K
AIETEUR Janki urges
Friday Edition
govt. to cut all business ties with Israel
September 11, 2026 - Vol. 28 No. 36
NEWS
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...calls for law to ban trade, block Guyana oil exports
yesterday, 40,236
‘U.S. ‘re-colonising’ - Former President, Donald Ramotar
the Caribbean’
...cites meek surrender of decades-long Cuba medical progamme ...blasts ‘silent’ leaders as Guyana draws closer to Washington 3 Five foreigners busted at Victoria man killed Potaro for illegal mining during fight at PAGE
Sceon Elias
PAGE
11
Toroparo Backdam
Samantha Reid’s crash probe goes silent Injured E-biker, Prakash Persaud
Ramotar hammers “disgraceful” U.S. deportee deal 14 PAGE
Police ranks and GGMC officers inspecting items found during the crackdown on illegal mining at Potaro
...says U.S. will later issue advisories for tourist not to visit our country because of crimes
Intelligence chief admits burning records in extradition case PAGE
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Kaieteur News
Friday September 11, 2026
Janki urges govt. to cut all business ties with Israel ....calls for law to ban trade, block Guyana oil exports International awardwinning lawyer, Melinda Janki has penned an extensive letter to President Irfaan Ali outlining the country's obligations under international law and urging the Government of Guyana (GoG) to terminate all business with Israel over the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian
Territories (OPT). The letter dated September 9, and addressed to the President highlights that the goal of international law is peace among peoples, a goal cannot be realised as long as Israel continues to treat the international rule of law with contempt and continues with its egregious violations of the legal rights
of the Palestinian people. Janki said that Israel's contempt for the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of the people of Palestine is incompatible with freedom, justice and peace. She therefore asked the GoG to condemn in the strongest possible terms Israel's genocide in Gaza; Israel's
bombing of hospitals and schools in Gaza; Israel's murder and maiming of Gaza's children; Israel's unlawful and inhumane use of 'collective punishment' against babies, children, and unarmed and defenceless women and men in Gaza; and Israel's gender-based violence against Palestinian women and girls in the form
of excessive use of force and abuse, including physical, psychological and verbal abuse and sexual harassment. She argued that Israel is entitled to protect its citizens from indiscriminate and deadly attacks but it must do so within the constraints of law and not behave like a 'rogue' state. In fact, Janki quoted the International Court of Justice (ICJ) which said in 2004: “It [Israel] has the right, and indeed the duty, to respond in order to protect the life of its citizens. The measures taken are bound nonetheless to remain in conformity with applicable international law.” A d d i t i o n a l l y, J a n k i informed the president that the ICJ further stated: “Israel is bound to comply with its obligation to respect the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and its [Israel'] obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.” Therefore, she asked the GoG to take action now to uphold the international rule of law and to ensure that Israel abandons its “lawless, rogue state behaviour” and complies with international law. The lawyer called for Guyana to take specific action by requiring Israel to comply with international humanitarian law as set out in the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War and requiring Israel to comply with the Advisory Opinion of the ICJ on "Legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory 2024". The Advisory Opinion by the ICJ suggested an end to Israel's presence in the Occupied Palestinian. This includes exit the territory as rapidly as possible; immediately cease all new settlement activity in the OPT; repeal all laws and measures creating or maintaining the unlawful situation; evacuate all illegal Israeli settlers from existing illegal settlements; dismantling the parts of the wall that are in the OPT; allow all Palestinians displaced to return to their original place of residence; provide full reparation for the damage caused by Israel;
International award-winning Lawyer, Melinda Janki return the land and immovable property, as well as assets seized from any natural or legal person since Israel occupation in 1967 and all cultural property and assets taken from Palestinians and Palestinian institutions. The lawyer told President Ali that states must cooperate with the United Nations on any measures decided upon by the UN but States also have their own responsibility to take separate action to promote Palestine's realisation of the right to self-determination. To this end, she pointed out that the ICJ has stated that, "It is for all States, while respecting the Charter of the United Nations and international law, to ensure that any impediment resulting from the illegal presence of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory to the exercise of the Palestinian people of its right to self-determination is brought to an end.” Consequently, Janki stated that Guyana must act. The lawyer in her letter to the President said the ICJ has ruled that States must not enter into economic or trade relations with Israel concerning the OPT or parts thereof which may entrench Israel's unlawful presence in the territory. States must also take steps to prevent trade of investment relations that assist in the maintenance of the illegal situation created by Israel in the OPT. “In practice, this amounts to a ban on any trading or economic activity which 'may' assist Israel's illegal occupation of Palestinian t e r r i t o r y, ” t h e l a w y e r explained. She noted that Guyana has a legal obligation to ensure that (Continued on page 6)
Kaieteur News
Friday September 11, 2026
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‘U.S. 're-colonising’ - Former President, the Caribbean’ Donald Ramotar ...cites meek surrender of decades-long Cuba medical progamme ...blasts ‘silent’ leaders as Guyana draws closer to Washington
Former President Donald Ramotar has accused the United States of pursuing a form of “re-colonisation” of Latin America and the Caribbean, arguing that Washington is increasingly using its economic, political and military power to dictate the affairs of sovereign states. But Ramotar's criticism comes against the backdrop of a striking contradiction at home: his own political p a r t y, t h e P e o p l e ' s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), is in government in Guyana and has itself taken positions that mirror some of the policies he now condemns. In a strongly worded letter to the editor, Ramotar said the region was once subjected to colonial rule by European powers including Britain, the Netherlands, Spain, France and Portugal, but is now facing what he described as a new form of domination by the United States. “Latin America and the Caribbean countries are being recolonised,” Ramotar wrote, arguing that the United States has moved away from its earlier anti-colonial posture and has become, in effect, “a super colonial power.” According to the former president, countries that resist US interests are subjected to sanctions, destabilisation and, in some cases, military intervention. Ramotar pointed to Venezuela as what he considers the clearest example, alleging that the United States used military force to “kidnap” Ve n e z u e l a n P r e s i d e n t Nicolás Maduro. He said the alleged action represented a blatant disregard for international law and questioned the muted response from regional governments. Ramotar noted that Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was among the few regional leaders to protest vigorously, while arguing that Caribbean governments have generally remained silent. The former president also criticised the US military presence in the Caribbean, which Washington has justified as
Former President, Donald Ramotar part of its campaign against drug trafficking. He accused US forces of killing hundreds of people travelling in small boats without first boarding the vessels or producing evidence that those aboard were involved in drug trafficking. “We may never know if any were really involved in drug trafficking,” he wrote, describing the alleged killings as “atrocities” and lamenting what he called a “deafening silence” from regional leaders. Cuba medical Ramotar further contended that governments across the region are increasingly taking decisions at Washington's request that run contrary to their own national interests. He cited the dismantling of longstanding health cooperation with Cuba as a major example, arguing that the removal of Cuban medical personnel has created a significant gap in healthcare services throughout the region. He said the United States has provided no comparable assistance to address the resulting shortage of trained personnel. That criticism, however, carries particular resonance for Guyana, where the PPP/C administration led by President Irfaan Ali has also moved away from the longstanding Cuban medical arrangement. The development represents an uncomfortable point of comparison for Ramotar, whose party is now in office and whose government has pursued closer relations with Washington while reducing Guyana's reliance on Cuban medical cooperation.
Amid mounting pressure from the United States over the alleged exploitation of Cuban medical workers, Guyana last year terminated its longstanding bilateral partnership with Cuba. Despite ending the agreement, the government instead has been paying the C u b a n m e d i c a l professionals directly in line with labour laws. When asked whether other CARICOM states facing U.S. pressure should adopt Guyana's model, President Ali stressed that the approach aligns with both local and international labour laws. He highlighted the region's health sector challenges and the need for medical workers, noting that if Cuban doctors and nurses are hired according to labour regulations and paid legally, they meet international standards. “We ensure that they're paid within the laws of our country and under the same conditions as any other worker is paid, that is to receive their money directly,” President Ali said. Kaieteur News had reported that the U.S. government had warned Caribbean nations participating in Cuban medical programmes that such arrangements may amount to human trafficking and could result in visa restrictions and possible trade repercussions. However, Guyana's Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony had initially denied that the decision was influenced by U.S. pressure, stating that there was no specific reason for ending the agreement. Instead, he explained that C u b a n m e d i c a l professionals are now entering Guyana on their own and applying for jobs outside of any formal government-to-government programme. China's influence Turning his attention to the geopolitical pressures here, Ramotar said the US is now pressing regional governments to stop doing business with China. Many governments are beginning to comply with those orders as we see more big contracts going to US companies, some of those companies have poor performance
Heads of State and Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community met on 25 February, 2026 with the Secretary of State of the United States of America, Marco Rubio
records. “If some newspaper stories are to be believed, (and they have not been countered) in some cases Chinese contractors won bids for certain projects, but they were not given the jobs, they went to the US firms,” Ramotar wrote. He said the US and other Western countries have ignored “us and kept us in a state of underdevelopment since independence. Now that we are getting assistance from China to build important and much needed infrastructure to facilitate
socio-economic progress we are getting push back from the US.” He said it appears that the US want to keep Guyana in a state of perpetual underdevelopment and in poverty. “We see the open intention to super exploit our natural resources and labour for the benefit of the US big business. They are mainly interested in our natural resources. They do no value added in the region nor establish any type of manufacturing. Those are reserved for the rich, developed countries.”
Ramotar said the recent “deal” with Venezuela is worse than highway robbery, noting that Venezuela has to provide oil and gas to US companies at cost for one hundred years. “This is barefaced robbery and has demonstrated that Venezuela is now a defacto colony of the US. This will not benefit the poor in the US. It is designed to enrich the huge corporations. Venezuela was forced to abandon its long and well-known principle of standing in solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine. It is now forced to recognise the Fascist, Apartheid Israeli regime that continues to bomb defenceless civilians in makeshift camps in the Gaza, the West Bank (where ethnic cleansing is taking place) and in East Jerusalem. Today the sovereignty of our countries is already severely compromised. If we don't stand up now it would be completely lost,” Ramotar said.
Kaieteur News
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Friday September 11, 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
Greater accountability Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo cannot be for real. Greater accountability demanded from PPPC Government ministers, and senior government officials. He has to be joking, must not have consulted with President Irfaan Ali to get the real story of the standards of the PPPC Government. It was the president who deposited the incredible in the public domain. ‘The PPPC Government is the most transparent government in the history of this country’. The president’s logic was simple: a transparent government has nothing to hide. It, therefore, can only be a government that takes accountability with the utmost seriousness. So, in the first anniversary celebrations of the PPPC second consecutive victory at the polls, and strengthening its control of power and over Guyanese, it is shocking to see and hear Jagdeo going near to procurement breaches and threatening consequences. Who committed such breaches? How many from the PPPC Government apparatus are involved? And, how out of control are these procurement breaches that Jagdeo felt impelled to arrange an audience of ministers and senior officials and then let fly? Vice President Jagdeo is too much of a political veteran to engage in any such activity, without being on solid grounds. He warns about accountability means that whatever accountability there is, it is negligible. When he has to resort to the menacing, there is only one interpretation: the government is in a deep hole. From our own experience, with Jagdeo, it is not his style to call his people to book publicly. He reserves his venom and aggression for people from the media and those from civil society who question how the PPPC Government conducts the people’s business, manages the billions. He goes on the attack when there are questions or comments about the secrecy, the blatant procurement breaches, the evaluations that insult the intelligence of citizens, and the tendering process that is plagued by inconsistencies, through awards that fly in the face of commonsense. It is why we cannot believe that Jagdeo did what he did, and did so in full public view. We think that what Guyanese are witnessing is Jagdeo, a PPPC Government vice president in full damage control mode. The situation has to be desperate that he breaks with his own standards and practices. Instead of defending, he is letting loose, and in a state of carefully managed impatience and anger. There comes that time when there is too much corruption, and more cannot be tolerated. Because doing so, staying quiet, risks putting the entire PPP machinery at risk. Jagdeo is playing the long game. A billion dollars stolen today through procurement violations bring much joy for the recipients. Should there be a change in government, however, there could a lot of empty jail cells occupied by corrupt government ministers and other officials. Corruption at beyond denial, beyond coverup, levels could lead to a change in government. The exposures have been many, and the government loses ground with every new revelation. This is where the vice president is at his best. If there is one instinct in Jagdeo that is finely tuned, it is his antenna for danger. Few other Guyanese in the political realm possesses his sensitivity to the state of the environment, and what it is telling him cannot be avoided any longer. Therefore, there must be some effort to put a foot down and stop it. There is no foot in the PPPC Government that can stamp down harder and make its heaviness felt more than Vice President and PPP General Secretary, Jagdeo. That is why there was that rare instance of frankness at the Convention Centre. Ministers and officers in attendance know where they stand, and it is not in a comfortable place. Nobody in the government or the party wants to get on the wrong side of him. We think that the corruption levels are so high, the procurement breaches are so frequent, that Jagdeo could not pretend any longer that they do not exist. Or that critics of the government are inflating the situation, to get at his party. There had better be pulling up of socks, and changing of attitudes. If not, party people will be gone, according to Jagdeo. We are not believers.
Recolonisation is taking place DEAR EDITOR, Latin America and the Caribbean countries are being re-colonised. This time it not by Britain, the Netherlands, Spain, France and Portugal, but by the United States. At a period of time the United States had an anticolonial position and had advocated for the ending of colonialism. That was one of the features of the Munroe Doctrine that has become somewhat obscured since the US became so bellicose. Today, in a defacto way, it has become a super c o l o n i a l p o w e r. I t i s imposing its will on regions and countries. Those that stand up for their rights are sanctioned, destabilised and sometimes physically removed. The fact that it used its military might to kidnap a sitting president, President Maduro of Venezuela, is a
clear indication that the United States has decided to ignore international laws and t o g e t i t s o w n w a y. Strikingly, only the President of Brazil protested vigorously. Our Caribbean leaders have generally been tight-lipped. The United States has gone even further. They have been, using the guise of fighting drugs, to establish a strong military presence in the region. They have been murdering hundreds of persons travelling in small boats in the Caribbean. Without producing a scintilla of evidence, without attempting to board the boats and get evidence, the US just killed the occupants. We may never know if any were really involved in drug trafficking. There has been a deafening silence from Latin America and the Caribbean leaders to those atrocities.
