Kaieteur News
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Tuesday September 29, 2026
Oil-rich Guyana urged to swap crude for cheaper fuel
Fuel prices have increased significantly across the country
...AS GAS PRICE SOARS AT THE PUMP By Davina Bagot Guyana has cemented its position as the world’s fastest-growing economy, driven by its rapidly expanding oil sector. But despite pumping close to one million barrels of crude per day, structural bottlenecks are preventing this windfall from shielding its domestic market against stubborn inflation, driven by soaring fuel prices. To address the situation the country currently finds itself in, an international energy analyst has suggested that Guyana explore an initiative that involves swapping its sweet light crude in exchange for refined fuels that can cushion the high prices burdening
citizens in the oil rich nation. Over the weekend, it was reported that the Guyana Oil Company Limited (GUYOIL) hiked fuel prices by 13%, taking the price of gasoline to $258 and diesel prices to $318 per litre. In the absence of a refinery, Guyana imports expensive refined fuels to power its grid and economy, leaving working-class citizens to shoulder escalating costs of living, high freight rates, and frequent power outages managed by the state utility, Guyana Power and Light (GPL). The struggle underscores a critical challenge for emerging petrostates: translating export revenues into domestic energy
security amid a volatile geopolitical landscape. T h e u rg e n c y f o r a localised solution has been magnified by a deepening global energy crisis, with Middle East conflicts disrupting tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and targeted Ukrainian drone strikes crippling Russian refining infrastructure throughout 2025 and 2026. The situation has caused global diesel supplies to fall and instead of buffering itself against this volatility, Guyana operates almost entirely on the spot market for its refined fuel imports. In an interview with this newspaper, the energy analyst pointed out that the country lacks a multi-month Strategic Petroleum Reserve
(SPR)—a standard macroeconomic tool used by sovereign nations to stabilise prices. “During an international supply shock, a government can release state-owned, stockpiled fuel from an SPR to artificially lower local pump prices and maintain market liquidity,” the analyst said, requesting to be unnamed. The analyst noted that this physical buffer hurts the working class, who are forced to absorb imported inflation while the same volatility guarantees high returns for private fuel importers. To this end, the source suggested, “One heavily debated strategy is the implementation of a crudeto-distillate swap arrangement, paired with the creation of a Strategic Fuel Reserve. Under a swap agreement, a producing nation leverages its share of
equity crude—in Guyana’s case, its profit oil allocations—directly exchanging it with global trading houses or refiners for equivalent volumes of refined products like diesel and Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO).” It was explained that the model is designed to bypass the international spot market
entirely. “When structured t r a n s p a r e n t l y, s w a p s eliminate heavy logistics markups, mitigate currency exchange pressures, and secure a predictable supply of distillates to keep vital assets like Karpowerships and GuySuCo mills Continued on page 9
Tuesday September 29, 2026
Kaieteur News
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ExxonMobil continues to highlight tax payments to Guyana but none received ExxonMobil Holdings Corporation in a Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) recently said it paid a whopping US$1.1B in taxes to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in 2025 as part of its massive ongoing petroleum activities in the country. The company is now producing about 900,000 barrels of oil per day in the Stabroek Block from four projects - the Liza One, Liza Two, Payara and Yellowtail. However, the company does not pay taxes to the State as it claimed in the SEC filing. In accordance with the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), ExxonMobil does not pay taxes to the GoG. In fact, the sweetheart deal Exxon signed states in Article 15.1 that the contractor (ExxonMobil Guyana Limited) as well as its a ff i l i a t e s s h a l l n o t b e subjected to tax, value-added tax, excise tax, duty, fee, charge, or impost in respect of income derived from petroleum operations, property held or transactions except as specified under the agreement. Further, Article 15.4 states that the sum equivalent
Chart showing payments Exxon reported it made to the Government of Guyana.
to the taxes owed by the company will be paid by the minister responsible for Petroleum to the Commissioner General of the GRA. The contract also allows for the issuing of a receipt to ExxonMobil, indicating that it has met the local tax requirements to avoid the burden of double taxation. In the report highlighting payments to governments where it operates, Exxon said it paid US$1,100,431,000 to the GRA in 2025.
It also highlighted other payments to the Government of Guyana (GoG), including its production entitlement and royalties which were approximately US$1.1B and US$331M respectively. A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e company said US$5.8M in fees was paid to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD). A US$1M payment to the Ministry of Culture, Youth
Delegates from nearly 60 countries in Georgetown for global aviation safety forum
A
v i a t i o n regulators, a c c i d e n t investigators and industry leaders from nearly 60 countries will gather in Georgetown tomorrow for the ICAO/EASA Third Global Regional Safety Oversight Organisations (RSOO) and Regional Accident and Incident Investigation Organisations (RAIO) Forum for Aviation Safety. This is the first global aviation event of its kind hosted in Guyana. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali will deliver the keynote address at the two-day forum, which opens on Tuesday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC). The International Civil Av i a t i o n O r g a n i s a t i o n (ICAO) and the European U n i o n Av i a t i o n S a f e t y Agency (EASA) are jointly organising the event, and the
G u y a n a C i v i l Av i a t i o n Authority (GCAA) is hosting it under the theme “Optimising Resources through Coordination and Cooperation. Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar said the forum is a chance to showcase the country on the world stage. “We want to make sure that we sell the brand Guyana, and we want to make sure that our people are fully in tune with what is h a p p e n i n g , l e g a l l y, operationally, in the aviation sector across the globe,” the minister said. The forum will look at how countries can pool their expertise and resources to strengthen safety oversight and accident investigation. This matters most for states that cannot sustain every specialised capability on their own. Day one will focus on the benefits of regional cooperation and
how states can delegate specialised functions while still meeting their international obligations. Day two will turn to workforce development, sustainable financing, partnerships with industry, and harmonised regulatory frameworks. Speakers include representatives of ICAO, EASA, and civil aviation authorities and regional bodies from Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, the Pacific, the Middle East and the Americas. Industry voices from Airbus, American Airlines and LIAT Air will also take part. Guyana hosts the forum as its aviation sector expands rapidly. The number of airlines serving the country has grown from four in 2020 to 16 today. Signed Air Services Agreements have risen from 13 to 27 over the same period.
and Sport as well as another US$1.1M was documented for the University of Guyana under ‘payments for i n f r a s t r u c t u r e improvements’. Overall, the company said US$2.5B was paid to Guyana in 2025. Previously, the former Executive Director the EPA, Dr. Vincent Adams raised concerns over the arrangement which caught the attention of U.S Senators. “The big issue is that of course it’s not about Guyana, it’s about what they believe to be a loophole that Exxon, even beyond the loophole is very questionable as to whether this is legal or not as to when they submit a certificate that they did not incur expenses for Exxon,” he said. The former EPA boss noted that it is Guyana’s government that is responsible for paying taxes on behalf of Exxon. The company then presents that receipt to the US government to claim tax credits which amount to billions of US dollars. “What the senators are saying this here is robbing the taxpayers of the United States of America,” Dr. Adams added. In September 2025, Kaieteur News reported that three US Senators wrote to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ExxonMobil,
Darren Woods about the company’s tax arrangements in Guyana. In a statement issued to the media, it was explained that U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse, Chris Van Hollen and Jeff Merkley sent a letter on Tues day to ExxonMobil CEO Darren Wo o d s r e q u e s t i n g information on the company’s accounting of its U.S. tax liability as a result of the 2016 Stabroek Block Petroleum Agreement. “The letter raises questions about whether American taxpayers are subsidising ExxonMobil’s foreign oil production in Guyana, which the company carries out in partnership with a Chinese state-owned company,” the statement said. It was explained that current U.S. tax rules offer a loophole for big multinational oil companies drilling in a foreign country to shrink their tax bills.
“Closing this loophole would save American taxpayers an estimated $71.5 billion over ten years,” U.S officials have said. The senators noted, “We are concerned about the possibility that American taxpayers may be subsidising ExxonMobil’s foreign oil production, which they do in partnership with a Chinese state-owned company”. The trio made it clear that payments to a foreign government are not taxes and cannot qualify for tax credit. “Payments to a foreign government in exchange for an economic benefit [such as the right to extract oil and gas] are not considered taxes at all and thus cannot qualify for a U.S. foreign tax credit. However special rules allow ‘dual capacity’ taxpayers to divide up such payments into creditable taxes and noncreditable payments. Since then, there has been no update on the issue.
Kaieteur News
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Tuesday September 29, 2026
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL - Tel: 624-6456 Editor-in-Chief: Nigel Williams Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Farewell to the Mighty Sparrow The Caribbean has lost more than a calypsonian. It has lost one of its most powerful cultural voices. The death of Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow, at 91 marks the passing of an era. For generations, Sparrow transformed Calypso into a mirror of Caribbean society, using wit, satire and music to confront politics, inequality, social tensions and everyday struggles. His connection to Guyana makes his passing especially poignant. After making his Calypso debut in Trinidad in 1955, Sparrow toured Guyana later that year. That visit became part of the early chapter of a career that would eventually take him across the Caribbean and the wider world. Sparrow did not merely sing about Caribbean life; he interpreted it. His songs became social commentary set to rhythm, often saying what ordinary people felt but could not—or would not—say publicly. Politicians, governments, social customs and economic hardships all became legitimate subjects for his sharp pen and unmistakable voice. That was the genius of Calypso at its best, and Sparrow was among its greatest practitioners. His catalogue reflected the contradictions of Caribbean society. Songs such as “Education,” “Capitalism Gone Mad,” “Congo Man,” “Drunk and Disorderly” and “No Money No Love” demonstrated his ability to move effortlessly between humour, social criticism and entertainment. There was often laughter in Sparrow’s music, but behind the laughter was observation. He understood that a calypsonian could entertain a crowd while simultaneously forcing that crowd to think. His achievements were extraordinary. He captured the Calypso King and Road March titles in 1956 and went on to win eight Calypso Monarch titles, eight Road March titles and the Calypso King of Kings title. His influence extended well beyond Trinidad and Tobago, earning recognition in Africa, North America, Europe and throughout the Caribbean. Guyana should remember that legacy with particular pride. Sparrow’s 1955 visit came at an important point in his emergence as an international performer, and his music subsequently became part of the cultural soundtrack of generations across this country and the region. His passing also reminds us of the importance of preserving Caribbean cultural history. Too often, societies celebrate their cultural giants most loudly after they are gone. By then, the songs have become memories, the performances archival footage and the personalities historical references. The region must do more to preserve, teach and celebrate the work of artists who helped define its identity while they are still with us. Sparrow’s recognition by CARICOM with the Order of the Caribbean Community in 2001 was a fitting acknowledgment of an entertainer who served as far more than an entertainer. He was a social commentator, cultural ambassador and chronicler of Caribbean life. His family’s announcement that he embraced the Christian faith and was baptised in the Seventh-day Adventist Church shortly before his death adds another deeply personal dimension to his final days. That spiritual decision belongs to his family and to Sparrow himself, but it is also a reminder that behind the public icon was a man whose life, like those of all human beings, extended beyond the stage. The Mighty Sparrow is gone, but his voice has not been silenced. Every time his music is played, a piece of Caribbean history speaks again. Every time a young calypsonian uses satire to challenge authority, inequality or hypocrisy, the tradition he helped elevate continues. The Caribbean has lost a giant. But giants of culture do not disappear completely. They leave songs, stories, memories and, most importantly, a legacy that teaches subsequent generations who they are. Farewell, Mighty Sparrow.
