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Cubans queue for water in Havana amid fuel and power crisis
‘cowards’
‘Justice! justice’ – declares teen mom, stabbed over 25 times
‘Violence, sex scandals
Exxon to start spending th on 8 project next month without approval from Govt. and weapons in schools spiraling out of control’ - APNU
TianaChapman andhersonJahvid
A man carries two buckets of water as severe fuel shortages have disrupted water pumping and distribution, in Havana, Cuba March 19, 2026. REUTERS/Norlys Perez
Exxon to start spending on 8 project
next month without approval from Govt.
ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) plans to start engineering and procurement activities in the second quarter of this year for its eight deepwater project, Longtail which is yet to be approved by the governmentofGuyana.
According to the preliminary project schedule submitted by Exxon to the Environmental Protection Agency and included in the company’s Environmental ImpactAssessment(EIA),Longtail isexpectedtostartupin2031.
The revelation comes even as Exxon’s Country Manager said on Thursday that Guyana will be able toclearallexpensescurrentlyinthe cost bank. He said that US$5B is lefttoberecovered.
Another new project will however add more expenses to the cost bank which further impact the country and delay increased revenue would flow to the Natural ResourceFund(NRF).
Under the 2016 Production SharingAgreement(PSA)Exxonis allowed to take 75% of revenue to cover expenses for its Stabroek Blockoperations.
ThiswillcontinueuntilGuyana clears all costs owed to the company
Until such time, Guyana will receive 12 5% profit and 2% royalty After clearing all expenses, Guyana can receive 50% or half of all the oil produced after operations and maintenance costisdeducted
Longtail plans
It will produce hydrocarbons from the non-associated gas fields and potential proximal resources accordingtotheEIA.
It said installation of subsea components is slated to commence in 2028 with installation of the Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO), commissioningandstartupplanned tooccurfrom2028to2031.
Longtailisexpectedtocontinue foratleast30yearsaccordingtothe project schedule. Unlike previous developmentsfocusedprimarilyon oil, Longtail will focus on gas production.
The EIA explained that Exxon plans to drill approximately 24 to 60 development wells, with development well drilling scheduled to begin in 2027 and possibly extending as late as 2031 andbeyond.
The FPSO is being designed to produce 250,000 barrels of condensateperday(bpd)withagas production capacity of 1,200 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/day) BlackRock Midstream describes condensate as extremelylightoil.
The FPSO is being specially designed to accommodate future gas export capabilities. The EIA explains, “The FPSO will be designed to separate the recovered
reservoir fluids into water and gas phases The condensate will be treated to remove impurities (e.g., sulphate and other salts) and then senttostoragetanksinthehull.”
The water from the reservoir (referred to as produced water) will be treated to remove hydrocarbons and then discharged to the sea, while non associated gas from the separationandtreatingprocesswill be compressed and dehydrated to provide fuel gas to the FPSO, and the remaining balance will be returned to the reservoir through reinjectionwells.
The vessel will feature three
riser slots, reserved topsides space and weight capacity for additional equipment, and detailed facility designs that anticipate future gas export operations. “The integrated design of the FPSO and the SURF system enables flexible gas export to multiple potential destinations and at varying rates.As the market for gas export matures, the produced gas remains available for export.TheFPSOwillalsohavethe capacity to treat (by filtration, deaeration, and sulphate removal) seawater for facility cooling purposes,” Exxon explained in its study
‘Violence, sex scandals and weapons in schools spiraling out of control’ - APNU
A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on Friday voiced its concern overtheincreaseinviolence, sex scandals and weapons in schools.
Attorney Dr Dexter Todd, who is also a Member of Parliament (MP) for the party, told reporters at the party’s weekly press conference that these issues are plaguing schools and have made their way onto socialmedia.
“It must be noted first and foremost that bullying should stop being treated reactively It should be addressed proactively It is necessary to look at each incident separately while identifying similar traits. At present,thereisabiasinhow school issues are dealt with. Some schools have matters dealt with expeditiously while other schools have matters prolonged and even disregardedafteravisitfrom thedepartment,”theattorney explained. He noted that bullying is
an issue that should be solely addressed by the Ministry of Education
ministries of Home Affairs and Human Services Dr Todd noted that the sudden
increase in violent fights and bullying both in and out of schools, along with the presence of weapons found in the possession of school children, as well as the accusations of sexual relations with students being leveled against teachers are deeplyworryingtrends.
“We are very concerned about this situation that is a reflection of several factors. Topping the list is the incompetence and absent vision of the government Secondisthetrendthatsome members of government have been accused of similar acts and now those acts are becoming culture in our society sadly finding its way into our schools,” Dr Toddsaid.
The MP posited that the meager salaries of ordinary
Guyanese, the high cost-ofliving and the increase in poverty are factors that have complicated the situation, therefore resulting in a fight forsurvival.
“While all of this is happening, the nation is left in awe as there’s no immediate end or solution. We need a strengthened incident reporting system that ensures that students have safety in complaining andseekingjustice.Wemust investigate the problems with urgency and show the students that when they complain, they are heard and the matter is dealt with beforeitescalates,”Dr Todd advised.
“ T h e y r e s o r t t o restorativejusticeratherthan punitive justice, ” he stressed.
Dr Todd suggested that there be an improvement of security systems in schools across the country to prevent students from entering and leaving as they please. He said students should only leavetheschool’scompound with permission or at dismissal.
On March 19, Kaieteur News reported that a teacher of a city school was sent on administrative leave f o l l o w i n g s e r i o u s allegations, which were made, of a sexual nature involvingninestudents.
He said that often times students distrust the system, or their information is not protected and this leads to them to take matters into theirownhands.
The recent ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) published in this newspaper on Thursday in the matter of Harry Panday v Malcolm Panday and Deosaran Davidismorethanaproceduralcorrection;itisanecessary and timely intervention in the administration of justice in Guyana.
For far too long, litigants have found themselves shut out of the courts, not because their cases lacked merit, but becauseoftechnicaldeficiencieswhich,inmanyinstances, wereentirelycurable.
The CCJ’s decision squarely confronts this troubling pattern. By setting out what may now be described as the “Pandayapproach,”theCourthasmadeitabundantlyclear thatjusticemustnotbesacrificedonthealtarofprocedural rigidity Courts exist to determine disputes on their substantive merits, not to dispose of them prematurely on avoidabletechnicalgrounds.
At the heart of the case was a partnership dispute involving a substantial judgment sum. The Applicant’s claim was struck out at the High Court level and that decisionwasupheldbyboththeFullCourtandtheCourtof Appeal.Thebasis?Insufficientparticulars.Inotherwords, the claim was deemed defective in its presentation rather thaninherentlyflawedinitssubstance.
TheCCJhasnowcorrectedthatcourse.
Initsreasoning,theCourtemphasizedastructuredand balancedapproach.First,judgesmustdeterminewhethera statementofclaimdisclosesareasonablecauseofaction.If it does, then the next question is whether any deficiencies—such as lack of particulars—are capable of being cured. If they are, the court must then weigh considerationsoffairness,proportionality,andtheefficient use of judicial resources before deciding to strike out the matter
This may sound like common sense, but in practice it hastoooftenbeenignored.
What is particularly significant about this ruling is the Court’sfindingthatthelowercourtserredinlawbyfailing to consider whether theApplicant should have been given an opportunity to amend his claim. This was not merely a difference in opinion; it was a misapplication of judicial discretion.Thatdistinctionmatters.
FormanyGuyanese,thisdecisionwillresonatedeeply Therearecountlessindividualswhohaveseentheirmatters dismissed for procedural missteps—errors in drafting, omissions in particulars, or failures that could have been correctedwithminimaldelay Insteadofbeingaffordedthat opportunity,theyweremetwithfinality Theirdayincourt effectivelyendedbeforeittrulybegan.
Such outcomes undermine public confidence in the legalsystem.Justicemustnotonlybedone;itmustbeseen to be done. When citizens perceive that cases are being thrown out on technicalities rather than heard on their merits,thesystembeginstoappearinaccessibleand,worse, indifferent.
The CCJ’s guidance is therefore both corrective and instructive.Judgesmustnotbetooquicktostrikeoutclaims where defects are curable. The power to strike out is a drasticoneandshouldbeexercisedsparingly Itisnotatool forexpediency,norshoulditbeusedasasubstituteforcase management.
This is not to suggest that procedural rules are unimportant. They serve a critical function in ensuring order,clarity,andfairnessinlitigation.However,rulesare meant to facilitate justice, not frustrate it. When applied without flexibility or discernment, they can become instrumentsofinjustice.
The “Panday approach” restores the proper balance. It recognises that while efficiency and judicial economy are important, they must not override the fundamental objective of resolving disputes fairly Allowing an
TheAnatomyofaLeakedSovereignty
DEAREDITOR
, There are courtrooms w h e r e j u s t i c e i s argued—and then there are courtroomswhereanation’s soul stands accused. The “fuel farm” case now unfoldinginFloridabelongs tothelatter Whatliesbefore those judges is not merely a commercial quarrel, but evidence of a graver betrayal:thattheblueprintof Guyana’s strategic independence the very architecture of our future energy security was treatedasanegotiabletoken by those entrusted to guard it. When a project designed toanchornationalresilience becomes entangled in accusations of stolen trade secrets and compromised government submissions, the question shifts from liabilitytolegitimacy
How did proprietary designs, sha
h the GovernmentofGuyana,find theirwayintothehandsofa rivalventureassembledafter a closed-door meeting in Washington, D C ? Such featsof“coincidence”donot happen in a vacuum. They thriveinthegrayzonewhere the public mandate meets private appetite where consultants double as
courtiers,andloyaltytostate interest gives way to the promiseofaquickerreward.
Thiswasnotabreach;it wasanunveiling.Itrevealed the fragility of our institutions and the casualness with which state confidentiality can be bartered away When proprietary documents meant to secure the nation’s fuel safety become tools of manipulation for external entities,thedamageinflicted isnotjusttotheproject—itis to the principle of sovereignty itself We cannot call ourselves selfdetermined if our security frameworks are porous enoughtobepiratedthrough thecorridorsofinfluence.
The lawsuit makes it clear that someonesomewhere-openedthegate. Confidential information did not walk itself into an Americanboardroom.Itwas escorted,copied,andhanded overinbetrayalofatrustthat should have been sacred. Andyet,perhapsthiswasthe inevitable outcome of a governance culture that too ofteninvites“advisers”who blur the line between representation and repossession When the government’s own communication is said to be
amended by anonymous hands and “consultants” of unclear origin, sovereignty becomesaperformance—its script rewritten by those learning to profit from our a d m i n i s t r a t i v e vulnerabilities.
