Kaieteur News

Senate votes to pass Iran war powers resolution, in blow to

Opposition leader demands thorough investigation into alleged tax, labour law breaches by GTE contractor

...calls on labour minister to assess working conditions

Leader of the Opposition andWeInvestinNationhood (WIN) party, Azruddin Mohamed has called for a thorough investigation to be conducted in the alleged flouting of Guyana’s labour and tax laws by the Gas-toEnergy (GTE) contractor, Lindsayca

Theforeigncompanywas hired to construct a Natural GasLiquids(NGL)facilityat Walestotreatgasthatwillbe transportedtothesite,aswell as build the country’s first

gas-fired power plant, which is expected to generate 300megawattsofelectricity

It was recently reported that hundreds of foreign workers employed at the projectareallegedlyworking without valid permits and

being paid through a thirdparty company in a system that may be circumventing G u y a n a ’s l a b o u r, immigrationandtaxlaws

Withnoworkpermits,the foreign employees are paid millions through a digital

paymentsystemwithnotaxes paid to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) or the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), while Guyanese employees are mandated to paythesetaxes

According to the

Opposition Leader, these damningallegationsifproven true, point to a major breach in Guyana’s laws He explained, “It points to tax avoidance and irregular payroll practices that should not be ignored The Guyana Revenue Authority must investigate and conduct an audit to ensure full compliance with the country’s tax and labour laws.”

The leader highlighted that the US$759M project cost has ballooned to almost US$1B, pointing to the importance of taxes being paid by the foreign contractors to the state In fact, he urged that no company operating in Guyanashouldbeallowedto bypass the national tax system

Additionally, Mohamed called for an urgent site visit to be conducted by the Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffithtoassesstheworking conditions of the employees at the GTE project Several calls and messages to minister Griffith for a comment on the issue went unanswered,sinceSaturday Leaked documents, digital payment records and accounts from workers suggestthatforeignlabourers are allegedly not being paid directly by Lindsayca or its known partners Instead, wages are reportedly routed through an intermediary companyidentifiedasMOAP Inc MOAP Inc allegedly

functions as a financial conduit for payroll, potentially bypassing statutory obligations, includingNationalInsurance Scheme (NIS) contributions, whilefacilitatingpaymentsto hundreds of undocumented foreignworkers

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

Meanwhile, on the ground, workers describe utmostfear,beingtrappedina system of dependency One worker spoke with this newspaper strictly off the record out of fear for his safety Theemployeedetailed the grim reality of life inside the Lindsayca-managed camps

According to the worker, “We, as undocumented workerspaidbyathirdparty inMOAPhavelittlerecourse andareafraidforourjoband income WewishthatKeoma Griffith and Ministry of Labourwhohasnevervisited norinspectedourjobsitesor accommodations take action onthismatterandinvestigate why we are not receiving benefits nor properly employed, and instead we depend on this MOAP Inc and whoever runs this scheme”

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

It has however been disclosed that the project underconstruction

Continuedonpage10

Guyana should fiercely guard against secrecy in oil and gas sector

...sayskeylicences,agreements,termsandarrangementsforGTEprojectmustbepublic

Trinidadian Energy Strategist, Anthony Paul has urged Guyana to guard againstsecrecyintheoiland gas sector, a dangerous culturethatgrippedhishome nation and affected the country from enjoying the full value of its natural resources

Inacolumnpublishedon Sunday by Kaieteur News, the energy expert lauded Guyana’s efforts for publishingseveralpetroleum agreements,butpointedtothe d

e development of the gas industry with several documentsstillnotpublic.

Paul explained, “The Gas-to-Energyprojectshould be a learning point If key licences, agreements, costrecovery arrangements, pipeline terms, gas supply a r r a n g e m e n t s , reimbursements or related project documents are not available in the same way petroleum agreements have beenpublished,thencitizens shouldaskwhy Notbecause the project is necessarily wrong Not because development should stop. But because a national energy project funded by public resources and linked to petroleum production must be subject to public understanding.”

He added that the public should know (i) what agreementsexist;(ii)whothe parties are; (iii) what; (iv) recoverable costs; (v) what obligations the State has assumed; (vi) whether any licence,rightorapprovalhas been granted; (vii) whether any transfer or assignment has occurred and (viii) what information is confidential, and why The energy strategistinsistedthatsharing this information is not antigovernment, but rather, progovernance “A strong government shouldwelcomethisscrutiny because it strengthens its hand When citizens understand the issues, the government can say to companies: these are not the demands of a few officials; thesearetheexpectationsofa people who understand their resource,”headded.

Paulurgedthecountryto ensure it guards against hiding information from the public He said, “Guyana should therefore guard

Senior Energy and Strategy Advisor and former Director of Geology and Geophysics at the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Energy, Anthony Paul

fiercely against the slow return of secrecy It begins quietly First, a document is saidtobetootechnical Then an agreement is described as commercially sensitive Then a project is treated as urgent. Then disclosure is delayed. Then citizens are toldtotrusttheprocess.”

TRINIDADAND TOBAGO’S EXPERIENCE

Leaningonthelessonsof T&T, the expert described howacountrywithmorethan a century of petroleum history lost enormous value from weak regulators, contracts kept from public scrutiny,lackofenforcement of legal safeguards and citizens not given the information needed to understand and defend their nationalinterest.

Paul noted that across the

Caribbean, citizens for years were told that oil and gas contracts were too sensitive, too technical or too commerciallyconfidentialfor public scrutiny Trinidad and Tobago’sexperiencehowever shows the danger of that culture,accordingtohim The energy strategist noted that even where the law required public records, the public could still be left unable to follow what happened to licences, renewals, transfers andassets

In Trinidad’s case, the PetroleumAct provided for a petroleum register, where licencesgranted,assignments, renewals, surrenders, terminations and revocations weresupposedtoberecorded Further,noticeoftheseactions wassupposedtobepublished in the country’s Gazette To this end, Paul said, “In

principle that should have a l l o w e d c i t i z e n s , competitors, journalists, unions, investors and publicinterest groups to see when petroleum rights changed hands But the practical realitywasdifferent”

The expert highlighted that some of the country’s most important petroleum licences became difficult for

Trinidad and Tobago to use expiring or renewed licences to foreign companies to strengthen its national company that closed its operationsin2018

Heexplained,“Producing assets, platforms, wells, pipelines and related infrastructuremayhavebeen available to the State under thelawwhenlicencesexpired

tr

“The Gas-to-Energy project should be a learning point. If key licences, agreements, cost-recovery arrangements, pipeline terms, gas supply arrangements, reimbursements or related project documents are not available in the same way petroleum agreements have been published, then citizens should ask why.” - Anthony Paul

the public to track, as major renewals and transfers were announced through newspapers, industry reports or company statements As such, the public record was notmaintainedinawaythat allowed ordinary citizens to follow the full chain of rights,obligationsandvalue.

Paul emphasised the importance of the information gap, pointing to the missed opportunity for

or acreage was surrendered Instead,assetsremainedwith or moved through private operators, and some were latersold.”

ALESSONFOR GUYANA

Paul believes Guyana is still in the early phases of its petroleum journey to avoid the mistakes ofT&T “It still has opportunities ahead: relinquished acreage, new contracts, farm-ins, asset

e takeovers, future gas agreements, and eventual renewals or amendments to existing licences. Each of those moments can create value. Each can also move valueawayfromtheStateif citizens and regulators are notalert,”hewarned. Moreover, the expert strongly advised Guyana against a “one-time” act of transparency and instead suggestedasystemcraftedto informthepublic

Thismeanscontractsand licencesmustbemadepublic, creating public registers, Gazette notices, transaction disclosures, cost-recovery explanations and clear reporting when petroleum rights are granted, renewed, assigned, transferred, relinquishedorterminated

Kaieteur News

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

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

Whenwilliteverbe?

First,theyweretwoforastart,withmorecoming. Inshortorder,camenumbersthreeandfour,and those also are now history How much more, whenwillthatslipperysomethingbe? So,nowthereisthe news,thatcitizensofthisoilrichcountrywerewaitingfor The welcome news that seven oil projects have been paidoff. Werepeatthatsothenewssinksin:allthecosts associated with seven oil projects have been fully repaid. Almostautomatically,somequestionssurface. Whenwill thiscountrybegintocollectitsrightful,nowpending,half shareofoilprofits? Apureandgenuine50%oftheprofits, sincethatcontractprovisionof75%incostrecoveryright offthetopofoilrevenueshasnowshrunktolessthan10% ofwhatwasinvestedbyExxonMobil. WillGuyanastartto collect that half profit share this year, a real half? Will Guyana start to get that 50% of profits, undisputed profits before this year ends? Will it ever be? If not now, then when?

SevenoilprojectsfinancedbyExxonMobilforatotalof US$55B have US$4.5B left due at the end of 2025. Developments in the Middle East have led to oil prices averagingaroundUS$80abarrel.

LinkthataveragepricetoGuyana'sdailyoilproduction of 900,000 barrels a day, and that residual US$4.5B in upfront investment costs incurred by Exxon is wiped out. In other words, the last US$4.5B, the amount left, is now gone, swallowed up, and done. We do the math. From January1,2026toJune20,2026,representsatotalof172 production days. Guyana now enjoys an average daily productionrateof900,000barrels. Thatamountstoatotal production of 154.8 million barrels of oil produced and shippeduptoJune20,2026. Last,154.8millionbarrelsat anaveragepriceofUS$80abarreltotalsUS$12.3B. The reminderduetotheExxonMobilconsortiumofUS$4.5Bis cleared.

Weatthispublicationmakethecasethatthetimeisnow, rightnow,forGuyanatostartcollectingitsfullhalf(50%) profitshare. A50%profitsharethatisfairandfreeofany tricks. There can be no ifs, ands, or buts about this. The Guyanagovernmentshouldseetothis,demandthisnow If thegovernmentbalks,startstalkinginriddles,beginstogo aroundincircles,thenitisthedutyofeverycitizeninthis countrytostandup,speakout,andapplyallthepressurethat theycan. Allthepressurethattheyarecapableofgathering intheirhandstogettheirleaderstomoveforthatfairhalf share of profits. All the pressure that can be applied on ExxonMobil, so that Guyanese get what is rightfully and honestlydue. Wehavepaidback(shouldhave)everydollar of the company's US$55B investment. We have felt the squeezesthatcamefrom75%ofthiscountry'soilrevenues being taken out before a dollar of profit reached Guyana's hands. We bore the sacrifices that were related to that massive75%costrecoverycontractprovision. Therefore, thetimehascome,andthetimeisnow,forGuyanatogetits fairandfullhalfshareofprofits.

Itshouldbenotedthatwekeepmentioning'fairandfull' half share of profits. We explain what that means. Whatever profits ExxonMobil, Hess Corporation Guyana (Chevron) and CNOOC report from their operations/productioninGuyana'sStabroekBlock,Guyana mustcollectthesame.

Iftheyallcollectadollar,orabillion,Guyanamustget the exact same dollar amount. There should not be any quibblingorwrigglingoverthis. Whatistheretoquibble about, wriggle out of by ExxonMobil and its offshore partners? What is there for the PPP/C Government to quibble about, or dance around, when ExxonMobil's US$55B investment has been fully repaid? Because Guyana'sgovernmentshaverepresentedthiscountryandits citizens so poorly, we find it necessary to put these scenariosbeforethepublic. Wedoourduty TheGuyana Governmentmustdoitsduty,seetoitthatatrue50%,areal half-and-half,profitiscollectedfromnowbythiscountry

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE SPEAKER OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

DearMr.Speaker, I write concerning your recent public comments regarding my nomination to parliamentary committees and the broader issues of p a r

n t a r y representation, procedural fairness, and the rights of elected Members within the NationalAssembly

Themattersatissuehave beendiscussedpubliclybya number of Members and political actors, myself i n c l u d e d T h a t i s unsurprising Questions concerning the composition o

,

e representation of elected

parliamentary rules are not merely internal procedural matters.

They engage principles that go to the heart of democratic representation andtheeffectivefunctioning of Parliament. It is therefore important that the public record accurately reflects both the facts of what occurred and the principles that are at stake. It is in that spirit, and with respect for

your office, that I offer the followingresponse.

I. The AllegationThatIWas“Set Up”

You stated, and I quote: “That particular MP, I believe, was set up, right? Peoplesetupthissituation.”

I a d d r e s s t h a t characterization plainly and without equivocation: I was not set up I was not deceived.

I was not the unwitting instrument of any political manoeuvre. Members of the Opposition, exercising their o w n i n d e p e n d e n t parliamentary judgment, chose to nominate me to serveonselectcommitteesin place of individuals from theirownparties.

Whether one agrees or disagrees with that decision, it was theirs to make, freely, d e l i b e r a t e l y, a n d legitimately The suggestion that their act of nomination wasa“setup”directedatme is without foundation, and I rejectit.

II. NoRuleWasBroken— Nor Was Any Attempt MadetoBreakOne

Your remarks further

suggested that because Hon. Member Halley and her colleagues “knew the compositionofcommittees,” their conduct was therefore suspect, that knowledge of therules,combinedwiththe attempt to nominate me, amounted to an effort to “break the rule ” This characterisation is incorrect, anditinvertstheverylogicit purports to apply At no point did Hon Member Halley or any of my colleagues seek to enlarge a committee, create an additional committee seat, exceed the authorised membership configuration, or otherwise alter the numerical composition of anyparliamentarybody.

The allocation of those committee seats and the occupationofthoseseatsare distinct questions In Westminster- styled parliamentary systems, the latter is usually left to the judgement of the Members andParliamentarygroupings to whom those seats have beenassigned.

The nomination was made openly, deliberately, and in reliance upon that

understanding. The fact that you ultimately rejected the nomination does not transform it into an attempt to break the rules or circumvent the committee structure.

III. The Allegation of Deception Against ParliamentaryColleagues Youstatedpublicly:“MP Halley had said they knew the composition of committees. They knew So, if you knew what the composition of committees are,whyareyougoingtogo and break the rule? It has to be a set up so that they can find a media storm over nothing.”

This reasoning warrants careful scrutiny. You have taken the fact that Members were informed about parliamentaryprocedureand constructed from it an inferenceofbadfaith.Thatis a serious leap, and it is not supported by the record of whatoccurred.

Knowledgeofaruledoes not preclude good-faith disagreement with its application Members of Parliament are entitled, (Continuedonpage6)

Ruel Johnson: The Real Cultural Procrastination Happened Between 2015 and 2020

DearEditor,

I read with some amusement and some sadnessthe'commentary'by Khadija Ba “The Great CulturalProcrastination”.

