Kaieteur News

Exxon admits to grabbing Guyana’s oil profits to pay for gas pipeline

...company previously said country will buy gas to pay back cost

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) onTuesdayadmittedtousingGuyana’soilto payforthedormantpipelinebuilttotransport gas from the Liza Fields offshore to Wales, West Bank Demerara where government is hoping to generate 300-megawatts of electricityinthefuture.

The oil giant previously informed the nationthatGuyanawouldpurchasegasover a20-yearperiodtorepaythecostassociated with developing the structure This explanationwasalsoprovidedbytheHeadof the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) Taskforce, WinstonBrassington.

Vice President and Business Services Manager, John Colling however confirmed informationreceivedandreportedonbythis newspaper, from credible sources regarding thepaymentarrangementforthepipeline.

This newspaper was informed that the countryhasalreadycommencedpaymentfor thepipeline,usingthecountry’soil,although thestructureisnotinuse.Notably,President of EMGL Alistair Routledge previously assured that repayment would commence onlywhenthepipelinebecomesoperational. Thecatwashoweverletoutofthebagwhen the VP was asked to explain whether Guyana’soilispayingforthestructure.

He said, “Yes. We’ve mentioned this before, the pipeline was charged to the cost bank.”

EMGL Vice President and Business Services Manager, John Colling

When reminded that Guyanese were previously told of a 20-year gas purchase agreement to repay the pipeline costs, Collingsaidthetermsoftheagreementwith governmentspecificallystatethatthosecosts wererecoverable.

“Ifwelookatthecommercialtermsofthe pipeline,I’mnotnecessarilygoingtogetinto alotofdetail,buteffectivelythosecostsare recovered by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited through cost recovery,” the Vice President stated.

In response to a question on when

repayment started, he explained, “As I mentioned, those costs were included in the costbankandarecurrentlytoberecoveredas partofnormalcostrecovery.”

Colling noted that the structure appears under “wells and facilities” in its financial statementspresented.

Guyanese continue to be fed with partial bits of information and are often misled by officials assigned to govern the nation’s largestfinancialprojectonrecord.

Despite repeated calls for transparency, governmentcontinuestohidethecontractsit

signedwithExxonfortheGTEdevelopment. Theadministrationhasrefusedtopublishthe agreements inked with the energy giant althoughitlambastedtheformergovernment for hiding the 2016 oil contract with the company,thatwaseventuallymadepublic.

Kaieteur News has been reliably informedthatthegovernmentofGuyanahas agreed to purchase the gas discovered offshore in the Stabroek Block from Exxon. While critics condemned the administration foragreeingtopaythecompanyforGuyana’s Continued on page 3

DevelopmentBank“arecipefordisaster”-APNU

...says Opposition rep. must be on Board

...penalties must be included for corruption

...Guyanese must be sole beneficiary from $40B loans

T h e G u y a n a Development Bank Bill, tabled in the National Assembly last week by the Government of Guyana (GoG) is “a recipe for disaster” according to the A Partnership for National Unity(APNU).

During its weekly press briefing on Friday, lead Parliamentarian for the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), Dr Terrence Campbell flagged the heavy concentration of control being cemented by government.

The businessman was pellucid in his remarks that no member of the party is against the Development Bank, however it believes thattheframeworktogovern the institution must be carefully crafted to avoid a “welfareinstitution”.

“Whilst there is much to beapplaudedfortheGuyana Development Bank I believe that as currently structured, this Bill should also be sent to a Select Committeebecausethereare

anumberofissuesandmany in the public domain have spoken to those issues,” Dr Campbellexplained. He highlighted that the Bill proposes a financial institution to be governed without any opposition oversight. The Member of Parliament (MP) therefore suggested that at least one Boardmemberbenominated bytheOpposition.

Campbell went on to point out that the Bill addresses financial sustainability and risk management, with Section 22 (2) stipulating all expenses for the bank to be generated from its own revenue.

As such, he explained, “This requires skilled underwriting and credit management and there’s much more to be asked because it also speaks about collaboration with commercial banks and financial institutions and developmentpartners.”

Furthermore, the opposition Parliamentarian

Exxon admits to grabbing Guyana’s...

Frompage2

natural resources,Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo previously toldKaieteurNewsthatnosuchagreementhasbeenmade.

“No,thegastothepowerplantisfree.Youcanquoteme on that. Gas to the power plant is free.We negotiated that a longtime.We’vebeeninthepublicdomainassayingthatthe gastocomein–the50millioncubicfeetperdaycominginto thepowerplant–isfree.Nothinghaschangedsince,”Jagdeo toldthispublicationlastmonth.

While government defends its position, it has not made thecontractwiththecompanypublictooffercitizensfurther assurance.

FollowingareportindicatingthatGuyanahassignedan agreementwithExxonMobiltopurchaseitsowngasfromthe Stabroek Block, former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan called on the government to publish concrete evidence to supportitsclaims.

“We have not seen a single document in relation to this project and so we keep speculating and they can end all the speculationbyputtingthedocumentinthepublicdomainor come out and refute with evidence what we have said.You have to show the evidence that this is not so and they can withhold whatever proprietary information from the contracts,”hesaid.

stressed that the Bill makes provision for a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to beappointedbutfailstostate specificqualificationswhich leaves the position exposed to a candidate that may be inexperiencedinfinance.

He stressed, “We should not leave it to the Board because one of the fears without an opposition representativeandoneofthe fears with everything being

members and so on is a politicisationofthebankand that politicisation can take place all the way down to Linden. ‘Oh, I’m sending Jurethatogetaloan.Fixher up’. And that would be a recipe for disaster,” the politicianargued.

The MP suggested instead that the bank be established in a manner that allows it to execute its mandateindependently

Additionally, Campbell noted that the Bill also empowers the CEO to enter into contracts on his own. Consequently, he said, “I thinkit’sagreatrisktohave a CEO signing on his own.

TheBillspeakstoasecretary and it should say that the Secretary and the CEO can commit the bank to contracts.”

Equally alarming to the PNC/R is the fact that the bank falls outside of the Financial Institutions Act, raising questions about the oversight mechanism in placeforthebank.Campbell warned that billions in revenue will be distributed w i t h o u t a r o b u s t accountabilitystructure.

Responding to a few flaws highlighted by Kaieteur News, including that non-nationals could cash-in on loans from the Development Bank, the MP urged that Guyanese should

MP Dr. Terrence Campbell sharing remarks during a press conference on Friday.

be the only beneficiaries of this initiative, especially in its initial stage, given the limitedresourcesthatwillbe made available to assist small and medium-sized businesses.

“ T h e G u y a n a Development Bank at this point, the resources should be available only to Guyanesecitizens. It’snota lot of money The issue of finance for entrepreneurs in Guyanahasbeenasoreissue for many years...it should strictly be for Guyanese citizens. Later on, we can maybe open it up for those who are resident in Guyana and can prove such residence,”heurged.

Meanwhile, Campbell

pointedoutthatwhiletheAct stipulates penalties for misleading the institution and leaking confidential information, it makes no provision for charging corruptbankingofficials.

As such, he suggested that the Bill be adjusted to include penalties for those who corruptly demand favourstograntloans.

“I believe that the government may be relying onotherpiecesoflegislation thatcanbeusedbutIbelieve it would be a very good addition to add some clause there to prevent and if happens, to prosecute corrupt actions by bank executives and bank employees,”theMPstated.

KaieteurNews

24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

EDITORIAL

The US$214M audit dispute

The latest revelation that ExxonMobil is still fighting Guyana over US$214 million in disputed expenses should outrageeverycitizenwhobelievesthiscountry’soilwealth oughttoserveitspeoplefirst.

Independent auditors concluded years ago that Exxon hadwronglychargedGuyanamorethanUS$214Mincosts incurred between 1999 and 2017. The audit report was handed over to the government in March 2021. Yet, five yearslater,thematterremainsunresolved,boggeddownin discussions, delays, procedural wrangling, and now the prospect of intervention by the International Chamber of Commerce.

This is not the conduct one would expect from a companyrepeatedlydescribedbygovernmentofficialsasa valuedandtrustedpartner

Partnershipimpliesmutualrespect.Partnershipimplies fairness.Partnershipimpliesthatwhenlegitimateconcerns areraisedbyindependentauditors,bothsidesmoveswiftly toresolvethem.Instead,Guyanesehavewitnessedyearsof resistancewhileExxonMobilcontinuestoenjoythebenefits of a petroleum agreement that many experts, economists, andcitizensregardasoneofthemostlopsidedoilcontracts evernegotiatedbyaresource-richdevelopingnation.

Exxon did not merely secure access to Guyana’s vast offshore reserves. It obtained extraordinary terms that guarantee generous profits, extensive cost recovery rights, and protections that many countries would never have accepted. Yet despite enjoying this virtual free ride, the companyappearsunwillingtopartwithfundsthatauditors concludedshouldneverhavebeenchargedtoGuyanainthe firstplace.

Thenumbersinvolvedarenotinsignificant.

US$214M could finance new hospitals, schools, roads, drainage projects, housing developments, and social programmes. It could improve the lives of thousands of Guyanesefamiliesstrugglingtocopewithinflationandthe risingcostofliving.Itcouldhelpcommunitiesthatstilllack basic infrastructure despite living in one of the fastestgrowingeconomiesintheworld.

That is why this dispute is about much more than accounting entries. It is about accountability It is about sovereignty ItisaboutwhetherGuyana’soilwealthbelongs primarily to its citizens or whether multinational corporationscancontinueextractingmaximumvaluewhile ordinary people wait endlessly for meaningful improvementsintheirlives.

Equally disturbing is the apparent lack of urgency surroundingthematter

The Production Sharing Agreement outlines clear mechanisms for resolving disputes The prescribed timelines for appointing a sole expert have long since expired. Yet more than a year after government officials publicly acknowledged that discussions had ended and the matter should move to the next stage, Guyanese are still hearingthattalkscontinue.

Why?

Whyhastherebeennodecisivepushtobringclosureto thisissue?Whyarecitizensstillwaitingforaresolutionon an audit completed years ago? Why do disputes involving hundreds of millions of US dollars appear to move at a snail’spacewhileExxoncontinuesproducingandexporting billionsofdollars’worthofoilfromGuyana’swaters?

Theconcernsbecomeevengreaterwhenoneconsiders that the US$214M dispute is only the beginning. Another audit reportedly identified approximately US$65M in questionable expenses A third audit involving an astonishingUS$19.6Binexpenditureshasreportedlybeen completedbutremainshiddenfrompublicscrutiny

Transparencyshouldnotbeoptionalwhendealingwith national patrimony Citizens have a right to know what auditors found.They have a right to know which costs are beingchallengedandhowvigorouslythosechallengesare

Ministry of Health’s Personnel Department: A Case Study in Govt. Inefficiency

DEAREDITOR,

The Government of Guyana has rightly placed significant emphasis on improving efficiency and service delivery across the publicsector

If that objective is to be taken seriously, then attention must urgently be directed toward one of the most dysfunctional units within the Ministry of Health: the Personnel Department.

For many health workers, dealing with the Personnel Department has become an exercise in frustration, endurance, and wasted time.Whether one is applying for a position, seeking approval for leave, following up on gratuity payments, or resolving a simple personnel matter, the experienceisoftenthesame. Applications appear to disappear into a black hole, onlyforemployeestobetold months later to resubmit documents because records cannot be located The process then begins all over again.

This is not an occasional inconvenience It is a recurring pattern that affects health workers across the country

The Ministry of Health has actively recruited healthcare workers from

Spanish-speaking countries tostrengthenthesector

Yet, despite the growing numberofSpanish-speaking employees, there appears to be little consideration for how these workers navigate the Personnel Department. On any given day, one can observe Spanish-speaking employees struggling to communicate their concerns andunderstandresponses.

It is difficult to understandwhynoefforthas been made to ensure the availability of Spanishspeaking personnel to assist theseworkers.

Communication with the department is equally problematic.Telephonecalls frequently go unanswered, leaving employees with no choicebuttotravelinperson to the Ministry’s Brickdam office.Inmanycases,health workers must leave their duty stations, sometimes for an entire day, simply to follow up on matters that shouldberesolvedthrougha phonecalloremail.

The consequences extend beyond employee frustration.Everyhourspent chasing personnel matters is an hour taken away from healthcare delivery Every unresolved leave request, delayedgratuitypayment,or misplaced application affects staff morale,

productivity, and ultimately the quality of service deliveredtopatients.

Particularlytroublingare the numerous complaints regardinggratuitypayments. It is not uncommon to hear workers discussing gratuity applications submitted months ago that remain unresolved.

Some applications reportedly date back to December 2025, yet employees continue to wait for updates while another cycle of gratuity payments approaches.

Bonded scholars face similar challenges Many require timely approvals for overseas travel, yet applications are routinely delayed and misplaced, and now requires resubmission.

These are not complex policy issues requiring months of deliberation T h e s e a r e b a s i c administrativefunctionsthat any modern personnel departmentshouldbeableto manageefficiently

What is perhaps most concerning is that these problemsarewidelyknown. One only needs to spend a shorttimeinthewaitingarea of the Personnel department to hear the stories, frustrations, and complaints ofemployees.

These issues are not hidden. They are visible, audible, and experienced daily by the very people responsible for delivering healthcare services throughoutGuyana.

Continued on page 5

WHAT’S THE POINT OF AUBREY NORTON?

DEAREDITOR, Heisthe‘leader’ofthePNC/APNUyet...

-Isnotinthenation'sparliament.Hisgroupthereisledby anew'leader.'

-‘Led’hispartytoaningloriousdefeatintheSeptember 2025GeneralElection.

- Many of his party comrades have sloughed off to new politicalpastures.

-HedoesnotwanttobehisParty'sPresidentialcandidate in2030.

SojustwhatisthepointofAubreyNorton?

Yourssincerely, John'BillCotton/Reform'Mair

Unwarranted attack on Justice Bulkan

DEAREDITOR,

Please permit me to respond to letters by a Mr Quincy Anderson that was published in Guyana Times and Guyana Chronicle. His letters were an unwarranted and baseless attack on the integrity of the Caribbean Court of Justice and Justice Arif Bulkan. I call on AG NandlallandtheGuyanaBar Associationtodenouncethis flagrant attempt to besmirch JusticeBulkan.

Mr Anderson writes, “This is a matter of ethics,

optics, and public confidence.” But he fails miserably to cite an ethical rule or judicial canon that Justice Bulkan has violated Additionally, he has failed to provideanycredibleevidence that the Guyanese public questions Justice Bulkan’s impartiality. His refuge is in thenebulousrealmofoptics. Letusexaminetheoptics of the situation carefully:At firstblush,onegetsafeeling that this letter was to besmirch Justice Bulkan But on closer examination

being pursued. They have a right to know whether their government is defending their interests with the same determinationthatExxonMobilisdefendingitsown.

What makes the situation particularly frustrating is the contrast between Guyana’s oil riches and the reality facing manycitizens.

While production records are broken and profit announcements make international headlines, countless Guyanese continue to live in conditions that oil wealth was supposed to eliminate. Poverty remains. Public services remain under pressure. Entire communities still wait for developmentthatwaspromisedyearsago.

Againstthatbackdrop,everydisputeddollarmatters.

No government should be celebrating partnership while

this is an oblique attack on AG Nandlall’s competence.