As if these events were not enough many of the governments in the region are, on the request/ orders from the United States are acting against their countries’ best interests. The ending of the cooperation in health with Cuba which was in place for more than fifty (50) years and which benefited millions of the region’s citizens, is a case in point. That has left a yawning gap in the health sector of the region. The US has not provided any assistance to help with the dislocation and shortage of technical personnel created by their insistence to remove Cubans. Instead, they have sent us persons that they want out of their countries and regional governments are accepting those rejects. Indeed, in order to put up a good spin on that disgraceful action, we
are told it would be good for us. It is even suggested that accepting these US rejects, we would be acquiring skills. However, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is very clear on who those persons are. In an interview he said openly that, “We are actively searching for other countries to take people from third countries..., we are working with other countries to say we want to send you some of the most despicable human beings to your countries, would you do that as a favour to us? And the further away from America the better so they can’t come back across t h e b o r d e r. I ’ m n o t apologetic about it. The President (Trump) was elected to keep America safe and to get rid of a bunch of perverts, paedophiles and child rapist out of our country...” Continued on page 5
The PPP has lowered the bar on leadership and good governance DEAR EDITOR, The time has come for the government to face reality, be honest and recognise that there is absolutely no transparency and accountability in its decision-making processes. In fact, this government is so arrogant that it does not believe it is accountable and transparent to anyone or even civil society organisations. Yet the President expects support from the people without his government commitment to transparency and accountability. He ought to know that action speaks louder than words, therefore, as the holder of the highest office in the land, he is dutybound to end the blatant corrupt practices and doubledealing by senior members of the government. This is what a credible and true leader with good character, ethics, integrity and morality would do. The 26th President of the United States Teddy Roosevelt (1901-1909) said that character, integrity, ethics and morality are the absolute foundations of true leadership. The ruling elite must be of the highest moral standards by being decent, uncorrupt, principled and decisive in the decisions and actions they make on issues while in office. We should enforce the law that all members of the Cabinet declare their assets before
taking office and those assets should be monitored annually to make sure that they do not receive ill-gotten gains from illegal transactions. There are claims that some in public office are involved in illicit transactions (bribe) when awarding contracts, and many of them even have companies in the names of family members and friends who have and continue to receive lucrative government contracts. Although the leader of the opposition and others have exposed many of them who had very little wealth before becoming ministers, in the last five years, they have erected huge multimillion-dollar buildings and complexes and are also the owners of properties (lands and houses) at home and overseas, sand pits, stone quarries and gold mines, all of which are kept secret and are hidden from the public. Despite these claims, no investigation of any sort has been carried out on any senior government official including ministers and permanent secretaries in regard to their huge accumulation of assets since taking office. Attacking the messenger means blaming or criticising anyone for exposing their corrupt practices instead of dealing with the actual problem or the facts themselves. The preservation of
moral authority and integrity depends on being honest, keeping one’s word and fulfilling one’s promises. In this regard, the government has not fulfilled its 2020 election campaign promise to renegotiate the oil contract with ExxonMobil. In fact, it has given the oil giant a free reign to wreak h a v o c o n o u r e n e rg y resources and exploit, rape and pauperised the nation. The ruling elite has repeatedly failed and have missed several opportunities to demonstrate to the public that they are committed not by words but by their actions to do differently while in office. Good governance has been replaced by arrogance and poverty and homelessness have increased. The perception that corruption exists at every level of government and that the government is indecisive on several issues is true. Among them is the lack of commitment to prosecute senior public servants and members of the Cabinet who are deemed culpable of alleged corruption and other illegal practices. Instead, there has been blatant denial and barefaced cover-up of wrong doings by some in government and at the regional and local levels. The government waffling, indecisiveness and inability to reduce the high crime rate, high cost-of-
living, reduce or end corruption and shrink the high level of poverty and homelessness in the country is evidence that the PPP government is not committed to transparency, accountability and democracy—the effect of which is the erosion of moral authority, integrity and the demise of the state. What has been indelibly recorded since this government came to office in August 2020 is that it vacillates, acts slowly, leaves things to fester, and does not take charge when it matters most. They are influenced by and obsessed with the not-so-hidden fact of the power they wield. However, the French writer Victor Hugo said that rulers must understand that power does not last forever. The reality is th is administration has effectively lowered the bar on leadership and good governance, but it could raise its profile and redeem itself by ending or reducing corruption, nepotism and cronyism. It must take decisive actions to stem the haemorrhage of public trust. The responsibility of a true leader, with all of his or her human frailties and imperfections, is to leave office better than when he or she inherited it This requires moral leadership which this government lacks. Sincerely, Aubrey Retemyer
Friday September 11, 2026
Kaieteur News
PAGE 05
Bandit nabbed, Guyana needs a new developmental model charged
DEAR EDITOR, My prompt for this letter is that picture of a meeting of high-level leaders of the Japanese and Guyanese governments – discussing expansion of investment, commercial and trade relationships [see today’s newspapers]. It looks like this meeting only discussed the niceties of investment and commercial ties. Minister Ashni Singh said, “We’d like to see more Japanese companies operating here”. President Ali is also today in Qatar talking Investments. He doesn’t say what kind of factory Qatar will open in Guyana to help with economic development. Qatar is an oil-gas country, but Exxon already has that tied down. Neither President Ali nor Minister Singh offered any specifics on the kinds of Investment and how it will advance Guyana’s economic development model. Maybe the Investment projects are still at the conception phase. But
certainly, all Guyanese would welcome Japanese companies operating in Guyana. Why? Because they are very good at manufacturing great stuff cars, electronics. And, they are very good at marketing. Guyana may not be suitable for cars and electronics. All parts and inputs would have to be imported, and it becomes an assembly shop. Not too many workers are available in Guyana either; then you have to import the labour also. And, Guyana still does n o t h a v e a labour/immigration policy. Maybe Japan is very good at agriculture; very good at growing a certain type of rice. Give them 5,000 acres of good rice-growing land. Let them export all the rice to Japan. Maybe Japan is very good at canning tomatoes or Guyanese fish (sardine-type) for export. Evaluate for value-added to Guyana’s economy. Guyana has great hard and soft woods for furniture manufacturing. Maybe
Recolonisation is taking... From page 4 So, please spare us the talk that this programme imposed by the US is going to give us skills. One of the immoralities of this project is that the US will turn around and issue advisories for tourist not to visit our countries because of crimes! The US is now pressing regional governments to stop doing business with China. Many governments are beginning to comply with those orders as we see more big contracts going to US companies, some of those companies have poor performance records. If some newspaper stories are to be believed, (and they have not been countered) in some cases, Chinese contractors won bids for certain projects, but they were not given the jobs, they went to the US firms. The US and other Western countries have ignored us and kept us in a state of underdevelopment since independence. Now that we are getting assistance from China to build important and much needed infrastructure to facilitate socio-economic progress, we are getting push back from the US. It appears that they want to keep us in a state of perpetual underdevelopment and in poverty. We see the open intention to super
exploit our natural resources and labour for the benefit of the US big business. They are mainly interested in our natural resources. They do no value added in the region nor establish any type of manufacturing. Those are reserved for the rich, developed countries. The recent “deal” with Venezuela is worse than highway robbery. Venezuela has to provide oil and gas to US companies at cost for one hundred years. This is barefaced robbery and has demonstrated that Venezuela is now a defacto colony of the US. This will not benefit the poor in the US. It is designed to enrich the huge corporations. Venezuela was forced to abandon its long and wellknown principle of standing in solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine. It is now forced to recognise the Fascist, Apartheid Israeli regime that continues to bomb defenceless civilians in makeshift camps in the Gaza, the West Bank (where ethnic cleansing is taking place) and in East Jerusalem. Today the sovereignty of our countries is already severely compromised. If we don’t stand up now, it would be completely lost. Regards, Donald Ramotar Former President
Guyana should invite IKEA to open a furniture manufacturing plant. IKEA potentially could flood the world with Guyana’s prized wooden furniture. Some models of development: 1) When China was allowed to join WTO (world trading system) America’s economic planners say China would do low-end manufacturing (clothes, shoes) and America highend manufacturing (computer hard-drives, chips). We know how that worked out. China produced more engineers than the rest of the world combined - and now China makes all the high-end stuff. Guyana is too small - no labour for even low-end manufacturing unless Guyana starts importing a few million people to settle there. 2) Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia - these countries have a very different model. They import millions of people to work. And, they tell the imported workers, “Save your money and go back to your country”. The standard of living & quality of life for their citizens have risen by
leaps and bounds matching that of First World’s peoples. Average income of their citizens is higher than that of North Americans. Their model has proven to be very successful. 3) Who remembers Sir Arthur Lewis’s model of development: Theory of Labour surplus? Guyana today does not have a labour surplus anymore. They have all migrated to North America. President Ali needs to develop and define a new model to propel the Guyanese people to a more comfortable standard of living. Evaluate those meetings with Japanese and Qatari Investors - and let President Ali explain to the Guyanese people how that kind of investment fits-in w i t h w h a t e v e r developmental model Mr. Ali has in mind. Regards, Mike Persaud
Alex Pickering, the bandit who bolted with an undisclosed amount of cash after a female cashier grabbed his gun during a robbery at Hinds Gas Station in Linden last Friday, has been charged for the crime. Reports are that he was arrested in Linden on Tuesday night. Pickering was recently released from prison for armed robbery. He was sentenced in absentia in 2018 for a robbery, which he had committed at Puruni Landing, Region Seven in 2017. He was arrested and charged but the Bartica Magistrate Court had granted him bail and he never showed up for court again. A year later, he was nabbed in Linden and jailed after the court sentenced him to five years in prison in
A picture of Alex Pickering when he was jailed in 2018. absentia. Recently released from prison, he robbed the Hinds Gas Station last Friday. Police told Kaieteur News that the bandit entered the gas station around 19:15hrs. with a gun and demanded that the cashier hand over all the cash. She took the cash from the counter and handed it to him. However, while the bandit sorted the money, he placed his firearm on the Continued on page 6
Kaieteur News
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Friday September 11, 2026
Houthis advance along Yemeni coast, threaten Saudi oil exports in the Red Sea CAIRO/WASHINGTO N/DUBAI, Sept 10 (Reuters) - Iran-aligned Houthis seized control of Yemen’s port city of Mocha on Thursday and advanced down the Red Sea coast to strategic islands, military sources said, hours after President Donald Trump said he expected the Iran war to end after the U.S. midterm e l e c t i o n s . Ye m e n i government military said the Houthis had gained further leverage over the Bab elMandeb Strait, the southern outlet of the Red Sea and one o f t h e w o r l d ’s m o s t important shipping routes, and had reached the islands of Hanish. If the Houthis were to gain control of the waterway on the opposite side of the Arabian Peninsula from the Strait of Hormuz, it could give their sponsor Iran a critical advantage in the war with the United States, reducing supplies through a second major transit corridor and sending oil prices surging. It would also make it harder for Trump to find an exit from a war that has hurt his Republican Party’s electoral prospects ahead of the November midterms. Yemen’s Houthi-run humanitarian operations coordination centre said in a statement that Red Sea navigation is safe for all shipping companies except for Saudi vessels. Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, has relied on the Red Sea route since the Iran conflict effectively closed Hormuz, through which ‘a fifth of global oil used to flow. Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam said, without elaborating, that the group’s operations were defensive and would stop once attacks on Yemen stopped. Yemeni government, Iranian and regional sources told Reuters the Houthi advance down the coast this week came with direct g u i d a n c e f r o m I r a n ’s
Members of the Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces during clashes with Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis in a location given as near Al-Hazm, Yemen, September 9, 2026. via Media Centre Of The Yemeni Armed Forces
Revolutionary Guards. Separately, the Wall Street Journal on Thursday cited U.S. and Middle East officials as saying Iran had resumed producing ballistic missiles from existing components while working in underground facilities. OIL PRICES JUMP Brent crude prices jumped as much as 4% on Thursday to $105 a barrel on concern over disruption to supply routes. The Houthis entered the current war alongside Iran with an attack on Israel in March, but largely stayed quiet before declaring a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in July and stepping up attacks on the south of the kingdom this month. Tensions in the region remained high, with Saudi civil defence authorities issuing emergency alerts in the southwestern city of Khamis Mushait for the fourth time in 24 hours, as the Houthis attacked. Pakistan has delivered a Saudi warning to Iran to rein in the Houthis to try to prevent the crisis from spiralling, Saudi, Pakistani and Iranian sources said. A senior Iranian official said Tehran’s response was: “Iran does not control the Houthis”. The conflict between Saudi Arabia’s Yemeni allies in the internationally backed government and the Houthis follows the biggest declared
wave of tit-for-tat attacks on shipping in the Gulf region by the U.S. and Iran this week since the war began with U.S. and Israeli strikes late February. Seen ‘as part of a regional alliance known as the “Axis of Resistance” backed by Iran, the Houthis have also rallied behind the Palestinians in the Gaza war, firing drones and missiles at Israel and attacking commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Yemeni government forces and their allies are relocating south along the Red Sea coast to Dhubab, which sits directly on the strait, across from the island of Perim, government military sources said. Control of Dhubab and the island is key to gaining hold of the strait, they said. Bab el-Mandeb, or the Gate of Tears, named for its perilous navigation conditions, lies between Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula and Djibouti and Eritrea on the African coast, making it a major prize for the Houthis, who control Yemen’s most populous areas and much of the north. It is one of the world’s most important ‘routes for crude oil and fuel from the Gulf bound for the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal, or the SuezMediterranean pipeline on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, as well as commodities bound
Bandit nabbed, charged From page 5 counter when the cashier grabbed it and pointed it to him. Realising she had the weapon, the suspect grabbed the loot and bolted for his life. Police in a release said that he was charged in connection with armed robbery. Investigations revealed that during the incident, a female employee was allegedly robbed of $200,000 in cash while the perpetrator was armed with a firearm. A
suspect was subsequently arrested and during the course of the investigation, a 9mm pistol and seven live rounds of ammunition were recovered. The suspect has since been charged with Robbery Under Arms and Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence. He is scheduled to appear at the Linden Magistrate’s Court today to answer the charges.
for Asia, including Russian oil. TRUMP SEES WAR ENDING AFTER MIDTERMS The war and subsequent increase in fuel prices have h e l p e d d r i v e Tr u m p ’s popularity to record lows. He said Iran was trying to influence the midterm elections, which will determine whether his Republican Party retains
control of Congress. “I think war is going to end immediately after the election because they can’t hold out any `longer. They’re desperate to try and affect the electio n , ” Tr u mp to ld reporters on Wednesday. Trump has previously set other deadlines for the war to end. He told the midterm Republican convention on Wednesday that the U.S.
may hit Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain, a site that hosts two deeply buried tunnel complexes near Iran’s damaged Natanz uranium enrichment facility. The U.S. and Israel launched military strikes on Iran on February 28 partly on concerns over Tehran’s nuclear programme, which Iran says is only for peaceful purposes. In recent weeks Wa s h i n g t o n h a d c i t e d ‘increasing success guiding tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, which carried about a fifth of global oil supplies before the war. But a resumption of fighting this month appears to have set back any such gradual reopening. Just seven vessels transited the strait on Wednesday, half the 10-day average, preliminary shiptracking data showed. Iranian state media said on Thursday the Revolutionary Guards Navy had struck a U.S. unmanned vessel at the entrance to Hormuz.
Janki urges govt. to cut all business... From page 2 there is no trade/investment between Guyana and Israel which could possibly support Israel's illegal occupation. To this end, she told the President, “I therefore ask that your government takes all necessary steps to ensure that Guyana cannot unwittingly facilitate Israel's egregious violations of the rights of the Palestinian people.” According to data obtained by Janki through the UN Comtrade database, in 2025 Guyana imported US$14 Million worth of goods from Israel. The lawyer warned that Guyana has no way of knowing that every single component of every item came from outside of the OPT and was produced without any labour from within the OPT, or of ensuring that the money which Guyana paid for those goods is not used to help fund Israel's illegal occupation of the OPT. Similarly, Guyana cannot ensure that goods exported to Israel are not used for illegal purposes. In relation to Israel business activities in Guyana, she said it is impossible for Guyana to ensure that the goods produced or the profits realised from such businesses are not used to support Israel's illegal occupation. To this end, the lawyer suggested that Guyana urgently terminate all commercial dealings with Israel, ending all trade. She called for the termination of all Israeli business activities in Guyana and an embargo on any oil from Guyana going to Israel. Furthermore, she asked the President to secure an undertaking from ExxonMobil Guyana Ltd. and its co-venturers Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Ltd. that Guyana's oil will not be exported to Israel. Additionally, Janki suggested laws to prohibit trade with Israel until such time as
Israel ceases its illegal occupation of the OPT. She noted that the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Norway, the Netherlands and Belgium and Ireland have banned trade with the OPT. Be that as it may; the lawyer explained that this is largely symbolic as none of those countries has any control over what Israel does with its imports, exports and revenue or any way of tracking them. Janki said her requests are the logical and practical outcome of Guyana's legal and political stand on Palestine and Israel. Guyana recognised Palestine as a state in 2011. Guyana's Written Statement of 25 July 2023 to the ICJ in the advisory proceedings concerning Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem' concluded that: "(1) Israel has unlawfully annexed the West Bank and East Jerusalem; (2) Israel has violated the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people; (3) Israel's occupation of the OPT is unlawful, and Israel is under an obligation to immediately and fully cease that occupation; (4) All States are under an obligation (i) not to recognise as lawful Israel's occupation of the OPT; not to render any aid or assistance to Israel in maintaining that occupation; and (it) to ensure that Israel complies fully with its international legal obligations, including by immediately ending its occupation of the OPT.” To this end, Janki said she was merely asking the President to ensure that Guyana follows the requirements of international law as interpreted by Guyana and the ICJ. She told Kaieteur News in a separate comment, "I have written this detailed and evidence-based letter to President Ali because nobody should be silent in the face of genocide. Furthermore, lawyers have a privileged place in society and that privilege carries with it a responsibility to speak truth to power."
Friday September 11, 2026
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
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Friday September 11, 2026
Intelligence chief admits burning records in extradition case
The Head of the Guyana Police Force's (GPF) Special B r a n c h , S e n i o r Superintendent Prem Narine, admitted to shredding and burning operational documents related to the arrest of businessmen Nazar
Mohamed and his son, Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed. The revelation unfolded during ongoing extradition committal proceedings before Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman on Wednesday. The US is
seeking the extradition of the father and son to face trial in a Florida Federal Court over alleged wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering, allegations dating back to 2017. U n d e r c r o s s examination by defence
attorney Siand Dhurjon, Senior Superintendent Narine confirmed that on October 31, 2025, at 11:35 AM, he authorised Entry 13 in the Regional Division 4A Brickdam Police Station diary. The entry formally recorded the arrest of Azruddin Mohamed, 38, and his father, Nazar Mohamed, 73, both of Lot 275 Burrow Street, Republic Park, East Bank Demerara, for conspiracy to commit money laundering and other offences in violation of US laws. While the entry noted that neither suspect showed marks of violence and that both men refused to sign the entry, it made no record of documents transmitted that morning, the movement of the suspects to court, or a private meeting held with a US federal agent. Narine testified that he permitted US Marshal Sandy Rowe to have a private conversation with the Mohameds. Though conducted in full view, the discussion was out of Narine's hearing, leaving the contents unknown to local authorities. When pressed on why this interaction was omitted from both Entry 13 and his formal police statement, Narine indicated he believed he had noted it in one of three operational notebooks. However, he admitted that all three books were destroyed in January 2026 at Special Branch headquarters. Narine described running the notebooks through a shredding machine before personally burning the remnants in an area adjacent to a condemned furnace in the Special Branch compound. He testified that he kept the fire under supervision until the records were turned to dust and rendered completely useless. When asked to confirm if the compound was located on Barret Street, Narine declined to give an exact address, citing security concerns regarding Special Branch operations. Defence counsel suggested that Narine had destroyed the true operational record of the operation, a premise Narine rejected. To justify the destruction, Narine asserted he was bound by the "Official Secrets Act" and obligated to destroy any records he deemed secret. "Anything I consider that is a secret, and for it to remain
Senior Superintendent Prem Narine that way, I destroy it," Narine testified. Prosecutor Herbert McKenzie admitted he was unsure what his witness was referring to. Defence attorney Dhurjon formally requested disclosure of any official policy or document upon which Narine acted to destroy the records. Narine eventually backtracked, stating he would require legal advice before clarifying whether he was citing statutory law, such as the Official Secrets Act of 1911, or internal police guidance. Cross-examination on the issue was deferred to allow Narine time to consult l e g a l c o u n s e l . The court also witnessed heavy debates surrounding allegations of political persecution. The defence contends that Nazar Mohamed is being targeted due to his alignment with his son's political party, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), which Nazar finances. Defence counsel highlighted over a dozen public statements from government officials criticising the elder Mohamed. Outside the courtroom, defence attorney Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde argued that the officer's testimony pointed toward political interference. "Permit me to go back to the law and the Latin maxim, res ipsa loquitur, the thing speaks for itself," Forde stated. "The evidence of Mr. Narine spoke volumes in the case regarding the level of potential political
involvement." Conversely, Prosecutor Glenn Hanoman rejected the defence's claims, describing the strategy as an attempt to prolong the case. "The whole charge, all the evidence that was built in this case goes all the way back to 2017," Hanoman told reporters outside court. "So obviously, evidence that the request is based on could not be political because it relates too far back." Hanoman also criticised the defence for submitting over 300 pages of legal precedents only to withdraw the specific question put to Narine, calling it an "abuse of the court's process" and a "masterclass in delay." "Justice Delayed vs. Rushed Justice" Addressing the tension between the prosecution's concerns over the 10-monthlong proceedings and the defence's lengthy crossexaminations, Chief Magistrate Latchman affirmed that the court would maintain strict control over its own schedule. “This court will not be controlled by any mortal being, inside this court or outside; this court will control its own pace," Latchman warned. She added, "Justice delayed is justice denied, but also rushed justice is crushed justice." Cross-examination regarding the destruction of the police records and the official policy disclosures is set to resume on September 21.
