…investment to create more than 50 jobs, boost Guyana’s healthcare
Dr. Dukhi opening $1B neuro centre $66.2 billion for further upgrades to transmission and distribution network
In 2 0 2 5 , o i l production in the Stabroek Block increased significantly by 21%,recordingatotalof260 million barrels of which Guyana only received 32 millionbarrels.
This was highlighted by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh on Monday as he laid out the fiscal plan for this year in the National Assembly
He provided a detailed overviewoftheperformance of the petroleum sector, highlighting that production in 2025 averaged just below 830,000 barrels per day
(bpd). Currently, there are four Floating Production Storage and Offloading
EconomicZone(EEZ).
bpd.
To this end, Dr Singh explained, “In 2025 there were 260 lifts of crude oil
FPSO–atotalof32liftsfor the Government of Guyana in2025.”
Each lift is equivalent to onemillionbarrelsofoil.
The Liza Destiny FPSO produced an average of approximately 134,300 bpd, the Liza Unity FPSO at 249,500 bpd, the Prosperity FPSO at a rate of 255,200 bpd, and the One Guyana FPSO at just under 191,000
producing FPSOs, inclusive of a combined inaugural lift fromtheOneGuyanaFPSO.
Thereweresixliftsexecuted fromtheLizaDestinyFPSO forGovernment,11fromthe Liza Unity FPSO, 12 from the Prosperity FPSO and three from the One Guyana
The Government of Guyanahassetaside$145.2 million in the 2026 national budgettoadvancetherollout of a fully integrated eprocurementsystemthrough the National Procurement and Tender Board Administration(NPTAB).
Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, made the announcement on Monday while presenting the budget in the National Assembly, noting that significant progress has already been made in modernising the country's procurement framework.
“In 2025, achievements included digitising records, sensitising and facilitating bidders' registration and increasing the number of virtual tender openings thereby further enhancing
transparency These initiatives were alongside efforts to strengthen stakeholder engagement, and a review of the Procurement Act to support the transition toward digital bid submissions,” the ministersaid.
Continuing to support NPTAB's strengthening, Minister Singh announced that in 2026, the sum of $145.2 million is budgeted towardsthis.
Notably he detailed that, “This will help advance eprocurement integration by establishing a dedicated website to publish all government bids in addition to posting procurement opportunities on ministerial, regional and agency notice
boards to promote wider public awareness, fairness, and to ensure equal opportunity for all bidders.
Further, using the Bidders Registry, NPTAB will prequalify and classify all bidders making it easier to identify eligible bidders for specific tenders by region
and scope Our live broadcastoftenderopenings will now be accessible via a link or QR code and the minutes will be accessible via the NPTAB's official website.”
Additionally, he noted thatincollaborationwiththe Public Procurement Commission, NPTAB will widen training and capacity building initiatives for all procurement personnel through in-field training workshops and specialised trainingprogrammes. He revealed that special focus will be placed on training first-time bidders and micro and small-scale contractors, to broaden competition, foster inclusivity and expand the eligibility of potential
Consequently, the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) in 2025 received US$2 1B in profit oil, comprising US$400 1M from Liza Destiny, US$767 7M from Liza Unity, US$824M from Prosperity, and US$133.6M fromOneGuyana.
The oil account also obtained$330.7Minroyalty payments during the year from the operator of the S t a b r o e k B l o c k Additionally, the petroleum receiptsfortheyearincluded a US$15M signing bonus from a new Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) signed on November 11, 2025 with a consortium for theshallow-waterBlockS4.
In 2025, the National Assemblyapprovedthesum of US$2.463 billion to be withdrawn to finance national development priorities.As such, the Fund closed the year with US$3.250 billion inclusive ofinterestincomeandnetof withdrawals.
Duringthepreviousyear, Guyana received 28 lifts of
crude oil from the 225 lifts recorded from three FPSOs that were operating at the time.
Agreement (PSA), Guyana receives 12.5% of profits.
ExxonMobil is allowed to take75%oftheoilproduced every month to cover its expenses and also enjoys a 12 5% profit share In additiontoits12.5%profits, Guyana also receives 2% of grossproductionasroyalty
suppliers.
Asreportedinthemedia, President Irfaan Ali in his inaugural speech in September 2025 announced theprocurementsystemwill be mod
d and strengthened with a tiered system to promote wider participation and ensure
nd transparency
Kaieteur News reported in October 2025 that the government is set to sharply reduce advertising in newspapers as it prepares to launch a new national procurement website next year(2026),sayingthat“the daysofpeoplehavingtobuy a newspaper to check for tender ads will soon be over ” Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo made the announcementathisweekly news conference at the time duringwhichhesaidthatthe new digital platform will replace the long-standing system of publishing tender n
n newspapers- a practice he said currently costs the state closeto$800Mannually
PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.
Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456
Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS
Tel:225-8465,225-8491. Fax:225-8473,226-8210
The alarm bells are ringing once again and this time theyarecomingfromtwoofthecountry’smostinfluential private sector bodies. The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) have both raisedseriousconcernsaboutskyrocketingshippingcosts, persistent delays, and what have been described as “unconscionable” practices by shipping companies operatinginGuyana.
These warnings must not be dismissed as routine businesscomplaints.Theypointtoasystemicproblemthat is quietly undermining local production, driving up consumer prices, delaying construction projects, and threateningGuyana’seconomicmomentumatatimewhen thecountryissupposedlybooming.
At a news conference on Wednesday, the GMSA highlightedwhatmanybusinessesalreadyknowtoowell: Guyana’s port infrastructure remains inadequate for large vessels,forcingimporterstorelyheavilyontransshipment hubs. This inefficiency adds time, uncertainty and substantial cost to every container that enters the country Even worse, shipping prices have not returned to preCOVIDlevels,theassociationsaid.Wherecontainersonce costaroundUS$6000,businessesarenowpayingasmuch asUS$10,000toUS$12,000.
That difference does not disappear into thin air It is passeddirectlytoconsumersthroughhigherpricesonfood, construction materials, household goods, machinery and raw materials. In other words, the ordinary Guyanese family is paying the price for shipping inefficiencies and whatappearstobealackofmeaningfulregulation.
Theissueofunreliabilitymaybeevenmoredamaging thancost.Delaysmeanbusinessesmuststockpilegoodsin warehouses, incurring storage fees and tying up working capital.Warehouses,astheGMSAcorrectlynoted,donot generate profits. They represent dead money, money that could otherwise be invested in expansion, hiring, or improving services. For manufacturers operating on tight margins, this creates a serious strain. For construction companies working under fixed contracts and deadlines, the impact can be devastating. Missed delivery windows can stall projects, trigger penalties, and inflate budgets beyond control. These ripple effects slow national developmentandincreasethecostofpublicinfrastructure projectsthattaxpayersultimatelyfund.
The GCCI’s intervention adds another troubling layer Thechamberhasaccusedshippingcompaniesofarbitrary fee increases, extended “peak season” pricing without justification, and prioritising foreign firms over local businesses.Ifevenpartoftheseclaimsisaccurate,thenthe situation moves from inefficiency into the realm of exploitation.
Guyanaisexperiencingrapideconomicgrowthdriven largely by oil revenues and a surge in public and private sector construction. This growth has made the country an attractivemarket.Butinsteadofbenefitingfromscaleand increased shipping volume, local businesses are facing highercostsandworseservice.Thatisunacceptable.
What makes the situation more frustrating is that this problem has been festering for years. The business community has met with shipping associations, customs brokers and stakeholders, yet little appears to have changed.Dialoguewithoutresultsisnotprogress.Atsome point, government intervention becomes necessary The Statecannotcontinuetotakeahands-offapproachwhilea criticalarteryoftheeconomymalfunctions.Shippingisnot aluxuryservice.Itisfoundationalinfrastructure.Without efficient logistics, no manufacturing sector can thrive, no exportstrategycansucceed,andnocost-of-livingreliefcan beachieved.
This calls for decisive action. Port infrastructure must be modernised to accommodate larger vessels and reduce dependence on transshipment hubs. Regulatory oversight
In engagements with the Guyanese public and in reviewing media responses to the 2026 budget, overall, there has been a positive reactiontothelargestrecord budget. Each segment or section of the public views the budget differently based on their interests and not necessarily the country’s Almost everyone is concerned about how they benefit rather than how the country will develop. The reduction in taxes, particularly on vehicles, pleases everyone; no oppositiontothat.
The lower class paid
attention to and is more focusedonhowmuchdirect benefits (cash grants, pension and school children increase, and other handouts) The business communityhasbeenclosely reviewing what this year’s monetary figures and promises really means for growth and for their businesses They are primarily concerned about whether their revenues and profitswillgrowfromrecord high allocations in all of the sectors and the contracts theycanpotentiallyget;few businesses are genuinely concernedaboutthecountry andthepopulation.
TheGuyanaAgricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) warmly endorses the 2026 National Budget, presented under the theme “Putting People First.” This Budget is a clear and deliberate statement of intent: that national development must be measurednotonlybygrowth statistics,butbythetangible improvementsinthelivesof working people, their families, and the most vulnerable among us. From income relief and social support to investments in productive sectors and essential services, Budget 2026 advances a peoplecentred agenda that aligns squarelywiththeaspirations ofworkersacrossGuyana.
GAWU particularly welcomestheincreaseinthe monthly income tax threshold from $130,000 to $140,000.Thismeasurewill relievethousandsofworkers of the burden of paying incometaxesandplacemore disposable income directly into households’hands.At a time when families are contending with global
inflationary pressures, such relief is both timely and necessary Itunderscoresthe Government’s recognition that workers must be empowered to meet daily needs with dignity and security Equally significant aretheimprovementstooldage pensions and public a s s i s t a n c e T h e s e enhancementsaffirmasocial compact that values our seniorcitizensandthosewho require additional support. For many families, pensions andpublicassistancearenot abstractpolicytools;theyare lifelinesthatensureaccessto food, healthcare, and basic necessities Budget 2026 strengthens these lifelines andreflectsacompassionate approachtogovernance.
TheUnionalsoapplauds the increases in the school child grant and the i n t r o d u c t i o n o f transportation subsidies for pensioners and school children. These initiatives directly ease household expenses and remove barriers to education and mobility Byinvestinginour children and supporting our elderly, the Budget
of shipping fees must be strengthened.Anti-competitive behaviour,ifpresent,mustbeinvestigated.Transparency inpricingstructuresshouldbemandatory,notoptional.
Additionally, incentives should be explored to attract more shipping operators to the market and increase competition. A small group controlling access to trade routes creates conditions ripe for price manipulation. Competition remains one of the most effective tools for lowering costs and improving service standards. If Guyanaisseriousaboutdiversifyingitseconomybeyond oil,thenlogisticsreformmustbecomeanationalpriority Manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and exports cannot flourish under a shipping system that is slow, expensive andunpredictable.
The warnings from GMSA and GCCI should be treatedasanurgentcalltoaction.Failuretoactnowwill only deepen the burden on consumers and weaken the private sector at a time when the country should be building sustainable economic resilience. Guyana’s economy should be moving forward, not stuck at the docks.
professionals give serious, ob
positives and negatives Some who sing praises for their supper (and attack even-handed analysts like myself,forexample)arenot tobetakenseriouslyasthey
The opposition, as is theirjob,findsfaultswiththe budget, regarding its viability, the high debt, and reliance on government’s optimistic revenue generation (from oil and mining and other sectors); the opposition warn of potential economic disaster even when there is probably none Proponents of the budgethighlightthebenefits to the public and the economy in general Sycophants, who know nothingaboutabudget(what it means and how it is drafted) or economics or finance, praise the budget regardless of how they are affected. Critics and or detractors have hardly anything positive to say about the budget with their sharp criticismseveniftheyknow it is an outstanding budget; they are not even handed as an analyst or economist like me. Nonpartisan analysts, i
(Continuedonpage06)
reinforces intergenerational equity and social cohesion.