Let us be lucid: this was not about oil, or even about trade secrets. It was about the sale of a national safeguard.The$300million fuel project was conceived as a shield a bulwark against external shocks and exploitative markets Instead, it has exposed how easily that shield can be pierced from within If confidential state projects can be undermined before they are built, then the real crisis is not economic dependency it is moral dependency on those who view statehood as a vehicle forprivateaccumulation.
Thetragedyisnotonlyin theleakingofdesignsbutin theleakingofdiscipline.We have mistaken access for patriotism, consultation for accountability, and partnership for control. In doing so, we have allowed our sovereignty to seep through the cracks of convenience.
Whatremainsareseveral haunting questions that
should echo through every ministryandboardroom.
The time has come for the institutions vested with publictrusttoactdecisively The Auditor General, the Attorney General, and the Public Procurement Commission must launch a joint and transparent investigation into this matter—not tomorrow, not quietly,butboldlyandinthe publiceye.
Who,amongus,decided that national security was negotiable? Who felt empowered enough to compromise the well-being oftheentirenation?
Who authorized the sharing of privileged state submissions?
Why was this breach concealed until foreign litigationexposedit?
Whosilencedthealarms that should have gone off at thefirstsignofmisconduct? These are not academic queries; they strike at the heart of Guyana’s security architecture Only full disclosure and firm action will ensure that this nation neveragainseesitsstrategic assets trafficked through back channels and whisperednegotiations.
Regards HemduttKuma
r
NYGuyaneseMuslimscelebrate2026Eid
DEAREDITOR
, The large Guyanese and other Muslim communities in New York observed the Eid-ul-Fitr festival with traditionalprayersatmasjids acrossthecityonaverycold Friday morning March 20, the first day of Spring. Eid culminates the month-long, dawn-to-dusk fasting period of Ramadan (also called rojah or Ramzan). Masjids held nightly Iftaar gathering (breaking of the fast) Politicians, including the Indian American Muslim
Mayor of NYC Zoran Mamdani, the Governor of NY, Boro President of Brooklyn and Queens held Iftaar, suggesting the importance of the Muslim community in the state and politicaldistricts.Politicians around the city conveyed Eidgreetings.AsinGuyana, vamazallywasdistributed.
Tens of thousands of Guyanese Muslims are settled in the New York metro area; they turned out to vote solidly for Zoran Mamdani last year Eid is
amendment to a pleading, where appropriate, does not prejudicetheopposingpartyinanymeaningfulway Onthe contrary, it enhances the likelihood that the real issues in disputewillbeproperlyventilatedanddetermined.
There is also an important message here for the legal fraternity Attorneys must continue to strive for precision and completeness in their filings. However, where errors occur as they inevitably will, the focus should shift to correction rather than condemnation. The courts, as guardiansofjustice,mustfacilitatethatprocess.
Ultimately, this decision represents a step forward for justice in Guyana. It signals a move away from an overly technicaland,attimes,unforgivingapproachtolitigation, towardsonethatprioritisesfairnessandsubstance.
The hope now is that this guidance will be faithfully appliedatalllevelsofthejudiciary Ifitis,fewercaseswill belostonmeretechnicalities,andmorecitizenswillhave theopportunitytohavetheirdisputesheardandresolvedon theirmerits.
Thatis,afterall,whatjusticedemands.
among the most important days for Muslims. It is a schoolholidayforNewYork City and private Islamic schools; the city subsidizes schoolswithbooks,children meals, transportation, and extra lessons The city accords official recognition for Eid with an excused parking holiday Muslim businesses were also closed for the day Several Muslim o w n e d - b u s i n e s s e s sponsored gifts and or snacks for distribution at masjids Bakewell sponsored snacks in the morningofEid.
Hundreds showed up at the Jama Masjid in Woodhaven and Al Abidin Masjid in Richmond Hill, patronizedbyGuyaneseand other Indo-Caribbean people, for the morning prayers to start the Eid festivities. Jama set up a huge tent. Several other Guyanese masjids in the Queens area (Jamaica, Hollis, Queens Village, Briarwood, etc.) also hosted prayers. Fasting ended on Thursday evening with the sighting of the new moon.
The masjids were o v e r f l o w i n g w i t h worshippers onto the sidewalks of both major masjids as the lead imam read from the Koran. The police facilitated the worshippers with a police vehicleparkedinfrontof,or neartheJamamasjid. Islamic practices and festivals were transplanted in New York among the Indo-Caribbean community b y G u y a n e s e a n d Trinidadians since the late 1960s. Muslims of varied nationalities cooperated in p r a c t i s i n g a n d institutionalising their faith; non-Muslims, including the late Ramesh Kalicharran, also made contributions in establishing masjids in NY Indo-Caribbean Muslims and Hindus collaborated witheachotherinpractising theirfaithsduringtheirearly presence in NY in the late 1960sand1970sthru1980s. They rented and shared spaces at hotels and apartments for the observanceoftheirreligious festivalsaccommodatingthe observance of each other’s festivals. During the late 1980s, members of the two communitieshadraised (Continuedonpage06)
Guyana has more than enough wealth to satisfy its population Public Safety Risk on the new Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge
DEAREDITOR
In human history, for some unbelievable reason, we seem to ignore the root causes of a problem. This failure, this recurring weaknesshasled,overmany generations and in every corner of the globe, to brutality, desecration of priceless artifacts, the destructionofcitiesandwith itthewantonslaughterofour fellow human beings, including innocent children withnoknowledgeofwar
Earlier, we contended that the pen is mightier than the sword, we established institutions such as the League of Nations at the dawn of 1920, but yet ignoring the suffering of millions in WW1 19141918, we plunged headlong into another global brutality of 1939-1945, known as WW2.Afterthesurrenderof Germany and Japan the United Nations was establishedinOctober1945, again with the hope of maintaining peace, predicatedontherespectfor the sovereignty of nation statesandthedignityofmen, irrespective of race, colour, orcreed.
For now, I know the contradictions, and the horrors of conflicts in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas, in some cases based on ideology, greed, andarrogance.
What happened in Venezuela this January, is instructive.Therational,the reason is that there exists a cartel facilitating the shipmentofdangerousdrugs to North America, causing much destruction to the society Like alcohol, tobacco or any substance that causes injury to human beings, if there are no consumers there will be no incentive to produce these pernicious and harmful items. I recall in the midnineteen eighties I engaged senior US officials and contended that a portion of the enormous sums being expended on fast boats, surveillance equipment and penalties on those who facilitate and encourage the useofharmfuldrugs,ifthose resources, financial and human, were used to upgrade every educational and training facility from kindergarten to university, over time people will have little interest in consuming cocaine, marijuana, etc.The upgrade should include everyeducationalinstitution having an aggressive sports program, cultural program,
andfromveryearlyteaching our children to treat their bodies with respect, so that they can excel in athletics, football, baseball, and all competitive and noncompetitive sporting activity
In other words, schools should also have a program to teach music, dance, debating, drama, etc, to releasethecreativegeniusof ouryouth.
Regular programs of healthy competition among schools, so that young children develop a high regard for their bodies and therefore avoid the use of substances that will reduce the effectiveness of mind andbody
This letter need not go intodetails,safetorepeatthe contentionthatifthereareno c
nsumers, potential producers will have no market, and no incentive to produce.
Such a program requires moneyandacommitmentto loftyidealsandideas.
North America is not shortofmoneyandthanksto the kindness of the creator, Guyanahasanabundanceof wealth that can more than satisfyoursmallpopulation, with such programs if implemented in a truly nonpartisanmanner
As a closing salvo, in spite of the blockade, Cuba attempted similar programs of human development, as proposed above, after the popular1959uprising.
And I am unaware that the Cuban people have attempted to do harm to anyoneelse.Therefore,why this proposed assault on Cuba. I pose this question; whonext,whatnext,andfor
whatreason?
Those who seem
addicted to war, ignore world history which shows that everywhere citizens are the architects of change. LookacrosstheAtlanticand remember the “Boston Tea Party” which ultimately led to the US declaration of independence of July 1776. African Slaves decided they had enough, and therefore took things into their own hands in 1763 and again in 1823.
This led to the British being forced to free the slaves in the British Commonwealth in 1838. In the US it took the civil war, between the south and the north, forAmerica to accept that slavery was no longer acceptable.
More than two decades after slavery was abolished i n t h e B r i t i s h Commonwealth.
I avoid the tedium of reference to popular uprisings, such as Russia in 1917, in the mist of WW1, Hungary 1956, and the adjustment of what was calledcommunismin1989.I refertotheabovetosaythat people everywhere, in their o w n w a y s a y t o governments,enoughis (Continuedonpage06)
DEAREDITOR, I wish to bring to public attentionatroublingincident that occurred on the new Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara
River Bridge on the afternoon of 19th March 2026, between 6:10 pm and 6:30 pm, which raises serious concerns about pedestrian safety on this c r i t i c a l n a t i o n a l infrastructure.
While walking along the designated pedestrian walkway with a colleague on my first crossing of the bridge this way, we were approached by a small black vehicle traveling eastbound along the bridge, carrying at least threeoccupants.
As the vehicle slowed down near us, one of the occupants threw a glass bottleinourdirection
The bottle narrowly missed us and, due to the strongwindsonthebridge, ricocheted back toward the vehicle, where it shattered An occupant seated at the rear screamed, after which the vehicle slowed briefly before hastily departing the
scene. This incident could easily have resulted in seriousinjuryorworse.
A
thrown from a moving
particularly in an exposed and elevated environment such as the new Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge
Had the bottle struck e
consequences could have included head trauma, loss of balance, or worse, loss ofsightandseverecuts
This is not merelyan isolated act of mischief; it reflects a broader gap in
thousands of citizens rely ondaily
The bridge is used not only by vehicular
pedestrians, including individuals who walk for exercise or necessity Acts such as this undermine publicconfidenceandraise legitimate concerns about safety I urge the relevant authorities to take proactive steps to address these risks, including increased patrols, improved surveillance, and s
endangerment.
Preventative actionis essential to ensure that a moreseriousorfatalincident doesnotoccurinthefuture.
Public infrastructure must be safe for all users. Incidents of this nature should not be dismissed, as they point to vulnerabilities thatrequireurgentattention.