Kaieteur News
Friday September 11, 2026
PAGE 09
What is happiness? This time, I went to Guru, I asked him what I thought was the most important question of all. “Guru,” I said, “what is happiness?” He smiled. “You have come a long way to ask a very difficult question.” “Isn’t happiness simply being happy?” “No,” he said. “That is pleasure. Happiness is something deeper.” I waited. “Tell me,” he said, “when you get something you desperately want, how long does the happiness last?” I thought about it. A new car. A promotion. A new house. A successful investment. A holiday. Even something as simple as buying something I had wanted for a long time. There is an excitement when we finally get it. But eventually, the excitement fades. The car
becomes ordinary. The house becomes familiar. The promotion becomes the new normal. And then, somehow, we begin wanting something else. The Guru nodded. “You have discovered the problem,” he said. Modern life has become remarkably good at giving us pleasure and remarkably bad at teaching us contentment. Everywhere we turn, we are being told that happiness is just one purchase away. Buy this. Own that. Travel here. Drive this. Look like that. Become more successful. Earn more money. Get more followers. And then, we are promised, happiness will arrive. But it rarely does. Not for long, anyway. The Guru spoke about the distinction between the fleeting pleasures of the
senses and the deeper peace that comes from within. He reminded me that Krishna teaches Arjuna about controlling the restless senses and freeing oneself from endless desire. “Desire is not always your enemy,” he said. “But when desire becomes your master, you will never have enough.” That struck me as particularly true of our age. We have more than previous generations could have imagined, yet many of us remain dissatisfied. We have larger houses but sometimes less peace. We have more ways to communicate but sometimes feel lonelier. We have more entertainment but struggle to sit quietly. We have more possessions but often less contentment. We have become experts at acquiring things and beginners at appreciating
Skull wanted for miner’s killing at Issano Police have issued a wanted bulletin for 31-yearold Mark Griffith called ‘Skull’ for questioning in connection with killing of Shawn Abrams during a bar fight at 14 Miles, Issano, Middle Mazaruni, Region Seven. Griffith’s last known address was given as Canje Village, Berbice, Region Six. If anyone knows his whereabouts or has any credible information leading to his arrest, they can contact police on telephone numbers, 911, 227-1611, 268-2328, 268-2329, 2263411, 225-8196, 227-1159 or
the nearest police station. Abrams, a miner was killed early Saturday morning during an altercation with another miner. Police said Abrams was reportedly drinking with three friends and a 31-yearold miner from Canje, Berbice, Region Six, at a bar in the area when a disagreement developed between the two men. The argument soon turned into a scuffle. One of Abrams’ friends reportedly intervened and separated the two men. However, he noticed blood stains on Abrams’ vest. Abrams then
Wanted, Mark Griffith called ‘Skull’ walked a short distance away before collapsing. He was reportedly bleeding heavily and died at the scene. The suspect reportedly left the area after the incident.
Dem Boys Seh...
Progress does mek people run mad Progress does mek some people glad. But it does also mek some people mad. Depending on which side of de political divide yuh deh, yuh does sing and dance when yuh see progress. But some people nah wan see progress when dem side nah deh pon top. And suh every time dem read bout progress dem does get traumatised. Is dat wah happening in Guyana. Deh gat people wah happy with progress. And yuh gat one and two wah distress because of de progress. All Guyanese want prosperity and some ah we leaders does also pray fuh progress. Burnham bin meet God in a dream in 1970 and he bin ask God, “God when will Guyana see prosperity?” God tell he, “In de next 200 years.” Burnham cry because he know dat he wouldn’t deh round to see de progress. Jagan
bin meet God in a dream in 1980, he too bin ask God, “When will Guyana see prosperity?” God tell he in another 200 years. Jagan start fuh cry because he tuh bin know he can’t live dat lang. Hoyte also meet God in a dream in 2000. He ask God de same question, “God when will Guyana see prosperity?” God answer he, “In de next 200 metres.” Now Hoyte bin wan know if was some mistake God mek. He ask heself if God mistake metres fuh years. Why did God say in de next 200 metres? So he pray and ask God fuh explain how Guyana can meet prosperity in de next 200 metres. Luckily fuh he, God answer he. De Creator tell he, “Guyana does move forward one metre every year. Talk half. Leff half.
them. “So should we have no desires?” I asked. The Guru shook his head. “No. Desire gives energy to life. You should have aspirations. You should work. You should build. You should love. You should dream. But learn the difference between wanting something and needing it in order to be happy.” That distinction may be one of the great secrets of a peaceful life. There is nothing wrong with wanting a better job. But if you believe you cannot be happy until you get it, you have handed your happiness to your employer. There is nothing wrong with wanting more money. But if you believe you cannot be content until you have more, you have made yourself permanently poor. There is nothing wrong with wanting recognition. But if your peace depends upon other people’s applause, you have surrendered control of your own mind. The Guru told me that Hindu philosophy places santosha, or contentment, among the important disciplines of a good life. Contentment does not mean giving up ambition. It means being able strive for more without despising what I already have. The person without
contentment keeps moving the finish line. “I will be happy when I get married. I will be happy when I have children. I will be happy when the children grow up. I will be happy when I retire. I will be happy when I have enough money.” And one day, perhaps, the person looks back and discovers that he spent his entire life waiting to become happy. The Guru looked at me. “Where is happiness?” I hesitated. “Inside us?” He nodded. “ B u t d o n ’ t misunderstand me. Happiness is not simply a feeling you can manufacture by repeating positive thoughts. It comes from how you live.” He spoke of dharma, living according to one’s responsibilities and moral obligations. He spoke of self-discipline, compassion, service, gratitude and the ability to quiet the restless demands of the ego. A meaningful life, he suggested, creates a different kind of happiness from the temporary thrill of getting what we want. The Guru then told me something I found difficult. “If you want to know whether you are happy,” he said, “sit alone in a quiet room with nothing to entertain you.” I laughed.
“That sounds more like a test of suffering.” He laughed too. “But it is a test of whether you can be at peace with yourself.” Perhaps that is the real challenge. We are surrounded by noise because silence forces us to meet ourselves. We fill our days with activity because stillness can reveal our anxieties. We scroll endlessly because our own thoughts can be uncomfortable company. We chase possessions because wanting is sometimes easier than understanding why we are dissatisfied. As I prepared to leave, I asked the Guru one final question. “So, what should I do tomorrow to become happier?” He smiled. “Tomorrow morning, before you ask what you want from the day, ask what the day already gave you. Be grateful. Do your duty. Serve someone. Enjoy what you have. Want what is worthy. And when you receive what you desire, enjoy it but do not make it your god.” (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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Friday September 11, 2026
BY GHK LALL
H@RD TRUTHS Amerindian Heritage Month- the best celebration UTHS
D TR
HAR
HK
BY G
LALL
The best manner in which Guyana's indigenous can be honored in this their Heritage Month is through a credible Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the MV Barima catastrophe. An avoidable tragedy now written in blood on the books
of Guyana. The callous, reckless, and negligent, who contributed to the deaths of likely well over a hundred mainly working stock Guyanese, must be identified. Including and beyond ministers and managers. Let there be a
COI that inspires closure, not more quarreling. I call on the PPP Govt., the sole intellectual authors of this national disaster, to show some belated respect to Guyana's grieving indigenous people. Crown them in this Amerindian
Heritage Month. Give them an MV Barima COI that rises above its makeup, its murk. Be honest with them, this once. Aid the COI to wrench itself free from its sticky muddy anchors, and serve the interests of Guyana's indigenous. Lift the boat from the depths that serve as its tomb. Help the COI unseal its secrets. Ceaseand-desist with the games now integra; to salvaging a death boat and its cargo of stilled bodies and extinguished breath. Take the straight path, I urge the powers in the PPP Govt. Present Guyana's First Citizens with the birthright of firstborns. Talk is cheap, and abundant it has been. PPP leaders, the PPP Govt. are models of talk. Cheap talk. Trash talk. Talk for the sake of talking. Then, an awful silence, clever distancing, takes over. Though talk from the PPP is cheap and trashy, COIs sponsored by the PPP Govt is cheaper. So cheap as to be the essence of the sleazy. The record is around. It's recent. Make a selection. One stands out, casts a towering shadow. The Madhia Dormitory conflagration. From a matchbox in a prison box to a box to house 20 dead. In this Amerindian Heritage Month, their fried and barbequed blood still cry out for justice. Their spirits roam with the restlessness of those delivered that one last
slap across the cheek, that final indignity. A COI that insulted its name, that d e g r a d e d Amerindians, that pointed to a PPP Govt. that is the most dreadful example of depraved indifference, and criminal coverup. The Mahdia Dorm inferno that trapped and terrorized, then struck and sucked the life out of 20 young Guyanese, the COI for that is done and gone. There was also ambulance chasing in a time of loss, when families were at their weakest, and documents signed that liquidated their rights. What kind of dastardly government has the presence of mind to conceive of such a horror, then bring it to birth? In the annals of Guyana, the PPP Govt. stands alone; well has it earned that exclusivity. The Mahdia Dorm fire trap COI has now gained special notoriety. The style and standard that should never be repeated; the model to be buried, never exhumed. Especially when more than five times the Mahdia number are now dead in the MV Barima disaster, and the deceased are mainly of the children of the savannahs and forests. An MV Barima COI of unprecedent immaculate effort, of singular achievement, would do
justice to Guyana's indigenous. From the dead to devastated families. A country overrun by corrupt characters could manifest that there's still that spark that could leapfrog manmade barriers, produce what is honest. What is powered by high personal ideals, and the best in individual principles, and nothing related to the low governmental vulgarities now so normal in Guyana. Let there be an MV Barima COI that refuses to reside in the gutter. As dictated to about what's acceptable. As to what's expected. Rising above the submerged bridge of the MV Barima, Guyana's indigenous can take their place alongside their peers, from the president to the pauperized, can feel so respected, that they salute the COI of the same name. No greater gift can be given to Guyana's indigenous in this Amerindian Heritage Month 2026. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Pensioner arrested for shotgun, air pistol at Hague
The Shotgun and air pistol that were seized by police Police are investigating the discovery of a suspected 12-gauge shotgun which was found on Wednesday, about 11:30hrs, at a residence at Hague Back, West Coast Demerara. Preliminary investigations revealed that ranks, acting on information received, proceeded to the location in relation to reports of gunshots being heard in the area. Upon arrival, ranks contacted a 74-yearold pensioner and conducted a search of his residence. During the search, a suspected 12-
gauge shotgun was found concealed between a bed and mattress in the lower flat of the premises. An air rifle was also handed over to ranks. The pensioner, who indicated that he is not the holder of a firearm licence, was arrested and escorted to the Leonora Police Station along with the suspected shotgun and air rifle which were lodged pending investigations. The suspect remains in Police custody as investigations continue.
Friday September 11, 2026
Kaieteur News
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Five foreigners busted at Potaro for illegal mining The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has detained five nonnationals, including Venezuelans following the discovery of an illegal mining operation in the Potaro mining district. Several pieces of mining equipment and a quantity of gold were also seized during the operation, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). A joint investigation is being conducted by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission's (GGMC) Corps of Wardens and the GPF. The ministry reiterated its no tolerance for illegal mining. It said, “All miners and other stakeholders are reminded that they are
required to obtain the necessary permissions and ensure their operations comply fully with Guyana's mining and environmental laws.” Further, MNR indicated that it will continue surveillance and enforcement activities across all mining districts through the GGMC and law enforcement agencies warning that those found operating outside the law will face the full consequences. To date a number of nonnationals engaged in illegal mining activities have been deported. Just over two weeks ago, it was reported
that six persons including a Chinese national and five Brazilians were arrested for illegal mining in one of Guyana's mining districts. At the time, MNR revealed that the individuals were found operating an underground mining operation through a shaft without the required approval. The illegal miners were detained through the joint efforts of the GGMC Corps of Wardens and the Guyana Police Force. In June, six illegal operations within the Mazaruni Mining District in Region Seven were shut down by the GGMC. According to a statement, the six illegal mining sites were operating within a quarry area, and 38 persons were arrested. Several pieces of equipment and machinery
or permit, operating without permission to mine, unable to produce a production book or any form of declaration, employing workers without work permits or certificates of registration, unable to produce a register of labourers and unable to produce a register of poisonous substances. The foreign nationals were escorted to the Bartica Police Station for processing while an excavator, dragger and other equipment used in the illegal operations were placed in the State's possession. In December last year, the Government of Guyana announced the rollout of a series of enhanced measures aimed at addressing reduced gold declarations.
were also seized. In March another batch of non-nationals were caught in illegal mining by enforcement bodies. This newspaper reported that a GGMC mining officer along with police ranks conducted an exercise at Kumung Kumung along the Puruni River during which six Brazilian nationals and one Venezuelan national were found working illegally.Following the operation, the GGMC instituted several charges against the land owners. T h e s e c h a rg e s a r e a s follows: breaching the buffer area of the river bank, diverting or altering the natural flow of the river, operating without a licence
During a high-level meeting held on December 10, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat emphasised the Government of Guyana's commitment to ensuring that Guyana's mineral resources are m a n a g e d r e s p o n s i b l y, t r a n s p a r e n t l y, a n d i n accordance with the law. He reminded that since 2020, the Government has delivered unprecedented technical, financial and regulatory support to the sector and its stakeholders. The minister also noted that government has made significant enhancements to the sector's guiding regulations, as well as supporting compulsory training for miners.
Following discussions, the meeting agreed on a series of enhanced enforcement measures to be rolled out immediately. Among them were tighter oversight of gold dealers and traders. The ministry vowed to intensify regulatory scrutiny of all licensed dealers, including stricter
audits of purchasing records, verification of source declarations and routine compliance checks. Notably, dealers found facilitating undeclared transactions or failing to meet reporting obligations could face sanctions, including suspension or revocation of licences. The
ministry also revealed plans to significantly scale-up field monitoring and enforcement operations across mining districts to target unauthorised activities and ensure compliance with environmental, safety and production reporting requirements.
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Kaieteur News
Friday September 11, 2026
Chair of OAS development council calls for development to be placed at the centre of hemispheric stability
OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin and Sir Ronald (Chair) at CIDI meeting Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS), Sir Ronald Sanders, as Chair of the Inter American Council for Integral Development (CIDI, has called for stronger development cooperation between OAS member states and the Organization's Permanent Observers. Sir Ronald made the call at a special meeting that he convened on 9 September as Chair of the Council. The meeting, attended by OAS Secretary General Albert Ramdin, brought together the 32 active OAS member states and Permanent Observers, including the European Union, China, Spain, Italy, France, Morocco and Japan. According to a press release, Saunders' central message was that development should not be treated as secondary to the other principal concerns of the inter-American system. “Development is not the fourth pillar of the interAmerican system. It is the foundation of the other three,” he declared.
Sir Ronald said human rights are diminished when people cannot feed their families, obtain health care or educate their children. Democracy loses authority when citizens see no path to decent work or improvement in their lives, while security becomes fragile when the lawful economy offers young people no credible place. He also linked inadequate development to migration pressures. “Migration, which commands so much of our collective attention, often begins where hope and opportunity have ended,” he said. “When development fails, the other pillars do not stand untouched. They begin to fracture.” Sir Ronald acknowledged the valuable support that Permanent Observers from Europe and Asia have given to the OAS in democracy, human rights and security. However, he observed that development had not received comparable attention in the Organization's external partnerships.
He argued that a more prosperous hemisphere would create stronger markets, more reliable trading partners and wider opportunities for investment and trade. Continued exclusion from economic opportunity, by contrast, would fuel political frustration, insecurity and migration pressures that no border could fully contain. Sir Ronald also called for greater support for climateresilient development, particularly for small island states repeatedly forced to borrow to replace infrastructure destroyed by s e v e r e s t o r m s . “Development cooperation is not charity at the margins of foreign policy,” Sir Ronald said. “It is an investment at the heart of shared stability and shared prosperity.” He proposed that the meeting should be the first in a series of practical encounters between CIDI and the Permanent Observers, directed towards building partnerships and producing measurable results.
Victoria man killed during fight at Toroparo Backdam Police are investigating the alleged murder of Sceon Elias, a 46-year-old miner of Victoria Village, East Coast Demerara, which occurred on Sunday at Toroparo Backdam, Middle Mazaruni River. Preliminary investigations revealed that at about 17:40hrs, Elias was allegedly wounded during an incident involving a 46year-old miner of Four Miles, Bartica. Elias was subsequently taken to a medical facility at Toroparo, where he was treated for a laceration to his head. He was later transferred to the Bartica Regional Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries about 09:30hrs on Wednesday. The suspect is presently in police custody assisting with the Murdered: Sceon Elias investigation. Investigations are ongoing.
T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N T B . U . L . L T B . N . U . N U T L N B . U . T . L N T U N B . N U . L U L LUNT. B . T . . T T N N B U B . U . L . L T B . B . . N . . . T U T L N N T U U L N L B U . B . . L . . . T B T . . N . N T U L N LU B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . The deportee deal L N . T B U . . L N . NT LUNT...B NT...BLU N U L B . . B . U . . T L . N T B . . U N . L N T B U N . . L . U T B L . . N B . . . T U . L N T B U . . L . UN T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . UN .BLUNT.. UNT...BL T...BLU . L N . T B U . . L B UN .BLUNT. . . L . T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U . . L N . LU ...BLUNT LUNT...B NT...BL T B U . . L N . T B BLU T...BLUN BLUNT... UNT...B . . L N . T B U . . B BL T...BLUN BLUNT. . . . T N U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T BB T...BLU U N L U B L . . . B . T . N . N T T U L U N L B U T...BLU U B . L . N . B T . . . N T U N N N L U U U B L . L . B T LUNT. UNT...B BL Friday September 11, 2026
Kaieteur News
The Government of Guyana has a simple obligation to the people: tell them what it has agreed to in their name.
That obligation becomes even more compelling when the agreement involves the arrival of foreign nationals deported from a third country, potentially places constitutional, legal, security and humanitarian responsibilities squarely on the shoulders of the Guyanese state, and was negotiated for months without any meaningful public disclosure.