Ensuring that children can attend school regularly and pensioners can travel affordably is fundamental to building inclusive communities. As the central union representing sugar workers, GAWU takes particular note of the Government’s continued commitmentandinvestment in the sugar industry Sugar haslongbeenapillarofrural livelihoods and national heritage The Budget’s provisions signal a clear intention to make the industry viable and sustainable, safeguarding jobs while modernising operations GAWU welcomes this partnership approachandstandsreadyto workwithallstakeholdersto ensure that sugar remains a sourceofstableemployment andeconomiccontribution.
Beyond sector-specific measures, Budget 2026 places strong emphasis on improving water, health, housing, and education Investments in clean and reliable water supply enhance public health and reduce household burdens.
Expanded and improved healthcare services strengthen the social safety net and ensure that workers and their families receive qualitycare.
Housing initiatives contribute to safer, more secure living conditions, while education spending equips our people with the skills needed for a modern, diversifiedeconomy
T h e s i g n i f i c a n t infrastructure investments
are also noteworthy
Upgraded roads, bridges, and transportation networks will make daily life easier, reducetraveltimeandcosts, and open new economic
opportunities. Infrastructure development is not merely aboutconcreteandsteel;itis about connecting people to jobs, markets, schools, and services. These investments will have lasting multiplier effectsacrosscommunities.
GAWU recognises, too, the specific measures aimed at curtailing the cost of living The Budget acknowledges the pressures households face and introducestargetedreliefsto mitigate them. Of particular importanceistheanticipated reliefexpectedfromthegasto-energy project later this year Affordable, reliable energywilllowerproduction costs, stimulate investment, and ultimately reduce consumer costs This strategic initiative holds promise for broad-based economic relief and competitiveness.
Taken together, Budget 2026standsasapro-worker, pro-people financial plan. It reflects continuity in policy direction one that has consistentlysoughttoliftour people higher through inclusive growth, social protection, and strategic investment.
GAWU commends the Government for listening to workers’ concerns and responding with concrete measures that improve livelihoods and strengthen families.
TheGuyanaAgricultural and General Workers Union reaffirms its support for Budget2026andcallsonall stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure its effective implementation Whenpeoplearetrulyplaced first, the nation moves forwardtogether
Sincerely
GuyanaAgricultural and GeneralWorkers Union(GAWU)
Gold don’t rust so why are we facilitating legal and illegal extraction of our gold
Earlier I referred to the popular article printed several decades ago entitled “Believe it or Not” by Ripley,sowehave,believeit or not, a budget speech that consumed over six hours, minus snores from both sides of the house, trillions being borrowed and harvested from the several oilcompanies,butnotacent for underpaid public servants and teachers who are critical in the effort to mould the character of our youth,believeitornot.
So, one hundred and eighteen million in cash in
Guyana currency, plus US dollars, plus mercury, plus goldthankstotheINTERPOL operation, congratulations to the international network that exposed this massive illegal operation Isthisthetipofthe iceberg? But remember the airstrip and facilities found some years ago, end of story, believeitornot
Gold don’t rust so why are we facilitating legal and illegal extraction of our gold.Believeitornotinthe secondstanzaofournational anthem we begin with the words “Green land of Guyana”, Guyanese be careful, those in charge of
governmen
don’t
understand the concept; ‘today is sam, tomorrow is yam’, so we praise those who would like to run a country with massive resources such as ours, believeitornot.
When will we wake up, when will we speak up, so thatallofthepeoplebenefit from the creator’s generosity? Believeitornot Guyanese must awake from their slumber and silence. Believe it or not some time agowetalkedaboutthe‘sin ofsilence’.
Sincerely,
ElderHamiltonGreen
The policy of self-sufficiency is but one of many pillars that Guyana could be built on
DEAREDITOR,
One of the most touted objectives, globally, is Food Security TheUnitedNations Sustainable Development Goals articulates it most succinctly as “Zero Hunger”
In keeping with that goal, CARICOMhastargeted2030 as the timeline for the achievementofFoodSecurity
Guyana’s electoral system has been reduced to an expensive and dangerous absurdity, engineered by the deliberate actions of GECOM’s Claudette Singh”.
By unilaterally bringing the life of the Elections Commission to an end, Justice (Ret’d) Singh dismantled the very institutionshewasappointed to protect GECOM is constitutionally designed to function as a collective, bipartisan body Once that Commissionceasedtoexist, the Chairperson’s role became effectively redundant.
intervention. In Guyana, it hasbeennormalised. Even more alarming is what this has enabled. With theCommissiondeliberately neutralised, the Chief Elections Officer has emerged as the de facto Chair of GECOM, exercisingenormouscontrol over the institution’s operations, agenda, and decision-making without oversight, balance, or accountability An administrative officer, never intended to wield such power, now effectively runs the country’s electoral m a c h i n e r y T h i s concentration of authority did not happen by accident.
It is the direct consequence oftheChairperson’sactions. ByendingtheCommission’s life and clinging to office, Justice Singh has created a vacuuminwhichunchecked power thrives—while she continues to collect a salary funded by the very citizens whose democratic rights are beingimperiled.
The public must now ask: what exactly are taxpayers paying for? There is no function
ng Commission, no collective oversight, and no justification for maintaining a highly paid chairmanship under these circumstances. Thisisnotgovernance;itis
(Continuedonpage06)
Experts have contended that the capacity to be food secure requires the following steps:growingyourownfood, embracing the culture of community gardens, buying local,sustainableeating,andto understanding and being guided by the knowledge of what food security really means (availability, access, utilisationandstability,which isconsistencyovertimeacross thefirstthreefactors)
The aforementioned, but for the element on selfsufficiency,surmisesanarticle carried in a recent edition of CaribbeanAirlines‘ Caribbean Beat Readingthatarticletook mymemorybacktothepolicies and lived experience of the Burnham regime, which were clearlyalignedwithwhat‘snow being pronounced as Food Security, and indeed largely pursued, if not absolutely achieved,atthattime
Guyanathereforeowesa debt of gratitude to the
However, in respect to Guyana, the Nature Food journalpublishedtheresultsof a 2025 study that identified Guyanaastheonlycountryout of 186 surveyed that is fully self-sufficient in all seven majorfoodgroups,meaningit can feed its entire population without relying on food imports Atthenationallevel self-sufficient is a step higher that food security Food Security speaks to the capacitytoacquiresufficient food. Self-sufficient speaks to a sufficiency of food, which is home grown Guyana therefore seems to be not only food secure, but not reliant on foreign supplies for its food security/self-sufficiency
Burnham regime for its foresight and leadership, which built the foundation for what is now being declared,butnotnecessarily acknowledged, since politicking and revisionism trumps honesty and gratitude.Thepolicyofselfsufficiency is but one of many pillars that Guyana could be built on, which if acknowledged and overtly pursued can engender the oneness of our peoples, nationanddestiny
Yoursfaithfully
VincentAlexander
Yet, despite this reality, she remains firmly in office drawing an estimated $3 million per month in taxpayers’ money while presiding over no Commission at all. This is notmerelypooroptics;itisa blatant waste of public funds. Guyanese are being asked to accept rising living costs, tighter public spending, and “fiscal responsibility,” while millions of dollars are paid monthly to sustain a chairmanship with nothing to chair In any serious democracy, such an arrangement would trigger immediate resignation or
DUBAI, Jan 29
(Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump is weighing options against Iran that include targeted strikes on securityforcesandleadersto inspire protesters, multiple sources said, even as Israeli and Arab officials said air power alone would not toppletheclericalrulers.
Two U.S. sources familiarwiththediscussions saidTrumpwantedtocreate conditions for "regime change" after a crackdown crushedanationwideprotest movement earlier this month, killing thousands of people.
Todoso,hewaslooking atoptionstohitcommanders and institutions Washington holds responsible for the violence, to give protesters the confidence that they could overrun government and security buildings, they said.Trumphasnotyetmade a final decision on a course of action including whether totakethemilitarypath,one of the sources and a U.S. officialsaid.
The second U.S. source said the options being discussed by Trump's aides also included a much larger strike intended to have lasting impact, possibly against the ballistic missiles that can reach U.S. allies in theMiddleEastoritsnuclear
enrichment programmes Iran has been unwilling to negotiate restrictions on the missiles, which it sees as its only deterrence against Israel,thefirstsourcesaid.
The arrival of a U.S.
aircraft carrier and supporting warships in the Middle East this week has expanded Trump's capabilities to potentially takemilitaryaction,afterhe repeatedly threatened intervention over Iran's crackdown.
Reuters spoke to more than a dozen people for this account of the high-stakes deliberations over Washington's next moves regarding Iran. Four Arab officials, three Western diplomats and a senior Western source whose governments were briefed on the discussions said they were concerned that instead of bringing people onto the streets, U.S. strikes could weakenamovementalready in shock after the bloodiest repression by authorities since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
AlexVatanka,directorof the Iran Program at the Middle East Institute, said that without large-scale military defections Iran's protests remained “heroic butoutgunned.”
The sources in this story
requested anonymity to talk about sensitive matters Iran'sforeignoffice,theU.S. Department of Defense and the White House did not respond to requests for comment. The Israeli Prime Minister's office declined to comment. TrumpurgedIran onWednesdaytocometothe table and make a deal on nuclear weapons, warning that any future U.S. attack would be "far worse" than a June bombing campaign against three nuclear sites. Hedescribedtheshipsinthe region as an "armada" sailingtoIran.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran was "preparing itself for a militaryconfrontation,while atthesametimemakinguse of diplomatic channels " However, Washington was not showing openness to diplomacy, the official said. The U.S. official said the current weakness of the regimeencouragedTrumpto apply pressure and seek a dealondenuclearisation.
Iran, which says its nuclear program is civilian, was ready for dialogue "basedonmutualrespectand interests" but would defend itself "like never before" if pushed,Iran'smissiontothe UnitedNationssaidinapost onXonWednesday Trump has not publicly
Frompage05 exploitation of public patienceandpublicmoney Until the Commission is properly reconstituted, the continued payment of millionsofdollarstosustain this hollow office is indefensible Democracy cannot be safeguarded by a lone chair and an empowered CEO operating in a constitutional void.The costtotaxpayersisreal.The costtodemocracymaybefar greater
Yoursfaithfully, H.Singh
detailed what he is looking for in any deal His administration's previous negotiating points have included banning Iran from independently enriching uranium and restrictions on long-range ballistic missiles and on Tehran's alreadyweakenednetworkofarmed proxiesintheMiddleEast.
A senior Israeli official with direct knowledge of planning between Israel and the United States said Israel
does not believe airstrikes alone can topple the Islamic Republic, if that is Washington'sgoal.
“Ifyou'regoingtotopple the regime, you have to put bootsontheground,”hetold Reuters, noting that even if the United States killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran would "have a new leader that will replacehim."
Only a combination of external pressure and an orga
opposition could shift Iran's political trajectory, the officialsaid.
The Israeli official said Iran's leadership had been weakened by the unrest but remained firmly in control despite the ongoing deep economiccrisisthatsparked theprotests.
M u l t i p l e U . S . intelligence reports reached asimilarconclusion,thatthe conditions that led to the protests were still in place,
(Continuedonpage18)
Frompage04 hardly know anything about a budget; the public knows the usual suspects. Some write a set of nonsense that wouldreceiveafailinggrade from a respectable professors.
