gold companies in Guyana over US$30B from US$3B buyout of two Canadian Canadian firm to earn
Labourer dead, cop injured in Enmore smash-up
in Berbice attack Man critical after gas explosion at
Ruimveldthome Hairstylist shot, gun-butted by
Two days after an Air Services Limited (ASL) aircraft crashed in the Region Eight jungle, rescue teams are still battling harsh terrain and dense vegetation as they attempt to reach the site,whileconcernscontinue tomountoverthefateofthe pilot.
As hope for a swift rescue wanes, questions have been raised about the effectiveness of the response, particularly the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)teamsdeployedtothe area.
However, National Security Advisor, Gerry Gouveia has pushed back against suggestions that the delay is due to inadequate capability
In a social media post, Gouveia said the narrative thatsearchandrescueefforts
arebeinghinderedbyalack of advanced helicopters or trained personnel is “simply incorrect and far removed from the reality on the ground.”
He noted that the GDF's Bell helicopters are highly capable aircraft, equipped with advanced avionics, strong performance
specifications, and flown by experienced and well-trained pilots
However, he stressed that even with modern equipment, search and rescue operations are ultimately dictated by environmental and safety conditions.
“Even with the best
Police have detained two people following the suspected murder of 25-yearoldconstructionworker,RicardoThompson early Saturday morning. Thompson was discoveredmotionlessonthestairsofhisinlaws'homeatapproximately03:00hrs.
Investigations suggest the victim had a disputewithhisreputedwifeonFridaynight, prompting her to retreat to her parents' residence. Thompson later arrived at the
location, where he was subsequently found with marks of violence on his body He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Leonora CottageHospital.
Detectives are currently reviewing CCTVfootage from a nearby camera.A27year-old housewife and a 36-year-old man are in custody assisting with the investigation,whileThompson'sbodyawaits apost-mortemexamination.
equipment and the most experienced crews, aviation operations, particularly search and rescue, are governed not by capability alone,butbyphysics,safety limits, and environmental conditions,”hestated.
Gouveia added that rescueeffortsinsuchterrain depend heavily on conditions on the ground, safety margins, and disciplined execution rather thanequipmentalone.
His comments came in response to criticism from OppositionLeaderAzruddin Mohamed, who described the rescue effort as “ u n f o r t u n a t e a n d unacceptable,” questioning the preparedness and capacity of the GDF despite significant budgetary
allocations.
Mohamed argued that theresponseappeared“slow, disjointed, and ineffective,” and criticised what he described as limited ground deployment in difficult terrainwhereeveryminuteis critical.
Meanwhile, Minister of PublicUtilitiesandAviation DeodatIndarconfirmedina statement that the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has deployed investigators to the crash area, believed to be in the vicinityofImbaimadai.
He said the Search and RescueCoordinationCentre (SARCC) remains fully operational, providing logistical and operational supporttotheGDFandother agencies involved in the mission.
Indar further noted that the crash site is located on a steep ridge, with dense tropical vegetation significantly hampering both air and ground access. He added that special forces personnel are working urgentlytoestablishaviable routetothesite.
W h i l e o f f i c i a l confirmationisstillpending, there is growing speculation that the ASL Cessna Caravan, registration 8RYAC, may have been i
operations in the interior at thetimeofthecrash.
Fuel shuttle operations have previously been linked to aviation accidents in Guyana.
In 2017, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority temporarily suspended such operationsfollowingaseries ofcrashesoveratwo-month period, two of which were fatal, according to earlier DPIreports.
At the time, then GCAA Head, Egbert Field stated that shuttle operations were suspended pending review and approval of safety p r o c e d u r e s a n d documentation.
Rescue efforts are expected to continue as authorities work against challenging terrain and deteriorating conditions in thesearcharea.
A 27-year-old hairdresser of Islington Village, East Bank Berbice is now nursing injuries after she was reportedly shot by her ex-boyfriendonSaturdayafternoon.
The woman was identified as Vasanti Gordon, a popular hairdresser and owner of Kylie'sMakeupStudio&Spa,locatedather home.
Thematterwasbroughttotheattentionof police in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), which in a statement Sunday, confirmed ongoing investigations into an alleged offence of discharging a loaded firearm with intent, which took place at the homeofGordon.
Police said the incident occurred at 4:50 p.m.onSaturday,andwascarriedoutonthe self-employedwomanbya28-year-oldman from Fort Ordinance Housing Scheme, East Canje, Berbice. Preliminary investigations state that the mother of two and the suspect shared a relationship but recently separated.
GordoninformedpolicethatonSaturday,the man approached her while she was in her motorcar According to her, the suspect was armed with a handgun, with which he fired multiple rounds at her and also dealt her a blowtoherhead.
She was taken to the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital where she was admitted with suspected gunshot injuries to her right legandthigh.Herconditionislistedasstable.
On Sunday, her mother told Kaieteur News that she was made aware of incident after a call from her daughter's father, who informed her that Gordon was shot in the foot.Sheconfirmed,however,thatthebullet has since been removed and noted that her daughterisshowinggreatsignsofrecovery Investigatorshaverecoveredspentshells from the victim's motorcar, which was processedaspartoftheinvestigation. So far, the suspect remains at large. Investigationsareongoing.
Three people were hospitalised and three remain in police custody following a brazen shootout on Victoria Road, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara Saturday afternoon.According to a policestatement, thegunfire,whicheruptedaround17:30hrs, reportedly stemmed from an ongoing feud between a 38-year-old businessman and a 36-year-oldsecurityguard.
Investigators report that the two men spotted each other near a bus shed and immediately exchanged fire. Both suspects sustained gunshot wounds to their feet and
ankles A 52-year-old overseas-based Guyanese woman, caught in the crossfire whilestandingnearby,wasalsostruckinthe leg.Allthreeareinstablecondition.
At the scene, detectives recovered a 9mm Luger pistol, two magazines containing29liverounds,andseveralspent shells.
Alongwiththetwogunmen,policehave detained a 49-year-old businesswoman. Officers are currently reviewing local CCTVfootage as the investigation into the shootingcontinues.
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Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456
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Secrets should be embedded in Guyana’s national pledge and Coat-of-Arms. Secrets now form such a vast part of the PPPC Government’s routines that it is bogged down by the issues it is hiding, leaving leaders trapped flatfooted time and again. Agovernment that insists it is abouttransparencyhasanAccesstoInformationOfficethat is the equivalent of an unbreachable wall (little to no information released), leaders that dance their way around tough questions and issues. Further to those practices, deflectinghasnowbecomeawayoflifeforthegovernment in law enforcement operations, media manipulations and, mostofall,thevitaloilandgassector
Guyana’s costliest project to date, the Wales gas-toEnergy (GTE) now resembles a house of secrets. The operation is clouded in secrecy, related contracts and agreements are held as closely guarded secrets, and when informationhastobereleased,thereispassingfromhandto hand, with the maintenance of secrets continuing. The simpleissueoflayingagreementssignedbythegovernment in parliament, so that they can be openly examined and discussed, traveled a circle that spanned from Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, to Minister of ParliamentaryAffairsandGovernance,GailTexeira,tothe 2ndVicePresident,BharratJagdeo,tothe1stVicePresident Mark Phillips. At the end of that circle, the Wales GTE agreements are still kept secret, with no laying of them in parliament. What do senior government officials Vice PresidentJagdeoandPrimeMinisterPhillipshavetohide? What mistakes have been made, what wrongs committed, thattherehastobethispainfulresortingtosecrecy? When therearethingstobehidden,asifthefateofthegovernment hangs in the balance, then what has happened is seen. Though seen and heard, it is still difficult to believe, especially given the rank of government leaders in the middleofthiswholemess.
TheWalesGTEhashadseveraldelays,anditisalmosta foregoneconclusionthatthepresentprojectpriceofUS$2Bhas longbreatheditslast,isasgoodasdead Thesecretsthathave plaguedthisprojectfromthebeginninghavepiledsohighthat theyarebeginningtoswayandthreatentotoppleover Suchas howmanymillionswereawardedandpaidtoLindsayca,oris thatarbitrationstillanunfinishedpieceofbusiness? Suchas, would a credible feasibility study of the Wales GTE have identified the soil stabilisation issue that is now a source of dispute, delay, and expense between the contractor and the GuyanaGovernment? Suchas,wouldthe costly delays and growinglackofconfidenceinthisUS$2BGTEprojectbeen avoidedifthegovernmentwasmoretransparent,insteadof dealinginsecrets,fromitsbasistosupportingtechnicaland financial documents? Aquestion of increasing concern to more citizens is whether the promised 50% reduction in energybillsisstilldeliverable? Whatcanbebelievedabout this project, and which government official could still be trusted? The newest development concerns the gas to be suppliedtothefinishedproject Guyanashouldnotbepaying ExxonMobilonedollarforanygas,beitonecubicfootorone million Regardlessofthemillionsofcubicfeetofgastobe supplieddaily,Guyanashouldnotbepayinganyoneforitsown gasassets Thefactthatthisgaspaymentissueevenexistsgoes toshowhowonegovernmentaftertheotherdoesnotknow,or doesn’t care to know, how best to manage this great national patrimony Itisobvious,thatthePPPCGovernmentandthe formerAPNU+AFCCoalitionGovernmenthavebothfailedto representthiscountryateventhemostbasiclevel
When issues such as how the US$1B undersea gas pipeline constructed by ExxonMobil is to be repaid, different officials gave different answers. VPJagdeo said one thing, GTE Consultant, Brassington said another, and ExxonMobil’sGuyanaPresidentRoutledgesaidsomething else. First, the gas is free, then the gas isn’t free, then repaymentisfromCostOil. Dealinsecrets,andsecretswill twist lips, trip feet. When the PPPC Government began with secrets, a deeper hole is now needed to hide more secrets.
few local elites and fraudsters get paid while the rest of Guyana get
DEAREDITOR, In my science class labs usingamicroscope,wewere told by the teacher to look closely, and you will get to seethingsyoudon’tseewith thenakedeye.
The recent move by Surinametonowchargefees toGuyanaforshipsusingthe Corentyne River makes one wonders as to why now?As such, some perspectives require a closer look, like every time Guyanese get a jolttoaskabouttheirwealth from the current oil operations in their country, one of its’ neighbouring countries resurrect border disputes Before it was Venezuela’s claim to Essequibo which succeeded todistractGuyanesefromoil matters. Now the current Gulf War, has given Guyaneseanotherjolttoask about their wealth from the oiloperationsasthemassive importance of Guyana’s oil
has been revealed
Suriname’stiminglookslike achoreographicscriptcalled into action by a movie director, and once again Guyanesearegettingplayed whileforeigners,afewlocal elites and fraudsters are getting paid. So predictably, Brazilwillbenext,however, allBrazilneedstodoismake astatement,sinceBrazilians
have been controlling Guyana’s southern border for years now, especially conducting illegal gold operations collaborating withsomelocalelites.Thisis e v i d e n t f r o m t h e shenanigans discovered at MarudiMountain.Ormaybe Surinameisjustliketherest of the world, seeing the unprotected riches of Guyana, and deciding they deserve their piece as well, since it is so easy to obtain here with the kind of spineless leadership failing to protect or willing to selloutGuyana’sriches.
Suriname’s recent demand for river usage fees h a s b r o u g h t o u t cond
organisations, politicians, m
religious communities and civic society, yet these were the same very people who are silent, supportive, and have scolded people who asked for answers to what is currently transpiring in the oil, mining & forestry sectors.Suriname’s,justlike Venezuela’s claims have now created a path for these individuals to climb the moral mountain. It is now laughable these very same people suddenly now have discovered patriotism,
sovereignty,territorialrights & loss of revenue. Is this two-tongued hypocrisy, disguised fraud, penny for pound foolishness, freedom of speech or just playing Guyanese? Had these same people fought for Guyana’s rightful share of its valuable resources, Guyana could have easily afforded the Suriname’sriverfeesoreven bought the Corentyne River altogether.