Yours faithfully, Tracy Smith
GAWU Extends Eid-ul-Fitr Greetings to all Guyanese
TheGuyanaAgricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) extends warmest greetings to all Guyanese, particularly our Muslim brothers and sisters, on the joyous occasion of Eid-ulFitr
Eid-ul-Fitr marks the culmination of the holy monthofRamadan,aperiod of deep spiritual reflection, sacrifice, and devotion Throughoutthissacredtime,
MuslimsacrossGuyanaand aroundtheworldwouldhave observed fasting, prayed, and engaged in acts of charity and compassion. These practices embody values that resonate universally discipline, humility, generosity, and a steadfast commitment to faith.
GAWU recognises the profound significance of Ramadan as a time not only of abstinence, but of renewal.
The obs
ance encourages the cleansing of the soul, mind, and body,
fosteringaheightenedsense of self-awareness, empathy, and social responsibility. Thedisciplinedemonstrated during this period is a powerful reminder of the strength of faith and the enduring importance of spiritual grounding in our dailylives.
As we celebrate Eid-ulFitr, we also acknowledge the rich teachings of Islam, whichpromotepeace,unity, justice, and compassion Theseprinciplescontinueto inspireandguideindividuals
s , contributingmeaningfullyto
themoralandsocialfabricof ournation.
GAWU takes this opportunitytocommendthe Muslimcommunityfortheir devotionandforthepositive
Ramadan. We encourage all Guyanese to reflect on the values highlighted during this holy period and to continue fostering mutual
respect, understanding, and nationalunity. May this Eid bring joy, peace, and prosperity to everyhome.
EidMubaraktoall!
Guyana has more than enough...
Frompage05
enough. Wemustbewaryofthoseleadersin Guyanawhofeelthatholdingontothecoattailsofthoseaddictedtowarisasolution.To the present Guyana establishment, be remindedthatbigbadbulliescanbebeaten.
Finally, since we have lost Stabroek News,Isaytothosewhowriteandspeakto continue writing truth and facts as they are,
InthewordsofSwissPhilosopherHenri FredericAmiel“Truthisnotonlyviolatedby falsehood; it may be equally outraged by silence.”
Sincerely, ElderHamiltonGreen
NYGuyanese Muslims celebrate...
Frompage04
funds and were in a position to purchase propertiesthatweretransformedintomasjids or mandirs. New temples and masjids were constructedduringthe1990sandlater.There are dozens of masjids and mandirs in the greater NY area. A few Guyanese churches havealsobeenestablished.Theycaterforthe spiritual needs of the large Indo-Caribbean community (Guyanese, Trinis, Surinamese, others) of over three quarter million in the NYenvirons.
GuyaneseandeachnationalityorIslamic sect have its own masjid in America; worshipperstendtopatronisetheirmasjidof theirownnationalityorsect. Guyaneseand Trinidadian Muslims tend to collaborate in masjidestablishment.Non-WestIndiansalso patronise Guyanese masjids. A few IndoCaribbean Muslims patronise masjids of othernationalitieswherethoseoftheirgroup arenotavailableintheircommunities.Afew Pakistani and Bangladeshi Muslims patronize Indo-Caribbean masjids for
services including the breaking of the fast andFridayjuma.
During Ramadan that ended Thursday, masjidsandjamaatsheldnightlyservicesfor breaking of the daytime fast with dates and delicious snacks. Homes and businesses of Muslims were beautifully decorated with green party favours and colourful flickering lights and a crescent, symbol of the Eid festival For Eid, worshippers were immaculately dressed with traditional dress. They engaged in in ‘mangay’, ‘doa’ or supplicationthelord.
Attheconclusionofthesalaatorprayers, worshippers gave zakats (alms) to the poor, the masjids, imams or meiji, muezzin, and other Islamic causes. There was much joy amongthejamaatorflockastheyembraced or hugged each other, exchanged greetings, andsharedgifts.Sawineorvermicelli(liquid and cake), pastries, dates, mithai, among othersnacks.
Yourstruly,
VishnuBisram
DespitepayingnotaxtoGuyana
Exxon shuts door to talks with Govt. on windfall taxes
Pr e s i d e n t o f
E x x o n M o b i l
Guyana, Alistair
Routledge on Thursday made it clear that the company is not willing to engage the Government of Guyana (GoG) to apply a windfall tax on the excess profitsbeinggeneratedinthe Stabroek Block due to the higheroilprices.
A windfall tax is levied
by governments on companies that earn sudden, excessive profits due to unexpectedconditionsrather thancorebusinessstrategy
The conflict in the Middle East has resulted in oil prices soaring past U.S. $100 per barrel for the first timesince2022.
During the company’s first press conference for the year held at its Ogle Headquarters, East Coast Demerara, Kaieteur News asked Routledge whether Exxon is open to discussions onapplyingawindfalltax.
In response, Routledge bluntly stated, “No we’ve been very clear on that.” He explained that “stability” is key to investment as he pointedoutthatthecompany has committed to spend
US$60billioninthecountry
As such, the country
manager noted, “It’s extremely important that there’s a stable investment climate. These spikes in oil price happen from time to
time, but they’re not predictable, and when they do happen, they are what enable us, then, to carry through the periods when oil pricedropsagain.”
Moreover, he added, “I’ve yet to hear a government or office to give us a rebate when oil prices fallen, because, of course, they’re also losing it. So, the contract, the construct is designed to incentivize the investment, and for the benefitstobethereforallthe parties. It’s delivering on that.”
Guyana could gain at least U. S$9 million more daily from ExxonMobil if a windfall tax of 25% is appliedtotheexcessrevenue currentlybeingearned.
The conflict in the Middle East has resulted in oil prices soaring past U.S. $100 per barrel for the first timesince2022.
At the beginning of the year, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh estimated inflows from the sector at an averageofjust$59abarrel.
Currently, Guyana is producing an average of 900,000 barrels per day (bpd),meaningthatExxonis generating a whopping U.S.$40extraoneachbarrel.
In other words, the Stabroek Block is now generating U.S.$36 million more daily than was anticipated by government.
By applying just 25 per cent tax to the excess profits, Guyana could earn U.S$9M more daily from the windfall profits being enjoyed by Exxon or U.S$270 million a month.
In 2022, Canada had moved its royalty charged between five and 40%; the US in December of 2021, raised its royalty rate higher than the 18.75% it had been
receiving while the UK slapped a one-off 25 per cent tax on the oil companies there.
Be that as it may, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had dismissed calls for the government to institute
especially significant since Guyana does not receive any taxes under the 2016
Agreement(PSA).
The sweetheart deal Exxon states in Article 15.1
(
Limited) as well as its affiliates shall not be subjectedtotax,value-added tax, excise tax, duty, fee, charge, or impost in respect of income derived from petroleum operations, property held or transactions except as specified under the agreement.
Guyana, Columbia gold projects to push Canadian firm into 1M ounces annual league
Canadian miner Aris Mining Corporation is positioning its Guyana and Columbia-based gold projects Toroparu and Soto Norte as the key pillar in a broader strategy to reach annual gold production of onemillionounces.
In its fourth quarter and full-year 2025 results, the company outlined that advancing Toroparu alongside its Soto Norte project in Colombia will be critical to achieving that target, placingAris among a small group of global gold producers operating at that scale. Aris Mining Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Neil Woodyer during the conference call outlined that the projects forms part of Arisbroadergrowthstrategy across Guyana and Colombia.
It was reported that Aris produced 257,000 ounces of gold in 2025. The company saidcontinuedinvestmentin projects such as Toroparu is expected to drive output to 500,000 ounces annually in thenearterm.
Woodyer said, “We’re on track to grow production to 500,000 ounces in the near term Advancing Toroparu and Soto Norte
createapathwayto1million ounces per year Fewer than 15 mining companies globally produce more than 1 million ounces annually With our asset base, balance sheetandcashflow,Arishas a clear path to join that group.”
Aris said it is on track with its development timeline, noting that the Toroparu prefeasibility study is expected to be completed this year The company positions for a potential construction decision by early 2027. The company has already begun select pre-construction activities at the site, includingtheconstructionof a bridge at the Puruni River crossing and ongoing road works to improve access to theproject.
The Toroparu Project, located in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), is one of the largest undeveloped golddepositsinGuyana. It is being developed through Aris Mining local subsidiary, ETK Inc. and is expected to produce an average of 235,000 ounces of gold per year over more than two decades, yielding approximately 5 million ounces of gold, 4.9 million
ounces of silver, and 260 million pounds of copper overitsminelife.
Aris Mining disclosed in the Toroparu Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) that ETK currently holds all the necessary permits and permissions required for exploration and medium-scale mining and recovery of gold and other mineralsintheprojectarea.
Kaieteur News reported thatthattheToroparuproject is expected to generate US$14 7 billion in gold sales based on a base gold priceofUS$3,000perounce overits21-yearminelife.
The PEA states that at a base gold price of US$3,000 per ounce, the project is expected to contribute US$2.2 billion in income taxes and US$1.2 billion in royalty payments to the Government of Guyana, bringing the country’s total projected earnings to US$3.4billion.
At the same gold price assumption, the Toroparu gold project is projected to deliver an after-tax Net Present Value (NPV5%) of US$1.8 billion, an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 25.2%,andapaybackperiod ofthreeyears.
Exxon Country Manager, Alistair Routledge
Guyana’s first gas-toenergy project was meant to be a turning point It promisedcheaperelectricity, more reliable power, and a new wave of industrial development Today, however, the project is behind schedule While delays are not unusual for large infrastructure works, thereasonsinthiscaseraise important questions that the publicdeservesanswersto.
One of the main issues appears to be problems with the land identified for the project. This is not a small matter Land challengeswhether related to soil conditions, drainage, or
preparation-can slow construction and drive-up costs.Butmoreimportantly, they raise a deeper concern:
were the necessary feasibility studies and technical assessments properly done before the projectbegan?
Atthesametime,thereis still uncertainty about the finalpricetagoftheproject. The public has heard different figures over time, but there is no clear and consistent number that
people can point to with confidence This lack of clarity creates unease Citizens understand that development requires investment, but they also expect transparency When costsareunclear,itbecomes difficulttomeasurevalueor holdanyoneaccountable.
What is known, however, is that the gas-toenergyprojectisexpectedto cut electricity costs by as muchashalf.Thatisamajor benefit for households and businesses alike Lower energy costs can make local industries more competitive and improve the standard of living for ordinary Guyanese. In addition, the projectincludesplansforan industrialparkatWales.This facility is expected to support the processing of liquefied natural gas, fertilizer production, and other industrial activities. If executed well, this could help diversify the economy andcreatenewjobs.