Guyana still struggling, Pres. Ali to give full practical effect to an inclusionary-democracy principle DEAR EDITOR, There is an old saying that charity begins at home. President Irfaan Ali would do well to remember it. Last Thursday, Ali stood before the United Nations and called for a Security Council that reflects the “geopolitical realities of the 21st century.” He demanded greater inclusion and representation in the international system while the very constitutional principle he invoked in spirit remains ignored by him at home. Guyana’s Constitution already demands the very inclusion President Irfaan Ali is calling on the world to embrace. Article 13 declares that “the principal objective of the political system of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for citizens and t h e i r o rg a n i s a t i o n s t o participate in the
management and decisionmaking processes of the State.” Before Ali can lecture the world about inclusion, representation and participation, he must first practice what he preaches at home. While the President is right that the international system has changed dramatically since 1945, his argument becomes hypocritical when he demands that international institutions dismantle outdated concentrations of power while questions persist about the extent to which our institutions, under his leadership, provide meaningful space for citizens and their organisations to participate in the management and decision-making processes of the State. Guyana does not need a constitutional amendment to implement the principle of
inclusion. It already has one, which is practised in the breach. I have long argued that democracy does not start or end at the ballot, but moreso with what happens in the day-to-day governance of society, whether rights are upheld universally, and all are subject to the rule of law. A Government committed to the constitutional system of inclusion should not treat the parliamentary Opposition forces as non-existent between elections, and only consider them worthy of being summoned on matters of national import, such as the border controversy, but not engage them on daily aspects of governance where their involvement is required. Neither has the Ali regime allowed the constitutional space for trade unions, professional bodies, c i v i l s o c i e t y, l o c a l
authorities and other organisations to participate meaningfully in decisions affecting the country and the people’s well-being. If representation matters at the UN, it must matter in Guyana between elections. If smaller and less powerful nations deserve protection from domination by larger powers, citizens and institutions within smaller nations deserve protection from domination by their own governments. There is another dimension that Ali’s UN formulation leaves untouched: whether citizens and independent organisations feel s u ff i c i e n t l y s e c u r e t o disagree with the government without risking dire economic or institutional consequences. This is where the true meaning of democracy is tested. Continued on page 5
State of access to necessary information DEAR EDITOR, Right thinking people in the 21st century do not want to remain at the mercy of tyrants and thieves that can infest the political system. To be sure, there were such people throughout the ages, but the increasing regulation of savagery requires a commensurate increase in available information. We are already aware that access to information in science and technology has multiplied the institutions of learning to try to encompass everyone born on Earth. There are still inequalities, but the ideals of the education system have largely allowed the sharing of knowledge via peer reviewed academic publication and international conferences. In its own words [1], “UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, is a specialised agency dedicated to strengthening international cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture, and information.” So, “recognising the significance of access to information, the 74th UN General Assembly proclaimed 28 September as the International Day for Universal Access to
Information (IDUAI) at the UN level in October 2019.” [2] I have invested many years as an educator in my country. I want to stress what I have said before about the necessity of access to information in the education of the nation. As a student in the days when we still had functioning railroads, the applied math textbooks were replete with problems about the powers, resistances and velocities of locomotives. The chemistry textbooks and examination syllabi considered the extraction of aluminium from bauxite. These were left over from colonial priorities. Why can’t we now have oil and gas extraction, finance and economics in our curricula? The obvious answer is that the government-controlled institutions like the Bureau of Statistics do not release sufficient true figures to local university researchers, who will be unable to distill it into credible bits for secondary and primary schools. Colleagues Cyril Hunte and Mike Persaud wrote about the necessity of knowing what natural resources we have. Kaieteur News (in print!) and Kiskadee Watch [3] used up space to publish their large
blank table on a variety of natural resources. Years before, I had submitted an equally big blank table on only oil and gas to the Ministry of Natural Resources to no avail. This is the state of ignorance we are kept in about what we own. I e v e n a s k e d t h e Commissioner of Information, but he used the bad Access to Information Act, with designed impunity, to give no reply and no reason for no reply to this citizen. The government feels it knows what is good for Guyanese, but what they might designate as expedience is really only a mask for a lack of a c c o u n t a b i l i t y, w h i c h encourages similar behaviour all down the chain of command until it manifests itself in disasters like road and river transport accidents. Selective enforcement is used to keep critics quiet and perpetuate the enrichment of the few at the expense of the many. The government and its apologists claim that information can be found in Bank of Guyana reports. This an insult to thinking citizens. There is no way to see how such figures are composed and distributed. They declare the amount of oil money every quarter that
goes into the NRF, but refuse, e.g., to supply details of the breakdown of the extraction into oil produced and sold, oil used for operations, and losses. There must be oilfield development plans, but none are published so that citizens can track the state of our natural resource against what is extracted and the expected remainder, and the latter’s state. Our useless Commissioner of Information should be writing something like what I am writing, as a paid advertisement in national news outlets, and taking proactive interest in disseminating details of information that add up and balance. UNESCO says, “We set standards, produce tools and develop knowledge to create solutions to some of the greatest challenges of our time, and foster a world of greater equality and peace.” So far, we are left to perceive that the secrecies of the political bosses deny citizens this kind of knowledge and opportunity to create solutions; they look instead to colonize themselves to the foreign exploiters, making their personal fortunes, not ours. Yours sincerely, Alfred Bhulai Access to Information advocate
Tuesday September 29, 2026
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Guyana Turn a UN Crisis into a Diplomatic Opportunity? DEAR EDITOR, The next SecretaryGeneral will inherit a deeply divided world. For Guyana, that may make the case for Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett more compelling - but winning the race will require careful diplomacy among the major powers. The next SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations will inherit one of the most difficult international environments in the organisation’s history. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, outgoing Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the global community had become more fragmented and divided than at any time in the previous 75 years. He went further, arguing that the transition toward a multipolar world was taking place without sufficiently strong global institutions to manage it. The result, he warned, could be greater chaos, opportunism and transactional politics rather than structured cooperation. Remarkably, Guterres suggested that the Cold War was, in some respects, less dangerous. The confrontation between the United States and Soviet Union carried the constant threat of nuclear war, but it also produced established mechanisms for arms control and crisis management. Today, he argued, the world
faces not only nuclear danger but also the existential challenges of climate change and uncontrolled artificial intelligence - without comparable mechanisms for managing them. That is the world into which the next SecretaryGeneral will step. Global cooperation has become harder to sustain. Strategic competition between the United States and China is reshaping trade and supply chains. Traditional alliances are under strain as national interests increasingly take precedence over collective approaches. Regional conflicts have multiplied, while the international system faces mounting pressure over climate change, food security, migration, technology and artificial intelligence. And the SecretaryGeneral will have to manage a crisis of confidence within the United Nations itself: pressure for institutional reform, chronic funding difficulties and paralysis within the Security Council, where the veto powers of the five permanent members can prevent collective action. The question, therefore, is not simply who should occupy the SecretaryGeneral’s office. It is what kind of leadership the international system requires at a moment when the old assumptions underpinning
that system are being challenged. A Race at a Critical Stage Against this background, the contest to succeed António Guterres has reached a critical stage. The third Security Council straw poll, conducted on September 18, put Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan narrowly ahead of Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. Grynspan received nine “encourage” votes, five “discourage” votes and one “no opinion”; RodriguesBirkett received eight “encourage,” six “discourage” and one “no opinion.” The two have emerged as the leading candidates through the first three rounds. The result is significant because the race remains far from settled. The eventual candidate must secure at least nine votes in the 15member Security Council and, critically, cannot receive a veto from any of the five permanent members - China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Guyana’s candidacy has the backing of CARICOM, and President Irfaan Ali used his address to the 81st session of the General Assembly to make a direct appeal for RodriguesBirkett. He argued that the world should look beyond the size of the country that
nominated her and consider the experience and qualities she could bring to an organisation in need of renewal. The symbolism is considerable. The Caribbean has never produced a Secretary-General. No woman has ever held the position. Rodrigues-Birkett would therefore represent not simply a Caribbean candidate, but a woman from a small developing state and an Indigenous Caribbean background seeking to lead t h e w o r l d ’s p r i n c i p a l multilateral institution. But symbolism alone will not decide the contest. How the Decision Is Actually Made Although all 193 UN member states ultimately participate in the formal appointment process, the decisive stage takes place in the Security Council. During the informal straw polls, the 15 Council members indicate whether they “encourage,” “discourage” or have “no opinion” on each candidate. In the early rounds, the identities of the permanent members behind individual votes are not disclosed. Later stages are designed to make the positions of the five permanent members clearer. Under Article 97 of the UN Charter, the General Assembly appoints the Secretary-General only after receiving a recommendation
Guyana still struggling, Pres. Ali to give full... From page 4 Tr a d e u n i o n s , f o r instance, have historically provided an independent counterweight to government and employers, but clear efforts are being made to shut the constitutional body out of the body politic, particularly those seen as independent of PPP control. Lest we forget, it was the trade union that initiated the fight for one man, one vote and internal selfgovernment, and laid the developmental foundation of post-independent Guyana. To be an independent trade union or unionist today can spell economic and social marginalisation for the organisation or the individual, even as Ali commands the international spotlight to push for inclusion, respect for diversity and the right to selfdetermination for small or less powerful nation-states, while his government moves aggressively to diminish that
very space at home. Government continues to flout the constitutional right to collective bargaining and freedom of association. The issue in Guyana is whether workers, businesses, professionals, media organisations or ordinary citizens feel secure that challenging political power would not jeopardise employment, contracts, licences, access to opportunities or institutional relationships. This has become a country where, when people speak freely, they have to fear economic reprisal. What sort of democracy is this? Further, on the matter of governance, the Constitution expressly recognises local government by freely elected representatives as “an integral part of the democratic organisation of the State.” That means the management of the people’s business does not start or stop at the National Assembly or Central
Government. Local authorities need meaningful administrative and financial capacity to govern their communities, as outlined in Articles 76 and 77 of the Constitution. This is not happening, and it becomes particularly consequential when local political majorities differ from the governing party nationally. An elected council that cannot effectively execute its mandate without central discretion is being structurally hindered from delivering for its communities. This exposes another dimension of Ali’s contradiction—the deliberate efforts at home at stifling independent authority and the right to self-determination while, on the international platform, he calls for an end to it. How can Ali expect the world to see him as sincere in his call that geopolitical legitimacy requires institutions to reflect
contemporary realities rather than preserve historical concentrations of power when he has no leg to stand on and cannot show how he has effectively applied that principle at home? If concentrated power is a problem at the Security Council, it should also be examined when political power dominates the institutions through which citizens participate in national life. If transparency and inclusion are necessary to legitimise international power, they are equally necessary to legitimise domestic power. Ali cannot, with any credibility, ask the world to modernise its architecture while Guyana is still struggling, under his leadership, to give full practical effect to an inclusionary-democracy principle written into its Constitution more than two decades ago. Sincerely, Lincoln Lewis
from the Security Council. The General Assembly then v o t e s o n t h a t recommendation. In practical terms, therefore, the Security Council is where the decisive bargaining occurs. That makes the current geopolitical environment both a complication and a potential opportunity for Guyana. Guyana’s Security Council Record Guyana has something important to bring to the table: recent experience at the centre of the very multilateral system that the next Secretary-General will be expected to repair. Guyana served a twoyear non-permanent term on the Security Council in 2024–2025 and held the Council presidency in February 2024 and June 2025. During its tenure, Guyana placed particular emphasis on climate change, food insecurity and conflict, while also highlighting peacebuilding, women and security, and youth and children in conflict. Its February 2024 presidency was particularly notable. Guyana brought the relationship between climate change, food insecurity and conflict to the centre of a high-level Security Council debate. The UN itself subsequently highlighted the importance of the climatefood-conflict nexus. This gives Guyana a credible argument that the concerns of small and vulnerable states are not peripheral to international s e c u r i t y. T h e y a r e increasingly central to it. Climate change, food i n s e c u r i t y, p o v e r t y, environmental degradation and conflict are no longer neatly separated problems. For many developing countries, they are interconnected drivers of instability. That perspective is
particularly relevant to a UN struggling to adapt institutions created in 1945 to the realities of the twentyfirst century. The Geopolitical Tightrope But there is another dimension to the campaign, and it is considerably more complicated. G u y a n a ’s s t r a t e g i c relationships intersect with the interests of all three major powers: The United States, China and Russia. Guyana has a particularly close security relationship with the United States, especially in the context of Ve n e z u e l a a n d w i d e r Caribbean security. At the same time, China is an important economic partner with interests in infrastructure, trade and development throughout the region. Russia, meanwhile, maintains a close relationship with Venezuela. Guyana therefore has to navigate a diplomatic landscape in which its national interests do not always align neatly with those of any one major power. That makes the campaign less a matter of persuading countries to “support Guyana” than of demonstrating why a Rodrigues-Birkett Secretary-General could serve the broader interests of a divided international community. There may also be an important regional calculation. President Ali and G u y a n a ’s d e l e g a t i o n recently joined US President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other leaders of the Shield of the Americas in adopting a joint communiqué focused on economic, security and multilateral coordination. Guyana’s participation reinforces its growing role in the security and economic Continued on page 6
Warning DEAR EDITOR, Beware the love of money; Beware the designation “Oil Rich Guyana.” Beware formulae against the sufferings Beware Pride clothed in humility Beware constructions to the skies While below unsettled muddy floods flow. For Time is still alive and well And where faith is placed may fail As Time moves on But there is success in good moral standards We all know them, hard to live, But fruitful to the end. Regards, Krishna Nand Prasad
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APNU demands answers over billions pumped into GuySuCo amid factory failures A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is calling on President Irfaan Ali to launch an investigation and provide answers on the billions of dollars invested in the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), amid continued factory failures, poor performance and reports of wastage. In two video clips posted to his Facebook page, Member of Parliament, Vi n c e r o y J o r d a n s a i d billions of taxpayers’ dollars have been pumped into GuySuCo for maintenance, production, modernisation and rehabilitation, yet factory failures and operational problems continue, with disturbing images now surfacing of major leakage and wastage. “The two most recent videos showing leakage at GuySuCo factories raise serious questions: How much is being lost? Who knew about it? When was it reported? What repairs were ordered? And most importantly, what has the government and GuySuCo management done about it?” he asked. Jordan pointed out that the corporation has received substantial financial support in recent years, with the total amounting to more than $50 billion. This includes $6 billion to improve production and operational efficiency. Government has also reported significant i n v e s t m e n t s i n mechanisation, factory rehabilitation and equipment. Last year, the budgeted allocation for GuySuCo was $13.3 billion to rehabilitate and support the industry. This year, the allocation increased by $100 million to $13.4 billion to facilitate sugar boiler replacements, five cane [cane-related equipment], an Albion billet-cane conveyor system and additional sugar dryers for the Rose Hall and Uitvlugt estates. In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture disclosed that $8.4 billion was allocated to the corporation this year to cover wages, fuel, lubricants, essential materials, supplies and contractors. Despite these substantial investments, GuySuCo produced only 59,200 tonnes of sugar last year, falling short of its alreadyreduced target of 60,000
APNU MP Vinceroy Jordan tonnes. “For years, I have raised concerns about poor m a n a g e m e n t , incompetence, weak maintenance and GuySuCo’s failure to meet production targets. These concerns cannot continue to be ignored. PRESIDENT ALI MUST ACT. I call on President Irfaan Ali to instruct Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha to produce a detailed report on the wastage and operational failures at Albion, Uitvlugt, Blairmont and other GuySuCo factories,” Jordan urged. Jordan stressed that Guyanese, whose money is invested in the corporation year after year, deserve answers. “How much product has been lost through leakage and wastage? What is the financial value of those losses? How much has been spent on maintenance and repairs? When were these problems first identified? Who was responsible for addressing them? What action has management taken following the recent incidents? Has anyone been held accountable?” he asked. “The Government cannot continue to ask taxpayers to provide billions of dollars while remaining silent when valuable resources are being wasted.” Jordan argued that financial support must be accompanied by accountability and results. “Money without accountability is not management; investment without results is not reform. President Ali must order the investigation. Minister Mustapha must account. GuySuCo management must answer. And where negligence or failure is established, those responsible must be held accountable,” he said.