Let me provide some context that is perhaps unintentionally missing fromMs.Ba'spiece. InMay 2015, the Granger APNU+AFC administration was handed the fruits of the research of the Prince Claus Fund supported, Janus CulturalPolicyInitiative,an independent initiative under my execution that preceded the then change of government.

Forthenextsixmonths, at the behest and out of personalrespectforMinister of Education, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, that administration received my effectively pro bono support in shaping of its cultural policy framework and strategic pathway just as it had received my pro bono support in crafting its manifesto commitments on culture before my being hired on a short contract in Novemberofthatyear. Based on my advice and

that framework, in his 2016 budgetspeech,thenMinister of Finance, Winston Jordan, madethedeclarationthat: “This year, the Government will focus on reviewing, enhancing and implementing a National Cultural Policy, subsequent to meaningful consultation with cultural heritage and c r e a t i v e i n d u s t r y stakeholders Whilst the policy implementation period will cover two fiveyear cycles, specific programme initiatives will fall under a biennial 20162017 work programme. The policy will be premised on three areas: mainstreaming culture in national development, cultural heritage preservation, and creative industries development.”

WinstonJordan,Budget Speech2016(pg.17) W h e n t h o s e commitments were not followed through, I chose not to opt for a contract renewal and instead in July, 2016 proceeded on an international fellowship, having handed over a draft framework. It was Dr.

R o o p n a r a i n e w h o encouragedme,onmyreturn to Guyana, to reengage in October of 2016 to deliver a finished draft national cultural policy to him at the end that year, and to rest of CabinetinFebruaryof2017.

What followed was an increasingly regressive attitude to cultural heritage and the creative industries including but not limited to: the disappearance of the Guyana Prize for Literature; the disappearance of the NationalDramaFestival;the repainting of State House in the interest of political branding; the increasing removal of Guyana's involvement in international c u l t u r a l p o l i c y infrastructure; and of course the refusal to even acknowledge officially that comprehensive draft policy, much less take it to consultation.

From 2014 to 2019, the only[limited]culturalpolicy consultationsheldinGuyana were initiated and organized by yours truly, with funding either from my personal project, salary or a single engagement supported by

UNESCOattheendof2019. It is precisely because of this failure of the Granger administration that I informed then Minister of Social Cohesion, Culture, YouthandSport,Dr George Norton, in mid-2019 that I would not be renewing my contractlaterthatyear Under the current administration, I was engagedwiththeMinistryof Culture, Youth and Sport in November of 2021 Between 2019 and 2021, indeed, significant disruptive events had taken place. Guyana was still recovering from the

n APNU+AFC, and perhaps more importantly the devastating effects of the COVID pandemic The pandemic not only caused g l o b a l e c o n o m i c devastation, but also transformed the cultural p o l i c y l a n d s c a p e , particularly with regard to government budgetary allocations for heritage as well as the capital base and market access for the (Continuedonpage6)

ANUG Demands

Action Against 231 Public Officials Who Failed to Declare Assets

DearEditor,

A New and United Guyana ( ANUG) applauds the recent announcement by theIntegrityCommissionthat 231 public officials have failed to declare their assets has rightly sparked public

concern While the Commission's publication of these names is a necessary first step, ANUG must now ask pointed questions about whatcomesnext.

Editor, the Commission has set a filing deadline of June 30, 2026, for declarations covering the period from June 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. This 365-day gapistroubling.Itmeansthat some public officials are allowed to remain in noncomplianceforanentireyear before enforcement is even considered While we commend the Commission for publishing the defaulters' list, this represents the bare minimumofitsmandate.

Thecriticalquestionsnow are:

1. Will the list of the 231 recalcitrants be published publicly, as required by Section 19 of the Integrity Act?

While the names have been gazetted, full public disclosure is essential for t

accountability

2. Will the Commission pursue the enforcement actions stipulated in the IntegrityAct?

The law is clear: continued failure to file is an offence that carries penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment Historically, theCommissionhasreliedon a"name-and-shame"strategy, butprosecutionhasbeenrare. We need to know if these defaulterswillfinallyfacethe legalconsequences.

3. Will the Commission continue to sensitize the public on these enforcement actions?

As an independent body funded by the public purse, the Commission is answerable to the people of Guyana. It is duty bound, not only enforce the law but also to communicate its efforts clearly and transparently to thecitizensitserves.

ANUG and the public demandsmorethanpublished lists. We demand to see the Integrity Commission fulfill its legal mandate to enforce thelawwithoutfearorfavour

Sincerely, JonathanSubrian

Acting Chairman. ANUG.

Fatherhood: The Foundation of a Strong and Prosperous Guyana

DearEditor,

On Sunday June 21, we here and elsewhere celebrated Father's Day, a daysetasidetohonourandremember, allbeitmanydifferentexperiences,our fathers. In Guyana many of us, and I underscore “us”, have failed and falteredintheexecutionoffatherhood. Fatherhood is the lynchpin for the development of a wholesome and viable society Fatherhood must be a daily,24-hour,constantexercise,andI hopeandpraythatthismessagesentme by a friend, influences fathers everywhere;

“Todaywehonourthepillarsofour homes, our fathers, to every good father, Happy Father's Day, and to every man carrying the burden of fatherhood, may your strength never fail. In Africa we say a child may outgrow a father's lap, but never his heart.Ourfatherisnotjustthemanwho gavelife.Afatheristhemanwhogives direction. He is the roof when storms come, he is the wall when danger approaches.Afather's wealth is not in his pocket, but in the character of his children. Today, let us understand the truemeaningof“father”letterbyletter:

F-standsforFoundation,afatheris the foundation of a home. If the

foundation shakes the house trembles. Thetreestandstallbecauseitsrootsare deep.Afather is the root of the family tree.Hisvaluesbecometherootsofhis children,withoutastrongfoundationa homecannotstand.

A-standsforAuthoritywithlove,a truefatherleadswithauthority,butnot with fear The Shepherd does not beat thesheeptoleadthem,heguidesthem. Afather must lead with discipline, but also with compassion, children should respecttheirfather,notfearhim.

T-standsforTeacher Afatheristhe first teacher of life. He teaches by words, but more importantly by example, what the child sees at home he repeats in the marketplace. If a fatherlies,hischildrenlearnlies,ifhe shows integrity, his children learn honour

H - stands for Hard work.Afather must model hard work; “no man eats roasted yam without first touching fire”,provisionispartoffatherhood.A fatherteacheshischildrenthatnothing goodcomeswithoutlabour

E - stands for encourager Afather must be an encourager Many grown adults are still waiting to hear; I am proudofyou.Rainhelpstheseedgrow, but words help the child grow, your

children need your words. Tell them theycandoit.Speaklifeintothem.

R – stands for responsibility, the final letter is responsibility A father takes responsibility not only for bills, but for peace, for protection and for presence. “The man who carries the roofmustnotsleepwhileitleaks.”The Father cannot abandon his home and still expect honour Responsibility is thecrownoffatherhood.Beingafather is not biology, it is responsibility, it is sacrifice, it is legacy Any man can produce a child, but not every man becomesafather

A true father leaves footprints his childrenareproudtofollow “Whenan old man dies, a library burns.” That is why fathers must pass down wisdom, notjustproperty Toeveryfather,your family needs your love, your leadership,yourpresence,bethefather your children will remember with pride.Andtoeverychild,honouryour fatherwhilehe'sstillalive,becauseone day you may miss the voice you once ignored.”

Guyanese men everywhere take heed, so that you can help to make Guyanagoodandgreat.

Sincerely,

ElderHamiltonGreen

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE SPEAKER...

Frompage4 indeed, it is their duty, to test procedural boundaries, to challenge rulings they believe to be overly restrictive, and to advocate persistently for those they represent. To characterise such conduct as deceptive is to penalise competence andtotreatparliamentarydiligenceas evidenceofconspiracy

I stand with Hon. Member Halley and my other colleagues in rejecting that allegation entirely The concern they raised was not a “media storm over nothing.” It was a legitimate question of representation, specifically, whether a duly elected Member of Parliament could be excluded from parliamentary committees notwithstanding the decision of other Members to nominate her to serve. That question deserves a reasoned answer, not a dismissaldressedasdisappointment. IV. TheThreatofSanctionsand theConflictofInterestItReveals

Perhaps most gravely, your remarks included the following: “We have also rules in the House for dealing with MPs who deliberately mislead,criticisethelawfulrulingsof theSpeaker Andso,let'sseewhatthe nextsittingofParliamentwillbring.”

Thatstatementdemandsdirect addressontwogrounds.

First, you have placed the words “mislead” and “criticise” in the same breath, as if they describe equivalent or related offences. They do not. Criticismofarulingisnotmisleading the House. Disagreement with a decision of the Chair is not misconduct.ThefreedomofMembers to express dissent from rulings, publicly, persistently, and vigorously, is not a courtesy extended by the Speaker It is a democratic right that precedesandsupersedestheauthority of any presiding officer To suggest otherwise, and to do so in the context of impending sanctions, is to fundamentally misstate the constitutional relationship between the Chair and the membership of the House.

Second,andstructurally,youhave described your rulings as “lawful,” a characterisation which you yourself make, as the sole decision-maker and sole arbiter of that lawfulness. A p

simultaneously be the author of a ruling,thejudgeofitslegality,andthe enforcer of penalties against those who question it. That arrangement is incompatible with the separation of functionsthatunderliesconstitutional governance, and it is incompatible withtheimpartialitythattheofficeof Speakerisconstitutionallyrequiredto embody

The chilling effect of your remarks, whether or not sanctions are ultimately pursued, is already real. Members of Parliament should never havecausetoweighwhetherspeaking freely about a ruling will result in censure.Thatcalculationhasnoplace in a democratic legislature, and the factthatitmustnowbemadeisitselfa causeforconcern.

V.OnLongevity,Honesty,andthe DutiesofElectedOffice

You concluded your remarks with the following counsel: “If you want people to take you seriously, if you wanttostickaroundaslongasIhave been and this is counting over 30 odd years, you have to have some principles. More particularly, you've got to be honest. And honesty starts withyourself.”

Iacceptthatcounselinthespiritof democratic accountability in which it oughttohavebeenoffered,andIapply it equally. Honesty, in this instance, requires acknowledging that no rule was broken. It requires acknowledgingthattheMemberswho raised concerns about committee representation did so on legitimate grounds. It requires acknowledging thatequatingcriticismofarulingwith an offence punishable by sanction is not consistent with the principles of parliamentary democracy And it requires acknowledging that dismissing the concerns of elected Members as a “set up” designed to manufacturea“mediastorm”doesnot reflect the impartiality that the office ofSpeakerdemands.

I acknowledge and respect your decades of service to Guyana. But longevity in public office, however honourable, does not place a public official beyond accountability, nor does it confer a cloak of infallibility Thefirstobligationofeveryelectedor appointed servant of this Republic, including the Speaker, is not survival butservicetothepeopleofGuyana,is

not the preservation of authority, but the faithful discharge of it and certainly not the protection of one's office, but the protection of the institutions entrusted to one's care. Thatprincipleappliesequallytoallof us It applies to Members of Parliament. It applies to Ministers. And it applies to the Speaker of the NationalAssembly

Inlightoftheforegoing,Iformally call upon you, Mr Speaker, to clarify or withdraw your public remarks, specificallyonthefollowingpoints:

i. The characterisation that I was “setup,”whichisfactuallyinaccurate andreputationallyinjurioustomeand totheMemberswhonominatedme;

ii The allegation that Hon Member Halley, Opposition Chief Whip and my colleagues acted deceptively or attempted to break parliamentary rules, which is contradicted by the factual record of whatoccurred;

(iii) ThesuggestionthatMembers who criticise your rulings may face

consequences for doing so, which conflates lawful dissent with punishablemisconduct;and

(iv) The dismissal of legitimate parliamentary concerns as a manufactured “media storm over nothing,” which diminishes both the Members who raised those concerns andthepublicinteresttheyrepresent.

Thisisnotapersonalmatter,itisa constitutional one. The legitimacy of the office of Speaker rests on the confidence of all Members of this House, majority and minority alike. Thatconfidenceisnotcommandedby authority It is earned through impartiality, consistency, and respect for the rights of every Member, regardless of the size of their party or thepopularityoftheirposition.

I remain committed to the strengtheningofGuyana'sdemocratic institutions, including and especially theNationalAssembly Icalluponthe Chair to demonstrate that same commitment by addressing these concerns with the candour and accountability that this moment requires.

Respectfully,

Hon.AmanzaWalton,M.P MemberofParliament ForwardGuyanaMovement

Ruel Johnson: The Real Cultural...

Frompage4 creativeindustries. Theinitial effort therefore was to update thedraftfrom2016toonethat took into account, among other things, the post-COVID environment.

Even so, from 2022-2025, basic policy-based initiatives were implemented, the lowhanging fruit that was achievable during 2015 to 2020 For example, the Guyana Prize for Literature that went missing, despite a policy paper recommending itsretoolingfortheprize'30th anniversary in 2017, was restored, enhanced and expanded and has since been an annual event along with a literature festival The C

Industries Grant, a 2017 recommendation that was poorly executed once in 2019 wasimplementedwithalarger budget and a more sweeping mandate. In the area of

initiatives, a comprehensive draft legislation repealing and replacing the 1972 National Trust Act is on the government's legislative agenda this year, a commitment available in the draftpolicysince2017.

As I explained during my presentation, last Thursday's exercise was meant not to present the detailed policy initiatives that have been in development since the PresidentlaunchedhisOrange Economy Cabinet Task Force lastNovember,buttokickstart a state sector policy and operational cohesion process theeventualoutcomeofwhich will be a Creative Industries Development Strategy, following a National Consultation Ms Ba's 'analysis' even includes the diagram I presented summarizing the processes overthenextsixmonths.

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson in his presentation presented an extended timeline on implementation. Therefore, when she declares that “The time for summits, primers, and focal points has passed”,itisclearthatshedid notundertheprocessatall–I presented Jamaica's most recent attempt, also postCOVID as an example of a similar process, but did not point out that this was really theendstageofaprocessthat hasbeenongoingatleastsince 2007. This is precisely the timeforsummits,primersand focalpoints.