The energy output itself is also substantial. At peak, the project is expected to generate around 300 megawattsofpower Thatis
roughly enough to meet Guyana’s current electricity demand. In that sense, the project has a clear and practical purpose: to solve today’senergychallenges.
The concern arises, however, when we look beyondthisfirstproject.The government has already expressed interest in establishingasecondgas-toenergy plant in Berbice. On the surface, this may seem like forward planning Guyana’s oil production is increasing,andwithitcomes large amounts of associated natural gas. It is reasonable forthecountrytothinkabout how to monetize this resource instead of wasting it But the situation in Berbice is very different.At present, there is no clear demand for the additional gas or the energy that a secondplantwouldproduce. Unlike the first project, which is tied to existing needs, a second plant would require new and large-scale industrialactivitiestojustify its existence. This means Guyana would have to actively seek out “mega projects”toconsumethegas
DEM BOYS SEH
How yuh must know if is police or thief?
Dem boys seh things get real interesting pon deroadthesedays.Ituseto be simple: when you see redandbluelightsflashing, you move aside because is police or some real emergency Now? Well, now is like every second man discover he got “urgent business” and a blue and red lights on his vehicle’sgrill.
Dem boys seh is like a new fashion statement
Some people buying rims, some tinting glass darkdark, and some installing flashinglightspondegrill. You driving along, minding yuh business, sweating in de line, and suddenly—flashflash!You got to make a quick decision. Move to de side and hope is real police, or hold yuh lane and risk upsetting somebody who
feelhemoreimportantthan derestofhumanity
Dem boys seh if you watch close, some of these “emergencyvehicles”does beinaterriblehurry—until they clear the traffic jam and then all the emergency disappear faster than free foodatawake.
Lights off, speed n o r m a l , m i s s i o n accomplished. Emergency over until tomorrow morningsametime.
And leh we nah p r e t e n d p e o p l e whispering. Dem saying is notonlylawmenwiththese lights Some big, big businessman apparently decide that traffic is a problemreservedforsmall people. Not dem. Why waitinlinewhenyoucould just but some red and blue lights and pretend you is police or fire service or ambulance?
andenergy
This is where the risks begin to grow Attracting such projects will likely mean inviting large foreign multinational companies to invest and operate in Guyana While foreign investmentcanbringcapital andexpertise,itcanalsolead to increas
eign dominance in key sectors of the economy. There is always a balance to be struck,anditisnotclearthat Guyanaisfullypreparedfor thisshift.
There are also practical challenges Many of the industries that would be needed to utilize the gas require specialized skills thatarenotwidelyavailable in Guyana at present Developing these skills will take time and planning Without them, the country may find itself heavily dependentonforeignlabour andexpertise.
Then there is the question of markets Guyana’s internal market is small. It cannot absorb the level of production that wouldcomefromtheselarge industrial projects This
meansthatexportswouldbe essential But securing reliable external markets is not easy It requires careful negotiation, competitive pricing, and long-term agreements.
In many ways, Guyana risks putting the cart before thehorse.Planningasecond gas-to-energy plant without firstsecuringdemand,skills, and markets is a gamble. It assumesthateverythingelse will fall into place later Historysuggeststhatthisisa riskyapproach.
There is a lesson here from the past. During the time of Forbes Burnham, Guyana pursued the Upper Mazaruni Hydroelectric Project. It was an ambitious vision, and for years it was said that external factors, including US opposition to financing, prevented it from moving forward But another key issue was the lack of a viable market for the energy that would have been produced. There were hopes of exporting electricitytoallofallplaces, Venezuela. In the end, the project collapsed under the w e i g h t o f t h e s e uncertainties.
Today, Guyana faces a similar dilemma The ambition to expand energy p r o d u c t i o n i s understandable, especially with growing oil and gas resources But ambition must be matched with careful planning. Projects must be grounded in clear demand, realistic cost estimates, and thorough preparation.
The first gas-to-energy project still holds great promise If completed successfully, it can transform the country’s energy landscape and support economic growth. But the delays and uncertainties surrounding it should serve as a warning. Guyana must proceed with caution, learn from past mistakes, and ensure that future projects are built on solidfoundations.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Dis is why dem boys seh is time fuh a lil undercover work Leh someplainclothesranksgo out deh, write down numbers of all dem unmarked vehicles dat flashingredandbluelights, and find out who really entitledtoplayambulancepolice-fire-service all in one.Becauserightnow,the road looking like a Christmas tree parade with attitude.
At this rate, dem boys seh soon everybody gon have lights.And when that happen, nobody nah gon m o v e f u h nobody because if everybody important, then nobodyimportant.
And then, irony of all ironies,wegonallbestuck right back in the same traffic… just flashing at eachother.
Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
H@RD TRUTHS
AnxietiesoveranticsaroundBBCprogamme
S o m e c r i t i c a l expressions have been
published about how
Checkout one leader who moves like a coiled spring. Push a button, and the gates of rage are unleashed
Wanna mess wid me!
C’mon,bringiton! Sothat’s what to expect. Then, there is another leader, but still THE leader [though backburnered], whose trail of explosives over the years at all hours and in all forums would make the Strait of Hormuz look like Lake Placid. Or, to push the envelope, the Ganges. Laak
Guyanese comported themselvesduringtheBBC’s panel discussion at the Pegasus. Not unfounded, nor unreasonable, I say What is unreasonable is that such assaults, antics, were unanticipated. When the government machinery has long performed in a flouncing, uncaring, way, nothing else should be expected. The record is there. Thehistoryislong. Theroadtraveledlittered with craters and cesspools into which men and women plunge with complete abandonment, utter recklessness Exxon’s Alistair Routledge deserves every penny that he gets from Guyana’s oil, because his stomach is so strong, his nose so insulated, his mind nowsonumbedfromdealing with PPP Govt. stalwarts. When such a sordid record has been compiled in the past, the BBC was just another opportunity for political nudism to run rampant. Astheheadgoes,sodoes the rest of the body
ah keep sayin’, like papa, like pickney That is what to expect, to extol, the record that’s loved. Has it not been so,myfellowGuyanese?
I pity US Ambassador, Excellency Nicole D Theriot. She has no choice but to deal with the whole pack of them. Memorial Day and Independence Day areonthecalendar Imagine having to entertain and accommodate those kinds of folks under one’s roof. A good thing that she is from Louisiana. The spices from t h e r e s h o u l d h a v e conditioned her well, bring out the best in expansive diplomatic condescension for her undesired, but compulsory, guests Interests and business determine such welcoming postures. I emphasize that, for I have had to deal with
familyofthatquality
The point is when selfrespect and profoundness drip slimily, then the putrid and profane ascends. The BBC team must have been wondering: is this what oil does to people? And, who are these people? And, what to do with them? The BBC itselfisnobouquetofviolets, b u t t o h a v e b e e n eyewitnesses to the PPP Govt. in full battle cry must qualify as immensely tragic, of appalling proportions. I recall the legends of Guyanese miners striking it big in the goldfields, then celebrating their good fortune by lighting up large currency notes to search for smaller dollar bills. Makes perfect sense, doesn’t it? I thinkso.
I say also that those whom the gods wish to drive
insane, then don’t first make them mad. They givethemoiltogetthedirty job done. The oil devours and drowns them. The BBC saw that firsthand. Why should the gods sully their hands to save them? Give a poor man a penny and a prince he becomes. Give disturbed men drops of sense, and they believe they’re wiser than Solomon. Isthatnotwhatisgoingonin
Guyana, Oil Dorado Guyana? Oil has Guyanese primed for battle, ready to kill one another In the domestic trenches that’s the norm.
Before a foreign setting, thatisfortheconsumptionof foreign audiences, the same shabby standards dominate.
What’s now national political and social culture is taken still lower, where the raucous and rambunctious enjoy unchallenged supremacy It is PPP Govt. territory When leaders make that culture their modus operandi, the others can’t be blamed. There are onlyfollowingtheleader(s).
The flock of foreign investors waiting to touchdown here, must be drooling, Guyana is a walkover The government walksovercitizens,soitwill be a piece of cake to walk in and walkover them all, from leaders to followers. They are too busy fighting each other, trying to bring each otherdown.
What happened before theBBCwasbelievedtobea distraction from fair distributionandhowcost-oflivingiskillingrank-and-file Guyanese, when they are heralded as among the richest globally Ugly displays are now part of the national exhibitionisms Ratherthandistracting,more attention was drawn. The PPP Govt. has secrets that mustremainhidden.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
‘Violence, sex scandals...
From page 3
Ministry of Education confirmed reports of the allegations andnotedthatthechildren’sparentsarebeingengagedwhile childprotectionmechanismshavebeenactivated.
This publication learned that the accused is a Physical Education (PE) teacher and has been employed with the secondaryschoolforsomethreeyears.
Meanwhile, in January, Kaieteur News reported that three males: ages 15, 16 and 19 were arrested following the brutal assault of a male student at De Willem, West Coast Demerara.
Disturbing footage, which was widely circulated on socialmedia,showsthevictimdressedinwhatappearstobe his school uniform, standing helplessly as he is surrounded by the three suspects. The attackers are seen taking turns threatening, insulting and intimidating the student, with one demandingthatheapologiseswhiletheotherslookedon.
ScotiabankGuyanahaspartnered with Youth Challenge Guyana for LaunchingOut,asix-weekplumbing training programme, enhanced with life-skills instruction. Backed by a GY$6,517,440 investment, the programme aims to strengthen the employability, entrepreneurial capacity and long-term economic resilience of young people across Guyana.
with comprehensive plumbing training and preparation for the ContractorLicensingprocedures.
“The technical training will be delivered alongside essential instruction in topics such as financial literacy, entrepreneurship, self-
Scotiabank Guyana has partnered with Youth Challenge Guyana to support youth development through technical training and life-skills education. L-R: Dmitri Nicholson, Executive Director of Youth Challenge Guyana and Nafeeza Gafoor, Country Manager, Scotiabank Guyana.
According to a statement issued by Scotiabank, Youth Challenge Guyana has over thirty years of experience, delivering life-skills, technical training, and community development programmes The organisation’s expertise will be leveraged for the Launching Out programme which begins on March 23, 2026, and will equip participants
management, work ethics, and occupational safety In addition to strong practical training by certified instructors and technical educators, internship opportunities will be sought for participants to improve their skills and develop experience withtheworldofwork.”