Letmeexplain:AGNandlall is the government’s legal representative before the Caribbean Court of Justice. Ifhehadthebasisinfactand law to believe that Justice Bulkan was partial to forces against the PPP/C, then it behoves him to bring a motion to recuse Justice Bulkan.

According to Mr Anderson’s analysis, AG Nandlall’s failure to bring a Motion to Recuse is implicitly legal malpractice andgrossincompetence. I do not question AG Nandlall’s legal acumen. I believe that he subscribes to the notion that Justice Arif Bulkan and the Caribbean Court of Justice will impartially adjudicate mattersbeforeit.Therefore,I call upon the Guyana Bar Association and AG Nandlall to condemn this baseless attack on Justice Nandlall.

Sincerely, RogerAlly

simultaneously battling that same partner over hundreds of millions of dollars flagged by independent auditors. No citizenshouldacceptasnormalasituationinwhichdisputes lingerforyearswhilebillionscontinuetoflowoffshore.

Guyana’s oil belongs to the people of Guyana. The government’s first obligation is not to protect corporate relationships, sporting sponsorships, or public relations narratives. Its first obligation is to protect the nation’s resources and secure every dollar rightfully owed to its citizens.

The longer this dispute drags on, the more one question demands an answer: if Guyana cannot firmly recover US$214Malreadyflaggedbyauditors,howeffectivelywillit protectthebillionsthatremainatstake?

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, CHILD SAFETY: THE CASE FOR SWIFT PARTY ACTION

DEAREDITOR,

The allegations concerning MP Deon La Cruz’s alleged conduct toward his wife and a minor child are, if substantiated, conduct of the most serious kind, conduct that no civilised society, and certainly no political party seeking to govern that society,cantreatasaprivate matterunconnectedtopublic office.

This commentary doesn’t pronounce on guilt. That determination belongs to the courts, on evidence testedthroughdueprocess.

What this commentary addresses is a separate and entirely legitimate question: what does a political party owethepublicwhencredible allegations of domestic violence and child endangerment surface against one of its sitting members, supported by police records and witness accounts that are, by all accounts, readily available forreview?

Aninstructivelaw,given the comparative legal traditions both Guyana and C a n a d a s h a r e a s

C o m m o n w e a l t h jurisdictions violence within the home is treated with escalating severity precisely because of the power imbalance and vulnerabilityinvolved.

The Criminal Code of Canada criminalises assault under sections 265 to 268,

with aggravated penalties where the victim is a spouse or domestic partner, recognising that intimate partner violence carries a breach of trust that aggravates the underlying offence: R v Lavallee, [1990], in which the Supreme Court of Canada acknowledged the unique psychological dynamics of domestic abuse in assessing culpability and victim response. Where children are concerned, the law imposes obligations beyond the generalassaultprovisions.S. 215 of the Criminal Code criminalises failure to provide the necessaries of life to a child, recognising thataparent’sdutyofcareis not discretionary S 218 a d d r e s s e s c h i l d abandonment.

The extensive childspecific sexual offence provisions — ss. 151 to 153 reflect Parliament’s judgment that offences against children warrant categorically distinct legal treatment,carryingpenalties that reflect society’s profound condemnation of such conduct. Courts have consistently held, as in R v Friesen, 2020, that sentencing for offences against children must give primacy to the harm done to the child and to the broader societalinterestinprotecting children from violence — a principletheSupremeCourt

of Canada articulated as f o u n d a t i o n a l t o contemporarysentencing.

Guyana’sDVA1996and theChildcareandProtection Agency Act establish p a r a l l e l d o m e s t i c obligations.

They recognize that violence against a spouse and violence against a child within the same household arenotseparateproblemsbut asinglepatternofhousehold terror that the law is obligatedtointerrupt.

When I practiced in Guyana I had to defend numerous clients faced in similar police cases, in Regions 3 and 6, and I feel this situation needs urgent governance solutions before it becomes so endemic it becomes unsolvable due to ackofpolicycapacity

A political party’s response to credible allegations of this nature against one of its own members is not a matter of internaldisciplinealone.Itis a public statement about what that party considers compatible with the privilege of representing citizens in the National Assembly

If the allegations against Mr LaCruzaresupportedby police file documentation and witness statements then a party that delays meaningfulactiondoesmore than protect one member It sendsanunmistakablesignal to every woman and every

child in Guyana who might consider reporting violence within their own home: that proximity to political power can function as a shield against accountability that ordinary citizens don’t enjoy.

That signal is corrosive to precisely the kind of society that any party claiming to champion constitutional rights, equal protection, and the rule of lawmustbeseentoreject— not eventually, not after prolonged internal deliberation, but at the outset, when the facts are first credibly placed before the public and the party leadership.

W I N ’ s p r o m p t reprimandofMr LaCruz,on the strength of facts that could be readily ascertained from the police file and available witness accounts, reflects the standard that political accountability in a democracyrequires.

Aparty’scommitmentto constitutional protection (including the protection from violence and discrimination that Articles 13, 139, 148, and 149 of Guyana’s Constitution guarantee to every citizen, including the spouses and c h i l d r e n o f parliamentarians) can’t be selectively applied. It can’t b e n d a r o u n d t h e inconvenience of a sitting member’sseat.

The right to live free

Ministry of Health’s Personnel Department...

Frompage4 Personnel departments are meanttobepeople-centered. They exist to support employees, facilitate administrative processes, and ensure that staff can

focus on their core r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s Unfortunately, the experience within the Ministry of Health’s Personnel Department often suggeststheopposite. If the Government is serious about improving efficiency, then reform must begin with fixing the everyday administrative failures that affect workers directly Better record management systems, service standards, accountability mechanisms, digital tracking of a p p l i c a t i o n s , a n d multilingual support are not luxuries They are basic necessities. Health workers deserve

better Theyshouldnothave to spend months pursuing basic administrative requests. They should not have to abandon their posts to seek answers that should be readily available. And they should not have to navigateasystemthatseems designed to create obstacles rather than provide assistance.

Improving healthcare is NOT only about building hospitals and purchasing

equipment. It is also about ensuring the public servants whokeepthesystemrunning a r e t r e a t e d w i t h professionalism, efficiency andrespect.

Until these issues are addressed, the Ministry’s Personnel Department will remain a glaring example of the very inefficiencies the Government says it is committedtoeliminating.

Yoursrespectfully AshleyBarakat

from violence in one’s own home is among the most basic entitlements any legal system can guarantee. It’s among the most frequently and silently violated, precisely because the violence occurs behind closed doors, often without witnesses willing to come forward, and often against victims whose economic or social dependency on the perpetrator makes reporting itself an act of considerable courage.

W

parliamentary seat (a position of public trust, public salary, and public visibility)thegameshifts.

The victim’s courage in coming forward, if that is what has occurred here, deserves a response from public institutions that matches that courage rather than diminishes it through delay, deflection, or institutional protectiveness towardtheaccused.

This is not a partisan point. It would apply with identical force to a member of any party, in any government, in either jurisdiction.

Theprincipleisthelaw’s principle,notapoliticalone: that the privilege of public office carries with it a heightened standard of accountability for conduct that the criminal law treats with the gravity that assault,

failure to provide the necessaries of life, and offences against children rightlyattract.

This commentary endorses the principle that swift party action, grounded in the facts available from police records and witness accounts, is the appropriate and necessary response to credible allegations of this nature against any sitting parliamentarian.

WIN’s executive must seethismatterthroughtoits conclusion in accordance with Guyanese law, due process, and the societal standard that violence against a wife or a minor child, by a husband or a father, is conduct that no publicofficecanshelter,and no political loyalty can excuse.

The presumption of innocencebelongstoMr La Cruzbeforeanycourtoflaw

The presumption of safety b e l o n g s , w i t h o u t qualification or delay, to his wife and to the minor child whose welfare these allegations place squarely beforethepublic.

This commentary addresses matters of public interest concerning allegations against a sitting Member of Parliament Nothing herein constitutes a findingoffactorguilt.

Regards, M. Shabeer Zafar, Barrister-at-Law

Venezuela hits out at Trinidad and Tobago in oil spill spat

Venezuela has raised the alarmoveranoilspillthatit alleges came from the neighbouring Caribbean islandnationofTrinidadand Tobago and has reached its shores.

Venezuela’s foreign ministry said on Friday that the spill is putting fragile ecosystems at risk and interferingwithfishing.

Theincidentthreatensto

further strain relations between the two countries. Caracaswasinfuriatedwhen Trinidad’s new government said it supported actions by the United States that led to formerVenezuelanpresident N i c o l a s M a d u r o ’s abduction.

“There is a threat to the marine ecosystems and fishingactivitiesandcoastal communities,” said the

-Caracaswarnsofenvironmentalandeconomic damageamidheightenedtensionwithitsneighbour

ministry in a statement, demandingthatTrinidadand Tobago “fully assume its responsibility by adopting immediate measures to prevent further incidents,”

and be transparent “regardingthecauses,scope, and consequences of this spill”.

The government in the capital, Port of Spain, retorted that it had deployed

The purported oil spill echoes February 2024 when a tanker sank in Trinidad and Tobago’s waters and pollution spread into Venezuelan territory [File: Juan Carlos Hernandez/Reuters]

security services to find the purportedspillandrequested location coordinates from Venezuela. “The Air Guard and Coast Guard have been d e p l o y e d t o d o reconnaissance work on the sea and with drones to determinethefacts,”Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal told the Reuters news agency

The island’s foreign ministryhasalsoreachedout to Venezuela’s embassy in Port of Spain for more information,Moonilalsaid.

The Venezuelan government did not specify whichareaswereaffectedby the spill, which it said was confirmed by satellite imagery

The small Englishspeaking island nation of TrinidadandTobagoliesjust 10km (six miles) off Venezuela’scoast.

Relations between the neighbours have been strained since Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar returned to power last year and adopted a hardline stance on Venezuelan migration. She also worked to strengthen ties with the U.S., prior to Maduro’scaptureinJanuary

The purported oil spill echoes a February 2024 incident,whenatankersank in Trinidad and Tobago’s waters and pollution spread into Venezuela’s territorial waters.

Two arrested for weed in chips container

The chips container which contained the marijuana.

TwopersonswereonThursdayarrestedafterbeingfound with marijuana The duo, a fisherman and a miner, was interceptedinawoodenpassengerboatwhichwasdockedat 7thAvenue,Bartica,EssequiboRiver Policeinastatementon Friday said that the interception occurred between 14:40hrs and15:00hrsThursdaywhilerankswereonamobilepatrol

“Duringtheexercise,rankscontactedtheoccupantsofa wooden passenger speedboat which was docked along the shore at SeventhAvenue, Bartica.Asearch was conducted on the belongings of a 33-year-old fisherman of North Ruimveldt,Georgetown,duringwhichaquantityofleaves, seedsandstemssuspectedtobecannabiswasfoundinablue Layschipscontainer,”thestatementsaid.

Further searches conducted on the 35-year-old miner, who hails from Vreed-en-Hoop, revealed a quantity of leaves,seedsandstemssuspectedtobecannabis.

Both men were arrested and taken to the Bartica Police Station, along with the narcotics When weighed collectivelythemarijuanaamountedto70grams.

TeixeiraFiresBack

...says Sex Offenders Bill was consulted for a year ...calls out Min. Manickchand for not responding to draft ...claims critics peddling “misinformation”

that while many countries maintain sex offender registries, access is generally restrictedtolawenforcementagencies.

Minister of Governance, Gail Teixeira

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira has mounted a robust defence of the controversial Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, dismissing claims that the legislation was rushed or lacked public consultation and accusing criticsofspreadingmisinformation.

In a detailed statement issued on Friday, Teixeira said the proposed legislation underwent an extensive year-long consultation process involving government ministries, legal experts, civil society organisations, faith-based groups, regional representatives and members of the public beforebeingtabledintheNationalAssembly onJune5.

Her response comes amid mounting criticism over provisions in the bill dealing withthecreationofaNationalSexOffender Database and the absence of a publicly accessiblesexoffendersregistry

Teixeirarevealedthatthereviewprocess began under the Support for the Criminal Justice System Programme, which was backed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). A consultant was hired to examine gaps in Guyana’s Sexual Offences Act and recommend reforms aimed at strengthening protections for victims and improvingtheadministrationofjustice.

According to the Minister, the issue of establishing a sex offenders registry was thoroughlyexamined.Shenotedthatstudies reviewed during the consultation process highlighted concerns that open public registriescouldinfringeonprivacyandother human rights. The legal review also found

Teixeirasaidstakeholderswhoattendeda major National Stakeholders Forum in July 2024 overwhelmingly supported the establishment of a national registry but recommended that it remain closed to the public, with information accessible through anapplicationprocess.

The Minister outlined a lengthy list of consultations that included prosecutors, magistrates, members of the criminal bar, government ministries, constitutional

organisations,indigenousgroups,theprivate sector,tradeunionsandadvocacygroups.

She disclosed that 103 agencies and organisations were invited to the National Stakeholders Forum, with 62 confirming attendance Participants included representatives from all ten administrative regions as well as organisations involved in childprotection,victims’rightsandcriminal justice.

Teixeiraalsopointedtopublicinvitations issued byAttorney GeneralAnil Nandlall in 2024 encouraging citizens and opposition parties to review the draft legislation and submitrecommendations.

AccordingtoTeixeiraafeworganisations and individuals responded through email to the Ministry and the media (including Red Thread Guyana, Indigenous Delegation AgainstDomesticandSexualViolence, Danuta Radzik, Vanda Radzik, and VidyarathaKissoon)withviewsonthedraft bill.The draft bill remained posted and open forcommentsforalmostayear “Notably,on 27thJune,2024,theGuyanaBarAssociation circulatedthedraftbilltoitsmembershipand specifically invited attorneys-at-law to

submit comments, observations, and recommendationsinadvanceoftheNational StakeholdersForumscheduledtobeheldby the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance on 3rd July, 2024,” Teixeira noted.Shesaidthisprocessenabledthe Association’s representatives to attend theForumwiththebenefitoffeedbackfrom itswidermembership,therebyenhancingthe quality and breadth of the legal profession’s contributiontotheconsultation.

“In addition to the above consultations, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, under my leadership coordinatedabroadstakeholderengagement aspartofthepublic consultationprocessto ensure that the proposed reforms reflected a wide cross-section of views from government agencies, civil society organisations, professional bodies, service providers,andmembersofthepublic.

Thereafter, on Wednesday 3rd July, 2024, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance convened a National Stakeholders Forum on Amendments to the SexualOffencesActattheCaraLodgeHotel in the Woodbine Room. One hundred and three (103) agencies and organizations were invited to participate, and sixty-two (62) confirmedattendance.

According to Teixeira the main participants included representatives from the10AdministrativeRegions,Ministriesof Health, Education, Human Services and Social Security, and Natural Resources, the OfficeoftheDirectorofPublicProsecutions, the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force, the Bureau of Statistics, the National Toshaos Council, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as three Amerindian organizations, Faith-Based Organizations for the Hindu, Christian and

Minister of Local Government, Priya Manickchand

Muslim faiths, the Guyana Rastafarian Council,tradeunions,privatesector,Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association, Blossom Inc., Childlink, the LGBTQI communityMenonMission,theGuyanaBar Association, the Guyana Medical Council, the Guyana Nurses Association, and the Commission on Disabilities as well as three constitutionalrights.

Notably, Teixeira stated that the then Parliamentary Opposition failed to respond to invitations to provide feedback on the proposedamendments.