Tuesday September 29, 2026
Something has to be done! We must continue to remember DEAR EDITOR, The recent edition of Sources had an interview with survivors / family members of the MV Barima t r a g e d y, a n d i t w a s heartbreaking to see the tears, hurt and trauma that was being expressed on the show. Our people continue to suffer from this national tragedy, which is the worst in the country’s history, while the government remains slow to act to help bring accountability and justice. A mother had just spoken of losing her two children and broke down in tears and I paused the recording of the show because of the heartbreak felt when some birds in the backyard began to make lots of noise. Three birds arrived and two smaller ones flew towards me and disappeared above the roof, while the larger bird sat on a perch angrily awaiting something to happen. Even the birds in the backyard could feel what the members of the current administration do not. There
was so much restlessness in the air at a time when birds would have already settled in for the evening. Nature has not ignored the pain of our people. Our politicians should not. The people are losing confidence in the current administration. All Guyanese lives must matter! Money and handouts can never replace love for our loved ones. The Ali administration has lost credibility, and they appear to have lost their moral compass. It is time to make amends by holding senior officials and ministers accountable and by ensuring that no future tragedies occur. So many tragedies in such a short period of time is unacceptable. Safety is an Achilles heel for this administration. The evidence hidden on the sea floor must be presented. There is no good reason to delay further. Those who must be held accountable cannot hide from the long arm of the law. Families are getting angry, communities are getting angry, and the Guyanese
people are getting angry. Enough is enough! If the magnitude and depth of hurt caused by this preventable tragedy does not motivate the Ali administration to act swiftly and in the best interest of our fellow Guyanese, nothing will. Where is the humanity, where is the sense of justice and urgency? The Ali administration will continue to lose face until the bodies trapped in the MV Barima wreckage have been laid to rest. This is more urgent than a new road. It is more urgent than an additional power ship. It is more urgent than travel overseas by the president. The passage of time cannot be used to distract our people from what has occurred and what is pending. A forced celebration of heritage will not cast a shadow on this national tragedy. It will not cause us to forget the pain felt and the continual hurt being experienced by our fellow citizens. Corrupt political strategy will not succeed.
Our humanity demands that we continue to care and that we continue to demand justice. The Ali administration must stand with we the people and not against us. Do what is correct, t i m e l y, u r g e n t , a n d desperately needed. Act now or lose our support for and confidence in your leadership. No government can be successful without the support of the people. If the Ali administration cannot support us in a time of need, how can they expect we the people to support them when they need us. Be wise and delay no further. Guyana needs strong and competent leaders grounded in moral principles, integrity, and an unshakable sense of justice. Show us with actions that you can still be one of those leaders by overcoming that which has made your response to this tragedy unacceptable by the majority of our people. Sincerely, Mr. Jamil Changlee
Guyana Turn a UN Crisis into a Diplomatic... From page 5 architecture of the Western Hemisphere. That relationship should not be reduced to a simple quid pro quo over the S e c r e t a r y - G e n e r a l ’s appointment. But it does give Guyana a channel for making the case directly to Washington that the choice of Secretary-General matters to the future effectiveness of the multilateral system including one in which the United States has substantial strategic interests. The same logic applies, in different ways, to China and Russia. The objective should not be to present a RodriguesBirkett candidacy as an instrument against any particular power. That could make her less acceptable, not more. The stronger diplomatic argument is that the next Secretary-General must be someone capable of working across competing geopolitical blocs without becoming the representative of any one of them. A Caribbean Moment This is where CARICOM’s collective weight becomes important. The Caribbean has never occupied the Secretary-
General’s office. The region has a legitimate interest in greater representation within an international system in which small states often find themselves negotiating with much larger powers. R o d r i g u e s - B i r k e t t ’s candidacy also carries a wider representation argument: a woman from the Caribbean, from a small developing state and with Indigenous Caribbean heritage, would bring experiences that have never been represented at the highest level of the UN. But CARICOM should be careful not to frame the contest simply as a test of whether the great powers respect small states. That risks turning a campaign for a candidate into a confrontation between blocs. A more effective argument would be that the present crisis of multilateralism is precisely why the next SecretaryGeneral should be someone capable of building bridges across those divisions. That is a message that can potentially resonate in Wa s h i n g t o n , B e i j i n g , Moscow, London and Paris as well as among the many smaller states whose
interests are often overshadowed by greatpower competition. The Work Ahead The third straw poll should therefore be viewed not as a verdict but as a map. Rodrigues-Birkett is only one vote short of the nine “encourage” votes required in the latest informal poll, but the six “discourage” votes demonstrate that significant resistance remains. More importantly, the early straw polls do not reveal which positions belong to the permanent members. Guyana and CARICOM consequently have considerable diplomatic work ahead. They need to identify where support for Rodrigues-Birkett is firm, where it is movable, and where resistance may be connected to particular geopolitical concerns. They need to understand not only the positions of the five permanent members but also the calculations of the elected members of the Council. And they need to make the campaign about more than Guyana. The central message could be much larger: the world is entering an increasingly multipolar era,
but the institutions designed to manage that world have not kept pace. The next Secretary-General therefore needs to be a bridge-builder someone able to engage great powers without becoming captive to them, while ensuring that the concerns of smaller and developing states remain part of the global conversation. That is a difficult case to make. But it is also precisely the kind of case that a candidate from Guyana can credibly embody. The paradox of this race is that the very fragmentation threatening the effectiveness of the United Nations may create the opening for a candidate whose principal asset is the ability to bridge divides. For Guyana, the challenge now is to turn that possibility into a diplomatic s t r a t e g y - q u i e t l y, persistently and with enough sophistication to make the major powers see RodriguesBirkett not merely as Guyana’s candidate, but as a potentially useful candidate for a United Nations struggling to find its way in a fractured world. Regards, Ron Cheong
Tuesday September 29, 2026
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Tuesday September 29, 2026
Defence seeks stay of murder charges in MV Barima sinking, cites abuse of process
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t t o r n e y s representing two of the three crew members charged with murder in the catastrophic sinking of the MV Barima submitted formal written arguments to the Charity Magistrate’s Court on Monday, September 28, 2026, calling for an immediate stay of criminal proceedings on the grounds of an abuse of process. The defence submission for the accused, Kevin Price and Delon Granderson in the matter of the State v Kevin Price and others, was presented to Magistrate Ravindra Mohabir by a defence team led by Dr. Dexter Todd. Prosecutor Mandel Moore has been given until October 12, 2026, to file the state’s response, with Magistrate Mohabir scheduled to deliver his ruling on October 19. In the interim, all three crew members, Kevin Price, Delon Granderson, and Chief Mate Rondell Dwayne Roberts, were further remanded to prison. The prosecution stems from the July 18, 2026 tragedy in which the vessel sank while travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, resulting in 73 confirmed deaths, approximately 30 missing
Murder accused appeared on Zoom. persons, and 76 rescues. The three men were jointly charged with murder on July 28. In the seven-page submission filed today and seen by this publication, defence counsel argued that the state bypassed mandatory statutory procedures set out under Part XVIII of the Guyana Shipping Act, Chapter 49:01. Under the Act, maritime casualties
involving loss of life require a specialised preliminary inquiry and a formal investigation by a board equipped with nautical and engineering expertise to determine the technical causes of the disaster. The defence contends that proceeding directly with murder charges before these statutory maritime investigations, or the government-appointed Commission of Inquiry, are
completed creates parallel, overlapping processes. Counsel submitted that requiring the accused to defend against criminal allegations while the underlying factual and technical causes of the sinking remain unresolved risks premature attribution o f r e s p o n s i b i l i t y, conflicting findings, and serious prejudice to the defence. The defence clarified that
it is not challenging the constitutional power of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to bring c r i m i n a l c h a rg e s , b u t maintains that the criminal matter should be stayed until the specialised marinecasualty investigation process is properly concluded. Paper committal proceedings in the matter are currently set to commence on November 16, 2026, pending the court’s decision on the abuse of process application. Kaieteur News previously reported that the three men facing murder charges in connection with the catastrophic July 18 sinking of the MV Barima were further remanded to prison earlier in September, following state prosecutors’ confirmation that full disclosure of evidence has been handed over to the defence. The court appearance follows emotional scenes earlier in the legal process when Captain Price broke his silence while being escorted in handcuffs into the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Overcome with tears, the 40-year-old Melanie Damishana resident shouted out that the governmentassigned vessel was wildly
unseaworthy and 87 years old. “I ain’t deserve this, father God… I ain’t deserve this,” Price cried out to reporters outside the courthouse, alleging the ferry lacked critical safety gear, including a functional anchor, radar, search and rescue transponders, and an Emergency PositionIndicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB). Price further alleged that the ship’s inflatable life rafts had been expired for two years. “Those life rafts expired since 2022, and maritime did an inspection and did not write off that vessel,” he claimed. The disaster has ignited intense public scrutiny surrounding regulatory oversight, vessel maintenance, and potential overloading. While survivors and grieving relatives maintain the ferry was carrying far too many passengers and heavy cargo, government authorities have continued to deny claims of overloading. All three defendants, Price, Roberts, 42, of Grove Public Road, and Granderson, 33, of Fellowship, will remain in custody pending the start of November ’s committal proceedings.
Antigua breaks CARICOM ranks, backs Ecuadorian for UN top job
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ntigua and Barbuda has broken with several Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries by backing Ecuadorian diplomat María Fernanda Espinosa for the post of United Nations Secretary-General, while regional governments continue to rally behind Guyana’s candidate, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. Addressing world leaders during the UN General Assembly in New York, Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Walton Alfonso Webson, announced his country’s support for Espinosa, a former Ecuadorian Foreign Minister and linguist. The decision came as several CARICOM leaders publicly endorsed Rodrigues-Birkett, G u y a n a ’s P e r m a n e n t Representative to the UN
and the Caribbean Community’s candidate for the top UN post. RodriguesBirkett is the first Guyanese and Caribbean national to be nominated for the position. Explaining Antigua and Barbuda’s position, Webson said the next SecretaryGeneral would inherit a UN confronted by wars and conflicts, deep geopolitical divisions, financial constraints, the climate crisis and declining public trust. “The choice before us is about more than selecting an individual,” Webson said. “It is about the future direction of this Organization.” He said Antigua and Barbuda had therefore nominated Espinosa, whom he described as a credible bridge-builder capable of restoring confidence in multilateralism at a time of global fragmentation. Webson also called for the UN80 reform process to be judged by whether the
organisation ultimately serves people better. For Small Island Developing States (SIDS), he said, this includes protecting the development pillar, implementing the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS and ensuring that international support reaches vulnerable communities. He warned that trade disputes, tariffs and economic fragmentation were increasing the cost of food, transportation and development, with small states often bearing the consequences of disputes they did not create. Webson urged major economies to rely on dialogue, cooperation and fairness in managing international finance. “A hurricane does not check GDP [gross domestic product] before destroying a school. A rising sea does not c o n s u l t i n c o m e classifications before
entering a home or village,” he said. He argued that the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index was therefore important because it provides a measure of the structural vulnerabilities of small states that GDP alone cannot capture. Recalling that the international community had gathered in Antigua and Barbuda two years ago to adopt a 10-year framework for sustainable development and resilience, Webson said the focus must now shift to implementation. “Now comes the real hard work — implementation,” he said, stressing the need for SIDS to move from vulnerability to resilience. CARICOM backs Guyana Meanwhile, CARICOM countries are continuing to reaffirm their support for Rodrigues-Birkett. CARICOM Heads of Government formally
Ambassador to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett endorsed the Guyanese diplomat in July, following Guyana’s nomination of her for the post. RodriguesBirkett currently serves as G u y a n a ’s P e r m a n e n t Representative to the UN and previously served as Foreign Minister. During the General Debate, St Kitts and Nevis Deputy Prime Minister Geoffrey Hanley publicly endorsed her candidacy.
“Saint Kitts and Nevis proudly joins CARICOM in endorsing Her Excellency Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana for the office of the United Nations Secretary-General,” Hanley said. He highlighted her understanding of the challenges confronting developing countries and the significance of her Continued on page 16
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Tuesday September 29, 2026
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No security of tenure for ministers There is a new career opportunity developing in Guyana that could revolutionise the public service. You can become a former Minister. Traditionally, when somebody stopped being a Minister, the public assumed that was the end of the ministerial chapter. The person might return to Parliament, go into business, practice law, write a book, open a restaurant or spend several months explaining to everybody that the Cabinet reshuffle had absolutely nothing to do with performance. But apparently there is now another option. You can stop being Minister and then continue working in the same ministry, sometimes as an adviser, consultant or other suitably impressivesounding person. This creates a fascinating administrative situation. Imagine, for example, that Minister X has spent several years supervising Permanent S e c r e t a r y Y, D e p u t y Secretary Z and everybody else in the ministry. Then comes a Cabinet reshuffle. Minister X is no longer Minister. However, Minister X remains in the ministry as an adviser. Minister X therefore goes from being the person
everybody reports to, to being a person who reports to somebody who used to report to Minister X. This is the sort of arrangement that causes the organisational chart to develop an existential crisis. Somewhere in the ministry, an office assistant is staring at the chart and saying: “Wait nah. So who does he report to?” The answer is apparently: “The person he used to tell what to do.” “Oh.” Long pause. “And who does that person report to?” “The new Minister.” “And who did the new Minister report to before?” “Former Minister X.” At this point, the office assistant quietly closes the organisational chart and decides to concentrate on stationery. To be fair, there can be legitimate reasons for retaining the experience of a former Minister. Governments accumulate knowledge, relationships and institutional memory, and throwing all of that away simply because somebody has changed portfolios would not necessarily make sense. A former Minister may possess useful expertise. The person may know the
ministry’s programmes, understand international negotiations, have established relationships with stakeholders and remember where the bones are buried. Metaphorically speaking, of course. The issue, therefore, is not whether a former Minister can make a useful adviser. The issue is whether the appointment is genuinely based on the needs of the public service, and whether the new arrangement is sufficiently clear about authority, responsibility and accountability. That is where the eyebrows begin to rise. Because Ministers, of all people, know that being a Minister is not a permanent job. The Constitution and the political system do not provide Ministers with lifetime occupancy of ministerial chairs. Cabinet changes. Governments change. Portfolios change. Political circumstances change. This is not supposed to be news to anybody who accepts a ministerial appointment. When you become a Minister, you are accepting a political office. There is no guarantee that when the ministerial music stops, you will still have a chair. And if the chair
Dem Boys Seh...