A n d w h e n s h e authoritatively declares, “It is time for the MOCYS and its long-standingadvisorstostop looking at what Jamaica did last year or what SouthAfrica didfiveyearsago”,itisaclear

demonstration of the sort of hubristic ignorance that runs through the article, part of the process of finalizing our creativeindustriesstrategyhas beentoengagetheUNsystem which has, as is best practice, provided us with examples of orange economy strategies in other jurisdictions, countries that have both benefited from existing models even as they have,aswearedoing,tailored themtofittheirownsituation.

I agree on principle that there needs to be intelligent, hard-hitting investigative and analytical journalism on cultural policy, whether heritage or the creative industries. Ms. Ba's attempt however is not it. When she asked for my presentation from the recently concluded event, I willingly presented it toher Ifsheistrulyinterested in writing on “The Great CulturalProcrastination”Ican alsoeasilymakeavailablemy 2018annualreport,asCultural Policy Advisor, in which I concluded:

“Budgets 2017, 2018 and 2019 have not, however, catered for consultation either inwholeorinpartfornational cultural policy Directly throughtheeffortsoftheCPA and indirectly through several government of Guyana initiatives a more than adequate foundation has been established to justify national consultations on the Draft Framework National Cultural Policy, followed by tabling of the document in the national assembly, and finally implementation of policy recommendations and initiatives… It would be unfortunate and unhelpful to the national cultural development if stagnation on cultural policy continues into 2019.

As observed by then Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition in 2013, now His Excellency President David Granger in 2018, '…no one will benefit from the absence ofanationalculturalpolicy.'“ I am still to receive an explanation from the former President, who I believe Ms. Baiscloselyaffiliatedwith,on why exactly it is that his rhetoricin2013asOpposition Leader resulted in exactly the oppositeinthefiveyearsofhis Presidency, and why despite handed a policy framework since 2015 and a draft policy since early 2017, there was a great procrastination in c o n s u l t a t i o n a n d implementation. I have no such queries about the commitment of the current President, His Excellency IrfaanAli.

Yourstruly

RuelJohnson AdvisortothePresident

OppositionnominatedGECOMcommissionersdo notrepresentpartyinterests - Alexander

Appearing on Tuesday’s broadcast of Politics 101 with Dr David Hinds, veteran GECOM opposition nominated

Commissioner Vincent Alexander rejected claims that a change in the leadership of the parliamentaryoppositiongrantsanautomatic right to recall and replace sitting commissioners. Interviewed by host, Dr David Hinds MP,Alexander argued that the country’ssupremelawintentionallyinsulates commissioners from political whims to

preservetheintegrityoftheelectoralprocess.

Thedebatehingesonacoreinterpretation of the constitutional amendments enacted during the 2000–2001 reform process. Prior to 2001, electoral commissions in Guyana were temporary bodies convened strictly for the duration of an election cycle and dissolved three months post-balloting. The modern framework, however, established GECOMasapermanentinstitution.

According to Alexander, a fundamental

legal distinction exists between a political “representative” and a constitutional “nominee ” He explained that literary interpretation of a representative means you haveaparticularinterestandyouarenotyour own. Conversely, a nominee means that you areconsideredtobeanappropriatepersonto filltheoffice,butyouarenottiedtoanyone.

“Ourlegalsystemdistinguishesbetween nominees and representatives,” Alexander stated during the broadcast “Literary interpretation of a representative means you have a particular interest; you are not your own A nominee means that you are consideredtobeanappropriatepersontofill theoffice,butyouarenottiedtoanyone.”

Alexander emphasised that there is absolutely no mechanism within the current law that allows a nominating political party or an opposition leader to unilaterally withdraw a commissioner Under the constitution, commissioners can only be removed under strict, legally defined conditions, such as medical incapacity, resignation, or proven misconduct, none of whicharetiedtoshiftingpoliticaltides.

Despite defending the legal permanency of his current tenure, Alexander acknowledgedtoDr.Hindsthatthepractical functioning of GECOM has frequently been marredbypartisangridlock.Hecriticisedthe current system’s vulnerability to “parochial party politics,” which often reduces independentconstitutionalactorstopolitical arbiters. To break this cycle, Alexander is advocating for a sweeping structural

overhaul of Guyana’s electoral management body, pointing toward regional frameworks asaviablepathforward.

Alexander highlighted the Jamaican electoral model as a potential blueprint for reform to minimise political deadlock. He suggested a balanced composition utilising balanced partisan representation alongside anequalnumberofindependentcivilsociety experts.

This framework relies on consensusdriven leadership, requiring mutual consent frombothpoliticalandcivilsocietymembers to elect a chairperson and a Chief Election Officer By structuring the body so that political representatives lack the numbers to unilaterally dictate outcomes, the model establishes diminished partisan voting and forcesacultureofunanimity

Think Tank warns against rushing under-16 social media ban

As Guyana consults on its Child Online Safety and Ethical Technology Framework, which proposes an under-16 social media ban, Think Tank Abrams & Associates Researchisurgingatacticalpause.

In their policy brief, “Education Before Regulation,” researchers Karen Abrams and Salima Bacchus-Hinds argue the state is rushing into intrusive territory without vital local data, warning that Guyana must “measurebeforeitmandates.”

Whilevalidatingthegovernment’sgoalof childprotection,thefirmflagsmandatoryage verification as the least reversible, most intrusiveelementofthepackage.

The brief highlights a major blind spot: Guyanalacksacomprehensivenationalstudy on youth digital habits. Relying on foreign assumptionsignoreslocalrealities.Formany children in interior regions, the “binding constraint is a lack of digital access rather thandigitalexcess.”

Sweeping restrictions risk crowding out critical developmental goals like equitable access and digital literacy. Guyana isn’t legislatinginavacuum.Australia’sunder-16 social media ban took effect in late 2025, providing a live test case. It has already revealedmassiveadministrativeburdensand unresolvedprivacyissues.

Furthermore, the boundary between social media and “social gaming” has dissolved Australia exempted massive platforms like Roblox and Discord, spaces heavily occupied by youth where documented grooming occurs, meaning the law sorts by arbitrary category labels rather thanactualrisk.Evasionisalsoagiven.

With AI-assisted “vibe coding,” a motivatedteenagercanstandupaself-hosted

chat network in an afternoon, bypassing corporate regulations entirely. To catch evaders, the state hits a penalty trap: either penalise families or force population-wide identitytracking.

Mandating identity verification in

u

ity vulnerabilities,exposingcitizenstopotential data breaches and the insidious threat of “function creep.” This historical pattern occurs when databases built for a benign, singlepurposeareslowlyexpandedovertime into sweeping tools for state monitoring and secondarysurveillance.

Whether the state relies on identity document checks, facial age estimation, or third-party vendors, the system inevitably collects and stores highly sensitive personal datawithoutclearguardrailsonwhocan Continued on page 22

MOTHER KNOWS BEST!

There was a time when a youngmanreceivinghisfirst pay packet did not suddenly transform himself into an international financial expert.Hedidnotrushtobuy expensive sneakers, upgrade his cellphone, or begin offeringinvestmentadviceto peopletwicehisage.

In those days, when paydaycamearound,thefirst stopwasnottherumshop,the betting shop, or the latest gadget store. The first stop was home, where Mother sat waiting with the calm confidence of a person who already knew where the moneybelonged.

The tradition was simple andwidelyunderstood.Ason handedoverhisfirstsalaryto his mother, and in many households, he continued doingsoforyearsafterward.

Nobody questioned the custom.Theonlypeoplewho complainedwereyoungmen who suddenly discovered that earning money and controlling money were two entirelydifferentthings.

Back then, mothers were the original banks They accepted deposits, offered financial advice, provided emergency loans, and somehow managed to keep households running on budgets that would make modern economists break intoacoldsweat.

The difference was that mothers charged no service fees They only charged disappointment whenever youbehavedfoolishly

A young fellow would receive his wages on Friday andimmediately

begin making plans By Saturday morning, he had already allocated money for rum, cricket, girlfriends, fancy shirts, and enough unnecessary spending to bankruptasmallnation.

ThenMotherwouldenter the discussion. And unlike Parliament,therewasusually no opposition strong enough to challenge her budget proposals.

One young man I knew decided that after handing overhisfirstsalary,hewould modernise the arrangement. Heconvincedhimselfthathe was now a mature adult capableofmanaginghisown affairs.

The confidence was impressive The evidence supporting that confidence wasentirelyabsent.

The second pay day arrived.Hecarefullycounted out what he considered his fair contribution to the householdandplacedtherest safelyinhispocket. By "safely," he meant safely available for immediatedestruction.

Instead of going straight home, he and the boys launched a major economic stimulus package at the nearest corner shop. Large quantities of rum were consumedinsupportoflocal commerce and national development.

Several bottles later, everyone at the shop had becomeanexpertonpolitics, cricket, foreign affairs and world economics. This miraculous transformation last eduntilclosingtime.

Fortunately, he had protected his mother's share fromthefestivities.Evenina rum-induced state of confusion,heunderstoodthat some traditions were too dangeroustoignore.

When he finally arrived home, his food was waiting onthetable.Motherspossess a remarkable ability to feed foolish children while simultaneously planning appropriate punishment for them.

He proudly handed over the money His mother counted it once, counted it twice,andthenlookedathim with the expression mothers reserveformomentsofgreat disappointment "What happen son, they short pay youthisweek?"sheasked.

Mothers have a special talent for asking simple questionsthatfeellikecrossexaminations before an international tribunal A singleraisedeyebrowfroma mother can accomplish what anentirepoliceinvestigation cannot The young man explainedthathehaddecided to keep part of his earnings for himself He wisely omitted details concerning the contribution he had already made to the rum industry

His mother simply nodded. She did not argue, complain, lecture, threaten, or deliver one of those speeches that begin with "WhenIwasyourage."

Thatsilenceturnedoutto befarmorepowerful.

Yearspassed.Everyweek hehandedovermoneytohis mother, and

DEM BOYS SEH

1979 was de year I got locked up

Dem boys seh some lines does stick in yuh head like old chewing gum under a schooldesk.Yuhcan'tgetridofdem.Every nowandthenonedoespopupfromnowhere and start marching through yuh brain like a brassband.

Onesuchlineis: “1979 was de year I got lockedup.”

Nowdemboysseheverytimedemhear dem words, dem mind start wandering all over de place. Is not that dem boys get lock up in 1979. Dem boys wasn't even old enoughtogetlockup.Someofdemcouldn't evenlockabicycleproperly

Butdephrasegotacertainrhythmtoit.

“1979wasdeyearIgotlockedup.”

Nowadaysifyuhhearsomebodysehdat, yuh does immediately ask, “For what? Facebookpost?WhatsAppmessage?”

Dem boys seh in Guyana people getting lockupforallkindsofthingsnowadays.One mangetlockupbyhewifebecausehecome hometwohourslate.Anothergetlockupby hebankaccountbecausehecan'tremember he password. A third get lock up by bureaucracyandstillwaitingonadocument heapplyforsinceBurnhamtime.

every week she accepted it withoutfussorcomplaint.

Whenever he received overtime pay, she received a little extra Whenever Christmas came around, she was remembered with gifts andspecialtreats.

Theyoungmanfeltproud ofhimself.Likemanyyoung people, he believed he was thechiefarchitectofhisown success.

Youth has a way of producing confidence long beforeitproduceswisdom.It is one of nature's favourite practicaljokes.

Then one day, love arrived. A beautiful woman enteredhislife,andsuddenly the fellow who once spent moneyfreelybeganspeaking aboutresponsibility,savings, andlong-termplanning.

Marriage has that effect. It converts reckless spenders into amateur accountants almostovernight.

As the wedding approached, reality began delivering invoices. Every discussion about flowers, food, clothing, decorations and furniture seemed designed to separate him from his money at record speed.

A few days before the wedding,hecarriedhisusual

contributiontohismother To his surprise, she refused to acceptit.

Instead, she took his handsandtoldhimthatfrom now on his money belonged withhisfuturewife.Thenshe handedhimabankbook.

At first, he did not understand. Then he opened it.

The balance staring back athimnearlycausedafamily emergency He was convinced there had to be somemistake.

Therewasnomistake.

Every cent he had given hismotherovertheyearshad been saved. Not spent, not borrowed, not touched, and not quietly redirected into householdexpenses.Saved.

The money had been waiting for him all along. While he thought he was helping support the household, his mother had been building a foundation forhisfuture.

At that moment he learned a lesson that no school, university, or financial seminar could ever teach He learned that wisdomoftendisguisesitself asold-fashionedtradition.

Foryearshehadbelieved that he was the clever one. Yet his mother had been

planning decades ahead while he was busy planning weekends.

Today many young people insist on complete financial independence from the first day they begin working. Yet some of them cannot explain where their salaries disappeared by the middleofthemonth.

Meanwhile, mothers continuedoingwhatmothers have always done They continue sacrificing, planning, worrying, and preparing for futures their childrencannotyetsee.

That is why I still smile whenever I hear about a son givingpartofhisearningsto his mother It is not merely a transfer of money It is an expressionofgratitude.Itisa sign of trust, respect and appreciation for the person who invested in him long before he ever earned a dollar.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the authoranddonotnecessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

One old man tell dem boys that he got lockupinheownhouse.Everytimehetryto leave,hewifehandheanotherchore.Byde timehefinishpainting,fixing,sweepingand shopping,desundoneset.

“1979 was de year I got locked up,” he seh.

“Whathappen?”

“Igetmarried.”

Demboysnearlyfalloffdechair

Another fella seh he get lock up every month when de bills arrive. Electricity lock heup.Waterlockheup.Internetlockheup. Mortgageputdehandcuffsontight.

Demboyssehdefunnythingisthatsome people spend years trying not to get locked up and then voluntarily join committees, boards and political parties where meetings lastfourhoursanddecisionstakefouryears.

Thatisadifferentkindofimprisonment.

So, whenever dem boys hear de famous line,“1979wasdeyearIgotlockedup,”dem doessmile.

Because in Guyana, plenty people walking around free. But somehow still lockedup.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

GuyanaDevelopmentBank–what’scoming

T h e G u y a n a Development Bank (GDB) has generated much excitement. Not yet fully airborne, but still stirring considerable interest Guyanesesit,wait,smile.

They are ready One set anticipates what’s in it for them. To get them off the bottom. Other Guyanese

(guess who?) have their plans ready on how to milk thisbanktillitgehsicklyand paglee. Forthosewhoneed clarity,resteasy Comingup shortly

The key players have already been handpicked Ready to rumble. The PPP had a handful of names to choose from to move the

Oppositionleaderdemands...

Frompage2

atWales,WestBankDemeraraemploysabout1,500persons withonly50ofthosebeingGuyanese.