With Guyana’s future clearly depending on Guyana’srightfulsharefrom its wealth requiring the utmost attention, the President is ‘photo-opping’ withrootcrops,isn’tthisthe job of the agriculture minister?
The Marudi Mountain exposure has caused the Bharrats to pull off one of their disappearing acts and can’t be seen. These same individuals also said gas for the Wales Gas Plant will be free, so how come Guyana will be purchasing the gas from Exxon? Aubrey ComptonNortonathispress conference called on the US Ambassador to ensure Guyana gets more from its oil, really Mr Norton? This isNorton’salongwithfellow politicians’ job, not the ambassador who would never do such, so Norton is
clearly playing Guyanese calling on the ambassador for more benefits from oil operations. The politicians clearlyareplayingGuyanese lambastingeachotherforthe cameras, yet out of parliament,theycanbeseen embracing each other as if they just found their longlost missing brothers, and sisters. MPs of the major political parties sat in Parliamentasgovernmentor opposition, they all know aboutthedealsgoingonwith Guyana’s riches, but never raised questions of each other in Parliament. Only one person used it to win elections,anothersaidthisis a bad strategy, so his party usually 1st or 2nd found itself in a dismal 3rd in the lastelections.Certainexand current MPs having squanderedGuyana’swealth toforeignersnowliveasrich elites with their ‘never see come to see’sellout wealth. OrdinaryGuyanesecontinue to get played separating them from their God-given wealth by Foreigners, Few LocalElites&Fraudsters,so what recourse are there for ordinaryGuyanese?TheUS Secretary of State at an EU conference implied, that the White nations should join togethertorestorethelast (Continuedonpage06)
,
Early in the year, during his budget presentation, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh,projectedforGuyana, “a series of major road projects to be advanced this year(2026).”This‘series’of projects can be easily accessed, but the gist of it is that while in 2025, $195.2 billion was expended to improve road connectivity across the country, in 2026, the Guyana Budget “ allocates $196 1 billion, forming part of the massive, total$1.558trillionNational Budget.”
This, for me, is a clear indication that the Government is very much aware of where it wants to take Guyana, and how As a passing footnote, too many people are oblivious regarding the importance and cost of road projects. Road works, currently ongoing in Guyana, reflect planning and investment, and those involved must be accordedduerespect.
I think of the recent and quite obvious upgrades to the Linden Highway, once
quite a nightmare Then thereisHeroesHighwayand the Schoonard to Crane Road, that are ‘time savers’ and ‘congestion cures’ forming a small part of the People’sProgressiveParty’s Government’s ‘commitment to improving connectivity and significantly alleviate traffic congestion.” It goes without saying that a ‘booming economy’ and matching ‘road works’ are mutually inclusive, one being the corollary of the other
How about the Linden Highway,spanningsome70 plus miles, connecting Georgetown to the mining townofLinden?Itisnowso easy to traverse this stretch that allows for ever increasing commerce, transportation, and community life. Minibuses ply this route 24/7, as the commute demands this Erstwhile, this trek was a nightmare.Butnow,withan energized PPP/C and a burgeoning economy, this highway is up-to-date with extensive upgrades and maintenance to create a
Linden concomitant with a growingeconomy
What we need to absorb is that transportation is an economic development pillar because it facilitates the movement of goods, services, and human beings and also promotes regional a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l integration. It is vital then thatallgovernments,andfor sure Guyana’s, heavily facilitateroadworkstoboost economic growth, enhance connectivity, and improve safety We need to realise some of the spin-offs too.
Forexample,propertyvalue can increase significantly, sometimes by over 50%.
Then reliable roads make a huge difference in terms of accessing Medicare and educational opportunities. I recall,itwaspointedoutthat inIndia,roadimprovements were linked to lower infant mortality rates due to better accesstohealthclinics.
Editor, credit must be accorded where and when it isdue,andItipmyhattothe c u r r e n t P P P / C Administration for holding strong where road
infrastructure is concerned. We all need to keep in mind that road building is extremely expensive, with costs often exceeding millions of dollars per mile due to materials, labour, specialized equipment, and complex logistics. Add to this reality is that there are continual rising prices for fuel and materials like asphalt, spiralling costs by roughly70%since2020.
Enhanced transportation networks can attract investmentandspureconomic growth by improving connectivity among regions, fostering trade, and creating job opportunities Reliable, clean, and modern transportation systems increase productivity by allowing businesses to operate more efficiently and effectively Is it any wonder that Guyana is drawing the ‘crowd of investors’ globally, and spurring and spawning job opportunities forthepublicenmasse?
Takenothingforgranted andopenyoureyesandsee.
Yourstruly, RaymondAnderson
, Guyana’s energy vulnerability is no secret — it’sabillweallpaymonthly Nazim Baksh’s April 5 Chronicle column finally acknowledges what yours truly has consistently hammered since 2022: “Countrieswithahighshare ofrenewableenergyintheir powermixtendtofaremuch better than those dependent on fossil fuels.” True enough But this “stark reality” was dismissed as opposition noise when Bharrat Jagdeo and Irfaan Ali’s administration bet the nation’s grid on gas-toenergy (GTE), sidelining solar, hydro, and wind at everyturn.
With Jagdeo’s boast inching closer to a USD3 billionreality Baksh now paints GTE as merely “envisioned as a bridge to renewables,” with aflipoftheswitchby20302035 delivering the real fix. That’s revisionism dressed as revelation. The project was never pitched as a modest stepping stone — it was the transformational cure-all, sold with Jagdeo’s ironcladeconomistbravado.
Back when costs were pegged at $900 million, he waved off demands for an independent feasibility study: internal simulations andhisworld-classexpertise made it unnecessary No public economic modeling, nofreshanalysis—justtrust inthemasterplanner’shead. Consider Jagdeo’s track record on feasibility challenges.In2022,ascosts doubled to over $2 billion, he insisted the project
remained “feasible, ” promising electricity at 45¢/kWhbecause“NGLsales would make power practically free.” By 2024, he called it “the most feasible venture I’ve ever seen in my life,” blasting “naysayers” trying to “discredit” it for political gain Critics, including engineers and the IEEFA, warned of financial unsustainability without transparent studies warnings met with redirection to U.S. EXIM Bank’s limited due diligence, not a full feasibility
PULL QUOTE: “The Gas-to-Energy plant at Wales was envisioned as a bridge to renewables accounting for between 60 and 90 per cent of grid
power.”—NazimBaksh Fast-forward to today: GTE’s price tag nears $3 billion, mired in litigation, controversy, and the same secrecythatbirthedSkeldon Sugar’s $250 million disaster — zero tonnes to show.BakshadmitsGuyana imports 100% of its gasoline, diesel, and LPG, with 93-97% of electricity from dirty fuel oil per the U.S. EIA. Our $1 billion annual fuel bill rivals the development budget of a “resource-rich” nation. Yet Jagdeo’s defiance held: gas first, renewables later The justification by Jagdeo “renewables progress is too slow and it will be too late for our developmental pace.”
That “bridge” was flogged as the destination. President Ali echoed it at COP26,vowing70%carbon emissions cut by 2030 — ambitious words beside a diesel-chokedgridandGTE as the centerpiece. In 2022, Jagdeo boasted GTE alone would slash consumer costs by 50%. This writer asked then,repeatedly:Whatabout renewables? Subsidies for local panel assembly? Human capital in green manufacturing? The defiant response:nothing
Baksh touts gains — 17 MW solar PV by 2022 (up 224% from 2020), a dozen solar farms at Lethem,
Bartica,andbeyond,30,000 households now solarpowered Amaila Falls hydropower at 165 MW looms.Renewableshoverat 5% of the mix, per Prime Minister Phillips. Guyana’s 2,300-2,500 sunshine hours screampotential.
P U L L Q U O T E : “Countries that bet on renewables are less exposed when fossil fuel markets convulse. Guyana has the sunlight, the surplus oil revenues… What is needed now is speed and scale.” — NazimBaksh.
But these are echoes of what could have been APNU’s inaction? Fair critique. Yet PPP/C’s six years doubled down on
Baksh’sOntarioanecdote— feed-in tariffs, rent-to-own solar—mirrorswhatIhave consistently advocated: rooftop national program, every new home pre-fitted. Instead, we got GTE arrogance, now a white elephant shadowing real transition.
Thiswriter’scornerstone still remains accountability over arrogance as the realisationthattheirspeedis stalledbytheveryarchitects Baksh now soft-pedals Iran’s Strait of Hormuz closure exposes the folly: Asia’sblackouts,ourWest (Continuedonpage06)
DEAREDITOR, I am Mohamed Zafar, a 65-year-old Ontarian barrister, former resident of DeWillem,Demerara,anda man whose conscience will no longer permit silence on this issue. I write to you about poverty: not as an abstract statistic, but as a living, breathing crisis unfolding right now in the heartland of our beloved Guyana.
My spouse is in Corriverton today, attending her mother’s funeral. Amid her grief, she has been moved to call me — not to speak of loss alone, but to bear witness to something that shook her deeply: the scale of abject poverty, which she is seeing across the Corentyne Families without enough Children without enough Futures, quietlyextinguished.
This is not a political abstraction This is happeningtoourpeople.
Approximately 19% of Guyanese live in poverty — nearly one in five of our brothersandsistersteetering on the edge of survival. While government expenditure flows toward projects that are neither urgent nor essential to our nation’s foundational growth, the poor are being left behind Our rural planners must reckon with this moral failure and redirect priorities accordingly I offer four urgent, actionable
imperatives:
- E v e r y p o o r
Guyanese family must be granted a minimum of 10 acresofland,freeofcharge, so they may pursue agriculturallivelihoods with dignity Landispower Land isfood.Landissovereignty. This must be accompanied by accessible loan systems, technical support, and the complete dismantling of every bureaucratic barrier that stands between a poor family and their ability to farmandflourish.
- Poor Guyanese householdsneednolessthan a 20% increase in effective income—andGuyananeed not reinvent the wheel
C a n a d a ’s f e d e r a l government has just introduced a quarterly G r o c e r y R e b a t e commencing May 2026, providing approximately $475 CAD per eligible recipient to directly support lower-income Canadians This initiative has already reached2millionCanadians and is a model of targeted, dignified social support. I
urgeGuyana’spolicymakers to study this programme seriously and implement a comparableinitiativebyJuly 2026. Our poor deserve no l e s s t h a n w h a t compassionate governance canoffer.
- The children of poor Guyanese must not inherit poverty simply becausetheStatefailedthem atthestartingline.Education and healthcare for these children must be elevated to the highest priority within the relevant Ministries — not as charity, but as a constitutional and moral obligation Every child deserves to walk into a classroom and a clinic, regardless of the income of theirparents.
- I speak from experiencehere.WhenIwas inFourthFormatQC,atage 14, our headmaster, Mr Clarence Trotz, encouraged me to form a Gardeners’ Society He gave me land withintheschoolcompound. Withnothingmorethantime andseedlings,wegrewa (Continuedonpage06)
As concerns grow over the delayed, over budget Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project at Wales, West Bank Demerara, Leader of the Opposition,andWeInvestIn Nationhood (WIN), Azruddin Mohamed is demandingfulltransparency from the Government of Guyana(GoG).