PRIYACALLEDOUT

The Minister further revealed that while comments were received from several civil societyorganisationsandindividuals,former Education Minister Priya Manickchand did notrespondwhenthereviseddraftwaslater circulatedtokeyministersforreview

Teixeira said the bill was subsequently refined through additional technical consultations with police officers, prison officials, probation officers and prosecutors before being delayed by the 2025 General andRegionalElectionsandthedissolutionof Parliament.Shemaintainedthatitis“grossly incorrect” for anyone to suggest that the legislation was not subjected to extensive consultation.

The bill seeks to strengthen Guyana’s sexual offences laws through expanded protections for victims, tougher accountability measures for offenders, mandatory reporting obligations for certain professionals and the creation of a National SexOffenderDatabase.

Thetransportationcashgrant

There was a time when public policy was expected tosolverealproblemsrather than create expensive

s p e c t a c l e s T h e government’s transportation cashgrantforeveryprimary school child is a prime example of a policy that confuses universality with fairness.

WhenIattendedprimary school, every child in my class lived within the school’s catchment area Most of us could reach the schoolinamatterofminutes withoutspendingacent.

There were houses on both sides of the school. Children living in those homessimplysteppedoutof their yards and into the schoolcompound.

Oneofmyclosestfriends liveddirectlyacrosstheroad from the school. Another classmate lived just two housesaway

Togettoschool,theydid not need a bus, taxi, bicycle or boat. They merely had to cross the road or walk throughaholeinthefence.

Ye t u n d e r t h e government’spolicy,ifthose same children were attending primary school today, each would receive a $20,000 transportation grant. The obvious question is:transportationforwhat?

The absurdity becomes even clearer when one considers the scale of the programme Guyana has approximately 77,500 primary schoolchildren, all of whom will receive the same payment regardless of whether they travel twenty metresortwentymiles.

Achildwhowalksacross the street receives the same amount as a child who must

travel from a distant community A child whose parents spend nothing receivesthesameamountas a child whose parents face genuine transportation burdens.

Thatisnotequity Itisthe exactoppositeofequity

Public resources should bedirectedtowardthosewho need assistance most

Instead,theGovernmenthas chosen a blanket approach that ignores the realities faced by thousands of families.Considertheparent who spends as much as $1,500 per day on ordinary busfarestotransportachild to and from secondary school. Such a family can easily spend more than $30,000inasinglemonthon transportationalone.

For that parent, the annual grant would be exhausted in less than a month The assistance provided bears little relationshiptotheactualcost beingincurred.

Meanwhile, a wealthy household with multiple luxuryvehiclesparkedinthe driveway will receive exactly the same grant. A parent with three high-end motor cars and a Toyota Tundrawilllineuptocollect the same payment as a struggling single mother strugglingtogetherchildto school.

How can that be considered fair? How can anyone seriously describe such a policy as targeted assistance?

The inequity becomes evenmoreglaringwhenone considers Guyana’s hinterland communities. In manyoftheseareas,children travellongdistancesbyboat

Dem Boys Seh...

and incur transportation costs that far exceed those facedonthecoast.

Some families must navigate rivers and waterways simply to ensure their children receive an e d u c a t i o n T h e i r transportationchallengesare fundamentally different fromthosefacedbychildren livingnextdoortoaschool.

Yet the Government has chosen to distribute resources almost as though these differences do not exist.Theresultisthatthose with the greatest need receive no meaningful additionalsupport.

The tragedy is that Guyana already had a better model Former President David Granger understood thataccesstoeducationoften depends on access to transportation.

His response was the “Three Bs” initiative: boats, buses and bicycles The conceptwasstraightforward, practicalandtargeted. Instead of handing out cash indiscriminately, the programme sought to provide transportation solutions to those who a c t u a l l y n e e d e d transportation. It recognised that different communities faceddifferentchallenges.

Achild in the hinterland mightrequireaboat.Achild in a rural area might benefit fromabicycle.

Students travelling longer distances could be assisted through school buses. The policy was built around need rather than politicaloptics.

No programme is perfect The Three Bs initiative undoubtedly required more resources,

De jail gat potential world champions

DeDiamondLeaguetekkingworldtrack andfieldbystormanddemboyswatchingit pondeTV

Dem boys like de 400 metres. Is de true testofathleticism.Ittoolongfuhbeasprint andtooshortfuhendurance.

Butisde1500datdemboysdoesreally enjoy Isdemosttacticalracedemgat.Itall about tactics, knowing when to mek yuh move.

Demseehownuffrecordgettingbreakor equaled at de World Championships. One manevenbreakMichaelJohnson’s26-yearoldAmericanrecordinde200metres.

Dem boys know we gat Guyanese who couldbreakdatrecord.Wegatsomebandits inGuyana,whendemsnatchyuhchainand purse, dem does buss a sprint and de speed

stronger administration and bettermanagement.

Those shortcomings should have been addressed andcorrected.Theywerenot reasons to abandon a fundamentallysensibleidea.

W i t h a d e q u a t e investment and competent implementation, the Three Bscouldhaveevolvedintoa truly national transportation policy It could have provided meaningful support to families facing genuine transportation challenges while avoiding wasteful spending on those whorequirednoassistance.

Instead, the government has chosen to spend billions of dollars on a universal transportation grant that oftenhaslittleconnectionto

actualtransportationcosts.It is a policy that rewards proximity as generously as hardship.

The result is a massive misallocation of public resources. Money that could h a v e t r a n s f o r m e d transportation access for secondary school students and hinterland communities is being distributed to thousands who have no transportation expense whatsoever

Goodpublicpolicyisnot measured by the number of people who receive a cheque. It is measured by whether public funds are directed to solving real problems.

The transportation cash grant fails that test. It is

simultaneously absurd, inequitableandwasteful. Guyana deserves a transportation policy based on need, practicality and common sense. The Three Bs pointed in that direction, and with the necessary resources and management, it remains a far better model than the costly and misguided transportation cash grant now being celebrated.

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

demdoesguhatcanbreakworldrecord.We gat some men in dis country would out-run ForestGump.

Wegatcriminalsdoestrainfuhrun.Dem friends does loose a vicious pitbull behind dem and dem criminal does gat to run fuh demlife.Datishowwedoestrain. When it comes to long jump, dem man nahgattotekrunoff.Demdoescleartrench withease.Andwhenitcomestohighjump, demwouldstepoverdemworldrecordasif demskipping.

De localathleticsassociationlooking in de wrang place for world champions. Dem shouldstoplookingatdemclubsandschool and start looking in dem jail. Dem bannas canrun,jumpandevenfly Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

Unlimitedbenefitsforformerpresidents–thirdgo

This is the third go at the unlimited benefits bill for former presidents introduced by the PPP govt in parliament Three expresses anger,mayevenleadtoapart four I let the facts and numbersspeak Guyaneseget to think, decide Differing is fine Noexplanationsneeded Commentary follows after eachfact

Fact One: former presidents currently receive a monthly pension of $2.2 million each. Fact Two: that’s approx. 22 times the minimum wage of entry level public servants; over 30timestheminimumwage ofprivatesectorworkers. It

baffles how minimum wage Guyanese workers manage. What’s left to say? The PPP govt. resists addressing the three-year-old private sector monthly minimum wage of $60,147. But it has the energy to address unlimited benefits for four former presidents, and one more in four years Is this parliamentary bill more for the four, or more for one? The former president-to-be stands to be the biggest beneficiary Hewouldhave moreyearsahead.

Fact Three: The PPP govt pushes Guyanese to openbankaccounts.Ilaud.It pushes them to save. More

cheering. The questions are howtosave,andsavewhat? Thousands of Guyanese, likely hundreds of thousands, exist in close to crisis conditions. They are forced to barter, borrow, even beg to survive. Save what, when they are always indebt,alwayspayingback, always catching up? Instead of facing a bank teller to make a deposit, they are facing a pawnbroker, with whatever’s left to exchange fordesperatelyneededcash. Fortunately, not one of Guyana’s four former president is in any of those boats. They spend; they can still save. So why more for those with so much, compliments of Guyanese taxpayers? It’s a debate unworthy of one word for, evenagainst.

Fact Four: each former president employs three fully paid ‘house’ workers (max) on taxpayers’ dollar Using the public service baseline of $100,000 per month per worker, this benefit to each of Guyana’s former presidents totals

$300,000 monthly Examine that compressed $300,000 number, fact. Half of those allowances could help lift (limitedly) Guyanese from where they are financially imprisoned, tortured ruthlessly No one should ask by whom. Half of the workers’ wage allowances for four former presidents ($600,000) could make a four-member Guyanese family live at some halfway decent level. They have to scramble, make do, with a third, even 50 percent, less thantheworkers’allowances for these four Guyanese. There’s no dispute with them. Nowishtotakebread from their mouths I recommend that citizens be polled with two questions: Unlimited benefits - yes or no? Willacceptorreject?

Fact Five: there’s $25,000 each for utilities: water, electricity, telephone When only that $75,000 for utilities is compared to what Guyana’s private sector minimum wage workers and elderly pensioners receive monthly,theworkersmanage

a poor second and pensioners an invisible third to their one-time presidents

Bottom line: Guyana pays more for utilities for former presidents than it pays to its unskilled workers and older citizens

Additional commentary follows I endorse unlimited medical benefits for former presidents and their spouses Having known catastrophic family situations before, caring for former presidents’ healthmustbeonthetreasury Similarly, security costs for them do not provoke any objection In contrast, and I am immovable, all the other areas of benefits enjoyed by former presidents are attractive, should not be increasedbyonedime

To former presidents Hinds,Jagdeo,Ramotar,and Granger, I tender my respects. To Excellency Ali for allowing this to gain merit on his watch, there’s the unspeakable and unprintable. When Attorney General Nandlall led this to parliament, he reserved a

special place for himself in oneofthosecirclesconjured bythatFlorentinethatmany cautiouslyquote. When their bleak, harsh circumstances are considered, Guyanese truly arethewretchedoftheearth. Given that an unlimited benefits bill for former presidentscanbethoughtof, actuallygivenparliamentary life,atthistime.IfGuyanese were in a better place, I would be the first to say YES.WhenAliandNandlall fight for more for Guyana, gain some small advances, I couldreconsider Finally,in arealcountry,thisbillwould bethestrawthatbrokeopen the floodgates of seething resentments, and send fedupcitizensinthestreets.

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

Miner arrested for shotgun cartridges found at Iwokrama Reserve

A miner was arrested on Thursdayafterhewasfoundwith four live 12-gauge shotgun cartridges,duringanoperationat the Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve,SupuruniRiverarea.

Police in a statement on Friday said that, “Enquiries revealedthatduringtheexercise, ranks stopped and searched a silver aluminum boat occupied by six persons. A search was

conducted on the personal belongings of a 33-year-old miner of Paramakatoi Village, Region #8, during which a haversack containing a white plastic bag with four live 12-

gaugecartridgeswasfound.”

The suspect was arrested and takentotheAnnaiPoliceStation whereheremainsincustody

The ammunition was lodged asinvestigationscontinue.

The shotgun cartridges found in the miner’s possession.

APNUpushesforPACworktoaccelerate

...COMMITTEE SET TO MEET MONDAY TO ELECT CHAIRMAN

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is pushing for the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to accelerate its work by examining the Auditor General’s (AG) Reports for 2020-2024.

On Friday, Member of Parliament (MP) for the party, Ganesh Mahipaul remindedthatatthecloseof the last PAC, theAG’s 2019 r e p o r t w a s u n d e r examination but was not completed.

“Thefirstmeetingofthe PAC is scheduled for Monday at 10:30 and that is specifically to elect a chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee. After that,wewillmoveinto2020 and going forward, I am hoping and I’m sure Juretha and the others who are supportive of us reaching to currentreportoftheAuditor General, that we can able to merge at least 2021, 2022 and 2023 reports together andtacklethem,”hesaid.

Mahipaultoldreportersat his party’s weekly press

conference, merging the reports will allow the committee to fully minimise the time used to examine the reportsandallowforthePAC to examine recent reports, which would be more beneficialtothecountry.

“In the year 2026, hopefully we’re going to begin examining 2020.That is 6 years after There are certain statutes of limitation… there’s certain problemsthatwewillnotbe able to hold accounting officers responsible for,

because of the statute of limitation in law and I’m no lawyer but it was well established that certain matters become statute bar or the statute of limitation kicks in,” he further explained.

Further, Mahipaul noted thataccountingofficersmay claim memory loss given that the 2020 report is being examined by the committee in2026,sixyearslater That aside, some of the accounting officers may havetakenupnewposts.

As a result, the parliamentarian is not optimistic about the level of clarity the PAC would get from accounting officers for theperiod2020to2021.

Asked whether the examination of merged reportscanresultinthePAC missing important details,

A P N U M e m b e r o f

Parliament Juretha Fernandesexplainedthatthe methodemployedallowsfor a thorough examination albeitmerged.

“For example, if we

merge 2020, 2021 and 2022 reports,threereportsmerged together.What we will do is thatwewillhavetheagency, the financial officers from the agency come before the PAC as they would do for any other single report. But whentheycome,theywillbe answering questions for the three reports instead of just coming to answer for one. What it does, it makes it a whole lot more efficient becausewhatyouwouldfind in the Auditor General’s report a lot of times you

would have follow-ups and previous year matters repeating itself coming forward,”Fernandessaid.

That aside, Fernandes notedthatovertheyearsthe PAC has encountered the challenge of getting accountingofficerstoappear before the committee, despiterequests.

“The Ministry of Health was a big example of that, and they always send in an excusewhytheycan’tmake it. They always have some other thing to do. So, when we do have those reports mergedtogetherthereisone showing for those accounting officers to come to the PAC to answer for all three years. What we do is whentheaccountingofficers are sitting there to take questions from the Public Accounts Committee, the paragraphsareputandevery singlememberofthePACis given the opportunity to ask whateverquestiontheywant to ask on whichever paragraph they’re asking,” sheadded.

Guyana seeing the end of several targeted health conditions – Minister Anthony

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony has highlighted Guyana’s historic progress in tackling long-standing public health challenges, noting that the countryisfinally“seeingthe endofthetunnel”forseveral targetedconditions.

Dr Anthony addressed theNationalConsultationon the Integrated Disease Elimination Strategy, urging stakeholders to completely shifttheirmindsetfrommere disease control to total, validatedelimination.

Reflecting on the country’s progress with Lymphatic Filariasis (filaria), the Minister recalled the long journey fromhistoricaltreatmentsto

modern triple therapy, saying, “We are now seeing to the end of the tunnel and hopefully with the focus areasthatwehave.Thatwill thenputusonthepathwayof getting certification that we haveeliminatedfilaria.”

He reminded the forum ofthedisease’sdeeprootsin Guyana, adding, “There’s a very rich history with filaria inthiscountry,buthopefully wecaneliminateitandclose thatchapter.”

Addressing leprosy, the Dr Anthonypointedoutthat, while national figures are low, localised efforts must continue.

“While looking at the numbers at the national level, we can say safely that

we have eliminated leprosy, but we still have maybe about 30-something cases andthey’reinspecificareas. We need to work on those specific areas, again, close that chapter,” he said, reflecting on the country’s medical past including the historical leprosarium at KaowIsland.

The Minister also demanded a critical shift in how the country tackles malaria, which remains endemic in four regions. Dr Anthony concluded by reminding the committee that their role is to actively guide these technical results ratherthanmeetinginanadhocmanner,emphasisingthe lastingimpactoftheirwork.

