provides the national programme with another opportunity to test itself against some of the region’s strongest basketball nations. Guyana will compete in Group A, which will be played at the Polideportivo Alexis Arguello in Managua, Nicaragua, from November 27–29, 2026. The group also includes hosts Nicaragua, Jamaica and Costa Rica. Among the participating Caribbean teams, Nicaragua are ranked 15th, Jamaica 16th, Costa Rica 17th and Guyana 22nd. Group B will be contested at the Gimnasio Ciudad de La Asuncion in Isla Margarita, Venezuela, and features hosts Venezuela, Cuba, Barbados and Ecuador. The eight teams have been divided into two groups of four,

Kevon Wiggins in action at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

with each side playing three roundrobin games against the other teams in its group. The top two teams from each group will advance to the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Qualifiers, which are scheduled to begin in November 2027. For Guyana, the assignment presents a demanding but valuable test. The national team will have to negotiate three games in three days, making preparation, squad depth,

fitness and recovery especially important. GBF President Michael Singh welcomed the opportunity while acknowledging the circumstances that led to Guyana’s inclusion. “While we never wish for a situation where a fellow National Federation has to withdraw, this is a tremendous opportunity for our Senior Men’s National Team to continue their journey toward the

FIBA AmeriCup 2029. We are ready to compete, and we thank FIBA Americas for this invitation. Our focus now shifts immediately to preparation for the upcoming window,” Singh said. G u y a n a ’s o p e n i n g - r o u n d opponents will present different challenges. Jamaica brings considerable regional experience, Costa Rica has established itself as a competitive

Central American programme, while host Nicaragua will have the advantage of playing in familiar surroundings. The GBF will now turn its attention to assembling the strongest possible squad and ensuring that all administrative requirements are completed ahead of the tournament. The federation said its preparations will include team selection, player eligibility and registration, travel logistics and coordination of the national delegation in accordance with FIBA’s competition requirements. Further details on the final r o s t e r, t e c h n i c a l s t a ff a n d tournament arrangements are expected to be announced as preparations advance. The short tournament window means there will be little margin for inconsistency. Guyana will need to execute efficiently at both ends of the floor, limit turnovers, defend with discipline and convert scoring opportunities if it is to finish among the top two teams in Group A. The invitation also represents another step in the continued development of Guyana’s senior men’s basketball programme. Rather than simply filling a vacancy, the GBF will be seeking to use the opportunity to gain valuable international experience and establish a stronger platform for future regional competition.

Umami backs Westside team for Suriname DSB Invitational Umami has strengthened its support for the development of golf in Guyana by sponsoring the Westside Golf Course team competing in this week’s Suriname DSB Invitational Golf Championship. The Guyanese contingent features Guyana Golf Association (GGA) President Aleem Hussain, Vice President Monnaf Arjune, national players Anwar Shaffie, Lakeram “Panko” Ramsundar, Roy Dhori and Sabi Dhori, who will carry Guyana’s hopes at the regional tournament. The sponsorship reflects U m a m i ’s c o n t i n u e d commitment to sport and its growing support for initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for Guyanese athletes. Umami is also the sponsor of the $1 million Hole-in-One Challenge at Westside Golf Course, a

promotion that has attracted golfers of varying abilities with the prospect of winning the coveted cash prize. Managing Director of Umami, Chris Persaud, confirmed that the challenge will remain in place until a golfer successfully lands a hole-in-one and claims the million-dollar reward. The Westside team enters the Suriname competition with confidence, with Guyanese golfers having traditionally performed well in the regional event. Hussain, who has previously represented Guyana at the tournament, has secured a second-place finish in an earlier edition. Beyond competitive results, the GGA and Westside Golf Course have continued to play an important role in broadening the sport’s reach in Guyana, particularly among young people and women.

A notable development has been the establishment of Guyana’s first LPGA/USGA Girls Golf site at the Nexgen Golf Academy, creating a structured environment for girls to learn the game, develop their skills and build confidence through golf. The GGA’s school golf programme, conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Education, has also introduced thousands of students to the sport through school-based activities, teacher training and the CSEC Physical Education Golf Elective. Westside Golf Course has complemented these initiatives by providing an accessible, non-membership facility where beginners, schoolchildren, women and experienced golfers can learn, practise and compete without the traditional barriers associated with golf. The GGA and Westside

Aleem Hussain (right), Monnaf Arjune (left) and Anwar Shaffie will compete in the Suriname Invitational. have also been pursuing stronger regional relationships through junior golf activities and partnerships with international golfing organisations. Those efforts are aimed at creating more

opportunities for Guyanese players to gain competitive exposure and experience outside the country. The Westside team’s participation in the Suriname DSB Invitational therefore represents more than another

regional assignment. It forms part of a broader effort to develop Guyana’s golfing talent, strengthen regional ties and provide local players with opportunities to test themselves against international competition.

Guyana gets FIBA AmeriCup ...Guyana replaces Antigua and lifeline Barbuda for Nicaragua tournament

Guyana’s Captain, Stanton Rose Jr, in action for Guyana during the FIFA Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers.

s t r o Sp

FIFA’s proposed $6.35B development boost could accelerate football’s growth in Guyana

Windies Captain, Shai Hope, and all-rounder, Keemo Paul celebrating the fall of a wicket in their latest T201 victory over India.

Hope’s ton, Paul’s five-for sink India …WI vs India T20I series tied 2-2

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