kaieteur News

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New PSA mirrors

‘Offshore workers under strain’

The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party has flagged a number of issues currently affecting offshore employees, including a new requirement that forces staff to work for two months withoutrest.

IncallingontheMinister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith to urgently address the issue, themainpoliticalopposition party noted that workers are fearful of speaking out over victimization.

Contacted on the issue Griffith said: “no worker should be made to feel uncomfortable in their place ofwork;whetheronshoreor

...WINdemandsactionontwo-month rotation,lowlocalhiring

off, the rights of workers under the laws of Guyana must always be protected. Anyworkerthatfacesunfair treat

r employers or place of work isencouragedtoengagewith the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning to have theirgrievancesaddressed.”

According to WIN, “Workers on some of the supplyvesselshavereported that their rotation schedule changed from one month on/one month off to two months on/two months off, without clear justification. This extended shift affects the workers' physical and mental well-being, keeping them away from their

families for extended periods.”

Thepartyalsonotedthat although Guyana has enacted a Local Content Legislation with strict requirements, the local to foreign employee ratio r

“Despite the availability of manyqualifiedlocals,onlya small fraction of the crew is Guyanese, challenging the local content regulation and raising questions about equitable job allocation and opportunities for local workers in an industry operating within our own waters,”thepartyargued.

Further, WIN said workers have expressed

U.S. militaryhasnewoptionstopursuegroup tiedtoVenezuela'sMaduro,Pentagonsays

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro speaks on the day he signs into law a national defense framework approved by Venezuela's National Assembly, ordering the immediate activation of "integral defense commands" to unify civilian and military forces, according to state television, in Caracas, Venezuela, November 11, 2025. Miraflores Palace/Handout via REUTERS Purchase Licensing Rights

prioritizationofforeignhires for positions that many

pable Guyanesecouldfill.

WASHINGTON, Nov 20 (Reuters)President Donald Trump's decision to designateanallegeddrugcartelthattheU.S. links to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as a foreign terrorist organization provides the Pentagon with a range of new options, U S Defense Secretary Pete Hegsethsaid.

OnSunday,U.S.SecretaryofStateMarco Rubio said the U.S. would designate the Cartel de los Soles a foreign terrorist organization, which makes it a crime for anyone in the U.S. to provide material supporttothegroup.HegsethspokewithOne America News and, in excerpts released on Thursday, was quoted as saying the designation "brings a whole bunch of new options to the United States." Hegseth said Maduro is "not a legitimately elected leader of Venezuela" and repeated accusations that Maduroisinvolvedindrugtrafficking. Maduro has denied such involvement. It isunclearwhentheinterviewtookplace,but itwillaironThursday

U.S.ALLEGESCARTEL,GANG

WORKINGTOGETHER

U.S. officials have accused Cartel de los Soles of working with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which Washington previously designated a foreign terrorist

organization, to send illegal narcotics to the U.S. The Trump administration has alleged thatMaduroleadsCarteldelosSoles,which Maduro denies. The designation will take effectonMonday

Asked if the designation means the U.S. could strike Maduro's assets and infrastructure inVenezuela,Trump has said: "It allows us to do that, but we haven't said we'regoingtodothat."

Trump has also said he may be open to talks with Maduro.The move comes amid a massive military buildup in the region, including the U.S. Navy's largest aircraft carrier,atleasteightotherwarships,andF-35 aircraft.U.S.forcesintheregionhavecarried outatleast21strikesonallegeddrugboatsin theCaribbeanandPacific,killingatleast83 people Human rights groups have condemnedthestrikesasillegalextrajudicial killings of civilians, and some U.S. allies have expressed growing concerns that Washington may be violating international law Maduro has repeatedly alleged the U.S. buildupisdesignedtodrivehimfrompower WashingtoninAugustdoubleditsrewardfor information leading to Maduro's arrest to US$50million,accusinghimoflinkstodrug trafficking and criminal groups that Maduro denies.

Additionally, the opposition party noted that compensation was also an issue raised by offshore workers who risk their lives daily, spending weeks at sea under high-pressure conditions.

WIN highlighted, “Many of our offshore workers are paid only while theyareoffshore.Ittherefore meansthattheirwagesmust last while they are onshore, untilthefollowingrotation.”

The party shared that concerns were also raised aboutthequalityandcultural suitability of food provided on vessels, with meals often

tailored to foreign crews while Guyanese workers struggle for familiar or adequate options during a rotation.

WIN alleged that a ministerofgovernmentown several vessels that support the offshore operations hence workers' concerns continuetobeoverlookedas many are afraid they may

lose their jobs for speaking out.

The party therefore called on the Labour Minister and all relevant authorities to conduct a thorough review of the employment practices, rotation schedules, working conditions, and welfare standardscurrentlyaffecting offshoreworkers.

KaieteurNews

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Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

EDITORIAL

Local Content changes

Guyana's oil partner is happy with its contributions to Local Content fulfillment. The PPPC Government takes thecontrastingpositionthatmorehastobedonewithLocal ContentbyExxonMobil. CountryHeadAlistairRoutledge spoke for ExxonMobil, while chief policymaker Bharrat JagdeorespondedforGuyana. Itislessaclashofthetitans, and more of what both sides have to do, so that Guyanese share(localcontentparticipation)intheirboomingoiland gassectorincreases. Weatthispaperhopethatitisnotjust abattleofpositioninginthepublicarena,butrepresentsreal movement, so that more Guyanese feel and taste their oil riches,throughmorelocalcontentinvolvement. Like everything else about its presence, this oil partnershipthatissuchaone-sidedpartnership,inGuyana, ExxonMobil appears to be set in its ways. Local content, simply being the latest example of the company's stubbornness. “Asitisalways,thequestionis,isitagood thingornottohave,youknow,thosefixedtargets.Theycan bebothmotivational,buttheycanalsotendtoleadtoover investment because people rush in saying, well, I'm guaranteed to get work if I invest in that kind of skill or whether product or service offering” There was ExxonMobil's Routledge planting his company's position firmlyintheground,with“fixedtargets”mildlycautioned against,sincesuchapushhasitsdownside.

Fixedtargetshavearelationshiptopercentages,andthe higher those are, the more local content benefits come to Guyanese. The Country Head is good at having it both ways, saying first that fixed targets “can be motivational” but that they “also tend to lead to overinvestment.” It is healthy to learn that the lead manager for ExxonMobil in Guyana is concerned about Guyanese overinvestment. Apparently,hehasaddedanotherresponsibilitytohislocal portfolio. Nowhecautionsagainstwhatlikelycouldcome from over expectation in citizens rearing to participate eitherforthefirsttime,orparticipatingsomemore,intheir oil bonanza. What is Routledge really about, looking out forGuyaneseandurgingthemtotakeitslow,tobepatient, orlookingoutfirstforExxonMobil,andnotpartingwitha pennymorethataddstoGuyana'slocalcontenttake?

The company is pushing forward with new billiondollarsprojects,contractingmoreandspendingbytheUS billions, but there was Routledge warning Guyanese to manage themselves more carefully His company is in a race with time, but he is telling Guyanese to go slow, be satisfiedwithhowlocalcontentengagementhascomefrom ExxonMobil to them. ExxonMobil is always looking ahead, and planning ahead, but has other ideas about Guyanesedoingthesame. Inotherwords,itisbetterforthe localcontenttrickledowncomingfromthecompanytostay asitis.

Guyana's chief policymaker, Jagdeo, is not taking that well. His reaction was sharp, “I saw the President of ExxonMobilGuyanaheresayingthatwemightnotneedto move the percentages up or change the law Well, we believe it has to be changed. I disagree with him on that.” Jagdeo made his position clear, when he said that local content numbers can't stay the same, and that “either throughtheregulationsorifthecoreActhastobechanged, we'llchangeit.” ItisrarethatGuyana'soilczarspeaksso authoritatively on most matters, and rarer still when the Americanoilcolossusispartoftheconversation,involved insomeway Wewishthathewouldspeakwiththesame conviction on other oil-related issues, which always seem toleavethiscountryholdingthewrongendofthestick. We will see if Jagdeo is bluffing, merely putting on a showforGuyanesewhoarenotfamiliarwithhisplaybook. He had committed to a Petroleum Commission several yearsago,andwhereisit? Theoilauditsthathegavehis stamp of approval have been plagued with doubt and secrecy, and the follow-up actions that should have been completed are still heading nowhere. Currently, his positiononExxonMobilandlocalcontentisclear Jagdeo mustmakeExxonMobilstep-up,notplayhisusualgames.

Unilateral De-Commissioning of GECOM

DearEditor,

It may be recalled that three Commissioners of GECOM abstained from approving the results of the 2025elections.

They contended that to have given legitimacy to those results would have been the endorsement of constitutional infringements since the electoral process did not meet the legitimate expectations.

The disenfranchisement of voters (prisoners, party agents who worked outside of their polling divisions, off-shore workers); the conscious retention of thousandsofdeadpersonson thevoterslist,bothoverseas and locally known deceased persons; among many other procedural and substantive infringements, all of which

acknowledged; but deemed byGECOMtobebeyondits scope of rectification

Notably, the Chairperson of GECOM expressly presided o v e r a l l o f t h e aforementioned and much more.

But worse was yet to come. The chairperson in breach of the provisions for the ascertainment of the results:Sections96and99of the Representation of the People Act, never presented totheCommissionthereport ontheresultsoftheRegional Electionsandneverpublicly declaredanyoftheresults,as statutorilyrequired.

The worst has since eventuated. The chairperson has since unilaterally decommissioned the Commission.

Avoiding being held a

countable f

he a f o r e m e n t i o n e d infringement,shedetermined that the Commissioners who enquired about those infringementswerenolonger Commissioners and as such

the Commission was not dulyconstitutedbasedonher interpretation ofArticle 163 oftheConstitution.Albeit,in response to our enquiry, the gazetted results, though not publiclydeclaredasrequired bylaw,weresenttousalong withthenoticeofdismissal.

Otherthanherhavingno such authority, to de-

c o m m i s s i o n t h e

Commission, in any circumstance, the following should be noted: her act of omission(notpresentingthe regional results to the Commission and not publiclydeclaringanyofthe results) preceded the finalisationoftheresultsand cannot be excused on the

g r o u n d s t h a t t h e

Commission was not properly constituted.And, if her interpretation of Article 163 is proven to be right, then by the same token by which she unilaterally seeks t

Commissioners she should demit office and not unilaterally preside over GECOM, to wit approve payments, such as huge bonusestotheCEO.

In any circumstance, GECOM` s report for elections 2025 should be presented to the incumbent Commissioners as well as they should conduct the evaluation of the elections, all of which the Chair has sought to stymie by her unauthorised act of disemboweling the Commission that presided over the 2025 elections, and the removal of the Commissioners who should be following through on reports like that of the European Union observer mission, which she ostensibly received on behalfoftheCommission.

Yours, C o m m i s s i o n e r s AlexanderandTrotman

A call to honour the EU Mission's findings and protect our democracy

DearEditor,

The final report of the European Union Election Observation Mission on our recentelectionsismorethan a document, it is a wake-up call.AsaGuyaneseandasan activistcommittedtojustice, fairness, and accountability, I feel deeply moved by the concerns they highlighted. These issues speak directly to the trust our people place in the ballot box, and they deserve our full and urgent attention.

TheEUMission'scallfor aclean,crediblevoters'listis not new, but it is more pressingnowthanever For too long, ordinary citizens have questioned whether the voters' list truly reflectsthepopulationofthis country When a mother from Linden, a teacher from Berbice, or a young firsttime voter in Georgetown walks into a polling place, they deserve certainty, not

doubt. A clean voters list is the foundation of a fair election, and without it, confidence in our entire democraticsystemcontinues to erode. We cannot allow thattocontinue.

The EU also highlighted the need for genuine electoral reform, not cosmetic changes, not temporary fixes, but real structural reform that restorestrust.

The politicization of our electoral institutions has created divisions that run deep into our communities, leavingmanytofeelunheard orunprotected.

Reform must be grounded in transparency, community involvement, and strong legal safeguards that put the people, not political parties at the centreoftheprocess.

If we want future elections to be peaceful, respected,andunquestioned,

then we must rebuild the systemsthatgovernthem.

Another painful but undeniable truth raised by the EU Mission is the issue of media bias. Our citizens deserve access to balanced, fair, and independent information. When certain voices dominate the airwavesandothersstruggle to be heard, democracy is weakened.

No political movement, community,orcitizenshould be made to feel invisible in theirowncountry Afreeand fair media is not a privilege—itisaright,andit must be protected for the sakeofallGuyanese.

WhattheEUMissionhas

o f f e r e d u s i s a n o p p o r t u n i t y a n opportunity to correct longstandingweaknesses,restore faith in our institutions, and c

Guyanese, regardless of

background or belief, can trust. Their report is not an attack on our sovereignty It is a reflection of our reality, and it is up to us to respond withcourage,honesty,anda commitmenttoprogress.

I am urging our leaders, civil society, and every citizen who believes in fairness to take these recommendations seriously Let us rise above partisan interest and commit ourselves to building a democracy worthy of our people's hopes and sacrifices.

Guyana deserves a system that works—not for oneside,notforsomeofus, but for all of us. The EU Missionhaspointedtheway Now we must have the will towalkthepath.

Sincerely, LorenzoJoseph United Workers Party (UWP)

Activist,Region10

Will Trump Invade Venezuela?

DearEditor, Guyanese repeatedly asked me whether I think PresidentTrumpwilllaunch s

Venezuela to take Nicholas Maduro out or topple him. Most, but not all, Guyanese consider Maduro as a threat to Guyana (claiming twothirds of our territory and

issuing veiled threats) and havenoissueseeinghimout ofpower

Reporters repeatedly asked President Trump versions of the same question posed to me -whether American troops will invade or bomb Venezuela.ThePresidentdid not respond directly, but he

did hint there will be land strikes to take out drug making factories and camps of what are labelled as terrorist organizations (shipping drugs to USAthat kill thousands ofAmericans annually). Nicholas Maduro hasbeenlabeledasheadofa terrorist organization; Maduro has denied it

Maduro has asked to meet with Trump Administration for discussions on varied issues. President Trump did sayheiswillingtomeetwith Venezuela leadership when askedbyreporters.Hehinted he will send emissaries to meetwithMaduro–perhaps toconvincehimtoleave (Continuedonpage5)

Georgetown

DearEditor,

The state of the City of Georgetown,ourcapitalcity, has horribly deteriorated over the last 40 years. It is unsafe and unhealthy, and is in an ultra-deplorable state. While we, citizens, are forced to fend for ourselves andfindourwayinthemess the Mayor & City Council (M&CC) has created, the Council continues to play a never-ending game of politicalchess!

The constant decline has had a devastating impact on businesses,propertyowners, pedestrians,commuters,and all and sundry! As a consequence, people are

avoiding it like the plague, evenasitbleeds,toseeming death. Let me also say, like the vast majority of rightthinking Guyanese have been saying for decades, Georgetown needs to undergo an “emergency surgery”immediately.