On Wednesday, Minister Anthony told healthcare providersattheHEARTSin the Americas Regional Quality Improvement Workshop held in Georgetown of Guyana’s aggressive strategy to modernise its healthcare infrastructure through international collaborations, institutional quality frameworks, and strict adherence to clinical guidelines.

Minister Anthony underscored the vital importance of strategic international collaborations, notingthatpartnershipswith global institutions like Harvard have directly translated into tangible benefits for the local population.

He revealed that while

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage for individuals aged 9 to 15 hovered around 60% globally just two years ago, Guyana’s intensive efforts haveseencoverageclimbto between 60% and 90% this year The Ministry aims to hit a comprehensive 90% coverageratebynextyear

“Through our strategic collaboration, we have been able to source and subsidise the vaccine significantly, making it accessible to our populationinsteadofpaying the standard market rate of $360perdose,”Dr Anthony stated.

Reflecting on the evolution of infectious disease management, the Minister noted that previous protocols required lengthy diagnosticpipelinesbetween

clinicsandhospitals.

“Today, strategic sourcing has allowed the Ministry to acquire cutting edge therapeutics for conditions like Hepatitis C and HIV for less than $150, fundamentally altering patientoutcomesandscaling uptreatmentspeed,”hesaid.

Minister Anthony expressed his profound gratitude to the workshop organisers, international facilitators, and regional delegates for convening in Guyana to drive the quality improvement agenda forward He urged all participantstointernalisethe strategies discussed and translate them into immediate, measurable changes within their respective healthcare systems.

Coomacka Primarytemporarilyrelocatedas overtoppingDemeraraRiverfloodsschoolcompound

Classes at the Coomacka Primary School have been temporarily relocated to the Coomacka Multipurpose Hall building after the school’s compound is flooded due to the overtoppingoftheDemeraraRiver, the Department of Education for

The Coomacka Primary School in Region 10 is flooded due to the overtopping of the Demerara River into the compound.

inundated with more than two feet ofwater,andthefloodwaterswere also found to be contaminated creating significant health and safetyconcerns.

Region10announcedonFriday

Accordingtoastatementonthe Department’s Facebook page, an emergency supervisory visit was conductedonFridayattheprimary school by Regional Education Officer, Ms. La ShannaAnderson, and Education Officer II, Mr

Selwyn Griffith to assess the impact of the flooding and to determine the suitability of the school compound for continued occupancy

The education officers observed that several sections of the school compound were

The officers also accessed critical areas of the school, including the kitchen, which required traversing water above kneeheight.TheDepartmentstated that as a result of these conditions, it was determined that the current school location is unsafe for learnersandstaff.

“Contingency arrangements have been implemented for learners and staff to be accommodated at the Coomacka Multipurpose Hall. Teachers will continuetoreportfordutydailyto facilitate the administration of Annual Examinations which commences on Monday June 15, 2026, the National Grade Five Assessment (NGFA), and to complete all end-of-term activities,”theDepartmentstated.

Continued on page 20

Jagdeo’s Region Five blitz hears hundreds of complaints by citizens in one day

Just two weeks after leading a government outreach in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), VicePresident Bharrat Jagdeo on F r i d a y t o o k t h e administration’s ministerial engagement drive to Fort Wellington, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), where hundredsofresidentsturned out seeking solutions to longstandingissues.

what they would like to see, whatproblemsandconcerns they are experiencing,” the ministeremphasised.

Joining the VP were several ministers to government,technicalstaffof their ministries, heads of government agencies and utilityservices

Speakingtoreportsonthe sidelines, Minister Dr Ashni Singhhailedtheoutreachasa “resounding success,” after the government managed to resolve hundreds of matters in one day The minister added that such activities help to validate that citizens remain at the core of the government’sphilosophy “ W h e n w e a r e determining our policies,

such as those that we will include in our manifestos beforeanelection,weconsult directly with people When we are implementing those policies such as through the vehicle of our annual budgets, we engage closely with the citizens of our country. Throughout the year,ourpresident,ourvicepresident, our prime minister, our ministers are constantly in communities throughout the length and breadth of our country, speaking to the citizens of Guyana, and hearing from the citizens their perspectives on what we’re doing as a government, and

Concerns raised during Friday’s outreach we’re not limitedtohousing,waterand other utility services, while matters surrounding the acquisition of the government’s cash grant wereforemost.

MinisterSinghnotedthat while the success was overwhelming, every issue could not have been immediately remedied

practically, but systems for follow-up resolutions were set up to ensure that everyone is eventually accommodated.

Heexplainedtoo,thatone avenue to facilitate citizens’ concerns is the Government Service Centers which are now operational in several Regions. Agencies onboard Friday’s events were the Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Human Services andSocialSecurity,Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development,

Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry ofAgriculture, and the Ministry of Education, amongothers.

Officials from the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), and otheressentialagencieswere alsopresent.

Region Five Chairman Recardo Phillips, Regional Vice-Chairman Kleon Lindey, and Regional Executive Officer (REO) MarySamarooalsojoinedthe vice-president

Hire car drivers operating along the New Amsterdam-Corentyneroute are expressing growing frustration over what they describe as rampant illegal competition from private vehicleoperators,asituation they say is steadily destroyingtheirlivelihoods.

On Thursday, several drivers renewed calls for authoritiestocrackdownon private cars allegedly operating as taxis while evading the regulations and costs imposed on licenced hirecaroperators.

The drivers who ply the New Amsterdam to Corentyne route, provide services within measured distances from New AmsterdamtobetweenRose Hall and Skeldon Their primary locations establishedovertheyearsin New Amsterdam for passengers are adjacent to theNewAmsterdamMarket a n d n e a r b y O n e CommunicationsonStrand. Ironically, the park whichoccupiesspacenearby GTT,ismerefeetawayfrom the Central Police Station,

Berbicetaxidriverscryfoul

...as private cars eat into earnings ...accused authorities of failing to curb rampant unlawful passenger service

whichenforcestrafficlaws.

Atherley McDonald, a driver for 15 years, travels between New Amsterdam and Skeldon. His concern pertains to the prevailing presence of private vehicles blatantly positioned at the Corentyne Car Park, reserved for himself and other certified hire car drivers.

“I’m just asking the Home Affairs Minister, the Police Commissioner, the Police Commander (of RegionSix),pleaselookinto this matter for us...we are

looking to get some assistance from the higher authorities these private carsworkingonaday-to-day basisjustlikeahirecar.”

“Thegaspriceraise,you go to the workshop, it (the cost)raise,yougosimplyto airyourcarwheel,is1000to fix,”hestated.

He explained that himself and his colleagues are expected to operate within legal bounds, while the private cars operate at random.

The situation remains unchanged, according to Ivor Dhuman The New Amsterdam to Skeldon driver said that the private cars in excess on the road seeking to derail the hire

cars,andthatthepoliceisnot respondingtothesituationin a manner that would deter suchillegalities.

To compound it, he noted, “and the gas consumption is very high. The cost of living is very highinthisplace...ifyouask them (passengers) for a lil 300 extra, they making a problemoverit.”

Dhuman wants the authoritiestotaketheprivate hiresofftheroad.

Another affected driver, Delroy Watts, told reporters that the private car drivers are even boldly exacting a higher fare. Operating the NewAmsterdam to Skeldon route, Watts said he and his colleagues would charge

$2,000fare.

Moreover, Watts said that the vehicles are noncompliant with tint regulations that they themselves have committed toabidingby

“The private cars that working on the road, they very dark We reported several times, nobody never lookintoit.”

The claim that their complains were not considered was disputed by Police Division ‘B’ Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Shivpersaud Bacchus, as well as the head of the R e g i o n ’s T r a f f i c Department,Assistant

Continuedonpage20

Fmr. MOH Drug Bond attendant to stand trial in High Court for money laundering

FormerMinistryofHealthDrug Bond Attendant, Terrence Williams, has been committed to stand trial in theHighCourtformoneylaundering

On Monday, Magistrate Wanda Fortune, sitting at the Diamond Magistrates’Court,foundthatthereis sufficient evidence for Williams to stand trial in the High Court in relationtoachargeinstitutedunder the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of TerrorismAct.

As a result, the matter was reportedtotheGoldenGrovePolice Station and subsequently to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

In a statement SOCU said that

The charge alleges that on or about Monday, 21st March, 2022, Terrence Williams and others were Store Attendants employed by the Ministry of Health’s Material Management Unit (MMU) drug bond, situated at 1st Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara. Williams and his colleagues had unhindered access to pharmaceutical and testing kits stored at the bond Between January 2021 and November 2022, they stole a quantity of pharmaceuticalandtestingkitsfrom the bond, which they sold and used theproceedstoenrichthemselves.

Williams and others were contacted bythepoliceatthedrugbond,where they along with their vehicles were searched In Williams’ car, police foundG$4,580,000andUS$5,760, along with a .38 pistol and thirtyoneroundsof.38ammunition,and two rounds of 9 mm ammunition. He was arrested and the firearm, ammunition and cash were lodged asinvestigationscontinued.

Williams was subsequently chargedandconvictedofpossession of arms and ammunition without a licence.

TheAuditOfficeofGuyanawas subsequentlycalledinandconducted a special audit at the drug bond,

covering the period January 2021 to November 2022, where it was discovered that G$343,808,000.00 in drugs and testing kits were missing from the Ministry of Health Management Unit Bond, Diamond,EastBankDemerara.

As investigations continued, Williams was charged with Money Laundering Pursuant to AML/CFT Act Cap 10:11 in that he acquired, possessed or controlled cash amounting to approximately G$7,489,543,togetherwithforeign currency, knowing or having reasonable grounds to believe that thesaidcashrepresented,inwhole orinpart,theproceedsofcrime.

Terrence Williams

Following the committal, Williamswasgrantedbailinthesum of G$500,000 and was ordered to report to SOCU once every month pending the hearing and determination of the matter in the High Court. The accused was represented by Attorney-at-Law EdenCorbin.SOCUwasrepresented byprosecutors,attorneysDarinChan, DavidBraithwaite,andDSPNeville Jeffers

GuyananominatesAmbassadorRodrigues-Birkett

forUNSecretaryGeneral – President Ali announces

DPI - Guyana has nominated, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett to lead the UN as SecretaryGeneral, putting her forward as the candidate who President Dr Mohamed IrfaanAlidescribedasfitand propertoleadtheworldbody

President Ali made the announcement on Friday night in a video statement

posted to his page, positioning Ambassador Rodrigues-Birkett to succeed Secretary General António Guterres, whose tenureendsonDecember31, 2026. The head-of-state tied the nomination directly to Guyana’s rising standing in internationalaffairs.

“Over the past several years, Guyana has emerged asaninfluentialvoiceonthe global stage. Our successful election to the United Nations Security Council, and the successful completion of our 20242025 term on the body, have demonstrated to the world that Guyana can provide leadership at various levels of the global system,” he declared.

‘War

PresidentAlisaidGuyana can provide leadership at various levels of the global system, noting that throughout its 2024-2025 term on the UN Security Council,thecountrypressed consistently for peace, dialogue and respect for

internationallaw

He said Guyana had also carved out an increasingly prominent role on climate change, food and energy security,biodiversity,andthe interests of small and developing states, arguing that the country has shown

on drugs demands China-U.S. cooperation’ — experts

say

Assyntheticdrugscontinuetoposea growing threat to public health worldwide, experts from China and the United States are urging both countries to strengthen cooperation in the fight againstdrugabuseandtrafficking.

Featured in CGTN’s documentary WarOnFentanyl:RecordofChina-U.S. Cooperation, four specialists from the fields of medicine, addiction research and law enforcement delivered a common message: the drug crisis is a globalchallengethatnonationcansolve alone

The global drug problem cannot be solved by any single country acting alone According to Zhou Wenhua, a researcher at the Affiliated Kangning HospitalofNingboUniversityandvice president of the ChineseAssociation of DrugAbusePrevention&Treatment,the scale and complexity of drug abuse today make international cooperation indispensable

Zhou noted that nearly 300 million people worldwide abuse psychoactive

substances, while scientific understanding of addiction remains limited Inhisview,deepercooperation among countries would not only strengtheneffortstoaddressdrugabuse but also advance research into psychoactivesubstancesandthehuman brainitself

By sharing knowledge and resources, the international community can develop more effective approaches to prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation

Experts also believe that China and the United States possess complementary strengths that could contribute significantly to global drug governance

Shen Haowei, professor at the Faculty of Medicine of Ningbo University and head of its Professional Master’sPrograminPharmacy,pointed out that China has established an evidence-based system for evaluating

drug-related harms The United States, meanwhile, has accumulated extensive epidemiologicaldata,aswellasvaluable experience in street-level monitoring andlaw-enforcementpractice

According to Shen, closer cooperation between the two countries could help make their respective drugcontrol legislation more scientific and evidence-based Moreimportantly,such collaboration could contribute to the development of internationally recognized standards for regulating emerging psychoactive substances, providing a stronger framework for globaldrugcontrol

While political and diplomatic uncertainties often complicate bilateral relations, some experts argue that these challenges should not prevent cooperation on issues that affect public welfare

Liu Yu, executive director and professor at the Faculty of Medicine of Ningbo University, emphasised that drug-related threats are shared challenges She argued that countries should be willing to set aside certain destabilising factors and continue workingtogetherevenwhendifferences remain Inherview,cooperationshould not be held hostage to broader

economic growth and environmental stewardship canmovetogether

Turning to the candidate, PresidentAlisaidRodriguesBirkett brings the depth of experience the office demands She has served as Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN since 2020 and led the country’s participation during its historic Security Counciltenure.

“Ambassador Rodrigues Birkett has acquired the experience, expertise, judgement, and diplomatic skills necessary to perform ably and effectively carry out the duties of SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations,”heaffirmed.

Her career spans more than two decades in public service SheservedasDirector of the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s liaison office

Members of the panel

geopolitical tensions when common interestsareatstake

This sentiment is echoed by experts intheUnitedStates

David, a former diversion investigator with the U S Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), stressed that drugs do not discriminate based on politics, ideology, or national affiliation Theharmtheycauseextends across borders and affects communities regardlessofpoliticaldifferences

For that reason, he argued, cooperation between China and the UnitedStatesshouldbeviewedasmore thanamatterofdiplomacy Atitscore,it is a shared effort to protect future generations from the devastating consequencesofdrugabuse

Although they come from different countriesandprofessionalbackgrounds, the four experts deliver a common message: drugs are a common enemy Scientific research, legislative innovation,publichealthmeasures,and law-enforcementcooperationallrequire international collaboration In the fight againstdrugabuseandtrafficking,they believeChinaandtheUnitedStateshave a n o p p o r t u n i t y a n d a responsibility toworktogetherforthe benefitoffuturegenerations

inGenevafrom2017to2020, asMinisterofForeignAffairs from 2008 to 2015, and as Minister of Amerindian Affairs from 2001 to 2008, where she championed the rights and welfare of Indigenouspeoples

Guyana’s president said the next Secretary-General must be able to build trust among Member States, restore confidence in multilateral institutions and leadwithvision,qualitieshe said Rodrigues-Birkett has demonstrated throughout hercareer

HervisionfortheUN,he added, centres on strengthening multilateralism, makingtheorganisationmore effective and responsive, and keeping it capable of confronting conflict, climate change, food insecurity and emergingthreatstopeaceand security

“Accordingly, the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana will actively advocateforthecandidature of Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Burkett and engage with Member States of the United Nations in support of our elections as the next Secretary-General of the United Nations,” PresidentAliaffirmed.