Yet, the Government continues to offer assurances about a migration arrangement with the United States while refusing to publish the full agreement. That is unacceptable. The arrival last Friday of six individuals, four from Cuba and two from Afghanistan has transformed what was previously a largely secret diplomatic arrangement into a matter of immediate national concern. The government should come clean and disclose the full agreement to the public.
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Friday September 11, 2026
Ramotar hammers “disgraceful” ...says U.S. will turn around and issue advisories for U.S. deportee deal tourist not to visit our country because of crimes Former President Donald Ramotar has launched a scathing attack on the controversial deportation arrangement between the United States and countries in the Caribbean, describing the programme as “disgraceful”
and rejecting claims that Guyana and other recipient states stand to benefit from the skills of deportees. Guyana recently received six deportees under the arrangement, which has triggered concerns about the nature of the persons being
sent to the region and the implications for countries agreeing to accept them. Ramotar, in a letter to this newspaper questioned why Caribbean governments would accept persons whom Washington itself is seeking to remove from its territory.
“Instead, they have sent us persons that they want out of their countries and regional governments are accepting those rejects. Indeed, in order to put up a good spin on that disgraceful action, we are told it would be good for us. It is even suggested that accepting these US rejects, we would be acquiring skills.” Ramotar pointed specifically to comments made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, arguing that Rubio had been unequivocal about the type of persons the United States was seeking to transfer to third-world countries. “However, the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio is very clear on who those persons are. In an interview, he said openly that, “We are actively searching for other countries to take people from thirdworld countries... We are working with other countries to say we want to send you some of the most despicable human beings to your countries, would you do that as a favour to us. And the further away from America, the better so they can't come back across the border. I'm not apologetic about it. The President (Trump) was elected to keep America safe and to get rid of a bunch of perverts, paedophiles and child rapists out of our country...”” Ramotar said Rubio's characterisation of those being removed from the United States should put to rest any suggestion that the programme is primarily about transferring valuable skills to Caribbean countries. “So, please spare us the talk that this programme imposed by the US is going to give us skills. One of the immoralities of this project is that the US will turn around and issue advisories for tourist not to visit our countries because of crimes!” Ramotar's intervention adds to the growing political criticism of the arrangement. This newspaper reported earlier this week that the deal has come under fire from political leaders and human rights advocates, who are demanding that the administration immediately make the full agreement public. The controversy intensified following the arrival in Guyana on Friday of the first six individuals under the arrangement: four from Cuba and two from Afghanistan. No
Former President, Donald Ramotar information has been shared on the background of the deportees who arrived here. Come clean Meanwhile, the Alliance For Change (AFC) in a statement last Thursday also c o n d e m n e d t h e government's decision to allow Guyana to become a destination for non-
catered for,” AFC said in a statement. The party aid the government now says that negotiations took place for months. “If so, why were Guyanese citizens not informed? Why was the National Assembly not given an opportunity to examine an arrangement with obvious implications for Guyana's sovereignty, immigration policy and national security? The concern is heightened by the language used by US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio in describing persons being deported by the United States, referring to some as “the worst people we have ever interacted with.” While we recognise that this statement could have been made in a different context, it underscores the seriousness of accepting deportees from another jurisdiction and the need for complete
US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio
Guyanese criminals and undesirables being deported from the United States, and particularly, the secretive manner in which this arrangement was negotiated and is being implemented. “The most egregious aspect is not simply that the Government volunteered Guyana for this programme. It is that the people of Guyana only learned that the arrangement existed after foreign media reported that the first wave of deportees had already arrived. We have heard anecdotally that the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) may have some involvement with the settlement of these deportees. The details of this arrangement, if true, must also be shared, and by extension, what plans does the government have if these persons decide to make Guyana their permanent home? Is this a desirable outcome that has been
transparency about who is being sent here and why.” “The Alliance For Change therefore demands that the Government immediately publishes the full agreement with the United States; and submits itself to a rigorous debate and discussion within the National Assembly. An account must be given of what agreements and commitments have been made on the people's behalf, and constant scrutiny must be allowed. Anything short of this is an insult to the Guyanese people and their elected representatives. The AFC reaffirms that Guyana remains a sovereign republic and international cooperation is welcome. However, secret agreements affecting the people of Guyana are not. The Alliance For Change calls on the Government to come clean with the Guyanese people,” (Continued on page 22)
Kaieteur News
Friday September 11, 2026
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Samantha Reid's crash probe goes silent ...as injured E-bike rider remains bedridden, mother demands answers Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh has stepped in to assist Prakash Persaud, called “Baby”, a father of one who remains bedridden and critically ill after he was knocked off an E-bike on August 21 at Fairfield, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara. Singh's investigators, however, remain silent on the state of the probe i n v o l v i n g t h e businesswoman. “We're not getting anything from the police,” Persaud's mother told Kaieteur News on
contesting. Reports had surfaced that the traffic chief confirmed that a breathalyzer test was done and it found that she was below the legal limit. Nevertheless, he had reportedly noted that he will personally examine the case because there are some inconsistencies surrounding the matter. Tw e n t y d a y s h a v e elapsed since then and doctors are still waiting for Persaud to be in a more stable condition before they can perform any operation
Persaud's condition as of Wednesday (yesterday).
A photo of Persaud before the accident. Wednesday while noting that she had even reached out to Reid's lawyer for an update. “I spoke to her lawyer on Tuesday, her word to me was, she can't tell me nothing nor her client can't say nothing, talk to the police”, the woman said. Reid has since publicly denied a number of allegations leveled against her including that she was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident. She alleged too that Persaud had swerved into her path, a claim that Persaud and his family are
on him. Persaud, a construction worker, was discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Sunday but his condition still remains critical. O n We d n e s d a y afternoon, Kaieteur News visited his home and found him hooked up to an oxygen tank. His right arm was in a sling as he lied on his back with his head propped-up by a pillow. “My spine hurts”, he mumbled” as his mother removed his oxygen mask to adjust him in a better position to ease the pain. He was unable to move one of his legs or the rest of his body. “Dem seh he is like a vegetable”, his mother related as she explained that they had just cleaned him up and removed his bloodsoaked sheet before Kaieteur News arrived. She said that he was oozing blood from wounds on his back and had to wait until one of his brothers came home to assist her because she could not move him by herself. Kaieteur News understands some of the wounds especially the
Guyana's Traffic Chief, Mahendra Singh
ones seen on his chest were created to drain blood clots from his lungs since he
sustained multiple internal injuries, including a cut to his lung, a damaged liver and
kidney. He also sustained fractures to a few of his ribs. Persaud managed to say a few words to Kaieteur News before he began panting for breath as his mother quickly replaced his oxygen mask. “She knock me from the right side, I was already across the road” he told Kaieteur News. That was reportedly the last thing he remembered before later regaining consciousness on the day of (Continued on page 22)
Berbice Chamber of Commerce, President Samantha Reid
PAGE 16 Cash seized by police during the operation.
Kaieteur News
Friday September 11, 2026
Man held for ganja in ziplock bag
78lbs of ganja seized in Ituni …biker arrested with $455,000 cash; accomplice escapes
Some of the ganja that was found.
Police in Region 10 are investigating the discovery of 35.4 kilograms (78 pounds) of suspected cannabis which was found on Wednesday night during an operation at Five Mile, Ituni Road, Upper Demerara River.During the operation, ranks, acting on information received, observed two motorcycles without registration plates travelling along the roadway. One of the motorcycles was observed carrying several bulky parcels strapped to its rear. The ranks pursued the motorcycles, during which the rider carrying the parcels fell from his motorcycle and was apprehended. The other rider managed to escape. The parcels were examined and found to contain a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis. A search of the suspect also revealed $455,180 in cash.The 40-year-old suspect of Siberia Mines, Upper Demerara River, was arrested and escorted to the Mackenzie Police Station along with the suspected cannabis, cash and motorcycle. The suspected cannabis was weighed in his presence and amounted to 35.4 kilograms (78 pounds) before being lodged. The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
The ganja being weighed by police Police in Region One are investigating the discovery of 10.8 grams of suspected cannabis which was found on Wednesday afternoon during a mobile patrol at Six Miles, Matthews Ridge, North West District. During the patrol, ranks intercepted a motor vehicle along the Six Miles Main Road with a 44-year-old taxi driver and a 33year-old pork-knocker of New Amsterdam, Berbice and Oronoque, Port Kaituma. A search was conducted, during which ranks found a transparent ziplock bag containing a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis in a haversack that was in the possession of the 33-year-old man. The suspect was arrested and escorted to the Matthews Ridge Police Station, where the suspected cannabis was weighed in his presence and amounted to 10.8 grams before being lodged. The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
Friday September 11, 2026
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Kaieteur News
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Friday September 11, 2026
Guyanese firm partners with Int'l company on technical services for oil sector International technical services organisation, Allrig Group has struck a partnership with Guyaneseo w n e d , M B W E n e rg y Support Services Inc. to deliver world class services with locally trained specialists for the rapidly developing petroleum sector. Allrig Group is an international technical services organisation providing specialist engineering, inspection, asset integrity, equipment and related technical solutions to the energy and industrial sectors with 20 o ff i c e s a n d o v e r 5 0 0 employees w o r ld w id e. Through Allrig Guyana Inc., the Group is establishing a dedicated presence in Guyana to support customers operating in the local market while
contributing to the development of local technical capability. The local firm, MBW Energy Support Services Inc. supports international and local companies operating in Guyana. Its capabilities include r e g u l a t o r y a n d administrative support, local content facilitation, recruitment and manpower support, logistics, transportation, procurement, immigration and relocation services, and other operational support services. Through its partnership with Allrig Group, MBW is expanding its participation in the technical services segment of Guyana's energy sector. The partnership between the two businesses was announced on Thursday in a press statement, following a humble launch at
a reception in Georgetown attended by representatives of the energy sector, business community, clients, partners and other invited stakeholders. A central focus of the partnership will be supporting Guyana's Local Content objectives while progressively developing greater technical capability among Guyanese. High on its agenda is the establishment of a technician academy to help build capacity for the opportunities in the sector. Abbigale Loncke, Director of Allrig Guyana Inc. and Founder and CEO of MBW, said the partnership was a natural fit for both organisations. “From our earliest discussions, we recognised how well our strengths complemented each other. Allrig brings
(From left) Directors of Allrig Guyana, Abbigale Loncke, Omar Petty, Euan Kennedy and Operations Manager, Barry Newman. significant international technical expertise and experience, while MBW understands this market, its regulatory environment, its people and how to operate effectively here.” She added, “We don't want Guyana simply to be the place where the work happens. We want Guyanese people to increasingly have the skills and capability to do
that work.” Allrig Guyana will pursue opportunities across technical and asset integrity services, including engineering, inspection, e q u i p m e n t s u p p l y, installation, commissioning and related specialist technical services for Guyana's energy and industrial sectors. The parties are currently
exploring opportunities for technical training and skills development in Guyana, including the potential development of a technician academy drawing on models established within Allrig's international operations. Loncke said skills and knowledge transfer will be an important part of the company's longer-term (Continued on page 19)
Friday September 11, 2026
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EPA exempts Kurupung uranium exploration from EIA ...company cleared to pursue 5,000m drilling programme despite calls for consultations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has exempted Canada-based U92 Energy Corp.'s uranium exploration programme at the Kurupung project in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) from an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), clearing a key regulatory hurdle for the company's planned drilling campaign. In a notice published late August, the agency stated that, pursuant to Section 11(2) of the Environmental Protection Act, it had screened the application for the grant of an environmental permit for the proposed mineral exploration project before making its decision. EPA explained that the application is for mineral exploration only for uranium, other radioactive minerals and rare-earth elements. It does not include commercial mining, ore extraction or processing, mine construction, or the establishment of radioactive tailings facilities. “This decision means only that an EIA is not required for the proposed exploration programme. It does not constitute approval of uranium mining. No activities may commence unless the required Environmental Permit and other statutory approvals are granted,” EPA said. It further stated that any future proposal for mineral extraction, processing or mine development would require a separate application and environmental assessment. Following its review of the application, the EPA said it determined that the proposed exploration activities are “not likely to significantly affect the environment” and are therefore exempt from the requirement to conduct an EIA. The EPA explained that the decision was based on several factors, including that the project is limited to exploration and does not involve mining or mineral processing. Another factor is that land disturbance will be localised and mainly confined to small drill pads, access routes and temporary facilities. According to the agency, vegetation clearing, erosion, sediment, noise, dust, waste and spills are
expected to be temporary and reversible and can be effectively managed. The agency further stated that drill holes and disturbed areas will be progressively sealed, stabilised and rehabilitated. Additionally, the EPA stated that fuel, waste, drill fluids and uranium-bearing core and samples will be securely contained, monitored and managed in accordance with an approved Environmental
investigate previously identified targets and reuse existing access routes and disturbed areas where practicable. E PA e x p l a i n e d t h e proposed exploration programme includes soil sampling and approximately 5,000 metres of diamond drilling from about 30 drill platforms. It also includes limited access-track works, rehabilitation of approximately 12 kilometres
approval in August so that it could commence phase one of its planned drill programme at the Kurupung Uranium Project. However, last month, Executive Director of the EPA, Dr. Kemraj Parsram, informed Kaieteur News that the agency was still vetting the application. Dr. Parsram had also underscored that the EPA is the competent authority that decides “if and when” an authorisation is
Management Plan and permit conditions, including radiation-safety requirements. Lia (Guyana) owns the Kurupung Uranium Project, which spans approximately 92.2 square kilometres and carries a historical resource estimate of 20.6 million pounds of uranium. Kaieteur News reported that U92 Energy acquired the project early this year through the acquisition of LIA Industries Pte. Ltd., a Singaporean firm that owns the local subsidiary. EPA highlighted that the Kurupung area was previously explored by Prometheus Resources (Guyana) Inc. and U3O8 C o r p . b e t w e e n approximately 2006 and 2012, including geological surveys, sampling and diamond drilling. The agency said U92's programme will further
of an existing access road, a temporary exploration camp and secure drill-core storage. Notably, the combined drillpad footprint is approximately 0.055 square kilometres within the 92.2square-kilometre licence area. Further, any person who may be affected by the proposed project may lodge an appeal against the agency's decision that an EIA is not required within 30 days of the publication of the notice. Appeals against the EPA's decision should be addressed to the Chairman of the Environmental Assessment Board via email a t eabguyana21@gmail.com. U92 Energy disclosed in April that it had submitted an environmental application to the EPA for phase one of its drill programme. Following subsequent correspondence with the EPA, U92 had anticipated receiving EPA
granted in accordance with the EPA Act. Since taking control of the asset, U92 has finalised a commercial agreement with Orbit Garant for phase one of the 5,000metre diamond drill programme. The diamond drill rig assigned to U92 arrived earlier this year and had been awaiting approval to commence phase one drilling on high-priority
Executive Director of the EPA, Dr. Kemraj Parsram targets at the project. In addition, U92 has already sourced key machinery to support access
road upgrades and drill-pad construction. The company also acquired the project's historical technical and exploration dataset through a US$352,500 deal. This publication reported that LIA Industries' local subsidiary, LIA (Guyana) Inc., was incorporated in Guyana on March 20, 2023, and holds exclusive rights to occupy and explore the
property under two Prospecting Licences (PLs) issued by the Guyana Geology & Mines Commission (GGMC) on April 19, 2024. The licences permit exploration for uranium, other radioactive minerals, and rare-earth elements for three years, ending April 18, 2027, with an option to extend for up to two additional one-year periods through April 18, 2029. U92 has described Kurupung as a project with a significant historical resource and a clear path to expansion, positioning it to meet growing global demand for nuclear energy as countries look to uranium as a low-carbon power source.While U92 Energy has been advancing plans to begin drilling at the uranium project, there have been mounting concerns over the proposed project from civil society and politicians. The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA), as well as Region Seven ViceChairman Alden Marslowe, has called for consultations and urged the Government and the EPA to halt the project. The APA cited the absence of public and community-level consultations, as well as a lack of information about the project. Meanwhile, former EPA Executive Director Dr. Vincent Adams had warned that Guyana currently lacks the regulatory and technical capacity needed to safely oversee uranium mining.
Guyanese firm partners with Int'l... From page 18 ambitions. “Local Content has to ultimately be about building capability. International investment creates tremendous opportunities, but our success as a country will also be measured by how much knowledge is transferred, how many Guyanese acquire internationally competitive skills and how many local companies become stronger as a result,” she said. Allrig Guyana Inc.'s Board of Directors includes Abbigale Loncke, Omar Petty and Euan Kennedy, bringing together local and
international leadership to guide the company's development in Guyana. The company will now focus on building its local operations, pursuing opportunities w ith in th e G u y an e s e ma r k et a n d strengthening relationships with operators, contractors and other stakeholders across the energy and industrial sectors. Loncke said the long-term ambition is straightforward: “As Guyana's energy sector grows, we want Guyanese companies, Guyanese skills and Guyanese people to grow with it. That is the opportunity we see in Allrig Guyana.”
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Friday September 11, 2026
Guyanese businesses urged to tap UK £3B funding as credit demand surges Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, D r. A s h n i S i n g h o n Wednesday urged Guyanese businesses to take advantage of a £3 billion financing facility available through UK Export Finance (UKEF), the United Kingdom's export credit agency. Singh made the call while addressing a private sector workshop hosted by the British High Commission and UKEF at the World Trade Centre, Kingston, Georgetown, under the theme “Unlocking Financing Opportunities for Guyanese Businesses.” The session was aimed at helping local businesses understand how UK-backed financing can be mobilised to acquire equipment, technology, goods and services, particularly in sectors including renewable e n e rg y, t r a n s p o r t infrastructure, healthcare and agriculture. In a press release, the Ministry of Finance said Singh pointed to UKEF's expansion of its
export financing support for Guyana to £3 billion in October 2025, describing the move as a strong vote of confidence in the commercial opportunities emerging from Guyana's rapidly expanding economy. He stressed, however, that the overwhelming majority of the facility
remains untapped, with Government having utilised only a small portion of the available financing. The finance minister said the rapid expansion of Guyana's economy since 2020 has generated a corresponding surge in demand for credit from businesses. According to Singh,
credit to the private sector more than doubled between the end of 2020 and the end of 2025, with strong demand recorded across agriculture, mining and quarrying, manufacturing, services and real estate mortgages. At the same time, he noted that the s u rg e i n l e n d i n g w a s accompanied by a
British High Commissioner to Guyana, Joseph Fisher addressing the workshop
Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh
significant improvement in the quality of bank portfolios, with nonperforming loans falling from 10.8 per cent in 2020 to 1.3 per cent in 2025. Singh said the figures point to a substantial pipeline of viable and “eminently bankable” projects requiring financing. He also highlighted the growing role of foreign financing in supporting businesses operating in Guyana. Cumulative financing from IDB Invest, he said, has climbed from less than US$10 million in 2020 to more than US$260 million, with the institution approving its largest-ever domestic transaction only on Wednesday.