As citizens of Guyana, we owe it to ourselves, and futuregenerations,toensure theeyesoresandblightsthat the M&CC have inflicted upon us, are urgently remedied. Most unfortunate in the whole debacle, however, is that not only havetheyturnedablindeye tothedegradation,theyhave consciously encouraged it.

is dying: Let us save it now!

The M&CC is not only an abysmal failure; it is a gross nationalembarrassment!

Yesterday, I observed an altercation via social media, and an article in the

Will Trump Invade Venezuela...

Frompage4 office. If there is talk, there will be no immediate invasion or land strikes; but strikes are inevitable unless Maduro himself decides to make a variety of concessions on energy e x p l o r a t i o n a n d development, including compensation to Exxon and other oil companies that were nationalized, agrees to destroy all the drug labs operating within Venezuela, andcracksdownoncriminal gangsnamedbyTrump. Venezuela is a small player on drug production. Thedrugscomemostlyfrom Colombia, Bolivia, etc Venezuela jungle air strips are used to transport the drugs to Central America and from there to Mexico and USA. Drugs are also transported to Europe and Canada and we in Guyana also get our share that has been destroying lives. As reported in the Guyana press, secret air strips and even small aircrafts were uncovered. A lot of drugs werealsodiscoveredlinking some ranking police, soldiersandotherGuyanese.

American Intelligence also reported that Guyana was (andprobablystillis)usedas a transshipment point for drugs to the developed countries where they fetch high prices There were countless reports of drugs being seized in Guyana and overseas coming from Guyana.

ItisunlikelythatMaduro will make sweeping concessions to Trump, leaving open the possibility ofmorestrikesondrugboats and even on land; there was over a dozen missile strikes on boats and over seventy killed. Drug trafficking has been used as reason for the military strikes. Trump will use that reason for land strikes.

Several members of Trump's cabinet will like to see the back of Maduro describing him as an illegal ruler having rigged last year's elections. Strikes on

land or even against Maduro's military machine andevenonMadurohimself cannot be ruled out. But Trump himself had said during the 2024 election campaignthathewantsUSA to withdraw from foreign involvement.TheUShasnot hadagoodrecordonregime change – remember Guyana multipletimesthatproduced badgovernments,Haiti,DR, Chile,Argentina, and a host of other Latin countries, Iraq,Afghanistan,etc.There are too many risks involved in an invasion like what happened in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, etc. Trump will like to see Maduro go but will not like to get bogged down in a land invasion or war that becomes a costly

quagmire. Americans don't have an appetite for a long occupationofanycountry StrikesonVenezuelaare inevitable, but a full-scale invasion may be out of question immediately even though USA military is readyandallthenavalships are in place and soldiers battle ready Troops have been undergoing military training for an invasion in Puerto Rico and troops as well as ships have even visitedTrinidad.

Can the Maduro regime surviveairpoweredmilitary strikes? Not likely! And Guyanese will not have any sympathy or empathy if the Maduroregimefalls.

Yourstruly, VishnuBisrams

they claim! The pavements are for pedestrians to traverse freely and safely Therefore, they ought to be clearatalltimes.

Given that property owners have a right to unhindered access to their properties, they also are obligated to keep the pavement in front of their propertyclear However,this is not an isolated case, but a city-wideepidemic.

November 2025, which has impelled me to write this letter Let me start with the altercation in front of

Charlotte & Wellington

representatives of the Churchandamotorist.

It stemmed from strong objectionbychurchofficials to a motorist parking on the parapet and a part of the pavement, in front of their Church.Thechurchofficials insisted that they have exclusive rights to the parapet and pavement in frontoftheirbuilding,while the motorist felt he had the right to park there if he wished.

The heated exchange, recorded and shown live, resulted in a cutlass being brandished! It is patently clearthatthesituationcould have led to violence and even death. The fact is, neitherofthemhastheright

Immediately after the altercation, I observed the M&CC officials moving withgreatalacrity,exactlyas they did on October 28, 2025, on Regent Street and surrounding areas. On that occasion they lawfully removed barriers, noparkingandactive-driveway signsetc.placedbybusiness owners,whowerestruggling tograpplewiththeprevalent lawlessness.

I then noticed a related article in Stabroek News (SN) in which one Wendell Blair complained to SN that the Mayor & City Council (M&CC) had served him a notice to remove all his encumbrances, such as pallets, trays, tables, mannequins, barrels, boxes etc., within the vicinity of BanksDIH.

Mr Blair, in his complaint, said he was selling at the same spot, at the side of the road and pavement, behind Demico House, for 38 years! That's right,38longyears!Hewent ontosaythatforyears,upto

(Continuedonpage6)

New PSA mirrors Stabroek Block blunder …as Govt.leaves royalty loophole wide open

By: Davina Bagot

When the new Shallow and Deepwater Production Sharing

Agreements (PSAs) were drafted by the Government ofGuyana(GoG),theintent was loudly advertised: Guyanese must finally receive a stronger share of theoilwealthbeingpumped from beneath their waters. But a fresh review of the recently published PSA for the shallow-water block awarded to a Total Energies–led consortium suggests that Guyana may onceagainbewalkingintoa costly loophole, one that couldallowoilcompaniesto quietly claw back the very royalties the country is supposedtoearn.

The agreement, signed on November 10, 2025 and released to the public on November18,2025,features what Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat touted as a tougher fiscal package: 10% royalty, 10% tax, and a 65% cap on monthly cost recovery. However,ananalysisbythis newspaperexposesaglaring omission that leaves royalty

Flashback: Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat ties the deal with Total Energies, QatarEnergy, and Petronas

paymentsrecoverablebythe contractor once production begins. Section 3.3 of the Petroleum Agreement (PA)

Contractor and makes no mention of royalties, payabletotheGoG.

The following items have been explicitly flagged as non-recoverable: (a) cost incurredbeforetheeffective d

(

g ; ( c ) Transportation costs of Petroleum beyond the DeliveryPoint;(d)Amounts paid underArticle 28 of the Agreement,ifany,andother amounts paid with regard to n

o f contractual obligations; (e)

Costs of arbitration and the sole expert in respect of any d

Agreement; (f) Fines and penalties imposed by law or the Courts of Law of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana; (g) Costs incurred as a result of wilful

negligenceoftheContractor or failure to insure where insurance is required pursuant to Article 29.3 of

(h) Payments made in accordancewithArticle37.1 (Corporation Tax paid) and any associated penalties and interests imposed under the respective laws and by the Courts of Laws of the Cooperative Republic of

under Article 44.7 of the Agreement;(I)Anycharges, levies and taxes reimbursed bytheGovernment.

Notably, Article 28, as noted above, speaks to financial guarantees while Article 37 1 relates to corporation taxes

Interestingly, the very next item under the contract (Article 37 2) addresses royalty, yet the PA did not explicitly include the paymentasnon-recoverable.

Guyana;(i)Signaturebonus; (j) Training fee payable under Article 33 of the Agreement; (k) Financial support for environmental and social projects payable

Frompage5 last year, the M&CC collectedafeeforhimtosell there.

Headdedthathewentto court, about 40 times, seemingly proud of that accomplishment, and would pay the fine for the offence andreturntothesamespotto continue vending as usual! Thisisnotonlyshockingand damning! It presents clear evidence of a completely dysfunctional, and wholly incompetent,Council!

In an order issued after 38 years— and only after being compelled by the Court—theM&CCcitedMr Blair for breaching section 10 of the city by-laws enactedundertheMunicipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01 on 14th November, 2025. Mr Blair, by his own report, was not only breaking the law

pursuant toArticle 15.6 of the Petroleum Agreement shallbebornesolelybythe Contractor.”

It goes on to state that “thesaidroyalty (Continuedonpage8)

Itmustbenotedthatthis blunder previously occurred withthePSAsignedbetween theGoGandExxonMobilin 2016fortheStabroekBlock. An addendum to the agreementwaslatermadeby the then David Granger-led administrationtopreventthe oil companies from recovering the 2% royalty paid to the state The Addendum for which this newspaper has secured a copy, states that the parties engaged in discussions and “in the interest of the avoidance of all doubt, the parties have come to a mutual and satisfactory

Georgetown is dying: Let us save...

continuouslyfor38years,he consciouslydidit!

I would like the M&CC to tell us, citizens, why they were not enforcing the bylaws for 38 years. Why did they not remove Mr. Blair andhisbelongings?Whyare businesses forced to obtain Court orders before you execute your lawful responsibility?

Further, tell us, under which section, in the same act that you have now cited Mr Blair,youareauthorised to collect monies from vendorswhomhaveillegally taken over the pavements andstreetsofthecity Council,byitsveryactof collecting monies from vendors, has falsely and wrongly given vendors the impression that led them to think they can set up shop, anywhere they feel pleased. It is clearly evident that the

M&CCisresponsibleforthe current deplorable state that the city is in and the chaos thatensues.

Nowisthetimeforthem to clean the mess they have created!

Further, as they lawfully and rightfully acted on 17th November2025atCharlotte &WellingtonStreets,andon Regent Street and nearby areas on 28th October 2025, Councilmust,withthesame alacrity, expand the exercise to Water Street, Lombard Street, Hinck Street, Commerce Street, America Street and the others. The law cannot be enforced selectively. It must be enforcedacrosstheboard.

Lawenforcementiswhat downtown Georgetown is begging for! let the city breathe!

AftabBacchus DissatisfiedCitizen

‘One in three women abused’

- WHO sounds alarm on “preventable” violence epidemic in the Americas

Violence against women and girls continues

to be a serious and persistent problem in the Region of the Americas, accordingtonewestimates presented today by the WorldHealthOrganization

(WHO)andUNpartners. The data, released ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls on 25 November, reveal that one in three women aged 15 and older

in the Region has

experienced physical or sexual violence at some pointinherlife

Intimate partner violence remains the most common form of abuse: one in four women aged 15-49 has experienced physicalorsexualviolence

fromapartner,whileonein eight has suffered sexual violence from someone other than a partner Young women face early risks, with21%ofthoseaged1519 experiencing partner violence before reaching 20, while older women are not spared: 23% of women aged 65 and above report suchviolence.

“These figures of women affected in our Region are so striking because violence is preventable Collecting high-quality data on violence against women is the first step toward giving this important issue the visibility and urgency it requires,” said Dr Jarbas Barbosa,DirectorofthePan

A m e r i c a n H e a l t h Organization (PAHO), regional office of WHO for theAmericas.

“There is much that we know, and much that we can do together to prevent and respond to violence in allitsforms Wemustactto prevent violence, support survivors, and invest in strategies that break the cyclesofabuse.”

A persistent crisis Despite increasing awareness, national multisectoral policies, and h e a l t h s e r v i c e interventions, progress in reducing violence against women has been slow Over the past two decades, prevalence rates of intimate partner violence have remained largely unchanged, and only a tiny declineof0.2%peryearhas been observed globally It is unlikelythatcountriesinthe

Americas will reach Sustainable Development Goal 52, which calls for the elimination of all forms of violence against women “Shameandstigmaassociated with sexual violence hinder reporting, suggesting that actual numbers are likely to be much higher,” said Britta

Baer, PAHO Advisor on ViolencePrevention.

“ T h e s e f i g u r e s underscore the urgency for action across all countries in the Region, especially strengthening timely accesstopost-rapecare ”

The new estimates

represent the most comprehensive study on the prevalence of intimate partner and non-partner sexual violence The estimates analyse and present data from 2000 to 2023(lastyearofavailable data) across 168 countries and territories, including 29 in the Americas This provides a crucial basis for informed policy decisions Violence against women has severe and long-lasting impacts, including physical injuries, sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancies, depression, and, in the most extreme cases, femicide

Children exposed to violence at home are more likely to experience or perpetrate abuse as adults, perpetuating the cycle of violence.

A call for action PAHO continues to support countries in strengthening prevention and response through evidence-based strategies, including the RESPECT framework RESPECT

i d e n t i f i e s s e v e n interventions to prevent violence: strengthening relationship skills; empowering women and girls; ensuring services; reducing poverty; creating enabling environments; preventing child and adolescent abuse; and transforming unequal genderattitudes,beliefs,and norms.

The health sector plays a vital role in early identification of at-risk groups,providingfirst-line support, high-quality cli

connecting survivors to broader services Ensuring that survivors are listened to,believed,andsupported is a minimum requirement foraneffectiveresponse

PAHO has long worked with governments across theAmericasto:

Promote the strategic use of data for decisionmakingandadvocacy;

S u p p o r t t h e development and revision of national prevention policiesandplans;

Strengthen health system capacities to respond to survivors, i

LIVES a WHO training curriculum for health-care providers within health services;

Facilitate regional dialogue and exchange of experiences to scale up effectiveinterventions

As part of the 16 Days of Activism 2025, PAHO will host a hybrid event on 2 4 N o v e m b e r i n collaboration with UN Women and the World Bank to present the new estimatesontheprevalence of violence against women intheAmericas

Thiseventaimstoopen adialogueoninterventions that have proven effective in preventing, responding t

violence against women andgirlsintheregion

“It is essential to remember that violence aga

t women is a challenge present in every countryofourRegion,”Dr Barbosa emphasized “This is why it is and must continue to be a regional priority and a shared commitment to make this form of violence

v

d

c

s

making and sustain the investments needed to prevent and respondtoiteffectively”

New PSA mirrors Stabroek...

Frompage6 payment shall not be recoverable cost, in any manner or formulation under the Petroleum Agreement ” Annex C of the PSA, specifically subsection 3 3 t i t l e d “ C o s t s n o t recoverable under the agreement” was then modified and amended to also include: (h) payments of royalty by the contractor made in accordance with

Article 15.6 of the agreement

Total Energies, a French oilgiant,inpartnershipwith QatarEnergy, and Petronas of Malaysia was awarded a shallow water block by the GoG following its participation in the 2022launched Oil Blocks Auction.

BlockS4spansanareaof approximately 1,788 square kilometres,located50to100 kilometres off Guyana's

coastinwaterdepthsranging between 30 and 100 metres. The French company leads the consortium with a 40% interest in the block, along with its partners, Qatar Energy and Petronas with 35% and 25% respectively Total will commence exploration activity in the latter half of 2026 If commercial resources are discovered,theoperatorwill move to production activities

Tantrum against truth

Onecould,withtheright mix of cynicism have predicted the reaction from the halls of Freedom House to the European Union ElectionObserverMission’s Reportonthisyear’sgeneral and regional elections in Guyana The People’s Progressive Party/Civic, having just secured another termthroughthealchemyof incumbency and vindictive politics, will not be happy about the European Union

Election Observation Mission’sfinalreport.

The PPP/C, in office, is notapoliticalpartysomuch as a perpetual grievance machine, It is an entity

whose happiness is contingent on universal, uncriticalacclamation.Itisa regime that mistakes scrutiny for sedition and

regards any observation not endinginastandingovation as an act of profound hostility

But none of this should be unexpected? The party, having successfully conflated its own fortunes with those of the state itself, can brook no dissent. Its appetite for praise is boundless, but its tolerance forcritiqueisnon-existent.

The PPP/C has the temperament of the thinskinned autocrat, forever w o u n d e d b y t h e impertinenceofaworldthat refuses to confirm its own flawless self-image. So, when a meticulous, 76-page documentarrives—notfrom a political opponent, but f r o m a r e s p e c t e d international body—laying bare the mechanics of its

victory, the reaction is not introspection, but indignation.