The decision was made after “careful consideration, and in consultation with many colleagues” the presidentunderscored

Coomacka Primarytemporarily...

Frompage15

Further,theCommunityEnhancementProgramme(CEP) workers and Pathway workers, have committed to assisting withtherelocationoffurnitureandotheressentialresources totheMultipurposeHallonSaturdayJune13,2026

“Theirsupportwillplayavitalroleinensuringthatthe transitioniscompletedefficiently TheDepartmentremains committedtosafeguardingthewelfareoflearnersandstaff while ensuring that educational activities continue despite the challenges posed by the flooding,” the Department of Educationexpressed.

Frompage18

SuperintendentCharlesHooke

Speakingtothemedia,Bacchussaidthathisofficehasnot receivedanyformalcomplaints Thisdoesnottranslatetoany complacency on part of the police, he explained, adding that operationsrelevanttosuchconcernshavebeencarriedout.

“We would have conducted enforcement exercises throughouttheregion,andiftheprivatecarisbeingstoppedby the police, usually we do charge those persons for operating privatehire”Thecommanderdidhighlightasimplechallenge whenconfrontingsuchsituations Heexplainedthatasprivate carsarepulledover,theoccupantswouldaffirmthattheyare simplybeinggivenalift

“For us to properly prosecute those matters, we have to have statements from persons within that vehicle,” Commander Bacchus stated Indicating that the traffic departmentisawareoftaxibasesutilizingprivatecars,Hooke urged individuals to report the vehicle information to the police,evenasheremindedthatprivatehireisanoffense

Reg. 3 RDC to spend $50.6M to build four concrete heavy-duty bridges

The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Three,havingreceived$14.7Bfromthisyear’sbudget,will be spending approximately $50,658,502 to construct three reinforced concrete bridges in four communities in the region.

The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) said more than 30 contractors have submitted bids for each project. The bridges will be constructed at Back Street, Ruimzeight at a cost of $12,702,750;aheavy-dutybridgelinkingWindsorForestto LaJalousieatanestimatedcostof$12,702,750;abridgeat Temple Street, Windsor Forest which is estimated at $12,550,250,andabridgeatSchoolStreet,GoedFortuinat anestimatedcostof$12,702,750.

Below are the companies and their bids:

RegionalDemocraticCouncilofRegionThree

Constructionofreinforcedconcreteheavy-duty

atBackStreet,Ruimzeight.

VACANCY

Vacancy at Dyna's Embroideryand Screenprints: We are hiring anAccountsClerk.Tel#2262621.

VacancyforCOOK/BAKER AND PITMAN for interior location.Applicantsmustbe experiencedCall231-2250.

Vacancy exists for Accounts Clerk. Email: info@ splashminsresort.com.

Experiencedtruckdriveralso withavanlicence.Locatedat lot1PublicRoad,Ruimveldt Tele#639-0850/625-7634.

Cook needed to work in the interior. Call: #700-1196. MustknowtospeakEnglish.

OneliveindomesticpartnerLight housework, Salary

$100,000monthlyTele#6039085

Seamstress and sewing machineoperator Tele#6224381

VacancyforExperienced cook and kitchen assistant, located at Charlestown. Tele#601-4918/676-5534

FOR SALE

TRUCKTIRES295/75R22.5

$40K EACH. CALL/ WHATSAPP+592-688-3201.

Helium Gas for Balloons Price6230ltrs$136,800VAT Inc. 9350 ltrs $171,000VAT Inc.UHPArgongas,Mixgas and other high purity gas can be ordered. Friendship Oxygen Limited WhatsApp #634-3430

Caterpillar Generator CaterpillarD342CEnginein good working condition WhatsApp#634-3430

2-100 HP Motor 3 Ph 440

Volts1-75HPMotor3Ph440 VoltsWhatsApp#634-3430

AluminumSulphate$13,700. SodaAsh$18,200.PoolSalts

$13,700.CausticSodaPearls

$18,000. Copper Algaecide $11,400VATInc Friendship Oxygen Limited Call/ WhatsApp:634-3430

PAG46$22,800RPO32Oil

$22,800RPO68Oil$22,800

ACFlashFlush$22,800VAT Inc. Friendship Oxygen LimitedCall/WhatsApp:6343430

SulphuricAcid5gal$34,200

Nitric Acid 5 gal $34,200

Hydrochloric Acid 5 gal

$34,200VATInc.Friendship Oxygen Limited Call/ WhatsApp:634-3430

FOR SALE

Condemned Oxygen Cylinders $1,140 VAT Inc. Friendship Oxygen Limited Call/WhatsApp:634-3430.

Compressed CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Gas and Cylinders also Hydrogen and other gases Can be supplied on order Friendship Oxygen Limited WhatsApp # 6343430.

HoneywellRefrigerationGas: R404a$30,000R134a$38,7960

R410$33,000R-448$77,520 R290$14,800 R600a$14,800. R32$30,780 R407c$34,200 VAT Inc. Friendship Oxygen LimitedCall/WhatsApp:6343430.

MAIINVESTMENTGINC.In stock: Potatoes,regular&red onion, cheese, leg-quarters chicken, sausages, fries. Tele#625-7634.

Granular Chlorine 100 lbs $77,520 VAT Inc. Chlorine Tablets 40 lbs $72,960 VAT Inc. Friendship Oxygen LimitedCall/WhatsApp:6343430.

1234yf$14,799VATInc. WhatsApp#634-3430

VEHICLES FOR SALE

1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, spoiler, low mileage, PTTSeries(firstowner).Call: 649-0956.

SERVICES

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK: Graphics design, advertisements, weddingarchrentals.Tel:6267040.

JURISDICTIONFAMILY

DIVISIONPetitionNo.FD72BETWEEN:(HEADLY) VANESSAIVERNAApplicant -and- (WONG)

COLERIDGE ANDRÉ

ARTHURRespondentTO: COLERIDGE ANDRÉ

ARTHURWONG911Plantation Westminister, West Bank Demerara, Guyana. (lastknownaddress)TAKE NOTICEthatonthe26thday of March, 2026 an Application Relating to Child(ren) withAffidavitinSupportwas filed against you by VANESSA IVERNA HEADLY,theApplicantinthe Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

ANDFURTHERTAKENO-

TICEthataspartofanOrder madeonthe14thdayofMay 2026 the Applicant was directedtoeffectserviceofher Petition on you by publication of a Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of Kaieteur News a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana.

ANDFURTHERTAKENO-

TICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-atLaw at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Notice of Application together with related documents.

ANDFURTHERTAKENO-

TICE that if you desire to DefendthisApplication,then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Notice ofApplication,youmustfileaReply and/or Affidavit in Answer, viatheonlineportal,(https:/ /ejudiciar y. supremecourt.gy)within35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the Second and final publication of this Notice.

TAKENOTICEthattheApplication is fixed for DirectionsHearingonMondaythe 10thdayofAugust,2026at 10:15ambeforetheHonorable Mr. Justice Gino PersaudviaZoom.Meeting ID: 733 558 9086 and Passcode: Court3 at the Family Division of the High CourtatGeorgetown. INDEFAULTofyoufilinga Reply and/or Affidavit in Answermayproceedinyour absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Application.TheRegistryof the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara].Theofficeisopen

tothepublicbetween8:00am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdaysand8:00amto2:30 pmonFridaysexceptonpublicholidaysandonsuchother daysastheRegistryisclosed. Dated the 5th day of June, 2026FORREGISTRAR [Signature]

LEGALNOTICE LEGALNOTICE

2026/95-HC-CD-FDA-DEMCIV 2026/06/12 11:29 IN THEHIGHCOURTOFTHE SUPREMECOURTOFJUDICATURE OF GUYANA REGULARJURISDICTION

2026/95-HC-CD-FDA-DEMCIV BETWEEN TRITON TRANSPORTATIONSERVICES&LOGISTICSINC., Company incorporated in Guyana under the provisions of the 1991, Companies Act ofGuyanawithitsregistered office situate at Lots 13-15 Earl’sAvenue,Subryanville, Georgetown.Applicant-and1. RAWLE ABRAMS also known as RAWLE ANTHONY ABRAMS 2. MICHAELRONMUNROE3. THE REGISTRAR OF DEEDS Respondents NOTICE:TO:RAWLEABRAMS alsoknownasRAWLEANTHONYABRAMSLot2437 ERBurrowesStreet,North Ruimveldt Georgetown, GuyanaTAKENOTICEthat aFixedDateApplicationwas filedonthe23rddayofApril, 2026,againstyoubyTRITON TRANSPORTATIONSERVICES&LOGISTICSINC., Company incorporated in Guyana under the provisions of the 1991, Companies Act ofGuyanawithitsregistered office situate at Lots 13-15 Earl’sAvenue, Subryanville, Georgetown, in the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara, where the Applicantasksfor:a)AnOrderfor specificperformancecompellingtheFirst-namedRespondent to complete the sale and transfer of property described hereunder which the subject of the Agreement of SaleisandPurchasedated7th November,2025betweenthe Applicant and the Firstnamed Respondent, that is to say:Lotnumbered2437(two thousand four hundred and thirty-seven) being a part of lotnumbered1(one)Section “C” being a portion of block “X” being portion of Great Diamond, in the Golden Grove-DiamondPlaceLocal

Government District, situate on the East Bank of the DemeraraRiver,intheCounty of Demerara, in the Republic ofGuyana,thesaidblock“X” containing area of 678.3412 (six hundred and seventyeight decimal three four one two)acresasshownonaplan by M.E. Rafiek, Sworn Land Surveyor dated the 14th day of June, 1996 and deposited in the Deeds Registry at Georgetown on the 18th day ofJune,1999,thesaidlotcontaining an area of 0.1409 (nought decimal one four nought nine) of an acre as shown on Plan No. 31741 by D. Ramkarran Sworn Land Surveyor dated the 26th day of October, 2001 and deposited in the Deeds Registry, aforesaid on the 5th day of June, 2002 with the building and erections thereon. Alternatively

(a) (i) An Order that the Applicant be authorized to apply for on behalf of the Firstnamed Respondent and lodge with the Registrar of Deeds, the Third-named Respondent, a Certificate of CompliancefromtheGuyana RevenueAuthorityandNDC Certificate from the local authority, Certificate of Valuation and any or all other relevant statutory documents required to pass Transport numbered 1989 of 2023 into the name of the Applicant, should the First-named Respondent fail to so do.

(ii) An Order that the Applicant be authorized and empowered to apply for and be issued with the relevant TIN CertificateoftheFirst-named Respondentinordertofacilitate the application for the relevantCertificatesofCompliancefromtheGuyanaRevenue Authority,

(iii) An order that the Applicantbepermittedtolodgethe balance of the purchase REMECOLIDTOFpriceless the cost of obtaining the relevant Certificate of Compliance,NDCCertificateandall other expenses incurred to facilitate the passing for Transportnumbered.1989of 2023intothenameoftheApplicant.

(iv)AnOrderauthorisingthe Third-named Respondent to passTransportfromtheFirstnamed Respondent into the name of the Applicant upon the compliance with the statutoryrequirements,asset outintheDeedsRegistryAct Chapter 5:01 of the Laws of Guyana.

(c)AnAnInjunctionrestraining the First-named Respondent from in any way alienating, encumbering, selling, mortgaging or disposing of

property described hereunder, in Transport numbered 1989 of 2023, that is to say: “Lot numbered 2437 (two thousand four hundred and thirty-seven) being a part of lotmemberedI(one)Section “C”beingaportionofblock “X” being portion of Great Diamond, in the Golden Grove-DiamondPlaceLocal GovernmentDistrict,situate on the East Bank of the Demerara River, in the County of Demerara, in the RepublicofGuyana,thesaid block“X”containingareaof 678.3412 (six hundred and seventy-eight decimal three fouronetwo)acresasshown on a plan by M.E. Rafiek, SwornLandSurveyordated the 14th day of June, 1996 and deposited in the Deeds Registry at Georgetown on the18dayofJune,1999,the said lot containing an area of 0.1409 (nought decimal one four nought nine) of of an an acre as shown on Plan No.31741byD.Ramkarran, SwornLandSurveyordated the26thdayofOctober,2001 and deposited in the Deeds Registry, aforesaid on the 5th day of June, 2002 with the building and erections thereon.” Injunction restraining the First-named Respondentfromconveying COURT Transport of the said property into the name(s) of any other person other than theApplicant. (e) Alternatively, an Order that theFirst-namedRespondent reimburse the Applicant for all sums expended towards the purchase price and construction works carried out onthesaidpropertyamounting to the sum of $23,232,937.00 (twentythree million two hundred and thirty-two thousand nine hundred and thirtyseven dollars). (f) Such further Order or relief which to the Court seems just. (g) Costs.

ANDFURTHERTAKENOTICE that as part of an Ordermadeonthe22nddayof May,2026,the Applicantis directed to effect service of this application on you by publication of a Notice in two (2) consecutive SaturdayissuesoftheKAIETEUR Newspaper, a newspaper printed,publishedandcirculatedinandaroundGuyana. ANDFURTHERTAKENOTICE that if you desire to defendthisApplication,you must forthwith, within 28 (twentyeight)daysafterthe secondandfinalpublication, enteranAppearancethereto, and serve an Affidavit in Defence on Kissoon & Kissoon Chambers, whose

address for service and place of business is at Lot 99HadfieldStreetStabroek, Georgetown, Demerara, Guyana, Email: Kissoon & Kissoon@yahoo.com, and file same to this cause in the Registry of the High Court at Georgetown via the High Court’s eLitigation online platform with the use of the authorisationcode:RGThPP, not later than 4 (four) days beforethedatefixedforhearing of the application, and you or your Attorney-atLawmustappearatthehearing.

ANDFURTHERAKENOTICEthatifyoufailtofilean Affidavit in Defence and/or if you fail to appear at the hearing,finaljudgmentmay be given against you notwithstanding your absence.

ANDFURTHERTAKENOTICEthattheFixedDateApplication is adjourned to 26 June2026at9:00ambefore theHonorableJustice.FOR REGISTRAR

Dated this 12th day of June,2026

2026/351-FD-PET-DEM INTHEHIGHCOURTOF THESUPREMECOURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY,DIVORCEAND MATRIMONIALJURISDICTION FAMILYDIVISION

PETITIONNO.FD-351 BETWEEN: (STEPHENS) CAMILLE REBECCAneeSMITH Petitioner

2026/351-FD-PET-DEM INTHEHIGHCOURTOF THESUPREMECOURT OF JUDICATURE

FAMILY,DIVORCEAND MATRIMONIALJURISDICTION FAMILYDIVISION

PETITIONNO.FD-351 BETWEEN: (STEPHENS) CAMILLE REBECCA nee SMITH Petitioner -and(STEPHENS)PAULELIHU Respondent

TO: PAUL ELIHU

STEPHENS Somerset Squatting Area

Charity, Essequibo Coast GuyanaTAKENOTICEthat on the 26th day of March, 2026 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by

CAMILLE REBECCA

STEPHENSneeSMITH,the Petitioner/Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.

ANDFURTHERTAKENOTICEthataspartofanOrder madeonthe21stdayofMay, 2026, the Petitioner/Applicant was directed to effect serviceofherPetitiononyou by publication of Notice in two(2)consecutiveSaturday issues of Kaieteur News daily, a newspaper printed, published and circulated in Guyanaandontheworldwide web(online).

ANDFURTHERTAKENOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-atLawattheRegistryofFamily DivisionoftheHighCourtat Georgetown,Demerarawhere you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.

ANDFURTHERTAKENOTICEthatifyoudesiretodefend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition and Application, you must file an AcknowledgementofService, NoticeofIntentiontoDefend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or CrossPetitionviathee-litigationPlatform(online)https:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy within 35 (thirty-five) days fromthedateofthefinalpublication of this Notice. Your accesscodeisu39FUm.

TAKENOTICE thattheDivorce is fixed for Directions HearingonMondaythe10th dayofAugust,2026at11:15 a.m. in-person before the Honourable Justice Peter Hugh.

INDEFAULTofyourfilingan

AcknowledgementofService, NoticeofIntentiontoDefend, Answerand/orCrossPetition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make anyOrderitconsidersappropriate,includinggrantingthe Divorce.

The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown,Demerara].The office is open to the public between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Fridaysexceptonpublicholidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 29th day of May, 2026.

INTHEHIGHCOURTOFOF THESUPREMECOURTOF

JUDICATURE

FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIALJURISDICTION FAMILYDIVISION PetitionNo.1021

BETWEEN:(MAITLAND)

MONETTECANDACYnee

BEETWELLPetitioner/Applicant-and(MAITLAND) KURTIS TYRONNERespondent

TO: KURTIS TYRONNE

MAITLAND Lot 17 Church Street, Stanleytown, West BankDemerara,Guyana.

TAKE NOTICE that on the 15th day of September 2025, PetitionforDivorcewasfiled against you by MONETTE CANDACYMAITLANDnee

BEETWELL,thePetitioner/ ApplicantintheFamilyDivision of the High Court in Georgetown,Demerara.

ANDFURTHERTAKENO-

TICE that if you desire, you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized Attorney-at-LawattheRegistryof Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of theApplication together with related documents.

ANDFURTHERTAKENOTICE thatifyoudesiretorespond to this Application, then upon receipt of the certified copy, you must file an AcknowledgementofService, Notice of Intention to Defend (forms areavailableattheRegistry), and Answer via the online portal (https:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy) within50(fifty)daysfromthe date of the final publication of this Notice. YouraccesscodeisrPoAEU.

TAKENOTICEthatthematter is fixed for Directions HearingonThursdaythe9th dayofJuly 2026 at 9:40 am before the HonourableMadamJustice Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus in Court1A and/orviaZoomusingMeeting ID: 986 289 5666 and Passcode: Court1. INDEFAULTOFyourfiling an Acknowledgment of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, and Answer, the Court may proceed in your absence and may make an Order it considers appropriate.TheRegistryoftheFam-

Woman raped by brotherin-law who demanded sex as ‘birthday gift’

Afemalepart-timeworker is coping with severe trauma aftershewasreportedlyraped bythebrotherofherhusband on Thursday evening, who sherelatedcommittedtheact onherashisself-demanding birthday present.

Policehavesincearrested the suspect who is to be charged in the new week.

The 26-year-old victim, who lives with her young daughter in a West Bank Berbice community, told the media on Friday that on Thursday afternoon, she had just returned from work and had completed cleaning up her yard with her daughter

"I got so tired, I went by my friend, sit down and gyaf lil bit, then I come home by 8:30, and gon' in bed," she stated.

Just about 9, she mentioned that she heard what sounded like a knock on the wall.As she cautiously arose and glanced through a crease in the wall, she did not observe anyone. She would return to bed and try to resume sleep.

"I sleep again, (then) I hear a sound like a foot stomped in the house. And I jump up and I look, there is my brother-in-law, my husband brother."

In no time the man violently grabbed her by her neck, brushing aside an electronictabletshetriedtoreach for which was on the bed. He did not possess any weapon.

"He start to choke me. I came off the bed and he hold me and carry me next to the fridge."

Her protestations were metwithimmediatethreatsto both her and her daughter's lives, which she explained promptedherfearfulcompliance.Theintruderthenmade clearhisintentionwhilebracing her to the fridge.

"He said that today is he birthday,andthatIdidn'tgive him anything. I said 'I don't have anything to give you'.

ilyDivisionoftheHighCourt is located at the Law Courts, Georgetown, Demerara. The office is open to the public between8:00amand3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00amto2:30pmonFridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registryisclosed. Datedthe 30thdayofApril2026.

Hesaidheain'tcomeforthat, he come to (expletives used) her.IsaidIamnotdoingthat, I would not do that," the victim recounted

The man then intensified his demands, asserting that he would not leave her home until his desires are granted. Hisaggressionwouldfurther increase; she stated that he yanked her hair while tightening his grip on her neck.

"The bed had two mattresses. He told me to take oneofthemattressandthrow it on the ground. I told him no, my daughter sleeping on the bed."

As she refused, the man reportedly snatched a pillow instead and placed it on the floor,thenremovedhisclothing. He then did the same to her.Repeatedlypleasforhim to leave were ignored, as the man placed her in a lying positionthenpositionedhimself atopherandbegantokissher

Her struggles were futile, she said, since the man had her pinned. The assailant wouldtakeitfurtherbyinserting his finger into the woman's vagina, before taking out his penis and rubbing it on her in order to become erected. Also, she was ordered to perform oral sex, which she refused.

The man would eventually have his way with her, physically subduing her and forcinghimselfinsideofher

Throughout the harrowing ordeal, she pleaded with himtodesist,butthemandisregardedherwithprofanities. After raping her he took a 'Sting'fromherfridgeandcasuallydrankit.

Beforeleaving,hereportedlytoldherheenjoyedhimself, and anticipates another sexual occasion with her. He also warned that no one should have knowledge of what had happened.

Moments after the incident, the victim disclosed that her daughter, who she thoughtwassleeping,started crying.Thechildtoldherthat when she heard the threats, she closed her eyes and pretendedtosleep,thereforeshe had no idea what transpired fully. She did see her uncle chokeher;thechildrelatedto her Neighbours and friends would assist her to the hospitalwhereshewasexamined by a doctor

The woman disclosed thatrelationshipwasstrained with her and her in-laws, and noted that she and her attackerinparticularwerenever on peaceful terms.

Additionalchargeslikely forsuspectinZeelugt murder – Crime Chief

The 23-year-old man who was charged with the murder of seven-year-old Adriel Aftab Mohamed is likely to face additionalchargesforallegedlyinjuring72-year-oldHaliman ItwarionJune5atherPhase3ZeelugtNewHousingScheme, EastBankEssequibo(EBE).

DeputyCommissionerofPoliceandCrimeChiefWendell Blanhum made the disclosure to reporters on Thursday on the sideline of an event held at the Police Officers’ Mess. Blanhumsaidtheelderlywomanisstillhospitalisedand when she recovers the police will interview her and thereafter prepare a case file that will be sent to the Director of PublicProsecutions(DPP),ShalimarAli-Hack,SC,forlegal advice.

“The grandmother is still hospitalised, and as soon as she recovers, the police will ensure we interview her and on completion,wewillpreparethecasefile,sendtotheDPPfor herlegalopinion,andmostdefinitelywewillinstitutecharge or charges based on DPP’s recommendation,” he explained.

The Crime Chief opted not to divulge the likely charges butsaid,“WhatIcantellyouisthattheperpetratorcommitted a very gruesome and despicable act. I do not want to divulge certain information pertaining to the act committed by the perpetrator apart from what I revealed to the media before.”

Twenty-three-year-old Shaheed Mohamed was arrested on Saturday, June 6, 2026 for Mohamed’s murder and the attempted murder of the elderly woman. He reportedly confessed to the crime and according to investigators, his confession was driven by a trail of digital evidence that placed him squarely at the scene.

OnTuesday, the suspect was charged with the murder of the seven-year-old child and remanded to prison.

The 72-year-old woman, remains a patient at the De Kinderen Regional Hospital. Her son, Naseeb Mohamed, Continued on page 24

U.S., Tehran signal peace deal within reach but not signed yet

WASHINGTON/DUBA

I/PARIS, June 12 (Reuters)

- The United States and Iran signalled on Friday that an agreement to end their war wasclose,withaseniorU.S. administration official sayingbothsideshadagreed onatextandthatWashington expectstosignaninitialdeal inthecomingdays.

Iranian Foreign Minister AbbasAraqchi said changes were still possible, but the tentative agreement showed his country had emerged strongerfromtheconflict.

“Iranisthewinnerofthe war with the U.S.,” he said onstatetelevision.

T h e p r o p o s e d m e m o r a n d u m o f understanding calls for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports,sourcesonallsidesof the talks said. Negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program

— U.S. President Donald Trump’s stated rationale for starting the war — would takeplaceafterward.

The U S official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters that the deal met Trump’s core objectives and put negotiations “in a very, very goodplace.”Accountsofthe draftproposalfromWestern, Pakistani and Iranian sourcespointedtotermsthat could favour Iran, drawing criticism from Trump, who dismissed the reports as inaccurate.

While there were minor differencesinthedetails,the proposals broadly offered

Tehran much of what it has sought, with Trump appearing to secure little beyondthereopening‘ofthe strait,whichIranclosedafter the U.S. and Israel strikes in February Araqchi said Iran would, along with Oman, retain control of traffic through the strait, which before the war handled onefifth of the world’s oil and gas supply “Our sword will always hang over the Strait ofHormuz,”hesaid.

Iranian news agencies reported on Saturday that explosionswereheardalong the strait in Iran’s Sirik port and Qeshm island, which residents and local officials attributed to shots fired by Iranian forces to warn vessels attempting to cross the waterway without permission from the RevolutionaryGuards’navy WHAT’S IN THE DEAL?

Draft terms of the deal described to Reuters by multiple sources indicate that the U.S. would begin releasing billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets and waive sanctions on its oil exports, in return for Iran openingthestrait. Iran’s nuclear program wouldbeaddressedduringa 60-day period of talks. The U.S. official said the agreement would ultimately lead to the dismantling of Iran’snuclearprogram,with its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to be destroyedandremoved.The terms also include an inspection regime to ensure compliance over the long

term.

But Araqchi told state television that Iran, which sourcessaidhasnotaccepted thedismantlingofitsnuclear program, wanted to retain the uranium in diluted form.

“For Tehran, the only preferred solution for its highly enriched uranium stockpile is down-blending thematerial,”hesaid.

The proposals include discussion of possible war reparations for Tehran and dropping longstanding U.S. demandsforlimitson‘Iran’s missileprogram,thesources said The U S official disputedthataccount.

“None of their money released until they perform. Strait of Hormuz will be open. No Iran funding of terrorist groups,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity “This is what they have agreed to This is a performance-baseddeal.”

ISRAEL

NOT PARTY TO MEMORANDUM

A Western source said

Smoke rises in southern Lebanon following an explosion, as seen from the Israeli side of the Israel-Lebanon border, in northern Israel, June 10, 2026. REUTERS/Ammar Awad

the deal could be signed as soonasSundaybyU.S.Vice President JD Vance and Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, with Geneva seen as the likeliestvenue.

Araqchi said the deal would be signed remotely beforeitisannounced.

The U.S. administration officialsaidEuropehadbeen discussed as a venue for signing but no decision had beenmade.

Israel, which launched thewaralongsidetheUnited States, has not been part of the negotiations Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ‘said his country would not be party to the agreement.

Netanyahu has clashed with Trump in recent weeks over U S demands that Israelcurbmilitaryactionin Lebanon to allow Washington to reach a deal withTehran.

Araqchi said the agreement would end the warinLebanon,implyingan

Boatcaptainkilledin MorucaRiveraccident

A 55-year-old boat captain is dead and his nephew injured after a speedboatcrashonFridayatthemouth of the Moruca River, in what police suspect may be an alcohol-related accident.

ThedeceasedwasidentifiedasJohn Henry, also known as “Johnny,” a businessman of Kumaka Waterfront, Moruca, North West District, Region One His nephew, Stephen Henry, sustainedinjuriesinthecrash.

According to police, John lost control of his 225-horsepower speedboatandslammedintoatreelimb leaning over the river The pair were discovered around 16:30hrs by another boat captain, who found them lying in thepartiallywreckedvesselandrushed themtoMorucaDistrictHospital.John died while receiving treatment, while his nephew was treated and later

transferred to Lima Hospital for further care. The two had travelled to Charity earlier that day to purchasegoodsfortheirshop.

Theboatcaptainwhodiscovered the wreck told police he had encountered John and his nephew shortlybeforetheydepartedCharity He said John appeared intoxicated and he asked him if he was alright. John responded with a thumbs-up before leaving with his nephew around15:40hrs.

Sometime later, as the captain made his way toward Moruca, he spotted boats floating near the river mouth around 16:30hrs. He then noticed John’s boat at the riverbank, badly damaged, with Henry lying unconscious inside. His nephew was consciousbutunabletorecallwhathad happened,sayingonlythathehadbeen

knockedunconsciousduringthecrash. Police say they have received information indicating John was seen drinking alcoholic beverages before departing for Kumaka. Investigations areongoing.

Israeli withdrawal from occupiedareas.

Israel’s defense minister saiditwouldnotwithdraw A senior Israeli official said Israel expects to retain its freedomtoactagainstthreats inareasunderitscontrol.

OIL PRICE FALLS

The progress towards an agreement has emerged at the end of a week ‘that broughtasharpescalationin hostilities in the Gulf, including Israeli-Iranian exchanges of fire and U.S. strikes on Iranian targets, followed by retaliation againstU.S.bases.

Global stocks rose and oil prices fell on the news.

Brent crude prices were down more than 3% at their lowestinnearlytwomonths.

The conflict has become a political headache for the White House, amid rising fuel prices and slipping

approvalratingsforTrump.

SomeRepublicansworry that the war’s unpopularity could cost them control of Congress in ‘November’s midtermelections.Butmany of Trump’s fellow Republicans may have difficulty endorsing an agreement viewed as too favorabletoIran.

Tehran has always said its nuclear program is peaceful and accepted tight curbs on it in return for the lifting of sanctions under a 2015 agreement with the administration of then-U.S. PresidentBarackObama. Trump abandoned that deal during his first term in 2018 and Iran responded by rampingupitsenrichmentof uranium, producing more than 400 kg (around 900 pounds) of material at close tothepurityneededtomake abomb.

Frompage23

briefly told Kaieteur News that her condition has improved andshewillbedischargedsoon.

“Sheisdoingmuchbetter Physicallymymomisokaybut mentallysheisnot.Sheisverytraumatisedandsheisstillin thehospital,”hesaid.

Thedeadlyhomeinvasionoccurredaround04:45hrs.on June5,2026whenthechildandhisgreat-grandmotherwere alone.Around 05:05 hrs., a relative arrived at the home and made the horrifying discovery — Itwari injured and young Adrieldead.TheelderlywomanwasrushedtoDeKinderen Regional Hospital. A post mortem conducted on Monday confirmed the boy died from an incised wound to the neck, compoundedbybluntforceinjuries.

From page 21

Venezuelan busted with 23 AK-47

A Venezuelan national was arrestedonThursdayafterranksof the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) intercepted a vehicle along the West Bank of Demerara and found 23 AK-47 rifles and matchingammunitioninside

Assistant Commissioner of Police and Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told Kaieteur News on Friday evening that “the weapons were manufactured in the USA (UnitedStatesofAmerica)”.

“The serial number for one of them remained intact,” Blanhum said while adding, “However, the other 22 rifles, the serial numbers wereobliterated”.

The weapons, according to the Crime Chief, are being examined by firearm experts at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters’CrimeLab.