Dmitri Nicholson, Executive Director ofYouth Challenge Guyana said, “The partnership between Youth Challenge Guyana and Scotiabank Guyana Inc. to train
young people in plumbing and life skills is more than just a training opportunity It’s a pathway to dignity and stability Technical training equips youth with employable skills, and life skills foster resilience, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution. It’s a reminder that when opportunity meets guidance, communities grow safer and futures grow brighter This collaboration
organizations commitment to a successful future for Guyanese youth.”
The programme addresses critical obstacles to employment faced by vulnerable youth and responds to the growing need for qualifiedtradespeopleinGuyana.
(Reuters) - A federal judge on Friday blocked the Trump administration’s restrictive Pentagon press access policy, which threatens journalists with being branded security risks if they seek information not authorized for public release.
The lawsuit by the New York Times (NYT.N), opens new tab Washington, D.C., federal court alleged that policy changes by the Defense Department last year gave it free rein to freezeoutreportersandnews outlets over coverage the department did not like, in
v i o l a t i o n o f t h e Constitution’s protections for free speech and due process The government d i s p u t e d t h a t characterization and said the policy is reasonable and necessary for national security
U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman said in his ruling that he recognized the importance of protecting troops and war plans but that it was “more important than ever that the public have access to information from a variety of perspectives about what its government is doing” in light of President
Donald Trump’s recent “incursion” into Venezuela andwarwithIran.
The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ruling. The government is likelytoappeal.
New York Times s p o k e s m a n C h a r l i e
Stadtlander said the ruling enforces constitutionally protected rights for the free pressand“reaffirmstheright of The Times and other independent media to continue to ask questions on thepublic’sbehalf.”
“Americans deserve visibility into how their
governmentisbeingrun,and the actions the military is takingintheirnameandwith t h e i r t a x d o l l a r s , ” Stadtlander said in a statementonFriday MOST NEWS OUTLETS DID NOT SIGN ON TO NEW POLICY
The changes approved under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in October 2025 state that journalists can be deemed security risks and have their press badges revoked if they solicit unauthorized military personnel to disclose classified, and in some cases unclassified,information.
The Pentagon logo is seen behind the podium in the briefing room at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Al Drago/File Photo
Of the 56 news outlets in
the Pentagon Press Association,onlyoneagreed to sign an acknowledgment of the new policy, according the Times’ lawsuit Reporters who did not sign surrendered their press passes.
The Pentagon assembled a new press corps consisting of pro-Trump outlets and media personalities after the exodus of reporters, which the Times said was evidence that the policy was aimed at stifling unflattering coverage.
The policy states that publishing sensitive information “is generally protected by the First Amendment” but says soliciting that information could be considered by officials when determining whether a reporter poses a “securityorsafetyrisk.”
In its lawsuit, the Times said the policy unlawfully r e s t r i c t s e s s e n t i a l newsgathering techniques and gives the Pentagon “unfettered” discretion to revoke passes, permitting it to impose the type of “viewpoint-based” press restrictions forbidden by the Constitution.
Justice Department lawyers acknowledged the policy was partly subjective but said press credentialing
decisionswerestillgoverned by neutral, objective criteria. The government also said soliciting military personnel to commit a crime by disclosing unauthorized information was not legally protectedspeech.
The policy change was criticized by journalism advocates, who called it another attack on the free press by Trump and his administration.
Freedom of the Press Foundation advocacy chief Seth Stern praised Friday’s ruling in a statement, saying it was “shocking” that the government had argued that “journalistsaskingquestions of the government is criminal.”
TheAssociated Press has a pending lawsuit against Trump administration officials over its removal from the White House press corps after the news agency decidedtocontinueusingthe GulfofMexico’sestablished name, while acknowledging Trump’s executive order callingonU.S.institutionsto refer to it as the Gulf of America.
The AP said the decision was illegal viewpoint-based discrimination, while the governmentcounteredthat it had wide discretion over press access decisions for non-publicspaces.
BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT
Whereinthe worldistheAFC?
The Alliance For Change appears to have vanished into political thin air.
Once a party that promised balance and accountability, the Alliance For Change now struggles for relevance after its crushing electoral defeat. Since then silence has replaced substance. There are no weekly press conferences, no strong voices on matters of the state, no clear direction, no visible effort to reconnect with the people it once claimed to represent.
Where is the leadership? Where is the reflection, the rebuilding, the fight?
In politics, defeat is not death, unless a party allows it to be.Yet the AFC seems content to drift, leaving supporters abandoned and the national discourse poorer for its absence
Guyana needs credible opposition, not ghosts of past coalitions. If the AFC intends to survive, it must re-emerge with purpose and courage. Otherwise, the question will answer itself: it no longer exists.
De Kinderen Regional Hospital hosted a World Kidney Day observance on Thursday
In a major development for kidney care in the region, De Kinderen Regional Hospital will begin offering inpatient dialysis services within the next month,
Inpatient dialysis services to ser launch at De Kinderen hospital next month
Regional Health Officer (RHO) Dr Fiaz Hassan announcedonThursday The announcement was madeduringaWorldKidney Day observance hosted by thehospitalunderthetheme, “Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health,” highlighting the critical importance of early detectionandprevention.
Dr Hassan revealed that free dialysis services will s o o n b e a v a i l a b l e nationwide, marking a significant advancement in dialysis care. In addition to
Regional Health Officer of Region Three, Dr.
De Kinderen Regional Hospital’s new inpatient services, Region Three will also see the establishment of a dedicated dialysis centre at LeonoraCottageHospitalby theendof2026.
Dr Sara Baksh, head of internal medicine at De Kinderen, emphasised that kidney disease remains a major, often silent health concern in Guyana, largely driven by hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and unhealthy lifestyles She urged citizens to prioritise early screening and healthier living.
Medical Superintendent Dr Dhanraj Ramnandan highlightedthatthousandsof patients are already benefiting from services at the hospital, underscoring the facility’s role in
improving community health.
The World Kidney Day event featured medical presentations, patient testimonials, health exhibitions, and recognition of sponsors and partners. Supporting organisations included the Ministry of Health, the Regional Democratic Council of Region Three, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, the Guyana Marketing Corporation, as well as private sector and NGOpartners.
“ T h e o b s e r v a n c e reinforced the importance of early detection, healthy lifestyles, and collaborative actioninreducingtheburden of kidney disease and improving quality of life,” thehospitalsaid.
Scotiabank,YouthChallenge...
From page 11
Nafeeza Gaffoor, Country Manager, Scotiabank Guyana, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “At Scotiabank, we’re proud to support programmes that equip young people with practical skills and competencies for today’s workforce. This partnership with Youth Challenge Guyana helps young people better understand their career optionsandtakeadvantageofopportunitiesintechnicaland vocational employment, as well as entrepreneurship. By building income-generating skills, we are supporting not only individual livelihoods, but also stronger families and a moreresilienteconomy.”
Head of Internal Medicine at the De Kinderen Regional Hospital, Dr. Sara Baksh. (Photo credit: Delano Williams)
Fiaz Hassan.
Tanker carrying fuel originally bound for Cuba diverts to Trinidad, shipping data shows
The Cuban-flagged tanker Alicia, docked at the Matanzas terminal, in Matanzas, Cuba, February 10, 2026. REUTERS/Norlys Perez/File Photo
(Reuters) - A tanker carrying fuel originallyboundforCubaonFridaychanged its destination to Trinidad and Tobago, according to LSEG ship-tracking data, a blowfortheislandamidaseverefuelscarcity thathastriggeredpowerblackouts.
The Hong Kong-flagged vessel Sea Horse loaded a diesel cargo earlier this year through a ship-to-ship transfer in the Mediterranean before setting sail to the Caribbean.
The Russian-origin cargo was bound for Cuba,accordingtoseveralmaritime
Continued on page 23
Govt. to spend $1.7B on retendered Great Diamond & Schemes projects
Stewartville Housing
Minister of Housing, Collin Croal (right) and his team visiting the Stewartville Housing Scheme where they terminated underperforming contractors.
The Ministry of Housing through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is set to spend approximately $1.77 billion to complete infrastructure development works at sections of Great Diamond and Stewartville Housing
Schemes which were recentlyterminated.
K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that last month, the ministry terminated underperformingcontractors from infrastructure works being done at Blocks One andSevenatGreatDiamond, East Bank Demerara, and sections of Stewartville East andWest,RegionThree.
These projects were subsequently retendered and bids were recently opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board(NPTAB)office.
According to the information from NPTAB, CH&PA invited bids for infrastructure development works at Stewartville for Lots 5 and 14. This project
w h i c h a t t r a c t e d 9 5 contractors is estimated to cost $551,404,434 at Lot5 and$473,992,250atLot14.
As it relates to Great Diamond, 95 contractors bid for Block ‘7’project at Great Diamond which is estimated to cost $241,986,465, and 102 bidders submitted bids for Block ‘1’ which cover Lot2 A for $ 280,470,435, and Lot 2B is estimated at $ 230,430,585.
The contractors and their bids can be viewed via the l i n k : h t t p s : / / w w w n p t a g o v g y / w pcontent/uploads/TenderEvaluation-Details-March04-2026.pdf
Regarding the works at Great Diamond, the ministry stated at the time that Minister Collin Croal and Minister within the Housing
Ministry, Vanessa Benn visited the project site to inspectworks.
“The Ministry of Housing has taken decisive s t
affecting about 21% of allottees of Blocks One and Seven at Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara, moving to terminate underperformingcontractors and re-tender the works so that allottees can gain access to their lands,” the ministry reportedbackinFebruary Minister Croal disclosed during the visit that “It’s not the entire Blocks One and Seven that are inaccessible. It’s only sections within those two blocks that are affected.” He explained that some beneficiaries have alreadyidentifiedtheirhouse lotsthroughtheMinistry
Theministryhaddetailed that Block One comprises 1,018lots,withlots493–677 affected, while Block Seven contains 725 lots, with lots 31–220impacted.
“To ensure transparency, the Ministry will keep affected allottees informed so they can track when accesstotheirlandsbecomes available Minister Croal emphasised that the action taken at Great Diamond demonstrates the Ministry’s firm approach to contractor performance and its commitment to delivering serviced house lots to Guyanese,” the ministry said lastmonth.
At Stewartville, the Ministry of Housing and CH&PA noted that the delivery of serviced house lots to Guyanese families remains a priority and as such underperforming contractors responsible for infrastructure works in sectionsofStewartvilleEast Continued on page 23
‘Justice! I just want justice’
– declares teen mom, stabbed over 25 times
Fifteen-year-old Tiana Chapman, who was stabbed more than 25 times by the father of her child, is relieved that her attacker has been apprehended and is in police custody but is pleadingforjustice.