In an interview with this newspaper,Mohamedpointed outthatGTEisfastbecoming one of the most glaring examples of the financial mismanagement and failed oversight of the PPP government in recent history
Thebusinessmansaid,“What was sold to the Guyanese people as a transformative, cost-saving initiative has instead turned into a project defined by delays, escalating
costs,andadangerouslackof transparency” Mohamed pointed out that the project has since failed to meet every major deadline, set since December 2024, with no clear and credible assurance that its new 2026 year-end timelinewillbemet. Further, the opposition leadernotedthatthepricetag on the infrastructure development continues to climbbyhundredsofmillions ofUS-dollars,withthepublic still unaware of when the promiseofcheaperelectricity will be realised, and at what costtofuturegenerations
He pointed out, “Over US$526 million has been borrowed from the U S Export-Import Bank to financethisproject
Thisisaloanthatmustbe repaid,withinterest,bycurrent and future generations Every dollar that is wasted, mismanaged, or improperly spentonthisprojectisadollar thatthepeopleofGuyanawill still have to repay, with interest”
To this end, Mohamed argued, “We demand a full update on project timelines, a transparent accounting of expenditures, and clear confirmationoftheproject’s financial standing with its lenders.” The leader told Kaieteur News that he was particularly troubled by the growing reports of questionable expenditure by the contractor and the complete absence of transparency from the government Moreover, he
criticised government for failingtoaddressindetail,the serious allegations of excessive spending, including high-cost operational expenses by the contractor This newspaper reported that the contractor, Lindsayca was using project funds to fly weekly to the United States via private luxury jets, costing US$70,000perweek.
On the other hand, Mohamed explained that while officials of the United States Export-Import (US EXIM) Bank offered glowing public remarks during their visit, the Guyanese people should not confusediplomaticlanguage with the reality of what is likely taking place behind closeddoors.
“ A n y o n e w h o understands projects of this scaleandtheobligationstied to international financing would recognise that those privatediscussionscouldnot have been comfortable for the government. When a project of over US$500 millioninexternalfinancing is facing repeated delays, cost overruns, contractor disputes,andgrowingpublic scrutiny, lenders do not simply ignore those risks.
Theyassessthemrigorously, because their financing is tied to perf
, accountability, and repayment.”
Mohamedaddedthatthe PPP government has continuously demonstrated its inability to properly manageflagshipprojects,as all have been mired by runaway costs, repeated delays, and unanswered questions. “This is not just about one project. This is about competence, accountability,andtrust.The Opposition will not accept a situation where hundreds of millions of dollars are committed in the name of development, while transparency is ignored and accountability is absent. We will continue to demand answers, because this is not t h e G o v e r n m e n t ’s money—it is the people’s money,”theLeaderstated.
“dulyinformed”onBarnett’sreappointment
CARICOM Chairman
and Prime Minister of St. KittsandNevis,Dr Terrance Drew said Trinidad and Tobago was informed and
invited to a retreat in Nevis wherethedecisionwastaken on the reappointment of CARICOM SecretaryGeneralDr CarlaBarnett.
InaletterdatedApril8to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Drew statedthatallmemberstates were properly informed of
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Coast stations drained Guyana produces oil but imports 4 million barrels yearly,mostlyU.S.gasoil— 20,000barrelsdaily.
Baksh welcomes the pivot we welcome converts. But leadership isn’t late epiphany; it’s
owning the delay GTE, birthed in hubris, cloaked in secrecy, leaves more questions than megawatts. The discarded cornerstone?
Renewables first — with open books, public buy-in, and no economist’s ego overridingfeasibility. Citizens deserve energy
sovereignty, not another Skeldon. Informed by facts, real in critique, relevant to tomorrow — that’s way to the future, Mr. Baksh, the sunlight’sstillshining.Time to build under it, not bridge overit.
Sincerely, HemduttKumar
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worldorderthatwentonfor thepastfewcenturies.
The US Secretary of Defence said the US should impose the Monroe Doctrine, meaning all countries south of the equatorshouldbeproperties of the USA to do whatever theyfeellikewiththem.
This new order has commencedspellingpainful slow suffering followed by death by poverty to poor vulnerable “dark skinned” populations, sadly some “darkskinnedleaders”have already pledged submission to the resurrected US world order History is etched with
people facing formidable conquering armies, some realising the odds against them were unsurmountable choose to surrender by becoming slaves to the new rulers, while some knowing they would perish choose that fate refusing to be slaves, hoping it would be inspiration for others sometime in the future to resistoppression. Unfortunately, poor vulnerable “dark skinned” populations now have Hobson’s Choice, whether they choose to submit or resist the new order, the end result will be painful slowsufferingfollowedby d e a t h b y p o v e r t y
regardless Our ancestors some time ago chose to fight, wanting nothing, only just to give us a rich country regardless of where we came from or under what circumstances we came here to cherish and live a wealthy lifestyle Now it has been squanderedofftoforeigners, fraudsters & local elites playing ordinary Guyanese to face the future, what wouldthatfuturelooklike,I have no idea, but with the current parliamentary & businessleadershipwehave, that future doesn’t look bright.
Regards
ConcernedGuyanese
the retreat where the decision was taken and that Foreign and CARICOM AffairsMinisterSeanSobers did not attend the Nevis retreat because of personal issues with using the watertaxitransit.
Drew said all member states had been “duly informed”oftheprogramme of events and draft agenda forthe50thRegularMeeting of the Conference of Heads of Government held in St. Kitts and Nevis from February24to27.
He said this included which matters were scheduled for plenary, caucus and the retreat of Headsonly
Drew said all Heads of
Government had also been advised of the retreat’s date and venue through official correspondence before the conferenceandbyfollow-up communication during the meeting.
The Prime Minister said the retreat’s programme of work included agenda items o n g e o p o l i t i c a l developments and the financingandgovernanceof the community—a heading under which matters related to the Secretariat’s operations and finances wouldnormallyarise.
He noted that PersadBissessar left St. Kitts and Nevis on the evening of February 25, one day before theFebruary26retreat.
Saying he considered Trinidad and Tobago’s participation important, Drew said he enquired whetherSoberscouldattend inherplace.
According to Drew, Sobers declined, citing personal discomfort with using the water-taxi service toNevis,whichthechairman describedasastandardmode oftransportinthefederation.
“He indicated that he fearedhewouldgetseasick,” Drewwrote.
Drew stated that it was duringthatretreatthatHeads of Government considered and agreed to Barnett’s reappointment underArticle 24oftheRevisedTreatyof (Continuedonpage09)
Frompage05
garden that fed the wider community freely That experience taught me something I have never forgotten: empowerment does not always require enormous capital it requiresvision,trust,andthe removal of obstacles. If you doubt the power of communityagriculture,look no further than Vietnam’s e x t r a o r d i n a r y transformation through grassrootsfarming—proof, at a national scale, that this
works.
Thoseofuswhohavethe meansandtheplatformmust bear responsibility for those who do not. This is not charity—itisjustice. I have personally transitioned from military service to law, and throughout that journey I have maintained deep admiration for individuals like Azruddin Mohamed, Hana Khamelia, and Nazar Mohamed — people who have dedicated themselves tirelessly to uplifting the
lives of the poor Their examplemustinspireusall. Editor, what Guyana’s poor need now is urgent, courageous,andunflinching action Land Income Education.Health.Theseare not luxuries — they are the minimum conditions for a dignifiedhumanlife.
I call on every policymaker, every communityleader,andevery Guyanese who reads these words:letusnotlookaway Yourssincerely, MohamedZafar
A Partnership for
NationalUnity(APNU)has made a call for the United States Government to support Guyana in securing a greater share of benefits from its oil resources, pushing back against
caution from U S Ambassador Nicole Theriot that renegotiating the country's agreement with ExxonMobil could send a “terrible signal” to investors.”
At the party's press conference on Friday, APNU's Chairman, Aubrey
Norton noted recent
comments made by Ambassador Theriot of a pushbytheembassyhereto eliminate double taxation for American companies operating in Guyana. The Ambassador had disclosed that the embassy has been receiving complaints from
American companies operating in Guyana, that they are required to pay taxes twice – once in Guyana and then in the Unites States. Also, when askediftheU.Sgovernment supports a change to the
U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot APNU's Leader Aubrey Norton
contract Guyana has with ExxonMobil for the lucrative Stabroek Block, Theriot said renegotiating an already agreed contract could undermine investor confidence at a critical time for the country's economic expansion. For their part, Norton said, “We in the APNU appreciate the healthy relations Guyana enjoys with the United States and will keep those relations. However, we believe that our interests must also be promoted.” To this end, he noted that the negotiations should be for Guyana to get more benefits from its oil.
“And the US must be supportive of such actions,” Nortonsaid.
ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) operates the Stabroek Block in partnership with Hess and CNOOC.
The Stabroek Block is estimatedtoholdsome11.6 billion barrels of oil. Exxon and its partners Hess and CNOOCbeganpumpingoil in December 2019, and today with four projects in operation, is producing close to a million barrels of oildaily
The Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) for the Stabroek Block was signed
in 2016 by the previous APNU+AFC Coalition government Under the agreement,upto75percent of oil production is used to recovercosts,theremaining 25 per cent is considered profit and is split equally between Guyana and the consortium, giving each 12.5 per cent. However, the consortiumpaysa2percent royalty from its share to Guyana From Guyana's 14.5 per cent total take, the governmentmustpaytheoil companies'taxes.
There have been local debates over the 2016 PSA, andcallsforthegovernment tobringtheoilmajorbackto the table to renegotiate the contract The People's Progressive Party government has criticised the PSAbut has maintained that it will not renegotiate the contract Addressing concerns about whether Guyana is receiving a fair deal under the oil agreement, Theriot said whilesheisnotinaposition to assess the contract itself, the overall impact has been positive.
Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, has announced the construction of a new Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) centre in Charity, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).
Atotalof$45millionhas already been allocated in the 2026 budget to kickstart the project, which will specifically serve educators in the Pomeroon River and
completed, the facility will featureadedicatedclassroom block, staff offices, a kitchen areaandwashroomfacilities, allhousedwithinanelevated, ridge-and-beamstructure.
Thisinitiativeisamoveto decentralise teacher training and ensure that professional development is accessible to teachers residing in those hard-to-reach areas, ending anerawheretheywereforced to leave their homes and familiestogaincertification.
Addressing headteachers at a recent forum in Region Two, Minister Parag emphasisedthatthefacilityis a fundamental step towards
Sonia Parag, Minister of Education speaking at a recent meeting with headteachers of Region 2
national educational equity “Teachers no longer have to travel to wherever or go just online,” the minister stated. “Youwillhavetheexperience ofanin-classroomteachingat CPCE right here in Region Two. And that's something thatyoushouldapplaud.” She further underscored that the project is about “quality education and quality delivery in the classroom,” noting that investing in professional (Continuedonpage9)
Aman gets up early He quickly does his sanitary rituals, has his breakfast, kisses his family goodbye andsetsofftowork. He has his problems but hedoesnotburdentheworld withthem.Hewantstowork hard and honestly so that he can provide for his family
His family is important to himandeventhoughhemay be barely making ends meet and just only covering the bills, he knows that day in day out, he has to rise for worksothathecantakecare ofhisfamily
Over time, he may have accumulated some assets
Hemayhaveovertimebeen able to buy a car or some pieceofexpensivejewellery through his hard work. That is a product of his labour They belong to him and not to any other He should be entitledtothosethings.
Yet while this man is busymakinghisdailybread, there are others who are plotting to deprive him of what he has worked for They will try to either rob himorstealhisassets.Some even go as far as plotting to
extort money from the poor fellow These criminals are not interested in making an honest living They are interested in taking what othershaveworkedhardfor. Sometimes,whatapoorman has, takes many years to accumulate and therefore he deserves to enjoy the fruits ofhislabour
The criminals who depriveotherpeopleoftheir hard-earned savings and assets deserve no mercy They should feel the full brunt of the law Many of these criminals when they are caught, attempt to cover theirfacessothattheywould notbeshamedinpublic. But have they ever considered what they have done to those whom they rob? Among the many victims, of carjackings, for example, are taxi drivers.
Most of these guys are working class individuals who are forced to work late hours just to make some money to take care of the billsandtotakecareoftheir families.