Head of the CANU, James Singh told Kaieteur News that the casewashandedovertopoliceafter the bust was made. Three persons werereportedlyinthevehiclewhen CANUinterceptedit.Twoofthem managedtoescape.

Thursday’s bust is the second set of AK-47 rifles discovered within21days.

TenAk-47rifleswerefoundon May 22 along the No. 11 Village PublicRoadinBerbice.According

to police reports, ranks were conducting a stop-and-search exercise along the Berbice River Bridge Access Road between 01:00hrs and 04:30hrs when they intercepted a black Toyota Fielder Wagonbearingregistrationnumber HC9018.

Acting on information received, ranks later conducted a search along No. 11Village Public Road,wheretenAK-47rifleswere foundwrappedinplasticandcloth.

The firearms were examined and bore markings consistent with 7.62x39mm rifles. It was also observed that sections of the firearms appeared to have been tampered with, suspected to have been done to obscure serial numbers.

Furtherinvestigationsledtothe identification of the driver of motorcar #HC 9018 as a 33-yearoldtaxidriver,StephenRajah,33of Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara.

The man was subsequently interceptedatNabaclis,EastCoast Demerara,inthesaidmotorcarand arrested. He was later charged and remandedtoprison.

During that investigation, policehadalsofoundanabandoned ToyotaRunx#PSS4272atSecond Street, Savannah Park, New

Amsterdam, Berbice, suspected to have also been involved in the transportationofthefirearms.

Police later issued wanted bulletins for two men, Gregory Persaud and Antonio Alonzo Lawrieinconnectionwiththesame case.

They later surrendered to police. A day later, the Guyana Police Force via a statement to the press after their arrests said that a search was conducted on Friday June 5, 2026 about 17:00hrs at Farm,EastBankDemerara.

“During a search at the residenceofa21-year-oldwashbay attendant of Farm, New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, one extendedmagazine,suspectedtobe for a 9mm firearm, was found in a clothes basket in his bedroom”, policehadstated.

The 21-year-old was arrested andquestioned.

Following that find, police further notified the press that it had received legal advice to charge the wanted men - Gregory Persaud and Antonio Alonzo Lawrie with Conspiracy to CommitaFelony Persaud was also charged with theillegalpossessionoffirearms.

They were both remanded to prison.

Housing Ministry says FBI, INTERPOL on Omar Malik trail

The Ministry of Housing’s Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA)onFridaysaidithasformally engaged INTERPOL, the FBI, and CARICOM IMPACS as part of an intensified effort to hold contractor OmarMalikandhiscompany,DreamVu Homes, accountable for failing to honour contractual obligations to homeowners.

Inapressrelease,theMinistrysaidit remains committed to pursuing every available legal, administrative, and internationalavenuetosecurejusticefor families affected by Malik’s actions, stemming from his failure to complete construction of Young Professional Homesascontracted.

The Ministry outlined a timeline of steps it says it has taken well ahead of recentpublicattentiontothematter

These included multiple public notices issued through social media and the mediaincludingnoticespublishedinAugust 2025, urging Malik to report to the Ministry andsettleoutstandingfinancialmatters.

When Malik failed to comply, the Ministry said formal reports were submitted totheGuyanaPoliceForce.

After Malik left the jurisdiction, the Ministry’s Enforcement and Compliance Department escalated the matter internationally, sharing information with INTERPOL, the FBI, and CARICOM IMPACS, along with other relevant authorities, for review and possible crossborderaction.

The release also pushed back firmly

commentators, dismissing as false any suggestion that regulatory bodies have been inactive. The Ministry said such claims disregard what it described as an extensive, multi-agency legal framework currently in placetoapprehendMalik,andcautionedthe public against what it called politically motivated rhetoric distorting documented facts.

Additionally, the Ministry maintained that it has exercised due diligence throughout, acted in accordance with legal procedures, and fully cooperated with relevant authorities, reaffirming its commitmentto transparency, accountability, andtheprotectionofcitizens’interests.

TheMinistrysaidithasmaintainedclose contactwithaffectedfamiliesthroughoutthe process and continues to support investigations, while acknowledging the situation has caused significant distress to thoseaffected.

Beharry U19 School’s Cricket Tournament…

GBTI presents sponsorship ahead of opening rounds

Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) is the latest sponsor of the inaugural Beharry Group Under-19 schools cricket tournament which bowls off thisweekend.

GBTIpresentedacheque valued $3,500,000 during a ceremony yesterday at the Bank’s Head Office in Kingston.

weekend but the opening ceremony and matches in s o m e z o n e s w e r e rescheduled due to the currentinclementweather

Hesaidoncetheweather is favourable matches in the affectedzoneswillstartnext weekend.

Four matches will be played

Essequibo tomorrow

Saturday June 13, 2026

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Today's planetary energy will place you in a rather uncomfortable situation You'll be the one having to smooth things over with your group of friends. Try not to imposeyourpointofview

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Even though the times are favorable for relaxation, you won't be able to fully enjoy this period, Taurus You'll instead try to adjust your agendasoyoucanleadamore balancedlife.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Today's celestial configuration willbefavorabletochangesin your relationships. Your professional and private lives willbeinfluencedbyhowwell you deal with these relationships.

CANCER(June21–July22)

You've felt the need to create over the past several days. Thisattitudeiscertainlydueto the planetary positions, but it couldalsounderlieyourdesire to change your professional andprivatelives.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Whenyoufeelthatyourfriends are trying to change your everydaylife,youshouldn'ttry toresistit Openupyourheart andletyourselfbeled You'llbe surprised at the feeling of freedomthisbrings

VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)

Over the last few weeks you've been working hard so youdon'thavetoworryabout your finances, Virgo. Try to forget your problems, and especially avoid focusing on and talking about money today

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Todayyou'reabouttoputyour sense of humor to the test, Libra. You'll likely confront a few unexpected situations. Even if you're used to finding exciting things to do in an ordinaryworld.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

Today you'll question yourself about your private life Indeed, you have to change your behavior You'reusedtomaking decisionsjustforyourself Now you'll realize that you need to thinknotonlyaboutyourselfbut alsoaboutyourpartner

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Todayyoushouldhavealotof vitality, Sagittarius. Recently, you may have decided to take more matters into your own hands. Your relationships will onlybenefitfromthisdecision.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Your generosity and altruism will be put to the test over the next few days, Capricorn You'll probably help the underprivileged After all, you've always felt concerned about humanitarian projects buthavenevergotteninvolved.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Today's aspects will influence you to interact naturally with your circle of friends, Aquarius You're tired of hidingyourfeelings.Youwant toactinthewayyourinstincts guideyou.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

You're defining new strategies concerning your private life, Pisces. You could be feeling like a completely different person today You're no longer afraidofsociety,andyouenjoy meetingpeople.

GBTI Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings saidtheBankispleasedtobe p

magnitude as part of its 190 yearsofserviceinGuyana.

Troy Peters of the Petra Organisation confirmed matches will be played this

Aurora Secondary will clash with Johanna Ceceila at Pomona ground. Abrams Zuil will face Cotton Field secondary at Joe Jagmohan ground, Hinterland teams

Santa Rosa will square with Waramuri at Sheba ground while Charity Secondary will tackle Anna Regina

secondary at Joe Jagmohan ground.

One game is also carded for West Demerara with Patentia secondary meeting West Demerara secondary from09:30hours. Meanwhile, GBTI Senior Risk officer, Tonia Griffith, handed over the sponsorship cheque to Kareshma Ramnauth of the Ubit of Allied Arts of the Ministry of Education in the presence of Cummings and Peters.

GCC Elite, Old Fort...

Frompage33

ElitedismantledHikers10-0 inadominantdisplay GCC set the tone early, racing to a 3-0 advantage by the end of the opening quarter Abosaide Cadogan, Gabriella Xavier and Princessa Wilkie each recorded braces, while Rebecca Ferreira produced a clinicalhat-trickwith strikes in the 27th, 30th and 59th minutes.

Amariah Sahadeo also foundthescoresheetasGCC completed a ruthless attacking performance to open their campaign with an emphaticvictory

Action continued yesterday and will run through Monday, June 15. Comprehensive coverage of the tournament will be provided by this publication t h r o u g h o u t t h e competition The Diamond Jubilee Cup is being staged with support from the Ministry of Culture, Youth andSport.

Global Super League partners with CWI to boost Tournament Visibility

The ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) has secured a majorpromotionalpartnershipwith CricketWestIndies(CWI)aheadof this year’s tournament, which is scheduled to be held in Guyana fromJuly23toAugust1.

As part of the agreement, the ExxonMobilGuyanaGlobalSuper L

ague will be featured prominently on the front of the West Indies Men’s team shirts during their ongoing white-ball seriesagainstSriLanka.

The partnership is expected to

ase the tournament’s visibility across the Caribbean and internationally, utilising the global reach of West Indies cricket to promote the competition in the lead-up to its thirdedition.

Chairman of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, Sir Clive Lloyd, welcomed the collaboration and highlighted the shared spirit between the tournament and the West Indies team.

“The ExxonMobil Global Super League is very pleased to

support the West Indies Men during what promises to be a thrilling series in an exciting summer for West Indies cricket,”

Lloydsaid

“We have recently released a campaign on the theme of ‘Super We’andthiscannowbeextendedto ‘Super WI’! We wish the team every success in the Series and are proudtobeinvolved.”

CWI’s CEO Chris Dehring welcomed the partnership and highlighted its significance for the regional game as an example of Caribbean entities working togethertowardsacommongoal.

“CricketWest Indies is pleased to welcome the Global Super League as a commercial partner during the ‘WI OUTSIDE!’ InternationalHomeSeries.

This partnership underscores the importance of regional collaboration and the collective responsibility of Caribbean cricket stakeholders to work together in building a stronger, more sustainablefutureforthegame.”

“As the cricket landscape continues to evolve, strategic commercial alliances such as this

are essential to unlocking new opportunities, driving investment, expanding audiences, and creating greater value for players, fans, and partners across the region. We are pleased to provide a global platform for the GSL while advancing our shared vision of growing Caribbean cricket and ensuring its long-term success on andoffthefield”,statedDehring.

The ExxonMobil Guyana GlobalSuperLeaguehascontinued

The partnership is expected to significantly increase the tournament’s visibility across the Caribbean and internationally

to strengthen its reputation as one of the world’s premier T20 franchise tournaments, bringing together champion teams from acrosstheglobe.

Organisers believe the partnership with Cricket West Indies will further enhance the profile of the event while celebrating the region’s rich cricketingheritage.

With increased exposure throughtheWestIndiesMen’steam

and the staging of international matches in Guyana ahead of the tournament, the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League is poised to attract heightened attention from fans, sponsors and cricketaudiencesworldwide.

The tournament will run from July 23 to August 1 in Guyana, reinforcing the country’s growing status as a leading destination for international cricket and major sportingeventsintheCaribbean.

Future Warriors Tapeball for Primary Schools in action today at Albion Sports Complex

Afterahigh-octaneopeningleginDemerarathatpushed local talent to its limits, the Future Warriors Tapeball Tournament caravan rolls into the ancient county of Berbice this weekend. The grassroots competition, powered by ExxonMobil Guyana, has taken up residency at the historic AlbionSportsComplex,transformingtheiconicvenueintoa four-pitchhotbedofdevelopmentalcricket.

The action bowls off simultaneously this morning with a packed Round One schedule. Early marquee matchups see Belvedere Primary lock horns with Cropper Primary, while BetsyGroundPrimarysquaresoffagainstMassiahPrimary

Itkicksoffarelentlessweekendofknockoutcricketthat will culminate in the grand Berbice Zone final on Sunday afternoon,beforethetournamentpacksitsbagsforthenewly developed Anna Regina National Stadium in Essequibo the following weekend. The transition to Berbice comes on the heels of a highly competitive Demerara leg that exceeded organisationalexpectations.

FLSport’s John Ramsingh reflected on the tournament’s impressivetrajectory,emphasisingtherawqualityondisplay

“The competitive nature of this tournament has been absolutely exceptional,” Ramsingh noted. “We’ve seen an incredible depth of raw talent in Demerara, where matches werefoughtrightdowntothewire.Ithighlightsjusthowvital grassroots tapeball is for development. We are highly anticipatingthesameleveloffiercerivalryandpassionwhen theBerbiceleggetsunderwayatAlbion.”

Atotalof16schools—includinglocalheavyweightslike NewAmsterdamPrimary,AlbionPrimary,AllSaintsPrimary, and Rose Hall Estate Primary—will battle for regional supremacy To ensure the cricket remains the sole focus, organisers have completely levelled the playing field; all financial barriers have been dismantled, with playing kits, bats, meals, and transport fully funded through the joint venturebetweenExxonMobilGuyanaandFLSport.

Admissionforspectatorsremainsfreethroughout.

Thetournamentstructureisunashamedlymodern.Played in a frantic, eight-overs-a-side knockout format, it rewards tacticalflexibilityandintent.Inaprogressivedevelopmental twist, teams are encouraged to field mixed-gender XIs, deliberatelyintegratingboysandgirlsonthesameturffroma foundationallevel.

However, the event’s ambitions extend well beyond traditionalboundaryropes.Whiletheregionalchampionswill receivecomprehensiveequipmentbagsfortheirschools,the topfourteamsineachzonewillalsoreceivedigitaltablets.

Theinitiativeaimstofusetechnologywithon-fieldplay, teaching young cricketers the mechanics of online match scoringandintroducingthemearlytomoderncricketmetrics. To bridge the gap between grassroots aspiration and the elite level, active Guyanese national cricketers have been deployedacrossthevenueasteammentors.

For the youngsters on show, it provides direct, unprecedented access to role models who can guide them throughthegame’stacticalnuancesinrealtime.

Archery Guyana captures...

Frompage32

•MathurineSaveion-SilverMedal,BeginnerBarebow Men(1071)

•SimmonsAlec-SilverMedal,DevelopmentBarebow Men(855)

• La Cruez Samiyyah - Silver Medal, Development RecurveWomen(914)

•SinghRavish-SilverMedal,DevelopmentCompound Men(1186) Bronze medals were captured by:

• Hernandez Ezekiel - Bronze Medal, Ex-Beginner BarebowMen(1294)

• Chaturgum Neepa - Bronze Medal, Ex-Beginner BarebowWomen(1330)

• Cooblall Christopher - Bronze Medal, Beginner BarebowMen(1019)

• Farley Jahleel - Bronze Medal, Development CompoundMen(1123)

Supersub Cyle Larin rescues point for Canada against Bosnia and Herzegovina

(The Guardian) - “History is about to be made, ” the understandably giddy stadium announcer said in the seconds before kick-off and while this was not the perfect start, Canada will not forget Cyle Larin’s equaliser againstBosniaandHerzegovinain a hurry Trailing to Jovo Lukic’s first international goal, the Southampton striker Larin stepped off the bench and pulled the cohosts level with his first touch, lashing in 121 seconds after his entrance.Adraw in their Group B opener already trumps their last World Cup outing, when they finishedpointlessinQatar Jesse Marsch’s side always looked capable of scoring, though Juventus’s Jonathan David missed agoldenopportunityinthefirsthalf andapreposterousSeadKolasinac blockthatsawtheballcannononto the crossbar prevented Richie Laryea finding the net in the second Bosnia, though, were always playing with fire, holding dearLukic’sfirst-halfheaderonhis first competitive start for his country Itwasagoalthattestedthe foundations of the south stand, where 7,000 temporary seats were erected to increase the stadium’s capacity,manyofthemoccupiedby Bosnia’smostardentsupporters.