De Fireside Back in de old days, when yuh hear somebody seh dem gat fireside in dem house, nobody ain’t thinking about decoration. Dem was talking about a mudbaked stove. That fireside was a serious piece of equipment. Yuh put some firewood and coal inside, blow till yuh nearly faint, and before long de whole kitchen hot enough to roast a breadfruit without even putting it near de fire. And de curry! Boy, curry cook on fireside had a different kind of authority. Chicken curry, duck curry, bunjal beef—anything cook on dem old fireside had flavour that could make a man forget he was supposed to be watching his blood pressure. The heat from that fireside was so powerful that if yuh stand up too close, yuh could feel yuh eyebrows reconsidering their career. But times change. Today, when people tell yuh dem gat a fireside in de house, dem ain’t talking about no mud stove. Dem talking about one big fancy contraption imported from some cold country where people does wake up and find snow blocking de front door. Dem things does sit in de living room looking real sophisticated, waiting to warm up people who already living in a country where de sun does behave like it got personal issues with
everybody. And Guyanese people buying them. Some stores in Guyana actually selling firesides. Some of dem does call it fireplace. Fireside! Fireplace! In Guyana! A country where the weather does already provide free heating from January straight through December. We so foreign-minded that some people does install fireside in de living room, then turn on de air-conditioner to cool down de room. Only in Guyana yuh could see a man sitting five feet from a fireside, wearing a jersey, with the air-conditioner humming overhead, and he still complaining, “Boy, this place cold, bai.” Cold? Outside the temperature is trying to boil the Atlantic Ocean. The man probably have the thermostat set to “Antarctica” while the fireside working overtime like it owe him money. Then somebody does come into the room and ask, “Why de fireside on?” “Fuh ambiance.” Ambiance! Back in the old days, fireside was for cooking. Today, fireside is for vibes. Next thing yuh know, somebody gon install a fireplace in the bedroom, put on two blankets, turn on the AC, and complain that Guyana weather is too unpredictable. Dem boys seh Guyana is the only place where yuh could freeze while sweating. And if that ain’t development, dem boys don’t know what is. Talk half. Leff half.
disappears, the normal human response is supposed to be: “Okay. What next?” Not necessarily: “Okay. Which office is still available in my old ministry?” This is where the public begins using a word that has acquired a certain popularity in Guyana: sinecure. A sinecure is essentially a position that provides income or status with comparatively little demanding work. It is a dangerous word because once somebody starts using it, every government appointment suddenly develops a suspiciouslooking moustache. Government, naturally, can respond that the position is not a sinecure. The former Minister has responsibilities. There are reports to write. Meetings to attend. Briefings to prepare. Documents to r e v i e w. A d v i c e t o b e rendered. Perhaps there are even PowerPoint
presentations. Nobody should underestimate the seriousness of PowerPoint. A person can spend an entire morning moving a bullet point from Slide 14 to Slide 15 and emerge from the office looking as though he has negotiated a peace treaty. Still, the appearance of patronage matters almost as much as the reality. If a former Minister is appointed to a genuine professional position after leaving office, with clearly defined duties, transparent remuneration and an obvious administrative need, that is one thing. If the arrangement appears to be little more than a mechanism for ensuring that somebody who has ceased to be a Minister does not actually cease to enjoy the benefits associated with being one, people are naturally going to ask questions. And Guyanese people have never been reluctant to
ask questions. Especially when somebody else is getting a government vehicle. The larger issue is w h e t h e r p u b l i c appointments are being treated as instruments of public administration or as a continuation package for political office-holders. A Ministerial appointment should not come with an implied warranty saying: “In the unlikely event that your ministerial tenure expires, your government will automatically upgrade you to Former Minister Plus.” There is no such warranty. And perhaps there shouldn’t be. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Oil-rich Guyana urged to swap... From page 2 operational,” the analyst said. Further, the sources suggested that if Guyana were to stockpile swapped distillates in a domestic Strategic Fuel Reserve, the economic ripple effects would be substantial. “By subsidising or stabilising the price of diesel at the pump using its own resource equity, the government could immediately lower operational costs for domestic manufacturers and slash transportation freight rates.” Lowering the cost of transporting agricultural produce could help cool food inflation and offer tangible relief to consumers.
Economists frequently warn of the “Dutch Disease”—where an influx of foreign oil capital drives up local currency and prices, hollows out other sectors, and leaves the population struggling to afford everyday necessities. While Guyana’s GDP figures continue to draw recognition from global financial institutions, market watchers stress that without bridging the gap between offshore production and onshore energy costs-whether through finalised infrastructure or strategic swap mechanisms-the domestic economy will remain acutely vulnerable to the very global price shocks its oil exports help to supply.
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Tuesday September 2026 Monday May 02,29, 2022
BY GHK LALL
H@RD TRUTHS From Salem and Wisconsin to Georgetown, Guyana S
UTH
D TR
HAR
HK
BY G
L
LAL
Over three hundred years after Massachusetts, the plague that roiled it struck Georgetown. Over three quarters of a century after Wisconsin, that same bomb has been detonated across Guyana. It’s a bunker buster. Everyone keeping their heads low; who doesn’t have cover run to find it. In Massachusetts, the place was called Salem. It earned immortal infamy for witch hunts; the many set afire to drive the devil out of them. From Wisconsin came a washedout alcoholic who became an American hero. Joe McCarthy was his name; scaring people was his game. Even his own Republican
Senators, even his Republican President, war superstar Eisenhower, feared him. Joe McCarthy hated commies. Wonder what he would have done with the closet ones here. For Guyanese unfamiliar with ‘McCarthyism’ a little primer. It was about hunting for red snakes in offices, in the army, anywhere he could find them. He was adaptable. When he couldn’t find subversives, he manufactured them. McCarthyism didn’t die when he died. McCarthyism has fastened its fangs deep in Guyana, thanks to PPP Guyana. In fairness to the dead senator ’s memory, witch hunts are not new to
Guyana. The PPP Govt has Live in Guyana. Guyana’s Minister of Justice, Hon Anil Nandlall is tongue-tied, handcuffed, trussed up (like a chicken) when Live in Guyana engages in its dirty scares, its witch hunts. If I had the secret support of the biggest presences in this country, witch hunting might be a calling considered. Senior Counsel Nandlall pretends ignorance of that existence, at a loss about what to do. Dr. Clifton Hicken, Top Cop, also respects darkness, seeks distance. Thus, witch hunts and red scares (the proper party color) abound unchecked. Live in Guyana is a Guyana Gestapo equivalent that embodies the characteristics of Germany’s Third Reich Goebbels, R u s s i a ’s S t a l i n , a n d Guyana’s Burnham. The PPP Govt respects Forbes Burnham so much that it holds one of his stars tightly to its bosom. In sum, Guyanese who spoke differently are
diabolical, driven by the demonic. Thus, the PPP witch hunts began. So, they flourish. Enter Washington. Not Seattle, Washington, but Washington, District of Columbia. The new McCarthyite red scare, the new American witch hunt, has a two-word name: visa review. The loyalty factor of Harry Truman days. The oath of honourable citizens demanded as proof of patriotism. What standard was violated that necessitated “visa review” in the particular situation that now transfixes Guyana? If a judge today, the jury is next, the public last. If a judge, then damage has been done, mission accomplished. The special relationship between PPP Guyana and Trump America marches deeper into the mudflats. Deportees yesterday, visa review today. Tomorrow could bring ICE to Guyana. Cooling is needed. Just not that KKK kind. In the two-word hammer of “visa review” I recall
other two-word labels that engineered much destruction. One is Manifest D e s t i n y, t h e s e c o n d i s domino effect. Cheddi Jagan could have written books about both, if still here. Manifest Destiny today means to own and control all the oil in this hemisphere. Midterm changes or none, no one is walking those gains back. Meanwhile, the domino effect means that no one must stand in the way. No plan, no programme, no plank allowed to topple. Therefore, a sacrificial lamb swaddles “visa review”, seemingly prompted by Guyana. I hear a fearsome Final Solution warning: buckle down or be brokendown. My God! This is the America to which I gave my best years. Wherever “visa review” terminates for a judge now besieged, of this one development, this one environment, this one commitment, be assured. Guyana is now a cow
country. Cowed into silence. Cowed by the American hysterectomies performed on Guyanese men. Cowed by American castrations of Guyanese womanhood. Some balls must be developed on which to roll. Because when the ball bearings go, the brains were already fried, pickled, and gone. I can see a Confederate Flag flying around Office of the President, Freedom House, Carmichael Street, other high Guyana offices. It is the price of power. It is 2026. It might as well be Salem in 1696 and McCarthy in 1956. Consider the witch hunts and demagogic scares that now prosper in and coming into Guyana from America. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Tuesday September 29, 2026
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Chinese company rakes in US$334 million in revenue from Guyana gold mine in six months
Z
ijin Mining Group Co. Ltd, a Chinese-state owned mining giant operating in Guyana, through its subsidiary AGM Inc. has reported earnings of US$334 million from its Aurora Gold Mine in Guyana for the first half of 2026. The information is disclosed in the recently published 2026 Interim Report on Zijin’s global gold operation. Zijin said in the first half of 2026 it benefitted from high gold prices, contribution of newly acquired assets and further operating improvements of mature mines. The company also stated that mined gold production rose by 44% year-on-year to approximately 27.3 tonnes and revenue increased by 100% and revenue increasing by 100% compared to the same period in 2025 to US$3.987 billion. As it relates to AGM, Zijin said during the first half of 2026 AGM’s revenue from the Guyana project reached US$334 million. This publication reported from Zijin’s interim halfyear 2025 report, that operating income for the first half of 2025 was RMB1.47893 billion (over US$200 million) from the Aurora Gold Mine. AGM Inc., a whollyowned subsidiary of Zijin, operates the Aurora Gold Mine, which is located in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). In the 2026 report, Zijin stated that the Aurora Gold Mine was among four projects that all increased production year-on-year. The company further reported that the Aurora Gold Mine mined gold production for the first six months of 2026 is 2.2 tonnes an increase from the 2.0
tonnes reported for the same period in 2025 – representing a year-on-year increase of 10%. Moreover, during the reporting period, Zijin said geological exploration activities completed 11,000 metres of drilling at the Aurora Gold Mines. It further disclosed that production exploration activities at the Guyana project is focused on openpit mining, processing and refining operations and continued efforts to strengthen grade control and ore blending management with 10,000 metres of in-pit drilling completed. During the first half of 2026, Zijin reported that five underground drilling rigs operated steadily at the Aurora Gold Mine. As it relates to project operation and production Zijin stated, “The mine reduced costs and improved recovery rate through measures such as pit backfilling, underground waste-rock backfilling, optimisation of blasting materials, gravity separation and carbon fines recovery.” It further stated that the photovoltaic and power storage systems have commenced, reducing reliance on diesel generated power and effectively lowering production costs. AGM is currently Guyana’s lone large-scale gold operator. Z i j i n ’s f o o t h o l d i n Guyana’s mining landscape was solidified in August 2020 when they acquired the largest gold mines operation in the country from Canadian-owned AGM for a sum of US$238 million. The mine holds estimated reserves close to 184 tonnes of gold or approximately six million ounces of gold. A G M ’s m i n i n g a n d processing methods includes open-pit mining, underground mining, gravity
Aurora Gold Mine - 2023 photo
Snippet of Zijin’s 2026 Interim Report on earnings from Aurora Gold Mine separation and cyanide leaching. In April, Zijin published its 2025 Annual Report on its
global operation which revealed that its operating income from the Aurora Gold Mine last year was
3.68651 RMB billion (US$ 549.1 million). That report also stated that the Guyana m i n e p r o d u c e d
Bath mechanic dies after car topples into trench with girlfriend
Dead: Afridi Rahaman, 21
A West Coast Berbice mother is grieving the loss of her only son who perished in a Sunday evening vehicular incident on the No. 6 Village Public Road, West Coast Berbice. Twenty-one-year-old Afridi Rahaman, of Lot 39 Bath Plantation, West Coast Berbice, died after reportedly losing control of the vehicle he was driving. According to police reports, the incident occurred at 8:20 on Sunday night. At the time of the incident,
Rahaman was behind the wheel of motor car #PAB 8323, owned by Jamaladeen Rahaman. His girlfriend, 19-year-old Parveena Brijemal, of East Canje, Berbice, was in the car with him in the front passenger seat. Preliminary investigations disclosed that the now dead Rahaman was heading west along the southern side on No. 6 Public Road. While negotiating a right turn, he lost control of his vehicle and ended up Continued on page 16
The car Rahaman and his girlfriend were traveling in.
approximately 4.5 tonnes of gold, representing an 11% increase from 4.1 tonnes in 2024.
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Fire breaks out at Sophia Children’s Home
Tuesday September 29, 2026
The frozen fish and the parcels of suspected cocaine that were discovered.