SourceslinkedtotheprojecthaveaccusedtheMinistryof Labouroffailingtoconductduediligenceonhowthisforeign workforce is actually being sourced and paid. By failing to act, the Ministry is essentially allowing intermediaries like MOAP Inc. to blatantly break Guyana’s immigration and NISlaws,thesourceclosetogovernmentsaid.

Thisnewspaperwasinformedthattodate,therehasbeen zerolabourinspectionsattheGTEcampsites,nochecksfor legal work permits, and zero accountability for the lack of statutory benefits for the hundreds of men building the nation’slargestinfrastructureprojectonrecord.

Beyond the non-payment of taxes and other benefits for workers,theuseofanintermediarycompanyhasraiseddeeper concernsrelatingtoaccountabilityformillionsofUS-dollars.

Thesebloatedmanpowerinvoices,iftrue,canserveadual purpose: dodging local taxes while generating lucrative kickbacksforLindsaycamanagersoperatingonsite

GDBuptheladder,alongthe way

There’s the way, truth, and life of Jesus. Not the PPP way, regrettably The PPP Govt. has its own way Radically different In substance, results To condition Guyanese hopefuls, I conclude that senior positions-GDB chair, deputychair,andCEOareas goodasfilled. Donedeals.

Before that GDB bill becomes law What’s there to debate? There’s a sevenseat majority Who cares what the other sides, any Guyanese,think? Including those who think less of the PPP’s standards of staffing? Overseers and officers, for example Seven seats provide that electricitysparking confidence [and disdain].

Qualifications for the jobs of chair, deputy chair, and CEO earn top marks for the following. They don’t have to be thieves, but it helps. Known thieves are prizedbythePPPGovt. The logic is majestic. Whoever teef caan taak. The best are

party loyalists who prosper when matters are upside down, shrouded in secrecy Trythisexample.

ThePPPlovesoverseers, commissioners, bank watchmen, senior bank officerswhoseeadog,heara dog,knowit’sadog,butsell it as a duck or a donkey Whoever heard a dog that sounds or looks like one of thosecreatures? Bestofall, are those who know how to keep their mouths shut, whatever the crimes committed. It’sbetterwhen they’re part of the whitecollar crimewave waiting inside that new bank. With such trusted personnel seated, secrets stay secret. Trouble is contained. What happenedinLasVegasstays in Las Vegas. Substitute GDBforlocalcolour

With $40 billion around, there’splentyplayingforthe boys, to have some fun. There’s a guarantee, two to beaccurate. FreedomHouse hastheirback. AndOfficeof the President has its own magistracy and rubberstamp ready

Nah maan! Nat dese peeple. Dem is good PPP people

Look how much ting deh doh fuh de paaty

Can’t abandon them

Cannot,willnot,throwthem under the bus. Not with all those sharks waiting to rip them to pieces. It’s basic democracy: taking care of one’s own is taking care of business. They are due first bites at the fruits of victory andpolicy So,whatifthey mess up, make their hands fast? Stuff happens Nobodyisperfect.

What about the customers? Yes, those waiting borrowers? Once theywearred,letthemcome into the GDB. In with a knowingchuckle,outwitha $3millioncheck.

Thegovernmentisquick thinking:helptofixtheloan documents. Fixispreferred. For other people: wrong colour, wrong hairstyle, and wrong relationships, the GDB is just as warm and hospitable.

Welcome, sir, madam. Takeanumber Haveaseat.

Justalittlewait. Thestaffis out to lunch, in a meeting, gone golfing, or off to Congress. Free seats. Free updates.

Fewcouldbesoclassless or tasteless to want more. Wait until they hear ‘this loan application is receiving the highest consideration The bull just began. No money, no love. No $3 millionloan.

ThosekindsofGuyanese are on their own. Stage is set. Lawready Thegames begin. The chair’s in place. Ithinkthatthewholekitand kaboodle (PPP kin)-chiefs andcooksarelikecorruption Oreos. Devilishly pious on the outside, wickedly deviousinside. Abankwith ashank.

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

GLDAdeniesOnverwagtabattoirisawhiteelephant ...says facility producing results

The Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) has strongly rejectedclaimsbyLeaderof the Opposition Azruddin Mohamed that the

Onverwagt Abattoir in Region Five is inactive or a failed investment, describing the allegations as “ s p e c u l a t i o n a n d misinformation”designedto

createafalsenarrativeabout thefacility’soperations.

In a Facebook post this weekMohamedsaidthatthe $800 million facility is only being used by the PPP “for

bringing their cows from Brazil at a very cheap price, slaughterandselltothelocal market killing all our cattle farmers.”

He called on the government to come clean onthematter

But the Authority in a statement Tuesday said the abattoir remains a key component of the Government’s strategy to modernise Guyana’s livestock industry and provide farmers with access to a modern, hygienic and internationally compliant slaughter and processing facility

Theautjoritysaidclaims thatthefacilityisinactiveor has failed are simply not supported by the facts. It noted that since becoming operational, the abattoir has produced approximately 111,650kilogramsofcarcass beef,utilisingcattlesupplied mainly by farmers from Regions Four, Five, Six, Nine and Ten, with limited quantities originating from Bon Fin, Brazil, through approved and lawful channels.

“These are verifiable figuresanddemonstratethat the facility is functioning and contributing to the growthofthesector,”GLDA said.

“It is also important to understandthatanabattoiris notacattlefarm.Animalsare

brought to the facility according to scheduled slaughter requirements Therefore, the absence of cattle or employees at a particular moment cannot reasonably be used as proof thatthefacilityisabandoned or underutilized Such conclusions reveal either a lackofunderstandingofhow modern processing facilities operateoradeliberateeffort tomisleadthepublic.”

The autjority said Particularly irresponsible areallegationsthatcattleare beingsecretlyimportedfrom Brazil for the benefit of public officials. “These are serious accusations for which no evidence has been presented Guyana has established veterinary, inspection, quarantine and certification systems that govern the importation of livestock. These safeguards exist to protect animal health, food safety and the integrity of the livestock industry

Anyone with credible evidence of illegal activities

should submit that information to the relevant authorities for investigation. Allegations of criminal conduct cannot be based on rumours, assumptions or anonymous claims Facts andevidencemustprevail.”

Equally, the GLDA said accusations of corruption and personal enrichment are serious matters that should be pursued through the

appropriate legal channels and supported by evidence.

“Reckless allegations and sensationalismdonothingto strengthen accountability andonlyservetoundermine publicdiscourse.”

Beyond the abattoir, GLDA said government continuestoinvestheavilyin herd expansion, genetic improvement programmes, animal health services and measures aimed at increasing productivity and strengthening food security These initiatives are intended to build a more competitive livestock industry and ensure a reliable supply of quality beef for Guyanese consumers.

“Citizens have every right to question public investments and demand accountability However, accountability must be rooted in facts and not in political theatrics. Isolated photographs, assumptions and unsubstantiated allegations cannot outweigh production records and the tangible benefits being delivered to farmers and consumers.

The GLDA Abattoir remainsanimportantnational investment and its success should be measured by the opportunities it creates for livestock producers, the improvements it brings to food safety and quality, and its contribution to building a stronger and more competitivelivestocksector Public debate is healthy, andscrutinyisnecessary,but truth matters. Facts matter And no amount of misinformation can change the reality that Guyana’s

investments such as the GLDA Abattoir are helping to secure its future,” the statementconcluded.

Govt. receives 15 proposals for design, supervision services for law school

Fifteen consultancy firms have submitted technical and financial proposals for the design and supervisioncontractsforGuyana’s first law school, signaling strong professionalinterestintheMinistry ofLegalAffairs’project.

According to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), firms that submitted proposals include E&A Consultants Inc , Sizwe Jackson Consultancy Service, Kalitech Inc., Caribbean Engineering & Management Consultants Inc , Skylines Architecture Inc., KS&P Limited, Acuitas Caribbean Guyana Inc.,

E

ring Consultancy Services, C B & Associates Limited, Ai Architects, The Acacia Group, Automated

Engineering Services, VIKAB GuyanaLimitedinassociationwith VIKAB Engineering Consultants Limited, Jain Consultants Guyana Inc., RVS Structural Engineering, andSRKN’gineering&Associates Limited.

The Guyana Law School will be built at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus, on eight acres of land that Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC, confirmed has already been identifiedandcleared.

During the 2026 budget debates, Nandlall confirmed that funding has been secured for the project and that construction is expectedtobeginthisyear

The ministry received $1 8 billion from the national budget,

with $100 million specifically allocated to cover the architectural designofthelawschool.

Speaking on his weekly programme, ‘Issues in the News’, the attorney general outlined the scope of the procurement process, stating that consultants will be tasked with preparing detailed structural designs and drawings, architectural drawings, design specifications, bills of quantities, engineer estimates, and bid documentsinadditiontoproviding supervisionservicesthroughoutthe constructionphase.

Once established, the Guyana LawSchoolwillbecomethefourth intheCaribbean,joiningtheHugh Wooding in Trinidad and Tobago, the Norman in Jamaica, and the EugeneDupuchLawSchoolinThe

Bahamas. It will operate under the CouncilofLegalEducation(CLE).

The institution is expected to directly address longstanding barriers faced by Guyanese law graduatesmostnotably,thelimited placement quotas and the prohibitivecostofstudyingabroad.

Currently, Guyana receives approximately 25 placements annuallyattheHughWoodingLaw School,afigurewidelyregardedas insufficient given the country’s growing demand for legal professionals.

Upon completion, Guyanese studentswillbeabletopursuetheir Legal Education Certificate (LEC) at home, eliminating the need to travel regionally for professional legaltraining.

significance,Nandlallhighlighted thebroadereconomicopportunity the institution presents for Guyana “This is not only an academic institution, but it is an economic venture, because people of the Caribbean will come here. They will have to live; they will have to find accommodation. They will have to board, lodge and eat,” he said.

The project is therefore positioned not only as an investment in legal education, but as a catalyst for regional student inflows and the economic activity that accompanies them, further strengthening Guyana’s ambition to become a hub for Caribbean academic and professional development.

Engineer warns Georgetown’s development boom outpacing drainage capacity

A veteran control systems engineer, Patrice Roberts, has re-presented a proposal to automate the city’s aging koker system, warning that Georgetown’s ongoing developmentboomisdangerouslyoutpacing itsdrainagecapacity

The presentation, delivered to municipal leaders on Monday, revived a concept previously sidelined by officials. Mayor AlfredMentoreacknowledgedthehistoryof thesubmission,notingitwas“thisthingthat was presented a number of years ago” but ultimatelyleftunactedupon.

RobertsexplainedhisreturntoCityHall, stating, “I was here a few years ago where I did a presentation which, at that time, didn’t apparentlyseemfitting.”

Drawing on over 30 years’experience in controlsystems,Robertsarguedthatmodern urban expansion has systematically dismantledthecity’snaturaldefenses.

“As we all know, historically, Georgetown was basically a plantation back

intheday,andtherewerelotsofdrainageand irrigationcanals,”henoted.

He explained that while those canals servedascriticalcatchmentareasforrainfall whenever there was high-intensity excess, they were progressively removed as the city developed.“Theavenues,asweknowthem, Waterloo, Carmichael, Camp Street, and Thomas Street, the avenues were all canals which held water,” Roberts reminded the council.

Thelossofthesehistoricalwaterwayshas created severe storage issues during intense downpours. Roberts emphasized that “once those were removed, the water didn’t suddenlydisappear,”meaningitmustnowbe stored somewhere else whenever there is intenserainfall.

He criticized the lack of foresight in the city’s growth, stating, “I don’t think much consideration was given to us as we continued to expand the city.” He pointed specifically to modern building practices,

observing that “you see many developments happening now with where persons’ are pavingtheiryardandallowingthewatertogo on the road,” which ultimately forces immediate runoff into a severely strained municipal network. He warned, “So the situation which we have built, unless we manageit,itwillnotgetbetter.”

Citing a data model compiled by a researcher named Mr Hackett, Roberts’ presentation laid bare the mathematical impossibility of the city’s current infrastructure keeping up with modern weather patterns The city’s current infrastructure, comprising a 28.5 square kilometer catchment area managed by 10 sluices and 12 pumps, is only capable of draining 5.5 millimeters of rainfall per hour However, recent weather events completely dwarfthisthreshold.Thedatashowedthata 2013 storm brought in excess of 21.5 millimetersofraininanhour,while2025saw intensitiesexceeding17.3millimeters.

The crisis reached new heights in Februaryof2026,whenadownpourdropped anunprecedented24.2millimetersofrainin a given hour “That in itself tells the story,” Roberts stressed. “If you have that level of rainfall, there’s no way the existing system wouldbeabletomanageit.”

Headdedthatwhilethepumpswillassist, thedrainagesystemsimplycannotdothejob alone, especially when “the manual aspect kicks in, and that in itself impacts the efficiencyalso.”

The operational limits of the current koker system are strictly bound by the daily tides, relying on unpredictable windows for gravity drainage. Operators generally have

Control systems engineer, Patrice Roberts

“about 8 to 10 hours of which available per day to drain the city by gravity,” which expandsto10to12hoursduringspringtides butshrinkstojust6to8hoursperdayduring neap tides. Because these sluices must be opened by hand, timing errors can be catastrophic.

“LikeIsaid,it’sopenbyhand,andifit’s late opening, it becomes a very costly mistake,” Roberts explained. He pitched his automated overhaul as the remedy to this vulnerability, stating, “So the solution that I’m offering is really an automatic solution, likeIsaid.It’sgoingtoopenautomatically It doesn’t require a manual interface, and it’s goingtocloseautomatically.”

Henotedthesystemwouldrun24hoursa dayonstandbysothat“youwouldn’tlose15 minutesbecausetheattendantwasasleep,or he was cooking, or it was raining, and he couldn’t get out to do... or he was drunk, in some cases.You wouldn’t have that system, notthatoccurringanymore.”

Demonstrating the technology through a livesimulation,Robertswalkedofficials Continued on page 22

GPL improves reliability

but falls short of

The Guyana Power and Light Incorporated(GPL)reducedcustomerpower interruptions by 40 in 2025 compared to the previous year, but the utility company still failed to meet its own reliability targets, the Public Utilities Commission’s (PUC) 2025 Reporthasrevealed.

While the improvement was notable, outage levels continued to exceed GPL’s benchmark and international standards for developing countries, underscoring that significantworkremains.

GPL’s System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI), which measures the average number of times a customer experiences a power outage stood at 86 in 2025, marginally above the target of 85. Thoughthemisswasnarrow,itissetagainsta dramatically worse performance in 2024, whentheindexreached126interruptions.