Forthelocals,afirstWorldCup

game on Canad

an soil

represented an occasion they were always going to savour, regardless of result and long before the captain, Stephen Eustáquio, rolled the ball to Ismaël Koné at kick-off. By that point,ithadbeenquitetheshow; MichaelBubléwassmuggledon tothecentrecircleamongthe48 flag bearers – the US flag was again booed in some quarters –before performing Bring It On Home to Me and, a few minutes later, Alanis Morissette took centre stage to sing Canada’s nationalanthem,Marsch,bornin Wisconsin, singing every word. Oh,andtherewasaflypastfrom theTheSnowbirds,theCanadian air force’s answer to the Red Arrows.

There was plenty of early gustofromCanada,asexpected, Liam Millar’s long throw causingBosniaandHerzegovina aheadacheinside45seconds.Amar Memic, who started up front alongsideErmedinDemirovicwith Edin Dzeko not at full fitness, passed up the first real chance a minutelater,blazingoverinsidethe area.

Jonathan David, Canada’s biggest hitter in the absence of AlphonsoDavies,missedasitteron 17 minutes, leaving Marsch to

contort in agony on the touchline. Marsch acknowledged his players could not afford to be overhyped but both of his full-backs, Laryea and Alistair Johnston, made hasty challenges, the latter booked for crudelywipingoutMemic.

Laryea’spoorchallengewasthe precursor to Bosnia’s opener It stemmed from a seemingly training-ground corner routine, Kolasinac rising high at the front

posttoflicktheballclosertodanger andLukicglancedinayardortwo from the goalline. Cue delirium in the south stand, in the middle of which thousands of Bosnia’s supporters’ group BHFanaticos werestationed.

The water break immediately afterwards provided Marsch with thechancetolightentheloadonhis players, though the sound of Whitney Houston blaring over the

stadiumspeakersfeltuntimely Marsch’s team selection was predictable, though in attack Villarreal’s Tani Oluwaseyi was preferred to the Southampton forward Larin. Oluwaseyi was guilty of spurning another big chance for Canada just after the half-hour, spooning over when presented with a clear sight of goal.

C a n a d a d o m i n a t e d possession, had more shots and threetimesasmanytouchesinthe opposition box, but had nothing to show for it at the interval. Eustáquio had spoken about the importance of not being overawed but they suffered from a little stage fright in big moments. “We don’t want for all theemotionstoblockusmentally or physically so that we can’t perform,”hesaid.

Canada broadly carried on where they left off, plenty of promisingmovesfizzlingoutinthe finalphase.

At the same time there was nothing more Laryea, who plays here for Toronto, could have done when Kolasinac made an extraordinary clearance eight minutes into the second half, intervening to divert his goalbound shot on to the crossbar beforeBosniaclearedtheball.

YGB’s NSBF set for historic 19th edition with participation from Essequibo and Berbice

Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) continues to raise the standard of youth competition in Guyana,providingstudent-athletes with year-round opportunities to compete and develop. Yesterday, the organisation, alongside key partnersKFCGuyanaandBeharry Limited, officially launched the 19th Annual National Schools BasketballFestival(NSBF),oneof the country’s premier youth sportingevents.

Present at the launch were Beharry Limited Brand Manager Malisa Jeffers, KFC Guyana Marketing Manager Jonathan Milford,AssistantDirectorofSport Franklin Wilson, and YBG CoDirectors Rayad Boyce and Chris Bowman.

Whatbegansome18yearsago as a modest Under-18 school’s tournamenthasevolvedintooneof Guyana’s largest youth basketball competitions, engaging more than 13,800 student-athletes since its inception Through consistent growthanddevelopment,YBGhas established a brand synonymous with excellence in youth basketball.

Thisyear’schampionshipisset to be historic, with teams from Essequibo and Berbice joining the

tournament for the first time alongside the top-seeded schools from Georgetown, the East Coast, andLinden.

The NSBF represents the culmination of YBG’s regional championship, bringing together the nation’s best school teams to compete for four national titles. With approximately 40 percent of the Regional Playoffs already completedandchampionscrowned in the Georgetown-City and East Coast-CountryRegionals,attention now turns to the remaining

, Essequibo, and Linden, which will determine the final qualifiers and seedings.

Four championships will be contestedwhenthetournamenttips offonJune28attheCliffAnderson Sports Hall. Student-athletes will battle for Boys’ Under-14, Under16,andUnder-18titles,alongwith theGirls’Under-16championship.

Speaking at the launch, YBG Co-Director Chris Bowman emphasized that the organization’s mission extends far beyond competition.”YBG is not simply aboutorganizingtournaments.Our primary focus is youth development and creating studentathletes who are equipped for

KFC Guyana reaffirms its commitment to hosting YBG’s NSBF, company Marketing Analyst Jonathan Milford attended yesterday’s launch.

success both on and off the court,” Bowmanstated.

Whilecelebratingthelaunchof the tournament’s 19th edition, organisers also acknowledged the unwaveringsupportofitscorporate partners.BeharryLimitedentersits 15th year of sponsorship, KFC Guyana continues its third consecutive year of support and second as title sponsor, while GBoats marks eight years of partnership.

Their continued commitment reflects the confidence that corporate Guyana has placed in YBG’s vision and its nearly twodecade-long effort to promote and developyouthbasketballacrossthe country

“This partnership not only marks fifteen consecutive years of commitment, but it also reflects Beharry’scorebeliefthatinvesting in youth sports is investing in the future,” said Brand Manager Malisa Jeffers during her feature remarks.

Jeffers further highlighted the impact of the programme over the years.”Wehavewitnessedfirsthand howthisinitiativehashelpedshape young athletes into confident leaders who embody teamwork, discipline,andstrongcharacter We are proud that our support has contributed to providing the stabilityandresourcesnecessaryto sustain this important youth tournament.”

Representing KFC Guyana, Jonathan Milford underscored the company’s commitment to youth d e v e l o p m e n t t h r o u g h sport.”Supportingtournamentslike the NSBF is one of the ways we give back to our communities. Investing in our young people and creating opportunities for them to grow through sport remains an important pa

of that commitment,”Milfordnoted.

KFC Guyana will serve as title sponsor of the 19th Annual National Schools Basketball Festival with support from longstanding partners Beharry Limited,G-Boats,BanksDIH,and the Ministry of Culture,Youth and Sport.

West Indies Women ready for World Cup Challenge ahead of New Zealand Opener

Deandra Dottin is another experienced player that is expected to boost the team’s performance

(Photo: CWI)

SOUTHAMPTON, England – West Indies Women will begin their quest for ICCWomen’sT20 World Cup glory on Saturday when they take on defending champions New Zealand at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton, with first ball scheduled for 1:30 PMAST

The highly anticipated Group 1 contest marks the startoftheMaroonWarriors’ campaign in a tournament that will see them face New Zealand, hosts England, Sri Lanka, Ireland and Scotland in the race for a spot in the knockoutstages.

TheWestIndiesenterthe tournament with growing confidence after an extensive preparation programme that included a specialisedconditioningand acclimatisation camp in

Wales, warm-up fixtures against India and Australia, andasuccessfuloutinginthe E v a r a W o m e n ’ s International Tri-Series in Ireland, where they finished atop the standings ahead of IrelandandPakistan. The tri-series victory provided valuable match practice and momentum, with the West Indies producing dominant victories over both Ireland and Pakistan while showcasing encouraging signswithbothbatandball.

Head Coach, Shane Deitz, believes the team is fully prepared for the challenge ahead and is focused on making a strong starttothetournament.

“It doesn’t really matter who we’re playing against.

Obviously,NewZealandisa good team and they’re

defendingchampions.Itwas a great game that we had against them in Dubai two yearsago,andifafewthings had gone our way we probably would have gotten thebetterofthem,butIthink we’re two pretty evenly matchedteams,”saidDeitz.

“It’s important to get off toagoodstartsoit’sareally important game and I think we’re ready for it. The girls havehadalotofpreparation, andIthinkwe’reatthatstage where we’re just ready to go.”

The West Indies squad was selected with a deliberate focus on powerplay intent, batting depth and adaptability to Englishconditions,whilethe bowling unit has been built around accuracy, variation anddisciplinedexecution.

Several players arrive in strong form, including

The highly anticipated Group contest marks the start of the Maroon Warriors’campaign in Group 1. (Photo: CWI)

captain Hayley Matthews, who produced important performances during the triseries, while the team’s batting depth and versatility have been significantly strengthened over the past severalmonths.

Matthewssaidthesquad is embracing the challenge of another global tournament and is eager to begin its campaign on a positivenote

“Asateam,wearepretty preparedforthetournament. World Cups are usually where we as West Indian sides bring out our best performances so hopefully that’s something we can replicate,”shesaid.

“The first game against New Zealand is obviously going to be pretty important becauseit’sabigteam,butat thesametimeinaWorldCup we’re going to have to

prepare for every single match. It’s about taking it one game at a time Everybody’s pretty excited for the start of it and hopefully we can begin on a reallypositivenotewhenwe do get out there in the first match.”

With recent weather conditions in England p r e s e n t i n g c o o l e r t e m p e r a t u r e s a n d intermittent rain, Deitz expects the Southampton surfacetoofferassistancefor bowlers early while still rewardingqualitybatting.

A positive result against NewZealandwouldprovide an important foundation for the remainder of the group stage and further reinforce the confidence generated by the team’s recent performances.

With preparation complete and anticipation

building, the Maroon Warriors now turn their focus to the task at hand as they seek to make a strong opening statement on cricket’sbiggeststage.

WestIndiesWomen’s T20GroupStage MatchSchedule:

Match 1 (June 13) vs New Zealand @Hampshire Bowl, South Hampton –1:30PMAST

Match 2 (June 18) vs Scotland @Headingley, Leeds–1:30PMAST

Match 3 (June 21) vs Sri Lanka @Bristol County Ground, Bristol – 5:30AM AST

Match 4 (June 24) vs England @Lord’s Cricket Ground, London – 1:30PM AST

Match 5 (June 27) vs Ireland @Bristol County Ground, Bristol – 9:30AM AST

Archery Guyana captures 14 medals at 2026 Caribbean Developmental Archery League C’ships

Archery Guyana has once again demonstratedthegrowingstrengthanddepth of local archery talent, securing an impressive fourteen (14) medals at the 2026 Caribbean Developmental Archery League (CDAL)Championships.

The CDAL is a remote archery competition sanctioned by World Archery Americas,designedspecificallyforbeginner archers from English-speaking Caribbean federations.Itsaimistopromotegrowthand development in the sport, offering foundational competitive experience to new athletesinpreparationforfutureinternational events like the Caribbean Development Championships (CDC) which are scheduled to be hosted in Guyana at the Guyana NationalStadiuminOctober2026.. CompetingagainstarchersfromTrinidad

and Tobago, Barbados, Bermuda, Jamaica and St.Vincent and the Grenadines, Guyana concluded the championships with an outstandinghauloffive(5)goldmedals,five (5)silvermedalsandfour(4)bronzemedals.

Several other Guyanese archers also delivered commendable performances and finished just outside medal positions, reflectingtheincreasingdepthoftalentbeing developedthroughoutthecountry

The results underscore the effectiveness of Archery Guyana’s athlete development pathway and grassroots programmes, which continuetointroducenewparticipantstothe sport while providing opportunities for progressionatnationalandregionallevels.

Federation’s President Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon opined “To secure fourteen medals across multiple categories is a

tremendous achievement and a testament to the progress being made by our athletes and coaching team We are particularly encouraged by the performances of our younganddevelopingarchers,whocontinue to demonstrate that Guyana has a bright futureinthesport.”

As a remote competition, the CDAL allows archers to compete from their home countries while adhering to World Archery rules, with performance monitored and judged in real time. The league’s structure enables young archers to grow steadily, developing both confidence and skill ahead ofhigher-levelinternationaltournaments.

Archery Guyana extends its gratitude to its coaches, officials, parents, club leaders andsupporterswhosecontinuedcommitment contribute significantly to the growth and

successofarcherythroughoutGuyana.

The country’s gold medal performances came from:

• Tularam Shiva - Gold Medal, ExBeginnerBarebowMen(1370)

•Affonso-Simon Shianne - Gold Medal, Ex-BeginnerBarebowWomen(1358)

•HoosainArshad-GoldMedal,Beginner BarebowMen(1211)

•ZammetJo-Lee-GoldMedal,Beginner BarebowWomen(1255)

• Ross Ricky - Gold Medal, Beginner CompoundMen(1284)

Guyana’s silver medal winners were:

• Klass Joy - Silver Medal, Ex-Beginner BarebowWomen(1330)

Continued on page 29

GCC Elite, Old Fort Top Form start with wins in GHB Diamond Jubilee Cup

Following a brief delay, the Guyana Hockey Board’s (GHB) Diamond Jubilee Cup finally got underway on Thursday evening with a pair of exciting encounters in the Men’s and Women’s divisions at the National Stadium, Providence.

Played under the lights, the three-part Independence Outdoortournamentofficiallyopenedwithabriefceremony attended by Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, and Assistant Director of Sport, FranklinWilson.

Delivering the feature address, Minister Jacobs highlighted the significance of the tournament as Guyana celebrates60yearsofIndependence.

“WeattheMinistryarepleasedtobeassociatedwiththis tournament,” Jacobs said. “It is our mandate to continue supportingthedevelopmentofsportinGuyana.Whilethisis the Diamond Jubilee Tournament, it is important that we reflect on what that truly means. As athletes, you should understand the significance of this milestone and what it representsforourcountry.”

Old Fort’s Captain Shaquan Favorite was his team’s main midfield threat.

Theministerfurtherencouragedparticipantstoappreciate thesacrificesmadebypreviousgenerations.

“We stand on the shoulders of people who were resilient andstrong.Becauseoftheirefforts,wehavetheopportunity to compete freely and enjoy facilities such as this one. It is important that we recognize and appreciate that legacy,” he added.

GHBPresidentPhilipFernandesalsoexpressedgratitude to the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Culture, YouthandSportforfacilitatingtheevent.

“We appreciate the opportunity to play here at this excellent facility, provided through the support of the Ministry of Sport. We are also grateful to Minister Steven Jacobs for joining us at this opening ceremony,” Fernandes stated.

Once the formalities concluded, attention shifted to the field where Old Fort Top Form defeated Saints 4-2 in the openingMen’sFirstDivisioncontest.

After a scoreless opening quarter, Old Fort broke the deadlock through Nkosi Saul in the 20th minute before ShaquanFavoritedoubledtheadvantagefiveminuteslaterto handhissideacomfortable2-0leadheadingintohalftime.

Saints responded shortly after the restart when Aaron Abraham pierced the Old Fort defence in the 28th minute to reduce the deficit. Both teams then engaged in a tightly contestedthirdquarter,withneithersideabletofindanother breakthrough.

However, Old Fort seized control in the final period as Yonnick Norton and Jael Gaskin added goals to extend the lead to 4-1. Saints managed a late consolation through Shakeem Fausette, but the comeback proved out of reach as OldFortsecuredthe4-2victory

TheWomen’sfixtureprovedfarmoreone-sidedasGCC

Continued on page 27

West Indies Women ready for World Cup Challenge ahead of New Zealand Opener

YGB’s NSBF set for historic 19th edition with participation from Essequibo and Berbice