IntheeyesofthePPP/C, the report is not a mirror reflecting reality, but a dagger aimed at the heart of the party and its leadership. Tobecritiqued,afterall,isto be seen as fallible, and the PPP/C’s mythology admits nosuchflaw

TheEU EOM’s report,a

devastating catalog of democraticdecay Itpaintsa picture not of an election contestedonalevelfield,but ofastateapparatushijacked for partisan triumph. The most egregious abuses were committed in the bright, unforgiving light of day, with the brazen confidence ofapowerthatbelievesitself

Mason on $100k bail for dangerous driving

A 46-year-old mason identifiedasKesterJackwas on Wednesday placed on $100,000 bail when he appearedattheAnnaRegina Magistrates’ Court to answer a dangerous driving charge.

Jack appeared before magistrate Ravindra Mohabir where he pleaded not guilty to the charge

which stated that on November 1, 2025, on the Dartmouth Public Road, Essequibo Coast, the offencewascommitted.The victim was identified as JavierMcDonald,a34-yearold taxi driver of Lima, EssequiboCoast.

The matter has been adjourned to December 16, 2025.

DEM BOYS SEH

Big-up Kaieteur News

Dem Boys Seh… you hearing dis? You hearing wha dem big-shot observers from de European Union just publish? Dem come here, dem watch everything from de mudflat to de mountain, and when dem write de book on de election, who dem call out for being fair? Not de government TV dem does run like dey own personal jukebox Not de other paper dem dat does print every press release like gospel.

Nah,man!

Dem Boys Seh… de EUreportsayclearasday, in black and white, dat

Kaieteur News and Stabroek News provide “a

more balanced and equitable coverage of the campaign.” Balanced and equitable! While every

othernewspaperoutletwas bendingoverbackwardsto show one side, de team at Kaieteur was de one makingsureallawecould heardewholestory

DemBoysSeh…isone thingtotalk,butisanother thing to see de proof. De reportshowwithchartand graph dat while de state paper dem was painting one picture in one colour, Kaieteur News was giving APNU 21% a de space, WIN 19%, and even de mightyPPP/Chadtosettle for 40%. Dat is wha you call sharing de mic! Dey neverhideonepartytobig up another Dem let de people hear all de voices, so we could make up we ownmind.

And leh we tell yuh ‘bouttone!Dereportshow dat Kaieteur was de only paperbraveenoughtohold

unaccountable.

Foremost among these sins is the wholesale misuse of stateresources,apractice soendemicitformsthevery bedrock of the PPP/C’s campaign.Thereportdetails how the President and his administration became a traveling ribbon-cutting circus, inaugurating a “significant increase” of hospitals,schools,androads in the months leading to the poll. These were not sober affairs of state, but de facto party rallies, swathed in party colours, where public projects were presented as personalgiftsfromtheruling party. The state’s treasury, the people’s treasury, was transformedintoacampaign war chest, blurring the line between government and party until it vanished altogether

This fusion was perfected in the state media.

T h e s t a t e - o w n e d broadcasters, NCN TV and Voice of Guyana, were r e d u c e d t o p a r t y megaphones, devoting up to 98% of their election coverage to the ruling party The President’s speeches, indistinguishable from c a m p a i g n s t u m p performances, saturated the airwaves Meanwhile, a “large part” of this electoral airtime was filled with unlabelledpromotionalclips for the PPP/C political advertisingmasqueradingas

publicinformation.Thiswas notbias;itwasapropaganda blitz, a deliberate starvation of the electorate’s right to balanced information

Critical independent journalistsweresaidtohave been threatened with legal action and publicly vilified by high-ranking officials, while government advertising payments were also said to have been withheld from noncompliant newspapers. The message was clear: the airwavesandthefrontpages belongtous.

This state-sanctioned

advantage was then supercharged in the lawless frontier of social media. Here, the government’s innovationwasbreathtaking in its audacity The report reveals that the Department of Public Information and various ministries became officialretweetmachinesfor the PPP/C, misusing administrativeresourcesand reach to broadcast identical campaigncontent.

The party and its anonym

liat

dominated paid political advertising, with two-thirds of pro-PPP/C ads on Meta platforms coming from untraceable accounts. This created a digital hall of mirrors where the state, the party, and a legion of shadowy online actors all chanted the same message. The discourse was further

poisoned by a coordinated campaign of manipulative and outright false content, including AI-generated v i d e o s , a n d t h e weaponization of citizens’ personal data, with cash grant recipients reporting unsolicited calls soliciting theirvote.

The PPP/C’s anticipated unhappiness with this report isnotangerattheaccusation, b u t f u r y a t t h e embarrassment The EU EOMhasheldupamirrorto Guyana’s democracy, and the reflection is of a government that dare not compete on an open field, a party that must use the state asacrutchandacudgel.

The PPPC will not be happy because the report, in its calm, methodical way, has called their bluff. It has documentedthearchitecture of their advantage, and in doing so, has proven that their greatest fear is not losing an election, but having to face a truly fair one.

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

de government’s feet to de fire,coveringdePPP/Cina “predominantly negative tone.”Demneverjusttake dehandoutandsmile.Dem askdehardquestions.Dem dodewuk.

So Dem Boys Seh… big up to Publisher Glenn Lall, to de Editors, and to every single reporter and staffatKaieteurNews.Ina season of propaganda, y’allstoodtall.Y’allprove dat you don’t need a government salary to have integrity

Y’allwukwassogood, even an international observationmissionhadto stop and take notice and cally’allnameforfairness. Datisavictorynotjustfor a newspaper, but for every single Guyanese citizen who believe in de truth. Respect!

Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

H@RD TRUTHS

Chevron v. Exxon and barrel upside

“When you think of 11 billionbarrels,bigfieldsget bigger I would expect upside ” The speaker was Chevron's Vice Chairman, Mr Mark Nelson, with his context being Guyana's legendary Stabroek Block. AvicechairisaBigKahuna, worthahearing.

Big risks lead to bigger rewards Sometimes Or invest big, reap bigger

harvests

The first discernment must be that Mr Nelson walks a fine line Chevron is part of a partnership, the E x x o n - p o w e r e d consortium. Exxon did not welcomeChevronwithopen arms. Chevron's seniors havetospeakcarefully,pick their battles even more sensibly Newcomers have topaytheirdues;betterseen,

heardless. Theothersideof that coin is that Chevron forkedoutUS$53billionfor Hess Corporation, which

Stabroek Block Why should it sit on 11 billion barrels, and be content with that number? There is “upside”themansaid,andI don't think he is talking through his nose, but

sending a signal to his investors.

This is why 53 big ones were paid to Hess Corp, to get into the heart of Guyana's oil and gas promise

I look at this another way If 11 billion barrels are the extent of the current/known Stabroek's Block reservoirs, then Chevron had better be

preparedtogrinditoutinits effortstorecoupthatUS$53 billion splurge. Since juicy discoveries had kept popping up in the Stabroek Block,itwasalow-risk/high return venture, per Chevron'svisions. Itshould not come as news to Guyanese, therefore, when vice chair Nelson “upside” tookhisform:“There's(sic) some deeper reservoirs to test, and we look forward to working with the partner to dothat.” Whatisthat?

Whatwasthatallabout? Clearly, Chevron is rearing to go, pushing for more exploration,contributingits skills. And, naturally, adding to its bankroll, while shoring up its prospects and name in the watching Wall Streetcommunity Like Exxon's stock, Chevron'salsoflourishesor stagnates with how that community assesses the r e t u r n s f r o m i t s multibillion-dollar Guyana investment. WhileChevron is all energy and spirit to move beyond Guyana's long-stated and stale-dated reservesof11billionbarrels, Exxon is stuck where it has beenforyearsnow Iletthe leaderofExxonGuyana,Mr AlistairRoutledge,speak.

“The government released a number of 11 6 billion oil equivalent barrels, ExxonMobil's estimate is lower than that number our number remains a little under 11 billion oil equivalent barrels.” From 180km per hour to zero, with one new discoveryafteranother,then zilch, nada. I apologize to Mr Routledge: same song, same verse. Same doubts overhere. But,inaneffortat reassuring skeptics and cynics, Mr Routledge came outwiththepersuasive,what resonates Exxon is obligated to include new reserve levels to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission(SEC). Unsaid was that if Exxon knows what's good for it, then it would operate by those obligations For sure, Exxonhasadutytoreportoil andgasreservestotheSEC. But Mr Routledge left out something that I am obligated to share with Guyanese.

It'sthatdanglingthread, at which Chevron's Nelson grasps First, congratulations to theGuyanaExxonchieffor

d o i n g t h a t q u i e t namedropping with the SEC, a seal that few would question. Second, pursuant to revisions of SEC Reg

S-K a

d Regulation S-X, oil and gas companies are required to disclose “proved reserves.” Third, and pointedly in the context of Guyana, oil and gas companies have the option, but are not required, to disclose Probable or Possiblereserves.

The old SEC rules employed a “certainty” standard for reserve disclosures, which the new r u l e s a m e n d e d t o “reasonable certainty.” Personally speaking, the lower bar of “reasonable certainty”, along with nondisclosureofProbableor Possible reserves empowers Exxon to sit back and play dumb.

It can adopt a 'go-slow' mentalityrelativetosharing details on new barrels with its shareholders, and the Guyanese owners of those offshore oilfields Like Tylenol capsules, slow release the good news Manageexpectations.

Last, in one of his press engagements, Mr Routledge had limited himself to stating that Exxon was prioritizing the m o n e t i z a t i o n o f known/current oil and gas assets.

Exxon itself announced eight new oil discoveries in the last few years, but the only number disclosed being that eight Ever hear of oil discoveries, but no barrels? Not a digit about how many new barrels discovered.

Further, the billions for exploration continue to be billed to Guyana But all Guyanese hear about is 11 billion barrels, 11 6 billion barrels, or under 11 billion barrels, as if that flash drive has three warps. Guyanese watch to see how long this charade lasts. Chevron is impatient, wants to pilot its own breakout Guyana discoveries.

Stay tuned to Exxon v Chevron and the battle for morebarrels

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the o p i n i o n s o f t h i s newspaper.)

Taxi driver on careless driving charge

Javier Mc Donald, a

34-year-old Taxi Driver of Lot 8, Lima, Essequibo Coast on Wednesday appeared at Anna Regina Magistrate's Court before His Worship, Mr. Ravindra Mohabir, where he answered to the "Offence of Careless Driving"

Global oil demand surged in September

The world's oil demand jumped in September by 1 4 million barrels per day (bpd) compared to August and by 1 8 million bpd from a year earlier, driven by higher consumption in the United States and Indonesia, the monthly

accordingtothemostrecent data self-reported by 44 countries to JODI and shared by the Riyadh-based InternationalEnergyForum (IEF)

committed against Kester Jack, a 46-year-old mason

, Essequibo Coast, which occurred on Saturday, November 1, 2025, on Dartmouth Public Road, Essequibo Coast The case

When the charge was read to the defendant, he pleadednotguilty,andbail was granted in the sum of $50,000

December162025

Javier Mc Donald

Initiative(JODI)showedon Wednesday

Atthesametime,global crudeoilexportsroseby1 3 million bpd in September from August and by 1 5 million bpd compared to

Global oil supply is rising this year after the OPEC+ group started unwinding in April a l a rg e p a

f i t s production cuts, while non-OPEC+ supply from the Americas is surging too, thanks to increased output and exports from the United States, Brazil, Guyana, andCanada

productinventorieswentup in September from August, the JODI data showed, confirming estimates and other figures that global stocksarerising Crude inventories in the JODI reporting countries increased by 6 4 million barrelsinSeptemberfroma month earlier, while product inventories jumped by 23 million barrels, the datashowed

The inventory buildup, including in the United States in recent weeks, is weighing on oil prices which dipped by about 2 5% early on Wednesday,

with the U S benchmark WTI trading at $59 a barrel andBrentat$63perbarrel

The market can't seem to shake off the fear of glut and prices have dropped in recentdaysevenastheU S sanctions against Russia's top producers and exporters, Rosneft and Lukoil, come into effect on Friday Oil is set to further drop into next year from current levels amid a large surplus on the market, with WTI Crude expected to average $53 per barrel in 2026, Goldman Sachs r e c k o n s (OILPRICE COM)

Guyana Embarks on EU investment mission

Peter Ramsaroop, MP, Guyana's Chief Investment OfficerandAgencyHeadfor the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), is

leading a high-level

d e l e g a t i o n o n a groundbreaking investment mission to Europe from 20–28November2025.

The mission takes the delegation to France, Belgium, the Netherlands,

and Spain, offering Guyanese stakeholders an unprecedented opportunity to study leading European ports, logistics systems, and agro-processing operations, andtomeetwiththeofficials and private-sector actors whomanagethesesystems.

This EU-funded

mission, coordinated through the Caribbean-EU Cooperation Facility (CCF) and implemented by FIAP

(Fundación para la Internacionalización de las Administraciones Públicas), is Guyana's first outward mission to Europe. It unites

public and private stakeholders to explore practicalEUapproachesthat can be adapted and replicated to ensure strong systemsinGuyana.

As Guyana's economy undergoes rapid expansion

and diversification, opportunities abound in trade, agro-processing, and regional logistics, particularly through the

modernisation and

expansion of port infrastructure. This makes thevisitespeciallytimely,as it allows the Guyanese delegationtoengagedirectly

with European port institutions and observe

concrete, operational

examples of effective port governance and logistics management.

Simultaneously, Guyanese companies are eager to expand into EU markets in areas aligned with national development priorities The mission therefore serves as both a platform for practical learning and a bridge for partnership; fostering knowledge exchange, creating pathways for strategic collaboration and investment,andcontributing significantly towards Guyana's advancement as a modern, connected hub in k e e p i n g w i t h t h e development agenda of His Excellency, President Dr MohamedIrfaanAli. Through the Global Gateway Investment Agenda, Team Europe—a collective of the EU, its Member States, and private sector partners is advancing long-term strategies to connect Caribbean economies with key stakeholders across Europe.Themissionaimsto showcase scalable models for port and logistics development that can strengthen agro-food value chains and passenger transport networks in Guyana and the wider region.

R a m s a r o o p i s accompanied by Senior Director of Investment at GO-Invest, Mr John

Edghill, as well as representatives from the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the Private Sector Commission,

CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO), Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase Inc(VEHSI),CraneGuyana Inc , Guyana Port Inc , Western Logistics Guyana, Banks DIH Ltd., Demerara Distillers Ltd (DDL), UMAMI Inc , and other private sector stakeholders. Select participants from Antigua, Barbados, and St. VincentandtheGrenadines, along with EU Delegation officials and FIAP speci

s, are also participatinginthemission. Over eight days of intensive programming, delegates are visiting major European ports, including Marseille, Antwerp-Bruges, Rotterdam, and Málaga, to observe operations, governance structures, and digitalisedlogisticssystems. They will hold discussions with EU policymakers, port

authorities, logistics operators,andprivatesector actors, while also engaging with academic institutions

such as Wageningen University to explore innovations in agroprocessing, cold-chain management, and market access strategies The

Bee Hive youth on "Doing bodily harm by wanton driving" charge

Twenty-year-old Al Allen, a Construction worker of MiddleWalk Bee Hive, East Coast Demerara was on Thursday charged with the offence of "Doing bodily harm by wanton driving."