- all children accounted for
Miner held with ‘coke’ in fish Scenes of the fire at the Sophia Children’s Home Monday evening Fire Monday evening destroyed sections of the female dormitory of the Sophia Children’s Home and at least nine children had to be rushed to the Georgetown Hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation. The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and the Guyana Fire Service have confirmed that all of the occupants of the state-run facility have been accounted for and that the fire has been contained. “All children housed at the Plum Park location have been accounted for and safely evacuated,” ministry said in a statement Children who experienced health issues have been transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for medical attention, while the other children have been relocated to a safe location. The ministry said it continues to closely monitor the situation. The safety, health and welfare of the children remain its immediate priority. The ministry thanks the Guyana Fire Service for its swift response, as well as all those assisting with the evacuation, care and
protection of the children. It noted that further updates will be provided as verified information becomes available. The ministry also urged members of the public to respect the privacy of the children and refrain from sharing unverified information or images that could identify them. Meanwhile, also in a statement the Guyana Fire Service said firefighters have fully extinguished the fire at the Children and Family Home. According to the agency, firefighters observed the fire on the top floor of the female dormitory. Through swift, coordinated efforts, they brought the blaze under control and extinguished it, preventing further spread. “The firefighters are currently conducting mop-up operations, which include checking for hidden pockets of fire and ensuring the building is safe from possible reignition. All of the residents are accounted for, however, nine of the children suffered from smoke inhalation and were treated by the EMTs and were transported to the Georgetown Hospital for further treatment.
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44-year-old miner is now in custody after police, acting on information, intercepted the motor vehicle, which he was driving and discovered 36 pounds of suspected cocaine concealed in frozen fish. In a press statement, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) reported that the intelligence operation was conducted on Sunday September 27, 2026, at Richmondville, Providence, East Bank Demerara, when ranks intercepted a motor vehicle driven by the miner, who was the sole occupant. A search of the vehicle was conducted, and ranks found two bags containing frozen fish in the trunk. An examination of the fish revealed several parcels containing a white powdery substance suspected to be cocaine concealed inside the fish. A total of 15 parcels containing the suspected cocaine were recovered from the frozen fish. The miner was arrested and taken to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters along with
the suspected narcotics and motor vehicle. The suspect remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Tuesday September 29, 2026
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Tuesday September 29, 2026
Spy Chief tells court he directed surveillance of Mohamed without higher orders Head of the Guyana Police Force’s Special Branch, Prem Narine, conceded in court that he unilaterally initiated surveillance on Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed without instructions from political superiors, amidst intense cross-examination during ongoing extradition proceedings at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman. The revelation emerged during a line of questioning by defense counsel Siand Dhurjon, who accused the intelligence chief of deploying state resources to monitor and frame Mohamed long before the official extradition request arrived from the United States. The proceedings took a turn when defence counsel pressed Narine on whether he had caused Mohamed to be under frequent surveillance. Narine initially refused to answer, citing statutory constraints. “As a result of the secret act that I
Reportedly Special Branch vehicle parked by the Mohameds’- PAC 3139 signed the declaration, I don’t think I can answer that question,” Narine stated. Defence counsel immediately challenged the refusal, asking the presiding magistrate to compel an answer on the grounds that the Official Secrets Act contains no provision shielding a witness from testifying in a judicial inquiry. Following guidance from the court, Narine admitted under oath that he had indeed caused Mohamed
to be monitored. When asked whether this surveillance had begun long before the extradition request was submitted, Narine testified that he could not recall. Defense counsel argued that the special branch resources were heavily redirected starting in early 2024 to monitor Mohamed, his family, and his associates as part of a concerted effort to suppress political opposition. “It is our case that Mr.
Narine is a tool to frame the Mohameds... to transmit this request through illegal methods,” counsel argued, adding that the defence aimed to uncover “how far our leaders in government have gone to suppress the Mohameds and their political opinions.” The prosecution objected, characterising the line of questioning as an irrelevant “fishing expedition” that wasted judicial time, noting that Narine’s role under Section 77 was limited to collecting the extradition documents, obtaining the warrant, and executing the arrest. Overruling the prosecution’s objection, the magistrate allowed the questioning. Narine rejected defense suggestions that the surveillance was directed by high-ranking political figures, insisting that the operation was conducted entirely on his own initiative without reporting his findings to superiors. “Who instructed you to keep Mr. Azruddin Mohamed under
Reportedly Special Branch vehicle parked by the Mohameds’- PAC 2716 and PAG 3188
surveillance?” defence counsel pressed. “No one instructed me,” Narine responded. “You just did it
because you wanted to do it?” “No, I had a reason for Continued on page 16
Rules gazetted for MV Barima CoI ahead of public hearings The Commission of Inquiry into the fatal sinking of the M/V Barima has officially published its governing procedural rules in the official gazette, establishing the formal framework for public hearings, witness interviews, and evidence collection as investigative work deepens at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. The development comes as the secretariat prepares to host a press conference shortly to update the nation on its preliminary findings and timeline. Javed Shadick, secretary to the commission, confirmed with Kaieteur N e w s t h a t t h e commissioners will address the media directly regarding the ongoing proceedings in the coming week. Kaieteur News observed commission member Dr. Andrzej Jasionowski at the Liliendaal Secretariat actively reviewing the M/V Barima logbooks. His technical examination forms part of an intensive documentary review into the vessel’s operational history and maritime logs. The tragedy, which occurred when the vessel capsized and sank, claimed the lives of more than one hundred passengers and
afternoon at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara. No date has been communicated as yet. The commission retains the authority to order in-camera sittings only under specific circumstances where necessary to protect c o n f i d e n t i a l i t y, l e g a l privilege, the proper
administration of justice, or public safety. The investigative phase focuses on interviewing witnesses, gathering physical evidence, and collecting relevant records. All persons, government agencies, and maritime entities in possession of original documents, electronic files,
Javed Shadick Dr. Andrzej Jasionowski at the Liliendaal Secretariat actively reviewing the MV Barima logbooks crew members. Families of the victims and survivors continue to call for accountability and swift closure. The official publication, cited as the Commission of Inquiry (M/V Barima) Rules of 2026, details sixty-six comprehensive provisions enacted under Section 9 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, Chapter 19:03. The rules were issued by chairman Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith SC of Belize, alongside fellow commissioners Captain Hamada Fouda, Nyree Dawn Alfonso attorney, Rear
Admiral (Ret’d) Hayden Pritchard, and Dr. Andrzej Jasionowski. The mandate empowers the commission to investigate all circumstances leading to the sinking, determine the definitive causes, assess physical injuries and loss of life, and recommend structural reforms to national maritime safety protocols to prevent future casualties. Under the gazetted regulations, proceedings will be conducted primarily in public from Monday to Friday between nine in the morning and four in the
MV Barima lifejacket
photographs, or physical evidence touching upon the inquiry are legally mandated to preserve those materials until further notice. The regulations outline strict grounds for individuals or entities seeking standing to participate in the hearings. Persons may apply for standing in writing if they played a direct role in the event, maintain a substantial personal or direct interest, such as survivors and family members of victims, or may be subject to criticism during the proceedings. Standing may also be awarded if an applicant’s participation is determined to be helpful in Continued on page 18
Kaieteur News
Tuesday September 29, 2026
Excavators at work at the location for the Hope-like Canal.
Agriculture Ministry rejects claims Abary canal will hurt farmers
Farmers of Abary, Region Five are concerned about the construction of a canal, which they believe will disrupt their livelihood. The Ministry of Agriculture has rejected claims by Opposition Leader Mohamed Azruddin that the ongoing Drainage and Irrigation (D&I) works at Abary Creek could threaten the livelihoods of rice and cattle farmers, insisting that the project is intended to expand agricultural production and improve water management. The ministry’s response came after Kaieteur News reported concerns from several farmers in Abary, Region Five, who said excavators had entered their lands and that they were worried about access, drainage and the impact of the canal on their farming operations. The farmers had called for the works to be halted or for further consultations to determine whether the canal could be relocated. The ministry, however, d e s c r i b e d M o h a m e d ’s assertions as “misleading” and said they were not supported by the project’s feasibility assessment or the G o v e r n m e n t ’s s t a t e d objectives for the agricultural sector. According to the Ministry, the Abary Creek project is part of a wider programme to modernise Guyana’s D&I infrastructure and open up additional areas for agricultural production.
The works include highlevel embankments, internal drainage and collector canals, a high-level canal, bridges, culverts, and both high-level and regular sluices. The ministry said the project is expected to provide improved D&I infrastructure to approximately 55,282 acres stretching from Mahaica to A b a r y, w i t h b e n e f i t s anticipated for both rice and cattle farmers. It said the feasibility assessment projects, a net annual economic gain of more than $1.595 billion in Region Five and more than $3.85 billion across Regions T h r e e a n d S i x . Approximately 300 farmers in the Abary area are also expected to benefit directly from the project, the Ministry said. “These are not abstract figures,” the Ministry said, arguing that the project represents increased productive capacity, greater resilience to flooding and water-management challenges, and stronger food security. The ministry also pushed back against concerns that affected landowners and occupiers were being ignored. It said the works are being undertaken as public works in accordance with the applicable legal framework, while consultations and
negotiations with affected landowners and occupiers have been ongoing since April 2022. The most recent engagement was held on September 21, 2026, the Ministry said, adding that consultations will continue. The response comes amid complaints from farmers that they were not adequately informed about the ongoing excavation works. Mohamed, who visited the area on Sunday, said the works by the ministry could affect hundreds of farmers who have cultivated rice and reared cattle there for decades. “What you see happening here, this will affect hundreds of people that plant rice, that have their cattle in here for over forty, fifty years. And these lands belong to the people. It’s not state lands,” Mohamed said. He accused the PPP/C administration of bullying farmers and linked the situation to a wider attempt to take control of privately occupied lands. WIN Member of Parliament Natasha Singh-Lewis, who accompanied Mohamed, also questioned the positioning of the canal. “Everybody is asking where their cattle will get water from, and when the water come up, how will you Continued on page 16
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Tuesday September 29, 2026
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Agriculture Ministry... From page 15 move your cattle, and where will the cattle sleep, in the water?” she said. The farmers are calling either for the works to be halted or for further engagement with those who could be affected, with the aim of finding an alternative location that would not disrupt their farming activities. Mohamed also urged the farmers to remain vigilant. “That is what this government wants to do, force you off of your own land, and then they are gonna move in and take the lands away,” he said. One farmer told Kaieteur News that he had difficulty obtaining answers from the relevant authorities after observing excavators on the lands, while others questioned how they would transport produce, move cattle and maintain adequate drainage once the canal is completed. The farmers also raised concerns about the location of the canal and called for further engagement before construction proceeds further. The ministry maintained that the Government’s investment in D&I since taking office in 2020 demonstrates its commitment to agriculture, citing spending on drainage and irrigation, agricultural infrastructure, production, climate resilience and farmer support. It said agriculture remains a central component of Guyana’s development strategy because of its role in employment, rural communities, food security and economic growth. “The Ministry of Agriculture will continue to pursue projects that expand agricultural opportunities and improve the conditions under which farmers operate,” it said. The Ministry also rejected what it described as political misrepresentation of the project, saying misinformation should not be allowed to undermine initiatives intended to benefit farmers and communities. Meanwhile, the affected farmers are maintaining their concerns about the project and have called for further engagement to determine whether changes can be made to the canal’s location and design to minimise disruption to their existing farming operations.
specific instances and vehicle registration numbers allegedly linked to special branch monitoring during Mohamed’s political outreaches throughout 2025, including visits to Pomeroon, Rimo village in the Rupununi River, the Berbice coast, and the Essequibo coast. Defence counsel put it to Narine that a white Allion (licence plate PAK 1033) and three other Ministry of Home Affairs vehicles (PAC 2716, PAG 3188, and PAC 3139) were deployed to track Mohamed’s movements prior to his arrest. Narine repeatedly answered that he could not recall or was unaware of the specific vehicles and locations, prompting defence counsel to accuse the special
branch chief of “selective amnesia.” Narine denied knowledge of the specified license plates or causing those specific vehicles to monitor the opposition leader. Questioning then turned to the events of October 31, 2025, the day Mohamed was taken into custody. Narine acknowledged that both Mohamed and his father were under special branch surveillance on that date. Addressing how officers located Mohamed shortly after the arrest warrant was issued at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, Narine testified that he did not physically check multiple locations himself, but made phone calls to ranks after learning a court matter involving Mohamed
had been stood down. “One of the ranks that I told to look for him observed him in that area,” Narine testified, explaining that a field officer spotted Mohamed on Smythe Street proceeding north. Narine stated that this phone call directly prompted him to leave the court premises and execute the arrest. Narine denied or could not recall defence assertions that a heavily tinted silver Allion had been stationed outside Mohamed’s Houston, East Bank Demerara residence earlier that morning to track his movements directly to the court and Smythe Street. The extradition proceedings continue before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.