The mother of one, in her first interview since the brutal ordeal, told Kaieteur News that she is feeling better She said, “I feel alright,feelmoresafe”butwantsthearmsof justicetohastenitswork.
Theteenisadamantthatherattacker,28year-old Christopher Ali must be punished for her stabbing noting that she would be satisfiedwith“lifeinprison.”
The Pepper Street, Edinburgh Village, East Bank Berbiceresidentwas at a friend’s housenotfarfromherhomeonFebruary24, when her ex-boyfriend attacked her with a knifeandleftherinapoolofblood.
TheyoungmomtoldKaieteurNewsthat Ali physically abused her during their relationship and disclosed that the week beforethebrutalstabbing,hehintedatkilling her
“Adayhecallmeonanumber,andheseh hewantstoseehisbaby Ididcarrythebaby forhimtosee.Hesaidplaithishair Ididplait his hair Ah seh ‘man ah going home now’, andthenahopenthedoor
Hegetthisscissorsinhehand,andhesaid ‘is best I kill yuh hay suh and done’,” she recounted.
She continued: “He has a bad character. He’s aggressive, he lies, he’s abusive,” she summed up, adding too that their 11-month child receives no paternal maintenance. At most, she said Ali would request to see his child.
Recalling the evening where she almost lostherlife,ChapmansaidAlisnuckintothe homewhileitwasdark.
Earlier, he visited the friend’s home, but she instructed her friend to tell him she was notthere.Lateron,shehadaccompaniedher
The teen was rushed to the New AmsterdamHospitalwhereshewasadmitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). She was discharged two weeks later, butAli was still at large, and this created concerns about her well-being. Last Friday, however, he was caught.
Ali was handed over to the police in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), but not before he was assaulted by vigilantes while he ventured up the Berbice River. He hadsuccessfullyevadedpolicefortwoweeks sincestabbingChapmanmorethan25times, but word of his sighting at the location circulated.
In videos seen around social media, Ali sustainedchopwoundstohishandsandfeet, andwasseentiedupinaboatbyindividuals who captured him and were heard chiding himforhisgruesomeact.
Meanwhile, Ali remains in police custody (ShermonHawker)
Cubans queue for water in Havana amid fuel and power crisis
HAVANA, March 20 (Reuters)-Residentsacross the Cuban capital hauled buckets and lined up for waterfromtankertrucksasa combination of fuel shortages and power grid instability left thousands of tapsdry
State water utility Aguas de La Habana confirmed that pumping schedules and supply operations have been disrupted by a lack of electricity
“This area is now havingwaterproblems
“Since oil is not coming into the country, there is no pumping, because that system runs onelectricity”
The energy crunch follows a spike in U S pressure on Havana since the January capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Cuba’s primarybenefactor
U S ‘President Donald Trump has since cut Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba and
People are hauling water and waiting for the water truck,” said resident Lazaro Noblet, while pushing a small handcart loadedwithcontainers
threatenedtariffsonother suppliers, strangling the island’s fragile power infrastructure
For many, however, the struggle is not new
“Our problem has `existed since 2021, and now it is 2026,” said 58-year-old Maria de Jesus Rusindo, who has spent years carrying heavy containers`intoherhome.
In other districts, Alfonso Pedro Gonzalez checkedanemptyrooftank before turning a dry faucet He ‘must boil the small amount of water he manages to collect from trucks
A man carries two buckets of water as severe fuel shortages have disrupted water pumping and distribution, in Havana, Cuba March 19, 2026. REUTERS/Norlys Perez
Tiana Chapman and her son, Jahvid
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LAND FOR LEASE
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BUS SERVICE
Easter weekend trip to Suriname,call Matthew Bus Service & Tour for info 6392663/673-2348/6896661.Leaving 2nd April.
ENTERTAINMENT
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ACCOMMODATIONS
Aracari Hotel Renovated rooms, A/C, TV, Restaurant, Bar, Pool, Gym. Stay 7 nights, 1 FREE! Call: 264-2946.
Seaforth street,Subryanville,Barr st. Kitty,La Penitence public rd,Charlestown,Melanie E.C.D.Contact Ray's Realty 627-9685. PROPERTY FOR SALE
Properties in prime location South Road,Croal Street near shopping and market areas contact on +592 722 5716.
Mining lands in Cuyuni Mining District 1200 acres,Spring Gardens (Dora) 21 acres,Silver Hill 20 acres.Contact Ray's Realty 627-9685.
Land for sale in Friendship prime location on the public road E.B.D.Contact:7225716.
LEGAL NOTICE
2025/121-FD-APN-DEM
THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCEAND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION BETWEEN:-
Petition No. 121
MELENA VAUGHN Applicant
- and -
CHRISTINE WILLIAMS
Respondent TO: CHRISTINE WILLIAMS
Formerly of Kuru Kuru Squatting Area East Bank Demerara, Guyana. TAKE NOTICE that on the 15th day of May, 2025 an Application Relating to Child was filed against you by MELENA VAUGHN, the Applicant in the Family Division
LEGAL NOTICE
of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 5th day of February, 2026, the Applicant was directed to effect service of her Application on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person by yourself, authorized agent or Attorneyat-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Application together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Application, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Application, you must file a Reply to Application Relating to Children (Forms are available at the Registry), via the online portal,https:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy within 35 (Thirty-Five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. Your access code is 5LJDHs.TAKE NOTICE that the Application is scheduled for Directions Hearing on Friday the 27th day of March, 2026 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Hessaun Yasin via Zoom. Zoom Meeting ID: 525 150 0023 and Passcode: q8W7yp.IN DEFAULT of your filing a Reply to Application Relating to Children the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Application.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 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.
68 Kersaint Park La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara Guyana
TAKE NOTICE that on the 5th day of January, 2026 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by YASHODA CHUNU nee RAMSAROOP, the Petitioner/Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 25th day of February, 2026, the Petitioner/Applicant was directed to effect service of Petition on you by publication of Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur Newspaper, daily a newspaper printed, published and circulated in Guyana and on the world wide web (online).
AND FURTHER TAKE
NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents AND FURTHER TAKE
NOTICE that if you desire to defend this Divorce,
then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgment of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition Via the e-litigation Platform (online) https:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy within 50 (fifty) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. Your access code is s4rPmcTAKE
fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 14th of May, 2026 at 10:15 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sherdel Issaacs-Marcus in Court 1A via Zoom Zoom ID: 986 289 5666 and Passcode: Court1.
IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service. Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the 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 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.
Dated the 9th day of March, 2026
LAND FOR SALE
LEGAL NOTICE
WAYNE BROWN
Applicant -v-
DEVON ANTHONY Mc FARLANE
Respondent
TO: DEVON Mc FARLANE
Address Unknown
TAKE NOTICE that on the 24th day of September, 2025 an Application Relating to Children was filed against you by WAYNE BROWN, the Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. made on the 29th day of December, 2025, the Applicant was directed to effect service of his Application on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturdays of the KAIETEUR NEWS, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web. AND FURTHER TAKE NO-
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 Application together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NO-
TICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce and Application in Relating to child(ren), then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Application, you must file a Reply to Application Relating to Child, an Statement of Arrangements for Child and/or Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition via the online portal, https:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy within 50 (fifty) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. Your access code is pKez9G.TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Thursday the 14th day of May 2026 at 11:55 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus in Court 1A and/or via Zoom. Zoom ID: 986 289 5666 and Passcode: Court1.
IN DEFAULT of your filing a Reply to Application Relating to Child, an Answer and/or Notice of Intention to Defend the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any
LEGAL NOTICE
Order it considers appropriate, including granting Custody.
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 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 9th day of March, 2026.
BY THE COURT FOR REGISTRAR
LEGAL NOTICE
IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCEAND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION 2025/231-FD-APN-DEM Application No. 231 Between DONNET JOSEPH Applicant - and -
ANTHONY FRANCE Respondent TO: ANTHONY FRANCE address unknown
TAKE NOTICE that on the 25th day of August, 2025 an Application Relating to Children was filed against you by DONNET JOSEPH, the Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara via the e-litigation portal https:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy AND FURTHER TAKE NO-
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 Application together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NO-
TICE that if you desire to Defend this Application in Relating to child(ren), then upon receipt of the certified
$993M Karasabai airstrip upgrades completed
Upgrades to the Karasabai airstrip in Region Nine have been completed, President Irfaan Ali announced on Thursday.
The head of state in a Facebook post said that the project was delivered through a community participation model.
“The airstrip now features a 3,000-foot rigid concrete runway, a parking apron for two aircraft, and modern safety features. The Ministry
LEGAL NOTICE
copy of the Petition/Application, you must file a Reply to Application Relating to Child, an Statement of Arrangements for Child and/or Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), via the online portal,https:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy within 50 (fifty) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. Your access code is GWpaD3
TAKE NOTICE that this Application is scheduled for Directions Hearing on Thursday the 21st day of May, 2026 at 11:45 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus in Court 1A at the High Court at Georgetown and/or via Zoom Zoom ID: 986 289 5666
Passcode: Court1
IN DEFAULT of your filing a Reply to Application Relating to Child, an Answer and/ or Notice of Intention to Defend the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting Custody.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 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.Dated the 5th day of March, 2026 FOR REGISTRAR
of Public Works provided the materials, equipment, and technical oversight, while labour came directly from the community,” the Facebook post said.
Kaieteur News reported that the upgrade to the airstrip was being done at a cost $993 million. Works on the project started on January 19, 2026.
The Ministry of Public Work said that the airstrip will
The recently completed $993 million Karasabai Airstrip.
also be outfitted with 50 navigational lights to accommodate night operations if necessary. The rehabilitated airstrip will also be painted in accordance with international standards and outfitted with a parking space to accommodate five aircraft.
Karasabai’s Toshao, David Albert told Kaieteur News that the upgrade of the airstrip will significantly boost tourism and agriculture
opportunities for communities in the South Pakaraimas.
“Some of the benefits that it will bring to us the residents is that years ago it used to be scheduled flights here and hopefully this would be reinstated back to our community. Also, it will benefit if you have to do a medevac to Georgetown which is health wise, and also residents can now book a flight from here to Georgetown,” he stated.
Govt. to spend $1.7B on retendered Great...
From page 19 and West, were terminated.