Despite the significant expansion in credit, Singh said there is room for even greater dynamism within the financial sector. He urged local commercial banks to adopt more accommodative lending positions, while maintaining appropriate prudential standards, and encouraged businesses to look beyond domestic sources of capital. A m o n g t h e opportunities, he highlighted the UKEF facility, which he said offers considerable flexibility. UKEF financing can be accessed where at least 20 per cent of the goods and services involved are sourced from UK businesses, meaning companies already purchasing UK equipment, technology or services could potentially qualify. Singh urged businesses to examine their existing procurement arrangements to determine whether they could benefit from the facility. B r i t i s h H i g h Commissioner to Guyana, Joseph Fisher, also addressed the workshop, noting that this year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Guyana and the United Kingdom. Fisher highlighted Guyana's position as the UK's largest trading partner
A section of the audience at the workshop
in the Commonwealth Caribbean by a substantial margin, while noting that bilateral trade between the two countries continues to increase. During its presentation, the UKEF team explained that financing can be mobilised in more than 60 currencies, including US dollars, Sterling and Euros. The support is available primarily through two mechanisms—a bank guarantee, under which UKEF acts as a credit enhancer to potentially reduce borrowing costs, or, in limited circumstances, direct lending at a fixed interest rate. Businesses can access two principal guarantee facilities: the Standard Buyer Loan Guarantee (SBLG) and the Guarantee for Repeat Orders (GRO). Both facilities can provide financing of up to 85 per cent of the contract value, with bank financing typically ranging from £1 million to £30 million. A UKEF support fee is applicable and can potentially be incorporated into the loan. The presentation was followed by a question-andanswer session, with representatives from a broad cross-section of industries and business support organisations seeking clarification on how they could access the financing.
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Friday September 11, 2026
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‘I LOVE DELCY’
— PM holds no ill will towards acting Venezuelan President; hoping to meet with her in New York later this month
( T R I N I D A D GUARDIAN) Despite a year of diplomatic fallout b e t w e e n Tr i n i d a d a n d Tobago and Venezuela, including being declared persona non grata in Caracas, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar appears ready to turn a new page with acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez. Asked yesterday whether she had a message for Rodríguez, Persad-Bissessar replied: “I love her. I look forward to meeting her.” That meeting could take place before the end of the month, with the Prime Minister revealing that plans are being made for the two leaders to meet on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. “I think there is a plan that we will both meet at the end of September. September 25 ... There is a plan. If it doesn’t happen, I’ll let you know. But that is a plan. Minister Sobers is working on it,” Persad-Bissessar said after attending the ceremony marking the opening of the new law term at the Hall of Justice, Port-of-Spain.
The warm remarks mark a significant shift following a period of strained relations between the neighbouring countries. Last year, Venezuela’s National Assembly declared Persad-Bissessar persona non grata amid accusations that Trinidad and Tobago was supporting United States military aggression against Venezuela. At the height of the dispute, Rodríguez launched a scathing attack on PersadBissessar, describing her as a woman “who crawls like a worm.” Persad-Bissessar responded by dismissing the declaration as “useless” and a c c u s e d Ve n e z u e l a n authorities of attempting to bully smaller neighbouring s t a t e s . Te n s i o n s a l s o extended to energy matters, with the Prime Minister maintaining at the time that Trinidad and Tobago’s future did not depend on Venezuela and that her Government would not succumb to what she described as “blackmail from the Venezuelans for political support.” In April this year, Rodríguez met with several regional leaders, including Barbados Prime Minister
Mia Mottley and Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell. She also held talks with former T&T prime minister Stuart Young. As those engagements fuelled speculation that T&T was being sidelined, PersadBissessar said she was not concerned that the country was being deliberately excluded. H o w e v e r, r e l a t i o n s appear to have improved following a recent visit to Venezuela by Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers. Responding to questions about the trip, Persad-Bissessar described the visit as a success. “Minister Sobers did very well. He was very successful in his visit ... Whatever has to be done, we will do in the best interest of Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela ... Expect the best, more to come,” she said. The Prime Minister also expressed confidence that Venezuelan natural gas would begin flowing to Trinidad and Tobago within a year. “I have absolutely no doubt that gas from Venezuela will come to Trinidad and Tobago. It is the
only funnel, the only place it can pass. We are seven miles away and it will come. We have already signed agreements with BP. We hope to conclude agreements with Shell, XRG and many other companies. I have absolutely no doubt that in the next year we would see natural gas coming to Trinidad and Tobago,” she said. Persad-Bissessar added that the ties between the two countries extend beyond diplomacy and energy, citing her personal family connections to Venezuela. “You may not know, my mother-in-law is Venezuelan. My two grandnephews are Venezuelan. Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela have very, very close ties,” she said. Commenting on the issue yesterday, political s c i e n t i s t D r. B i s h n u Ragoonath said the Prime Minister’s latest position reflects a willingness to place national interests above past tensions and to continue engagement efforts initiated under the previous administration. “I would not say hypocrisy. I would say simply a necessary step in terms of
CATCHING UP: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar speaks with former attorney general Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj at yesterday’s opening of the new law term, at the Hall of Justice, Knox Street, Port of Spain. —Photo: CURTIS CHASE how we go forward ... In her mind, she’s doing what she has to do and that’s what’s important,” Ragoonath said. He added that while tensions may still exist between the two leaders, Persad-Bissessar could potentially leverage her relationship with the United States to seek a reversal of her persona non grata status, although it remains uncertain whether that will occur. Young questions Pm’s ‘love’ Former prime minister and former energy minister Stuart Young is questioning whether Venezuelan acting President Rodríguez shares Prime Minister Persad-
Bissessar ’s sentiments. Speaking with Guardian Media yesterday, Young also criticised the Prime Minister’s treatment of Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a g o citizens. “Ask the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago how Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s love is working out for them,” he said. “Increased fines, loss of jobs, no book grants, states of emergency and PDOs, no CDAP drugs, public servants’ 10 per cent not received yet, increased electricity rates and LPG prices, and the shutting down of energy companies and small and medium-sized businesses. That is Kamla’s style of love.”
One year on, PAHO regional initiative advances suicide prevention efforts in the Americas Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C . , 1 0 September 2026 (PAHO) – On World Suicide Prevention Day, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) highlighted progress achieved during the first year of its Regional Suicide Prevention Initiative, a technical cooperation platform that supports countries across the Americas in strengthening suicide prevention efforts and improving care for people at risk. The initiative was launched in September 2025 to help reverse rising suicide rates in the Americas, t h e o n l y Wo r l d H e a l t h Organization (WHO) region where suicide rates have increased over the past two decades. In 2021, approximately 100,760 people died by suicide in the Region, underscoring the need to strengthen prevention efforts. The results of the initiative’s first year were shared on Thursday
during a PAHO regional webinar that brought together health authorities, experts, and country representatives to exchange experiences and good practices in suicide prevention. “Suicide remains a major public health challenge in the Americas and requires sustained action. Too many families and communities across our Region continue to be affected by preventable losses of life,” said PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa. “This first year has shown that progress is possible when suicide prevention is prioritized and supported by stronger health systems, better data, and coordinated action across sectors.” Guided by the WHO’s LIVE LIFE: An Implementation Guide for Suicide Prevention, the initiative supports countries in strengthening governance, health services and surveillance systems,
addressing risk factors associated with suicidal behaviors, and reducing stigma. Strengthening capacity to prevent suicide During its first year, the initiative focused on creating the conditions needed to expand suicide prevention efforts through new surveillance mechanisms, stronger national and subnational coordination, expanded training opportunities, improvements in crisis response, and the gradual integration of suicide prevention into primary health care. One of the initiative’s main areas of focus has been strengthening the capacity of health workers to identify and support people at risk. Through PAHO’s Virtual Campus for Public Health, more than 2,400 primary health care professionals have completed a course on the identification, management, and
referral of people at risk of suicide and self-harm. This training is particularly important because primary health care is often the first point of contact for people experiencing mental health challenges. While many countries have adopted policies to integrate mental health into primary care, significant gaps remain in the availability of services and interventions. A welltrained workforce can help identify warning signs earlier and connect people with appropriate support. PAHO is also developing new guidance to support the development and updating of national suicide prevention plans and to expand the use of telemental health services. In collaboration with governments and international partners, the O rg a n i z a t i o n i s p r o m o t i n g measures to reduce access to pesticides, one of the means used in
some suicides. These actions are taking place against a backdrop of persistent mental health challenges across the Region. According to PAHO’s Mental Health Atlas of the Americas, mental health receives a median of 3% of public health spending. The Region also has a median of 14.9 mental health workers per 100,000 population, with substantial differences across subregions. Barriers to accessing care also persist, particularly at the primary care level. Over its three-year implementation period, the initiative aims to strengthen response capacity in more than 6,800 primary health care facilities and expand the reach of suicide prevention services to approximately 21.9 million people across the Americas. These efforts are expected to contribute to a 5.5% reduction in suicide deaths in the Continued on page 22
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Kaieteur News
Friday September 11, 2026
Ramotar hammers “disgraceful” U.S. deportee...
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From page 14 the statement concluded. One year agreement The government finalised a one-year migration cooperation framework with the United States, under which the country will receive, according to a statement issued on Saturday, limited, vetted group of non-criminals, skilled individuals through the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Assisted Voluntary Return Programme. The agreement marks the immediate rollout of a temporary third-country deportation mechanism, with an initial cohort of six deportees, four originating from Cuba and two from Afghanistan, arriving in Guyana on Friday. In brief remarks on Sunday, Nicole Theriot U.S. Ambassador to Guyana told this newspaper that the U.S. has been working on the arrangement with Guyana for many months. The deal outlines a
temporary arrangement for individuals who voluntarily opt for relocation to Guyana while awaiting the final determination of their immigration status. Official government statements detailed that depending on the outcome of their cases, individuals will either return to their country of origin or relocate elsewhere of their choosing. The arrangement operates under strict parameters and does not offer open-ended residency or permanent resettlement. Under the agreed terms, the United States Government will bear the complete financial burden of the relocation exercise, ensuring Guyana incurs no financial liability. The operational execution of the framework falls directly under the IOM, which will fund and manage reception, housing, basic support, and social integration services, including healthcare, employment supervision, and facilitating contact with legal counsel and
Samantha Reid’s crash... From page 15 the accident. Persaud’s mother said he had just got off work and was heading to buy a water when he met with the tragedy. With Persaud now discharged from the hospital, she noted that it has been difficult for her to pay a hefty transport cost ($60,000 every trip) to bring him home and then to take him back for regular check-ups as doctors await some improvement before operating on him. As the single mom and her other sons struggle to take care of Persaud, she noted that the Traffic Chief has been a blessing but it seems he might be the only one showing an interest in the matter. “He is a wonderful man”, she said while noting that he had reached out to them and assisted with some of the things they needed to ensure that Persaud is comfortable and can recover properly in his home. “He buy this oxygen tank fuh we and suh”, she told Kaieteur News as she explained that they had to turn his room into a mini hospital. “We had to buy pampers and other things for he., it hard but is me child”, the frustrated woman said. While she had high praises for the traffic chief, she noted that his investigators have frustrated her. “I call the police, and she was going on, nobody is not telling me nothing when I come
there, y’all ain’t saying nothing,” she said. Before adding “wa really going on? Who really am I supposed to speak to? She (Reid) going to Travis Chase, she going NCN.” Persaud’s mother explained that Reid has not personally reached out to her or any one of Persaud’s relatives as she is claiming in other sections of the media. “She send a guy to me and I get on to the guy yesterday and he seh, he can’t seh nothing.” “A seh look at my child condition, pampers he has to wear, he had a pee bag, dem seh dem can’t send he home with that because of inflammation and I cannot take it out and put it in back,” she said while pointing to the items the hospital gave to them. “Ow god man you want reach out, yuh want tek lawyer, yuh want do this send you my phone number. If you don’t want to come call, I am not a tiger, I am not gonna grab you through the phone,” the woman said in response to Reid’s public claims. “Do something, if you don’t want no court problem, whatever do something, come to front you going this you going that…come to front, I am not a tiger”, the woman iterated. Regarding the investigation, Kaieteur News had reported that Reid was under investigation and was out on $100,000 station bail.
family. The IOM confirmed that the arrangement does not transfer any of the state’s official legal duties concerning immigration admission, protection, legal stay, or deportation. The administration maintained that Guyana holds total sovereignty and retains complete veto power to review and deny any individual put forward by U.S. authorities. Only individuals who explicitly consent to relocate of their own free will, have been denied asylum in the U.S. without wanting to return home, and meet strict noncriminal and skill criteria will be admitted. Addressing the issue in his latest column, Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram said agreement is concerning. “Economics can hardly explain it. If not money, is it goodwill, strategic credit or insurance against Venezuela – or is this simply President Ali’s vulgar, unauthorised and unlawful attempt to find favour with Washington?” Ram said in the process, he has placed Guyana in the same basket as Eswatini, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia and other states recruited into the Trump administration’s third-country deportation programme. Eswatini is receiving deportees under a US$5.1 million arrangement, while Liberia has agreed to accept as many as 1,200 third-country nationals. “This perhaps is the most discomforting development of all, coming on top of the broken promises at home. I believed the PPP/C when it pledged to renegotiate the 2016 Petroleum Agreement. In office, it abandoned that promise for “better contract administration”, while refusing to insist on protections such as ring-fencing and stronger fiscal terms. Production accelerated; State capacity and contractual protection did not.
Breach of constitution On Monday, the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), said the arrangement reeks of disregard for human rights and may violate Guyana’s Constitution. In a strongly worded statement, the association rejected President Ali’s reported claim that persons sent to Guyana “chose” to come here, arguing that such a claim is difficult to sustain when the alternatives reportedly include countries such as Equatorial Guinea and El Salvador. The organisation said no amount of official justification could erase what it described as the “pervasive stench” surrounding the agreement. More seriously, the GHRA contends that the Government’s decision could breach Article 141(1) of the Constitution, which states that “No person shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading punishment or other treatment.” The human rights body stressed that the constitutional protection applies to all persons, not merely Guyanese citizens, and contains no exception permitting the State to expose deportees to inhumane or degrading treatment. The Government, it said, has also failed to explain the legal basis for agreeing to receive an undisclosed number of deportees in the future. Leader of Forward Guyana Movement, Member of Parliament, Amanza Walton said the administration concluded months of secret negotiations without informing the National Assembly or briefing the relevant Sectoral Committee on Foreign Relations. She too raised concerns regarding the legal, security, and administrative gaps in the framework, emphasising that the public was left to learn about the deal through foreign news outlets. “Guyanese deserve answers on this third-
country deportee agreement,” Walton stated, criticising the government’s timeline. Walton stressed that reliance on the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to administer the framework does not absolve the state of its constitutional responsibilities. Pointing out that Guyana lacks national asylum legislation and is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention, she questioned which domestic agencies would oversee the admission, legal protection, and potential removal of the arrivals. “The government’s own release admits that IOM will not assume, and the arrangement will not transfer to it, any of the government’s responsibilities concerning admission, legal stay, protection or removal,” Walton warned. “Those four functions remain with Guyana alone. Another Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul warned that Guyanese citizens must not be made a secondary priority in their own country. While the administration framed the deal as an extension of Guyana’s international human rights commitments, Mahipaul argued that the nation’s fragile public infrastructure is ill-prepared to handle additional obligations. He emphasised that while Guyanese are historically known for their hospitality and willingness to assist those in need, serious questions remain regarding the state’s institutional capacity. “My concern is not with helping people, nor am I opposed to Guyana being a hospitable nation,” Mahipaul stated. “My concern is whether our country has the institutional capacity to properly manage and monitor this programme and live up to the responsibilities it is accepting.”
One year on, PAHO regional initiative... From page 21 Americas by 2031, which, if achieved, could translate into nearly 12,000 lives saved across the Region. Lessons from the first year Experience gained during the initiative’s first year has highlighted several key elements for expanding suicide prevention across the Americas. Among them are strong government leadership, coordination across sectors, and information systems capable of identifying where and among which populations risks are emerging. It has also underscored the importance of investing early in technical capacity, strategic partnerships, and support structures that can translate national plans into sustained action over time.
“One of the lessons learned is that effective suicide prevention must be integrated into the systems people already use, from primary health care and community services to surveillance and crisis response systems,” said Dr. Renato Oliveira, Chief of PAHO’s Mental Health and Substance Use Unit. “By strengthening and connecting these systems, countries can move from responding to individual crises to preventing suicide more systematically and reaching people before they reach a crisis point.” Towards the second year As the initiative enters its second year, PAHO will continue supporting countries to strengthen national suicide prevention strategies, improve institutional coordination, and expand surveillance
systems to better identify suicide attempts and generate information that can more effectively guide interventions. During this next phase, countries will advance the implementation of plans developed during the first year to more systematically integrate mental health into primary health care, expand community-based support, and strengthen services for people affected by suicide. At the same time, efforts to promote responsible communication and reduce stigma associated with mental health conditions will continue. The initiative also aligns with this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” and its call to action, “Start the Conversation.”