HeappearedatVigilance Magistrate'sCourt#1before His Worship Mr S. Scare,

wherethechargewasreadto him, and he pleaded guilty

He was remanded to prison until December 4, 2025.

The offence was committed on27-year-oldStevePereira of Lot 22 Dochfour Ann's Grove, East Coast Demerara,onNovember16, 2025, at Ann's Grove, East CoastDemerara.

Al Allen

delegation will also learn from specialised research

centres and regional authorities in Spain about clustering, agro-innovation, andlogisticssolutions.

The mission will deliver both immediate and longterm benefits, including practical insights into port governance and logistics

efficiency, potential partnerships and investment

opportunities, and

a c t i o n a b l e recommendations for pilot projects to enhance

G u y

capacity These objectives closely support the national development agenda advanced by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali at the recentBerbiceDevelopment Summit, including the establishment of a modern, regionally connected port system as part of the monumental transformation underwayinBerbice.

President Ali identified the development of a deepwater port as a flagship project aimed at expanding Guyana'smaritimecapacity, i

performance, and creating a gateway that links the

country more effectively with regional and international markets. This infrastructure will to complement other major connectivity projects, including new bridge links that will enhance crossborder movement and trade flows.Themissionmarksan important step in Guyana's efforts to strengthen its c a p a c i t y i n p o r t development, logistics, and agro-processing;sectorsthat are key to advancing

G

sustainablegrowth.Through direct engagements with European experts and institutions,thedelegationis expected to gain valuable insights and practical lessons that can inform future initiatives in these areas. Furthermore,beyondthe technical exchanges, the mission is poised to deepen cooperation between Guyana and the Caribbean, and the EU, fostering partnerships that support innovation, investment, and long-term collaboration acrossbothregions.(DPI)

“Your beginning does not define your end”

- Brickdam Secondary alumna delivers message of resilience to graduates

Th e 2 0 2 5 graduating class of Brickdam

Secondary School received apowerfulmessageofhope and determination on Thursday as alumna Alisha Koulen, now Operations Manager at STEMGuyana returned to her former school 16 years after her own graduation to deliver thefeatureaddress.

Koulen's appearance held special significance This year's valedictorian, a standout science student, completedanexceptional17 CSEC subjects, earning 10 Grade Ones, creating a symbolic moment in which one generation of highachieving science students passed the torch to the next. Raised in Sophia under challenging conditions, Koulen shared a story shaped by hardship, resilience, and reinvention. She spoke candidly about growing up without electricity or proper infrastructure, facing academicpressure,andeven experiencing the setback of failing CSEC Mathematics. Hermessagetostudentswas unequivocal: failure is not

final.

“Your beginning does not define your end,” she told the graduates, urging them never to allow their environment or setbacks to limit their potential. She highlighted the importance of persistence, reminding students that the world's most successful people, whetherathletes,authors,or leaders have all faced obstaclesandrejection.

Koulen recounted how retaking Mathematics led her to the University of Guyana, how uncertainty pushed her to pursue new opportunities, and how perseverance resulted in receiving two scholarships, completing a master's degree, and eventually securing a role in environmental work overseas.

Today, she works at the forefront of youth technology programs, impacting more than 3,000 youngpeopleacrossGuyana andrepresentingthecountry on international stages, including the United Nations Climate Change Conferences.

In her address, she

encouraged graduates to be strategic about the next steps in their academic and professional lives With Guyana rapidly evolving, she emphasised the importance of choosing fields that align with global and national shifts, especiallyintechnologyand innovation But beyond personal ambition, Koulen urgedthemtoremainrooted in community: “Success is notjustaboutwhatyougain, it's also about how you lift othersasyougrow.”

She closed by inviting the graduates to join STEMGuyana as interns or coaches, offering them a pathway into the fields of robotics,digitalliteracy,and emerging technologies. The ceremony ended with applause not just for the graduates, but for the powerful reminder that greatness can emerge from any starting point. For the students of Brickdam Secondary, Koulen's return was more than a speech, it was a testament that resilience, strategy, and courage can turn any beginningintoaremarkable story

DDL engineer tops UG with perfect 4.0 GPA

Daniel Persaud, a 33-year-old

e l e c t r i c a l engineer at Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), has earned the title of the UniversityofGuyana's2025 Valedictorian after securing aflawless4.0GPA—afeat that has also won him the President's Medal for Best Graduating Student with a bachelor'sdegree.

Persaud, who completed his Bachelor's Degree in ElectricalEngineeringinthe Faculty of Engineering and Technology, will join over 3,700 graduands at UG's

2 0 2 5 c o n v o c a t i o n

ceremonies set for November 20 to December 6.

Upon hearing the news that he was named the UG's 2025 Valedictorian, Persaud said that he was lost for words at first. “I couldn't explain how I felt. I am humbled by it I am

honoured by it I never envisioned me being here. I actually thought this would havebeenawardedtooneof my classmates ” He attributedhishigh-achieving 4 0 GPA to a focused approach, reminding himself that “getting anAis not impossible, there is no reason to fail,” Persaud is quotedinaUGpressrelease assaying.

Persaud explained that his academic success was not easily achieved, it required commitment, hard workandadrivetosucceed.

“The challenges were basicallyjustbalancingwhat was required at UG with what was happening at home. UG had lots of late nights, exams and lots of assignments to take care of and I also had many responsibilitiesathome.”

According to Persaud, the rigorous nature of engineering, especially the

Daniel Persaud, University of Guyana's 2025 Valedictorian and recipient of the prestigious President's Medal for the Best Graduating Student with a Bachelor's Degree

intense mathematics required, compounded the difficulty “In engineering, there's a lot of math, and I wasn't good at math before coming to the university There were definitely times whenIquestioned,'Whatare youdoinghereDaniel?Why did you choose this torture?'”

Persaud, a son of Wales, Region Three, acquired his secondary education at the West Demerara Secondary School. In his drive for academic success, he then continued his studies at the GuySuCo Port Mourant Training Centre and the Government Technical InstituteinGeorgetown.

Persaud's journey to UG was not immediate He recalled that prior to 2021 when he was accepted in UG, he had initially applied foradmission,buthewasnot accepted since he did not meettherequirementsatthe time for admission. “I felt rejected when I did not get through at first. But looking back, if I had gotten accepted, I would have struggled without that GTI foundation.” He noted that he did not back down, he ended up using the opportunity to complete the necessary technical training attheGovernmentTechnical Institute (GTI) which provided him a stronger foundation to pursue his Electrical Engineering degreeatUG.

Persaud's academic pursuit at the University of Guyana was made possible through a scholarship from

Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana; His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana; Daniel Persaud, University of Guyana's 2025 Valedictorian; and his Friend Chelsea Balkarran, pose for a photo at the Office of the President where Persaud received the President's Medal.

Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), where he started working in 2013 The company's leadership, he explained, “promotes growthfortheiremployees.” He gave special mention to his manager, Mr Khemraj Sukhdeo, who was also instrumental in pushing him forward According to Persaud,hewasnotrequired to work while on the scholarship.

Throughout his time at UG, Daniel credits his success entirely to a strong supportsystem.Hisparents, Sewchand Persaud and J a s o d a D e o k a r a n , encouraged him throughout his studies. His siblings, Nadeina Persaud and Debbina Persaud, were also supportive, but the cornerstone of his early education was his grandm

Persaud, who, he said, “has been a support of my education from the time I startedschooluptothepoint ofUG.”

Beyond his immediate family, he highlighted two key mentors Chelsea Balkaran, whom he referred toasa“veryspecialfriend,” was the person who encouragedhimtoapplyfor the scholarship at DDL and guided him throughout the complexities of university life. “She was always a mentor... she did not want me to go through what she went through, so she taught mehowtonavigateUG,”the proudgraduandsaid.

H i s a c a d e m i c partnership with friend Lemuel Williams was important for tackling the workload. “For me, this is the guy that knows everything about anything.

Thereweremanylatenights, group meetings. We would utilise Zoom, sometimes GoogleMeet,andwewould teachoneanother.”

Though the demanding schedule of the Faculty of E n g i n e e r i n g a n d Technology meant he could not participate in any UG extracurricular activities, Persaud remains an active person outside of school, dedicating time to martial arts,cricket,alittlefootball, and volleyball, among other activities.

Addressing current and future students, Persaud shared the wisdom passed downbyhismentors.“Treat the negative you hear about UG as noise, take the challengeandcome.Thereis so much you could learn at UG, not only lifelong skills, buttherelationshipsyou (Continuedonpage14)

Police probe death of woman found on Stewartville seawall

Police in Regional Division Three have launched an investigation into the death of a woman whose body was discovered on the Stewartville Seawall, West

Coast Demerara, on

Sunday

The deceased has since been identified as 38-yearold Chandini “Savi” Persaud ofAnna Catherina, West Coast Demerara A missing person's report had been filed at the Leonora Police Station on Tuesday, November 18, after relatives said she had not been seen since November 14

According to police,

ranks responded to reports of a body lying along the seawall on November 16

The scene was processed, and the unidentified remains were taken to Ezekiel Funeral Home pendingidentificationanda post-mortem examination

On Thursday, November 20, a friend of Persaud visited the funeral home andpositivelyidentifiedher by a distinctive tattoo Police say a post-mortem examination is pending as investigators work to d e t e r m i n e t h e circumstances surrounding Persaud's death Persaud, who was described by relatives, as someone who

Dead: Chandini Persaud called ‘Savi’

suffers from mental illness, waslastseenatherhomeon Saturday afternoon

Relatives of the dead woman who confirmed the

sad news with this publicationsaidthatpriorto her death, she lived alone and was employed as a teacher at a private school Aclosefriendoftheteacher confirmed that she was suffering from “bouts of depression”

“Savistruggledwithher mentalhealthandlatelyher mentalhealthhasn'tbeenin the best state She's been having bad thoughts The condition she was last seen in was known to be fragile but she knows herself,” a woman identified as her friendpostedonFacebook

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that family members had reported her missing sometime after she vanished from her residenceatAnnaCatherina West Coast Demerara on Saturday In a Facebook post, a family member of the woman said "I last spoketoChandinionFriday November 14th, 2025 via a phoneandshewaslastseen atherresidenceonSaturday

November 15th, 2025 around 2:30 pm Checks were made at the residence for her but she is not there Her phone was left behind at the house She suffers frommentalillnesses "

This newspaper was told that the woman's only sister lives in the United States

An alarm was raised when her sister tried making contact with her on the phone multiple times butsheneverresponded;all calls went unanswered and messages unread Multiple searches were then made at the residence trying to locate her but she was not there Her phone, along with all her belongings was left behind As a result, a report was made to the LeonoraPoliceStation

Prior to her body being positively identified at the parlour, missing person posters were printed and shared throughout the c o m m u n i t y a n d neighbouring villages

Additionally, a Facebook postcontaininginformation about the missing woman was shared multiple times across the social media platforms The woman's closefriendinapostgavea brief account of how she suffered in silence The woman [name withheld] explained that her friend waskindandintelligentbut was deeply troubled She liked to take walks around the community where she lived but would always return

W h e n s h e w a s experiencing one of her episodes, she would hardly eat “Mental health is real suffering there are so manypeoplesufferingright before our eyes and we don't even see it We live in such a toxic world when a person cry for help they get label as dramatic, weak, attentionseekersandyetwe wonder why people don't ask for help and often choosetoshutupandsuffer insilence ”

Truck driver on causing death charge

Athirty-twoyear-old

T r u c k

Driver,RoopchandLall, of Lot C West Public Road, Lima Essequibo, wasarraignedbeforethe court answering to a "Causing Death By Dangerous Driving charge"

Truck Driver, Roopchand Lall

T h e a c c u s e d appeared at Anna Regina Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, November 17, 2025, before His Worship MagistrateMr Ravindra Mohabir, where the

Frompage13 develop.” He urged peers to find study groups, be vocal in class, and engage with lecturers who, he believes, “are trying to help you grow.”

The Valedictorian encouraged his peers who arealsograduatingthisyear from the University of Guyana to serve their homeland as too often persons with key skills are looking outward for opportunities.

“We are at a stage right now where we are building bridges, roads we are experiencing rapid development as our P r e s i d e n t s a y s ,

transformation Stick around, take advantage of the opportunities, don't be afraid to share your ideas, dream big, innovate, be yourself.”

Having achieved the p i n n a c l e o f h i s undergraduate career, Persaud is hoping to continue his career at DDL while also pursuing his Master's degree in a related field He remains deeply grateful for his faith, noting thatbeingValedictorianisall thanksto“GodandmyLord andSaviourJesusChrist.”

The public is invited to celebratewiththeUniversity ofGuyanaatthisyear'svery

charge was read to him and he pleaded not guilty

Bailwasthengranted in the sum of Five Hundred Thousand dollars ($500,000), on the condition that the defendant reports to the Anna Regina Police Station every Friday of each month pending trial. The case was adjourned to December 3, 2025, police said in a pressrelease

special graduation events which will be streamed live on the University's F a c e b o o k p a g e : https://wwwfacebook com/ uniofguyana and UG Broadcasting Service at https://broadcasting uog ed u.gy/ The ceremonies will alsobecoveredbylocaland internationalmedia. The University of Guyana has produced upwards of 80,000 graduates in its 62-year existence - many of whom have gone on to serve at the highest levels in both the private and public sectors n a t i o n a l l y a n d internationally.

Entertainment

Kaieteur Entertainment Kaieteur

Celebrates 35 Years in Music, Shifts Focus to Developing Local Talent JumoPrimo

Legendary soca artist Jumo "Rubber Waist" Primo ismarkingamajormilestone , 35 years in the music industry, with a bold new vision that extends beyond his own celebrated career to uplifting the next generation ofGuyaneseartists.

The seven-time Soca Monarch champion, who recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributionstotheindustry, released "Groove me" yesterday as the first in a

However, Primo has his sights set on something bigger, which is pushing Guyanese music beyond the country's borders and creating sustainable platforms for local artists. "Myimmediatefocusnowis to do whatever I can do to help develop and play a part in the music and pushing the music and other artists is what is important for me right now," he said "I haven't thought about competing as yet, but I am

series of tracks he plans to dropmonthlythroughouthis 35thyearandintohis36th.

"I wanted to start off groovy to ease into the season as a build up before I start dropping the power soca which I'm mostly knownfor,"Jumoexplained. "So as each new release comes out, the tempo increasesforeachone."

But what's most exciting

about Primo's 35thanniversary celebration is h i s c o m m i t m e n t t o collaboration.

The veteran artist plans to work with younger Guyanese talents including Vintayge, Vinel, and O.K.C to write and release music, effectively passing the torch whilekeepinghisownflame burning bright "2026 is going to be a good year for music, " he declared confidently

With Soca Monarch season approaching, many fansmightexpectthekingto be preparing to return to the scene for another title

that imbalance, using his 35 years of experience and industry connections to create more opportunities for exposure throughout the year, not just during Mashramani.