At the 2025 PUC Public Hearing, GPL attributed the interruptions primarily to feeder trips and accidents involving construction equipment and vehicles collidingwithtransmissionlines.

Despite the marked progress, the SAIFI figure remains far above acceptable thresholds for a developing country, signallingthatthepaceofimprovementmust accelerate.

The duration of each interruption is tracked through the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI). GPL recorded an average outage duration of 84 minutes in 2025 against a target of 80 minutes, coming close but still missing the

2025 target

mark. This nonetheless represents a substantial improvement from the 125 minutesrecordedin2024.

As with frequency, the gains are commendable but insufficient. Meeting international standards will require deeper, moresustainedreductionsinboththenumber and length of outages GPL’s voltage regulation performance was measured against its obligation to maintain voltage levels within ±5% of nominal voltage under normal operating conditions, and within ±10% following system disturbances, as stipulatedundertheOperatingStandardsand PerformanceTargets(OSPT).

However,thePUCflaggedacriticalgap: GPLdoesnotyethavefullinstrumentationin place to monitor voltage levels across its entirenetworkinrealtime.Initsabsence,the company has relied on a targeted approach, monitoring selected, heavily loaded feeders in several parts of the grid, with particular focus on circuit endpoints where voltage dropsaremostlikely

Measurements recorded at both the start and end of assessed feeders showed that all remained within the ±5% acceptable limit. However,thePUCcautionedthatthelimited scope of this monitoring means the findings maynotaccuratelyreflectvoltageconditions experiencedacrossthebroadernetwork.

The Commission reiterated its call for GPL to expand its monitoring capabilities, stressing that comprehensive, real-time data is essential for an accurate and credible assessmentofvoltageregulationnationwide.

Small Business Bureau host procurement training with Essequibo entrepreneurs

Dozens of entrepreneurs in Essequibo, Region Two have received targeted business development training aimed at sharpening their competitiveness and market readiness, as the Small Business Bureau (SBB) continues itspushtoexpandcapacity-building supportbeyondthecapital

Thetraininginitiative,facilitated bytheSBB,coveredthreekeyareas: Bid Document Preparation, Digital Readiness, and Label Design, each addressing practical challenges that small business owners commonly faceinaccessingandcompetingfor marketopportunities

A total of 65 participants benefited from the Bid Document Preparation sessions, conducted in collaboration with the National P

Administration Board (NPTAB) at the Essequibo Technical Institute Participantswereguidedthroughthe keystagesofthetenderingprocess, including understanding bid documents, meeting compliance requirements, and preparing competitivesubmissions.

The hands-on sessions were designed to equip small business owners with the knowledge and confidence needed to pursue government procurement contracts, an avenue that many entrepreneurs

in regional communities have historically found difficult to navigate

A further 25 participants took part in the Digital Readiness and Label Design sessions, which

Small Business Bureau’s Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Shazim Ibrahim reviewing the work of a participant.

focused on helping entrepreneurs strengthen their branding, promotional materials, and product presentation Practicalguidancewas provided on creating professional marketingmaterialsanddeveloping

product labels that are clear, compliant,andmarket-ready

Chief Executive Officer of the Small Business Bureau, Mohamed Shazim Ibrahim, underscored the importance of delivering targeted

support directly to entrepreneurs in regionalcommunities.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that small business owners, regardless of where they operate, have access to the knowledge and tools needed to compete and grow Thesetrainingprogrammesaddress practical challenges entrepreneurs face, from navigating procurement opportunities to presenting and promoting their products more professionally By taking this support directly to Essequibo, we are helping businesses build stronger foundations and position themselves for sustainable growth,”Ibrahimsaid.

TheSBBnotedthattheinitiative formspartofitsbroadermandateto expand access to practical training and business development support across Guyana, with a focus on strengthening procurement readiness, digital capabilities, branding,andproductpresentation

The agency added that the training series aligns with the Government’s wider economic agenda to support small enterprises through targeted capacity building, expanded market access, and inclusive regional development, translating budgetary allocations into tangible benefits for entrepreneursacrossthecountry

NewCTScannertobeinstalledatGPHC

modernise the nation’s medical imaging landscape, driven by strategic international partnerships and a massive rollout of diagnostic technology across both coastal and hinterlandregions.

Speaking at the opening of the update on medical imaging in Guyana 2026

Medical

E d u c a t i o n ( C M E ) conference on Tuesday, Minister Anthony reflected on the state of the public s e c t o r ’s i m a g i n g capabilities just a few years ago Theministerrecalleda time when the entire

country relied on a single functionalCTscanneratthe GPHC

“Outdated units at the BarticaandNewAmsterdam hospitals had fallen into complete disuse, with manufacturers no longer producing the spare parts required to fix them. The ministryhassinceexecuteda rapid turnaround of this infrastructure, adding seven brand-new CT scanners to thepublichealthsystemlast year alone, placing them at NewAmsterdam and within each of the newly constructed regional hospitals”, the minister

explained.

“At GPHC, the minister mentioned that a total overhaul is underway to replace the old scanner with astate-of-the-artmodel.

“ T h i s i s b e i n g complemented by the construction of a new twostorydiagnosticandsurgical facility next to theAccident andEmergencyDepartment, which will house an additional CT scanner, the hospital’s newest MRI machine, dedicated digital mammography suites, and a d v a n c e d u r o l o g y equipment for non-invasive stonetreatments,”headded.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Robbie Rambarran (left) and Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony standing alongside the new CT Scanner.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony announced

Tuesday that a new

Computed Tomography (CT) scanner is being installed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

M a k i n g t h e announcement via his Facebook page, the minister said “A brand-new CT Scanner is now being installed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), replacing the old machine and ushering in a new era of faster, more

accurate diagnostics for thousandsofpatients.”

He said within the next week, the state-of-the-art systemwillserveGuyanese. Meanwhile,inaseparate release, the health ministry said it continues to aggressively expand and

CAFunveilsUS$10Bplan

...opportunity knocks for Guyana and Caribbean

CAF will invest US $10 billion through 2031 to financeprojectsthatadvance regional integration across Latin America and the Caribbean.

The resources will support strategic sectors including physical and digital infrastructure, intraregionaltrade,foodsecurity, energy, tourism, innovation, logistics, and mobility, helping to strengthen

connectivity, reduce development gaps, and improve the region’s competitiveness in an increasingly complex global environment.

The investment reflects C A F ’s c o n t i n u e d commitment to regional integration as a driver of sustainable development, economic growth, and resilience, the organisation saidinapressrelease.

CAF will support initiatives that strengthen value chains, advance the energy transition, improve food security, facilitate trade, and create greater opportunities for people and businessesacrosstheregion.

The announcement was made by Sergio DíazGranados

President of CAF, following the high-level discussions at the International Forum on

Regional Integration held in Cartagena,ColombiainMay which was organised by CAF The Forum brought

ral institutions, private sector representatives, academics, anddevelopmentpartnersto discuss practical pathways for advancing integration in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The forum saw strong

CAF Executive President, Sergio Díaz-Granados addresses the International Forum on Regional Integration in Cartagena, Colombia

Caribbean participation in theconversations,including, Mr. Timothy Antoine, Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank; A

CARICOM;Mr IanDurant, DirectorofEconomicsatthe Caribbean Development Bank, Mr Martín Portillo, Chief Engagement Manager for Central America and Dominican Republic at CCRIF, and Ms Natalie McGuire, Curator at the Barbados Museum & HistoricalSociety Mr Díaz-Granados described the focus on

i n t e g r a t i o n a s “ a d e v e l o p m e n t , competitiveness, and global positioning imperative for Latin America and the Caribbean.”

In a context marked by geopolitical tensions, trade fragmentation, financial volatility, and a new era of uncertainty, he noted that countries across the region must deepen regional integrationiftheyaretoplay agreaterroleinglobalvalue chains, advance the energy transition, strengthen food security, and adapt to a changing global production landscape.

“Integrationistheanswer to protecting our strategic ecosystems, creating jobs, addressing informality, and defending the democratic values that underpin our coexistence, freedom, and future,”hesaid

Withintheframeworkof the Forum, 15 regional institutions signed on to the “Declaration on the Convergence

Processes and Mechanisms of Integration of Latin A m e r i c a a n d t h e Caribbean.”

Thedeclarationproposes moving towards an active and intelligent convergence of the various integration processes and mechanisms existing in the region. This approachseekstocoordinate capabilities, priorities, and lessons learned to avoid duplication, enhance synergies,andalignstrategic agendas.

A m o n g t h e 1 5 signatoriestothedeclaration were the Eco

c Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Am

C

y Organization (OTCA), the Organization of IberoAmerican States (OEI), the Latin American Energy Organization(OLADE),and others.

Over the last 30 years, CAFhasapproved118credit operations totalling USD 16.73 billion for regional integration initiatives. Over the last five years, CAF has further strengthened its approach to integration through investments that s u p p o r t p h y s i c a l connectivity, productive d

pment, d

tal transformation, energy integration, and ecosystem preservation.

“Regional integration has already achieved important progress, but it must now enter a more ambi

us phase of implementation Fewer barriers,moreinfrastructure. Fewer diagnoses, more p

Granadosconcluded.

Cuban community on edge as woman vanishes in Guyana

The relatives of a 26-year-old Cubanwomanisonedgeaftershewent missinglastThursdayatLusignan,East CoastDemerara.

The missing woman has been identifiedasDailenPanequeGomezof MonRepos,ECD.

Reports are that she disappeared while on her way to work during the

early morning hours. Police confirmed with Kaieteur News that an official missingperson’sreporthasbeenlodged andinvestigationsareongoing. She was last seen dressed in an orange top and “black bottoms”, according to her acquaintances in Guyana. They said that she vanished while heading to work at the Enmore

Regional Hospital. She was not heard fromorseensincethen.

RelativesinCubaandthoseresiding inGuyanaareseekingthepublic’shelp inlocatingher If anyone knows her whereabouts, contactcanbemadeon+592748-4376, 227-2128orreporttothenearestpolice station.

Bids were recently opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) for the renovationoftheWiruniNurserySchoolandtheconstruction ofanadditionalblockatKwakwaniPrimarySchool,Region 10.The projects form part of the Regional Democratic Council's (RDC) planned expenditure from its $10.1B allocationinthisyear'snationalbudget.

Twenty-one contractors submitted bids for the constructionofthenewblockatKwakwaniPrimarySchool, and 18 are vying for the contract to renovate the Wiruni Nursery School According to the RDC's initial advertisement, the renovation of Wiruni Nursery School carriesanestimatedcostof$29.9M,whiletheconstructionof theadditionalblockatKwakwaniPrimarySchoolispegged at$64.9M.Athirdprojectwasalsotendered—theextension ofbuildingsandtheconstructionofaconcreteandchain-link fence, along with a walkway at Kwakwani Park Nursery School.Thatprojectisestimatedat$24M.

Combined, the three infrastructure projects represent an investment of approximately $118.8M in the educational developmentofRegion10.

Belowarethecompaniesandtheirbids: Bidder

RegionalDemocraticCouncilofRegion10 RenovationofWiruniNurserySchool.

RunningsInvestmentsInc

$27,973,890

$28,238,144

Ebola cases in Congo reach highest first-month total of any outbreak, WHO says

(Reuters) - Congo's Ebola outbreak has the largest of confirmed cases withinthefirstmonthofany episode of the disease, a senior World Health Organization official told a briefing on Tuesday, blaming the surge on its quickspreadtourbanareas.

The Bundibugyo outbreak in the Democratic ​Republic of Congo that has infected over 1,000 people and killed 267 was detected lateand​expertssaythevirus had already been circulating for months before it was th officially ⁠declared on 15 May

WHO's Abdirahman Mahamud told a press briefing in Geneva that part ofthereason​forthescaleof the outbreak was that some early confirmed cases were in urban centres, like ​Bunia and the mining town of Mongbwalu Many past outbreaks have first been identified in rural areas and oftenpeteredoutquickly "Whatisimportantiswe need to scale up and this outbreak is moving faster than us," he told ​reporters, after returning from Bunia lastweek.

Extensionofbuildingandconstruction,chainlinkfence andwalkwayatKwakwaniParkNurserySchool.

$22,461,100

$21,257,389

$23,314,584

$22,559,547

$21,865,741

$22,234,309

$23,441,915

$21,605,989

He noted signs of hope, highlightingaquickincrease in the ​number of Ebola beds

to over 500 in the past fortnight and signs that community resistance and violent resistance to ⁠responderswasbeginningto abate.

“More and more communities are aware of the risk of Ebola and are asking for tools to support and protect themselves," he said.

MOREVICTIMSIN OVERCROWDED CAMPS

The two largest previous Ebolaoutbreakswereonein West Africa, in Guinea,

Medical workers dressed in personal protective equipment (PPE) disinfect their equipment at an Ebola treatment centre during a ceremony to present recovery certificates to patients at the Rwambara General Reference Hospital in Bunia, eastern th Democratic Republic of Congo, 16 June, 2026. REUTERS/Gradel Muyisa Mumbere/File Photo

Sierra Leone and Liberia, which killed 11,000 people between2014​and2016,and a less fatal outbreak in ⁠Congoin2018.

Ebola cases have now beenreportedinatleastthree of eastern Congo's crowded displacementcamps.

The International OrganisationforMigration's Abdoulaye Wone said at the same​briefingthatatleast25 cases had been confirmed at the camps, including 14 deaths.

"Even in a normal s

outbreak, they were facing overcrowding," he said, adding that many leave the campsbydayforworkorto seekfood.

Justin Zanamuzi, director of Catholic aid organizationCaritaswhichis ⁠helpingat​theKigonzecamp, told Reuters that four childrentherehad​diedsince Mondayalthoughtestresults werenotyetavailable. There have been over 20 outbreaks in sub-Saharan Africa,accordingtotheU.S. ​Centers for Disease Control andPrevention(CDC).

Gulf oil tanker rates nearly double as

Middle East producers ramp up exports

A crude oil tanker sits anchored in Muscat, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict th with Iran, in Muscat, Oman,6 March, 2026. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

(Reuters)-Oiltankeroperatorsare reaping record ​profits after nearly doubling the hire cost of vessels going throughtheStraitofHormuzandwider Gulf this week on rising demand as traffic through the waterway slowly picksup,accordingtoshippingdataand sources.

Traffic through the vital strait has been modest since Iran lifted its effective blockade last week after agreeing to a 60-day ceasefire with the U.S.,astalksona​permanentdealtoend theirwarcontinue.