Governmentpeople,asis expected, have defended the budget as an excellent plan for growth They say it is people centered It puts people first, focusing on economic well-being of the country rather than any one particular segment of the population No doubt, the budget seeks to keep GDP growthandinflationstable It also reflects the resilience of theeconomyanditscapacity forsustainedrapidgrowth
A large chunk of the budget is deficit financed; US$2.6 billion (over half a trillion GYD). Budgets of almost every country are heavily deficit funded. The Vice President (Jagdeo), the President, and the Finance Minister would have paid careful attention to the deficit and borrowing; Jagdeo is smart when it comestoborrowingtogrow the economy, generating revenues and creating jobs.
Guyana’sdebtissustainable
now because of the longterm projected revenues from oil and mining sectors. But government has to be careful because debt is now US$10 3 billion Interest payments are climbing rapidly; we have to take cognizance of what happened prior to 1992 and curtail borrowing. We have to pursue strategic measures on borrowing. We should borrowlessanduseourown financing from the heritage fund or some other means.
Instead of foreign (high interest) borrowing, borrow from local sources and encourage foreign currency accounts from the diaspora in our local banks from whichwecanborrow Orthe diasporacanloandirectlyto the government through accountsinbanksasusedby Indiasome25yearsago.We shouldalsolookatmeansto increase foreign currency generation.
Thegeneralconsensusis it is a growth and people centered budget The business community has expressed optimism The poorarehappyforincreased handouts The deficit is problematic as expressed by objective economists and
concerned businesspeople.
The advice is that Government has to keep tab ofglobalenergyfluctuations and lingering vulnerabilities ofthelowerclassorpoorthat ishalfofthepopulation.We must grow the non-oil revenue sector We must bolsterthenon-energysectors to further diversify the economy Wemustencourage more people from the lower and working class to get into small business Businesses should pursue asset divestments aimed at generating greater revenues and export more to bring in foreign currency We have to growmorefoodtocutthefood import bill that is soaking up ourforeigncurrency
The many initiatives announced by the Finance Ministerareexpectedtoadd to the buoyancy of the economy and yield significant economic benefits. They will continue to create employment opportunities and contribute to a more resilient, stable, and diversified economy Growth will continue perhaps beyond what governmentprojects.
Yourstruly, Dr.VishnuBisram
The2026budgethasan allocationof$66.2Bto addressfurtherupgradesto thetransmissionand distributionnetwork(T&D Network)withtheaimto improvethenationalgrid.
This was announced by Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance Dr Ashni Singh on Monday
during his budget presentation. The minister
told the House that, “Upgrading of the T&D network which, when completed,willfacilitatethe efficient transfer of power from GTE at Wales to Garden of Eden, then to Goedverwagting and onwardstoSophia,alongthe EastCoastofDemerara,and finally across the Berbice River and extending to No. 53Village. In2026,thesum of $66.2 billion is budgeted to upgrade our T&D network.”
There will also be
i m p r o v e d p o w e r
m a n a g e m e n t b y operationalising a full-scale
smart grid, while implementing advanced
metering infrastructure, and increasing technical capacity He reminded the NationalAssemblythatfrom August 2020 to present his administration has added over 186 MW of new generatingcapacitytoGPL's integrated system and commenced the upgrade of its transmission and distribution(T&D)network, and overall, $123.3 billion was expended for the continued development of theenergysector
The vision for the future is to expand and modernise the energy sector and this is premised on providing adequate electricity to meet the rapidly growing demands both future and current, producing more affordable electricity, therefore facilitating a cost reductiontoconsumers“and i m p r o v i n g o u r competitiveness; enhancing grid quality, stability and reliability; and diversifying the energy mix as we advance the steady transformation of the sector
to cleaner and more
Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh
renewable sources with the aim of ensuring national energy security,” the ministeradded.
In April of 2025 this publication reported that PowerChinaandIndianfirm Kalpataru signed contracts worthsomeUS$422million (GUY $90 billion) for the extension of transmission lines for Guyana Power and Light(GPLInc).
Duringapressbriefingat the Office of the Prime Minister's boardroom, the head of GPL's executive management committee, Kesh Nandlall, said it is no
T h e I w o k r a m a International Centre said it hasreceived11smartphones from the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) to support its STEM activities for its WildlifeClubsProgramme.
The Wildlife Club programme consists of a p p r o x i m a t e l y 1 7 communities and engages around400children(aged417) from the North Rupununi, the centre said in a release. The programme exposes youth to areas such as land management, conservation, public speaking, STEM robotics and biodiversity awareness, amongstotherareas.
The Wildlife Clubs programme is part of Iwokrama's larger conservation leadership initiative where community youth are groomed from very young ages to assume leadership roles in their communities and at a national level. CEO Dane Gobin notes “We are very grateful for this most useful supportfromCARDI.Itwill beputtogooduseinbuilding capacity among hinterland youth, especially to support
(From left) Iwokrama CEO Dane Gobin; CARDI, Officer-in-Charge, Mitchroy Thom and NRDDB Chairman, Micheal Williams at the official handing over of Smartphones from CARDI.
our Community Monitoring Reporting and Verification (CMRV) work which feeds intothenationalMRV.”
CARDI, Officer-inCharge, Mitchroy Thom comments“Onbehalfofthe Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute,itismypleasureto participate in this meaningful handover of elevencellulardevicestoour wildlifepartners.AtCARDI, we recognise that protecting agriculture and protecting wildlife go hand in hand.
These devices
strengthen communication, improvedatacollection,and support timely reporting from the field each of
whichiscriticaltoinformed
management We look forward to continued partnership as we work togethertopromoteresilient ecosystems, sustainable agriculture, and a healthier
generations.”
The Centre also thanked its partners, the North
continued commitment and support to the Centre and to theExxonMobilFoundation for substantially supporting thisprogrammeoverthelast 4years.
country. Addressing this challenge necessitates the c o n s t r u c t i o n o f infrastructure for the t r a n s m i s s i o n a n d distribution. We are here becausewehavestartedthat process, and I would like to letyouknowthatthisproject that we are going to sign today is the largest ever investment for GPL in infrastructure development in a one-time investment,” Nandlallsaid.
secret that Guyana has the fastest-growing economy in the world. He said GPL's role is of paramount importanceinsupportingthe energyneedsofthecountry
“The Government of Ireland has invested in the gas-to-energyproject,which aimstodeliveranadditional 300 megawatts to the national grid in the first phase, followed by another 300 megawatts second phase The primary challengeforGPLwillbeto ensure that the delivery of thepowerisdeliveredtothe various regions across the
He disclosed that there arethreelotsfortheprojects intheeasterncorridorofthe D e m e r a r a - B e r b i c e Interconnected System (DBIS) Lot One was awarded to Power China in the sum of USD $256.7 million, while contracts for the other two lots were won by Kalpataru for USD $156.5million.
Nandlall explained, “These lots include 155 kilometers of 230 double circuittransmissionline,167 kilometers of 69 kV double circuittransmissionline,the construction of five new substations and the upgrade o
Kingston The 230 kV transmission line will interconnect with the Goedverwagting substation thatisnowbeingconstructed under the GTE project, to a new substation to be c
Berbice.”
The 69 kV line will includereplacingthecurrent lines of the same nature on therailwayembankmentand will interconnect with the new substation in East Berbice The other new substationswillbelocatedin LBI,Enmore,Trafalgar,and Williamsburg.
Fast forward to Novemberoflastyearitwas reported by the Kaieteur NewsthattheGuyanaPower and Light Inc (GPL) has signed contracts worth over US$235M to further advance works aimed at expanding and modernising thegrid.Thecompany,inan announcementonFridayvia its Facebook page said that the contracts were signed (Continuedonpage9)
Words made within the
h a l l o w e d halls of a legislature carry weight. These words can
alter the course of governance. In Westminster systemsthishasalwaysbeen understood: the floor of the Houseisaplaceapart.Itisa locus of privilege and protection where members speak under rules designed to foster deliberation. But what of words uttered beyond that chamber’s
portals? What of an accusation hurled in the public square an unflattering allegation, for example, against the Speaker? Can such an allegation be sent to the PrivilegesCommittee?
Westminster practice, in its long and often circuitous evolution, says: no—not on itsown,notwithoutmore.To appreciate why requires a small journey through h i s t o r y, t h r o u g h jurisprudence and practice, and through the architecture of privilege itself. For privilege is not an endless sphere of policing; it is a carefully circumscribed
instrument, devised to protect the integrity of parliamentary proceedings. Itisnotintendedtoserveasa shield for personal reputationinallplacesandat alltimes.
One of the earliest and mostinstructivetouchstonesis Stockdale v Hansard (1839–1841) in the British courts There, the question concerned the publicationu
ry authority-oflibelousmaterial
The House of Commons claimedthatwhatwasdonein its name was protected by privilege Thecourt’sresponse was that many parliamentary actsenjoyprotection,butthat privilege did not immuniSe Parliament from the ordinary lawwhereitwentbeyondthe contours of parliamentary proceedings In Lord Denman’s words, privilege mustbeboundedbylaw,nota vessel for unchecked authority The case did not involve any alleged disparaging statement about the Speaker, nor did it concern any commentary outside Westminster. But it underscored a fundamental point: privilege serves a
function, not a personal ornament. Fast forward to modern practice in the House of Commons. The Commons’ Standing Orders and the rulings of successive Select Committees on StandardsandPrivilegesmake clear that what counts as a matterforprivilegeisconduct connectedwiththeworkofthe House-obstruction of its business, failure to comply with its orders, interference withofficers,orcontemptuous behaviourwithinthechamber or in direct relation to its proceedings A statement made in a broadcast or on social media does not automatically enter that domain
So,thisbringsusbackto the issue at hand: Can a statement by an MP, about theSpeaker,madeoutsideof the National Assembly and unrelated to the work of the National Assembly, trigger thePrivilegesCommittee?
On the orthodox Westminster model, the answer is no, unless that accusation is brought into the chamber or it can be shown to constitute a contempt of Parliament by
Demboyssehtrafficisnolonger amatterfordriversalone—is nowafull-blownmathematics problem, and sadly, the answer always wrong. Take a simple example. One hundredcars,nice-nice,movingslow-slow in two lanes, stretching 500 metres Everybody crawling along at about 10 milesperhour Simplesum:justundertwo minutes and yuh free. Painful, yes, but predictable.
But then comes the bright spark. Somebody discover a third lane that don’t really exist. Suddenly another 50 cars appear, undertaking on the left, the right, theshoulder,anywhereasphaltlooklonely Demboyssehthisiswherethemathsturn wicked.
See, every time one of those 50 cars force itself back into the original lane, the wholelinedoesalilbrakingexercise.One car slows, ten behind it tap brakes, and before you know it, the traffic wave travelling backwards faster than good sense leaving Parliament. Mathematically speaking,ifeachillegalmergecauseseven aone-secondhesitation,andthathesitation ripple through the line, yuh end up adding secondsontopofseconds.
By the time yuh finish counting, the original two minutes become four Same 500 metres. Same destination. Double the suffering. Do de maths and yuh gun see
materially impeding the Speaker in the performance of parliamentary duties Parliamentary privilege exists to protect the institution’s capacity to function, not to suppress political speech whenever it is intemperate. To involve the Privileges Committee each time a legislator’s rhetoricoutsidethechamber displeases a colleague or eventheSpeakerwouldbeto turn the committee into a tribunal for political correctness rather than a body safeguarding the assembly’sproceduralorder Extra-parliamentary
statements, however injurious to reputation, do not of themselves constitute a breach of privilege. Only when such statements are imported into parliamentary proceedings does the House have jurisdiction to act. A charge made within the chamber can be disorderly; the same charge outside, on itsown,ispoliticalspeech.