Many of them have repayment plans for their
vehicles. When these guys are carjacked what happens is that their whole life is turned upside down. The bank or credit agency still has to be paid and you can wailfromnowtilldoomsday aboutbeingrobbed,youstill have to pay back what you hadborrowed.Thebankmay say there are sorry but they stillhavetobepaid.
One man whose vehicle was recently carjacked said that the parts stripped from the vehicle were valued at some $400,000. Now that is a lot of money and this man nowhastoworkalloverjust toreplacewhathehaslost.
There are individuals who work hard to buy a cell phone for the children or their partners and then someonelikeswhattheysee and decides to deprive the beneficiary of the phone. They go up to you and rob youofwhatyouhave.There is nothing that is more humiliating than knowing that someone can simply takefromyouwhatyouhave spent years accumulating. Howcanthisberight?
And guess what,
Frompage8 growth ultimately translates into better outcomesforthenation'schildren.
It was highlighted that the development oftheCharityCPCEbranchfollowsbillions insectorinvestmentoverthepastfiveyears. With the CPCE continuing to churn out record-breaking numbers of graduates, including over 1,300 in the most recent cohort, Minister Parag reiterated that this project is a direct response to the needs of localeducators.
“Thedevelopmentofourteachersmeans the development of our children and our future,”MinisterParagposited.
Commenting on the initiative, Janika Jones, headteacher (ag) of Jacklow Nursery
in the Pomeroon, reflecting on her own journeytobecomingtrained,recalledhaving toarriveattheexistingCPCECentreinAnna Regina by 07:00hrs and then rushing to complete her work by 13:00 hrs in order to makethetripbackhome.
“I have experienced that and it wasn't easy. We usually have to be on the water top late at nights Sometimes we reach home after 10:00 p m and then we still have to attend to our children, and our families,” Ms Jones shared
The new facility forms part of the government's mission to move the national percentage of trained teachers from over 90 percenttoaperfect100percent.
KaieteurNews–Parkin
is a problem in de city
Sometimesyuhdoesbelate fuh wan appointment nat because yuh nah leff home pon time but because yuh does gat fuh spend a lang time looking fuh a parkin space. It reminds dem boys of detimeamanbinlatefuha meeting. He deh looking fuhaparkinplace,andcan’t findone.Indesperation,he look up to de sky and start fuhpray,“Lord,ifyoufind meaparkinplace,Ipromise
toneverdrink,smokeorbe adulterousagain.”
Miraculously, a place openupjustinfronthe.He tunhefaceuptodeheavens andsay,“Nevermind,Ijust findone.”
But some Guyanese don’t kay way dem park. OnedayIbeencomingout a store when I see a traffic cop writing a ticket. So I went up to he and say, “Come on buddy, how about giving a guy a break?” He ignore me and
whenever the culprits are caught, they try to conceal their faces so that they will notberecognised.Theyhide their faces in their shirts, they pull their jerseys over their heads; they use their hands to cover their faces because they do not wish to bepubliclyembarrassed.
But have they ever stopped to think what they have done to someone else, to another man who when deprived of what he worked fordoesnotknowhowheis going to put a meal on his
family’s table or how he is going to continue to earn an income?
These crimes whereby personsaredeprivedoftheir hard-earned property happenseveryday.
continue writing de ticket. SoIcallheaidiot.Helook at me strang and start writing another ticket fuh defectivetyres.
Iletoutanotherinsultat he. He start write a third ticket. De more I insult he demoreticketshewrite,all de time putting dem under de windscreen wiper In all he mussy write bout 10 tickets.
I didn’t even care. Me car bin park till round de corner Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the a
t necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Butthecrimesthatmake thesensationalheadlinesare thelargerobberies.Thereare alsootherpersonalcrimesin which the impact is greater for the victim than some of those larger crimes and therefore when persons are foundguiltyofthesecrimes, their identities should be made known so that others willbecautiousaroundthem and avoid falling into the sametrapasthevictims.
IfIweretopausebyState House, treat myself to an admiring look, Special Branch, CID, and the army could be summoned into action. If so for near State House, or Office of the President, imagine the reception if I strayed too close to the Bharrat Jagdeo spectacular in development at Wales The Gas-toEnergy (GTE) US$2 25 billionproject,thatis. (FYI: the li'l US$250 extra millions wished-for by Lindsayca is added) Nobody like me; but former Maduro grandee, Reuben Dario Figueroa Olivari can be a partner of the PPP
Government in this Bharrat Jagdeo epic, the Wales US$2.25billionGTE.
How can that be?
Meaning, how can Senor Figueroa Olivari, a Maduro man of business, be the big cheese at Wales? The next time I share space with Mr Winston Brassington, Wales Taskforce Supremo, those questions will be asked about this Venezuelan caudillo'spresenceatthetop of that project. How did he slip, given his Andorran history,throughthecracksof the government's due d
procedures? How big are those cracks in the scrutiny
schemes of the PPP Government? Are those cracks built into due diligencebestpractices? Or made up, as needed, to suit
circumstances? With the case of Caballero Figueroa Olivarifeaturing?
Efforts are dedicated to givingtheWalesprojectjefe a clean bill of health. But how can this happen, with Mr Figueroa's past relationship to Mr Maduro. Poor Azruddin Mohamed, the PPP spent thousands of scarce US to link him to Nicolas Maduro Duro, only forthattocollapse. Butnow the same PPP Government turns right around with an eagleeyetozeroinonaman
straight from inside Maduro's bedchamber Whatkindofcountryisthis? More pointedly: what kind of people controls the PPP Government, that they always somehow end up with illustrious characters? Like the glistening Rueben DarioFigueroaOlivari. For the edification of all Guyanese, a past writing is
exhumed The PPP
Government's brain trust is only comfortable around folks who possess unique attributes. One:theyhavea history of tricky behaviour (some crime committed). Two:theyknowthepolitical game (love money, know howtohelpthemselves[aka -like'fuhteef']). Three:they knowwhentolookandwhat to look at (see nothing, say nothing). Four: they are willing to be held hostage (no trying to escape the clutches of the PPP,
r e t u r n i n g t o t h e
PNC/AFC/US/Canada)
Five: they submit to being heldtoransom(paytheprice through silence). I know people from the Roman Catholic Church, Hindu temples, Muslim masjids, 'who see and know but shut de mouth and keep collecting'. These are the qualities in citizens that the PPPhierarchy identify with, searchfor,recruittoworkfor them. Dirty people to do dirty work. Anyone who objects knows how to find me.
For all of the above reasons, people with polkadotted faces find favour with the PPP. Nothingiswrongwiththeir liver, no trace of jaundice. Polka-dotted represent the speckled nature of their character, their dimpled standards of operation. The
PPP brain trust (a euphemism) has a long history with such kinds, a longlistofthem,mostlystill under the radar (and beds of the top dogs). A protected species, they are. Drainage billions. Oil billions for development. Silica City and road developments And now the US$2 25 billion bacchanal at Wales. Get the right type of people, andgetanythingdone. Any scheme. Any conspiracy andcollusion. Anythingthat costs the Guyanese people anotherpintofblood.
Of all the companies to get to change vapours to liquids at Wales, it could only be Lindsayca for the PPP Special love, special gifts, special talents for
giving back. Reflexively, the only acceptable Wales project capitano that there couldbecameintheoutline of Senor Reuben Dario Figueroa Olivari of Venezuela, Andorra, and Lindsayca. Next go around at life, I want to be friends withthelikesofMaduroand his peers from the Guyana side of that pantheon of notables. Itdoesn'tpaytobe left out of all the fun and games. Lessonlearned,and 'menahdunce'.
Summation. No one erred with the US$2 25 billion (and rising) Wales GTEaffair Becertaintoget certain people to get certain things done a certain way It'sthePPPugly,dirtystory (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
President Irfaan Ali on Sunday, commissioned the Guyana-China Friendship Park in Region Three, hailingtheprojectaphysical
manifestation of an "unbreakable" 54-year diplomatic bond The president described the
connecting the coast to the interior and Essequibo, noting that the park's
"moment where a nation becomesastagefordestiny."
performances from the
National Dance Company, and Indigenous groups, servedasbothatributetothe region'sdiverseheritageand a
sovereignrightofGuyanato choose its international partners.
The new US$10.8M Guyana-China Friendship Park was commissioned on Sunday
significanceofthesitewasa central theme of the president's address, as he traced the origins of the ChinesepresenceinGuyana back173years.PresidentAli detailed the arrival of 647 indentured immigrants in 1853 across three vessels, the Glentanner, the Lord Elgin, and the Samuel Boddington, noting that these individuals were assigned to various West Demerara plantations such as Schoonord, Pouderoyen, and Anna Catherina He emphasisedthattheparksits on soil "watered by the labourandsacrifice"ofthose first souls, reinforcing the human thread that connects the two nations In a poignant gesture, he also acknowledged the Vieira family, confirming that the site will continue to celebratethenameofJoseph Rudolph Vieira, who generouslygiftedthelandto the people of Guyana in 1982.
President Ali addressing the commissioning ceremony on Sunday
Regarding foreign policy, President Ali
reaffirmed Guyana's strict adherence to the "One China" policy, describing it as a fundamental "pillar" of the nation's international relations rather than a mere diplomatic posture He reminded the audience that in1972,Guyanabecamethe first English-speaking Caribbean nation
o recognise the People's RepublicofChinaasthesole legitimate representative of the Chinese people The president characterised the relationshipasoneforgedin trust and "polished by five decades of official cooperation," noting that m o d e r n C h i n e s e construction firms are currently reshaping
(Continuedonpage16)
ByDavinaBagot
What started off as a businessventuretohelpraise funds for a hopeful young man's medical tuition has blossomed over the years into a thriving brand that is hopingtosooncrossthelocal borders.
On Saturday, Junior Ramkelawan and his family launched their first ever storefront restaurant, at the Royal Mall, Mandela Avenue,Georgetown,abold move after nine years of mobile service, braving heavy rains and blistering sunshine to serve families acrossthecountry
Junior's BBQ Grill and Burgerswasfoundedin2017 byJunior,whohad“nothing” accordingtohim,butasmall savings account and the gift ofcooking.“So,Idecidedto launch into bar-be-queing which I did and I'm happy todaytoseethegrowthofthe business which not only supports myself and family, but provides jobs for a numberofotherpersons.”
The young entrepreneur
startedoffhisbusinessunder a humble 10x10 tent in Diamond, East Bank
Demerarabeforeheacquired a mobile caravan, then a canter
In an interview with this newspaper, he recalled that during the first year of his business, there were no profits, just barely enough earningstomeetexpenses.“I wanted to give up, I wanted to quit but I decided not to,” the young man said. He quickly learned that “consistency is key” and thoughhemadenoprofitsin the beginning, the brand grewovertimeandcontinues toattractmorecustomers.
Due to the business's growing demand for his attention, Ramkelawan said he was not able to complete hismedicalstudiesbutplans tostillpursuethisdreamata later time. “Coming from a place of no profits, the business grew exponentially well over the years and it requiredmytimeandIcould not have done both - studies and business at the same (Continuedonpage16)
A 27-year-old labourer lost his life and a police sergeant was hospitalised followingahead-oncollision along the Enmore Public Road, East Coast Demerara, in the early hours of Sunday morning Dead is Keshon Arthur of Hand-en-Veldt, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara.
The accident occurred
around 05:45hrs and involved motorcar PAB 1013, driven by Arthur, and motorcar PAM 3828, driven by a 33-year-old police sergeant of Belmont, Mahaica Preliminary investigations suggest that the police sergeant was proceeding west along the southern driving lane when Arthur,whowastravellingin the opposite direction, allegedly attempted to overtake several vehicles During the manoeuvre, his vehicle reportedly ended up in the path of the oncoming car
Despite attempts by the police sergeant to avoid the collisionbyswervingfurther south, the front right side of Arthur's vehicle collided with his carBoth drivers sustained injuries and were assisted by public-spirited
Deceased: 27-year-old Keshon Arthur
citizens and Emergency Medical Technicians who respondedtothescene.They were subsequently taken to the Enmore Regional Hospital Arthur was pronounced dead on arrival byadoctoronduty,whilethe policesergeantwasadmitted suffering a broken right leg and lacerations to his face and body His condition is listedasstable. Arthur's body was later taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it awaits a postmortemexamination.
Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding thefatalaccident.
A 56-year-old man is in critical condition after a powerful gas explosion ripped through his East Ruimveldt home early Sunday morning,leavingthestructurepartially collapsed and trapping occupants beneathdebris.
Theinjuredmanhasbeenidentified as Troy Alleyne, a father of three and resident of Pineapple Street and Front Road,EastRuimveldt.
The incident occurred around 02:00hrs.
Accordingtoinformationreceived, Alleyne's wife said she awoke to a strong smell of gas and alerted her husband.Hereportedlywentoutsideto thelowerflatofthehousetoinvestigate a 100-pound gas cylinder that was installedattheproperty
It was during this time that a loud explosion occurred, followed by screams,causingtheeasternsideofthe buildingtocollapseandcatchfire.
Residents of the community responded swiftly and assisted in rescuingtheoccupantsfromthedebris. Alleyne was later rushed to the Georgetown Public Hosp
Corporation,wherehewasadmittedto the Intensive Care Unit with severe burns. His condition is listed as critical. Hiswifeandtenantswerealsorescued from the structure.The Guyana Fire Service responded to the scene and extinguishedtheblaze.
The area was subsequently processed by police ranks, and CCTV
footage from nearby locations is expected to be reviewed as part of the investigation.Police said preliminary investigations indicate the explosion occurred shortly after the smell of gas was detected, but the exact cause remainsunderinvestigation. Investigationsareongoing.
ByRenaySambach
The latest move by G Mining Ventures (GMIN) to acquire another fellow Canadian firm that operates in Guyana can see the company earning over US$30 billion based on a combined resource of 7-million ounces, and gold prices remaining above US$4,500 per ounce when productionbegins.
The 4.64 million ounces Oko West Gold Project located in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) was added to GMIN's portfolio
back in 2024 following a business combination with fellow Canadian firm,ReunionGoldCorp.valuedat US$638 million (C$875 million).
Inasimilarmove,GMINlastweek announced that it entered into a definitive agreement with another Canadian company, G2 Goldfields for approximately US$2.2 billion (C$3billion).
With the latest acquisition, the two neighbouring properties will bemergedintoasinglemininghub with a combined 7-million-ounce gold resource base, including 2.3 million ounces in measured and
indicated resources and inferred resources.
The combined development is expected to produce more than 500,000 ounces of gold annually over its life, with Oko West contributing approximately 350,000 ounces per year and OkoGhanie adding an estimated 228,000 ounces annually This levelofoutputisexpectedtocreate a large-scale, low-cost tier-1 gold mining hub in one of the most prospectiveemerginggolddistricts intheworld.
GMIN's acquisition of G2 and business combination with Reuniontosecureandcombinethe assets is pegged at US$2 838 billion.
ACQUISITIONOFG2
Acquiring G2 will expand GMIN'sfootprintinGuyanaby293 km²(squarekilometres),creatinga combinedcontiguouslandpackage ofover362km².
According to GMIN, once in production, the combined Oko project has the potential to rank among the highest producing gold minesglobally
The anticipated Life of Mine (LOM)averagegoldproductionof approximately 350,000 ounces of gold annually from GMIN's Oko WestProjectand228,000ouncesof gold annually from G2's OkoGhanieProjectintoasingleproject bringsthepotentialtoproduceover 500,000ouncesofgoldannuallyon aLOMaveragebasis.
The Oko West project proven and probable reserves is at an averagegradeof1.89gramsofgold per tonne. The project is expected toproduceabout350,000ouncesof gold annually over a 12.3-year minelife.G2'smaidenPreliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) had outlinedthattheprojectwillentaila combined open-pit and underground operation with a 14yearlifeofmine.
The integration of the deposits is expected to enhance mine sequencing and optimisation opportunities, supporting higher mill feed grades and a more balanced blend of open pit and underground mining over the LOM.
GMIN noted that there is an opportunity to accelerate OkoGhanie's permitting timeline by combiningwiththefullypermitted Oko West Project. The targeted timelineforfirstgoldproductionat OkoWestinthesecondhalfof2027 remainsunchanged.
It was also explained that combining the projects also (Continuedonpage18)
Members of Parliament of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)
convened a "Street
Parliament" in East
Ruimveldt Saturday
evening, sounding a collective alarm over what they described as central government's systematic "strangulation"ofmunicipal authority
Standing before the charred remains of a community centre, now
cordoned off by a government"notrespassing" sign, APNU Chairman Aubrey Norton, MP and ShadowMinisterofMinistry of Culture Youth and Sport Nima Flue Bess, Mayor
Alfred Mentore, and attorney Dr Dexter Todd, MP led a marathon of speeches that framed the current administration as a "bullying" force intent on displacing local governance andmarginalisedcitizens.
Adding to the calls for resistance, MPand educator Nima Flue-Bess delivered a reminderofthecommunity's roots She said East Ruimveldt was built on a foundation of self-help and local initiative, a legacy established under the late L.F.S. Burnham. Flue-Bess pointed to the shuttered
daycare centre as a primary example of government failure, noting that essential facilitiesforworkingparents havebeenlefttodecay
"This is an act of disrespect toward our history," Flue-Bess told the residents, referring to the newly erected "no trespassing" signs. She warned the community against being misled by temporary political promises, urging them instead to unite and protect theirrecreationalspaces.She framed the current struggle asoneforthefuture,arguing that if these spaces are surrendered now, future generations will have no placeoftheirown.
Mayor Alfred Mentore reinforced these sentiments bychallengingthelegalityof recent government interventions.Pointingtothe "no trespassing" sign, Mentore asked the crowd, "How you could don't trespass on your own property?What really going oninthiscountry,man?"He argued that the central government is attempting to seize municipal streets and playgrounds, vested to the council by "forefathers and predecessors", under the guiseoftheRoadAct.
Hewarnedthatthisisnot merely a jurisdictional dispute but a direct threat to the city's survival Estimating that the loss of control over reserves and vendingareaswouldcostthe municipality a minimum of $40 million annually in revenue."Theycomeforthe streets,butwehadnochoice but to challenge that action based on our facts and our evidence," Mentore said, pledging to take the fight to the Caribbean Court of Justice(CCJ)ifnecessary Dr Dexter Todd, providing a legal perspective, framed the government's moves as a "dangerous" infiltration of
the day-to-day operations of local communities He recounted stories from village seniors who manually built the East Ruimveldt centre. "When I came earlier today, two of ourseniorssatmedownand gavemealesson...therewas no government then. It was the community," Todd stated.
Todd accused the administration of practising "strategic neglect," waiting for community assets to fall intodisrepairduetoalackof city funding, then claiming ownership. He also issued a starkwarningtoresidentsto securetheirlandtitles."You have a government that is
coming to displace you," he warned. "Stop sleeping on it."
The social cost of this political friction was highlighted by MP Riaz Rupnarain and community representativeJamalAdams. Rupnarain challenged the government's narrative of "the good life," noting that risingcostsofliving,suchas the $16,000 price tag for cooking gas in the interior, are crushing the working class."Donotallowthemto give you GWI dirty water and call it holy wine," Rupnaraintoldtheyouth.
Adams, a local business owner,spokeofthepersonal hurt caused by the signs on
land that he and his neighbors had manually fi
mud He suggested that recreational spacesarebeingcovetedfor privatehotelsorparkinglots f
administration, rather than servingthepeoplewhobuilt them.
Closing the evening, APNU Chair, Aubrey Norton delivered a stern
supporters against being swayedby"pittance"grants. He cited the Mackenzie Sports Club in Linden as
government allegedly used minorrepairsasapretextfor anownershiptakeover Norton highlighted what he described as a "wicked" disparity in resource allocation, noting that while
initiatives receive nearly a billion dollars, the capital city is starved of basic maintenance funds He concluded by pledging to
t Parliament" series across all regions to "educate and expose" the administration's tactics. "We will resist the People's Progressive Party andensuretheydonotstand a chance in Georgetown," Nortondeclared.
The disturbing incident involving a schoolgirl being dragged through the Stabroek bus park by Childcare and Protection Agency officers raises serious concerns about accountability and child welfare in Guyana. While authorities acted swiftly to suspend the officers, the prolonged silence surrounding the investigation undermines public trust.
The mother's frustration reflects a deeper issue: vulnerable citizens often feel ignored by those in power. Transparency and timely communication are essential in cases involving minors, especially when State agents are implicated.
Beyond disciplinary action, there must be clear reforms, improved training, and safeguards to prevent such abuses. Justice must not only be done but be seen to be done, ensuring dignity, protection, and respect for every child regardless of background.
The government must demonstrate genuine commitment by engaging affected families and providing updates, restoring confidence in public institutions and justice systems nationwide today.
Sales Rep needed, ages 1830 years. Knowledge of vehicle model will be an asset. Contact: 619-1237.
Wanted house lot to buy and land with unfinished building call 216-0671/ 6928464 or WhatsApp 622-0267.
Wanted Accounts Clerk (Male) 20-30 years. Telephone: 621-5140. To work in Campbellville, G/town.
Wanted one Nanny age 30 years & older. Please call: 619-9317.
Wanted one experienced cook (female) age 30 years & olde. Please call: 619-9317.
Handyman to work & living with small family on farm $ 160,000 per month Call:618-9186/695-5310.
One night guard $120,000 per month at Hill Foot.Contact : 695-5310.
Are you looking for a caregiver to take care of your parents or siblings preferably on the E.B.D.Call 663-7944.
Looking for an honest and reliable live in maid,30yrs and older.Call:227-2321
Visa Application:U.S.A, Canada & UK:Graphics design, advertisements, wedding arch rentals.Tel:6267040.
Repairs pumps,water heater and more.Call 627-7835 or WhatsApp 659-5664 site visit.
Contact Panther Visa Consultancy on IG, FB or call 6230406 for visa consultancy, travel packages.
1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, spoiler, low mileage, PTT Series (first owner). Call: 649-0956.
Pure breed German Shepherd puppies for sale-Call Whatsapp : 648-0111.
T RUCK TIRES 295 / 75R22.5 $40K EACH. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL / WHATSAPP:+592-6883201.
One clerk for TSI Eccles office English 1, Maths 2 call 615-9132 or email application to techserigy@gmail.com
Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50, Car/ Van licence Call 615-9132.
Maid for East Bank area call 615-9132.
Tiler to lay small numbers of tiles call -615-9132
Vacancy exists for a Housekeeper / Cook. Contact: 6242903.
General Domestic (4 day work) & experiened handyman, apply at Keyfood Trading Mc Doom next to the post office.
COOK/BAKER & PITMEN for interior location. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 231-2250.
Wales Public Road, W.B.D, Parcel 21 (0.467 acres)
20,342 sq ft. Available Long term 20-25 years. Sign on property. Phone/Whatsapp: 615-2270/628-8619.
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The decomposing body of a 51-year-old Fyrish Village, Corentyne man was discovered in an open field within the community on Saturday afternoon, six days after he was reported missing by relatives. Dead is Raymond Hack, who was last seen on Easter Monday, according to his family.
The discovery was made by a man who was tending cattle in the area, relatives confirmed.
Hack’s nephew told this publication that the family had reported him missing to
the Albion Police Station after growing concerned when he failed to return home last week. Several searches were subsequently carried out throughout the community but proved unsuccessful.
“For the past few days, we were looking for him. We didn’t see him since Easter Monday… we kept looking and we found him Saturday afternoon,” the nephew said.