Minister Benn, who visited the project site, noted at the time that while many allottees have access to their lands and some have already begun constructing their homes, a number of them re-
main affected by the delay in infrastructure works.
“Of the nearly 1,000 house lots in Stewartville, approximately 100 are impacted — specifically Lots 254–266 in Stewartville East; and Lots 433–472, 662–680 and 715–744 in Stewartville West,” the ministry reported. Additionally, the ministry stated that underperforming contractors have been repeatedly engaged on their obligations, and were reminded that failure to improve will result in termination.
Tanker carrying fuel originally bound...
From page 15 intelligence firms, but the ship had suspended course in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean since late February.
The tanker has changed course and is heading south to Trinidad, with an estimated arrival on Monday, according to the LSEG data.
The U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday changed the terms of a waiver it had granted to sales of Russian-
origin crude and petroleum products already loaded on tankers to specifically exclude transactions involving North Korea, Cuba and Crimea. The license is part of the Trump administration’s effort to tame high crude and gas prices amid the Middle East conflict. Russia’s state-run TASS news agency said this week the Russian government is in talks with Cuba about aid options, without providing further details.
Power blackouts are now the norm in Cuba, which has received only two tankers at its ports this year, bringing oil, LSEG data showed.
The Communist-run island needs imported fuel oil and diesel to generate power and avoid more outages, while gasoline sales remain strictly rationed and sold on the black market for $8 per liter, six times the official price.
Trump calls NATO allies ‘cowards’ over alleged lack of support for Iran war
…Trump has been calling for major US allies to help secure the safety of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz which Tehran has effectively blocked
(AL-JAZEERA)
President Donald Trump slammed NATO allies ‘over their lack of support for the US-Israel war on Iran as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, with no endtotheconflictinsight.
NATO countries are “COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!” he posted onhisTruthSocialplatform onFriday
The US president complainedNATOcountries didnotwanttojointhefight against Iran, yet still complain about high oil prices.
“Now that fight is militarily WON, with very little danger for them, they complain about the high oil prices they are forced to `pay, but don’t want to help open`theStraitofHormuz,a simple military maneuver that is the single reason for the high oil prices. So easy forthemtodo,withso`little risk,”hewrote.
Trump has been calling for major US allies and ‘others, none of whom were consulted or advised on the
Anavy vessel is seen sailing in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which much of the world’s oil and gas passes on March 1, 2026 [File: Sahar al-Attar/AFP]
The conflict has roiled global markets, killed thousands and displaced millions since US -Israeli strikes began on February 28.
In a change of tone, the UnitedKingdomannounced on Friday that it was now
allowing the US to use its bases to target Iran for the “collective self-defence of theregion”.
Accordingtoastatement from Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office, ministers met and “condemned Iran’s expansion of its targets to include international shipping.”
“Theyconfirmedthatthe
agreement for the US to use UK bases in the collective self-defence of the region includes US defensive operations to degrade the missilesitesandcapabilities beingusedtoattackshipsin the Strait of Hormuz,” the statementadded.
Trump’s assailing of Europe comes as NATO announced on Friday it was
“adjusting” its mission in Iraq, after officials in the countrysaidthenon-combat force had been temporarily withdrawn due to the Iran war
“Wecanconfirmthatwe are adjusting our posture in the context of NATO Mission Iraq,” alliance spokesperson Allison Hart toldtheAFPnewsagencyin astatement.
Meanwhile, US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s supreme allied commander Europe, confirmed the relocation of all NATO Iraq missionpersonneltoEurope inastatement.
“Iwouldliketothankthe Republic of Iraq and all the Allies who assisted in the safe relocation of NATO personnel from Iraq,” the statementreads.
French President
Emmanuel Macron said after a two-day European Union summit in Brussels that defending international law and promoting deescalation was “the best we can do”. “I have not heard
anyone here express a willingness to enter this conflict – quite the opposite.”
‘No consensus’ on oil prices
T h e E u r o p e a n government’s meeting in Brussels was dominated by the fallout from the war on Iran, particularly in the energymarket.
Al Jazeera’s Step Vaessen, reporting from Brussels,saidtheEUhasnot really “reached any consensus on measures that are going to be taken by the bodyasawhole”.
“This comes amid the announcement by the European Central Bank that it will cut growth forecasts and has raised inflation predictions in the coming months.
So, what we can expect, especially here in the European Union, is very highenergycosts,”shesaid.
“Leaders discussed at lengthreformingaso-called energytradingsystem but the general consensus was thatthereisnoconsensus.”
US says it struck alleged drug trafficking vessel in
Pacific, killing tw
…In an initial statement, the US military said three people survived the strike but only one survivor was ultimately recovered alive
(AL-JAZEERA)
The United States military has announced that it attacked another alleged drug trafficking vessel in the easternPacific.
But while the US military initially said on Friday that three people survivedthestrike,theCoast Guard later issued a statement that two of the threewerefounddead.Only one person was recovered alive.
The US Southern Command, which oversees military activities in Latin America, wrote in a social mediapostthatthestrikehad takenplacethepreviousday “Intelligence confirmed the low-profile vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in
the Eastern Pacific and was engagedinnarco-trafficking operations,”thepostalleges, offeringnospecifics.
“ F o l l o w i n g
, U S S O U T H C O M immediately notified US Coast Guard to activate the Search and Rescue system forthesurvivors.”
Anaccompanyingblackand-white video shows a small boat being bombed andburstingintoflames.
The news agency Reuters reported that the survivor and the remains of thosekilledweretransferred to the Costa Rican Coast Guard.
Thestrikeisthelatestina lethal campaign targeting alleged drug trafficking boatsoffLatinAmerica.
The campaign, dubbed Operation Southern Spear, has now killed at least 159 people in 46 separate incidents, according to government announcements abouttheattacks.
The attacks began on September 2, 2025, and it is rare for the US government toannouncesurvivors.
Apart from today, the only two known survivors came on October 16, more
than a month into the bombing campaign The men who survived that attack were repatriated to their home countries of Colombia and Ecuador, where they were released withoutcharge.
The administration of President Donald Trump has argued that the lethal strikes are aimed at deterringdrugtrafficking.
But international legal scholars have denounced them as a campaign of extrajudicial killings and warned that those involved couldfaceprosecution.
In December, the
Trump administration
came under heavy criticism when it was revealed that the first boat attack on September 2
left two survivors who were subsequently killed in a double-tapstrike.
Democrats have pushed for video to be released of the double-tap strike, showing the survivors as they clungto floating debris after the initialstrike.
B u t t h e T r u m p administration has so far declinedtodoso.
It has also not produced public evidence to justify the attacks, nor has it identified those it haskilled
Some families in Colombia and Trinidad and Tobago have claimed that the victims were fishermen or informal workers, transiting across the Caribbeanforemployment.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during a news conference on March 19 [AFP]
AHampshire, Corentyne man who admitted to the brutal killing of a 69year-oldbusinessmanduring arobberyhasbeensentenced tolifeimprisonment.
Satish Ramnaris, known as ‘Chico’, 39, appeared before Justice Deborah Kumar at the Berbice High Court on Wednesday, where the sentence was handed down following his earlier guiltyplea.
Ramnaris confessed to killing Akhbar Sain on October 18, 2023, at Williamsburg, Corentyne He had pleaded guilty to the
chargeonFebruary3,2026.
The court heard that Ramnaris broke into Sain’s supermarket with the intention of committing a robbery Duringtheincident, the elderly businessman confronted the intruder in an attempt to defend his property
In response, Ramnaris armed himself with a piece of wood and dealt Sain multiple blows to the head. The attack proved fatal, leaving the pensioner lying motionless in his yard. His bodywaslaterdiscoveredby police.
Even after the violent
assault, the court was told, Ramnaris proceeded to steal cash from the premises. He was, however, apprehended shortly after while hiding behind a washing machine. The stolen money was recovered.
A p o s t - m o r t e m examination later revealed that Sain died from shock and cerebral haemorrhage, compounded by a fractured skull caused by severe blunt force trauma. The injuries i n c l
lacerations to the head and face.
During sentencing, Ramnarisexpressedremorse
and pleaded for leniency, telling the court he was driven by desperation to provide for his children. He askedtobegivenachanceto returntothem.
Justice Kumar, in delivering her ruling, noted that the accused and the victim were known to each other, a factor that underscored the gravity of thecrime.
She highlighted the extreme violence inflicted on the elderly man, pointing to the severity of the head injuries, including skull fractures and exposure of brain matter The judge also
e m p h a s i s e d S a i n ’s vulnerabilityduetohisage.
Further, the court noted that such crimes instill fear with
particularly among small businessowners.
While acknowledging Ramnaris’ early guilty plea
and expressions of remorse, Justice Kumar ruled that the aggravating factors far outweighedanymitigation. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 20 years to be served before becoming eligibleforparole.
Satish Ramnaris, sentenced to life imprisonment for murder
Akhbar Sain (deceased)
Herstelling aiming for first final-8 berth, Agricola seeking to stay relevant
It will all go down at the Eccles EE Community Ground this Saturday and Sunday when the second weekend of action in the inaugural East Bank Inter Vi l l a g e F o o t b a l l Tournament, organised by Sports Extra takes center stage with four contrasting
match-ups In today’s fixtures,Herstelling,leading the points table in Group B will take on Swan which is making its first appearance from 18:00hrs with the former relishing the chance to become the first team makingthequarterfinals.
L a s t w e e k e n d ,
Herstelling turned back the challenge of Lower Soesdyke 2-0 and will be aimingforawinintheirfinal group clash which will see them through to the next round, which will be the knockout round. Swan will benopushoversastheywill seek to follow in the footsteps of their Soesdyke
L i n d e n H i g h w a y neighbours, Kuru Kururu whichtrouncedAgricolalast week.Ahectic start of night threeofactionisanticipated.
Saturday March 21 2026
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Youshouldenjoytheintense energy of today, Aries. The mud is finally beginning to clearaway Exposethetruthin every issue and get ready for the gremlins that may be unearthed.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Todaymarksthebeginningof a new cycle for you, Taurus. Collect and consolidate your recent ideas and focus them outwardly The time is right foryoutoact.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
Take a cold shower to jumpstart yourself today, Gemini. It'sfineifyoulazearoundabit in the morning, but by evening, you should be working at full capacity. You will be called into action whetheryouwanttobeornot.