Antigua breaks CARICOM ranks, backs... From page 8 candidacy as an Indigenous woman from a small developing state. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley also voiced support for Rodrigues-Birkett, saying the Guyanese diplomat possessed the experience and understanding needed to serve the entire UN membership. “At a moment when the international community is being called upon to renew its faith in multilateralism, we believe that Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett brings to this task the experience, the skills and the understanding to serve the entire membership of this
organisation,” Mottley said. Saint Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre likewise endorsed Rodrigues-Birkett while discussing the leadership of outgoing SecretaryGeneral António Guterres. “Saint Lucia wishes to express its endorsement of the candidate of the Republic of Guyana, Miss Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, for the post of Secretary-General,” Pierre said. He cited her record of public and international service and said Saint Lucia would work with like-minded countries to advance reforms within the United Nations. The Bahamas and St Vincent and the Grenadines have also backed
Rodrigues-Birkett, in keeping with CARICOM’s collective endorsement. The competing endorsements highlight a split within the Caribbean over the emerging candidates for the UN’s top diplomatic post. The selection process is being closely watched as Guterres prepares to leave office. Rodrigues-Birkett is among the candidates seeking to succeed him and, if selected, would become the first Caribbean national to serve as UN Secretary-General. There have also been reports that the United States could oppose her candidacy over Guyana’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Bath mechanic dies after car topples into trench... From page 11 on the northern side of the road where the vehicle toppled several times and came to rest in a trench positioned on the northern side of the road. Rahaman and Brijemal both received injuries as a result of the collision, but Rahaman was rendered unconscious due to the impact, while Brijemal sustained comparatively minor injuries. With the help of public-spirited residents, the couple was removed from the vehicle. They were both taken to the Bath Regional Hospital. Rahaman was seen and examined by a doctor on duty and pronounce dead on arrival. His girlfriend was placed on
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Narine testified, “I never did.” Narine rejected suggestions that the president or members of the Cabinet had ordered the operation, maintaining that no one had recommended or suggested the monitoring to him. The defence presented
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observation and was subsequently discharged after being treated for her injuries. At her home on Monday, Rahaman’s mother, Waheeda Rahaman told reporters that she had attended a wake on Sunday evening after her son left with his girlfriend to go for a drive and to purchase Church’s chicken. She said that he asked her several times to accompany him, but she would turn down the offer as she opted to go to the wake instead. “I went wake house and I left and come home. My opposite neighbor come over and tell me ‘Aunty, yuh hear Afridi get accident?’ I tell her no. Then I call a taxi and went to the accident place but they already left and gone with him
to the hospital. When I went to the hospital, I see him in a stretcher. I can’t believe that is my son lie down there. That is my only son,” she expressed in tears. She said she observed blood on his head. Her daughter-in-law related to her that he encountered difficulty with the steering, which might have prompted the vehicle to topple. As she was ready to leave the wake, she tried numerous times to make contact with the couple, but to no avail. The final detail communicated to her from them was that they were at the New Amsterdam’s Church’s branch, after the Rosignol branch was already closed. “I average a time when they would finish, to tell them
come pick me up to come home. I keep calling their phone. I call he phone, I call her phone, all two of them phone turn off. I got no response. I make many calls to them. I got worried.” Afridi was the lone male among her four children. He was a mechanic for approximately six years. His mother shared that plans were being put together for his and Brijemal’s wedding that had been scheduled for December. His sister told Kaieteur News that the family’s pain is compounded by the fact that persons are peddling inaccuracies surrounding her brother’s accident. She sought to dispel the idea that her brother was drunk-driving and speeding.
“My brother, he wasn’t drinking. He was very well sober. I saw some comments on Facebook and it was very disturbing. My brother wasn’t speeding. There were persons that were behind him, they said that he wasn’t speeding. We really don’t know what happened but he wasn’t speeding.” His mother reinforced that position by stating that her son never consumed alcohol. Meanwhile, they disclosed that his girlfriend was hit to her stomach and back, and has some bruises on her hand. She had no internal injuries, but was placed on moderate medication. According to the family, she too confirmed that Rahaman was not speeding.
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Tuesday September 29, 2026
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Court rules Ramson breached Access to Information law ...commissioner deemed to have refused three information requests ...given 60 days to determine them The High Court has ruled that Commissioner of Information Charles Ramson Sr. failed to comply with his statutory obligations under the Access to Information Act 2011 and has ordered him to process and determine three information requests made by Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram. Justice Nicola Pierre, in a 38page ruling delivered on Monday, found that the Commissioner received three valid requests from Ram in March 2025 but failed to determine them within the time prescribed by law. The case, filed as 2025/43-HCFDA-CAD-DEM-CIV, arose from Ram’s requests for information concerning tax payments, revenue and expenditure relating to the ExxonMobil-led consortium under the 2016 Petroleum Agreement, as well as records concerning the operation of the Office of the Commissioner of Information. The ruling is significant as government has failed to fully operationalise the Access to Information Act forcing journalists and other civil society members to protests on the streets. The Court declared that Ram’s requests were valid and that the Commissioner’s requirement that Ram first approach another public authority before his office would process the requests was not a requirement imposed by the Access to Information Act. Justice Pierre found that the Commissioner had effectively imposed an additional procedural hurdle which Parliament had not established in the legislation.
The Court noted that Ram had nevertheless complied with the Commissioner’s direction and subsequently wrote to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources seeking the information, while copying the Commissioner. Despite this, the Commissioner did not approve or deny the requests, provide the information, identify any exemption under the Act, or communicate an extension of the statutory period. Under Section 18 of the Access to Information Act, the Commissioner is required to advise an applicant whether a request is approved or denied within 60 days. Where the period is extended, the applicant must be informed of the reasons. The Court therefore ruled that, by operation of Section 18(3), the Commissioner was deemed to have refused access to the information sought in Ram’s two March 7 requests. One request sought details of taxes paid for the years 2021 to 2025 in relation to the ExxonMobil-led consortium, including tax assessment certificates, the statutory authority under which the certificates were issued, compliance with Article 15.4 of the 2016 Petroleum Agreement and relevant EITI reports. The second March 7 request concerned amounts included in the annual Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure from 2021 to 2025 relating to taxes payable by the Minister of Natural Resources on behalf of the ExxonMobil-led consortium, and the accounting
treatment of those receipts. The Court also dealt with Ram’s March 12 request concerning the operation of the Commissioner’s office. That request sought annual reports on the operation of the Access to Information Act, reports from the Commissioner to the Minister, statistics on information requests including requests granted, denied and appealed and details of public authorities which provided reports for preparation of the annual reports. Justice Pierre found that the information sought corresponded directly with the statutory reporting requirements under Section 44 of the Act and constituted information contained in official documents. The Court rejected the Commissioner’s position that the March 12 request amounted to an attempt to have his office “selfoversee”. Instead, the Judge found that the Commissioner’s role under the Act is to act as a “clearing house for processing requests” for information. The Court further ruled that the Commissioner of Information is a public authority within the meaning of Section 2 of the Access to Information Act. In reaching that conclusion, Justice Pierre pointed to the fact that the office is established by statute, the Commissioner is appointed by the President, Government provides the office with personnel, and the Minister determines the Commissioner’s salary, allowances and conditions of service. The Court also considered the
Attorney, Christopher Ram
Commissioner of Information, Charles Ramson
statutory reporting and administrative arrangements surrounding the office. “I find that the Commissioner of Information is a public authority within the meaning of section 2 of the Access to Information Act 2011,” the Judge ruled. However, the Court stopped short of ordering the Commissioner to immediately release the information requested by Ram. Justice Pierre explained that the Court would not itself determine whether Ram was entitled to each requested document. That determination must first be made by the statutory decision-maker in accordance with the Act. The Commissioner has instead been ordered to process and determine all three requests in accordance with the Access to Information Act and the interpretation of the law contained in the judgment. The determinations must be made and communicated to Ram within 60 days of the date of the Court’s order.
If access is granted, the information must be provided in accordance with the Act. If access is refused, or the Commissioner determines that a requested document does not exist or cannot be located after a thorough and diligent search, the Commissioner must comply with Section 23 by providing written notice and reasons, including information on Ram’s right to seek judicial review. The Court declined, however, to grant Ram’s specific request for a declaration that the Commissioner had failed to comply with Section 23 by not providing reasons for a substantive refusal. Justice Pierre explained that there was no evidence of an actual substantive refusal. Instead, the refusal arose automatically under Section 18(3) because the Commissioner failed to determine the requests within the prescribed period. The Court awarded Ram his costs of the proceedings, with the costs to be assessed.
UN experts call for halt to Trump policy of migrant deportations to third countries (Reuters) - More than a dozen UN human rights experts have written to the US government urging a halt to policies that they said on Monday were putting migrants at heightened risk of abuse, including torture persecution, by deporting them to countries other than their own. The Trump administration has since last year struck multiple agreements with African governments to accept migrants whom it cannot legally return to their home countries. Many of those deported under the so-called third-country arrangements had previously won protection from US judges, who found they ‘could face abuses if repatriated.
Mexican migrants deported from the United States to Guatemala sit at the Reception Center for Guatemalan Returnees. REUTERS/Mariano Macz/File Photo The experts said that at least 23,000 third-country nationals have already been sent to 29 nations and territories. Rights groups have raised concerns about
the risk of abuse in some of those countries such as Equatorial Guinea, where police pulled firearms on migrants, and Central African Republic, which is
receiving Iranian deportees. “The harms caused by this US Government scheme are no longer hypothetical,” the communication said, warning that they were triggering “a cascade of human rights violations.” “At gravest risk are children, women, `with disabilities, victims of trafficking, LGBT persons, human rights defenders, stateless persons and other people in extremely vulnerable situations,” the statement said, without documenting individual cases. The US diplomatic mission to the UN in Geneva did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Washington has previously defended ‘the third-
country deals as lawful and said deportations are carried out in accordance with US immigration law. US President Donald Trump asked the US Supreme Court this month to allow his administration to continue ‘the policy after lower courts ruled that it was unlawful. The UN experts also sent their communication to the governments of 35 countries and territories they said had ‘entered into agreements with Washington to accept deported individuals. UN experts are commissioned by the Geneva-based Human Rights Council to monitor and document specific human rights crises but are independent of the organisation itself.
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Third accused pleads 19 persons including PPP guilty to manslaughter commissioners handled SOPs Lowenfield received them in Henry boys’ case before - former GECOM IT manager admits in court
Akash Singh, called “Monkey”, the third accused in the murder of the Henry boys, has pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter. Singh, 25, appeared at the Berbice High Court before Justice Gino Persaud on Monday, where he pleaded not guilty to murder, but guilty to the lesser counts of manslaughter. State prosecutor Marisa Edwards presented the summary of the charges to the court. It was alleged that between September 5 and 6, 2020, Singh murdered Isaiah Henry and Joel Henry, two cousins from West Coast Berbice. The bodies of Isaiah and Joel were discovered in a backdam at Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice. Singh’s co-accused, Vinod Gopaul and Anil Sanchara, have already been tried and are currently serving life sentences handed down in July by Justice Simone Morris. He became the prosecution’s key witness when the trial got underway back in May of this year, and his testimony proved critical to the prosecution’s case against Gopaul and Sanchara, who have maintained their innocence and accused Singh of conspiring with the police to frame them for the murders that stunned the nation. After being apprehended back in 2021, Singh reportedly confessed to the crime to the police, which directly implicated Sanchara, who is also his sibling, and Gopaul, with whom he became acquainted through Sanchara. It was Singh who told the court that he and the two now convicted men had journeyed to a backdam located at Cotton Tree Village, to tend to their marijuana farm. In his detailed account, Singh explained that they planted the herbs in August and returned in September, only to observe that the plants were destroyed by gramoxone. On September 5, he said he woke to a verbal
Akash Singh exchange between the two men and the two teens, who were passing by their camp. Gopaul sought answers from the boys on whether they knew who destroyed the marijuana farm, to which the boys responded with laughter, Singh had told the court. The boys were then attacked with cutlasses by Gopaul first, and before Sanchara followed. Singh noted that he was instructed to participate in the fatal assault, and that he was also ordered to carve ‘x’ on the foreheads of the two cousins. After committing the crime, Singh said he was threatened by the two men that he would suffer a similar fate like the two cousins if he dared to approach the police with details of what they had done. He said he was forced to take part in the crime. When asked on Monday if he made the decision to enter a guilty plea on his own volition, Singh confirmed to Justice Persaud that he was acting on complete understanding, his own will, and without coercion. Singh was represented by attorney Horatio Edmondson. After discharging the juror pool, Justice Persaud scheduled November 25, 2026, for sentencing, along with the presentation of probation, psychiatric, prison and other reports.
Iran set to hold separate talks with mediators on Monday or Tuesday, official says (Reuters) - Qatari mediators are likely to hold separate talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in New York and with the US side on Monday or Tuesday, an official briefed on the negotiations told Reuters, in a fresh push to end war. The talks are expected to focus on an amended version of a seven-day proposal that Iran presented last week on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Araqchi remains in New York after attending the General Assembly. It was not immediately clear who would represent the US side in the talks with mediators. ‘Iran’s semi-official ISNA news agency later confirmed that Araqchi would meet the mediators in the US on Monday morning, New York time. The two sides will “examine the latest proposals and views regarding the current situation”, ISNA added. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told state media later on Monday that Araqchi’s stay in New York had not been extended and that the foreign minister would return to Tehran according to his original schedule. Baghaei made no comment on the talks
with mediators. TRUMP HAS FLAGGED FURTHER TALKS THIS WEEK Iran’s seven-day plan envisages an end to all hostilities in Iran and n, ‘the unfreezing of billions of dollars’ worth of Iranian assets, an end to sanctions on Iranian oil and the lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports. Tehran would then allow the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the two sides would also resume talks on Iran’s nuclear programme. US President Donald Trump said on Saturday ‘he had rejected Iran’s proposal, saying Tehran wanted a swift agreement because of the crippling economic pressure it is under. However, he also told Axios on Sunday that he expected US negotiators to engage in further talks this week. Araqchi ‘said on Sunday that mediators had not formally conveyed a US rejection to Tehran and that Iran was awaiting Washington’s definitive position before deciding its next steps. “Our conditions are clear, and any move `toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz is contingent on these conditions being met,” he said on Sunday, adding that only a negotiated solution could resolve the impasse.