He explained that Hack lived alone but would regularly visit relatives to collect meals prepared for him. On the day he was last seen, he
failed to show up as usual, although the family initially did not suspect anything was wrong.
“Tuesday, I went by his house with a box of food, and I didn’t see him, so I hang up the food in the house and left,” he recalled.
When repeated attempts to locate him failed, relatives expanded their search to hospitals and other areas he was known to frequent, but without success.
The nephew said Hack was known to consume alcohol heavily and would often
walk long distances. He speculated that the man may have suffered a fall while intoxicated and was unable to get help. Hack, a former painter, was unemployed at the time of his death. He was also the father of one son, who works as a mechanic.
“He was a kind and loving person in society. He didn’t make any problem. All he used to do is drink a lot,” the relative said.
Police are expected to conduct further investigations, while the body awaits a post-mortem examination.
From page 11
Guyana’s coastline and skyline through infrastructure projects that “dignify” the friendship between the two states. Ambassador Yang Yang, representing the Government of China, expressed great pride in the completion of the “China Aid” project, which took 18 months of intensive labour. He highlighted that the park’s design integrates Chinese garden aesthetics with local Guyanese wetlands, utilising durable, high-standard materials suited for the tropical climate. The ambassador emphasised the “people-centered philosophy” of the project, which includes diverse sports fields for basketball, football, and table tennis. He further noted that the park stands as a tribute to Guyana’s upcoming 60th Independence Anniversary and serves as a tangible result of the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-LAC community framework.
In a major shift to domestic policy, President Ali used the occasion to announce the Georgetown Zoo and Botanical Gardens Transformation Project. He stated that this investment would focus on recreation, education, and biodiversity, with the goal of
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making it a premier facility in South America. The project will involve the rehabilitation of water systems, modern zoo infrastructure, and the creation of elevated bridges and “cultural heritage walkways” that will connect to the city’s waterfront and commerce districts. The president promised that these works would commence shortly, delivering a facility that provides “value for money” and improves the quality of urban life for all Guyanese.
The president also delivered a defence of his administration’s development record, contrasting current progress with the “200 new taxes” he claimed were levied by the previous government. He extended an open invitation to members of all political and civil movements to join the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in its mission to build a unified
Guyana. Directing his comments to the residents of Region Three, he argued that their “conscience” should lead them to support the government based on the visible transformation of their environment, asserting that life under the current administration is “always better.”
Detailing a “tsunami” of regional investments, the president listed a series of massive projects currently underway in Region Three. These include the construction of the Del Conte Road, the four-lane highway from Crane to Parika, and the advanced design of a four-lane road to Wales. He also highlighted the Sand Hill Road works, the development of new port and marine facilities, and the commencement of 30,000 new homes. Furthermore, he spoke of the Wales Industrial Estate, which will house a gas-to-energy plant,
a glass factory, a data centre, and Guyana’s first fertiliser plant, all aimed at creating thousands of jobs and generating hundreds of millions of dollars in business.
As the sun began to set over the new park, President Ali concluded by outlining future plans for a national stadium in Region Three, a private-sector-led housing development, and a municipal airport similar to the one at Ogle. He also mentioned the Vreed-en-Hoop Waterfront Development and the new Parika port, which he envisions as a gateway for Guyanese food to reach the “plates of the Caribbean.” The ceremony ended with a call for the public to “treasure and guard” the new GuyanaChina Friendship Park, letting it stand as a “fierce declaration” that international cooperation remains the highest currency of diplomacy.
From page 12 time.” Although there are several food joints that compete with the business, Ramkelawan is confident that his brand offers a taste and service like none other. The businessman said a top seller on the menu is the buffalo wings and fries and Junior’s signature garlic sauce. In addition, Junior’s boasted about the saucy bar-be-que, tasty fish and juicy burgers.
His advice to young entrepreneurs is to “always put God first” as success comes from the Most High. More than a change in scenery, the
new location represents growth, resilience and evolution of the brand, a job not nearly completed. According to Ramkelawan, “Our mission is to take the flavours at the heart of this brand to every corner of this country and eventually across international borders. This is just the beginning.”
Joining Junior to celebrate the launch was his wife and two baby boys, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, and several ministers of the gospel, including Reverend Dr. Ravindra Shiwnnandan,
Bishop John Smith CCH, and Bishop Chetram Lall, among others. As part of its grand opening, Junior’s BBQ Grill and Burgers will be giving one lucky customer the chance to win free burgers for one year. To qualify, simply follow the Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok pages, purchase a meal from any of the locations, take a picture or video at the restaurant, share it to your feed and story with the hashtag “RoadToRoyalMall”- and tag Junior’s. The customer with the most shares will win free burgers for 12 months, with special conditions.
From page 06
Chaguaramas, which he said places reappointments within the remit of the Conference. He added that Barnett was not present in the room during the discussion. Drew also disclosed that Heads agreed to delay the public announcement as a matter of courtesy to first inform leaders who had not been present. He said he person-
ally tried to contact those leaders by e-mail and telephone before any public statement was made, but was unable to reach Persad-Bissessar and received no response to his e-mail. Drew concluded the letter stating he remained available to speak with the Prime Minister and provided his phone number.
On Thursday, Sobers said Drew’s response to Trinidad
and Tobago’s concerns was unsatisfactory. Persad-Bissessar requested that Sobers respond to Drew and a letter was sent to the CARICOM Chairman dated April 9, refuting his claims that Sobers had cited issues with using a ferry and demanding that answers be provided as to why Trinidad and Tobago was excluded from the process.
The Guyana Water Inc (GWI) is preparing to spend approximately $130 million to drill two new potable water wells and execute other rehabilitation works at Salbora Catchment in Mahdia, Region Eight, andLethem,RegionNine.
A c c o r d i n g t o
information provided on the National Tender Board website, 19 contractors bid fortheprojectatLethemand the project is estimated to cost$78million. Atotal of 15 contractors bid for the Mahdia project andtheworksisestimatedat $52million.
As reported previously,
Below are the companies and their bids:
HinterlandElectrificationCoInc.
SupplyandCommissioningofNew GeneratorforKwakwaniUtilitiesInc.
InstallationofWaterSupply SystematKopinangSecondarySchool.
the sum of $1.5 billion was approved for hinterland water supply under the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation in this year’s budget.
During the presentation of this year’s budget, Senior Minister with the responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh disclosed
that last year over 90 wells were completed along with improvements to water distribution systems in the hinterland in areas such as Kumaka, Kato, and Aishalton.
In 2026, he noted that the government will provide access to water to over 37,000 hinterland
GuyanaWaterInc.
DrillingofPotableWaterWell &RehabilitationWorksat SalboraCatchmentinMahdia.
InstallationofWaterSupply SystematJawallaSecondarySchool.
residents through key interventions such as
distribution systems, and
reliability and reduce operatingcost.
“Procure and install
components and critical s p a
u r e operational reliability and long-term sustainability ofexistingsystems.
Procure and install watertreatmentsystemsto address high iron content
ss hinterland townships and villages,”heexplained
DrillingofPotableWaterWell& RehabilitationofFencesatLethem.
InstallationofWaterSupplySystemat MonkeyMountainSecondarySchool.
(Al Jazeera) - President Donald Trump says the United States Navy will begin blockading the Strait of Hormuz “immediately” afterpeacetalksbetweenthe US and Iran in Pakistan endedwithoutanagreement.
Trump, in a social media post on Sunday, accused Iran of“extortion”andsaidtheUS Navy would also hunt down and interdict ships in international waters that have paidIranatolltotraversethe strait.HesaidUSforceswill also begin clearing mines thathesaysIranplacedinthe strait.
“So,thereyouhaveit,the meeting went well, most pointswereagreedto,butthe onlypointthatreallymattered, NUCLEAR,wasnot,”Trump said “Effectiveimmediately, the United States Navy, the FinestintheWorld,willbegin t h e p r o c e s s o f BLOCKADING any and all Shipstryingtoenter,orleave, theStraitofHormuz”
Iranhasessentiallytaken control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint fortheglobalenergymarket, since the US and Israel
launched a war on Iran on February 28. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)warnedonSundaythat civilian vessels can cross the strait in compliance with “specific regulations”, but that military vessels approaching thestraitwouldbeconsideredin violationoftheceasefireand “dealtwithseverely”.
Trafficthroughthenarrow strait has slowed to a trickle, nearly paralysing about onefifth of the world’s oil and liquefiednaturalgasshipments and sending shock waves throughtheglobaleconomy
“ThesetwopostsbytheUS president are very bombastic, very long, very detailed, and seem to be filled with a great dealoffrustration,”AlJazeera correspondent Zein Basravi said from Dubai in the United ArabEmirates
“There are no doubt alarm bells ringing here in the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] for countries that were hoping this ceasefire would extend beyond those two weeks and become a consistent, long-term negotiated peace that could perhaps lead to different
relationships forming in the region, but certainly to an endtotheviolencewesee.”
Mediators have urged both parties to prioritise diplomacyandavoidareturn tofighting
“I urge that the ceasefire be extended and talks continue,” Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said in a social media post on Sunday “Successmayrequire everyone to make painful concessions,butthisisnothing as compared to the pain of failureandwar”
IranhasdeniedUSclaims that two of its warships recently passed through the strait for mine-clearing operations, warning that any military vessels seeking to do so would receive a “strong response”
Trump called Iran’s control over the waterway “worldextortion”inhissocial mediapostandaddedthatany Iranian forces who fire at US forces or “peaceful vessels” would be “BLOWN TO HELL”. He added that the blockade would involve unspecified “other countries”,andhewouldnot
allowIrantobenefitfromthe closure of the strait. Trump also stated in his social mediapostthattheUSNavy would interdict “every vessel in International Watersthathaspaidatollto
Iran”. “We’renotgoingtolet Iranmakemoneyonsellingoil to people that they like,” Trump told Fox News in an interviewlateronSunday “It’s going to be all or none, and that’sthewayitis”
HeaddedthattheUnited Kingdom and “a couple of other countries” are sending minesweeper vessels to aid the US effort, an assertion that has not been confirmed bytheBritishgovernment.
Frompage13 accelerates and simplifies the Oko-Ghanie Project’s permitting timeline with OkoWestalreadybeingfully permitted.Theintegrationof Oko-Ghanie is expected to streamline permitting execution, deliver a reduced environmental footprint by leveraging shared infrastructure and reduce overall development risk, representing a significant unquantifiable further synergy Moreover, GMIN plans to move quickly through technical studies to verifytheoptimalmineplan, sequencing, and throughput for the combined Oko Project, with an intention to release a technical report in 2027, targeting expanded production by first half of 2029. GMINsaiditdoesnot expect any delays in first production in Guyana by combining the Oko West ProjectwiththeOko-Ghanie Project.
Notably, the terms and conditionsoftheexistingOko West Mineral Agreement are to be extended to cover the combined project Also, a reduced-scopeEnvironmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) would be required, potentially in the form of an addendum to theexistingOkoWestESIA, along with a corresponding permitamendment.
TheagreementwithG2is expectedtounlockmorethan C$1 billion in measurable synergies, driven by reduced capitalandoperatingcosts,as well as increased output According to GMIN, these s t e m f r o m s h a r e d infrastructure, optimised mine sequencing, and streamlinedpermitting.
In fact, the combined operation would avoid approximately C$850 million in capital expenditure that wouldotherwiseberequiredto develop a standalone OkoGhanie Project This is largely due to the eliminationoftheneedfora separate mill and tailings facility, along with the integration of key infrastructure. Additionally, operating cost savings of about C$275 million over theLOMareanticipated.
Accordingtothetermsof the agreement, G2
shareholders will receive 0.212GMINsharesforeach G2 share, along with shares in a new company, G3 SpinCo, which will hold G2’s remaining properties not included in the acquisition.