Thenumberofshipsgoingthrough Hormuz is a fraction of the daily

​averageof125beforetheconflictbegan th on 28 February As many as 100 tankers ⁠remain stuck inside the Gulf with cargoes onboard, according to market estimates, adding to a shortage of available vessels as ​Middle Eastern crudeproducersrampupexports.

Ratesforhiringatankeroutsidethe Strait of Hormuz have jumped to $190,500 a day ​from $106,500 a week ago, according to ship brokers and industry sources, with those hired outsidetheGulfregionalsosurging.

Average daily earnings for very large crude carriers (VLCCs) have jumpedtoarecordofnearly$470,000a

dayforcargoesinsidetheGulfthatneed to go through Hormuz, rising ​by over $50,000fromaweekago,accordingto estimates from the ship brokers and industrysources.

"Tankerownersarepreparingfor​an influx of Middle East crude cargoes in the coming weeks and are emboldened by the fact that spot TCEs (earnings) averaged above $100,000/day despite loss ⁠of cargo volume since the U.S.Iran hostilities commenced," ship brokerClarksonssaid.

"This indicates the (tanker) supply side remains exceptionally tight and a (Continuedonpage22)

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RandyJagdeogranted bailasprobeinto23 AK-47riflescontinues

Businessman Randy Jagdeo, who was arrested in connection with the discovery of 23 AK-47 rifles at Schoonard, West Bank Demerara earlier this month, has been released on station bail as investigations into the major arms bust continue.

Police confirmed that Jagdeo was granted bail in a substantial sum after he surrendered to law enforcement following the issuanceofawantedbulletinin relationtotheJune11seizure.

The businessman was held as part of ongoing investigations into the discovery of the highpowered weapons, which were intercepted during a CustomsAnti-NarcoticsUnit (CANU) operation along the WestBankofDemerara.

During the operation, ranks discovered a cache of

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Engineer warns Georgetown’s development boom...

OUT ON BAIL:

Randy Jagdeo

23AK-47 rifles along with a quantityofammunitioninside a vehicle. Crime Chief and Deputy Commissioner of Police Wendell Blanhum previouslyconfirmedthatthe weapons were manufactured intheUnitedStates.Henoted that one of the rifles had an intactserialnumber,whilethe remaining 22 had their serial numbers destroyed.

The discovery is part of a wider investigation into one ofthemostsignificantillegal firearms seizures in recent weeks. Investigations are ongoing.

From page 14 through the automated sequence, showing how electronicsensorsonboththe canalsideandtheoutfallside monitor the system continuously

When the controller detectshighwaterinthecanal and low water at the outfall, “the door is going to open automatically because the sensors detected that the water was high in the canal and low in the sea.”

As the water drains, the sensors track the receding levels, shifting from a dangerous red status to a safe green reading.

Once the canal level and the rising tide equalize, the system automatically closes the door to prevent ocean water from rushing back into the city

To address safety concerns, Roberts demonstratedacriticalsafety featureknownasaninterlock, whichpreventsthegatesfrom opening if the ocean level is higher than the city canals.

Attempting to force the door open during the

simulation triggered an immediate safeguard, with Roberts noting, “it tells you it’s open because there’s an interlock,” ensuring the systemwouldprotectthecity from sea-defense breaches.

In closing his presentation, Roberts firmly advocated for using local talent to implement the upgrades, noting that the country possesses the engineering capacity to manage its own modern infrastructure.

“So, I think the expertise we’re talking about here is local,” he concluded, clarifying that “we’re not importing any We only import the technology.”

Backinghisproposalwith three decades of professional credibility, he stated, “I, myself, I’m an engineer for in excess of 30 years. I have lots of experience in dealing with control systems.”

City Hall has yet to announce whether it will allocate funds or approvals to pilot Roberts’ automated kokerproject.

Gulfoiltankerratesnearlydouble...

From page 21 re-openingofHormuzwould tighten capacity further," it said in a note.

MIDDLEEAST

PRODUCERS'FLURRY OFTENDERS

Middle Eastern producers, particularly Abu DhabiNationalOilCompany, haveofferedcrudeinaflurry oftendersthismonthandare urging buyers to load from inside ?the Gulf, spurring demandfor?tankers.

South Korean shipping

group ?Sinokor — one of the world's biggest operators of supertankers — did not respond to a request for comment.

ItsBelgiumBsupertanker entered the Gulf on Monday in the latest of the ?group's vessels looking to load and was sailing towards Iraqi terminals, ship tracking data on?MarineTrafficshowedon ?Tuesday

While tanker rates have risen,warriskinsurancecosts havesoftenedinthepastfive

days to around 3% of the value of a ship from around 5% over a week ago, excluding discounts, insurance industry sources said. This would mean a reduction in ?hundreds of ?thousands of dollars in insurance costs for ships.

BuyersinIndia,including its ?biggest refiner Reliance, havebeenseekingcrudefrom the region following months of disruption in supplies. Reliancedidnotrespondtoa Reutersrequestforcomment.

Think Tank warns against...

From page 8 accessitorwhereitwilllive.

To avoid building this intrusive tracking infrastructure, the think tank outlines a sequenced alternative that shifts the focus toward education and evidence.

The roadmap begins with conducting a NationalChildOnlineSafetyBaselineStudy alongside an independent Privacy Impact Assessment to evaluate the true scale of

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online harms and technical risks.

Rather than waiting on future study findings, the state can immediately deploy “no-regret”interventions,suchasembedding digital safety and privacy awareness directly into the school curriculum and launching localised education programs for parents.

The final phases of the strategy demand administrative discipline and strict legal boundaries. State child-protection services must be reinforced with specialised counselling to support children currently experiencing harm, treating the issue as a social welfare priority rather than a technical filteringproblem.

Ifageverificationispursued,itshouldbe piloted on a strictly limited geographic and duration scale while continuously analysing Australia’sreal-worlddata.

Most importantly, hard legal protections must be established before any system goes live, creating strict statutory limits on data retention and an independent oversight body to ensure policy rests on evolving local evidence.

U.S. Senate votes to pass Iran war powers resolution, in blow to Trump

(AlJazeera)TheUnitedStates Senate has passed a bill to pause President Donald Trump's military campaign against Iran and seek congressional approval before any furtheractionistaken.

OnTuesday,thechambervoted 50 to 48 to pass the resolution, which had been approved in the HouseofRepresentativesearlierin themonth.

Republicans hold a majority in the Senate, but four conservatives crossed party lines to approve the resolution,alongwithnearlyallthe chamber'sDemocrats,saveone.

Tuesday'svotemarkedthefirst time a war powers resolution had successfullypassedbothchambers ofCongress.Buttheeffortislikely to be symbolic, as Trump is expectedtovetothemeasure.

Tuesday's breakaway

Republicans included Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska,SusanCollinsofMaineand Rand Paul of Kentucky A further two Republicans did not vote: MitchMcConnellofKentuckyand DaveMcCormickofPennsylvania.

The lone democrat to side with Republicans on the matter was Pennsylvania'sJohnFetterman.

Speakingonthechamberfloor, top Democrat Chuck Schumer

noted that Tuesday's vote marked the 10th time the Senate had taken up a war powers resolution to rein in Trump's military campaign againstIran.

“For years, Trump promised to putmaximumpressureonIran,but he ended up delivering maximum confusion, maximum chaos, maximum cost to the American people with his disastrous war,” Schumersaid.

“Time after time, the vast majority of Senate Republicans sided with Trump and his war, instead of the American people. TheAmericanpeoplehavepaidthe price for Trump's historic blunder in Iran. It'll go down in the history books as one of the worst foreign policy forays America has ever made.”

th On28 February,Trumpjoined Israel in launching attacks against Iran, triggering a region-wide war that has continued through this month.

It was also the second time since returning to office for a second term that Trump involved U.S.militaryforcesinawaragainst Iran.InJune2025,Trumphadalso sent bombers to attack three key sites associated with Iran's nuclear enrichmentprogramme.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer characterised President Donald Trump's military actions in Iran as a ‘historic blunder' [Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images via AFP]

Trump has said the latest war wasnecessarytopreventIranfrom developing a nuclear weapon, an ambitionithaslongdenied.

But critics have characterised the February strikes as an unprovoked act of aggression that hasthreatenedtofurtherdestabilise theMiddleEast.

Negotiations are currently underway in Switzerland, as the Trump administration and Iran continue to discuss the terms of a ceasefire set out in a June 17

memorandum of understanding (MOU) But whether that memorandum will hold remains unclear Israel, the US's partner in thewaragainstIran,hascontinued to carry out strikes in Lebanon, violating the terms of the agreement, which called for a halt tofightingonallfronts.

Critics of Tuesday's resolution pointedtotheongoingnegotiations as a reason to scuttle the bill's passage.

The war powers resolution

“directs the President to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran” Only if “explicitly authorised by a declaration of war or a specific congressional authorisation” would Trump be allowed to use furthermilitaryforceagainstIran.

The resolution, however, does allowforlimitedmilitarypresence to remain, in order to prevent any “imminentattack”againsttheU.S. oritsallies.

Still,someRepublicansenators warned the war powers resolution wouldweakenTrump'sstandingin theSwitzerlandnegotiations.

“If this passes, the Iranians are going to simply stand up and walk away from negotiations,” James Risch of Idaho told the Senate chamber

“They're going to say: This thing'sover TheCongresshastold the President of the United States, 'Leave us alone We can do whatever we wanna do.' And they willwalkaway.”

Risch also argued that the resolution was essentially useless, giventheallbutcertainprospectof Trump'sveto.“It'sgoingtohaveno effect. The president isn't gonna payanyattentiontoit,”hesaid.

Nearly 3,900 graduate as GOAL surpasses 54,000 scholarships

So m e 3 , 8 7 6

G u y a n e s e graduatedfromthe Guyana OnlineAcademy of Learning (GOAL) on Tuesday with government announcing that the programmehassurpassedits original target, awarding more than 54,000 scholarshipssinceitslaunch in2021.

The fourth GOAL graduation ceremony was heldattheNationalCultural Centre in Georgetown,

where graduates received certificates, diplomas and degrees across a range of disciplines Of the graduatingclass,2,858were womenand1,018weremen.

The morning session featured the presentation of certificates and bachelor's degrees, while graduates who completedmaster's and otheradvancedprogrammes walked the stage during the afternoonsession.

Delivering the feature address, Prime Minister

Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips said the occasion represented not only personal achievement but also Guyana's broader investment in education and humandevelopment.

"It is also an important occasion for Guyana because your success goes beyond individual achievement, reflecting Guyana's commitment to investing in its people and creating opportunities that were once beyond the reach

of many," Phillips told graduates.

Established in 2021, the GOAL scholarship programme was designed to expand access to quality

online education for Guyanese nationwide, with an initial target of awarding 20,000scholarshipsbetween 2021and2025.

However, Phillips disclosed that the programmehasfarexceeded that goal, with 54,793 scholarships awarded to date.

The Prime Minister attributed much of the programme's success to government investments aimed at ensuring equitable access to education across the country, including expanded internet connectivity in hinterland andremotecommunities.

" B e h i n d e v e r y scholarship there is a story," Phillips said. "Among you, we have many mothers who havereturnedtotheirstudies after years away from the classroom, young men and womenwhodiscoverednew paths and decided they wanted to pursue them, and people from hinterland communities who no longer seegeographyasabarrierto opportunity."

The ceremony also recognised graduates of the Getting Ready for Opportunities to Work (GROW) programme, with 1,150 individuals successfully completing theirstudies.

The GROW initiative was introduced to support persons who dropped out of secondary school, were unable to sit the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, or did not achieve their desired examinationresults.

According to figures presented at the ceremony, 14,884 Guyanese received

GROW scholarships between 2021 and 2026. Of that number, 4,291 completed their studies, while 2,538 advanced to b a c h e l o r ' s d e g r e e programmes.

Phillips said the programme's achievements demonstratethattalentexists in every corner of Guyana and that success often depends on access to educationalopportunities.

Additionally, 1,308

graduates completed vocational and certificate programmes aimed at equipping participants with practical skills and improvingemployability

Thegraduatingclassalso included 76 students who completedtheAssociationof Chartered Certified

Accountants (ACCA) Foundation Course and 61 cadetswhoearnedAssociate Degrees in Maritime Transportation.

Minister of Education

Sonia Parag highlighted the programme's nationwide reach, noting that graduates came from all 10 administrativeregions.

Region Four accounted for the largest number of graduates with 2,004, followed by Region Three with 609 and Region Six with350.

The regional breakdown

wasasfollows:

RegionOne–99

RegionTwo–185

RegionThree–609

RegionFour–2,004

RegionFive–191 RegionSix–350

RegionSeven–62

RegionEight–33

RegionNine–82

RegionTen–261 Parag commended the graduatesforbalancingtheir studies with work, family responsibilities and other challenges.

"It takes courage to return to the classroom. It takes courage to say I am goingtotryagain.

It takes courage to study whileworking,whileraising children, while managing responsibilities and while sometimes carrying the weight of people who have doubtedyouforalongtime," shesaid.

She encouraged graduates to continue pursuing educational opportunities through the GOALprogramme.

"But today no one can take this from you No negative comment, no criticism,nobadwishandno attempt to make you feel small can remove the education you now carry," the education minister added.

(ModifiedfromDPI)

Unbeaten West Indies, England eye semi-final berth

After hectic doubleheaders and triple-headers, the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 only has one game in store for us on Wednesday, and it should be a mouthwatering contest

HostsEnglandareamongthe favourites to lift the title, and their performances so far have backed that tag. Their three wins so far have ranged f r o m d o m i n a n t t o comfortable, and boast of a net run rate of 2.49. West Indies, meanwhile, beat the defending champions New Zealand and are also on three winsoutofthree.

And they meet in the first game of this World Cup at Lord's - the venue for the final - with both teams one win away from booking a semi-finalberth.

England have been mighty with the bat and are the only team to post two 200-plus totals in this World Cup, while West Indies have two bowlers among the top three wicket-takers in Aaliyah Alleyne and Hayley Matthews.

Matthewswasespecially instrumentalinrestrictingSri Lanka to 98 in their previous fixture. England will still be without their regular captain and star allrounder Nat Sciver-Brunt, with Charlie Dean standing in to lead in her absence. Sciver-Brunt's replacementSophiaDunkley hit a half-century, and Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson showed off their finishing chops as they romped to 200 for 5 in a 38-run win over Scotland in the last match,

and England will likely go with the same team against WestIndies.