New revelations surrounding the handling and security of Statements of Poll (SOPs) during Guyana’s contentious 2020 General and Regional Elections emerged in court, as former Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Information Technology Manager Anneal Giddings faced cross-examination. Testifying before Magistrate Faith McGusty, Giddings admitted under oath that 19 persons handled Chief Election Officer Keith Lowenfield’s SOPs before they were finally delivered to him, while disclosing gaps in written authorisation and server security protocols. Under questioning by defence attorney Eusi Anderson, Giddings detailed the multilayered chain of custody that preceded Lowenfield taking possession of the official records. Among those who interacted with the documents prior to their ultimate delivery were People’s Progressive Party (PPP) commissioners. To oversee the processing of the SOPs before Lowenfield’s access, Giddings acknowledged that he personally handpicked a specialised team. When pressed on the makeup of this self-selected group, Giddings confirmed that five of the seven team members were Indo-Guyanese. The cross-examination also exposed security vulnerabilities regarding the digital server housing electoral data. Giddings admitted to sharing the server’s password with two colleagues, Paul Persaud and Khalid Baksh. He further testified that Persaud knew and agreed to him transporting the server inside his personal vehicle. Defence counsel pushed Giddings on the potential risk of physical tampering or data contamination while the server was in the vehicle, raising the point that a spare key existed that could grant access to the car. While Giddings insisted that no contamination occurred because the spare
Anneal Giddings key remained untouched at his residence, the admission highlighted potential lapses in strict security procedures during a pivotal electoral period. Court proceedings further uncovered administrative irregularities surrounding Giddings’ physical access to sensitive materials. Giddings conceded that he spent four hours inside a room with the server containing the SOPs alongside Paul Persaud on instructions from CEO Keith Lowenfield, despite explicit orders from Deputy Chief Election Officer Roxanne Myers to leave the room. When questioned directly about his authorisation to remain with the SOPs for that four-hour period, Giddings admitted that he held no written approval, nor had he received oral authorisation from GECOM Chairperson Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh. While acknowledging the lack of authorisation from the commission’s chair, Giddings reiterated that he was following the direct verbal orders of the CEO. The trial before Magistrate McGusty continues today.
Rules gazetted for MV Barima... From page 14 fulfilling the overall terms of reference. Rule sixteen mandates that individuals seeking standing must submit a written application to the secretary detailing their contact information and that of their legal representative. To streamline the process, applicants are required to explain why standing is sought in a concise statement not exceeding three pages, accompanied by copies of relevant supporting documents. Commission counsel will serve as the principal legal and administrative lead, tasked with managing procedural work, questioning witnesses, advising the commissioners, and ensuring matters affecting the public interest are thoroughly examined. Attorneys representing witnesses may appear during testimony to safeguard their clients’ legal rights. To ensure procedural fairness, the commission is empowered to issue warning letters to any individual who may face explicit or significant criticism in evidence or within the final report, granting them a reasonable opportunity to respond. The commission may also issue formal summonses or subpoenas to compel witness attendance or the production of mandatory records. All evidence and transcripts from public
sittings will be made accessible to the public and the media via a dedicated website, which is being established to serve as the single authoritative public record. While the commission consolidates its legal framework, decisions surrounding the physical recovery of the submerged vessel remain pending. More than three weeks after the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board opened bids submitted by three companies for the salvaging of the M/V Barima, an official selection has not yet taken place. Public records from the tender board show that two local firms, BK International Incorporated and Industrial Fabrication Incorporated, alongside a Dutch company from the Netherlands, KMS B.V., submitted proposals to salvage the wreck. The submitted bids range from approximately one billion dollars to over two billion dollars. The commission’s preliminary workflow has already encompassed an initial site survey of the accident scene, the establishment of the administrative secretariat, and formal requests for critical technical data from key public entities, including the Maritime Administration Department, the Transport and Harbours Division, the Guyana Coast Guard, and the Air Guard.
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Tuesday September 29, 2026
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Antigua rejects open-ended U.S. deportee deal — caps transfers at 7 every three months The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has rejected any open-ended arrangement for receiving third-country nationals deported from the United States, proposing instead strict limits and safeguards, including a maximum of seven people every three months. The Antigua and Barbuda Government on Monday publicly released the proposal submitted by the United States on the possible transfer of thirdcountry nationals removed from US territory, along with its own counter-proposal. The documents are also to be tabled in the House of Representatives by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Sir Steadroy Benjamin. The Government stressed that no agreement has been concluded, with the US document remaining a proposal and Antigua and B a r b u d a ’s p o s i t i o n a counter-proposal as negotiations continue. The proposed arrangement forms part of a
wider US initiative involving countries in several regions, including CARICOM member states. While some Caribbean countries have already entered into arrangements with Washington, others are still considering US proposals. Antigua and Barbuda said it is assessing whether it can cooperate with the United States while protecting its sovereignty, national security, laws, public finances and other national interests. Under the counter-proposal, no person could be transferred to Antigua without the Government’s prior express written approval. The proposed ceiling of seven persons over any three-month period is explicitly described as a limit rather than a quota or obligation. The Government is also demanding stringent screening of each proposed deportee, including criminal and security checks, health assessments, immigration history, protection claims
and verification of valid travel documents. Each individual must also be informed that Antigua and Barbuda is the destination, understand that the arrangement is temporary and provide written confirmation of willingness to be transferred. Any person admitted would remain subject to Antiguan law during their temporary stay. The Government is further insisting that Antiguan taxpayers must not be left to shoulder the costs associated with receiving and maintaining the transferred persons. Financial and operational arrangements must therefore be agreed before any transfer takes place. There must also be arrangements for the person’s lawful return or onward placement when the temporary stay ends. Importantly, Antigua and Barbuda is reserving the right to suspend further transfers if concerns arise over national security, public o r d e r, p u b l i c h e a l t h , capacity, finances or other
serious matters. The counterproposal also contemplates a possible role for the International Organization for Migration, subject to its requirements and an appropriate agreement with the Antiguan Government. The Government emphasised that the final decision on whether to accept any individual would remain with Antigua and Barbuda. “The sovereign decision whether to accept or refuse any person proposed for transfer will remain with Antigua and Barbuda in every individual case,” the Government said. While describing its relationship with Washington as longstanding and important, Antigua and Barbuda said any cooperation must be
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Sir Steadroy Benjamin. consistent with its laws, limited capacity and national interest, while ensuring that transferred persons are treated with dignity and in accordance with applicable law. The publication of the
two documents, the Government said, is intended to demonstrate transparency and ensure that Parliament and the public remain informed as negotiations with Washington continue.
GGMC shuts down unlicensed gold shop at Tamakay Landing
2 Brazilians killed; others injured in smash-up on Linden–Mabura Highway
The gold, equipment and cash that were seized by the GGMC
T
Dead, Ronaldo Scalon
Dead, Rogerio Tolotti
Two Brazilian men were killed on Saturday after a pick-up they were travelling in slammed head-on into a minibus along the Mabura Highway. The dead men were identified as, as 54year-old Ronaldo Scalon and 50-year-old Rogerio Tolotti. Severely injured is the driver of the minibus which operates the Georgetown Lethem Route, Delon Greaves. A video has surfaced of the wreck showing public spirited persons assisting Greaves out of the mangled minibus. Police are yet to provide information about the accident, but Kaieteur News learnt the crash took place during the evening hours while the pick-up was negotiating a turn. Both vehicles were travelling in the opposite direction when they slammed into each other. The Brazilian men were
Injured, Delon Greaves
pronounced dead upon arrival at the Linden Hospital while Greaves was treated and later transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for further medical attention. The circumstances surrounding the accident are unclear, but according to an acquaintance of one of the victims, one of the Brazilian men was driving the pick-up at the time and was allegedly driving it along the wrong side of the road. He explained, “Brazilians drive on the right side of the road while Guyanese drive on the left” before adding “This sometimes leads to confusion and lapses when one crosses into the other’s country.” The man suggested that signboards be installed every mile along the Linden-Linden Route with the “respect the left-hand drive!” Investigations are ongoing.
he Guyana Geology and M i n e s Commission (GGMC) Enforcement Team on Monday suspended the operations of a shop at Tamakay Landing in the Mazaruni Mining District after it was found trading gold without the required approvals and licences. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, the enforcement team, during an inspection on September 28, seized a quantity of gold, equipment and cash from the establishment. Two persons were also detained by the Guyana Police Force as investigations continue. The ministry said the
action forms part of its ongoing crackdown on illegal mining and related activities, with monitoring and enforcement operations continuing across the country’s mining districts. It urged all stakeholders in the mining sector to ensure
that their operations comply with the relevant laws, regulations and licensing requirements. The ministry said enforcement efforts will continue as authorities move to curb illegal activities within the sector.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday September 29, 2026
Kaieteur News
Tuesday Thursday September November29, 24,2026 2022
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Tucber Park Cricket Club whip Blairmont Community Centre Cricket Club by 166 runs
Nigel Deodat
Kwesi Mickle scored 56 runs and took 1 wicket.
By Samuel Whyte Tucber Park Cricket Club (TPCC) continue their good run on the cricket field as they whipped Blairmont Community Centre Cricket Club (BCCC) by 166 runs in a cricket match in Berbice. The 50 overs game which was played at the Blairmont Community Centre Ground saw Tucber Park batting first and compiling a formidable posted 274 for 8 from 42 overs. The TPCC batting was led by Berbice Senior all-rounders Nigel Deodat and Kwesi Mickle. Deodat led the way with an impressive 77 off 62 deliveries. Mickle was equally impressive with 56 from 57
deliveries. Garfield Benjamin added a quick fire 36 from 21 deliveries to help bolster the score. Needing to score 275 to win, the BCCCC batting fell away as they could not handle the all-round bowling attack of the TPCC bowlers. They were bundled out for 108 in 24.2 overs, to lose by 166 runs. Leading the bowling for TPCC was National U19 left arm spinner Gilbert Griffith and Senior National all-rounder Zeynul Ramsammy. Griffith ended with figures of 4 for 26, while Ramsammy picked up 4 for 35. Kwesi Mickle returned to snare 1 without conceding a run.
Fruta Conquerors challenges GFF... Tuesday September 29, 2026 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) This is a day made for fun and frivolity, not one in which you're likely to get many of your chores done. Try as you might to focus on the task at hand, there are distractions everywhere you turn.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Don't be surprised to see your co-workers acting a bit silly today, Libra. There is no getting around the high spirits that permeate the work environment.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You're a person of many talents, and today you're likely to discover yet another one, Taurus. The delivery of a new piece of equipment makes you feel like you've been given a toy for your sole enjoyment.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Life's been a real whirlwind lately, Scorpio. You may feel a bit overwhelmed by everything that’s been going on. It's fun to catch up with everyone, but a bit daunting to renew ties with old friends and try to remember things that are going on with new ones.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Don't be surprised if a lot of people contact you today, each one anxious to confer with you. It seems that you're the authority on all topics, Gemini. All the attention is flattering, but it makes it difficult to get any work done.
SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) With all the conversations you've had lately, Sagittarius, it's likely that you've talked with some people in the healing professions. These doctors, nurses, and technicians could be useful to you later.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Don't let yourself be manipulated by needy friends, Cancer. With today's planetary energies, it's a good time to think about setting clear boundaries. You know which friends are there for you.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You may discover an untapped talent today, Capricorn. Perhaps there's a new machine in the office and you're the only one who can figure out how to use it. Maybe try drafting a simple business proposal.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) This is a good day for sharing friendship with pals and coworkers, Leo. People will be in a light, socializing mood and not much in a working frame of mind. There's really no use fighting this energy.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Expect some positive developments today that impact the whole family, Aquarius. Perhaps you or your mate will receive word of a significant raise or great job opportunity.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Your technical skills take a real leap forward today, Virgo. It seems all that training you've done is finally paying off. Your new skills will greatly increase your efficiency and enhance your marketability.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Yo u s h o u l d b e f e e l i n g especially confident today, Pisces. You've been working especially hard lately, and the recognition you've received goes a long way toward reinforcing your feelings of self-worth.
From page 23 granted, they have requested that the decision be disclosed and suspended pending review. Within five working days, the lawyers have also demanded copies of the signed requisition, membership and eligibility records, meeting notice and delivery records, minutes, attendance lists, motions, voting totals, ballot records and documentation concerning the authority of the meeting’s chairpersons. Legal action possible The correspondence warns that if the GFF
recognises an Executive or replacement Executive based on what the attorneys describe as a constitutionally defective process, their clients have instructions to pursue appropriate legal action. The clients have also reserved the right to seek urgent interim protection, declaratory relief and costs before a competent court or tribunal, where applicable.
The lawyers stressed that their clients are seeking compliance with the Club’s Constitution and not seeking to obstruct a properly convened meeting. The dispute now leaves the GFF facing a formal request to clarify whether, and on what constitutional basis, it intends to recognise any leadership changes arising from the disputed EGM.
Kaieteur News
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Tuesday September 29, 2026
Scorpions, Paruima crowned Heritage Games 2026 champions Region Ten Scorpions (Men) and Paruima Football Club (Women) closed out Guyana’s Heritage Games sporting activities in style on Sunday, capturing the respective Men’s and Women’s football titles at the Everest ground in Georgetown. Paruima Women delivered a commanding performance in the Women’s final, dismissing Matarkai Women 4-2 after two heated halves before Region Ten Scorpions staged a thrilling comeback victory to dethrone Region Six in the Men’s championship match. In the Women’s final, Darlys Elliman and Xuxa Thomas provided the early spark as Paruima raced into a 3-0 lead before the break. Elliman opened the scoring in the 10th minute before Thomas doubled the advantage in the 30th. Merlyn Percy then struck just a minute later to put the
Region Seven side firmly in control at 30 heading into halftime. Matarkai, however, refused to surrender without a fight. Feona Benjamin and Veronica Chatta pulled two goals back early in the second half, reducing the deficit to one and briefly raising hopes of a dramatic turnaround. Paruima quickly extinguished those hopes. Celita Bascon restored the two-goal cushion in the 68th minute, finding the back of the net to seal a 4-2 victory and send Paruima FC celebrating with the 2026 Heritage Games Women’s trophy. The Men’s final produced an even more dramatic finish on Sunday, with Region Ten Scorpions overturning an early deficit to claim a 3-1 victory over Region Six. Region Six appeared to have seized control when Sevede Squicel broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time,
scoring in the 40+2 minute to give his side a 1-0 lead at the interval. The Scorpions responded with purpose after the break. Captain Joel Yhap restored parity in the 55th minute before Kymani Sealey completed the turnaround six minutes later, firing Region Ten into a 2-1 lead in the 61st. With Region Six searching for a response, the Scorpions delivered the decisive blow in the 73rd minute. Aloysius Edwards struck late to make it 3-1, effectively ending Region Six’s hopes of reclaiming the championship and completing a memorable comeback for Region Ten. The final whistle confirmed Region Ten Scorpions as Men’s champions, while Paruima’s dominant display secured the Women’s crown, bringing the football component of the 2026 Heritage Games to a fitting close.