What, then, does properly belong to the jurisdictionofthePrivileges Committee? Not the roughand-tumble of political
speech in the public square, butconductthatstrikesatthe orderly functioning of the House itself The Committee’sconcernbegins whenamember’sbehaviour insidethechamberdescends in
unparliamentary, debate degenerates into insult, or the rules that govern proceedings are openly flouted.Itisengagedwhena member refuses to comply withthelawfulordersofthe House or its committees, treating parliamentary authority as optional rather
summonedwhentheworkof Parliament is actively impeded:whenparliamentis misled, or interfered It intervenes, too, where there is a repeated or willful disregard for the rights of other members conduct that denies colleagues their opportunity to speak, to question, or to participate fullyinproceedings.Finally, its jurisdiction extends to acts of contempt in connectionwiththebusiness of the House, where such
conduct undermines the authority or dignity of Parliamentitself.
In each of these categories, there is a clear nexus to the workings of Parliament. There is no such nexus when an MPmakes an allegation outside the assembly;therethespeakerof everychargedphraseisnotthe Privileges Committee but the electorate, the press, and, in appropriate cases, the courts Tocollapsethisboundaryisto inviteaformofparliamentary omnipotencethatWestminster historyhasstriventoavoid.It is to turn Parliament into an arbiterofpublicspeechwhose proper guardian is, in fact, democracy itself The PrivilegesCommitteeprotects the House’s business It does notcensorthemarketplaceof ideasthatsurroundsit.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
$66.2 billion for further upgrades to transmission...
Frompage7 this week
how much delays undertaking traffic does cause!
Dem boys seh this is the only country where adding lanes actually increases travel time. Abroad, more lanes mean progress. Here, more lanes mean more creative lawlessness. Which brings dem boys to the next calculation: enforcement divided by reality equals zero. The police and the cameras not even capturing a fractionoftheundertakinggoingon.Take the approach to Mon Repos Market, east going west. As yuh approach, the road widens like temptation Drivers start undertaking like it’s a national sport. Left, right,anywherebutbehind.
Yet,demboysseh,nocamerathere.Not one.Norankstationedtostopthemadness either The ranks that are there busy directing traffic across the junction, while fiftycarsslippingpastillegallylikeghosts. Everybodyseeingit.Nobodystoppingit.
Demboyssehiftrafficviolationswere votes,MonReposMarketjunction would decideelections.Butsinceviolationsdon’t count unless a camera blinking or a rank ridingbyonamotorcycle,theundertakers wineverytime.Sothemathsissimple,dem boys seh: more illegal lanes plus zero enforcement equals double traffic and triple frustration. And somehow, we still surprisedeverymorning. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
The power company signed a US$199 million (43 billion GYD) contract with Kalpataru Projects International Limited (KPIL), which was followed by a US$35.93 million (7.5 billion GYD) contractwithChinaNational MachineryImport&Export Corporation (CMC), which wassignedonWednesday The contract with KPIL entails the execution of new substations as well as t r a n s m i s s i o n a n d distribution lines which will lead to upgrades and expansions in the national grid There will be the constructionof42kmofnew 69 kV Transmission Lines, as well as four new 69/13.8 kV substations at, Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke; Williamsburg, East Berbice, Corentyne; Hydronie, East BankEssequiboandPrinces
Street,Georgetown.
There will also be the “construction of a total 18 new primary distribution feeders for the new substations Upgrade and expansion of the New Georgetown and Garden of Edensubstations.
These upgrades will r e p l a c e o u t d a t e d infrastructure, install modern electrical and automation systems, integrate SCADA/EMS technologies, and support remote operations from the new and modern Guyana National Control Centre (GNCC), currently under construction,”GPLsaid.
The contract with CMC w i l l a d d r e s s t h e strengtheningandexpansion of the distribution network through the construction of more than 193 km of new distribution feeders with smartequipment,thesupply
d smart distribution equipment and addressing the unserved areas in Demerara and Berbice.
“These improvements will reduce power outages, improve power quality and enhance overall distribution system’s reliability on the East Bank Essequibo, West Coast and West Bank Demerara, East Bank Demerara, East Coast DemeraraandEastBerbice.
Together, these projects f o r m a n o n g o i n g transformativeinvestmentin Guyana’s electricity sector, s
uc
u
, while positioningGPLtomeetthe nation’s ever-increasing energy demand with greater efficiency, reliability and resilience,” GPL further stated.
If there's a group of Guyanese that's happy with Dr Ashni Singh's 2026 Budget, it's the One Guyana crowd. Dr Ali has lovingly caredit.
Those Guyanese smiling from ear-to-ear, hurrying to the bank. Exclude me; I'm trying to stay afloat Stepping forward, I boldly assert that the 2026 Budget hasmanybuilt-inbiases,can be described as bigoted. In homage to political correctness, I avoid the Rword that Guyanese have used in the last seven decades. Is how come, yuh geh suh (the R-word completesthesentence).
I could have saved Dr Singh over six hours of his precious time wasted on delivering that $1 558 trillion budget. The PPP have budgets in the last two years and now this one that pole-vaultsatrilliondollars, but outliers and outsiders, theostracised,inGuyanaget whatistantamounttoatwoand three-dollar bill. Sure, sure! There are people who look like me, who get the sharp, savaging end of the budget stick. Call that the sweepofthedragnet,whatis called inescapable collateral damage. So,whogetsthebillions, in the tens and hundreds?
Now the trouble starts, and the slings and arrows brandished I say agriculture And, who Guy
d gentlemen are the main presences in agriculture? One Guyana! Hail PPP Govt's schemers and tilters, whosteerthebillionstotheir people. The One Guyana people. They look like me, but complexion fools A question:whatisagriculture and farmers and the billions doled out to them, if not a hugethree-cardring? There arebillionsforfertilis ers, billions for roads, probably more billions for
crop insurance, but callaloo andcucumbers,stringbeans and long beans and butter beans, and sweet potato and soursop keep going up like Elon Musk's spaceships or satellites. What's the con game being played there? Poor people pay hard prices due to budget neglect, then pay another price when visiting markets, facing vendors. It was said that Madurowasabadmantobe feared. Who are the real outlaws here, the domestic financial hitmen, who should be feared for their plots, their economic perversions?
More for schools
budgeted, which means tens of billionsmore. More roads and bridges and somebody must build those grand testimonies to PPP Govt's public works th preparations for the 25 century, what camouflage plenty skullduggeries Leave corruption today Studycontractors. Andwho are overwhelmingly the successful bidders, just like the rice and heavy-duty fruits and veggies man? I take the easy, tactful way They mostly look like me, except that I don't count, belong. Don't want to be, don't know how to be. Hello, Dr J, remember me, now that paradiseispresidedover Suppliers for billions budgeted for the health sectorhavemainlybeenone kind of people Oh, participants have to have capital, connections, and cunningrehowprocurement works. It'satwo-waystreet. If all these groups that benefit enormously from record budgets are assembled,onlookerswould think of Russia or China. Homogenous. The great majority (by far) are from one bright and beautiful segment of Guyana's demographic.
Incidentally, Mr. Census, 'Dr Cruz Control', an edifying word on demographic percentages wouldhelp.
Foremphasis,thebudget is heavily skewed to favor the rich, the big fish. Said before. Buttherich,bigfish are again taken care of this year, so that face of One Guyana prospers and prospers. A bigger budget means that the big fish get a
biggerslice. Whetherscales orgillsarelookedat,orhead or tail studied, the resulting color-coding is the same. It is about who's in, and who's out.
Indeed, old people money and young children money reach everybody Butthat'stheleftovermoney, the drinking money, that is given to combat charges of bias,prejudice,partisanship, andbigotry Thepunditsand Guyana intelligentsia are urge to do the addition. If they can get to 10% of the $1.558trillion($155billion) budgeted for cash in hand, including poor relief fares, theydidwell.
Then total the eyepopping hundreds of billions for PPP Govt cronies, via different schemes,anddeterminehow muchofthatremaining90% was smartly parceled, channeled The mixed massesstruggletoclasp10% of another record budget to buy food, hail a minibus, collectaTylenol,honorbills, and Dr Singh insists that they won the lottery Meanwhile, the select few drools in anticipation of gettingtheirgrubbypawson their fat percentage of the budget. They look mostly likeme. Buttheyarenotme. Iseecalculatedbuilt-inbias, even brazen bigotry in this budget.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Atragic multivehicle accident on the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River BridgeonThursdayclaimed thelifeofonepersonandleft another in critical condition after a heavy-duty cement truck reportedly suffered a mechanical failure and rolledintooncomingtraffic.
Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh confirmed that one fatality was recorded. The deceasedhasbeenidentified as 25-year-old taxi driver ScottDorwartofGrove,East BankDemerara.
K a i e t e u r N e w s understandsthattheaccident occurred around 9:30 hrs along the bridge The incident involved motor truck GAC 296, which was travelling on the western sideofthebridgeenrouteto RegionThree.
The truck, which was transporting a load of cement, reportedly experienced a mechanical failure while ascending the bridge and began rolling backwards at high speed. The out-of-control vehicle slammed into five other vehicles before eventually comingtoahalt.
Another individual sustained serious injuries and was escorted to the GeorgetownPublicHospital Corporation (GPHC), while two other persons suffered minor injuries. The scene
was gruesome. Dorwart's vehicleborethebruntofthe impact, leaving him trapped motionless inside the badly crushed car. A woman was also seen lying on the roadway with her face coveredinblood,seemingly unresponsive while several othervehicleswereseverely damaged.
Thedriverofthecement truck, speaking with the media, said the incident occurred after the vehicle suffered mechanical issues.
“When I climbing going up the hill the gear box cut on me,Iholdthebrakesbutthe brakes ain't holding back no more and the truck start roll andIstartbracetherailbutI can'tbracetherailanditlash into them cars because the steering get stiff I was watching to avoid knocking the bus but I still end up lashing he,” the truck driver explained.
A driver of one of the
v e h i c l e s involved also recounted his experience.“Icomingupthe bridge and I just see a truck speeding come back and it lashintoacarandIseeitwas comingfromtheoutsidesoI tried to turn in to the inside but I still end up getting knock,”hesaid.
Meanwhile the father of the deceased identified as Michael Dorwart arrived at the scene, loudly crying out for his son. “My baby boy gone. Why them take way mybaby
He's my only son, my onlybaby,”hesaid.
Following the accident, emergency responders, includingtheGuyanaPolice Force, the Guyana Fire
Service (GFS), and em
ncy medical personnel, were dispatched to the scene. The Guyana Fire Service reported that it deployedonefiretenderand two EMS ambulances
firefighters and eight E
Technicians(EMTs).
used hydraulic extrication tools, including the Jaws of Life and a spreader, to cut open one of the vehicles and rescue a critically injured individualwhowastrapped.
“MTs provided immediate emergency medical care at thesceneandtransportedthe injured individual to a medical facility for further treatment,”GFSsaid.
In a statement, the Ministry of Public Works dismissed rumours that the truck was overweight. “The
Ministry wishes to categorically dismiss any rumours or misinformation suggesting that the truck involved was overweight. Verification of records confirmsthatthevehiclewas weighed prior to crossing and successfully passed the axleloadlimit.Thecauseof the incident has been identified strictly as a mechanical malfunction,” thestatementsaid.
Up to press time, the GuyanaPoliceForceisyetto release a statement on the accident.
Onemanhasbeenkilled and two others injured duringashootingincidenton James Street Albouystown, Georgetown Thursday evening Dead is Kevon RidleyofAlbouystown.
The injured were rushed to the Georgetown Public HospitalCorporation.
According to a police report the crime was allegedly committed by a manknowntothevictims.