Friday September 11, 2026
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U.S. appeals court rejects Linden Town Council resumes toll collection Trump’s bid to implement mail-in voting restrictions at Kara Kara The Linden Town Council has announced a reopening of the Kara Kara Toll Station and the resumption of the collection of fees. This is the latest development in the ongoing row over tolls in Linden Region Ten. Last Friday, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill and other senior government officials met with Linden Mayor Dominique Blair, and representatives of the LTC as Mayor of Linden, Dominique Blair Government moves to address concerns over the cost of doing business in Linden and the Council’s financial operations. The discussion took a turn with the government demanding greater financial accountability from the Linden Town Council (LTC) and council reportedly proposing cutting the toll charges by 50%. Blair on Wednesday issued a directive on behalf of the Linden Town Council, that the Kara Kara Toll Station be reopened with immediate effect and that toll collection resumes under the existing gazetted rates. In a letter formally written to the Town Clerk, Lennox Gasper of the municipality, Blair emphasised the Council’s position is that the cessation Minister of Local Government, of toll collection and the purported Priya Manickchand revocation of the Linden Town Council (Toll) By-Laws 2016 by the Minister were not carried out in accordance with the suspension of the Council’s revenue,” the the proper statutory process. Mayor posited in his letter. He noted that “The 2016 By-Laws were Accordingly, he directed the Town Clerk, duly made, approved and gazetted. The on behalf of the Council, to take all necessary Council has not passed any resolution administrative steps to reopen the Kara Kara repealing or discontinuing those By-Laws, Toll Station with immediate effect and nor has it brought the matter before the resume collection at the existing gazetted Council for such a decision.” rates pending the conclusion of discussions As such, the Mayor’s letter outlined that with Government on the rates. the Council does not accept the unilateral “Please ensure that the necessary revocation as lawfully effected and considers arrangements are made for the immediate that the existing By-Laws remain the basis on resumption of operations and that Council is which the toll should operate unless and until advised accordingly. This directive is issued they are lawfully amended or repealed. pursuant to the position and decision of the According to Blair, the Council views the Linden Town Council and is without toll rates as a separate matter. “The Council prejudice to the Council’s position regarding and Government are currently discussing the the legality of the Minister’s purported rates and proposed changes. Those revocation,” the Mayor said in the letter discussions should continue separately and which was also copied to Minister of Local should not result in the closure of the toll or Government, Priya Manickchand.
CLARIFICATION
Kaieteur News wishes to clarify an article published on September 8, 2026, under the headline “Chinese contractor builds road around poles on new East Coast corridor.” Following further clarification on the execution of the project, it has become clear that the presence of the utility poles within sections of the ongoing road works should not have been presented as a failure or shortcoming on the part of the Chinese contractor. The contractor, China Railway First Group Co. Limited, has been carrying out the road construction works in accordance with the project’s ongoing implementation arrangements. The relocation of existing
utility poles is a matter to be addressed by the relevant Guyanese authorities and utility agencies as the project progresses. The temporary arrangement allows the contractor to continue construction while maintaining space for motorists, with the affected poles to be relocated by the responsible authorities as has been done at other sections of the project. Kaieteur News acknowledges that the original article did not sufficiently reflect this aspect of the project and may have unfairly placed responsibility on the contractor for an issue that falls outside its responsibility. Kaieteur News apologises for any inconvenience the article may have caused to the contractor.
Supporters of mail-in voting gather outside the federal courthouse, in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S., June 2, 2026
BOSTON, Sept 10 (Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court on Thursday declined to allow President Donald Trump’s administration to implement a new U.S. Postal Service rule that would mail-in voting requirements before November’s congressional elections, as the U.S. Supreme Court weighs a similar request. A three-judge panel of the Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to put on hold an injunction that a lower-court judge issued last week that has prevented USPS from enforcing the new rule it adopted at the Republican president’s direction. The fate of that rule will be decided soon by the 6-3 conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Court. In a rare step, the administration did not even wait for the 1st Circuit to issue a decision before asking the high court to lift ‘the injunction on Sunday. Boston-based U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, an appointee of Democratic President Barack Obama, had issued the injunction on Friday at the behest of voting rights groups and numerous Democratic-led states. ‘DISENFRANCHISEMENT OF MILLIONS OF VOTERS’ In asking the 1st Circuit to lift Talwani’s order, the U.S. Department of Justice argued the plaintiffs’ case appeared based on an unfounded premise that USPS intends to seize control of the administration of federal elections when it was instead adopting just a “modest” mail-related regulation. But the three-judge panel, comprised entirely of judges appointed by Democratic President Joe Biden, said that argument focuses on the “trees while ignoring the forest.” The panel said that under the U.S. Constitution, states and Congress have the authority to regulate elections, not the executive branch. The court said it saw no error in Talwani’s conclusion that allowing the rule to take effect “will likely result in the
disenfranchisement of millions of voters across the country while providing minimal — any — `gains in combating voter fraud.” USPS and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The appeal before the Supreme Court remains pending. It had previously lifted an earlier injunction Talwani issued that had blocked USPS from moving forward with the rule before it was finalized. USPS issued the rule to implement an executive order the Republican president signed in March after years of Trump calling for tighter rules on voting by mail and pushing the false claim that his 2020 presidential election defeat to Biden ‘was the result of widespread voter fraud. All 50 states allow for some form of mailin voting. Twenty-nine states allow voters to ask to cast ballots by mail without providing a reason and eight conduct their elections entirely by mail. Under the rule, states must supply the USPS with lists of mail ballot recipients, and all outbound and return ‘ballot envelopes must bear unique barcodes. The USPS, under the rule, may refuse to deliver ballots that do not comply with the new standards or are associated with voters who do not appear on the lists. Talwani prevented the USPS rule from going into effect after concluding it risked disenfranchising voters, and was likely ‘unlawful and adopted in violation of the U.S. Constitution, which gives states the authority to administer elections. A whistleblower statement from an anonymous federal official that was released on September 1 by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut, alleged that USPS was rushing to implement a hastily created new system that risked disrupting the delivery of mail ballots during the election.
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Iran-backed rebels capture Red Sea port, tightening grip on a key global chokepoint (CNN) Iran-backed proxies in Yemen captured strategic locations along the Red Sea on Thursday, potentially expanding Tehran’s influence over another key Middle Eastern waterway. On Thursday, the Houthi fighters captured the town of Mocha, a crucial coastal location some 50 miles to the north of Perim, the information minister of the internationally recognized government told CNN. The news sent shockwaves across the world over the potential impact on global shipping. A gateway to the route between Asia and Europe via the Suez Canal, Bab alMandeb is a geopolitical chokepoint similar to the Strait of Hormuz linking Asia and Europe via the Suez Canal. While it is less critical to global trade than Hormuz, it still carries essential goods worldwide, including millions of barrels of oil every day. The development coincides with a wider regional escalation of the war between Iran and the United States, after Tehran warned this week that it would step up hostilities against the US, which maintains a stringent naval blockade of Iran and continues to launch military strikes on the country. HOW DID WE GET HERE? After years of stalemate, fighting between Saudibacked forces and Iranbacked Houthis in Yemen flared up again over the past month as a result of tensions caused by the wider regional conflict between Iran and the US. The Red Sea became a focal point as Iran sought ways to pressure the global economy and extract more concessions from Washington. Last month, Tehran’s proxies in Yemen, the Houthis, intensified an offensive to seize the port city of Mocha from Saudibacked forces. A few weeks ago, more than 25 Houthi rockets slammed into the sprawling harbor as commercial ships were unloading, according to port director Abdel Malek AlSharaabi. Until Thursday morning, the city was under the control of the National Resistance Forces, a Saudi-backed
A satellite view of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea, a vital trade route and hotspot for piracy and regional conflict. Gallo Images/Getty Images/File
group commanded by Tarik Saleh, a vice president in Ye m e n ’s b e l e a g u e r e d internationally recognized government. The Houthis later claimed to have captured it, and reports began emerging that the group is advancing on other cities in a bid to seize the entire coastline. In an exclusive interview with CNN earlier this month, Saleh warned that if the Houthis seized Perim Island – an island lying directly on the Bab al-Mandeb chokepoint – they could gain control of the strait itself. Dislodging them would require “a massive (international) force and the navies,” he said. WHY HAS THIS HAPPENED NOW? The Houthi offensive to capture key strategic locations along the western coast overlooking the Red Sea achieves two key objectives for the rebels, according to one expert. “They are in a good position to increase their influence around Bab AlMandeb…and they can now protect themselves from any ground operations that can come from this area,” Ahmed Nagi, a senior analyst for Yemen with the International Crisis Group, told CNN. Despite the stalemate that has followed the 2022 truce between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces, tensions had been simmering
between the Yemeni factions for months amid severe economic and humanitarian hardship. In July they reached boiling point when the Houthis allowed an Iranian plane – expected to carry a Houthi delegation to the funeral of Supreme L e a d e r Ay a t o l l a h A l i Khamenei – to land in the capital, Sanaa. The move directly challenged Saudi-imposed control over Yemeni airspace
and prompted retaliation from the kingdom, which ordered strikes on Houthicontrolled runways at Sanaa airport, breaking years of truce. The Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of imposing a blockade and responded by blockading Saudi ships, firing on vessels transiting waters near Yemen, and attacking oil facilities in the kingdom. The strikes also allowed Iran to increase pressure on Saudi Arabia, a
US ally that hosts American troops and bases that Tehran says were used to target it. WHAT NOW? The capture of Mocha could give a group trained a n d a i d e d b y I r a n ’s Revolutionary Guards greater influence in the Red Sea while expanding its control over more territory in Yemen – although experts note that the front lines keep changing. Beyond its geopolitical impact, the
development risks w o r s e n i n g Ye m e n ’ s humanitarian crisis, already designated by the United Nations as one of the world’s worst. An effective Houthi blockade of Bab al-Mandeb would open a new front in the war with Iran and could require US military intervention, potentially weakening Washington’s ability to keep ships moving through Hormuz. It could also prevent Saudi Arabia from shipping diesel to Europe at a critical moment for the fuel market. The move also adds further volatility to oil markets, already under pressure from the very low number of vessels transiting Hormuz. Oil prices jumped 4% on Thursday, with global benchmark Brent crude hitting $105, as news broke of the Houthis gaining ground along the Red Sea. Despite the concern, several Houthis officials have signaled that the advancement does not constitute a concern for international maritime shipping. “The question now is how the Saudi-led coalition will react,” Nagi of the Crisis Group said. “This is not the end of the battle, we will probably see more developments in the coming days.”
Four linked to PC Douglas murder now dead (TRINIDAD EXPRESS) Two men identified by police as the main suspects in the killing of Police Constable Romel Kerry Douglas were shot dead during a confrontation with officers in Maloney early Wednesday. The men were identified as Tyreek De Coteau and Shakeel Martin. Both were taken to the Arima Hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival. Police reportedly seized firearms at the scene. The operation was spearheaded by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, and involved members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. The deaths come less than two months after Douglas, 48, was shot and killed during an alleged attempted robbery in Kelly Village, Caroni, on July 28. Douglas, who was attached to the Four Roads Police Station, was off duty and sitting in a car at the corner of Hydraulic Trace and Caroni South Bank Road, Kelly Village, at about 11.05 p.m. when a white Nissan Tiida pulled alongside his vehicle. According to police, the occupants
of the Tiida attempted to rob Douglas. An exchange of gunfire followed and Douglas was shot. First responders found him dead in the vehicle at about 11.15 p.m., with gunshot wounds about his body. His licensed firearm was also allegedly taken during the incident. One of the alleged bandits, 19-yearold Adetola Ammon of Arima, was also shot and killed during the incident. Police believed Ammon was shot by one of his accomplices. The Nissan Tiida was later found abandoned. A manhunt was subsequently launched for the remaining suspects. On August 12, Hassan “H-Man” Johnson, 18, another man wanted in connection with Douglas’ killing, was shot dead during a confrontation with police at his girlfriend’s home in Matura. Police had received information that Johnson was hiding at the two-bedroom house at the seven-and-three-quarter-mile mark, Main Road, Mora Trace, Matura. Officers from the Home Invasion Team, Special Investigations Unit, Western Division Gang Unit, South-
Western Division Gang Unit and the Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations Team, together with members of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, surrounded the house. Police said that when officers entered through a door on the eastern side, Johnson opened fire at them. The officers returned fire, striking him several times. Johnson was taken to Sangre Grande Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at about 11.55 p.m. A 19-year-old man and Johnson’s girlfriend were also inside the house but were not injured. They were detained by police. Johnson was believed to have been staying away from his home in Second Street, Printeryville, Arima, since Douglas’ killing. With the deaths of De Coteau and Martin, the number of men identified by police as suspects in Douglas’ killing who have since died in shootings has increased to four. Douglas was laid to rest on August 6 following a funeral service at the Morvant Central Community Centre, Cipriani Street, Morvant.
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Govt. inks pact with Canadian firm for Eagle Mountain gold project …as company eyes 2028 production startup, EPA approval after fourth quarter Two years after gaining control of the Eagle Mountain Gold Project in Region Eight (PotaroS ip ar u n i) th r o u g h th e acquisition of a fellow Canadian firm, Mako Mining Corp. has inked a Mineral Agreement with the Government of Guyana through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) for the proposed large-scale project. In an announcement Thursday morning, Mako said the agreement provides the company and its 100%o w n e d s u b s i d i a r y, Stronghold Guyana Inc., with a stability framework covering legal, fiscal and operating conditions for the Eagle Mountain Gold Project. The agreement is structured as a mineral agreement under Guyana's Mining Act and provides legal stability for mining licences, prospecting licences, authorisations as well as fiscal terms for 10 years, subject to specific environmental provisions. According to Mako, following the initial 10-year term, the parties may negotiate modifications in “good faith or renew” on the same terms and conditions. It was further stated that terms related to royalties, taxes, protections, government undertakings and company commitments in respect of training and the prioritisation of qualified Guyanese workers, goods, services and contractors are consistent with current standard terms as established in prior mineral agreements in Guyana. Notably, the agreement also outlines Mako's commitments regarding environmental initiatives, community development and social programmes. Mako Mining said annual funding will begin no later than 24 months from the date the mining licence is granted or 12 months from the start of production, whichever comes first. The company is also required to make an annual contribution to the Ministry of Natural Resources' Training Centre, with the funding dedicated to training, capacity building and institutional development. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Natural Resources, in a statement on the signing of the agreement, outlined that
L-R: Ms. Tamara Gilhuys, Assistant GGMC Commissioner, Land Management; Vickram Bharrat, M.P., Minister of Natural Resources; Mr. Akiba Leisman, Chief Executive Officer, Mako Mining Corporation; and Mr. Steve Parsons, Director, Stronghold Guyana Inc. Mako has maintained a presence in Guyana for over 10 years and has, through its activities, developed a longstanding relationship with the country and its mining sector. MNR said the signing of the Mineral Agreement represents an important milestone in
commence by the end of 2028, subject to the completion of the requisite r e g u l a t o r y a n d environmental approvals. “The government welcomes the investment and the opportunities that the project can bring to Guyana, particularly in the areas of
advancing the development of the Eagle Mountain gold resource and reflects the government's continued commitment to facilitating responsible investment in Guyana's mining sector. The ministry further pointed out that the company has already commenced preparatory activities and is expected to commence construction by the third quarter of 2027. While Mako had previously stated that production is expected to commence by 2027, the ministry noted that gold production is estimated to
employment, training and skills development, as well as the increased participation of qualified Guyanese workers, contractors, suppliers and service providers,” the ministry said. It further stated that it will continue to work with the GGMC and other relevant agencies, and Mako Mining to facilitate the responsible advancement of the Eagle Mountain Project while ensuring compliance with Guyana's laws and the protection of the country's environmental, social and economic interests. For his
part, Steve Parsons, President of Mako, underscored that the signing of the Mineral Agreement marks a significant milestone for Eagle Mountain and represents an important step in advancing and de-risking the project by providing greater certainty around key legal and fiscal terms. “Equally important, the commitments relating to employment, training, environmental stewardship, a n d c o m m u n i t y development are closely aligned with Mako's core values and the approach our teams employ with success across our portfolio of mines and projects. We appreciate the support of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the GGMC and look forward to continuing our collaborative approach as we advance the Eagle Mountain Project under this new mineral agreement,” Parsons added. Looking ahead, the company said it remains focused on advancing the permitting and regulatory process required to obtain E n v i r o n m e n t a l Authorisation for the project. The Environmental
and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the project was submitted to the Guyana Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in March 2026, and the public comment period was completed in June 2026. Mako anticipates filing the final ESIA, incorporating feedback received from stakeholders and regulatory authorities, during the fourth quarter of 2026, and expects permitting decision by the EPA thereafter. Kaieteur News reported in June that the EPA was r e v i e w i n g t h e Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Eagle Mountain Gold Project. This publication reported the Eagle Mountain project came under the control of Mako Mining following its acquisition of Goldsource Mines Inc. in July 2024. Through the takeover, Mako inherited a Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of approximately 1.2 million ounces of gold in the indicated category and 582,000 ounces in the inferred category. The project is planned for an open pit gold mine over a 15year period and is expected
Steve Parsons, President of Mako Mining Corp. to produce 66,500 ounces of gold annually. Stronghold Guyana holds a prospecting licence on the Eagle Mountain Property, referred to as the Eagle Mountain Prospecting Licence (EMPL), which covers approximately 48 square kilometres (km²). The project has two gold deposits, the Eagle Mountain and Salbora, as well as several other exploration targets. According to the Eagle Mountain gold project EIA published by EPA, the company will rely on up to six flights per week to support operations. Gold doré bars produced at the project's processing plant will be transported by air either from the Mahdia airstrip or from the project site to Georgetown. From there, it is expected that the doré will be exported to foreign refineries pursuant to standard terms and conditions of Mineral Agreements with the Government of Guyana. Notably, Stronghold Guyana also holds the Kilroy Mining Medium-scale permit, which covers an area of 252 hectares.