G2shareholderswillalso receive common shares in a newly created gold explorer called G3 SpinCo, that will hold interests in the Tiger Creek property, Peters Mine property and Property B, being all remaining G2 properties outside of OkoGhanie,Amsterdam,Aremu Partnership and Aremu Mine, Property A, and the Ghanie Medium Scale Mining Permit to be acquiredbyGMINunderthe new transaction The combined company is to be ledbyGMIN’smanagement team.
In 2002, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) conductedtheLowerPuruni Regional Geochemistry Programme, which covered the Oko West Gold Project area, identifying gold and molybdenum anomalies from stream sediment samples.
In 2018, the local permit holder introduced Reunion Gold Inc. to a number of claims that resulted in a site visittoaminingpittoinspect outcrops and alluvial waste piles. This visit and the interpretation of a favourable local geological context prompted the option of two groups of mediumscaleminingpermits,oneof which was the Oko West GoldProject.
On September 23, 2022, a prospecting licence was issued to Reunion Gold on the Oko West Gold Project and in April 2024, GMIN and Reunion Gold announced plans to enter into a definitive agreement to combine the two companies at a cost of US$638million.
Under the terms of the agreement, shareholders of GMIN and Reunion receive common shares of a newly formed company, with Reunion shareholders receiving 0 285 GMIN
commonsharesforeachshare held In addition, Reunion shareholders gain shares in a newly created gold company (SpinCo/Greenheart Gold) that hold all of Reunion’s assets other than Oko West. The agreement resulted in GMIN and Reunion shareholdersownabout57% and43%,respectivelyinthe combinedentity CANNOT PREVENT FLIPPING
Despite the multibillion-dollar transactions, Guyana does not directly benefitfromthesaleofmining assets between foreign companies
Kaieteur News had reportedthatGMIN’sUS$638 million combination with Reunion Gold came shortly after the company signed a US$1 million a Mineral Agreement with the Government of Guyana Back in2024,VicePresidentBharrat Jagdeo was questioned on the move and he stated that ‘flipping’ is not unusual, particularly in the mining industry and it is something the government cannot prevent.Hehadsaid,“Idon’t know who is walking away with six-something but…remember we dealt with theissueofflipping…”thevice presidentadded,“Ipointedout thatthisisnotunusualinmany partsoftheworldsoIhaveno doubt that a company may be sellingaprojecthere Idoubt thefigure” Jagdeo said too, “I’m saying,I’mnotawareofany flipping but flipping is not something you have to consult the government of Guyanaon...”
Moreover, he went on to highlight past instances of flipping in the oil and gas sector In relation to that sector, the vice president underscored that a signing bonus is attached to the exploration licences of US$10 million and US$20 million.
“Justtoexploreyouhave to pay a signing bonus now so we put in a big signing bonus there, because you can’t prevent people from g o i n g f o r partnerships…even if they flip,theStateearns(fromthe signing bonus) because you can’t prevent that from happening,”headded.
Guyana is set to export soyabeanstoBarbadosforthe first time, marking a significant milestone in the country's drive to expand agricultural production and strengthen regional food security
President Irfaan Ali made the announcement during his address at the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce Annual Business Meeting Outlook 2026/2027 in Port-of-Spain, noting that the export is expectedtocommencewithin twoweeks.
The president said the developmentsignalsGuyana's rapid progress in building out large-scale agriculture, supported by targeted investments, infrastructure expansion, and strategic partnerships.
He explained that the openingupoftheintermediate savannahs, coupled with improved road networks, is enablingincreasedproduction of key crops, including soya, tropical fruits, coffee, and cocoa.
“This is about creating a fullecosystemforproduction, value addition, and export,” PresidentAlistated.
The head-of-state also highlighted the growing connectivity between Guyana
and northern Brazil, describing it as a major economic corridor that will unlock new markets, reduce transportation costs, and position Guyana as a key hub forregionaltrade.
Beyond agriculture, President Ali stressed the importance of addressing longstanding inefficiencies
that hinder regional integration He called on governments and private sectorstakeholderstourgently address bottlenecks in
President Irfaan Ali
customs, immigration, and transportationsystems.
“We cannot speak about partnership and integration if we are not prepared to fix the basicproblems,”hesaid.
The president pointed to ongoing efforts in Guyana to modernise systems through technology, including realtime monitoring of immigration processes to improve efficiency and accountability
He also underscored the need for seamless regional travel, noting that current transit arrangements within the Caribbean remain cumbersome and undermine efforts to deepen economic cooperation.
President Ali further outlined opportunities arising from Guyana's expanding infrastructure, including major investments in energy, industrial development, and logistics that will support manufacturingandtrade.
He encouraged Caribbean
businesses to adopt consortium-based investment models, allowing for greater scale and competitiveness in globalmarkets.
“The future requires partnership, scale, and the willingnesstoactdecisively,” heemphasised.(DPI)
2026/27CWIRegional4-DayChampionshipsRound1…GHEvs.WWIV
By Clifton
n d w a r d Volcanoes
opener Ackeem
Auguste, helped put his team a strong position against the Guyana Harpy Eagles heading into Day 2, despite a brilliant 6wicket haul from left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, following the end of day
one’s play at the Sir VivianRichards Stadium, Antigua. T h econdense d new-look format for this, bowled off yesterday with the opening triple-header round, featuring an allimportanttournamentforthe Guyana Harpy Eagles; who a
consecutive title as thi s youngersidelookstosurpass the achievements of the formerly known Guyana Jaguars.
Afterlosingthecointoss and being sent into bat first, the Volcanoes were kept in thematchthankstotheWest Indieslimitedoversbatsman Auguste, who strokedafirst
innings, classy 95; narrowly missinghishundred.
The opener faced some 177 balls and hit 12 fours before his innings was cut short by first-class cricket’s leading wicket-taker in leftarm spinner Veerasammy Permaul(1-94), who got the breakthrough but would end day one as the most expensive bowler for Guyana.
KavemHodge(31),who laboured during his 76-ball stay at the crease with one fourtohiscreditandformer West Indies batsman Sunil Ambris,whoscoredafluent
You'll find that things are slipping nicely into place for you today, Aries. Your persuasivemannerandgentle nudges are just enough to get peoplewhereyouwantthem.
TAURUS
When faced with ten entrees onthemenu,itmightbehard for you to choose just one. Feelfreetoordertwoormore, Ta u r u s D o n ' t l e t indecisiveness slow you down.Atthesametime.
Your dreams won't come true unless you believe in and act onthem,Gemini.Nooneelse is going to do it for you. Unless you have a fairy godmother, you need to take mattersintoyourownhands.
If people hassle you or give you a hard time about your appearance today, pay them nomind,Cancer Youhavethe righttoliveyourlifeanyway youwantto.
LEO
Reachforthepotofgoldatthe end of the rainbow, Leo. It's closerthanyouthink.Indeed, your dreams are completely within your reach, and there are huge forces at work helping you achieve your goals.
VIRGO
Today is your day to dream and dream big, Virgo. Think aboutwhatitisthatyouwant most out of life. Aim your arrow to the stars and pull back your bow as far as possible. There's no limit to howfaryoucango.
30 off 36 deliveries (4x4), aided Auguste early on duringthemission.
Meanwhile, the pair of Daron Nedd (35) who hit 6 fours and Ryan John who hit an additional 5 fours during his innings 42, helped to propel their team toafirstinningsscoreof286 alloutinthe87thover Medium-pacer Keemo
Paul had a good opening day, bagging (2-27) alongside fast-bowler Nial Smith (1-65) and Windies left-arm spinner and pick of the lot Motiewhosnared 6-73fromroughly23overs;
Expand your mind to its furthest reaches today, Libra.
There's an incredible opportunity opening up for you in which you can make great strides in a creative realm.Followthemusic.
Your mind may seem rather cloudy today, Scorpio, but don't let this hinder you. In fact, you'll find that you can use this feeling of fantasy to your advantage. Try to bring moremagicintoyourlife.
Today is an excellent day for you,oneinwhichyou'llfinda great deal of strength in your emotions, Sagittarius Trust that your instincts are serving youwell.
Things might get a bit confusing for you today, Capricorn. Don't feel like you needtomakesenseofitall.In fact, this task may be impossible. Just be yourself. Let your creative nature shine through.
Mix your reality with a bit of fantasytoday,Aquarius.Allow your feet to come off the ground for a little while. Give yourselfarest.Takesometime to meditate and clear your mindofyourdailyworries.
Let yourself go into high creative mode and drift into a whole other world, Pisces. Escape your present reality and explore your fantasies through any sort of artistic endeavor Dreamasbigasyour mindallows.
Frompage24 the wicket-takers for Essequibo lads who were then kept to 143-10 in the chase.
Opener Justin Dowlin
headlined a decent bowling exhibition by the Harpy Eagles. At stumps, the Harpy Eagles were 2-0 and will need a lot from the pair of Tagenarine Chanderpaul (2*) and Matthew Nandu (0*), come today when playresumes
In other games, Leewards Hurricanes (138 all out 1st innings ) lead Trinidad and Tobago Red Force (62-0 1st innings ) by 76runsoverattheCoolidge CricketGround. Day 2’s action continues acrosstheboardtoday
tried to keep his side in the game with an unbeaten 78 (8x4),butranoutofpartners as match MVP Ram, finished a top game by adding 4-18 to his stats. A
provided
Frompage27 continued viability of the sportintheregion.
“The development of a world-class HighPerformance Campus is a necessary first step in modernizing our production pipeline,fullyembracingthe use of advanced technology including simulators and other high-tech training equipment. But we can’t stophere.
This campus will benefit all countries in the Caribbean, and we hope Antigua & Barbuda’s lead will inspire others to e s t a b l i s h s i m i l a r facilities ”
CWI also accentuated the project’s considerable commercialvalue,framing it as a critical step toward b u i l d i n g a m o r e sustainable and diversified financial future for the organization
The integration of s p o r t s t o u r i s m , b r o a d c a s t i n g infrastructure, events, and hospitality offerings will unlock new revenue streams,reducerelianceon traditionalincomesources, and enhance the overall commercial ecosystem surrounding West Indies cricket
The co-location of CWI’s administrative headquarters and key partners, alongside a dedicated broadcast and production facility, will
gthen operational efficiency while positioning the region as a centralhubforglobalcricket
distribution.
The Cricket West Indies
Masters Association (CWIMA)hasinformedthat BKGroupofCompanieshas officially joined the 2026 IMC Over-40s Cricket World Cup as a Platinum Sponsor, marking a major milestone in the build-up to Guyana’s hosting of this globalevent.
The agreement was finalized following a highlevel meeting with Brian Tiwarie,headoftheBK Group, at the company’s operationalbaseatEugeneF CorreiaInternationalAirport (Ogle Airport). A Strategic National Partnership BK Group is one of Guyana’s most established and
diversified indigenous business groups, with operations spanning: %
C o n s t r u c t i o n a n d infrastructure development %Quarryingandaggregates % Ready-mix concrete supply % Marine and logisticsservices%Security services % Aviation and hinterlandtransportation
Major partnership strengthens delivery of international tournament and reinforces private sector support
BK and Masters - Cricket West Indies Masters Association and BK Group of Companies officials during their agreement meeting.
This broad platform positionsBKGroupasakey contributor to Guyana’s economic growth and infrastructuredevelopment. Platinum Sponsorship Commitment As a Platinum Sponsor,BKGroupwillplay a key role in supporting the successful delivery of the 2026 IMC Over-40s Cricket WorldCup.
Thepartnershipreflectsa shared vision between CWIMA and BK Group to elevateGuyanaasapremier destination for international sport, tourism, and investment.