Police ranks visited the scene at about 18:25 hrs. Investigations revealed that at the time of the incident, Ridley was in the company of his friend, KishiThomas, a 30-year-old Guyanese male of African descent, a vendor of Lot 127 King E d w a r d S t r e e t , Albouystown Both men were standing in front of Ridley’s yard, engaging in conversation, when the suspect whoisknowntoThomas for several years suddenly approachedthemarmedwith a handgun and discharged several rounds in their direction.
According to Thomas, bothheandRidleyfelltothe ground after the shots were fired. Thomas later realided that he had been shot in his back and observed that Ridley was motionless. The suspect subsequently escaped in an unknown direction.
Thomas further stated that several persons in the area went to their assistance andtransportedbothvictims to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Upon arrival, Ridley was pronounced dead by a medicaldoctor
The deceased sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his body and was later escorted to the hospital’s mortuary, where the body is awaiting a post-mortem examination(PME).
Thomas sustained one gunshot wound to his back and is currently receiving medical treatment His conditionislistedasstable.
Based on information received, police ranks
proceeded to the Balwant Singh Hospital, where they made contact with Cornel Gray, a 43-year-old
Guyanese male of African descent, a spray painter of Lot4023Lust-en-Rust,West Bank Demerara Gray operates a workshop on James Street, Albouystown, west of the deceased’s residence.Hereportedthatat the time of the incident, he wasinhisworkshopwhenhe heard several loud explosions suspected to be gunshots. He then felt a burning sensation to his left shoulderandrealisedhehad
been shot. He subsequently sought medical attention at thehospital.Hisconditionis alsoreportedasstable.
The crime scene was processed by ranks from the Crime Scene Unit and CID Headquarters. Several spent shellsandonewarheadwere recovered from the scene. Multiple persons were questioned, and several CCTV cameras were observed in the area. These recordings will be reviewed aspartoftheinvestigation.
Efforts are currently ongoing to locate the suspect. Investigations are continuing.
At the scene a man related that when he arrived he saw Riddley on the ground with gunshot wounds to his stomach "Right here I come around thereandseeduhIsaylehI golongbackhome."
" I hear nuff gun shots 15 to 16 shots fire. First aboutfourfireandmeain’t come out I stay in me yard. Then I see everybody running then we hear the restoftheshotsfiringandI say leh I go back because
TheCustomsAntiNarcotics Units
(CANU) has issued an alert for ecstasy andhasremindedcitizensof therisksassociatedwiththe drug.
In a statement via the Guyana Early Warning System - EWS - Rapid Alerts Facebook page CANUsaidthatitwishesto inform the general public that there has been the detection of pills that are suspected to be MDMA which is commonly known as ecstasy in country.
“Duringalaw-enforcement operation conducted at Tabatinga,Lethem,officers discovered tablets which, upon preliminary field testing, showed a positive i n d i c a t i o n f o r amphetamine-type stimulants, consistent with MDMA. Further analysis is ongoing,”CANUadded.
A Public Health and Safety Advisory was also issuedinthesamestatement to inform person that MDMA is a controlled substance under the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Chapter 10:10, and the p o s s e s s i o n , u s e , distribution,ortraffickingis illegalinGuyana.
Theuseofecstasyposes serious health risks, particularly because, the strength as well as the compositionofthetabletsis unpredictable, and pills maybe mixed with other harmfulsubstances.
The risks associated with the use of this drug significantly increase when it is mixed with other drugs orevenalcohol.
Some of the adverse effects reported so far include, rapid heart rate, severe dehydration, dangerous overheating or hyperthermia, confusion,
agitation, elevated blood pressure, seizures, collapse and loss of consciousness In this light CANU is strongly advising against the consumptionofunknownor illicit pills marketed as “ecstasy,” “MDMA,” or similarnames.
“Anyone experiencing severe symptoms after suspected drug use should seek immediate medical attention.
Information relating to the sale, distribution, or movement of illicit drugs should be reported to
me ain’t looking to let no straybulletknockme.
I see me neighbour deh wuh working in the workshop get shoot and he laydownandtheypickheup andputheinacarandcarry hehospital.That’sall."
Back in 2023 Kaieteur News had reported that Ridley who was wanted at thetimeinconnectionwitha series of armed robberies as well as the discharging a loaded firearm at Lime Street, Werk-en-Rust on December 23, 2023 was arrestedbypolice.
Reportswerethatduring araidconductedbyranksof the Guyana Police Force (GPF) “under the clock” in theStabroekMarketarea.
Ridley who also goes by the alias ‘Arthur’ was nabbed. Policesaidthenthat hewasfoundwithaquantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspectedtobeCannabis. He was then escorted to the Brickdam Police Station where the suspected narcotics were weighed and amountedto18grams.
In April 2017 at the age of18Riddleywasremanded to prison by City Magistrate Fabayo Azore for robbing LindenRobertsofthreegold chains valued $360,000 on March 24 of that same year while being in the company of another individual and armed with a gun. Ridley pleaded not guilty to the charge
CANUorthenearestpolice station,” CANU further stated.In addition, there is ongoing monitoring by the Guyana EWS on these emerging drug trends and further advisories will be issues as needed to protect publichealthandsafety
Thisalertisissuedinthe interestofpublicawareness and harm prevention Reports can be made confidentiallyvia.
Tel: 592-227-3503 / 592-226-0431 Email: [guyana ews@canu govgy ](mailto:guyana ews@can u.gov.gy).
A US-based security officer was nabbed with foreign cannabis at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Wednesday,theCustoms-Anti-NarcoticsUnitsaid.
According to CANU on Wednesday officers, acting on information received, searched one incoming passenger from the United States of America, which led to the discovery of several transparent parcels containing a quantity of foreign cannabis. The quantity of foreign cannabis was subsequently escorted to CANU's Headquarters, which weighed 15. 758 kilograms. Bradley Hibbert, age thirty-six (36), a Security OfficerofLot759HendrixStreet,Brooklyn,NewYork,USA, wasarrestedandescortedtoCANU'sHeadquarters.
Chief Investment Officer and Agency Head
for Investment, Peter Ramsaroop, MP, handing over the Investment Agreement between Neurospine Services Inc. and the Government of Guyana to Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi, on Thursday morning
The Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) has facilitated a nearly GYD $1 billion investment by Neurospine Services Inc. to establish a state-of-the-art
n e u r o l o g i c a l a n d rehabilitative care facility, a move expected to create more than 50 jobs and significantlyboostGuyana's advanced healthcare capacity
Thisstrategicinvestment will establish a state-of-theart, internationally certified Institute of Neurological Sciences and Rehabilitative Centre, with a second phase to include a 150-room nursing home and a medical storage and logistics complex. The facilities will provideadvancedservicesin
neurosciences, brain and spinal care, rehabilitative medicine, and geriatric nursing home care—further strengthening Guyana's health-care ecosystem and improving access to highly specialisedtreatment.
Atthehelmofthecentre is Neurosurgeon Dr Amarnauth Dukhi, whose expertise and dedication
The building under construction on Duncan Street
have been instrumental in elevating and pioneering neurosurgical care in Guyana,apressreleasefrom GO-Invest said The establishment of the first standalone neurological centre in the Caribbean is driven by its capacity to provide top-tier treatment to patients who previously had totravelabroadforcomplex
spinalsurgeriesandintricate brainprocedures.
Beyond serving Guyana's growing demand for advanced neurological
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips on Tuesday reinforced the government's push to build a modern, secure and digitally inclusive economy, delivering a strong call for nationwidedigitaltransformationatthe Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association(GMSA)TechConference attheGuyanaMarriottHotel. Phillips, who is performing the functions of President, said the conference theme: “Operational
Donna Punch, killed last October by a dislodged truck tire.
strategically positioned to support regional referral
Athree-month courtbattleover the death of an Alness, Corentyne Berbice woman ended Monday with a$4.4millionsettlement.
while she was heading to church with her husband, PastorLeroyPunch.
“Our approach is deliberate. We are replacing fragmented processes with integratedICTsolutionsandleveraging data-driven and AI-supported tools where they add clear value to our systemsandinstitutions.”
Prime Minister Phillips also emphasised that realising the full
administration's Digital Guyana agenda. He highlighted key elements of the ruling administration's digital strategy, including expanding high-speed internet to 253 remote and hinterland communities, digitising licensing, registration and payment systems, and implementing broad ICT reforms to streamline public-sector operations
benefits of digital transformation
m the manufacturing and services sectors, whileunderscoringthatinvestmentsin digitalresilienceandskillsarenational priorities.
The need for a technologically skilledworkforcewasalsoemphasised as a key factor Systems are already in place, including through ongoing trainingprogrammessuchasthousands ofGOALscholarshipsinICTfieldsand the 'One Guyana' Digital Initiative, which is equipping 2,000 citizens with software development and other in-
(Continunedonpage17)
Divindranauth Seeram, 35, of Ulverston Village, Corentyne, appeared at the Whim Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Tuanna Hardy, confirming that he and the family of the late Donna Punch had reached a finan
t Seeram, who had pleaded not guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, was unrepresentedincourt.
DonnaPunch,65,ofLot 40 Section A, Alness Village, was killed on October 5, 2025, when the rearwheelofapassinglorry dislodged and struck her
Policereportsconfirmed the lorry was traveling west alongthesoutherndrivelane when both of its right-side rear wheels came loose, hittingPunchasshestoodat the northern corner of the road. She fell onto the grass parapet and suffered fatal head and body injuries
Public-spirited citizens rushed her to Port Mourant Public Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.Seeraminitiallyfled the scene but was later apprehended.
During proceedings, Pastor Punch told the court hehadagreedtodiscontinue the case following the financialsettlement.
TheRupununiLivestock Producers Association (RLPA) on Thursday called onlawenforcementagencies and policymakers to partner more closely with livestock producers to strengthen securityandtacklethelongstanding problem of cattle rustlingintheRupununi.
The appeal came in a statement expressing condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Leon Baird, popularly knownas“Rasta,”a38-yearold cowboy from Wichabai Ranch in Region Nine who was found dead earlier this week Kaieteur News previously reported that Baird's burnt body was discovered inside a vehicle between Wichabai Ranch and Sand Creek Village on Sundayafternoon.
“Wearedeeplysaddened and gravely concerned by this tragic loss. Rasta was a very active rodeo performer and a valued part of the extended family of our member, Wichabai Ranch. He was much more than a cowboy, he was an arena entertainer, a supporter of the rodeo community, and someone whose presence broughtenergy,passion,and spirit to our events. His contribution to the rodeo family and the wider livestock community will not be forgotten,” RLPA expressed.
The Association further disclosed that the loss of Baird was the result of “a
heinous criminal act,” and the circumstances surrounding his death are deeplytroubling.“Feedback from our members and community reports suggest that there has been an escalation in cattle rustling and related violence across the Rupununi While investigations into this incident are ongoing, these reports continue to raise serious concerns about the safety and security of our ranchers and farming communities, ” the Associationsaid. TheRupununiLivestock ProducersAssociationnoted that it stands firmly with its members and wishes to make it clear that they have “zero tolerance for cattle rustling” and all forms of violence associated with it.
“We respectfully call on the relevantauthoritiestopursue all available leads and conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to ensurethatthoseresponsible are brought to justice,” they stated.
Thestatementcontinued, “We also urge law enforcement agencies and
Frompage14
Guyana's role as an emerging hub for specialised health servicesintheCaribbean.AccordingtoGO-Invest,theproject aligns with the Government of Guyana's unprecedented national health-care transformation agenda, which includes the construction and upgrading of regional and specialty hospitals,expansionofdiagnosticandtreatmentcapabilities, major investments in digital health systems, medical educationandtraining,andthedecentralisationofservicesto ensureequitableaccessacrossallregions.