Playerstowatch For West Indies, it's hard to look beyond their captain Hayley Matthews, who has seven wickets from three matches. She played two important innings - a 37-ball 48tosupportCampbellinthe chase against New Zealand and a run-a-ball 17 in the modest chase against Sri Lanka. However, against an explosive England side, she would need to improve her strike rate of 103.94 in this World Cup.She is England's strikebowlerbutLaurenBell has just two wickets from three games and went wicketlessfor35runsagainst Scotland But at Lord's, where the pitch may have a bit more for fast bowlers, B e l l c o u l d d i c t a t e proceedingsinthepowerplay with her ability to make the newballtalk.

Conditions

Wednesday June 24,

ARIES (Mar 21–Apr 19

Too much work and the resulting pressure over the past few days could have you feeling too tired to do anything more, although your optimism andenthusiasmarestillintact

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20)

Romance blossoms for you tonight, Taurus, perhaps after a long period of standing still A newsenseofstabilityandsecurity may settle on love relationships andclosefriendships

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)

Tonight you might host a social gathering, perhaps for business associates Youcouldbe nervous at first, Gemini, wonderingifallwillgoaswellas youhope,butyoureffortsshould producetheresultsyouwant

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Paperwork, perhaps contracts or other legal documents of some kind, might need attention so you can move ahead with some of your projects. These projects could involvewritingorspeaking.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

The financial picture continues to improve, Leo. At somepointduringtheday,you might have the feeling that you aren't working hard enough to keeptheforwardmotiongoing, andyoumightfeelpanicrise.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)

Even though all continues to go well for you, Virgo, your mood may go up and down today In spite of all the great things in your life, you might find yourself feeling a little blue sometime during the day

2026

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Trying to get too much work doneinthecourseofoneday might prove self-defeating today, Libra. Your energy isn't what it usually is, and you're probably operating on nervousenergy

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)

A depressed friend may need cheering up Your ability to n u r t u r e a n d l i s t e n sympathetically will prove beneficial

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Too many projects to complete might have you feeling just a little bit pressured, Sagittarius However, your innate determinationislikelytodrive you on to try to get it all done evenifitseemsimpossible

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

You've been doing well, Capricorn, but today you mightbefeelingmorefocused than ever. The path ahead seemsclearandwelldefined.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)

The astral energy indicates positive financial news. A settlement,grant,orbonusof some kind that you've anticipated for a long time mayfinallymanifest.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)

Today you'll put a lot of energy into business, personal, or romantic partnerships. They're likely to be especially beneficial now,Pisces.

Thiswillbethefirstgame of this competition at Lord's, which will host three more games including the finalwhere both teams would want a return here. The last game held at Lord's was the first England-New Zealand men's Test, which ended in four days on June 7. The conditions could be more conducive for swing and seam.

PossibleXIs England XI (probable):

West Ruimveldt did not disappoint...

From page 29 M Nelson 1-18 were the successfulbowlers.

The 3rd place was won by Comenius.

The players revived Back Packs which will be used for schoolsinsteadofmedals.

The presentation for the boy's competition will be done laterinthisweek.

The organiser expressed thanks to all the Mothers and Fathers who brought their respective families out to make that night one to be remember, and fulfilling the expectation what was set out, the team of NSC, officials of AL Sport & Tour Promotions, the head teacher students & teachers of the twenty one schools,MinistryofEducation CEO department, National Sports Commission, Guyana Breweries Inc Trade

Marketing Executive Mikhail Da Silva (Smalta) and Minister CYS Steven Jacobs who insists that Windball Cricket must be played in primaryschools.

1 Amy Jones (wk), 2 Danni Wyatt-Hodge, 3 Sophia Dunkley, 4 Alice Capsey, 5 Heather Knight, 6 Freya Kemp, 7 Dani Gibson, 8 CharlieDean(capt),9Sophie Ecclestone,10LinseySmith, 11LaurenBell West Indies will also likely stay unchanged from theteamthatbeatSriLanka.

We s t I n d i e s X I (probable): 1 Hayley Matthews (capt), 2 Deandra Dottin, 3 Shemaine Campbell (wk), 4 Stafanie Taylor, 5 Jahzara Claxton, 6 Chinelle Henry, 7 Jannillea Glasgow, 8 Aaliyah Alleyne, 9 Afy Fletcher, 10 Karishma Ramharack, 11 Ashmini Munisar (Cricinfo)

Germany

go for three out

of

three against Ecuador to keep up winning momentum

B O S T O N , Massachusetts, (Reuters)Already-qualified Germany will look to make it three winsoutoftheirthreeGroup EmatchesonThursdaywhen theytakeonEcuador,aiming tostretchtheirwinning​runto 12 consecutive games and keep their World Cup momentumgoing.

CoachJulianwillneedto change his backline after starting centre back Nico Schlotterbeck was ruled out fortherestofthetournament withanankleligamentinjury hepickedupintheir2-1lastgasp win over Ivory Coast last ​week.Antonio Ruediger, who replaced Schlotterbeck inthatgame,islikelytoearn his first start of the tournament, playing alongsideJonathanTahinthe heart of the German defence Nagelsmann's backline has been a little shaky at times and the absenceofSchlotterbeckwill test it further against Ecuador, who have their backs to the wall after managing only a ​goalless

draw against Curacao and having lost their opener to IvoryCoast.

The South Americans, who had 28 attempts at goal against Curacao but could notfindthetarget,areinthird place on one point, ahead of Curacaoon​goaldifference.

They had arrived at the tournament on a 19-match unbeaten run, having finished South American qualifying runners-up to reigning world champions Argentina, and now need to beattheGermanstohaveany chances advancing. Ivory Coastaresecondinthegroup onthreepoints.

The Germans, on six, havealreadysecuredtopspot in the group whatever the result, and will play their Round of 32 match in Boston.Theyarestillwaiting to see which team they will face.TheGermans,however, ​areunlikelytotake​theirfoot offthe⁠gasorrestkeyplayers aheadoftheknockoutstages with the team eager to keep uptheirwinningrun.

"We have to stay in ​the

flow because every win is good for us," attacking midfielder Nadiem Amiri said "It is an extremely importantmatchforuswitha lot of fans coming from Germanysowewanttowinit 100%andwewillgoinwith

Walls eyes AmeriCup breakthrough for Guyana

ByRawleToney

NewlyappointedGuyanaMen'sNational Basketball Team Head Coach Alan Walls wasted little time settling into his new role, arriving in Guyana last Friday and immediately getting down to business as preparations intensify for the FIBA AmeriCup 2029 Caribbean Pre-Qualifiers, scheduledforJuly8-12attheCliffAnderson SportsHall.

With Guyana set to host the prestigious 10-teamtournament,Wallshasalreadybegun evaluating local talent and laying the foundation for what he hopes will be a successfulqualificationcampaign.

The experienced Canadian-American coach said his immediate objective is clear: secureoneofthetwoavailablespotsthatwill advance to the next stage of the AmeriCup qualificationprocessinNovember

Having observed players during the opening stages of training, Walls expressed optimism about the talent pool available to him,whilestressingthatteamchemistryand commitment will be just as important as individualability

Walls said he's looking to have a solid team, pointing out “you can have a great group of individual players, but that's not good as a team of lesser talent. So, I'm not looking at the individual talent, but I'm looking at good attitude and coachability. Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn't work.”That philosophy has been a hallmark ofWalls' coaching career, which spans more

than three decades and includes assignments across 17 countries on five continents. Throughout his extensive career, he has played a significant role in developing national basketball programmes, building competitiveteams,andmentoringathletesat boththegrassrootsandelitelevels.

His appointment represents a major statement of intent from the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF), which is seekingtoelevatethecountry'sprofilewithin regional basketball while pursuing qualificationforthe2029FIBAAmeriCup.

Walls arrives in Guyana with an impressive international résumé Most recently, he served as Head Coach of the Malta Men's National Team, guiding the programme to a runner-up finish at the 2022 FIBAChampionshipforSmallCountriesand asilvermedalatthe2023GamesoftheSmall StatesofEurope.

His experience at the national team level extends well beyond Malta Walls has previouslyheldheadcoachingpositionswith thenationalteamsofElSalvador,Mongolia, and Kenya, earning a reputation as a respected programme builder capable of developing teams in diverse basketball environments.

In addition to his national team appointments, he has worked as a consultant for the basketball federations of Turkey, Romania, and Palestine, providing expertise in player development, coaching education, andprogrammemanagement.

maximumintensity."

It is that maximum intensity ⁠that Nagelsmann ​wants to maintain after his

team reached the knockout ​stage for the first time in 12 years, following two firstround exits in the 2018 and

2022 tournaments, and instantly​raisedhopesamong their fans of a fifth world title.

Mannol Oil back as powerplay sponsor

Frompage30

anurgentdirectivetoregionalteamstosecure their spots immediately rather than delaying registrationtotinkerwithsquadselection.

To guarantee a spot, teams must pay the $35,000 entry fee now, which secures their franchise slot and grants them logistical flexibility to finalise their 15-man rosters closertotheirrespectivezonalstartdates.

Theentrycapswillberigidlyenforcedto maintaintheintegrityofadenseschedule.

The Berbice, East Bank/West Demerara, andEssequibozonesarestrictlycappedat16 teams each, while the combined Georgetown/East Coast Demerara zone will accommodateamaximumof32teams.

Registration forms can be accessed through the tournament's official social mediahandlesorbycontactingtheorganisers onWhatsAppat+592635-2235.

The tournament caravan kicks off with theBerbiceZoneonAugust8–9,acrossfour premier venues including the Port Mourant

CommunityCentreGround,No.69Ground, and the Welfare Ground in Canje, before concludingwiththezonalfinalsattheAlbion SportsComplexonAugust9.

The action then moves to the East Bank/West Demerara leg on August 15–16, followed by the Essequibo Zone on August 22–23.

In a strategic scheduling move designed to avoid clashing with regional cricket priorities, the tournament will observe a complete hiatus during the Caribbean PremierLeaguewindow,ensuringlocalfans canengagewiththepremierT20tournament withoutdomesticschedulingconflicts.

Action resumes post-CPL with the Georgetown/East Coast Demerara leg on September 26–27 and October 3–4, leading intothenationalgrandfinaleonOctober11, 2026.

In a historic first for the competition,the final will be hosted at the Anna Regina NationalStadiuminRegionTwo.

Ivory Coast chaserunners-up slot while...

Frompage30

seriesofkeysavestokeeptheirgoalintact."I grew into the ​match after a few good saves. Fortunately, I was able to stop every shot," said the ​goalkeeper "I think I've earned a statueinCuracao."

Room will likely be in the firing line again against an Ivorian ⁠team, looking to securetheirprogresstothelast32.

They beat Ecuador in their opening fixture and were 1-0 up at halftime against Germany in their second group game but let theleadslipandlost.

IVORIANSGOINGFORRUNNERSUPSPOT

Germanyarealreadyassuredoftopplace, and the Ivorians are chasing the ​runners-up berth, which would put ​them on course ⁠to

play either France or Norway in Dallas next Tuesday

The Ivorian attack had chances against Germanybut,intheend,lackedthenecessary experience,coach​EmerseFaesaid.

"We'regoingtouse(theGermany)game asalessonto​tryandfine-tune⁠themistakes, ourshortcomingsthatwestillhave,andthat willhelpusgoasfaraspossible,"hesaid.

He said he was looking forward to the challengeoffacingCuracaonexttosee"what ⁠they are ​made of" and expecting a strong fight."Ourdestinyis​stillinourhands,orour feet,"Faeadded.

The Ivory Coast are making their fourth World Cup finals appearance but previously ​haveneveradvancedpasttheopeninggroup stage.

West Indies Academy vs. Sri Lanka Emerging team…

Evelyn, Anderson fifties help script thrilling 2-wicket win for Caribbean boys

TheWestIndiesAcademysecureda thrillingtwo-wicketvictoryovertheSri Lanka Emerging team in their rainreducedmatchafterhalf-centuriesfrom Damel Evelyn and Guyanese Kevlon Anderson.

The first ODI was reduced to 36overs-a-side at the Sinhalese Sports Club(SSC)GroundinColombowhere aweatherdelayforcedofficialstotrim the game, Sri Lanka Emerging batted first but struggled to find momentum against a disciplined Caribbean bowlingattack.Thehostswerebowled

outforamodest184runsin33.4overs, after the spin/pace combination of ZishanMotara(3-32)andJediahBlades (3-42), made light work of the home team In response, the West Indies Academy survived a tense batting collapsefueledby Sri Lankanspinners tocrossthefinishline,scoring185/8in 31 0 overs to win with 30 balls remaining.

Evelyn stood out as the match hero with a superb, unbeaten 77 runs off 97 balls, featuring 8 boundaries which anchored the chase perfectly under

pressure.

Support came from the Guyana Harpy Eagles middle-order batsman Anderson, who played a vital supportingrole,strikingaquick-fire58 runs off 45 balls and combining with Evelyn for a match-winning 110-run fourth-wicketpartnership.

KavijaGamage(4-18)andTraveen Mathew (3-30), led Sri Lanka's late fightback, but were warded off by the centurystandbyEvelynandAnderson.

The second ODI bowls off today (CliftonRoss)

West Ruimveldt did not disappoint as they win Smalta Windball Cricket title

Results in the NSC, MCYS, SMALTA & ASTP, Sports Officer A. Munroe organised Return of Primary School Windball Cricket played inside theNationalGymnasiumshowa win for West Ruimveldt Girls in thefinal.

West Ruimveldt, no stranger in playing finals, did not disappointtheparentswhocame out in numbers as they lifted the Smalta1stplacetrophy

West won the toss and sent it Saint Thomas More to bat in a lowscoringfinal23-4,offtheir5 overs with KeziaWashington 10 notout.PatriciaAvtartook3wkts for4runsandDaeshiahLayne2–2.West Ruimveldt replied with 26-0, off 5 balls. Player of the finals Daeshiah Layne slammed 24(6sx4).

In other action, Saint Pius batted first and scored 44-3, Amelia Barnwell 26, Ashanti

Smith10.AzaliaTullock2-11.

Rama Krishna replied with 46-3, Aset David 21, Jenelle Grimmond16.ShiliyahMingo213.

Over in the Boys segment:Semifinal action saw Comenius sentintobat,score66-1,Nakeria Howard40notout,(6sx4).

Stella Maris reached the targetwith67-1,JeremiahSmith 54(6sx8).