" T h e r e m u s t b e something else we can do to contribute to the industry to push things forward," Primo emphasised, calling on g o v e r n m e n t a n d stakeholders to support his

vision for a more vibrant, year-round music scene. As one of Guyana's most internationally recognized music acts, Primo's shift from competitor to community builder signals an important evolution, not just for his own legacy, but for the future of Guyanese music itself His new releases can be heard on YouTube and all streaming platforms

lookingtocreateanextstage orplatformtogivetheartists the recognition that they need."

Primoexpressedconcern about the current state of the local music scene, noting a troubling trend that has Guyanese music taking a backseat to foreign sounds except during competition season.

"We need to keep the local scene alive. There was a time when only Guyanese music was trending all over Everywhere you turn is Guyanese music. Now, is pure Jamaican Dancehall and Trinidadian soca taking over every corner and you only hear Guyanese when it's competition time. And then the people don't even know who the artists are whencompeting."

This disparity, he argues, putslesser-knownartistsata grave disadvantage while established names easily capturethespotlight.

His mission for the coming year is to help fix

CCJconcludesreferralsensitisationcampaign

From 2-5 November 2025, a delegation from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), visited the Republic of Suriname to conduct a sensitisation session on the Court's Original Jurisdiction and its referral process for members of the BarAssociationofSuriname.

During the visit, Justice WinstonAnderson,Presidentofthe CCJ, also paid courtesy calls on several officials, including the Honourable Mr Harish Monorath, Minister of Justice and Police; the Honourable Mr Justice Iwan Rasoelbaks, President of the Court of Justice; and Mrs Rinnette Djokarto, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the Anton de Kom UniversityofSuriname.

According to a CCJ press release, the workshop was led by President Anderson; Dr Jacintha Asarfi, Community Law Expert; and Jasmyn Sargeant, Judicial Counsel, CCJ The sessions covered various topics, including keyaspectsoftheCaribbeanSingle Market and Economy (CSME) Regime, domestic incorporation of the CCJ's Original Jurisdiction dispute settlement regime, the CCJ's Referral Mechanism, and practising in the Original Jurisdiction.

The session marked the conclusion of a two-year public education campaign executed with financial support from the

The Honourable Mr. Harish Monorath, Minister of Justice and Police of Suriname, receives a copy of the CCJ Referral Manual, which outlines the process of referring a matter from a national court to the CCJ, from Mr. John Furlonge, Project Coordinator, 11th EDF Support to the Caribbean Court of Justice

European Union's (EU)11th European Development Fund (EDF) support to the Caribbean Court of Justice, focused on enhancing awareness among members of the legal and business community regarding the duty of national courts to refer questions concerning the interpretation and applicationoftheRevisedTreatyof Chaguaramas (RTC) to the CCJ for determination in its Original Jurisdiction.

In its Original Jurisdiction, the CCJ has exclusive and compulsory authority to interpret and apply the RTC, the foundational treaty of the C a r i b b e a n C

y (CARICOM). Therefore, any

functioningoftheCSMEincluding rights related to the free movement of goods, services, capital, labour, and the right of establishment must bedeterminedbytheCCJ.Assuch, the Court embarked on a regional

The Honourable Mr. Harish Monorath, Minister of Justice and Police of Suriname, receives the CCJ's Original Jurisdiction Rules in Dutch from the Honourable Mr. Justice Winston Anderson, CCJ President

public education campaign to raise

Jurisdiction and the process throughwhichnationalcourtsmust refersuchmatterstotheCCJ. Sessions were previously conducted in Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and TrinidadandTobago.

As part of the engagements in Suriname, PresidentAnderson also presentedaDutchtranslationofthe CCJ's Original Jurisdiction Rules

2024 to the Minister of Justice, and

collaboration with Suriname and facilitating greater access to justice in the Original Jurisdiction of the Court.ThetranslatedRules,funded by the EDF, were also used during the sensitisation sessions to enhanceunderstandingandsupport effective application by members oftheBar

MasqueradeDayset forNovember29 f

The Masquerade

A s s o c i a t i o n (Guyana) Inc. is pleased to announce the launchofGuyanaMasquerade Day, to be observed annuallyon29November.

The inaugural celebration th will take place on the 29 November 29, 2025 at 2pm, the association said in a press

release This national observance emerges directly from the urgent call issued by the UNESCO Workshop on Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), held in Georgetown from April 23–25, 2025, which emphasised the immediate need to safeguard Guyana's rapidly declining Masquerade tradition That call was strongly reinforced during the subsequent

Symposium, which examined the challenges confronting the artform and identified o p

revitalisation, innovation, and

sustainablelivelihoods.

Guyana Masquerade Day is an initiative of the newly established Masquerade Association (Guyana) Inc., to lead national efforts in preservation, education, research, and creative entrepreneurship within this nationalcreativegenre.

The launch ceremony will beheldinthecompoundofthe Guyana National Museum, where a 13-year- old mural depictingthe (Continued on page 22)

'You are the heartbeat of a modern Guyana’

...Pres.AlitellsUGgraduates

President Irfaan Ali on Thursday urged the University of Guyana's (UG) Class of 2025 to keep expanding their knowledge and skills, calling them the “heartbeat” of a new and modern Guyana.

The 59th Annual Graduation Ceremonies began at the Turkeyen Campus on November 20 and will continue through November 22, with the Berbice Campus ceremony scheduled for December 6. This year, UG will graduate nearly 3,600 students from 180 diploma, degree, and postgraduate programs—the largest class in the University's62-yearhistory

Addressing this year's graduating class in a video message, the Guyanese leader said, given the unfolding developments in the country, Guyana is in the midst of a historic transformation. He noted that the country's economy is expanding, its infrastructure is growing, and the society is evolving in ways once thought impossible. “Yet the real engine of this transformation is not oil or investment. It is people. It is you.Transformationdemandskills, development depends on people who are accomplished, qualified andfutureready,”heinformed.

The President said that the

Guyana that is being built needs eng

neers and

ors, innovators and entrepreneurs, health professionals, policy thinkers and citizens who are equipped with knowledge, skills and values to propel the country forward.

“Thatiswhytheintroductionof free tertiary education at the

University of Guyana marks a bold step in our national journey Free University education is a nation building investment that ensures that no capable mind is left behind

and that every Guyanese, regardless of background, can aspire to higher learning. Free education must serve the broader goal of preparing graduates for a

Executive Chairman of the Nand Persaud Group of Companies, Mr. Mohindra Persaud receiving his Honourary Doctorate from the University of Guyana.

modern industrial knowledge driven Guyana, it must not only open the doors of access, but also raise the standards of excellence,” heremarked.

In his charge to the graduates, he noted that to drive national transformation, they must embrace a new mindset. “Learning must (Continued on page 22)

‘Deliver or get out’

- President Ali warns contractors, govt staff in tough Berbice address

By Shermon Hawker

Contractors, department heads, and all government service providers were sternly warned on Thursday by President Irfaan Ali that citizens, especially Berbicians must receive every government service they are entitled to, without negligence, delay, or complacency

Speaking at a cabinet outreach at State House in New Amsterdam, Region Six, President Ali made it clear that accountability is nolongeroptional.Overthe next two days, members of hisCabinetwillbedeployed across East BerbiceCorentynetodirectlyengage residents and resolve issues ontheground.ThePresident reminded citizens that his government has a national mandate to meet every need ofeveryGuyanese.“Ourjob istoreachyou,hearyou,and serve you with dignity and pride,”heaffirmed.

PresidentAli announced a new operational model, where central government will physically rotate through each administrative region. “Every month, the government will be in a different region, holding cabinet meetings, outreach

activities, and integrated service sessions,” he said, explaining that the aim is to absorb real-time feedback and deliver immediate solutions.

"I have said to this new cabinet,thatthegovernment must operate from every administrativeregion...allof government So, we've decided that every single month,foratleasttwodays, the government will be in a different administrative region with the cabinet meeting,cabinetoutreaches, a

government platform to listen to people and to resolve challenges and issuesontheground."

The President also warned that persons will be

delivered to citizens Systems will be in place to measure the efficiency of those who are being paid by the government to render any particular government service. He promised that failure to perform at a satisfactory level will warrant their removal. "We paid for services from the government, and those services must be delivered efficiently."

Government, he said,

indicators that are not reflected merely on paper

The President took a swing at the sluggishness of some

construction of bridges and roads. "You have seen the slothf

f the contractors,andtheengineer who is supervising this project. I'm astonished that liquidated damages are not yet applied. And from my information so far, these c

completion of these bridges." He noted that he hasinstructedthepermanent secretary and the procurementheadtotakeall the necessary actions that wouldensurethecontractors arenotawardedanyprojects until the existing ones are completed.

M e a n w h i l e , t h e President announced that a One Guyana service delivery center will be l a u n c h e d i n N e w Amsterdam and Corentyne, which will centralise all matters pertaining to

the meeting

immigration, passport, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA,) birth certificates, National Insurance Scheme (NIS), and a Help Connect desk that serves as a link to theOfficeofthePresident. Also speaking at the eventwasMinisterofPublic Service, Government E f f i c i e n c y a n d Implementation, Zulfikar

Ally The minister challenged Berbicians to maximise on all available resources that the governmentoffers,inclusive of scholarship and training

Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 undergoing treatment in Thailand ...appearance

in tonight's grand finale uncertain

opportunities that are "free of cost because of our president " Minister Ally lamented the fact that while many of these options are available, many Guyanese arenottakingfulladvantage, or are altogether unaware. He urged Berbicians to pursueareasthatwillenable themtomovewiththetideof development that Berbice is set to undergo "The Presidenthasspokenendless timesaboutthedevelopment that is coming to Berbice. You need be a part of that. You'renotgoingtobeapart of that if you don't upskill yourself...either through GOAL, either through COURSERA,eitherthrough the University of Guyana which is now free...if you don'ttakeadvantageofthese opportunities,you are going to be left behind," the ministeradmonished. MinisterAlly also noted the President's vision of a digitaleconomy,inwhichall public service with be digitisedfortheconvenience of citizens. Applying for compliance at the NIS, among other relevant matters, could be done simply by engaging the NIS app, he cited as an example. ScoresofBerbicianstook

(Continuedonpage21)

“She was rushed to the Paolo Rangsit Hospital, wheremedicalprofessionals areattendingtohercareand have advised that she is not suffering from any lifethreatening injuries; however, they continue to conduct tests to ensure her full recovery,” read part of the statement. “We kindly askeveryonetostayupbeat, lift her in prayer, and send positive thoughts as she receives the necessary medicalcare.”

Jamaica's latest misfortune on the global scalecamelessthan24hours aftertheReggaeBoyzfailed toadvancetothe2026World Cup and follows mere three weeks after Hurricane Melissa ravaged the island. The series of unfortunate events led to an outcry on social media as Jamaicans questioned the bad omen. “No,monJamaica,webetter

( J A M A I C A OBSERVER) Jamaica's prospects in the 74th Miss Universe pageant hang in the balance after the country's representative, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, fell from the stage during the evening gown preliminary competitioninThailandon Wednesday. Henry is said to be receiving treatment at the Paolo Rangsit Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand Her exact condition remained unknown up to press time. The competition's grand finale is set to take place at 8:00pmonThursday Henry made global headlines on Wednesday after videos surfacedshowingthebeauty queen taking a tumble and then being carried off stage on a stretcher by medical personnel Local pageant organisers then issued a statement disclosing that Henry's injuries were not life-threatening and urged Jamaicans to keep Henry in their thoughts and prayers even as she undergoes treatment.

start praying and fasting for our country and its people,” urgedoneuseronline.

However,inthemidstof questioningJamaica'srecent spate of bad luck, prayers were offered up for Henry's speedy recovery as some social media users chose to embrace optimism

Outlining that Henry has been performing well in the preliminary competitions, some users sent well wishes herwayastheyhopedtosee her in Thursday's grand coronation.

“The devil may try to sabotage, but God's purpose prevails! Get well soon, Gabby! We're rooting for you to come back stronger and conquer the finals,” one user posted under the Miss Universe Jamaica statement onInstagram

“All our love to the queen, she's been making suchgreatstrides.

We have faith in her placement.

Wehopeshemakesafull

recovery,”anothershared.

Henry's arrival in Thailandwasdelayeddueto the passage of Hurricane Melissa. She departed the island on November 4 and vowed to carry her people's senseofresiliencewithher

“My heart is broken for my country Every image, every story, every voice fromhomestayswithme.

AsIboardthatplane,I'm not leaving Jamaica behind; I'mcarryingherwithme.

I am going to Thailand not just to compete, but to speak for every Jamaican whoishurting,toremindthe world of our strength, our faith, and our unbreakable spirit,” she said. Known for her compassion and service as a medical doctor, Dr. Henry has been personally involved in outreach and assistance efforts, c o n n e c t i n g w i t h communities impacted by the storm and using her platform to encourage nationalunityandhealing.

President warns contractors ondelayed Region Six projects

Emphasising that services must be e f f i c i e n t l y delivered to the people, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Thursday announced that the Ministry of Finance will sanction those contractors who are dragging their feet in the construction of bridges along the main New Amsterdam Road in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

While engaging with

r e s i d e n t s o f N e w Amsterdamandsurrounding communitiesonThursdayat the State House, President

whetherengineershavebeen delinquent in managing the project,andifso,totakethe necessary administrative action.

President Ali reminded theaudiencethatthefinance secretaryhastheauthorityto enforce administrative requirements. If engineers fail to meet those requirements, corrective actionswillbetaken.“There is no excuse anymore. There cannot be excuses. Wepayforservicesfromthe government, and those services must be delivered efficiently… there are not shortcuts to this” the

A section of the audience that gathered in their numbers for the community meeting

Alimadeitclearthatexcuses are no longer acceptable. Speaking on bridge projects along the main road, the president said that although theprojectisvisiblylagging, punitiveactionshavenotyet beenimposed.

“I am astonished that liquidated damages are not yet applied from my information so far, these c o n t r a c t o r s s e e m disinterested in completing the bridges,” the president said.

As a result, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Finance and the procurementheadhavebeen instructed to ensure these specific contractors do not receive new projects until the bridges are completed. The finance secretary has beeninstructedtodetermine

presidentsaid

ThePeople'sProgressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is

rolling out massive infrastructural projects acrossthetenadministrative regions, including the East Berbice-Corentyneregion.

T h e s e i n c l u d e construction of a US$604 million highway from PalmyratoMolesonCreekis underway, which will make commuting easier for thousandsofresidents.

Other major projects includeanewBerbiceRiver Bridge resembling the new Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara Harbour Bridge, a new bridge across the Corentyne River and a massive industrialisation agenda

Thepresidentiscurrentlyon a two-day outreach in Region Six with 47

‘Deliver or get...

Frompage19 the opportunity to mount their concerns to the presidentoncommunityand personalissues.

Officials from the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), and other agencieswereontheground to en

corresponding with their agencies.

community

planned over the two days. He is accompanied by his

Some of the most pressing issues highlighted to the President were discolored water and delayed works on several road projects. President Ali gave on-site instructions to officials for the immediate rectifying of several of the issues Member of Parliament Zamal Hussain, Regional Chairman Junior Bassant,RegionalExecutive Officer Narindra Persaud and other senior officials were also present at the event.

cabinet ministers and other government officials As part of President Ali's

directive to his cabinet, the fullgovernmentwillengage with residents frequently across all regions so that all citizens receive equitable service.(DPI)

Dialysis patients in Guyana surge tenfold in five years

The number of persons requiring dialysis care in Guyana has skyrocketed over the past five years, increasing from just 63 patients in 2020 to over 600 by2025.