Peter Ramsaroop, Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, stated: “We are pleased to support Neurospine Services Inc. in bringing this transformative investment to Guyana. Specialty health care is a vital and growing sector, and projects of this nature not only create meaningful employment but also elevate the quality and availability of medical services for our people and the entire region. As Guyana continues to attract investments in advanced health care, we are building a healthier, more resilient future for all Guyanese.”
Theinstitutionwillalsoincludeadedicatedrehabilitation centre and a paediatric care institute. Specialised diagnostic equipment will feature the region's first GE Healthcare SIGNA Champion 1.5T wide-bore MRI machine, fully powered by AI technology Construction is progressing on schedule,withthefacilityexpectedtoofficiallyopenbymid2026. This investment also supports the Government's broader strategy under the leadership of His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali to modernise Guyana's health-care system through expanded infrastructure, technologyadoption,andimprovedservicedelivery
policymakers to work closely with livestock producers to strengthen security measures and address this long-standing challenge. Our farmers deservetoworkwithoutfear, and our communities deservesafetyandjustice.”
Close friends and colleagues of Baird had told this publication on Wednesday that Baird resided at the Wichabai Ranch and reportedly went missing on Friday (January
23). “We were searching for him from Friday afternoon and Sunday afternoon the cowboysfoundhim,”oneof thecolleaguesrelated.
While they are still unclear as to what really transpired when he went missing and what led to his death, the colleagues noted that Baird was known to be thecaretakeroftheanimals at the ranch. They disclosed that before his death, Baird was missing some of the animals from the ranch and
so they suspected that on Friday morning he left in searchoftheanimals.
They also related to this newspaper that for years ranches have been dealing with the issue of cattle rustling which was reported tothepoliceonnumerousof occasions “This rustling thing has been going on down here in the Rupununi for so many years and so many reports have been made to the police from ranches not just our ranch, villages, individuals and from the South Rupununi District Council for years, about the same people who aregoingaroundandkilling animalsandsellingthemeat to Lethem,” one of the colleaguesexplained.
The newly elected Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed has announcedplanstoformally request that the APNUappointedcommissionerson the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) vacatetheirseats.
The move comes days after Mohamed’s election as Leader of the Opposition, a position previously held by the People’s National Congress-ledAPNU, whose nominees currently occupy thethreeoppositionseatson GECOM.
WithWINnowthemain o p p o s i t i o n , n e w commissioners from the party are expected to take theirplace.
On Thursday, Mohamed told Kaieteur News that he and his team met with Chairperson of GECOM, retired Justice Claudette Singh and Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Vishnu Persaud to discuss the appointment of scrutineers and the status of the Commissioners following his election as the new Leader of the Opposition, which reflects a changed dynamicinParliament.
Based on the discussion which he described as
“productive,”theWINparty leader told this newspaper thatthepartywillbewriting to the three APNU commissioners Vincent Alexander, Desmond Trotman and Charles Corbin, who currently sit on theCommissiontoaskthem toresign.
He told this newspaper thathisteamplanstofollow due process which entails utilising all possibilities to ensuringtheparty’sinterests arerepresentedatthelevelof GECOM.
“Icannotdiscloseatthis momentforobviousreasons but[thecourseofaction]will depend on the response we receive when we write the commissioners,” Mohamed said. WIN Member of Pa
attended the meeting expounded “The advice of chair is that she cannot remove anyone from the commission… she said that is outside of her remit. She however believes based on theconstitutionthattheonly right thing to do is to have new commissioners in place given that there is new opposition.”
K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that WIN will not only write to the Opposition commissioners but to Chief Scrutineer of APNU Carol Joseph Smith to inform of the move to occupytheposts.
Asthemainopposition, WIN is set to appoint 69 scrutineers.
“We will engage the commissioners et al to give them a chance to resign and
Frompage14 demand skills. The Prime Minister explained that digital transformation is
enhancing workforce upskilling He said that “Skills in information technology, robotics, digital finance, logistics, and systems management are increasingly essential. By investing in these skills, businesses ensure that Guyana’s labour force remains relevant and competitive in a changing globaleconomy.”
Achievements such as the launch of Guyana’s first Internet Exchange Point (GYIXP), a Memorandum
of Understanding to establish a 100-megawatt artificial intelligence data centre in Wales, the ICT Master Plan 2030, a cyber risk assessment workshop, and efforts to update the CybercrimeActareaimedat bringing Guyana up to date with international best practices, while improving data security and strengthening the overall d
importance of cybersecurity
indigitaltransformationwas also highlighted by Prime Minister Phillips. He noted thatoverthepastdecade,the Government has prioritised energy, transportation and
s systems, while it has also recognised that strong cybersecurityisessentialfor digital resilience He stressed that greater digital uptake comes with associatedrisk,emphasising that cybersecurity must remain a central pillar of digitaltransformation.
“Cybersecurity is both a technical issue and a governanceissue. It requires policies, procedures, training and accountability Our G o v e r n m e n t i s s t r e n g t h e n i n g i t s cybersecurity frameworks and encouraging the private sector to do the same. A digitally connected economyisonlyasstrongas itsweakestlink.”
The Prime Minister
u r g e d G u y a n a ’ s manufacturing and services sectors to fully leverage the country’s expanding digital
if that doesn’t happen we will seek recourse the through the courts, ” Hetsbergersaid.
F o l l o w i n g t h e September 1, general and regional elections, Justice Singh in anticipation of new leader of the Opposition and the likely changes at the level of the commission suspended the business of GECOM
The Chair alluded to provisions found in
Article 161(3) (B) of the Constitution
“We have had new elections and remember there is a new opposition It’s not APNU anymore in power, there is another opposition in place; WIN which has the majority of 16 seats, ” she told
Kaieteur News late last year “When Parliament convenes then the Opposition Leader will have a chance to choose who his commissioners are ”
Article 161 (3) (B) of the Constitution in relationtoGECOMstates: the “Three members are to be appointed by the President in accordance with the advice of the opposition leader tendered after meaningful
consultation with nongovernmental political parties represented in the National Assembly ”
However, the article does not give direction on when a n d u n d e r w h a t circumstances the seats shouldbevacated.
APNU Commissioner Vincent Alexander had suggested that appointments have a type of security of tenure that there is no term limittotheappointments. Alexander is of the view that only a change in the laws can rectify the situation at GECOM He p o s i t e d t h a t constitutional provision on the appointment of commissioners cannot be read in isolation “It has to read with articles 226
and 225 which indicate that there is no term limit for commissioners ” Alexanderargued
He noted in order for changes to take place in the appointment, the laws will havetobeamended.
“Ihavenoproblemwith this. I was saying they will havetoamendthelaw
Thelawasitispresently read does not provide for us to step down that’s how I presentlyseeit.
I have said in the past, I think the way how our commission is constituted is not good…I agree that there shouldbeachangebutnotto just remove commissioners but it should provide for commissionersthataremore unbiased, ” Alexander contended.
infrastructure, highlighting that nationwide digital transformation should be matched by private-sector modernisation.
GMSA, AMCHAM Guyana and their partners were also lauded for organising the conference.
Prime Minister Phillips described it as an essential forum for evaluating progress, identifying gaps, and exploring new opportunities for Guyana’s future He encouraged participants to engage actively, share insights, and consider practical applications of digital tools in manufacturing and services.
“Our Government remains committed to creating an environment where digital innovation thrives and where the benefits of transformation are broad-based, inclusive and far-reaching… Collaboration across all sectors is vital as we strengthen resilience, improve efficiency, and position Guyana for longtermgrowth.”(DPI)
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CanadianfirmEco(Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd. has raised US$10 million through the subscription of new shares withIsraelibasedinvestorsto accelerate work in Guyana, Namibia and South Africa throughout2026.
President and Chief Executive Officer Gil Holzman said the funding strengthens thecompany’sfinancialpositionandprovidesflexibilityto accelerate key technical and corporate work programmes, while maintaining a strong balance sheet and preserving significant upside for shareholders.
“We are delighted to welcome a number of leading Israeliinstitutionalinvestorsto our share register through thisUS$10milliondirectsubscription. Their participation and long-term commitment represents a strong endorsement of the quality of ourAtlantic Margin portfolio, our exploration and value-creation strategy, and our disciplined, capital-efficient approach,” he stated. Eco recently announced
President and Chief Executive Officer of Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd., Gil Holzman thatitsOrinduikBlocklicence expiredonJanuary14,2026, but noted that provisions under the Petroleum Act allow it to retain rights to its Jethro-1 and Joe-1 discoveries while its appraisal programmeisunderreview However, Eco noted that itisintalkswiththeMinistry of Natural Resources on the continuation of its appraisal
and exploration activities on the Orinduik Block, as the licence for the offshore area has reached the end of its secondrenewalterm.
The company said it is workingalongsideitspartner Navitas Petroleum LP, an Israeli company in what it described as “ongoing, constructive discussions” with the ministry regarding the wayforwardfortheblock.
Latelastyear,Ecoentered a binding framework agreement and two option agreementswithNavitasPetroleum for the Orinduik Block and Block 1 CBK offshore South Africa. Navitas will pay an initialUS$2milliontosecure the two option agreements.
The Canadian firm has beenintalkswithprospective partnersforsometimeinrelation to the farm-in of the Orinduik Block, for the next phaseofexploration.
The Orinduik option grants Navitas the right, within 12 months and upon paying an additional US$2.5 million, to farm-in to the OrinduikBlockandtakingup
80 per cent working interest and operatorship. It was explained that Eco’s remaining 20percentsharewillbefully carried for upcoming work, including drilling and exploration well or appraising the Jethro-1 and Joe-1 heavy oil discoveries. Also, the Orinduik carry is capped at US$11millionnettoEco,excluding mobilisation costs.
Eco has been assessing itsJethro-1andJoe-1discoveries,whicharelocatedinthe lower and upper tertiary formations of the Orinduik Block.Bothcontainheavyoil, and Eco had been conducting further analysis to determinewhetherdevelopmentis feasible.
The company previously notedthattheproximityofthe Orinduik Block finds to ExxonMobilGuyanaLimited’s Stabroek Block, where the Government of Guyana recently approved a Petroleum ProductionLicense(PPL)for Exxon’s seventh project (Hammerhead) has renewed its interest in the Jethro discovery
From page 6 weakening the government, but without major fractures, two people familiar with the mattersaid.
The Western source said they believed Trump's goal appeared to be to engineer a change in leadership, rather than "topple the regime," an outcome that would be similar to Venezuela, where U.S. intervention replaced the presidentwithoutawholesale change of government. During a U.S. Senate hearing about Venezuela on Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said "the hope" was for a similar transition if Khamenei were to fall, although he recognised that the situation in Iran was far morecomplex.TheU.S.official said it was unclear who would take over if Khamenei were out of power Khamenei has publicly acknowledged several thousand deaths during the pro-
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tests. He blamed the unrest on the United States, Israel and what he called “seditionists.”
U.S.-based rights group HRANA has put the unrestrelateddeathtollat5,937,including 214 security personnel, while official figures put thedeathtollat3,117.Reuters has been unable to independently verify the numbers.
At 86, Khamenei has retreated from daily governance,reducedpublicappearances and is believed to be residing in secure locations after Israeli strikes last year decimated many of Iran's seniormilitaryleaders,regional officialssaid.
Day-to-day management has shifted to figures aligned with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including senior adviser Ali Larijani, they said. The powerful Guards dominate Iran's security network and big parts of the economy
However, Khamenei retainsfinalauthorityoverwar, succession and nuclear strategy - meaning political change is very difficult until he exits the scene, they said. Iran'sforeignministrydidnot respond to questions about
Khamenei.