In the Final, Rama Krishna invited to bat, made 124-0, Mikhail Nelson 62 (6s x 5), KevinKlass55(6sx9).

StellaMarisgotofftoagood startinthefirsttwooversbutlost momentum,JoshuaHoratiowith 32 give them hope but the overs ran out, then ended on 109-2, Aden Eastman 22, Jeremiah Smith & Sheldon Leacock 18 runesapiece.

Chidarth Persaud 1-16 and (Continuedonpage27)

Mannol Oil back as powerplay sponsor

One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast

SamarooInvestments,through itsMannolOilbrand,hasofficially renewed its support for the upcomingfourthseasonoftheOne GuyanaT10TapeballBlast.

The tournament, which has quicklygrownintooneofthemost anticipated fixtures on the local sporting calendar, returns from August 8 with an expanded prize structure and innovative rule modifications designed to maximiseon-fieldentertainment.

This year, the tournament has made minor adjustments to dynamic features in order to heighten the intensity of the tenoverformat.

Teams will navigate a specialised one-over 'Mannol Oil Powerplay'intwoslotswhereonly two fielders are permitted outside the30-yardcircle.

Captainscanchoosetoactivate thisPowerplayduringtwodistinct intervals: between overs one to threeandthenbetweenoverseight toten.

There is also the TrackPoint TimeOut,whichwillgrantteamsa 90-secondstrategicwindowatthe conclusion of the eighth over in eachinnings.

This high-stakes pause is designed to allow captains and coaches to recalibrate and finalise their blueprints for the final two overs, which often determine the outcome of the fast-paced T10 format.

Yusuf Ali, speaking on behalf of the One Guyana T10 Tapeball organising committee, expressed immense satisfaction with the returningsponsorandtheevolving natureofthecompetition.

"We are delighted to have

SamarooInvestmentsandMannol Oil back on board for this edition because their sustained support directly fuels the growth of community cricket across the country,"Alistated.

Wearepushingtheboundaries of what Tapeball cricket can look like, and with the stakes being higherthanever,thefansareinfor anabsolutetreatfromtheveryfirst ball."

For Samaroo Investments, aligning with the tournament representsadirectinvestmentinto the passion and talent inherent in Guyanesecommunities.

"For us at Samaroo Investments and the Mannol Oil

Ivory Coast chase runners-up slot while Curacao eye upset

PHILADELPHIA, (Reuters) - Tiny Curacao had previouslygiventhemselveslittlechanceagainsttheIvoryCoast at the World Cup, but a draw in their last group game with Ecuadormightwellhavechangedtheirperspective.

The​smallestnationtocompeteatthefinalswerehandeda7-1 pasting by Germany on tournament debut but then produced a dogged defensive display to take a point off Ecuador in their second Group E fixture.Before the tournament, veteran coach Dick Advocaat had sought to dampen expectations on the Caribbean island, and his casting ​of his squad as outsiders with onlyslimhopesofcreatinganupsetseemed​onthemarkafterthe thrashingfromtheGermans.Butthegoallessdrawwith⁠Ecuador, whofinishedsecondinSouthAmericanqualifying,offershope of another potential upset against the ​Ivorians, who will finish secondinthegroupiftheywin.

CURACAOKEEPERROOMSHINES

It was a stout defensive ​performance from Curacao, led by 37-year-oldgoalkeeperEloyRoom,whoplaysinthesecondtier of professional football in the United States, and who made a (Continuedonpage28)

brand, returning to the One GuyanaT10TapeballBlastwasan incredibly easy decision," J

Representative of Samaroo Investments,noted.

We want to see our local athletes excel, and providing a platform of this magnitude, alongsidetheorganisers,allowsus to give back to the communities thatsupportus."

Thefinancialincentivesforthe 2026editionareunprecedentedfor domestic tapeball Financial rewards begin early in the competition,withthelosingteams atthezonalquarter-finalsassureda payoutof$25,000.

T h e r e w a r d s s c a

progressively, as the losing semifinalist at the zone level pockets $50,000, $200,000 for the losing finalist, culminating in a G$500,000prizefortherespective zonalchampionsbeforetheyeven transitionintothenationalbracket.

The stakes reach their peak in the national playoffs, where the eventual national champions will secure a $2,000,000 purse, while the runners-up will pocket G$1,000,000.

The two losing semi-finalists willget$500,000.

Beyond the cash rewards, the topfournationalfinalistswillearn qualification berths to represent Guyana at a proposed Global T10 TapeballBlast.

The tournament's Most Valuable Player will drive away with a new motorbike alongside a G$150,000cashprize.

Furthermore, the leading runscorer and the top wicket-taker of the tournament will each take home G$100,000 and a new television set.There will be prizes as well for the highest strike rate andthemosteconomicalbowler With the tournament structure locked in, organisers have issued (Continuedonpage28)

Curacao's Eloy Room in action as he makes a save from Ecuador's Gonzalo Plata. (REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach/File Photo)

Some of the latest scenes from the Georgetown championship as the GFF Youth Ensemble continues.

Youth Ensemble signals a New Era for Grassroots Football Development New

g p addressingthatconcern.

The federation's newly launched Youth Ensemble programme has already attracted more than 2,000 young footballers from acrossthecountry,providing one of the largest organised youthfootballplatformsever assembledinGuyana.

Overthepastfewweeks, a total of 2,019 players representing 123 clubs were confirmed for participation in the Boys' Under-13 and Under-15 championships, a clear indication of the appetite for structured youth

competition at the communitylevel.

p g associations Berbice, Bartica, East Bank, East Demerara, Essequibo CoastPomeroon, Georgetown, Rupununi, Upper Demerara andWestDemerara,creating a nationwide network aimed at strengthening Guyana's footballnursery

GFF President Wayne Forde spent the weekend monitoring activities across several venues and said the overwhelming response reflects a strong demand for consistent youth football opportunities.

"This programme can only succeed through the collaboration of our clubs

developmentsystem.

"This is what football development in Guyana will look like over the next four years clubs working

opportunities and build a clear pathway for the next generation,"Fordeadded.

Beyond the impressive participation figures, the Youth Ensemble's greatest valuemaylieinitsabilityto widenthetalentpool.

For decades, Guyanese football has struggled with inconsistent youth competitions and limited opportunities for players

outside the major urban centres The new format offers regular competition, increased exposure and a structured environment where young prospects can developtheirtechnicalskills, tactical understanding and competitiveexperience.

Equally important, the programme provides a safe, team-oriented setting where children can learn the game while building discipline, confidence and social connectionsthroughsport.

playersitproduces,theearly signs are encouraging. The widespread participation suggests that football remainsdeeplyrootedwithin communitiesandthatthereis considerable enthusiasm for o r g a n i s e d y o u t h development.

Action from the Rupununi! GFF Youth Ensemble provides at least 242 players much-needed exposure at the grassroots level.

The initiative is also drawing strength from the collective efforts of regional associations, clubs, coaches, parents, volunteers and community leaders, all of whom play critical roles in creating meaningful opportunities for young footballers.

While its long-term success will ultimately be measured by the quality of

From a GFF stand, the Youth Ensemble forms part of a broader commitment to expandingaccesstofootball, p r o v i d i n g r e g u l a r competitionandestablishing a sustainable pathway from grassroots football to the nationallevel.

The programme is supported by an annual investment of GY$44 millionthroughtheGFFand FIFA, forming a key c o m p o n e n t o f t h e federation's four-year youth development infrastructure aimed at building the future of Guyanese football from thegroundup.

RHTYSC Walter Nero Father's Day Memorial Programme

Rohan Benn named Father of the Year, hundreds receive food hampers

The cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth andSportsClub,MSon Saturday last honored thirty-two years old Rohan Benn as the R.H.T.Y.S.C Father of the Year 2026 under their Walter Nero's Father Day Memorial Programme. The teams - Poonai's Pharmacy Under 11 and 13, Farfan and MendesUnder15,BakewellUnder 17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under 19 and Intermediate, Metro Females, Namilco Under 23 and First Division, hosted the programme in honour of the Late Walter Nero, a close friend of the club.

​RohanBennwasnominatedby a senior executive of the club and the cricket teams after careful review of the nomination, agreed. Benn, who was born in Essequibo, moved to Berbice five years ago and is the single parent of three children-twoboysandagirl.

He takes care of his children with special emphasis been placed ontheir​educationalbackground.

The cricketers noted that the devoted father was the perfect example of a father and therefore decided to honor him. Mr Benn received a trophy, medal of excellence, framed certificate of excellence, a food hamper and threespecialgifts.

Club Secretary, Hilbert Foster

congratulatedBennonhisselection and stated that the RHTYSC was honoured to recognize his commitmentasaparent.

Foster, noted that the club has been honouring outstanding parentssinceitsformationin1990. The cricket teams of the club, Foster declared, hosts hundreds of self-development programmes as

part of their contribution to the generalpublic.

These programmes are held underawiderangeofsub-headings including sports, awards, charity, educational, anti-drugs, antisuicide, community development, youth development, religious and publications.

​Tony Nero, eldest son of the

Late Walter Nero, congratulated Bennonhisawardandurgedhimto uphold his high standard of been a dedicated parent to the kids. He also praised the RHTYSC and the cricket teams for the remarkable job they were doing in serving the ancientcountyofBerbice.

National Under 16 player Jayden Ganpat stated that he and

his colleagues were honoured to present the Father of the Year AwardtoRohanBennandurgedhis three children to always strive for excellenceintheirdailylives.

Among the players of the RHTYSC are Kevin Sinclair, KelvonAnderson,ClintonPestano, Junior Sinclair, Slyus Tyndall, Jonathan Rampersaud, Sheneta Grimmond, Shabika Gajnabi, Ramzan Koobir, Daniella Manns, Shemaine Campbelle, Matthew Pottaya, Trisha Hardat and Leon Reddi.

An emotional Benn expressed gratitudetotheclubandthecricket teamsfortheawardandcommitted himself to upholding his standard asaparent.

​Meanwhile, the cricket teams under the Walter Nero Memorial Programmedistributedhundredsof food hampers to fathers on Saturday The cricketers accompanied by cricket manager Robby Kissoondial visited the homes of the fathers to hand over the food hampers which consisted of sixteen different food items including flour, butter, sugar, chowmein, sweet soap and other essentialitems.

The programme was cosponsoredbythechildrenofWalter Nero and the club would like to express thanks to Karen, Sandra, Theresa,JackieandNancyNero.

Dakota 100 Endurance cancelled due to ongoing track work

TheGuyanaMotorRacingand Sports Club (GMR&SC) has announced that its upcoming Dakota100EnduranceRaceMeet scheduled for June 28, 2026, has beencancelled.

The decision comes as ongoing works at the circuit have not yet been fully completed, resultinginthevenuenotbeingin a condition to safely host drivers, competitors,andraceofficials.

The safety of all participants remains the highest priority, and after careful assessment, organisers determined that postponing the event is the most responsiblecourseofactionatthis time.

“We appreciate the patience, understanding, and continued support of our drivers, teams, sponsors, and fans as we work to ensurethebestpossibleconditions for future events,” organisers

stated.

“We knew that the aggressive timelineofgettingthevenueupto scratch was going to be difficult and the weather has not been on our side However, we have commissioned a team to work 24hrs to get the venue to the standard we need it,” the official added.

“What we can say is that the actual track is complete. It's the ancillary work, perimeter fencing and things like that that are still beingbuiltandputinplacethatis ongoing. It's because of this that we have kept some of the machinery and materials nearby and as such, we can't risk having competitors on the venue where therearehazards.”

Updatesregardinganewevent date and future racing activities will be communicated once arrangementshavebeenfinalised.

ChandrapaulPersaud(85),JavidShafeek(4-45)pilotWestCoastWarriorstovictory

Frontline batsman

C

P

seamer Javid Shafeek

c

performances to pilot West Coast Warriors to a 61-run win against Gotham Cricket Clubinanotherfixtureatthis

Cricket League 30-over tournamentinNewYork.

PlayingatKissenavenue lastSunday,Persaudstrucka 56-ball85tohelpWestCoast Warriors post up a respectable 264-6 from their 30-overs.

crackedfivesixesandsimilar number of fours and also featured in a remarkable, 116-run sixth-wicket stand with Brandon Cabose, who contributedasteady52.

And then the inform Shafeekgrabbed4-45offhis allotted 6-overs as his team bowled out Gotham Cricket Clubfor203inthe26thover The left-handed Persaud

The former Essequibo Under-19Inter-countyplayer Cabose blasted seven fours and hit a six during his 36balldisplay Warriors, who continued to maintain top spot on the points' table with seven victoriesfrom8matches,had

wonthetoss.

They justified the decision reaching 47 runs before Rajendra Khan departedfor17.

His fellow opening partner Youghestir Bachan slammed 37 while the consistent Avi Dhanpaul added25and17fromskipper KevinChristian.

Anthony Providence was also looking good before he succumbed for 11 leaving Warriors at 131-5 before

Persaud and Cabose brought backmomentum.

Premnathcaptured3-56from six expensive overs, delivering for Gotham on a pitch that appeared conduciveforbatting.

Zeeshan Ashraf led the fight with 52, an innings decorated with three sixes andfourfoursforGotham.

Avinash Bhaskaran also chalked up a half-century (51) tucking away eight

boundaries and 23 and 21 from Hari Sundaragopaul and Ha

Phaha respectively

Shafeek, who is topping the wicket-column with 21 scalps,receivedgoodsupport from right-arm medium bowler Rajin Rahoman, who collected2-33(06).

Persaud was named the player-of-the-match for his battingbrilliance.

The competition continuesonSunday

Zion Hickerson endorsed by Global Tennis Brand

Babolat

Guyanese Youth Athlete Zion Hickerson displays Babolat equipment.

Guyanese Youth Athlete, Zion Hickerson, has added Babolat to his list of sponsors. Babolat is a world renowned French Tennis company The likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael NadalandFelixAugerAliassimeendorseBabolatequipment. Thecompanyofferedahalfsponsorship.Hisfathersaidit wasastepintherightdirection.ZioncaughttheeyeofBabolat scout Parker McGuiness when he was competing in Miami, Florida. Zion's summer is scheduled with tennis tournaments andfootballcampsatPSGandanotherlocalclubFrance.

ZionwillcompeteatJuniorCASAonJuly10-16thinBVI. Locally, he is competing in the FIFA backed GFF Youth EnsembleU13FootballTournament.

Unbeaten West Indies, England eye semi-final berth

West Indies Women currently boasts an unblemished cur record in this year's T20 World Cup. (Getty Images) W

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