Dr. Shanti Singh, Chairperson of the Human OrganandTissueTransplant Agency (HOTTA), revealed thealarmingfiguresduringa r e s e a r c h s t u d y dissemination event at the Pegasus Hotel on Thursday “In 2020, there were 63 personsreceivingdialysisin thecountry

By 2021, that number doubled to 129, rose to 322 in2022,428in2023,andas of yesterday, more than 600 people are undergoing dialysis, ” Dr Singh disclosed. She stressed that thedataindicatesasharprise in chronic kidney failure diagnosesacrossthenation.

She said that the objective of the event is to update the public on the progressoneffortsmadethe HOTTA.

According to Dr Singh, theaimoftheresearchstudy

reportdisseminationeventto present key findings from recent studies and highlight critical findings on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Hemodialysis, and TransplantationCare.

The research focused on knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to CKD hemodialysis, and kidney transplantation among patients and caregivers in Guyana.

The study provided invaluable insights into the perceptions, understanding, and lived experiences of those affected, offering a clearer picture of national gaps and needs in kidney healthandtreatmentsupport systems.

During the one-day forum, presenters explored major thematic areas including, “The Silent Epidemic: Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Socio-demographic Factors, and Knowledge Levels,” as well as “Sociodemographic Factors, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Hemodialysis Therapy.”

A synthesis of the research findings and their implications was also shared.

A major focus of the presentation was raising awareness about kidney d i s e a s e a n d C K D prevention, early detection andscreening.

Dr Shanti noted that therewascampaigndevelop to demonstrate how early detection can prevent CKD.

“There were a number of videos and a number of

posters all geared towards the general public but we also had some geared towards physicians who are in the primary care settings, mostly for patients with kidney disease to help them tobeableidentifyCKDinits earlystage.”

The HOTTA Chair explainedthatconcernswere raisedatthegrowingnumber of persons being diagnosed with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and many ofthembeingadmittedtothe

GeorgetownPublicHospital

dialysis.Dr Singhnotedthat thereisalinkbetweenNCDs andCKD.

Alludingtodatafromthe Pan American Health Organisation PAHO, Dr Singh noted that cardio vascular disease account for NCD deaths, followed by cancers,respiratoryillnesses anddiabetesannually Other presenters at the event were Dr. Sondia Gordon,CEOoftheHOTTA

allservingasmembersofthe Agency among other participants.

The Speakers delivered in-depth discussions on the data, highlighting emerging trends, current gaps, and opportunities to strengthen Guyana’s response to CKD while improving patient outcomes, education, and accesstolife-savingcare

Fire disrupts COP30 climate talks as UN chief urges deal

BELEM, Brazil, Nov 20 (Reuters) - Talks at the COP30 climate summit in Brazil were disrupted on Thursday after a fire broke out in the venue, triggering an evacuation just as negotiators were hunkering down to try to land a deal to strengthen international climateefforts.

U n i t e d N a t i o n s Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had appealed earlier in the day for a deal fromthesummit,welcoming calls from some for clarity onthehotlydisputedsubject of weaning the world off fossilfuels.

Securityfootageshowed flames breaking out at an exhibition pavilion and spreading rapidly up an internal fabric shell that linedthewallsandceilingof the building, before being extinguished. Delegates ran fromtheareaasitfilledwith smoke.

Thirteen people were treated for smoke inhalation atthevenue,organiserssaid. The local fire service said it was probably caused by electricalequipment,likelya microwave, and was controlled within six minutes Thousands of

delegates were evacuated as security staff formed a human barrier across the hallway. The U.N. summit organisers said they would issue an update at 8 p.m. (2300 GMT) following a safetyevaluation.

N E G O T I AT I N G

DEADLINES MISSED ALREADY

The summit in the Amazon city of Belem, Brazil,had already missed a self-imposed Wednesday deadlinetosecureagreement among the nearly 200 countries present on issues including how to increase climate finance and shift awayfromfossilfuels.

Brazil circulated a draft deal among governments on Thursday which did not include a roadmap on transitioning away from fossil fuels, two negotiators told Reuters, although the document is still being discussed. Emissions from burningfossilfuelstrapheat intheearth’satmosphereand are by far the biggest contributortowarming.

There are less than 48 hoursuntilthescheduledend of the summit to find a consensus, which host nationBrazilhasframedasa

People use fire extinguishers to put out a fire at the Pavilion of Countries in the Blue Zone at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil, November 20, 2025. REUTERS/Douglas Pingituro TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

crucial step to ramping up international climate action anddemonstratingthatthere isbroadsupporttoaccelerate turning decades of promises and pledges from the COP summits into concrete action. “One thing is clear, wearedowntothewire,and the world is watching Belem,”Guterressaid.

FOSSILFUELRIFT

T h e t w o - w e e k negotiation has become hung up on two issues - the future of fossil fuels and the deliveryofclimatefinancethat expose criss-crossing

fault lines between negotiating blocs from rich Western countries, oil producers and smaller states most vulnerable to climate change. Taking their cue from Brazil, dozens of countries including both developed and developing nationshavemountedapush for a roadmap setting out how countries should transition away from fossil fuels.

Others, including some fossil fuel-producing nations, are resisting. The COP28 climate summit in

2023agreed,afterprotracted discussion, to a transition, butnationshavenotmapped out how - or when - it will happen.

“I am perfectly c o n v i n c e d t h a t a compromise is possible,” Guterresadded.

ADAPTINGTO CHANGE

Another major sticking pointinthenegotiationsisa reluctance among some richer nations to guarantee financing to help poorer countriesadapttoachanging climate, according to three

sourcesinvolvedinthetalks.

Developingcountriesare alreadydeeplymistrustfulof a $300 billion climate finance pledge made last year at the COP29 conference in Baku, particularly as the United States withdraws from climate cooperation under PresidentDonaldTrump.

Some existing climate finance has been directed to strange projects, including some that are funneling billions of dollars back to rich nations, according to previousReutersreporting.

“Right now, our people are losing their lives and livelihoods from storms of unprecedented strength which are being caused by warming seas,” said Steven Victor, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment for the Pacific Island nation of Palau.

“If we leave Belem without a transformative outcome on adaptation for theworld’smostvulnerable, itwillbeafailure,”hesaid.

European officials have said they agree adaptation financing is important, but thattheywerenotauthorised toagreetonewtargets.

Morethan30killedasIsraelbreaksGazaceasefireagain

(Aljazeera) - Dozens of Palestinian families are “besieged”innorthernGaza, local authorities say, as the Israeli military has repositioned its forces deeper into the enclave in violation of a United Statesbrokered ceasefire agreement.

Gaza’s Government Media Office said on Thursday that Israeli forces and tanks had advanced about 300 metres (984 feet) beyond the so-called “yellow line” in eastern GazaCity

“The fate of many of these families remains unknown amidst the shelling that targeted the area,” the office said, adding that the expansion of the yellow line shows a “blatant disregard” for the ceasefiredeal.

S e t o u t i n t h e agreement between Israel and Hamas, the yellow line refers to an unmarked boundarywheretheIsraeli military repositioned

itself when the deal came intoeffectlastmonth. It has allowed Israel, which routinely fires at P a l e s t i n i a n s w h o approachtheline,toretain control over more than half of the coastal territory

Reporting from Gaza City on Thursday, Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary said Israeli soldiers were

e w deployment line, deeper into the city’s eastern

neighbourhoodofShujayea. “But the entire boundary has not been m a r k e d , s o m a n y Palestinians do not know exactly where it is,” Khoudarysaid “With this latest advancement in Gaza

City’s Shujayea, more Palestinians are unable to reach their homes People say this is a cage, as they’re being pushed and squeezed into the western partsofGaza.”

The Israeli military has not publicly commented on the reports that it has gone beyond the yellow line in violationoftheceasefire.

‘When will this nightmareend?’

The move comes amid a surge in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip that have sown fear across the war-ravagedenclave

The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza

said on Thursday morning that at least 32 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks over the past24hoursandanother88 werewounded.

Israel has violated the truce nearly 400 times since it came into force on October 10, according to an Al Jazeera analysis.

A d i s p l a c e d Palestinian man, 36year-old Mohammed Hamdouna, told the AFP news agency that people are being killed daily in continuedshelling.

“We are still living in tents The cities are rubble, the crossings are still closed, and all the basic necessities of life are stilllacking,”hesaid.

Lina Kuraz, a 33year-old from the Tuffah neighbourhood east of Gaza City, also toldAFP that she was worriedabout the full-blown war starting upagain.

“Every time we try to regain hope, the shelling starts again, ” Kuraz said “When will this nightmareend?”

Medics said an Israeli air strike on a house in Bani Suheila, a town east of Khan Younis, killed three people, including a baby girl,andwounded15others.

US military has new options to pursue group tied to Venezuela’s Maduro, Pentagon says

WASHINGTON, Nov 20 (Reuters) - President

Donald Trump’s decision to designate an alleged drug cartel that the U.S. links to Venezuelan President NicolasMaduroasaforeign terrorist organization providesthePentagonwitha range of new options, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegsethsaid.

On Sunday, U S Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. would designate the Cartel de los Soles a foreign terroristorganization,which makes it a crime for anyone in the U S to provide material support to the group.

Hegseth spoke with One America News and, in excerpts released on Thursday, was quoted as

saying the designation “brings a whole bunch of new options to the United States.”

H e g s e t h s a i d Maduro is “not a legitimately elected leader of Venezuela” and repeated accusations that Maduro is involvedindrugtrafficking.

Maduro has denied such involvement It is unclear when the interview took place, but it willaironThursday U.S.ALLEGES

CARTEL,GANG

WORKINGTOGETHER

U S officials have accused Cartel de los Soles of working with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which Washington previously designated a f o r e i g n t e r r o r i s t organization, to send illegal

narcotics to the U.S. The Trump administration has alleged that Maduro leads Cartel de los Soles, which Madurodenies.

Thedesignationwilltake effectonMonday

A s k e d i f t h e designationmeanstheU S could strike Maduro’s assets and infrastructure in Venezuela, Trump has said: “It allows us to do that, but we haven’t said we’regoingtodothat.”

Trump has also said he may be open to talks with Maduro

The move comes amid amassivemilitarybuildup in the region, including the U S Navy’s largest aircraft carrier, at least eight other warships, and F-35aircraft.

U S forces in the

region have carried out at least 21 strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, killingatleast83people

Human rights groups havecondemnedthestrikes as illegal extrajudicial killings of civilians, and some U S allies have expressed growing concerns that Washington m a y b e v i o l a t i n g internationallaw

Maduro has repeatedly alleged the U S buildup is designed to drive him from power

Washington in August doubled its reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million, accusing him of linkstodrugtraffickingand criminal groups that Madurodenies.

BLUNT BLUNT

The President's outburst

President Irfaan Ali's outburst against the EU observer mission is as troubling as it is ironic. In 2020, when APNU challenged the legitimacy of the election results, it was the very same EU and other observer groups whose reports the PPP/C government held up as the gold standard of credibility.

Those assessments were celebrated, quoted, and weaponised to defend democracy. Now, faced with findings that highlight uncomfortable truths about the 2025 polls, the President has turned to social media to berate and disparage the observers his own government invited.

This reaction not only undermines Guyana's democratic reputation but also reinforces the very concerns raised in the EU report, chief among them the administration's hostility toward independent scrutiny, attacks on the free press, and the misuse of state resources for political gain. An election may be free in procedure, but fairness is measured by the environment in which it is contested.

The EU's conclusion—that while Guyanese voted freely, the playing field was far from level—deserves sober reflection, not public tirades. Leadership requires maturity, especially when the truth is inconvenient.

NBAroundup: NikolaVucevic, Bulls best Blazers on buzzer-beater

Reuters-NikolaVucevic drained a 3-pointer as time expired to cap a 27-point effort and give the Chicago Bullsa122-121victoryover the host Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night.Chicago blew a 21pointfourth-quarterleadand trailedinthefinalsecondsas Coby White drove into the lane. He spotted the wideopen Vucevic on the wing, and the 15-year veteran swished the shot to give the

consecutivevictory

White contributed 25 points and seven assists off the bench as Chicago defeatedtheTrailBlazersfor the seventh time in the past eightmeetings.

Jerami Grant produced 33pointsandninerebounds andDeniAvdijarecorded32 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists for the Trail Blazers, who have dropped four straight games and six out of

seven.Knicks113,Mavericks 111JalenBrunsonscored28 points in his return to the lineup and Landry Shamet hitapairof3-pointersinthe final 1:03 as NewYork beat Dallasforitsfirstroadwinof theseason.

The Mavericks’ Brandon Williams was called for an

appearingtotiethegamewith 07 seconds left, allowing the Knickstoemergevictoriousin a game that featured 13 ties

and 16 lead changes.KarlAnthony Towns had 18 points and 14 rebounds for theKnicks,whowonforthe seventh time in their past ninegames.JoshHartadded 16pointsand10reboundsas New York improved to 1-4 on the road. Reserves Naji Marshall and D’Angelo Russell scored 23 points apiecetoleadtheMavericks, whotooktheirfifthlossinsix games Rockets 114, Cavaliers 104 Alperen Sengun scored 28 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, Kevin Durant added 20 points and visiting Houston downed Cleveland Sengun also had seven assists in Houston’s fifthstraightwin.

Friday November 21, 2025

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Youshouldenjoytheintense energy of today, Aries. The mud is finally beginning to clearaway Exposethetruthin every issue and get ready for the gremlins that may be unearthed.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Todaymarksthebeginningof a new cycle for you, Taurus. Collect and consolidate your recent ideas and focus them outwardly The time is right foryoutoact.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Take a cold shower to jumpstart yourself today, Gemini. It'sfineifyoulazearoundabit in the morning, but by evening, you should be working at full capacity. You will be called into action whetheryouwanttobeornot.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Today may start out sluggish foryou,Cancer,butbytheend of the day the energy will move fast and furious. Your thoughts will be buzzing around your head like bees aroundahive.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Enjoythecalmmorning,Leo, because things are going to getcrazierandmoreenergetic as the day goes on. Emotions willrunhigh,andpeoplewill be more opinionated than usual.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

You will experience an intense amount of energy today,Virgo.Yourdreamstate willbemoreactivethanusual, and you will find that people aredrawntoyoulikemothsto light.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

It's time to get up and get moving, Libra You have tremendous ideas and vision forthefuture.Youhaveallthe informationyouneed.Nowall youhavetodoisact.Stepupto the plate and hit one over the fence.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)

Theearlypartofthedaymight find you sluggish and indecisive, Scorpio, but later youshouldbepsychedupand ready to go. Today marks the beginning of a new period in which you should set your ideasinmotion.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Today's energies will get progressively more intense as the day goes on In the morning, you may be in an easygoing, dreamy state, Sagittarius.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

For the past several weeks you've felt like you've been dragging your heels, Capricorn Decisions may have been hard to make and people may have seemed wishy-washy.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) The morning might find you sitting like a stick in the mud, Aquarius. People might begettingdownonyoufornot contributing, but tell them to bepatient.Youwillberaringto gobynightfall.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar 20)

Things are moving your way, Pisces.As the day progresses, you will find that the energy intensifies.Conflictsmayarise nearsundown,butdon'tworry aboutittoomuch.