In Washington and Jerusalem,someofficialshave arguedthatatransitioninIran couldbreakthenucleardeadlock and eventually open the doortomorecooperativeties with the West, two of the Western diplomats said.
But,theycautioned,there is no clear successor to Khamenei. In that vacuum, the Arab officials and diplomats said they believe the IRGC could take over, entrenchinghard-linerule,deepening the nuclear standoff and regional tensions.
Any successor seen as emergingunderforeignpressure would be rejected and couldstrengthen,notweaken theIRGC,theofficialsaid.
Across the region, from the Gulf to Turkey, officials say they favour containment over collapse - not out of sympathy for Tehran, but out of fear that turmoil inside a nationof90million,rivenby sectarian and ethnic fault lines, could unleash instability far beyond Iran's borders.
AfracturedIrancouldspiralintocivilwarashappened after the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, two of the Western diplomatswarned,unleashing an influx of refugees, fueling Islamistmilitancyanddisrupting oil flows through the
StraitofHormuz,aglobalenergy chokepoint.
The gravest risk, analyst Vatanka warned, is fragmentation into “early-stage Syria,” with rival units and provinces fighting for territory and resources.
REGIONALBLOWBACK
Gulf states - long-time U.S.alliesandhoststomajor American bases- fear they would be the first targets for Iranian retaliation that could include Iranian missiles or drone attacks from the Tehran-aligned Houthis in Yemen.
SaudiArabia,Qatar,Oman and Egypt have lobbied Washington against a strike on Iran. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Riyadh will not allow its airspace or territory to be used for military actions against Tehran.
“The United States may pull the trigger,” one of the Arabsourcessaid,“butitwill not live with the consequences.We will.”
MohannadHajj-Aliofthe CarnegieMiddleEastCenter said the U.S. deployments suggest planning has shifted from a single strike to something more sustained, driven byabeliefinWashingtonand Jerusalem that Iran could rebuild its missile capabilities and eventually weaponise its enriched uranium. The most likelyoutcomeisa"grinding erosion - elite defections, economic paralysis, contested succession - that frays the system until it snaps,” analyst Vatanka said.
The Ministry of Labour
a n d M a n p o w e r PlanningonWednesday welcomedthesigningofatwo-year Collective Labour Agreement (CLA)betweenAuroraGoldMines (AGM) Inc and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees(NAACIE),whichwill resultinsignificantwageincreases andexpandedbenefitsforhundreds ofworkersattheminingoperation.
In a press release the ministry said the agreement covers the period January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026 and follows extensivenegotiationsbetweenthe
company and the Union
Discussions intensified after workers engaged in strike action over stagnant wages and concerns about working conditions at the company's Region Seven operations.
Wage adjustments were settled earlierinJanuary,afterwhichboth parties continued working to finalise the fullAgreement. Under theCLA,workerswillreceivea10 percent across the board wage
increase for 2025 and an 8 percent increase for 2026. Provisions have been included to ensure that employees who may have already received increments for this year w
d adjustments.
Night shift workers will see improved earnings, with the night shiftpremiumsetat160dollarsper hour in 2025 and 200 dollars per hour in 2026. Employees will also receive double overtime pay for work performed on Sundays and h
introduces enhanced welfare benefits, including increased meal allowances,eightpaidsickdaysper yearwithcompensationforunused
transportation for workers travelling to and from the mining site when scheduled flights are cancelled. Hourly paid workers willalsobenefitfromanimproved vacation allowance, which has increased from four percent to six percentofthepreviousyear'sgross earnings. The Agreement further provides for paid severance in caseswhereworkersaremedically
discharged after all other options havebeenexhausted.
NAACIE General Secretary, Dawchan Nagasar, described the signing as historic, noting that it is the first comprehensive Collective Labour Agreement concluded between a Guyanese trade union and a gold mining company He explained that both parties had to adjust to new management structuresandprocessesduringthe negotiationperiod.
Meanwhile, according to the ministry Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, welcomed theAgreement and described it as timely and aligned with national labour objectives.
He highlighted that its
perseverance of workers, the Union, and the company and is consistentwiththelabourpriorities outlined in Budget 2026. These priorities include strengthening collective bargaining, improving working conditions across the productive sectors, and expanding institutional support for worker
Labour Minister Keoma Griffith pose with officials from AGM and NAACIE
welfare.
MinisterGriffithreaffirmedthe G
commitment to safeguarding workers' rights and ensuring that the mining sector continues to
constructivelabourrelations.AGM
General Manager, Carl Chen, also expressed satisfaction with the
conclusion of the Agreement and welcomed the strengthened provisions for employees The MinistryofLabourandManpower Planning remains committed to promotingdecentwork,advancing orderly negotiation processes, and ensuring that workers benefit meaningfully from the continued growthofGuyana'seconomy
LAHORE, Pakistan, (Reuters) - Saim Ayub produced a brilliant allround display to power Pakistan to a 22-run victory against a largely secondstring Australia in the first Twenty20 international betweentheteamsinLahore onThursday.
Electing to bat first against an Australia squad led by makeshift captain Travis Head and including three debutants, Pakistan posted a competitive 168-8
with Ayub (40) top-scoring forthem.Australiamanaged 146-8 in reply after their number 10 batter Xavier
Bartlett produced an unbeaten34off25balls. Earlier, Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan fell for a first-ball duck butAyub and Pakistan captain Salman Agha (39) steadied their inningswitha74-runstand. Australia leg-spinner
Adam Zampa (4-24) dismissed both the batters and went on to claim the
wickets of BabarAzam (24) and Usman Khan (18) to restrict Pakistan, who had looked set for a 175-plus totalatonestage.
Ayub continued to trouble Australia when the visitors returned to begin their chase. The off-spinner dismissed Matthew Short in his first over and landed a bigger blow in his second, whenheremovedHead(23), who ledAustralia as regular skipper Mitchell Marsh arrivedlateaftercompleting
ARIES
You'll find that things are slipping nicely into place for you today, Aries. Your persuasivemannerandgentle nudges are just enough to get peoplewhereyouwantthem.
TAURUS
When faced with ten entrees onthemenu,itmightbehard for you to choose just one. Feelfreetoordertwoormore, Ta u r u s D o n ' t l e t indecisiveness slow you down.Atthesametime.
GEMINIS
Your dreams won't come true unless you believe in and act onthem,Gemini.Nooneelse is going to do it for you. Unless you have a fairy godmother, you need to take mattersintoyourownhands.
If people hassle you or give you a hard time about your appearance today, pay them nomind,Cancer Youhavethe righttoliveyourlifeanyway youwantto.
LEO
Reachforthepotofgoldatthe end of the rainbow, Leo. It's closerthanyouthink.Indeed, your dreams are completely within your reach, and there are huge forces at work helping you achieve your goals.
VIRGO
Today is your day to dream and dream big, Virgo. Think aboutwhatitisthatyouwant most out of life. Aim your arrow to the stars and pull back your bow as far as possible. There's no limit to howfaryoucango.
Expand your mind to its furthest reaches today, Libra. There's an incredibl
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Today is an excellent day for you,oneinwhichyou'llfinda great deal of strength in your emotions, Sagittarius Trust that your instincts are serving youwell.
Things might get a bit confusing for you today, Capricorn. Don't feel like you needtomakesenseofitall.In fact, this task may be impossible. Just be yourself. Let your creative nature shine through.
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his Big Bash League duties Down Under. To make matters worse for the tourists, both Matt Renshaw andMitchellOwenwererun out. Mohammad Nawaz effectively sealed the match in Pakistan’s favour when theleft-armspinnercutshort
Frompage24
the country “I can see the transformation in sports through the building of community grounds, the enhancementofrecreational spaces, and so much more,” Allicocksaid.
Additionally, praise was directed to Minister within theMinistry,StephenJacob, for his hands-on approach and vision for athlete development.
“He is on the ground, workingexpeditiously,andI can tell that this is the time whenallathleteswillbenefit even more,” Allicock remarked “With the collaboration, vision and leadership of Minister RamsonandMinisterJacob,
CPL announces new viewership record...
Pete Russell, Republic Bank CPL’s CEO, said: “Reaching a combined viewershipofmorethanone billion in 2024 was a major m
tournament.Tobuildonthat success and grow the audience again in 2025 is just as significant CPL
Caribbean and a powerful platform to showcase this incredible region to a massive global audience. We’re excited to keep pushing forward and raise the bar even higher in 2026.”
Green’s promising knock of 36inthe13thover Bartlett smashed two sixes in his entertaining knock, which merely reduced Australia’s margin ofdefeat.Theremainingtwo matches of the series, a warm-up event for next
I am truly excited for the next five years of sports developmentinGuyana.”
The$6billionallocation signals one of the most substantial investments in sports in Guyana’s history, and, as Allicock’s remarks reflect, it has been met with optimism and renewed confidence among the nation’sathletes.
GuyaneseOlympianand boxing champion Keevin Allicock has warmly welcomed the Government of Guyana’s proposed $6 billion allocation to the sportssector,describingitas a transformative investment in athletes, youth development and the nation’ssportingfuture.
The significant allocation, announced during the reading of the 2026 National Budget last Monday, is geared towards improving facilities, empoweringlocaltalentand advancing national developmentthroughsport.
A l l i c o c k , w h o represented Guyana in boxing at the 2020 Summer OlympicGamesinTokyoin the men’s featherweight event, expressed deep appreciation for the government’s commitment. Despite his Olympic debut ended without medaling, Allicock’s career includes multiple gold medals and a silvermedalfromCaribbean Championships between 2016 and 2017, along with consistent participation in local and international competitions.
“It is with profound gratitudethatIacknowledge theallocationof$6billionto the Ministry of Sport in the 2026 national budget,” Allicock said. “This is more than funds. It is a vote of confidence in our athletes, our youth, and the future of sportsinGuyana.”
Drawing from his personal journey in boxing, the Olympian underscored the importance of sustained
support for athletes striving forexcellence.
“As a boxing champion, I understand the dedication, the discipline, and the sacrificeittakestorisetothe top,”henoted.“Thissupport ensuresthatourathleteswill have the resources, guidance,andopportunityto train, compete, and excel; not just locally, but on the worldstage.”
Allicock expressed confidence that continued investment in sports will yield long-term dividends for the country, both in performanceandinspiration.
“With continuing investment and belief in our talent, I am confident Guyana will produce more champions, inspire our youth, and shine brightly on theglobalsportingstage,”he said.
Speaking on behalf of athletes nationwide, Allicock extended heartfelt thanks to the government and key stakeholders for theirleadershipandvision.
“On behalf of all athletes, I extend my heartfelt thanks for this commitment to sports a commitment to the dreams and ambitions of every Guyanese,” he stated “I would also like to say a special thank you to His Excellency for the great leadership he has shown overthepastfiveyears.”
He also commended Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, the Honourable Charles Ramson Jr, for a d v a n c i n g s p o r t s developmentacross (Continuedonpage23)
Demerara Mutual Group
has reaffirmed its commitment to youth football development in Guyanaafterannouncingthe renewal of its sponsorship and insurance coverage for all Petra Organisation
Football programmes throughoutthe2026season.
The announcement was made yesterday during a
brief but significant sponsorship presentation at the company’s Robb and AvenueofRepublicofficein Georgetown and will take
effect immediately,
beginning with the upcoming Petra Tertiary
Education Football Tournament, which is scheduled to kick off early next month at venues across thecountry
Demerara Mutual Life and Fire Insurance, which has served the Guyanese public for more than 134 years, partnered with the Petra Organisation throughout the 2025 season, providing Group Personal
Accidents Insurance coverage for every player involved in Petra-organised tournaments Over the course of last year, the companysupportedatotalof seven competitions, spanning multiple age groupsandregions.