E x p a n d i n g t h e Tournament’s National ImpactThe2026WorldCup isbeingstructuredtoextend
itsreachbeyondGeorgetown, with matches and team activities planned across multiple regions of Guyana This approach is designed to ensure broader economic participation and national engagement. Private-sector partnerships such as this are critical to delivering an international-standard tournamentwhilemaximizing long-term benefits for the country
CWIMA’s Secretary, Roy Singh stated: “This is a significant partnership for the tournament BK Group is a serious organization with deep roots in Guyana’s economy, and its support reflectsstrongconfidencein what we are building
Partnerships like this are what allow us to deliver a high-quality international event while showcasing Guyanaontheglobalstage.” ATournamentwithGlobal Reach The 2026 IMC Over40s Cricket World Cup will feature up to 16 international teams, including former firstclass and international players from across the cricketing world The tournament is expected to generate: % Global livestreaming coverage % Television broadcast exposure % Increased tourism and international visitation % Economic activity across hospitality, transport,andservicesector
The first round of the 2026 Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Under-19 InterCounty50-Overtournament bowled off yesterday with a huge win for Demerara, while the GCB XI upset the Berbicians.
GCBXIbeatBerbiceby 12runs
At Police Ground, openerYannickNewton(42) and Man-of-the-match Gibran Yacoob (16) topscored for the GCB XI who were bowled out for 103 in 23.1overs.
The carnage was led by
spinner Richard Ramdehol whoputonamagicshowto return 5-6, while pacer Micah Amsterdam grabbed 4-26 as they led Berbice’ bowling. However,Berbicewould surprisingly misfire and implode for 91 all out after Yacoob returned to pick up 4-17 which helped to complete a brilliant allroundgame.Helpalsocame from Joshua Budram (3-16) andRupieRajaram(2-33). Ramdheol (22), along with the openers Vishal Williams (11) and Antonio
were
for
D e m e r a r a b e a t Essequiboby99runs
Batting first, Demerara racked up 242-6 from 50 overs, thanks to a string of knocks from openers Khush Seegobin (42) and ParmehwarRam
along with contributions from West Indies U19 player Shamar Apple
and
The pair of Nicholas Lovell (3-40) and Ravesh Singh(2-33),were (Continuedonpage23)
“Panthera Solutions is verypleasedtobeassociated with the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club as it is a dynamic and very progressive organisation We are confident that this contribution would play a major role in the continued development of the club cricket teams on and off the cricket field.” Those were the words ofTonyTurnbull,
General Manager of Panthera Solutions as he handed over a forty-feet by twenty-feetpitchcoversand dozens of polo shirts to the club during a simple presentationattheStFrancis Community Developers ConferenceHallonFriday Panthera has been a sponsor of the club since 2000andhasplayedamajor role in the club’s development over the last sixyears.
Club Secretary Hilbert Foster, expressed thanks to the sponsor for the contribution,statingthatthe covers would enable the ground staff to fully protect the vital square of the pitch, bowlers run up and surroundingareasastheclub already has two pieces of covers.
The eighty yellow polo shirts would be used by the cricket teams, sponsored by Farfan and Mendes Ltd on the cricket field and at official ceremonies organisedbytheclub.Farfan andMendesLtdistheparent body of the Panthera company, which is actively involved in Guyana oil and gassector
Cricket Manager Robby Kissoonlall stated that, Farfan and Mendes is the longest serving Official sponsor of the Rose Hall TownYouthandSportsClub
having come on board since 1997 He stated that Panthera since 2020 has supported the club cricket development programme,
Christmas Village, restoration work at theArea H Ground, co-sponsor the purchasingofamobilegrass cutter and also co-sponsor the club’s annual youth reviewmagazine.
Earlier this year, the company donated close to halfamilliondollarsofgear and cricket balls to the club cricket nursery The Farfan and Mendes under15 and under16 teams has played a major role in the club producing sixty one of the seventy six national players produced since 1995 Overall the club has produced one hundred and thirty three players for Berbice, with fourteen playing for the West Indies and the United States of America at different levels.
Among the Players produced under the Farfan andMendesLtdsponsorship are Assad Fudadin, Kevlon
Anderson, Shemaine
Campbelle, Royston Crandon, Delbert Hicks, Khemraj Mahadeo, Junior Sinclair, Sylus Tyndall, Jonathan Rampersaud, Jeremy Sandia, Abdel Fudadin, Shevon Marks, Eon Hooper, Clinton Pestano, Dominic Rikhi, Akshay Homraj, Brandon Prashad, Matthew Pottaya and Shawn Periera. Captain of the current under16 team was recently named the MVPof the Guyana Cricket
Board inter county tournament and best bowler in the Cricket West Indies bilateral tournament versus Barbados.
Vice Captain Jayden Ganpat won the best bowler
award in the 2025 under13 bilateral series versus Barbadosasmembersofthe five times Guyana Cricket Club of the year awardee continues to excel on the cricket field. Additionally, fourmembersoftheclubare currently playing in the GuyanaCricketBoardunder 19 tournament - Rafeal Mckenzie, Ramzan Koobeer, Tameshwar
Deonandan and Asif Marimuthoo. A total of eighteen members have gained selection on three different Berbice teams for 2026 while eight has been selectedsofarintheyearon nationalteams.
General Manager Tony Turnbull stated that his company was very impressed with the club performance on the cricket fieldandwasverypleasedto assist. He pledged further assistance and encouraged management to uphold the highstandardstheyhaveset themselvesinthepast.
Dr Ralph Gonsalves, former Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines had a few harsh words for Cricket West Indies (CWI), during an appearance on the Mason and Guest show recently Dr Gonsalves agreed with the position of Prime Minister Mia Mottley about Barbados not getting games this year, citing that CWI president Dr Kishore Shallow should not be president of CWI and serve asaMinisterofGovernment atthesametime. The comments came after the Bajan Prime Minister said they could no longer wait for the CWI to play a role in their future development, after no Regional or international
games were slated to be hosted in the country for 2026. He said it’s a clear conflict of interest, adding that he was in discussion with Consultant of CWI Senator Jamal Slocombe, who suggested that Gonsalves was a stranger to thetruthonsomeissues.
Meanwhile, Secretary of
West Indies Players Association (WIPA),Wayne Lewisduringtheshowspoke about the Kevin Sinclair fiasco in Guyana Lewis stated that he was unhappy how the Guyana Cricket Board had treated Sinclair’s situation, after the allrounder was not selected to
play in the upcoming regionaltournamentwiththe HarpyEaglessquad.
I was very, very much involved in that situation, andIwasveryupset,”Lewis said. “We thought that due process was not followed. There was no hearing, no disciplinary committee. He was just sent home,” said Lewis.
Lewis noted that the issue is of great concern to WIPA and as such plans to hold talks with CWI regarding the issue The GCB officials including chief selector Ramnaresh Sarwan, during a press conference last Saturday said the all-rounder was guilty of numerous disciplinary breaches while exhibiting an attitude which
wasdetrimentaltotheteam. Nevertheless, a Sinclairless Harpy Eagles winged outonThursdayinpursuitof
their 4th consecutive Regional 4-Day title, with the2026/27seasonjustdays away
The Petra Organisation tournament gathered momentum yesterday at the Queen’s College Ground, as Round Three fixtures brought the group stage to a thrillingclose.All32schools were in action over the weekend, battling for coveted spots in the 2026 Massy Distribution Schools
Under-18 Football TournamentRoundof16.
Withqualificationonthe line,theintensitymirroreda f i n a l - d a y l e a g u e showdown where every goal, much like in top-flight clashes, carries enormous weight Returning to the pitch, 16 schools fought fiercelyformaximumpoints tosecuretheirprogression.
Heavyweights Chase’s Academic Foundation and Three Mile Secondary School maintained perfect records, each cruising into the elimination stage with three wins from three, displaying the kind of dominance expected from titlecontenders.
New Central High capped their campaign in style, outlasting Charity Secondary School in an entertaining5-3contest.The matchebbedandflowedlike a classic cup tie, with Caedon Whyte proving decisive. His second-half brace (60’, 69’) sealed the win after early goals from Lennox Thornhill, Adriel Adams and Trevor Gordon set the tone. Charity, despite
being reduced to ten men, showed resilience with strikes from Johnny Smith, DarvelGonsalvesandDylon Benjamin. Meanwhile, Three Mile Secondary reaffirmed their attacking prowess in a highscoring 6-4 victory over AnnandaleSecondarySchool
Much like an attacking masterclassreminiscentofFC Barcelona in full flow, they responded swiftly after conceding early Lebron Mendonca continued his rich vein of form with a brace (10’, 70’), while Joshua
J a m e s a n d D u r e l l Washington added to a firsthalf surge that le
t Annandale chasing the game.Theresultsecuredtop spot in the group for the Barticaside.
Over in another fixture, New Amsterdam Secondary School delivered a composed
Jaden Tasher and Shaquan David led the charge with hat-tricks, supported by early goals from Mark GlasgowandDariusChester Tasher struck in the 20th, 38thand45thminutes,while David followed with a second-half treble (48’, 55’, 70’) Late finishes from Aaron Vasconcellos and Jaden Christian completed theroutinaone-sidedaffair
Withthegroupstagenow complete, attention shifts to this weekend’s round of 16, where the margin for error disappears and every match becomesdo-or-die.
3-0 win against St John’s College Controlling the tempo from kickoff, they struck early through Enqi Leacock before Dominique Rodrigues and JaffarieAlbert addedquickfiregoalsjustafter halftime to put the result beyond doubt.Itwasanother difficult outing for Carmel Secondary School, whose youthful squad continues to struggle following the departure of a few senior players Despite showing promise, they fell 4-2 to MackenzieHighSchool,who capitalizedontheirexperience tosecureallthreepoints
Tournamentfrontrunners
Chase’s Academic Foundation produced the most emphatic result of the round,dismantlingStJoseph High School 11-0 in a performancethatechoedthe ruthless efficiency of elite sides like Manchester City
The tournament continuestobenefitfromthe support of title sponsor
Massy Distribution, alongside Demerara Mutual LifeInsuranceGroup,which
Thirty-two will be cut into half as Petra prepares for Round-of-18 phase this Saturday, April 18.
provides personal accident coverage, and the Ministry ofEducationGuyana. Action resumes this
Saturday, April 18, at the same venue, as the race for school football supremacy entersitsdecisivephase.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has welcomed the approvalbytheGovernment of Antigua and Barbuda for the establishment of a landmark Cricket West Indies Campus and HighPerformance Centre at Coolidge in Antigua, describing the initiative as a transformational investment in the future of West Indies cricket.
The project, which will be implemented in phases between2026and2030,will seetheredevelopmentofthe 20-acre campus in Coolidge nowsolelyownedbyCWIto create a fully integrated ecosystem for elite cricket development,sportsscience, education, and commercial
This proposal was approved by the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda following a recent meeting with Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Minister of SportDarylMatthew,where the details of the project were shared by CWI representatives, including President, Dr The Hon Kishore Shallow and CEO, ChrisDehring.
President Shallow welcomedtheGovernment’s approval of the proposal, stating: “We are deeply appreciative of the Government ofAntigua and Barbuda for their vision and s u p p o r t o f t h i s transformative initiative.
This Campus stands as a pivotal investment in the futureofWestIndiescricket, providing a centralized platform to strengthen our player development pathway and elevate the standard, consistency, and competitiveness of our teams across all formats. Equally significant, it enhances our capacity to build a more robust and diversified financial model, harnessing the synergies of sport, tourism, content production, and innovation to secure the long-term sustainability and growth of WestIndiescricket.” The world-class facility willserveasacentralhubfor high-performance training,
advanced analytics, and athletepreparation,ensuring thatplayersacrosstheregion benefit from mo
infrastructure, data-driven coaching, and integrated s
y s t e m s Importantly,theinclusionof afull-timeCricketAcademy and High School will provide a structured environment for young talent, combining academic development with elite
opportunity for the next generation.
CEO Chris Dehring spoke to the importance of the move in relation to the long-termgrowthand (Continuedonpage23)