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French Football Federation withdraws support for FIFA president Infantino PARIS, (Reuters) - The French Football Federation is withdrawing its support for Gianni Infantino’s reelection bid FIFA chief next y e a r, F F F P r e s i d e n t Philippe Diallo said on Thursday, saying trust in the head of world soccer’s governing body had been broken. The decision was taken unanimously by the FFF’s executive committee, Diallo
said. “The trust placed in the FIFA president has been broken,” Diallo told reporters. “The way in which we envisage the running of world football no longer corresponds with the way it is being conducted.” Infantino, ‘who is seeking another term as FIFA president, has faced mounting criticism since his failed proposal to sell a 20%
stake in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors was abandoned in July following widespread opposition from f o o t b a l l ’s r e g i o n a l confederations. Diallo said France had initially backed Infantino’s candidacy at the end of June, when he was the only declared candidate, but that subsequent events had fundamentally changed the
Friday September 11, 2026 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today you might have a strange feeling that something is wrong, perhaps in the neighborhood or with a friend or relative. This is probably going to bother you all day, Aries, so it might be a good idea to call this person or otherwise look into the matter. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) An organization with which you're affiliated may be having financial problems, and this fact could come out today. It might be a shock to you and everyone else involved, Taurus, but it's good that it's coming out now. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Some unexpected changes that have been kept under wraps at the workplace could come out soon. They may involve reorganization or a change of ownership. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Some disconcerting revelations about your past or the past of someone close to you could come out today. This might be a bit of a shock, Cancer, but it's a positive development, nonetheless.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Stress and job frustration might have you thinking about breaking free, walking out the door, and going somewhere else. Another thought is likely to concern going back to school and training for a career. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) A close friend or loved one might drop out of sight today. You may panic when he or she doesn't return your phone calls. Don't jump to conclusions. They're preoccupied with matters that for the moment appear important. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) A household member might toy with the idea of moving out or going away for a while, Sagittarius. This could stress you out, but don't make yourself crazy. Don't try to talk him or her out of it. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Stress could have you feeling uncommunicative today. You probably aren't going to want to talk to anyone. This might prove difficult, as people around you are going to ask for advice and help.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Something you might have wanted to keep between you and a few trusted friends could inadvertently be revealed, perhaps to the wrong people.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Finances should be going well, Aquarius, but your financial affairs aren't something you want to talk about to anyone now. Perhaps you want to make a decision that's yours and not influenced by others.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Demands placed on you by work colleagues could have you stressed. You might feel that your co-workers are taking unfair advantage of you. This could start you thinking of perhaps going into business for yourself or with a partner.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You're likely to be in a solitary mood today, Pisces, and probably want to spend the evening reading or working on a project of your own. However, it isn't likely to work out that way.
circumstances. “The conditions for our support for his candidacy were no longer there,” he said. Diallo added that the proposed stake sale, which emerged without what he described as proper consultation or information being provided to federations, had raised serious questions over FIFA’s ‘and decisionmaking. Several European federations, including England’s and Italy’s, have withdrawn their backing for
FIFA President Gianni Infantino arrives at the stadium before the match. (REUTERS/Kacper Pempel) Infantino since the collapse of his proposal. U E FA , t h e A s i a n Football Confederation and North America’s
CONCACAF have called for change at the top of FIFA and are seeking a credible alternative ahead of the March election. Diallo said France’s decision formed part of a broader movement within UEFA and ‘beyond and that discussions would now focus on governance reform and finding a candidate capable of defeating Infantino. “It is not enough simply to criticise if you want things to move forward. You also have to make proposals,” Diallo said. He added ‘that UEFA would need to define a platform for the next FIFA leadership cycle and, when the time came, choose a candidate for the election. “We will need to be ready by then to put forward a `candidacy capable of w i n n i n g t h e F I FA presidency,” Diallo said. Infantino still has the support of South America’s CONMEBOL and Africa’s CAF. The FIFA presidential election will take place in Rabat on March 18, 2027, with the deadline for candidacies on Nov. 18.
GFF appoints N.E.B. 592... From page 33 Guyana Global Super League after winning ENET’s “Voice of GSL” competition. He is also a member of the 2026 Caribbean Premier League Radio Commentary Team on 90.1 MIX FM. A former four-time National Schools Athlete and graduate of Barbados Community College with an Associate Degree in Music, Neblett brings a strong combination of sporting experience, broadcasting skill and entertainment to his new role with the Elite League.
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Infantino can rely on enough votes to survive, opponents rethink strategy, sources say ( R e u t e r s ) - F I FA President Gianni Infantino can count on enough votes to win re-election, meaning his opponents will need to shift strategy and focus on curbing his powers, a sharp reversal weeks after senior football figures believed his position was untenable, multiple sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters. “Three weeks ago, I thought he was dead,” one global football source with first-hand knowledge of discussions among senior officials said of Infantino’s chances of keeping his job. “What I didn’t realise was the extent which, after 10 years in power, the relationships he has built are almost unbreakable.” Swiss-Italian Infantino, 56, faced the biggest challenge to his presidency this year following the collapse of his proposal to sell a 20% stake in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors. The plan prompted fierce opposition, with UEFA, the A s i a n F o o t b a l l Confederation and North America’s CONCACAF among those calling for change at the top of FIFA. Several European national associations have since withdrawn backing for Infantino’s re-election, with France becoming the latest on Thursday. Despite FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom lamenting what he called the “sad and reproachable series of events” that led to the project being abandoned, he later reaffirmed his full support for Infantino after a crisis meeting in Rabat. But as the immediate crisis has receded, the electoral arithmetic has become increasingly daunting, opponents to Infantino’s re-election say. No challenger capable of commanding sufficient support across FIFA’s 211 member associations has yet emerged ahead of the March election, while Infantino retains strong backing among smaller football nations and important blocs outside Europe. At the FIFA Congress, every national association will have ‘one vote, meaning any successful challenge
President Gianni Infantino inside the stadium before the match. (REUTERS/Kacper Pempel) requires a coalition extending well beyond European governing body UEFA’s 55 members. That leaves Infantino’s opponents facing a potentially dangerous calculation: challenging the President and losing could strengthen rather than weaken his grip on FIFA. “I think the direction of travel has changed,” the source said. “It is even more of a risk for UEFA to go to a vote and not win.” UEFA and FIFA have been approached for comment. AL-KHELAIFI RULES HIMSELF OUT OF RUNNING Paris St Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is regarded by senior football figures as one of the few potential candidates capable of assembling the crossconfederation coalition needed to beat Infantino. Sources with an understanding of the situation believe Al-Khelaifi could mount a serious challenge, but he has ruled himself out, saying through a spokesperson that he has no ambition, intention or interest in becoming FIFA president. CONCACAF President Vi c t o r M o n t a g l i a n i i s another name to have circulated, but said he was unlikely to stand without first believing he had sufficient support to win, another source within world football told Reuters. No other heavyweight candidate has emerged, although an African or Asian candidate could still be nominated before the November 18 deadline, the
same source said. E v e n a m o n g confederations that continue to support Infantino, there have been calls for stronger governance, greater transparency and tighter checks on major commercial decisions at FIFA. The durability of Infantino’s support is illustrated by Oceania, where Steeve Laigle, president of the New Caledonia Football F ederation, s aid mos t federation chiefs remained firmly behind him. “Most of the presidents of Oceania have given their support to Mr Infantino,” Laigle told Reuters. “We will support him until the end.” Laigle said Infantino had built loyalty among smaller federations by paying greater attention to their needs and helping develop the game. “When we give word, when we `are loyal to someone, we are loyal until the end,” he said. The mood in Africa is similar, according to a senior Confederation of African Football source, who said the vast majority of federation presidents remained satisfied with Infantino and believed continued support would bring increased development funding. The source said none of the African federation presidents he was aware of had expressed the kind of concern voiced in Europe over the proposed World Cup stake sale. MOROCCO AMONG INFANTINO’S PUBLIC SUPPORTERS Morocco, one of Africa’s most influential federations,
has been among Infantino’s public supporters. A senior CAF source told Reuters some people within African football believed Royal Moroccan Football Federation President Fouzi Lekjaa had been promised the 2030 World Cup final in return for helping maintain African support for Infantino. FIFA has denied reports that Morocco was promised the final in exchange for political support. Lekjaa said on Thursday it would be staged in the Casablanca area, although FIFA has not formally announced the venue. The Moroccan federation ‘did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. Infantino also retains the support of South America’s CONMEBOL, while CAF remains supportive despite the AFC and CONCACAF joining UEFA in calling for change. France illustrated the opposition’s dilemma on Thursday by withdrawing its backing for Infantino without identifying who should replace him. “The trust placed in the FIFA president has been
broken,” French Football Federation President Philippe Diallo told reporters after its executive committee unanimously withdrew support. “Our mission now is to make sure that a programme and a candidate emerge — and then, with that programme and that candidate, to make sure they win,” Diallo said. NO OBVIOUS CHALLENGER Candidates must be nominated by ‘November 18, leaving just over two months to agree an alternative programme, identify a willing candidate and assemble commitments across the world. “The project cannot be a purely European one,” Diallo said. “It has to bring together all continents.” With no obvious c h a l l e n g e r, s o m e o f Infantino’s opponents are considering whether to shift their efforts towards changing FIFA’s governance structure. The two global sources said officials were examining whether powers concentrated in the presidency could be reduced or redistributed if they
conclude that Infantino cannot realistically be beaten at the ballot box. That would mark a significant change from weeks ago, when senior figures ‘believed the crisis surrounding the abandoned investment proposal could end Infantino’s presidency. Attention could instead turn to stronger checks on major strategic and commercial decisions and a rebalancing of authority within FIFA’s leadership. Diallo confirmed that the distribution of power inside FIFA was among the issues under discussion. Asked about suggestions that some powers could be taken from the president and given to an appointed secretary general, he said: “That is part of the debate we now need to have within UEFA.” Without a candidate capable of turning European opposition into a global coalition, officials say attention may increasingly shift from removing Infantino to restricting the powers of the presidency itself. The FIFA presidential election will take place in Rabat on March 18, 2027.
Man Utd cruise to victory on Champions League return BBC Sport - Manchester United recorded their biggest Champions League victory since 2020 as they swept Sabah FK aside 4-0 at Old Trafford. The Azerbaijan champions came through four rounds of qualifying to reach the main league phase of the tournament for the first time. However, though they had chances, they were also given a brutal lesson in the gulf in class between the level they are used to and the Premier League, whose five entrants have all opened their respective campaigns by picking up three points. With just three days to prepare for Sunday’s Manchester derby, United head coach Michael Carrick would have been pleased to effectively kill the contest by halftime, thanks to goals from Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko. (Scorers: Matheus Cunha (27'), Bruno Fernandes (42'), B. Šeško (45') and L. Martínez (68')) For Sesko in particular, it was an important night. Starting for the first time since 3 May, the Slovenian brought a focus to United’s attack which has not been evident for their opening
three Premier League games. It surely puts him in contention to start against Manchester City, which begs the question who will be on the left - Cunha or Marcus Rashford, who remained on the bench throughout. The conundrum is one Carrick will relish because, while he said at Everton on Sunday that United’s start to the season had “not been that bad”, he also knows four points from three games cannot become four from four. As far as the Champions League goes, United could not have asked for more accommodating opponents after more than a thousand days out of the competition. With trips to Atletico Madrid, Como and Sporting Lisbon ahead, plus home games with Roma and Bayern Munich, victory was important to ensure there was no early ground to make up, as is now the case in the Premier League. It probably will not stay that way, but nestled just behind holders Paris StGermain, Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the table, United’s first match round in the league format of the competition looks pretty good from their perspective.
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Robinson strikes twice as England close in on Pakistan whitewash BIRMINGHAM, England, (Reuters) - Ollie Robinson continued his outstanding summer with two wickets in his opening over as England pushed Pakistan towards defeat in the third test at Edgbaston on Thursday. Robinson, man of the match in the first two tests, struck with the first ball of Pakistan’s second innings and again three deliveries later to leave England in on a 3-0 series whitewash. The demoralised tourists reached 52-2 before rain ended play early on day two, needing 268 runs to make England bat again. Robinson, 32, has been almost unplayable in this series, taking 21 wickets at an average of under seven runs each. He continued in the same vein in Birmingham, removing Saim Ayub, who was dismissed for a duck in both innings, and then Abdullah Shafique to finish the day with figures of 2-10 from his six overs. “He’s probably one of the most consistent bowlers in world cricket.
`He knows what he’s doing with the ball and he wears you down a bit so it’s a challenge,” said Pakistan batting coach Mike Smith. “He has bowled exceptionally well and he’s in a little purple patch as a player. We need to find a way to combat that as well as we can.” Shan Masood, who was dropped at slip by Ben Duckett off Gus Atkinson, was still there on 21 at the close, alongside opener Azan Awais on 29, but Pakistan’s position appears hopeless. England, who led by 23 overnight, had earlier pressed the accelerator to extend their firstinnings advantage to a daunting 320. They made 453 with Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence extending their fifth-wicket partnership to 86 until Brook set off for an impossible single and was run out by Masood for 75 from 97 balls. Lawrence went on to make 65 from 82 balls before dragging a ball ‘onto his stumps to give Mohammad Imran his first test wicket. It was a third test half-
England’s Ollie Robinson celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Pakistan’s Abdullah Shafique, caught by Joe Root. (Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers) century in a row for Lawrence, who was recalled after a two-year absence for this series. “I’m really happy with how I’ve contributed,” said Lawrence. “I
People walk past a replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy, ahead of the FIFA World Cup quarter final match between Morocco and France, in Casablanca, Morocco, July 9, 2026. (REUTERS/Amr Alfiky)
decision will be made by FIFA in due course.” Reuters has contacted the RMFF and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for comment. Benslimane is a city 60km from Casablanca and the site of the $1billion Hassan II stadium, which is being built for the World Cup with a projected capacity of 115,000. It will be the largest football-specific stadium in the world. The next World Cup ‘be a unique event, with games to be held across six countries in three continents for the first time. While the opening three games will take place in Argentina, Paraguay and
six into the Hollies Stand off Mohammad Abbas, before becoming Razaullah’s fourth victim. The blooding of the 21-yearold, who ‘had only played eight first-class games prior to his callup, was one of the few positives for Pakistan. While he was expensive – he conceded 148 runs off his 23 overs – he posed a threat with his pace and aggression. Razaullah may represent a brighter future for Pakistan, but the present remains bleak for a team that has lost 15 of its last 20 tests. Scores: Pakistan 133 and 52 for 2 trail England 453 (Brook 75, Smith 69, Lawrence 65, Gay 60, Robinson 50, Razaullah 4-148) by 268 runs.
GFF U17 Youth Ensemble Programme gets underway...
Casablanca will host 2030 World Cup final, says Moroccan federation chief (Reuters) - The 2030 World Cup final will be held in Casablanca, the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (RMFF) was reported as saying by Spanish news agency EFE on Thursday. FIFA yet to announce the venue for the final, with Spain and Morocco in a heated battle to host soccer’s biggest match. “The province of Benslimane will have the honour of hosting the 2030 World Cup final,” Fouzi Lekjaa told a political party event in Bouznika, Morocco `on Thursday, EFE reported. A spokesperson for soccer’s world governing body said “a
was feeling really good today, got on a bit of a roll with Brooky and went with it. “I thought I was going to make a really big score to be honest. It wasn’t to be but I think if I’d been `offered 65 at the start of the day I’d have taken it.” There was also a welcome halfcentury from the out-of-form Jamie Smith, who overcame an uncertain start and a finger injury, which caused him to hand over the wicketkeeping gloves to Jordan Cox, to strike 69 off 84 balls including one six and nine ‘fours. It was his highest test score since a second-innings 88 against India on the same ground 14 months ago. Robinson chimed in with a 50 of his own, which included a huge
Uruguay, the majority of the tournament is being hosted ‘by Morocco, Portugal and Spain. FIFA has yet to finalise all of the cities that will host games, but both Morocco and Spain want the final. The decision on the ‘venue for the 2026 World Cup final was not announced until February 2024. “Spain should host the final,” Lekjaa’s counterpart at the RFEF, Rafael Louzan, `told local media earlier this month. FIFA said in August that media reports saying President Gianni Infantino had promised the final to Morocco were “false and misleading”.
From page 30 and strengthening the transition from youth football into the senior domestic game. The U17 rollout follows the successful culmination of the U13 and U15 phases earlier this month. Vurlon Mills Football Academy ( V M FA ) e m e rg e d a s U 1 3 champions on September 5, with YMCA finishing runners-up, while Potaro Strikers FC secured third place after defeating Plaisance FC on penalties. VMFA also completed a memorable double in the U15 category on September 6, defeating Buxton Stars 4–2 in the final. Buxton Stars finished as runners-up, while Challengers FC secured third place after defeating Friendship FC 4–3. GFF President Wayne Forde congratulated the Regional Associations for their continued
support of the initiative and encouraged fans to come out and support the young players throughout the competition. “Congratulations to the Regional Associations for their continued embrace of this groundbreaking initiative and thank you for your work in registering teams and preparing for the U17 phase. I wish all participating clubs every success in the tournament. I also encourage fans to come out, bring their energy and enthusiasm, and create an exciting atmosphere that inspires Guyana’s young football stars.” With the U17 competition now set to begin, the GFF continues to expand access to structured youth football across the country while creating greater opportunities for young players to progress through Guyana’s football system.