Berbice Cricket Board names female squad for Inter County cricket competitions

After a number of training sessions, practice and trials matches, which were conducted by BCB head coach Winston Smith, The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has selected a squad of 18 players in preparation for the upcoming Senior FemaleInterCountyCricket Competitions.Itisexpected thatboththe50oversandthe T20 competition will be played Berbice are the defendingchampions.

The competition, which is organised by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is scheduled to begin on the 25thNovember

The Rockets built a 22point lead in the third quarter beforeClevelandpulledwithin 77-76 early in the fourth on a Donovan Mitchell 3-pointer Aaron Holiday scored 14 of his 18 points in the final period to help Houston hold on. Donovan Mitchell scored 21 points for Cleveland, but only two in the first three periods on 1-of-7 shooting De’AndreHunterledthehosts with 25 points, and Evan Mobley had 18 points and sixrebounds.

Pacers127,Hornets118

BennedictMathurinposted 24 points and 12 rebounds as Indianasnappedaneight-game losingstreakwithavictoryover CharlotteinIndianapolis

ThePacers’PascalSiakam scored 22 points, while Jay Huff added a season-best 20 off the bench Indiana didn’t shoot below 60% from the field or 50% from 3-point range in any of the first three quartersbeforefendingoffa gritty Charlotte rally in the fourth. Kon Knueppel tallied 28 points, Miles Bridges added 25 and LaMelo Ball tallied18fortheHornets,who lost their fourth straight Pat Connaughton and Knueppel caught fire in the fourth, inspiring a 15-0 Charlotte burst that slashed Indiana’s leadto117-109.

Heat110,Warriors96

Norman Powell led a late chargetocapa25-pointnight, BamAdebayoreturnedfroma six-game absence to contribute 20 points and host Miami took advantage of road-weary and short-handed GoldenState

Inotherresults:

Raptors121,76ers112 Thunder113,Kings99 Timberwolves120, Wizards109 Nuggets125,Pelicans 118(FieldLevelMedia)

The squad, which is missing a number of West Indies and Guyana senior players including Shemaine Campbelle, Shemika Gajnabi, Ashwini Munisar and Realanna Grimmond is stillastrongoneandwillbe looking to retain Inter Countyhonours.

The squad is: Katana Mentore, Crystal Durant, Sheneta Grimmond, Jada Frazier, Sherika Campbell, Tia Isaacs, Tameka George, PlaffianaMillington,Renata Ramdeo, Tricia Hardat, Danielle Hicks, Kianna Leitch, Daniella Manns, Devani Rickram, Krishna Rengasammy, Tiffany La Rose, Sarah Sewnarine and LeahKamalall. According to Coach Smith, training sessions will continue at various venues in Berbice until the squad is ready to leave for the tournament in Demerara.The players are asked to walk with their cricketing gear. The Manager and Coach will be a

(SamuelWhyte)

Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle extends condolences on

the passing of National Triple Jump Champion Domon Williams

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, has joined the track and field fraternity in mourning the loss of fivetime national triple jump

champion, Domon Williams.

Williams, widely regarded as Guyana’s greatest triple jumper, passed away after a brief periodofillness.

In recent years, he was based in Jamaica, where he competed at several of the island’s top track and field meets, earning consistent success and strengthening hisregionalreputation.

Ninvalle extended heartfelt condolences to Williams’ family, friends,

and the athletics fraternity

He noted that Williams’ passing is a profound loss not only for those closest to him but also for the wider sportingcommunity

“The National Sports Commission shares the loss ofDomonWilliamswiththe entire track and field fraternity,” Ninvalle said “Hisreputationspeakstothe passion he had for the disciplines he loved and the pride with which he representedGuyana.” Williams dominated the triple jump in Guyana for years, maintaining an unbeaten streak at the NationalChampionships. His personal best of

16.44m stood as a powerful example of his exceptional talentandworkethic.

He also enjoyed an unbroken run at the AP Invitational, Guyana’s premiertrackandfieldmeet, where he consistently outperformedthefield.

H

international representation

American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, where he placedsixth.

N i n v a l l e a l s o highlighted Williams’ i n f l

e y o n d competition, pointing out that his value extended well pasttherunwayandsandpit.

“Domon will also be

missed for what he brought to the sport off the field of competition,” Ninvalle added.

According to Ninvalle, “He inspired many young athletes and carried himself with a humility and dedication that earned him respectwhereverhewent.”

Ninvalle said Williams’ passing leaves a significant void in Guyana’s athletics landscape.

The Director of Sport pointed out that Williams willalsoberememberednot only for his achievements but for the inspiration he provided to fellow athletes, coaches, and aspiring jumpersacrossthecountry

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle said Domon Williams’passing leaves a significant void in Guyana’s athletics landscape.

Fulfillmentofhosting galaawardsrecognised byGCF’s Raghunauth

Anand Raghunauth - President, Guyana Chess Federation

The Guyana Chess F e d e r a t i o n ( G C F ) w a s pleased to see the Hon. Charles Ramson Jr MP, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport following up on his promise of a gala award ceremony for athletes and officials as announced. The GCF congratulates all the winners in every discipline.

The Federation is pleased with the investment being made in infrastructure and athletes Chess has had significant support and

engagementswhichcharters the path for development of o

approach of working with the GCF to target specific needshascreatedagrowing partnership and will fast tract the implementation of many of the programmes in f u t u r e . We are truly working in an era of unprecedented collaboration towards development of core sport andsportsacrosstheboard.

EverestteamsjoinSurinamefor Independencecricketjubileecelebrations

Th e E v e r e s t

Cricket Club

( E C C ) w i l l

embarkonagoodwilltourto Suriname from November 21to24wheretheywillplay a total of four cricket matches in Paramaribo as part of the 2025 Goodwill CricketSeries.

Everest Masters and Everest Second Division teams have accepted the invitation to take on SurinameAandSurinameB respectively in back-to-back T20 matches on Saturday andSundayattheDrSnellen Park.

The goodwill cricket series forms part of the 50th Independence celebration of Suriname and marks a new chapter for Everest Second Divisionside.

The Georgetown-based Everest side will embark on many other tours, including to Suriname, as they seek to give their players exposure

to different conditions and the opportunity to showcase theirtalents.

Everest Second Division side will be led by former national youth left-arm spinner,JavedRasheedwith wicketkeeper Denesh Mangal as his deputy Also included are promising youthlegspinner,Nityanand Mathura, seasoned allrounder Ariel Tilku, solid batters Varun Mangla, Anthony Sanchara and Stuart Hoppie Travis Mohamed will perform the roleofPlayer/Coach.

Skipper Rasheed is anticipating an exciting and action-packed weekend

“The tour will serve as an ideal opportunity for the youngsquadtogainvaluable experience and playing time onforeignsoil.Italsoserves as an opportunity for the squad to gel and bond together as we aim to strengthen our camaraderie

onandoffthefield.”

Meanwhile, Rajesh Singh, Captain of Everest Masters said, “We are looking forward to playing

in Suriname again The hospitality is usually exceptional, and the cricket is competitive. Some of the core players are unavailable

Floyd Cumberbatch wins final event in Draughts

The final event of t h e A n n u a l

N a t i o n a l Draughts Association Championship was played last Sunday at the Transport Sports Club. The event was c o n t e s t e d o n t h e International 10x10 boards. This is the most important eventsinceprospectsforthe Panam Draughts, which is scheduled to be played next April in Paramaribo Suriname,canbeselected. Linden player Floyd Cumberbatch took an assailingleadwith18points to win the Championship. Floydalsowonthe‘A’class the previous week to earn him player of the tournament. Steve Bacchus andNavinMeighbarranboth endedwith16pointseach.A tie breaker saw Navin Meighbarran taking the nod to earn the second place, Steve Bacchus ended on third. Aubrey Rowe with a close 15 points finished 4th.

That was Rowe’s first competitive game on the 10x10boardandhelooksto be a good prospect for upcoming games. All the winners were awarded with gifts.TheNationalDraughts Association would like to thankthefollowingsponsors for their support during the championship: M&M Snackette and Fast Food

for various reasons but the touring guys are ready to be goodGuyaneseambassadors onceagain.”

Everest Masters Team; RajeshSingh(Captain),Anil Beharry, Rohan Sarjoo, Chanderpaul Singh, Latchman Yadram, Suruj Ramdeen, Basil Persaud, Troy Gonsalves, Stephen Alick, Hemraj Garbarran andJulianMohabir

E v e r e s t S e c o n d Division team; Travis Mohamed (Player/Coach), Javed Rasheed (Captain), Feeyad Lakeraj, Stuart

Frompage28

GPCInc.stronglybelievein and promote every day through our products, our outreach efforts, and our c o r p o r a t e s o c i a l responsibilityinitiatives.”

She added, “Our sponsorship reflects our beliefthatinvestinginsports is an investment in the future.

We are especially excited to support a tournamentthatgivesyoung athletes a platform to showcase their talents, pursue their dreams, and proudly represent their schools, and by extension, theircountry.”

Denesh Mangal (ViceC

, A

Sanchara, Orwin Jordan, Ruel Prashad, Nityanand Mathura, Anek Hemnarine andAneshHemnarine. Suriname, Guyana’s continental neighbour to t h e e a s t , g a i n e d independence from the Netherlands on November 25, 1975, becoming the Republic of Suriname and lots of festivities are plannedforthemilestone

for joining us once again in this special tournament,” Peterssaid.

H e n o t e d t h a t preparations are now in a critical phase: “With just a few weeks remaining, we are doing everything possible to ensure that this year’s tournament is among the best ever staged in Guyanaatthislevel.”

Services, Puran Bro. Waste Management Inc , Y2K Pawn Shop on Regent Road Bourda, Ahmad Hydraulics Bagotstown, Elias Gentle Attorney at Law and Juice PoweronMiddleStreetwho provided snacks for one of theevents.

Thefinalcompetitionfor the year would be held in December where players wouldhaveachancetotake homeChristmashampers.

Representing the Petra Organization, Troy Peters thanked New GPC for its continuedpartnership.

“ W e a r e v e r y appreciative of being here, and we want to thank Ms. ElizabethRamandherteam

The tournament is scheduledtokickoffinmidDecemberattheMinistryof Educationground,featuring teams from Suriname, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, Brazil, and three local schools (still TBD). KFC returns as title sponsor for the sixth consecutive year, supported by additional partners including Royal International Hotel, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and now Limacol.

Golf Attraction Draws Thousands at GuyExpo Tourism Village

- GGA president praises Guyanese for interest in sport

Gu y E x p o ’ s

Tourism Village

once again provedtobeamassivehitas the Ministry ofTourism and the Guyana Tourism Authority delivered a showstopping attraction that pulled in thousands over the four-dayfestival.

The “Dr Bharat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge” Mini-GolfDisplay,designed and managed by Nexgen Golf was a key feature that broughtnonstopcrowdsand introduced many Guyanese togolffortheveryfirsttime.

From toddlers clutching their first putter to grandparents confidently steppinguptothegreens,the mini-golf attraction became a hub of excitement, laughter, and unforgettable first-time experiences in the sport.

But the highlight of the eventcamewhenMinisterof Tourism, Hon Susan Rodrigues, lit up the putting green with an incredible performance—sinking two

gratitude for the strong partnerships behind the activation.

“The collaboration with the GTA has been a remarkablesuccessandisin part thanks to our CPCE hinterland PE teachers, our staff, sponsors, the entire Guyana Tourism Authority teamandMr Singh,CEOof NAREI,whohasbeenapart of our display efforts over thepastfewyears.”

Director of Tourism, Kamrul Baksh, praised the success of the Tourism Village, stating, “The successofTourismVillageat GuyExpo has been our

Hole-in-One putts back-tob a c k H e r f e a t overshadowed the spirited efforts of Ministers Colin Croal, Bishop Juan Edghill, Ashni Singh, Oneidge Waldron,StevenJacobs,and even Prime Minister Mark Phillips,muchtothedelight ofthecheeringcrowd.

ability to promote local tourism activities and tourism operators, foods, music, beverages, and combine that with the amazing creativity by Nexgen Golf over the past few years, demonstrating

New GPC Inc. onboard with Petra for 6th Annual KFC Int’l Goodwill Series

New GPC Inc., through its widely recognized Limacol brand, has joined the roster of supporters for the 6th Annual KFC International Goodwill

Schools’ Football Tournament.

The announcement was made on Thursday during a brief but meaningful ceremony at the company’s headquarters in Farm, East Bank Demerara, where

Marketing Manager Elizabeth Ram formalized

thecompany’scommitment, an investment she described as one in the nation’s youth andfuture.

With Limacol now added to an already impressive lineup of sponsors,thebrandbecomes part of the corporate team helping to bring together eightschoolsfromacrossthe Caribbean and South America for this “champion of champions” Under-18 secondary schools football tournament.

Hosted in Guyana, the eventcontinuestoserveasa major platform for young footballersacrosstheregion, offering them invaluable exposure on what is considered the premier schools’footballstageinthis partoftheworld.

This year’s presentation may have been simple, but its significance was unmistakable. In addition to the participation of three local schools, the 2025 tournamentisexpectedtobe

the biggest to date, now featuring teams from Brazil and the Bahamas This expansion will give Guyanese spectators an opportunitytoseeevenmore international talent, while local players gain enhanced visibility and competition experience.

New GPC expressed e n t h u s i a s m a b o u t supporting the event. In her remarks,Ramnoted,“These areprinciplesthatweatNew (Continuedonpage27)

Local players deserve respect; the GFF’s...

Frompage35

what I’ve never heard is a national coach telling locally-based players that they do not belong in the team. These are players who are already at a disadvantage. They play in a system with limited developmental pathways,minimalfinancial support,andaleaguewhose competitive edge is dulled by imbalance and inconsistentstandards. Only a handful of clubs pay playersconsistently,andthe league’s prize purse is an

insult in itself. Given those realities, national selection is one of the few remaining incentives that keep these playersmotivated. Whenacoachwalksintothe programme and effectively tells them they have no future because he prefers players from overseas, it is d i s r e s p e c t f u l a n d destructive. The GFF cannot allow this kind of culture to take root.Andtheplayers? They must also evaluate their worth. Patriotism is admirable, but it should not

require them to absorb humiliation. If a coach has already decided they do not belong, and has said so openly,theyneedtoconsider whether their continued participation serves any purpose beyond filling numbersattraining.

My advice to Guyana’s locally-based players? weighyouroptions.

You already struggle for playingtimeinternationally, and now the coa

h reportedly believes you’re not good enough at all. Do not ignore that reality

Whatever decision the GFF ultimately makes regarding Dooley should guide your nextstep.

Whether it results in his continuation or his dismissal, this moment should force a broader conversation about respect, development, and the long-term vision for Guyanesefootball.