Following its year-long involvement, Demerara Mutual Group said it gained a clear understanding of Petra’s vision and the tangible impact its
programmes continue to have on young athletes nationwide. This firsthand experience prompted the company to renew its coverage for all Petra programmes for the entirety ofthe2026season.
The renewed initiative ensures that all registered student-athletes — from the Under-11 divisions through to the senior/Tertiary categories — will compete with
on, safeguarding hundreds, and potentially thousands, of young players across Guyana Speaking at the briefing, Petra Organisation Co-DirectorTroyMendonca described the renewal as a significantinvestmentinthe sport.
“What the Demerara Mutual Group did last year and their commitment for this year are truly massive for football and for the athletesatlarge,”Mendonca
said “For us as an organisation to have this level of coverage for our players throughout the year
is huge, and I am confident
continue to bear positive results.”
M e n d o n c a a l s o expressed gratitude on behalf of Petra as preparationsintensifyforthe organisation’s first tournament of the 2026 calendar
“I want to say a sincere thank you to Demerara Mutual G
commitmentaswegearupto kickoffourfirsttournament inFebruary,”headded.
Demerara Mutual Group
Sales and Marketing Coordinator, Oceola Van Doimen,saidthecompany’s involvement goes beyond traditionalsponsorship.
“Some people see insurance as just paperwork and policies, but insurance, when done right, is about enabling dreams,” Van Doimen said. “It’s about removing barriers and allowing young people to pursue opportunities and develop their talent, knowingtheyareprotected.”
The Guyana Chess Federation
( G C F ) a p p l a u d s t h e Government’s $6B budgetary allocation toward national sports development. This significant investment reflects a sustained commitment to a sector that has seen remarkable growth in recent years.
By prioritizing the development and administrationofsports,expandinglocaland international participation, and decentralizing training programmes, this budget aligns perfectly with the goal of providing every Guyanese citizen equal accesstoathleticopportunities.
The GCF views this budget as a clear realizationofPresidentDr IrfaanAli’svision toregionalizesportsaccessacrossGuyana.
For the Federation, 2026 marks a transformativemilestonewiththescheduled completion of a dedicated facility and the
acquisitionofateambus.
The new building will provide the Federation with a much needed home for competitive play, high-level training, and casual engagement. This venue addresses a criticalneed,assecuringconsistentspacehas becomeincreasinglydifficultwiththerising numberofplayers.
The acquisition of a dedicated vehicle will be a catalyst for growth, enabling the GCF to mobilize coaches and equipment to outlying regions, bringing formal training and competitive opportunities directly to aspiringplayers.
InarecentmeetingwithNationalSports Commission (NSC) officials, the GCF outlined key areas for strategic assistance. TheNSChasreadilypledgeditssupport,and theGCFlooksforwardtothispartnershipto elevateGuyanesechesstonewheightsinthe comingyear
development.
“When Demerara Mutual Group invests in youthsports,we’remakinga statement about the kind of Guyana we want to build — one where every child has theopportunitytoplay,learn andgrow,regardlessoftheir background or where they live,”shesaid.
She noted that the
company’s continued investment in Petra’s programmes reflects its broader vision for national
VanDoimenalsopraised Petra’s organisational structure and long-term focusonyouthdevelopment, noting that the partnership aligns with the company’s responsibility to future generations.
“As a Guyanese company that has been part of this nation’s story for decades, we believe our responsibility extends beyond our policyholders,” she added. “We’re in the business of protection, but more importantly, we’re in thebusinessofpossibility.”
Withtherenewalsecured for the full 2026 season, Petra Organisation’s tournaments will once again proceed with the assurance thatplayerwelfareremainsa centralpriority
ByCliftonRoss South Africa opener
QuintondeKockdazzledthe Centurion crowd yesterday with a mind-boggling hundred which was supported by an unbeaten half-century from wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton, as the home team bagged the series 2-0 leaving the West Indiesinadeepermesswith theT20WorldCupjustdays away
In a match where over 400runswerescoredintotal, forthe5thtimeatCenturion 200 runs were successfully chased at the venue, as the home team swept aside the Windies thus signalling to
the rest of the world their intentions with T20 Cup daysaway
The33year-oldDeKock seemingly picked up from where he left off during the SA20, as he showed his World Cup intentions early byblitzinga49-ball115,his secondandbestT20Iton.
The former skipper clobbered 6 4’s and 10 huge 6’s as he singlehandedly toyed with the 200-run target, backed by another classyperformancefromthe left-handed Rickelton, who cracked 77 not out off 36 deliveries(9x43x6).
Thepyrotechnicspiloted the Proteas to their second
successive 150-plus run target of the series, gunning downtheirtargetof221with almosttwooversremaining; racking up 225-3 to bag the serieswithagametogo.
The pair of left-handers
partnership off 72 balls, whichbrokethebackofWest Indies’ huge 221-4 off their 20overs.
G
Hetmyer finally carried his batafterflirtingwithfiftyon twooccasions,nailing75off 42with8foursand3sixes.
Hetmyer and opener BrandonKing(49),whofell shortoffiftybyarunbuthit five fours and three sixes, shared a 126-run second wicketstand;theteam’sbest oftheseries.
Afterfailinginhisreturn to maroon colors, lefty power-hitter Sherfane Rutheford reminded the South Africans of his capabilities after his destructionintheSA20.
The Guyanese belted 4 sixes and 5 fours in his way to 57 off just 24, posting a crucial unbroken 6th wicket stand of 76 alongside Hetmyer, which helped to pilot the Caribbean side to a
hefty200-plusrunscore.
Seasoned left-arm spinnerKeshavMaharajwas sublime, picking up 2-22 amidst the carnage with a wicketeachforfast-bowlers Kagiso Rabada (1-35) and MarcoJansen(1-39).
Staring at a massive target, de Kock made light work of the West Indies bowling, as he raced to his half-century off 21 balls, as South Africa reached their team100inthe9thover
Rickelton provided the necessary attention needed to help de Kock laser in on his mission to take his team as close to the target as possible.
The pair cut loose after the halfway stage, pouncing on anything good or bad, raising their 150-run partnership alongside South Africa’s200inthe16thover; further exposing the many flawswithintheWestIndies bowlingattack.
After destroying the Windies bowling attack, de Kockwasoutcaughtleaving Rickeltontofurtherpresshis caseforthenumber3spotas he sealed the game with a
boundary
Sherfane Rutherford smashed a 21-ball half-century.
South Africa completed their third highest T20I international chase at Centurion, while the West Indies bowlers, for the second successive game failedtoexhibitcreativityor lack of experiment thereof; resulting in 2-41 from leftarm spinner Akeal Hosein andawicketfor34runsfrom seamerMatthewForde.
WestIndiesearlier,hada much better batting outing thankstoKing,Hetmyerand Rutherford who ensured the run-rate was healthy throughouttheinnings.
Only Captain Shai Hope (4) and Rovman Powell (2) failed to reach doublefigures, with all-rounder Romario Shepherd also chippinginwithanunbeaten
17.
But thanks to the two partnerships involving Hetmyer,whogottohisfirst fiftyoftheseriesoff29balls; backedbysomeimmaculate striking from Rutheford in the end helped take the Windiestoabigtotal.
Aiden Markram and his menhavingwrappedupthe series, could look to do additional damage as the West Indies face a possible whitewashwiththe3rdand final match set forSaturday inJohannesburg.
Scores: South Africa 225 for 3 (De Kock 115, Rickleton 77*, Hosein 241) beat West Indies 221 for 4 (Hetmyer 75, Rutherford 57*, King 49, Maharaj 2-22) by seven wickets
Veteran Trinidad and Tobago spin ace Anisa Mohammed bagged 8 wickets during her magical spell which sent Guyana plummeting to a 9 wicket lossjustadayaftersecuring their first win of the tournament.
By far their worst
performance of this Women’s Regional season, Guyana in a shameful displaywereroutedfor31all outinside17oversafterone of the best bowling exhibitions at this level by the ex-West Indies player Mohammed, who bagged 811from8.5overs.
The magical spell left Guyana in disarray as no player reached double figures Trinidad then skipped to 32-1 after Djenaba Joseph (11*) and KarishamaRamharack(11*) drove home in just 11 overs
and 234 balls remaining. Guyanese spinner Ashmini Munisar claimed a solitary wicket. In the other two matches which were a bit more competitive, Jamaica beat Barbados by 27 runs afterscoring132alloutafter RashadaWilliamshit43. It was another good bowling performance from the Bajan duo of Shamilia Connell (3-24) and Naijanni Cumberbatch (4-23), but
their team was then kept to 105-10, thanks to 9 wickets between Celina Whyte (518) and Stafanie Taylor (417). Qiana Joseph hit 44 to help Leewards post 125 all out, which failed to keep Windward Islands from getting to their eventual score of 126-7 to seal a 3 wicketwin.
Skipper Janiella Glasgowwhograbbedafew wickets earlier, returned to score a match-winning 54*, despite two wickets apiece from Shawnisha Hector and DavroniqueMaynard.
Thethirdandfinalround bowls off tomorrow, Saturday with Leewards playing Jamaica, Trinidad battling Barbados, while the Windwards face off against Guyana; with matches bowling off from 9:30h respectively (CliftonRoss)
The Bodybuilding Federation has commended government on the budget allocation for sports.
T
investmentwillundoubtedly e
ng disciplines across Guyana, enhancing the quality of life for ou
es and providing the essential resources to achieve their goals more effectively With access to world-class equipment and facilities,
Th e G u y a n a
Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF), has formally acknowledged and commend His Excellency, President Dr Mohamed IrfaanAli,forthehistoric$6 billion budget allocated to sports.
The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has announced a landmark year for the tournament, achieving a recordcombineddigitaland linear viewership of 1.17 billion in 2025, the highest totalaudiencefigureinCPL history
Themilestonerepresents a 3.5% increase on 2024’s audience of 1.13 billion, reaffirming the CPL’s continued growth as one of the world’s most dynamic and widely followed T20 cricketleagues.
A key driver of this record performance was a significant rise in linear viewership, with the CPL recording a 19% year-onyearincrease.Thesurgewas largely attributed to Star India’s expanded highlights programming, which was made available in Hindi for the first time, alongside English, significantly broadeningthetournament’s reachacrosskeyaudiences.
T
contributed to a 22 7% increase in total broadcast
hours, rising from 7,779 hoursin2024to9,552hours in 2025, reflecting growing demand from broadcasters andfansalike.
Engagement across socialplatformsalsohitnew highs, as social media posts about the men’s CPL increased by 19%, climbing from 71,000 in 2024 to 84,000 in 2025, underlining the league’s strength as a digital-first entertainment property
Thecontinuedgrowthin viewing, programming, and digital conversation reinforces the Republic Bank CPL’s position as a premier global cricket and entertainment productdeliveringworld-classsport, culture,andCaribbean (Continuedonpage23)
nothing will hold Guyanese a
dominating the international stage.
“Bodybuilding currently boasts seven professional athletes; with this level of support,weaimtodouble,or eventriple,thatnumber This budget is opening doors for t
Furthermore,the$1.2billion dedicated specifically to youth development is a profound investment in our future world champions
Providing this level of support now will propel them into the successful athletesoftomorrow
Under the visionary leadership of the Honorable
MinisterCharlesRamsonJr., MinisterwithintheMinistry Steven Jacobs, and Director of Sports Steve Ninvalle, I amconfidentthatthisteamis more than capable of executing a transformative agenda one that will truly take Guyanese sports and our local talent to the next level.”