Goal Scorers: Captain Joel Yhap, Kymani Sealey and Aloysius Edwards mount spirited 3-1 comeback victory for Scorpions.
Female cricketer benefits from Project “Cricket gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana” Abha Khan, a fourteen years old female cricketer from Better Hope, East Coast, Demerara is the latest to benefit from this joint initiative between Anil Beharry of Guyana and Kishan Das of the USA. This young and aspiring cricketer will be participating in a windfall cricket tournament in Trinidad and Tobago in late October. She will be representing Royal Abha Khan Striker Cricket Team. The Good Hope Secondary student was the recipient of cash to assist with expenses related to the tour. At a simple ceremony held recently, Khan expressed gratitude for the token. We wish her all the best in her cricket and educational future. Over the years, many Guyanese cricketers benefitted from this project, some of whom went on to represent West Indies at different levels. This project will continue to improve the lives of youths in every community. We are pleased to be part of the development of young cricketers in Guyana. Our aim is to keep them off the streets and get them actively involved in sports, cricket in particular. To date, one hundred and eight players, male and female, from all three counties of Guyana have benefited directly from cash, gear bags, trophies, arm guards, bats, balls, helmets, pairs of cricket shoes, batting pads, thigh pads, bat grip, batting gloves, wicketkeeping pads and wicketkeeping gloves. Many others benefited indirectly. In addition, clubs in the Pomeroon, Leguan and Wakenaam Cricket Committees, Cotton Tree Die Hard, Cold Fusion Cricket Club and the RHCCCC among other have all benefited in one way or the other. Cricket related items, used or new, are distributed free of cost to young and promising cricketers in Guyana. Skills, discipline and education are important characteristics of the recipients. Talent spotting is being done across the country and club leaders also assist to identify same. Progressive and well managed cricket clubs with a youth program, will also benefit. Distribution will continue. Gratitude is extended to all who have donated items and or cash. Anyone interested to contribute can contact Anil Beharry on 623 6875 or Kishan Das on 1 718 664 0896.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday September 29, 2026
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Fruta Conquerors challenges GFF; serves Lawyer’s Letter to football body …reputable law firm raises constitutional concerns over EGM, demands review and warns of possible legal action
E
lite League club Fruta Conquerors Football Club has formally challenged the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) recognition of any changes arising from a disputed Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), with the club’s legal representatives calling for an urgent review of the process and warning that court action could follow if the Federation acts on what they contend was a constitutionally defective process. In a letter dated September 23, 2026, a reputable Guyanese law firm, acting on behalf of three members of the Fruta Conquerors Executive Committee who were in office immediately before the disputed EGM, formally objected to the GFF recognising any purported displacement of the Executive arising from the meeting. The attorneys stated that the GFF should not recognise any change “unless and until constitutional compliance has been established through a fair review.” The legal challenge raises questions over several provisions of the Fruta Conquerors Constitution, including the requisition and convening of the EGM, membership verification, financial eligibility, notice requirements, quorum, the chairing of the meeting, voting procedures and any purported dismissal or election of officeholders. Membership threshold questioned A central issue raised in the correspondence is whether the constitutional requirements for convening the EGM were satisfied. The attorneys pointed to Article 29(2), which requires a written request from more than 50 per cent of members for an EGM, with the agenda items specified. They also referenced Article 29(4), which provides that the meeting should be held within four weeks of receipt of the request and sets out circumstances under which requesting members may convene the meeting themselves. The lawyers said their clients do not dispute the right of members to requisition an EGM where the constitutional requirements are met, but questioned whether those requirements were satisfied in this case. They have therefore called for verification of the Club’s membership records, including reconciliation of its membership register, admission records, the signed requisition and relevant GFF records. Financial eligibility under scrutiny The letter also raises questions concerning the financial status of persons
who supported the motion that led to the disputed meeting. The attorneys referenced constitutional provisions dealing with membership fees, subscriptions and eligibility, and requested disclosure of how the financial standing of members was determined. They argued that allegations of arrears should not automatically terminate membership or voting rights without reference to the relevant constitutional provisions and supporting records. Notice and meeting procedures questioned Another significant concern is the notice provided for the EGM. The lawyers cited Article 29(5), which requires members to be informed of the place, date and agenda of an EGM at least three weeks before the meeting. Article 29(6), they noted, prevents alteration of the agenda. According to the correspondence, the Executive was informed of the meeting less than 24 hours beforehand. The attorneys also questioned the distinction between notifying the GFF of its attendance and providing constitutionally required notice to members. They have requested the original meeting notice and agenda, evidence showing when and how these were circulated, and documentation establishing when the requisition was received. Questions over quorum, chairing and voting The legal representatives further questioned the manner in which the meeting was chaired and constituted. They said they were instructed that Gilbert Sampson co-chaired the meeting, that no Executive Committee member attended and that GFF representatives did not address concerns raised regarding the meeting. The lawyers have requested clarification on the authority and constitutional basis for the appointment of the chairpersons. They also cited Article 24, which requires more than 50 per cent of delegates entitled to vote for the initial quorum, with the same threshold applying to a subsequent meeting where dismissal or an election is on the agenda. The attorneys have consequently requested the attendance list, eligibility assessment and quorum calculation. Dismissal and election requirements Should the meeting have resulted in the dismissal of an elected or ratified officeholder, the lawyers argue that additional constitutional safeguards would apply. They cited Article 39, which requires a justified motion to be circulated with the agenda, an opportunity for the affected individual to address the meeting and a secret ballot. They also pointed to Article 25(2), which requires more than two-thirds of valid votes cast for dismissal. Any election, they said, must similarly comply with the Club’s Constitution and Electoral Code. The GFF has therefore been asked to
provide the relevant motions, voting results and supporting documentation concerning any purported resolutions. GFF asked to suspend recognition The legal representatives have requested that the GFF provide, within 48 hours, an
undertaking that it will not recognise the existing Executive, recognise a replacement Executive or give effect to any disputed change of control pending an expedited review. If recognition has already been Continued on page 21
Kaieteur News
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Tuesday September 29, 2026
Prisoners snatch overall boxing Novice C/ship title The Republican Gym’s return to competitive boxing ended in championship glory, as the prisoners captured the overall team title at the Guyana Boxing A s s o c i a t i o n ’s ( G B A ) Andrew Lewis National Novices Championship, which concluded Sunday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Republican Boxing Gym accumulated 32 points to finish as champion gym, interestingly edging the Guyana Police Force Boxing Gym, which finished runnerup on 25 points. The victory ended decades of dominance by the Guyana Defence Force at the tournament. The army surprisingly did not participate. The overall win marked a significant return to the amateur boxing scene for Republican Gym under veteran coach Wincell Thomas, whose fighters produced a series of strong performances throughout the three-day tournament, which ran from September 25–27. Adding further distinction to Republican’s successful campaign, Ezekiel Gordon was named the tournament’s Best Boxer, while Thomas was rewarded for his coaching performance with the Best Coach award. Gordon justified his individual honour with a composed and impressive
run through the middleweight division. He stopped Police boxer Elijah Burrows in the second round in their opening encounter before advancing by walkover against fellow Republican fighter Noah Beaton. In the championship bout, Gordon, in the presence of prison top brass that included Director Nicklon Elliot and Deputy Director Kevin Pilgrim, produced perhaps his most significant performance of the tournament, defeating Police standout Shakeel Cox on points to claim the gold medal. His success was emblematic of Republican’s
- ends extended GDF run overall showing, with the returning gym producing winners across several divisions. Among the other Republican gold medallists were Mark Joseph, who stopped Jason Hardy in the second round at bantamweight; Rodwell Fraser, who scored a firstround victory over Police’s Sunil Parasram at lightweight; Helton Gibson, who defeated teammate Lerone Albert on points at welterweight; and Kennard Smith, who captured the light-middleweight crown
Republican Coach Wincel ‘Naka B’ Thomas (right) receives his Best Coach trophy from GBA president Steve Ninvalle (left).
after defeating Christian Joseph when the referee stopped the contest in the second round. Republican also dominated several of the contests involving its own fighters, while its female boxers contributed valuable points. Shania Benjamin defeated Debra Williams on points in the female lightheavyweight division, while Veronica Gordon earned a points victory over Oriomna Silva in the female superheavyweight category. The Police Force, meanwhile, produced a strong challenge and finished just seven points behind the champions. Their gold-medal haul included victories from Shakeel Cox, Daquan Williams, Anthony Wills, Carl Ramsey and Colin Williams. Cox was particularly active throughout the tournament. After stopping Jason George in the opening round of their middleweight bout, he advanced to the final against Gordon, where the Republican boxer secured the points decision. The championship also featured a strong showing from the younger generation during the opening night, with fighters from Harpy Eagles Boxing Gym, New Amsterdam Boxing Academy, Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym and Pace and Power Gym battling for honours. Harpy Eagles enjoyed
Ezeliel Gordon (right) receives his best boxer trophy from former national champion Dexter Marques.
success in the junior divisions, including victories from Natham Sugrim, Kayden Corlette and Ryan Cornette, while Andrew Lewis boxing gym boxers Imhotep Vanderstoop, Junior Madray and Josh Chester also captured titles. Pace and Power’s Akeem Quintin took the victory in the U13 38–41kg division. The competition brought together boxers from Andrew Lewis Gym, Pace and Power Gym, New Amsterdam Boxing Academy, Harpy Eagle Boxing Gym, Forgotten Youth Foundation Gym, Guyana Police Force Boxing Gym and Republican Boxing Gym, providing an important platform for emerging talent to gain
competitive experience. For Republican Gym, however, the championship carried significance beyond the medals and points. The gym’s return to the ring was made possible through a collaboration involving the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Guyana Prison Service and the Guyana Boxing Association, paving the way for prisoners to once again participate in organised boxing competition. The initiative gave the returning Republican squad an opportunity to test itself against established boxing programmes while also demonstrating the potential of sport as a vehicle for discipline, rehabilitation and personal development.
Tuesday September 29, 2026
Kaieteur News
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Trident BMC-LLC claims AmCham Guyana Golf Tournament
L
usignan Golf Club (LGC) came alive on Saturday morning as the American Chamber of Commerce Guyana (AmCham Guyana) hosted its much-anticipated Third Annual Golf Tournament, attracting a record 27 teams and 108 players for a day of competitive golf, corporate camaraderie and networking. Played under the Better-Ball Stableford format, the tournament brought together golfers from a c r o s s G u y a n a ’s b u s i n e s s community, with players enjoying the lush fairways and challenging layout of the Lusignan course on the East Coast of Demerara. The 2026 edition marked a significant increase in participation from last year, underscoring the growing popularity of the tournament and the strengthening relationship between AmCham Guyana, the local business community and the sport of golf. After a closely contested battle on the fairways, Trident BMC-
Trident BMC-LLC claimed the overall title at the AmCham Golf Tournament.
Century Tamara Logistics Services Inc. (Top pic) bagged second place while Panko Team (LGC) copped third place.
LLC, comprising Patrick Prashad, Kasim Khan, Ayube Subhan and Arnold Deo, emerged victorious with 22 points. Century Tamara, represented by Robin Tiwari, Kevin Boodram, Rabindranauth Persaud and Sheldon Davis, secured second place with 21 points, while Panko Team (LGC), featuring Lakeram Ramsundar, Jaipaul Suknanan, Bridgelall Harry and Rakesh Harry, finished third with 20 points. The tournament also featured individual prizes, with Sheldon Davis claiming the Longest Drive award and Robin Tiwari taking the Closest to the Pin prize. Addressing participants and guests during the awards ceremony, LGC Vice President Joseph Szeplaki expressed appreciation to AmCham Guyana for continuing to support golf and for bringing together members of the corporate and sporting communities. “On behalf of Lusignan Golf Club, I want to extend sincere congratulations to all the teams and players who participated in t h i s y e a r ’s A m C h a m G o l f Tournament. We are grateful to AmCham Guyana for choosing Lusignan Golf Club as the venue and for its continued support of the sport. “It is encouraging to see such strong participation from the business community. Tournaments like this not only provide an opportunity for healthy competition, but also create valuable opportunities for networking, friendship and collaboration. “I also want to thank the sponsors, organisers, our club members and everyone who
contributed to making today’s tournament a success. We look forward to continuing this partnership and to seeing golf grow even further in Guyana.” The tournament showcased the Lusignan Golf Club’s ability to host major corporate sporting events, with its nine-hole layout and 18 tee boxes providing a challenging yet welcoming environment for both seasoned golfers and newer players. Beyond the competition, the event provided an opportunity for businesses and professionals to strengthen relationships in a relaxed setting, reinforcing the role golf continues to play in bringing Guyana’s corporate community together. Established in 2018, AmCham Guyana promotes stronger commercial relations between Guyana and the United States while supporting initiatives that contribute to business development and community engagement. Its annual golf tournament has become another avenue through which the organisation connects with the local business and sporting community. The day concluded with a celebratory reception and awards ceremony, where players, sponsors and guests reflected on an enjoyable day of competition, sportsmanship and camaraderie. With corporate tournaments continuing to attract strong participation, the Lusignan Golf Club remains a key venue for competitive golf and business networking in Guyana, while the growing interest in the sport points to continued opportunities for its development.
Prisoners snatch overall boxing Novice C/ship title - ENDS EXTENDED GDF RUN
GBA president Steve Ninvalle hands over Championship Trophy Deputy Director of Prisons Kevin Pilgrim (standing fourth from left).
Scorpions, Paruima crowned Heritage Games 2026 champions
s t r o Sp
Paruima Women’s team are the new Heritage Games Football champions following thrilling 4-2 encounter against Matarkai. (NCN photo)
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