Becauseifthenational programme cannot value its own players, then we have a much deeper problem than any coach’s comment

thatsportisanimportantand developing aspect of the tourismmarket.”

President of the Guyana Golf Association, Aleem Hussain, who designed and builttheattractionalongside Geru Gordon, expressed

Hussainalsoencouraged the public to continue engaging with the sport beyond GuyExpo, noting that golf is accessible and affordable to all with their facilities at Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, and Crane Roundabout, Vreeden-Hoopwelcomingplayers ofallagesforlessthan$500 p e r p e r s o n T h e overwhelmingturnoutatthis year’s GuyExpo confirms what many already know golf is rapidly becoming one of Guyana’s most engaging and familyfriendlysportingattractions.

Berbice River Cricket Association T20 four teams Round Robin cricket competition WiruniConquerorsand FriendshipCavaliers qualifyforthefinal

Sand Hills defeated Geatroy by nine wickets in their game of the Berbice River Cricket Association T20four-teamRoundRobin competition. Batting first, Geatroy were dismissed for 88in14.3overswithPhillip Grimmond23,Tallie13and Leton Grimmond 12 reachingdoublefigures.

Joshua Leacock did the damage bowling for Wiruni as he took four wickets, whilethereweretwoapiece for Daniel Leacock and WackerMackenzie.

Friendship in their turn atthecreaseracedto91-1in 7.2overs.RonaldSingh35, Michael Capel 26 not out and Daniel Leacock 21 led thebatting.

Philip Grimmond took the lone wicket bowling for Geatroy In the next game betweenWiruniConquerors

and Kimbia, Wiruni Conquerors conquered Kimbiabyfivewickets.

Kimbia took first strike andwerebowledoutfor105 in 15 overs with Mark

Sampson 32, Sheldon Bovell 19 and Nelon Thomas 18. Extras were a healthy20.

Bowling for Wiruni Conquerors there were four wickets for Linford Peters, KeronKertiousthree,while there was one apiece for Martin Agard, Ralph Fleming and Lauren Gilliard Wiruni Conquerorsinreplyreached 108for5in17overstowin by five wickets. Getting among the runs were Deon DeSilva42,RalphFleming 28andMartinAgard19with extrasbeing14. Taking wickets for Friendship Cavaliers were Delroy Osborne with three wickets, Melroy Da Silva with 2 and Nelon Thomas one.Thefinalisexpectedto be played on Sunday betweenWiruniConquerors and Friendship Cavaliers at SandHills.

Vyingforthirdplacewill be Gaetroy (Fort Nassau) and Kimbia (Samuel Whyte)

ExxonMobil Guyana Futsal C/ship to decide semifinalists tonight

-Retrieve Tarmac in Linden will see only four team advancing

The Retrieve

TarmacinLinden issettoeruptwith energy this evening as the ExxonMobil Guyana Futsal Championship trims the competitiondowntoitsfinal fourcontenders.

Withsemi-finalberthsat stake, the four quarterfinal matchupspromiseanightof tactical intensity, raw determination, and the unforgiving reality of winor-go-home hard-court football.

The action kicks off at 20:00hrs with DC Ballers facing Figgy FC. While it may not carry the spotlight of the later fixtures, this clash is expected to deliver pure grit. DC Ballers have reached this stage through disciplined teamwork and a shared offensive effort, whileFiggyFCappearstobe

peaking at just the right moment after stringing together crucial wins. In a matchlikelytobedecidedby composure, the team that limitsmistakesandexecutes on set pieces should punch theirtickettothefinalfour Up next, Silver Bullets take aim at Bombers in a showdown that promises fireworks.

Bombershavelivedupto their name with aggressive, free-flowing play and dominating spells of possession.

But Silver Bullets counter with ruthless efficiency, known for clinical finishing and a disciplined counterattacking structure that punishes even the slightest defensive lapse Tonight, will determine which of these dangerous sides

continuestheirsurgetoward thetitle.

The night’s marquee clash follows, as defending champions YMCA square offagainsttheSalahFamily YMCAhas lookedevery bit the reigning champion, managing tempo, utilizing their depth, and maintaining composed intensity through the group stage Salah Family, meanwhile, enters as a potential dark horse; leaning on individual brilliance, rapid transitions, and an attacking flair that can destabilize any opponent.

An upset here could set the stage for a new champion, but YMCA will bedeterminedtoensuretheir titledefensestaysontrack.

The final showdown at 23:00hrs pits Hard-knocks against Young Gunners in a

ArchibaldendsIslamicGames withLongJumpbronze

…athletics delivers only medals in Saudi Arabia

ByRawleToney

Emanuel Archibald

capped off Guyana’s campaign at the Islamic Games with a bronze medal in the men’s long jump, as the competition concluded todayinSaudiArabia.

His podium finish marked Guyana’s second medal of the 2025 Games, following sprinter Keliza Smith’s third-place finish in thewomen’s100mfinal.

Archibald produced a best jump of 7.56m, placing himbehindSenegal’sAmath Faye, who soared to 7.86m, and Uzbekistan’s Anvar Anvarov, whose winning leapof8.02msealedthegold medal.

While the distance was Archibald’s shortest of the season, it comes in a year where he reset his own

national record, an impressive 8 22m at the Adidas Atlanta City Games in May, where he also

secured bronze His performance brought the curtains down on Guyana’s participation at the Games, wheremorethan30athletes representedthenationacross several disciplines. And once again, it was track and field that lifted the Golden Arrowheadontothepodium.

Athletics continues to stand as Guyana’s most consistent and dependable discipline at the Islamic Games, remaining the only sport in which the country has repeatedly produced medalssinceitsdebut.

While swimming gave Guyana its historic first medal through Onan Thom, who earned bronze in the 50m Backstroke at the inauguralgamesin2005and remains the only Guyanese swimmer to medal at the event, subsequent success has come exclusively from the track and field contingent.

Winston George led the way in 2013 with silver in both the 200m and 400m, and he returned in 2017 to claim bronze in the 200m alongside another silver in the400m.

That same year, Natrena Hooper captured bronze in the women’s high jump, further strengthening Guyana’sathleticpresence. Fast forward to 2025, andthetraditioncontinued.

Archibald’s long jump bronze and Smith’s historic podium in the women’s 100m,makingherGuyana’s firstfemalesprintertomedal in the event, underscore the enduring strength of the country’s athletes on the regionalstage.

ThoughGuyanamaynot have enjoyed its most prolific outing this year, the two medals reaffirm athletics as the backbone of the nation’s success at the IslamicGames.

compelling contrast of styles: experience and resilience versus youthful energy and precision. Hardknockshaveproventheycan absorb pressure and grind out results with the help of their seasoned core. Young Gunners, however, will rely on their speed, constant movement, and high-tempo pressing, attributes that give them a slight edge, especially with several match-winners in their ranks. This one could go eitherway By the end of the night,

four teams will move one step closer to glory, while four others will see their 2025 campaign come to an end.

This year’s tournament purse is significant: the champions will walk away with$1,500,000;runners-up earn $750,000; third place pockets $350,000; and fourth place receives $ 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 e a c h accompanied by the correspondingaccolades.

The tournament’s Most Valuable Player will also have the chance to ride off

motorcycle. Additionally, a $300,000 academic grant will be awarded to a player or fan to support their educational pursuits, with each team required to nominateacandidateforthe scholarship.

QuarterfinalFixtures

20:00hrs:DCBallersvs. FiggyFC

21:00hrs: Silver Bullets vs.Bombers

22:00hrs: YMCA vs SalahFamily

23:00hrs: Young Gunnersvs.Hard-knock

2025/26 CWI CG United Regional Super50 Cup Round 2… GHE vs. WIV

High-Octane battle looms in Eagles/ Volcanoes clash; with one eye on weather

ByCliftonRoss

Windward Islands

Volcanoes, fresh off a win, willbeseekingtogotwoup whentheyfaceanequallyinform Guyana Harpy Eagles unit come today at the Sir Frank Worrell Ground, St. Augustine when Regional Super50actioncontinues.

Windwards proved their worth as a team to be on the watch for, having won the onlyplayablematchinround one versus the Leeward Hurricanes in a Day/Night clash by 2 wickets as rain forcedaNoResultendingto theothertwogames.

Half-centurions Darron Nedd, who scored a matchwinning 95 and wicketkeeper Dillon Douglas (61) alongside a string of scores from veteran Sunil Ambris (25), opener Stephan Pascal (40) and skipper Teddy Bishop(32)willbelingering in the thoughts of the Harpy Eaglesbowlingunit.

After rain spoiled the Eagles first game, forcing them to abandon the match after posting almost 300 thanks to 83 from Kevlon

Th e G u y a n a Cricket Board (GCB) proudly commends the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCY&S)forhostingatruly remarkable awards ceremony in honour of our outstandingathletesof2024.

Theeveningwasnothing short of inspirational a touching celebration filled withpride,gratitude,andthe vibrant energy that reflects the very soul of Guyanese sport.As the Ministry’s first official Black Tie event, the ceremony carried an added sense of elegance and prestige that beautifully showcased the respect and admiration our athletes so richlydeserve.

The Gala evening, highlighted by the National S

announcement of nominees across every sporting discipline, was a powerful

spinner Gudakesh Motie will have an important role today versus the Volcanoes.

Anderson, 61 from

RaymondPerezand54from CaptainMatthewNandu;it’s likely today’s encounter could be a high-scoring skirmish. Oneadvantagefor the Windwards is their bowlers actually getting in somematchtimeanddespite allowing the Leewards to cross the 300-run mark, Shadrack Descarte, Kenneth DemberandNeddallbagged 3 wickets Guyana’s middle/lowerorderwillneed to capitalize on their starts

Volcanoes team, who also had great support from their tail-enders as part of theirfirstvictory

Kevlon Anderson will shoulder much responsibly in the batting department this season for Guyana.

fromthefirstroundagainsta formidable Volcanoes bowlingattack.

One huge plus for Guyana is vice-captain Gudakesh Motie leading a strong spin unit featuring off-spinner Richie Looknauth, Junior Sinclair andafewoversfromKevlon if need be Seamers Ronaldo Alimohamed alongside Keemo Paul and ThaddeusLovellwillhave theirworkcutoutforthem versus an in-form

The Harpy Eagles will definitely look to their leading scorers to help set the tone for the rest of the batsmen,likekeeperKemol Savory, Mavindra Dindyal and their string of allrounders like Alimohamed and Junior Sinclair With Sunday’s third round encounter a Day/Night duel against the home team Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, Guyana will be desperate to clinch a win come today as they prepare for their first assignment underlights. Othermatches in today’s second round triple-header include, Barbados Pride will see the Hurricanes at the Queen’s Park Oval, while the Red Force and Jamaica Scorpions lock horns in the onlyDay/Nightwithalleyes lockedinonpotentiallygood weather across the Twin Island Republic. Today’s matchissettobowlofffrom 9:00h,weatherpermitting.

GCBcommendstheMinistryofCulture,Youth andSportforhostingremarkableawardsceremony

We

confident that with the addition of Minister Steven Jacobs, the Ministry will be even more empowered to reach greater heights and inspireevenmoresuccess.

The GCB also wishes to

commendation to the N

unwavering commitment and steadfast service to the sports fraternity across the nation. Y

continues to strengthen the foundation on which our young athletes and sporting communitiesthrive.

Finally,theGCBextends warmest congratulations to all award recipients. May this recognition fuel your passion, strengthen your resolve, and open the doors toevengreaterachievements intheyearsahead.

Hear Me Out Local players deserve respect; the GFF’s next move will tell all next all

Jaguars

ByRawleToney

It will be interesting to seehowtheGuyanaFootball Federation (GFF) addresses whatmaybecomeoneofthe most delicate and defining situations within our senior men’s programme in recent years. The issue at hand is not tactics, formations, or even results. Rather, it concerns alleged comments made by newly appointed Head

CoachThomasDooley,who has reportedly insulted both the local league and several locally-basedplayersduring the team’s recent outing at their Friendly matches in AntiguaandBarbuda.

According to reports from sections of the media, a n d c o n f i r m e d i n conversations I’ve had with several players, Dooley made it clear that the KFC GFFEliteLeagueisnotofa standard he is comfortable selecting from. The players claim the coach bluntly told them that the league is too weak, and by extension, so arethey

To be fair, I’ve written several columns addressing the quality of the Elite League. For the past two seasons, since Slingerz FootballClubreturned,only five teams Slingerz FC, the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, Western Tigers, and Santos have sustained

Cubas misses Paraguay fixtures after passport ends up in washing machine

Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Andres Cubas (20) passes the ball during the first half against FC Dallas at BC Place. (Simon Fearn-Imagn Images/File Photo)

Reuters - Paraguay midfielder Andres Cubas went through a scenario every traveller fears when he left his passport insideapairoftrouserswhichendedupinthe washing machine, causing him to miss matches against the United States and Mexico. Cubas, who plays for Canada’s Vancouver Whitecaps, missed both Paraguay’sfriendliesina2-1losstotheU.S. on Saturday and a 2-1 win over Mexico on

anything resembling highlevelfootball.

EvenformerHeadCoach Jamaal Shabazz has echoed similar sentiments, noting that these five clubs are essentially carrying the league.

But the current issue goes beyond critiquing the league. It strikes at the dignity of the players representingGuyana.

Thereisgenuineconcern about how locally-based footballers are being treated within the national setup, and this is where the GFF mustactdecisively

Despite beginning his tenurewithpositiveresults,a 2–1victoryoverBonaireand a commanding 4–1 win against Antigua and Barbuda, Dooley’s alleged comments cast a shadow over those achievements,

especially since he hardly used the locally-based playersonthesquad.

Winning matches does not give any coach the right to demean players who, despitelimitedresourcesand opportunities, continue to answerthenationalcall.

TheGFF,foritspart,has acknowledged receiving reports from the team’s management. They have stated that domestic players were subjected to harsh criticism by the head coach duringateammeeting.

The Federation also affirmed that they take such matters seriously and demand the highest professional standards throughout the national programme Upon the team’s return to Guyana, they intend to launch a formal investigation,

promising every party a fairandequalopportunityto beheard.

That’s the right step, but it must be more than a proceduralone.

The GFF says it is committed to fostering a respectful and professional environment across all national teams For that commitment to mean anything, the Federation must determine whether Dooley’s alleged statements violate the spirit of that environment.Andiftheydo, theymustdecidewhetherhe is the man to lead the programmeforward.

I’ve heard coaches at every level criticize players, that’spartofthejob.But

(Continuedonpage32)

EmanuelArchibald capped off Guyana’s campaign at the Islamic Games with a bronze medal.

Archibald ends Islamic Games with Long Jump bronze

…athletics delivers only medals in Saudi Arabia

ExxonMobil Guyana Futsal C/ship to decide semifinalists

tonight

- Retrieve Tarmac in Linden will see only four team advancing

Petra’s Jackie Boodie (center) receiving sponsorship from Elizabeth Ram, Marketing Manager of the New GPC inc. withAliyah Hinds, Troy Peters and a Limacol rep. also sharing the moment.

ExxonMobil (Guyana) Futsal Championship is set to decide their semifinalists tonight at the Retrieve Hard court in Linden.

New GPC Inc. onboard

Inc.