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Rybakina takes top ranking, GFF U17 Youth Ensemble Programme Gauff battles into U.S. Open semis gets underway this weekend NEW YORK, (Reuters) Elena Rybakina ensured she will leave the U.S. Open as the new world number one following her victory over ‘s Zheng Qinwen on Wednesday, while 2023 champion Coco Gauff recovered from a slow start to set up a semi-final clash with the Kazakh. A day after Ben Shelton took out defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the latest-finishing match at Flushing Meadows, Alexander Zverev wrapped up the action in double-quick time by thumping Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2 7-5 6-1. The German top seed will take on Karen Khachanov in the next round after the Russian went through when Alexander Blockx retired while trailing ‘6-2 7-5 3-2. With Aryna Sabalenka ( t o p s e e d ) , Ry b a k i n a (second), Jessica Pegula (third) and Gauff (fourth) all through to the final four, it marks the first time all four top-seeded women have reached a Grand Slam semifinal since Wimbledon in 2009. Zheng had earned a reputation as a comeback artist at Flushing Meadows but ran out of gas on Wednesday, losing 3-6 6-1 64 as Rybakina chipped away at her defences after overcoming early mistakes at Arthur Ashe Stadium. “It’s tough to find words,” said Rybakina, who will dethrone Sabalenka at
Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina celebrates winning her quarter final match against China’s Qinwen Zheng. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Robert Deutsch)
the top of the world rankings on Monday. “It wasn’t maybe the highest level but I’m glad I pushed through.” U.S. fan favourite Gauff then got off to a dreadful start before recovering to beat Russian fifth seed Mirra Andreeva 2-6 7-6(7) 6-2. Gauff improved her level dramatically as the wore ‘on, drawing inspiration from compatriot Frances Tiafoe’s recovery from two sets down the previous evening as she saved two match points in
Coco Gauff of the U.S. reacts during her quarter final match against Russia’s Mirra Andreeva. (REUTERS/Mike Segar)
the tiebreak. “Elena - she’s the new world number one so it’s going to be a tough match,” said Gauff. “I’m looking forward to the battle. These are the moments you live for.” ZVEREV ENSURES EARLY FINISH Zverev started his campaign with back-to-back five-set matches and made another sluggish start against his Dutch opponent. “I `think you saw in the first two rounds, I really didn’t play well,” Zverev said. “In other tournaments I’d be out in the first round, but here I can fight back and play best of five sets, play 4-1/2 hours ... I’m definitely happy to be in the `semi-finals.” The French Open champion was on the brink of losing the second set but held firm and faced little resistance thereafter to ease into his third New York semi-final. With 23 Grand Slam match wins this year, Zverev surpassed Boris Becker’s German men’s ‘record of 22 from 1989. His next opponent Khachanov has made the final four at Flushing Meadows for the first time since 2022 and can look forward to a rematch of their Tokyo Olympics final when Zverev won the gold medal.
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Under-17 Youth Ensemble Programme will kick off nationally this weekend, September 12–13, marking the third level of competition introduced during the inaugural year of the Federation’s landmark youth development initiative. The U17 phase builds on the successful completion of the U13 and U15 competitions and will see the G F F ’s n i n e R e g i o n a l Associations mobilise teams to compete within their respective jurisdictions. The programme is designed to provide young players with meaningful competitive opportunities while strengthening talent identification, development and the pathway towards higher levels of the domestic game. Delivered by the GFF in collaboration with FIFA, the Youth Ensemble Programme represents a major investment in the future of Guyana football. An annual investment of $44 million
- Elite U17 competition to run simultaneously as new feature over the next four years is being directed towards the programme, making it the largest investment in youth football in Guyana’s history. The East Bank Football Association (EBFA) will open its U17 competition at the National Training Centre on Saturday, with Friendship Allstars FC facing Pro Elevate Sports Academy at 10:00 a.m., followed by Swan FC against Timehri United FC at 12:00 p.m. At the Georgetown Football Association (GFA), matches at the Parade Ground will see Vurlon Mills Football Academy (VMFA) face Pele FC, followed by Eastveldt FC versus Beacon FC, with BlackPearl FC taking on Riddim Squad FC. At the Victoria Ground, the East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) will stage four matches beginning from 10:00 a.m: Mahaica Determinators vs
Mahaicony Western Lions, Plaisance vs BV Triumph United, Buxton Stars vs Melanie, and Ann’s Grove United vs Victoria Kings. The U17 competition will continue Sunday, September 13. Adding a new dimension to the U17 programme this year, six Elite League clubs will also compete amongst themselves in a separate U17 competition, running simultaneously with the Youth Ensemble games within the Regional Associations. The participating elite clubs are; Guyana Police Force FC, Guyana Defence Force FC, Santos FC, Slingerz FC, Western Tigers FC and Fruta Conquerors FC. The introduction of the Elite U17 competition is aimed at creating additional opportunities for young footballers to compete in a higher-level environment Continued on page 29
Trevon Garraway, Navin Stewart in ROTC squad for upcoming IMC Over-40s World Cup in Guyana Former Guyana fast-bowler Trevon Garraway and ex-Trinidad and Tobago firstclass all-rounder Navin Stewart have been named in the Rest of the Caribbean (ROTC) team for the forthcoming International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-40s World Cup tournament to be held in Guyana from October 17-31. The 42-year-old Garraway represented his country in 12 games while Stewart featured in four ODIs and 32 T20s. The ROTW side will be led Trinidadian Devi Maharaj. The Caribbean boys will open their campaign against Pakistan at Albion in Berbice. They have been placed in Group B alongside New Zealand, England, USA, India, Scotland, ROTC, Pakistan and Rest of the World X1. Group A is comprised of: reigning champions South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka, Wales, Australia, Canada, Colombia and Namibia. A total of 16 teams will be competing first in the group stage before the four top teams advancing to the semifinals. The curtains will come down at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. Meanwhile, this is the second edition of the 45-over tournament hosted by IMC in collaboration with Cricket West Indies Masters Association. The first tournament was played in Cape Town, South Africa where 14 countries participated.
Trevon Garraway The ROTC team reads: Devi Maharaj (Captain), Dary Balgobin, Navin Stewart, Asif Chan, Trevon Garraway, Rudy Hinds, Vinai Hingoo, Andrew Lyght Jr., Vick Mahabeer, Verindra Maharaj, Grey Mcclean, Jeunick Mingo, Ryan Nurse, Shazam Ramjohn and Romaine Roye. Manager: Rajendra Dilraj Coach: Felix Walker
Friday September 11, 2026
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Minister Steven Jacobs visits GCB LBI Facility as rehabilitation work commences Minister, Hon. Steven Jacobs, accompanied by the Ministry’s engineer, paid an official visit to the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) LBI facility as the long-awaited rehabilitation of the site began. This important project is a fulfillment of a commitment made by His Excellency President Dr. Irfan Ali during a high-level discussion with GCB President Bissoondyal Singh, emphasizing the government’s dedication to advancing sport development in Guyana. Minister Jacobs expressed that the Government is investing heavily in sports across the country, recognizing the critical role that sports play in national development, youth engagement, and community building. He reiterated the government’s commitment to providing modern and well-maintained facilities to support athletes and sporting organizations. Previously, Minister Hon. Charles Ramson had conducted a thorough on-site assessment of the LBI facility, noting the urgent
need for repairs and upgrades to bring the grounds to a standard befitting national and regional cricket events. The current rehabilitation phase marks a strategic step toward restoring the facility’s infrastructure and enhancing the training environment for cricketers at all levels. President of the GCB, Bissoondyal Singh, expressed his gratitude, stating that the rehabilitation of the facility is timely and a significant boost for cricket in Guyana. On behalf of the entire cricket fraternity, he thanked His Excellency Dr. Irfan Ali for delivering on his promise, emphasizing that this facility is incredibly important for the preparation of the various national teams for their duties. Present during the visit were key members of the GCB leadership and cricket c o m m u n i t y, i n c l u d i n g Executive members Ronald Wi l l i a m s , D a v t e e r t h Anandjit, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Cricket Operations Officer Anthony D’Andrade, Pooja Persaud, Roweena Persaud, team Captain Tevin
Minister Steven Jacobs (left), accompanied by the Ministry’s engineer, paid an official visit to the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) LBI facility as rehabilitation works commence. Imlach, as well as officials from the Demerara Cricket Board—Puneet Jaigopaul, Surendra Hiralall, and Yeuvraj Khemraj. The attendees engaged in detailed discussions about
the rehabilitation timeline, anticipated improvements, and future plans for the facility, underscoring the shared commitment to providing quality infrastructure that supports
player development, regional competitions, and the broader cricket community. This rehabilitation project reflects the government and Guyana
Cricket Board’s joint vision to elevate cricket standards nationally, provide safer and more modern facilities, and ultimately foster a stronger pipeline of cricket talent within Guyana.
MOE/PYARG hosts Cricket coaching session
A
number of youths on the East Coast Demerara recently participated in a cricket coaching session at the Enterprise Community Centre Ground. The session focused on developing fundamental cricket skills while promoting teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship among participants. The activity forms part of the President’s Youth Award, Republic of Guyana (PYARG) Programme, an initiative of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport through its Youth Department. The programme is designed to empower young people by providing opportunities for personal development, leadership, skills training and active community engagement. The coaching session also r e f l e c t s t h e M i n i s t r y ’s continued commitment to expanding access to sport at the community level. Through sustained investments in the rehabilitation and development
Ministry of Education hosted a fruitful cricket coaching program recently at the Enterprise Ground. (MCYS PICS) of community grounds and recreational facilities across all regions of Guyana, the Ministry is creating safe and accessible spaces where young people can train, compete and develop their talents.
These investments, coupled with structured sporting programmes, are helping to strengthen grassroots sports development while encouraging healthier, more active communities.
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Friday September 11, 2026
Jamaican sprint star Bolt marvels at prize money on eve of inaugural Ultimate Championship BUDAPEST, (Reuters) Had the World Athletics Ultimate Championship existed in his prime, Usain Bolt says he would have been first in line to compete, drawn not only by the chance to race the world’s best but also by the richest prize pot in the sport’s history. “I was having a conversation with Asafa (former world record-holder ). We were actually talking about that same thing,” Bolt said on Thursday. “We’re like, ‘jeez, we missed out with this cash prize.’” Winners of individual events pocket $150,000, while the winning relay teams share $80,000, meaning a sprinter contesting the 100, 200 and mixed 4x100 metres relay could leave Budapest with a tidy sum. “ I w o n a f e w championships, and it still doesn’t add up to all the cash, so it’s big,” said Bolt, the 100m and 200m world record-holder. “It’s good for the sport, it incentivises `athletes to do their best. Sorry I missed out on it.” Bolt’s comments strike at the heart of World Athletics’ latest experiment. Seeking to attract younger audiences and keep pace in an
President of World Athletics Sebastian Coe and Minister of Interior of Hungary Posfai Gabor pose for a photo with former track and field athlete Dawn Harper-Nelson and former runner Usain Bolt after a press conference ahead of the championship. (REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo) increasingly crowded sports market, the governing body has launched the event as a high-stakes showcase built around elite head-to-head competition, big prize money and a faster, more engaging presentation. “We’re really spotlighting the stars and creating new formats,” World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said. STREAMLINED SCHEDULE The governing body has
introduced a streamlined schedule designed to eliminate downtime, along with innovations including a black infield with theatrical lighting. “ We w a n t t h i s championship to be an incubator for change,” Coe said. “It’s an event that has been created with and by the fans, with and by the athletes.” Organisers also rolled out a red-carpet event on Thursday ‘put athletes front
and centre, part of a broader effort to showcase personalities beyond performances and help fans connect with the sport’s stars. Reigning Olympic 100m champion Noah Lyles wore a rhinestoned black velvet Yves Saint Laurent suit, while pole vault world record-holder Mondo Duplantis, who also wrote and performed the event’s anthem entitled “Gold,” went for a more understated
Flying Ace Cycle Club Cycle 40 miles road race set for Sunday around New Amsterdam - Sponsored by Crawford Business enterprise Cyclists in Region five and six will be battling for supremacy on Sunday 13th September. The occasion is the Flying Ace Cycling Club (FACC) of Berbice road around the town of New Amsterdam. The 10 laps, 40 miles event is expected to pedal off at 13:00hrs. The event is for cyclists o f R e g i o n 5 (Mahaica/Berbice and Region 6) East Berbice Corentyne only. The riders will pedal off from in front of the Level Up Bar at Charles Place and Republic Road, New Amsterdam, proceed along Republic Road, turn left into Vryheid Street, left into Main Street, proceed along New Amsterdam into Stanleytown, left into Tacama Turn and back into Republic Road. That
sequence continues ten times before finishing at the point of origin. Prizes will be awarded to the first three finishers and the first five veterans. There will also be a special prize for 10 years old Franco Crawford Junior and the oldest rider to finish the race. There are 6 prime point prizes up for grabs. The event is being sponsored by overseas based Former National cyclists and now businessman Franco Crawford and his businesses Crawford Trucking Services and Auto Dealership, and Crawford Business Enterprise, also on board is former FACC cyclist and overseas based Hardeo Changerie and New Amsterdam Mayor Wainwright Mc Intosh. Mayor McIntosh will lead the cyclist in a lap
Former National cyclist and overseas based Guyanese businessman Franco Crawford of Crawford Business Enterprise hands over the sponsorship cheque to President, Coach and Coordinator Randolph Roberts for the race. around New Amsterdam before the start of the race. Mayor Mc Intosh will then send the cyclist on their way. The event will be coordinated by founder and president of the FACC and
veteran coach Randolph Roberts and Former National cyclist Franco Crawford. Prizes will be presented to the winners by Mayor Mc Intosh immediately after the race. (Samuel Whyte)
blue suit and shades. “You don’t want to miss it. Something big could always happen `when I step out on the track or anybody,” said Duplantis. “It’s going to be athletics displayed in a
way that’s never been seen before.” One question hanging over the competition has been whether athletes need another major meet in a year that would traditionally have been free of a ‘world championships or Olympic Games. “If you follow my career, you know that’s what I’m about — competing against the best,” Bolt said. “With the Ultimate Championship, you know that 16 people who show up are the best in the world, I would look at it as `big as the Olympics and the World Championships for sure.” For 2008 Olympic 100m hurdles champion Dawn Harper-Nelson, who is a celebrity broadcaster for the event, the stakes extend beyond prize money and presentation. “ I t ’s b r i n g i n g t h e attention to the sport that we begged for,” she said. “You asked for it, and now the time has come.”
Bhatia keeps Knight riders unbeaten CPL - The Trinbago Knight Riders made light work of the Jamaica Empress in Match 3 of the Limacol WCPL at Kensington Oval on Thursday. TKR maintained their unbeaten start to the competition with a dominant nine-wicket victory over the new franchise, reaching their target with 53 balls to spare. The run chase was expertly orchestrated by Yastika Bhatia, who opened the innings and remained unbeaten on a superb 57 from 34 balls. The Knight Riders’ only casualty was Laura Harris, who was stumped after being beaten by a sharply turning delivery from Nonkululeko Mlaba. By the time Harris departed at 35/1 at the end of the fifth over, however, TKR were already well on their way to a second consecutive victory. Captain Deandra Dottin then joined Bhatia at the crease and smashed 22 from 15 deliveries, with the pair putting together an unbeaten 69-run second-wicket partnership to seal the win. Earlier, the Knight Riders’ bowlers had laid the foundation for the emphatic victory after Jamaica Empress were sent in to bat. The Empress suffered an early setback, losing two wickets from successive deliveries in the second over, including the prized scalp of former Australia captain Meg Lanning. Rashada Williams provided some resistance with a patient 40 from 47 balls, but found little support around her as the Empress struggled to build momentum. They eventually finished on 100/9 from their 20 overs. Chinelle Henry, who starred in the Empress’ thrilling victory in their debut match, remained unbeaten on 22. For the Knight Riders, Player of the Match Karishma Ramharack bowled with impressive control, claiming 3/11 from her four overs to spearhead a disciplined bowling effort. The Knight Riders will next face the Guyana Amazon Warriors, while the Empress, who have a game in hand, will look to bounce back against the Barbados Tridents in their next outing.
Kaieteur News
Friday September 11, 2026
DCB announces T10 Fundraiser Tournament – Backed by Cricket Equipment Guyana
T
he Demerara Cricket Board ( D C B ) h a s announced the staging of its highly anticipated T10 Fundraiser Tournament, set for November 22, 2026, at the LBI Ground. This landmark event will feature eight franchise teams competing in a fast-paced format, with the top prize of $1 million at stake. Beyond thrilling cricket action, the tournament serves as a vital fundraiser to strengthen grassroots cricket development across Guyana. The DCB extends heartfelt appreciation to Cricket Equipment Guyana for their timely sponsorship of the tournament. With its showroom located at the Bel
Air Rubis Service Station, Cricket Equipment Guyana has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the sport by providing essential equipment and support to competitions across Demerara. Their involvement in the T10 Fundraiser underscores the importance of corporate partnerships in advancing cricket and fostering community pride. The DCB looks forward to delivering a successful tournament that will not only showcase talent but also reinforce the value of collaboration between corporate sponsors and sporting organizations. Together, we are building a stronger future for cricket in Guyana.
(Left – Right) Chairman Junior Panel Selector Latchman Yadram, Chairman Senior Panel Selector Surendra Hiralal, Proprietor Of Business Arun Gainda, Treasurer Vicky Bharosay, Assistant Secretary Ronald Williams and Secretary Davteerth Anandjit.
GFF appoints N.E.B. 592 as Official Commentator and Broadcast Analyst for Elite League Season 8 Georgetown, Guyana The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has appointed Delwin H. Neblett, popularly known as N.E.B. 592, as the Official Commentator and Broadcast Analyst for GFF Elite League Season 8. To mark the appointment, GFF President Wayne Forde presented Neblett with an official Golden Jaguar replica, symbolising his role in helping to bring the stories, energy and identity of Guyanese football to audiences throughout the season. President Forde said: “We are witnessing the dawn Delwin H. Neblett, popularly known as N.E.B. 592, of a new era in football an official Golden Jaguar replica T-shirt to mark his broadcasting in Guyana. As appointment from GFF President Wayne Forde. (GFF) our game continues to grow, the way we present, analyse and tell its stories must grow live sports commentary. with it. Delwin represents a new generation of He spent five years as a broadcaster with Guyanese broadcasting talent, and we believe 97.5 FM, served as a television sportscaster his voice can become an important part of the on HGPTV’s Nightly News, and has worked Elite League experience.” as a cricket commentator with FL Sport for N.E.B. 592 will provide live commentary, the past three years. analysis and storytelling throughout the In 2026, he made his international radio 2026-2027 Elite League season. commentary debut during the West Indies vs ABOUT DELWIN NEBLETT New Zealand home series with the Cut and Neblett is a Guyanese broadcaster, sports Drive Network and his television commentator, vocalist and former athlete commentary debut at the ExxonMobil with experience across radio, television and Continued on page 27
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Jamaican sprint star Bolt marvels at prize money on eve of inaugural Ultimate Championship
Bhatia keeps Knight riders unbeaten
Former runner Usain Bolt. (REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo)
s t r o Sp
Yastika Bhatia, who opened the innings, remained unbeaten on a superb 57 from 34 balls to lead the Trinbago Knight Riders. (CPL)
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Under-17 Youth Ensemble Programme will kick off nationally this weekend, September 12–13. (GFF)
GFF Under 17 Youth Ensemble Programme gets underway this weekend - Elite U17 competition to run simultaneously as new feature Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.