CANCER(June21–July22)
Today may start out sluggish foryou,Cancer,butbytheend of the day the energy will move fast and furious. Your thoughts will be buzzing around your head like bees aroundahive.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Enjoythecalmmorning,Leo, because things are going to getcrazierandmoreenergetic as the day goes on. Emotions willrunhigh,andpeoplewill be more opinionated than usual.
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
You will experience an intense amount of energy today,Virgo.Yourdreamstate willbemoreactivethanusual, and you will find that people aredrawntoyoulikemothsto light.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
It's time to get up and get moving, Libra You have tremendous ideas and vision forthefuture.Youhaveallthe informationyouneed.Nowall youhavetodoisact.Stepupto the plate and hit one over the fence.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)
Theearlypartofthedaymight find you sluggish and indecisive, Scorpio, but later youshouldbepsychedupand ready to go. Today marks the beginning of a new period in which you should set your ideasinmotion.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)
Today's energies will get progressively more intense as the day goes on In the morning, you may be in an easygoing, dreamy state, Sagittarius.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
For the past several weeks you've felt like you've been dragging your heels, Capricorn Decisions may have been hard to make and people may have seemed wishy-washy.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) The morning might find you sitting like a stick in the mud, Aquarius. People might begettingdownonyoufornot contributing, but tell them to bepatient.Youwillberaringto gobynightfall.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar 20)
Things are moving your way, Pisces.As the day progresses, you will find that the energy intensifies.Conflictsmayarise nearsundown,butdon'tworry aboutittoomuch.
The feature clash on Saturday night will see GroupCplaybetweenUpper S o e s d y k e a g a i n s t Circuitville, the latter in a must win situation having lost their opening match to Group,7-2.UpperSoesdyke in their first match will be goingforawinastheirfinal group game will be against the dangerous former East Bank #1 football village, Grove.
While Circuitville, seemingly might be on the ropes, they will be coming hardandwillthroweverything attheUpperSoesdykeladsin order remain in the race for a quarterfinalberth Fansarein for a treat In tomorrow’s fixtures: giant killers, Kaneville,freshoffahuge1-0 win over the mighty Timehri team will square off against Friendship from 18:00hrs, whileMochaandAgricolado battle in what is surely anticipated to be an exciting clashasAgricolaneedawinto remaininthetournament
Kaneville will hope for another successful day which will place them into theknockoutphase.Itwillbe Friendship’sfirstkickofthe
tournament, and they too would want to secure a win toannouncetheirpresencein thetournament.
Mocha, one of the competition’sfavouriteswill beaimingtomakeitdifficult forAgricolatoadvanceafter their opening loss to Kuru Kururu.What is certain is that fans are in for two days of delightful action this weekend at the Eccles EE Communityground.
A total of $3million in prize monies will be up for
grabs with the first prize set at $1million, while 2nd, 3rd and4thprizesare$500,000, $250,000 and $150,000 respectively along with individualaccoladesforBest Goalkeeper, Most Valuable Player and Highest Goalscorer
Among the sponsors on board are: Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport, OfficeofthePrimeMinister, Ministry of Housing, Republic Bank and Fitness Express.
Frompage30 that the event has received full approval from the Ministry of Education, with theDemeraraMutualGroup providing essential personal accidentinsurancecoverage forallparticipatingathletes. With eight matches on thecardtodayandafullslate of action continuing this Sunday, football fans are encouraged to head to the Queen’s College ground to witness exciting Secondary SchoolFootballaction.
Mocha Captain, Dorville Stewart
Cricket West Indies to convene 27th AGM today
(CWI) - Cricket West Indies (CWI) will convene its 27th Annual General Meetingtoday,March21,in respect of the financial year endedSeptember30,2025.
Themeetingwillbeheld
deo conference and will centre onthereviewofthe2024/25 audited financial statements
a
t Shareholder members will receive presentations from
Chief Executive Officer Chris Dehring, along with CricketandFinancereports, delivered by the Director of Cricket and Chief Financial Officerrespectively InadditiontothesixFull
representatives Barbados Cricket Association (BCA), Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Jamaica Cricket Association(JCA),Leeward Islands Cricket Board (LICB), Trinidad & Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), and Windward Islands Cricket Board (WICB), all of whom are expected to be in attendance.
CWI has also, as is customary, extended invitations to its Special Members.Theseinclude the Association of Caribbean Media Worke
Association of Caribbean TertiaryInstitutions(ACTI), theCaribbeanAssociationof Industry and Commerce (CAIC), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), the
WestIndiesCricketUmpires Association (WICUA), and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA), and looks forward to their participation and valued contribution to the meeting.
CWI President, the Honourable Dr Kishore
ng the foundation of the game across the region. As we review our performance and progress, we remain firmly focused on building a stronger and more sustainable organisation, onethatsafeguardsthelongtermviabilityandsuccessof West Indies cricket for generationstocome.”
A copy of the 2024/25 audited financial statements and Annual Report will be made available to stakeholders via CWI’s w e b s i t e –www windiescricket com, fromMonday,March23.
Shallow, said: “ThisAnnual General Meeting represents an important moment of reflection for Cricket West Indies and reaffirms our c o m m i t m e n t t o transparency,accountability, and sound governance While the past year has presented its share of challenges, we have navigated them effectively andmademeaningfulstrides in strength
March, 2026 at t h e Y M C A Thomas Lands, head of the IKD, Shuseki Shihan Dr Frank Woon-A-Tai, 10th Dan, assisted by Shihan AmirKhouri8thDan,Sensei HazratAli6thDan&Sensei Parmeshwar Persaud 5th Dan examined students for Kyu&Danlevels. Theexamsstartedat 10.00hrsandconcluded at 13.00hrs.
Congratulationsare extendedtoall thestudents, kudosto those whoskipped andtheNewDanRanks.
3rd kyu - Danny Savory, Nailahlewis, Keifer Rodney, Kimberly Haly & Mariah Persaud
4th kyu to Brownbelt
3rd kyu - Marquis
Ferreira &Alvita Forrester
3rd kyu to Brownbelt
2nd kyu - Runako
Delph,AfeerahAli&
Kristian Richards
3rd kyu to Brownbelt
1st kyu - EvonRose
2nd kyu to Brownbelt
1st kyu - Radane Bissessar & Nathan Henry
The following were promoted to SHODAN (1st Dan Black Belt):
Maya Anya Balram, Seraphina Anamayah & Ameena
Shuseki Shihan Dr. Frank Woon-A-Tai 10th Dan (centre) with the main graduates.
Maguire sees red as Man United
held to 2-2 draw by Bournemouth
(Reuters) - Manchester United defender Harry Maguire was shown a red card for conceding the penalty that led to
could find the ‘back of the net, with United goalkeeper
Bournemouth pulling off severalfinesaves.
Withspaceatapremium early in the second half, Alejandro Jimenez opened the door for United by pulling the shirt of Matheus Cunha to concede a penalty ,
swinging in a corner that glanced off Hill and into his ownnetunderpressurefrom Maguire at the back post in theminute.
Seven minutes later Maguire was sent off for an impulsivetugontheshirtof Evanilson, and teenaged substitute Junior Kroupi confidently fired home the spot-kick.
thedraw,especiallysincehis teammateAmadDiallowas denied a penalty in similar circumstances to the sending-offofMaguire.
Bournemouthgrabbinga2-2 Premier League draw at the Vitality Stadium on Friday, the home side twice coming from behind to secure a point. Maguire, recalled to the England squad earlier in the day, went from hero to v
Bournemouth’s James Hill into an own goal, only to concede a spot-kick that endedupcostinghissidetwo points.
Both sides had chances in the first half but neither
ng
uno Fernandesconvertedtogive the visitors the lead in the 61st minute. Ryan Christie equalised six minutes later, however, squeezing a wellplacedshotbeyondthereach of Lammens Fernandes played his part as United took the lead again,
The visitors had to hang on through more than 10 minutesofstoppagetimefor adrawthatleftthemthirdin the table on 55 points, 15 behind leaders Arsenal and six ‘adrift of Manchester City Bournemouth are 10th on42points.Unitedcaptain Fernandes was frustrated by
“We had a situation where `we could have gone 3-1 up, and from that situation we end up, we end up conceding another goal ...not getting a penalty, and thenwegetapenaltyagainst where more or less it’s the `samesituationasAmad,”he toldSkySports.
“Today,wehadtosuffer, wehadtorunalittlebitmore andwedid,attheend,endup getting a point (so) not everything (is) negative from the game, we got somethingfromit.”
Security concerns grow around World Cup in US after stalled funding
(Reuters) - Intelligence briefings reviewed by Reuters have warned of the potential for extremists and criminalstotargettheWorld Cupatatimewhenhundreds of millions of dollars of approved security funds have been delayed, causing U.S. preparations to fall behind. The previously unreported briefings from U S federal and state officials and FIFA, the international federation overseeing the World Cup, outlinedtheriskofextremist attacks, including attacks on transportation infrastructure and civil unrest related to D o n a l d T r u m p ’ s immigrationcrackdown.
The soccer World Cup, one of the globe’s biggest sporting events, will be held in June and July this year across three countries - the United States, Canada and Mexico. While security at such events is always intense, U.S. law enforcement officials have been on espe
ally heightened alert since the start of the war on Iran and have raised concerns over retaliatorythreats. Officials working to preparefortheWorldCupin the United States have increasinglysoundedalarms inrecentweeksoverastalled $625 million in federal security grants for the event
spending bill passed in July 2025.
The Federal Emergency ManagementAgency,tasked with distributing the money, saidinNovemberthatitwas expecting to allocate the funds no later than January 30.
Following inquiries by Reuters this month after officials and organizers complained that they had stillreceivednothing,FEMA announced on Wednesday that it had awarded the grants, ‘saying the money would “bolster security preparations.”
The soccer World Cup will be held in June and July this year across three countriesthe United States, Canada and Mexico.
With the first matches kicking off in Mexico on June11andthentheU.S.and Canada the next day, states and cities hosting the events
are deep into planning, including how to safeguard from possible attacks. The delayed funding and threat warnings have compounded an already complex process, multiple officials involved toldReuters.
normally takes months, and effortstobuytechnologyand equipment can take even longer, according to Mike Sena, president of the National Fusion Center
Association, which represents a network of 80 information centers across the U S that facilitate federal, state and local intelligencesharing.
Massy U18 Secondary School football championship in effect today at QC ground
The wait is finally over Guyana’s future football stars is set to face their toughest challenge as the Petra-Massy 12th Annual Boy’s Under-18 Football Tournament officially kicks off at the Queen’s College ground in Georgetown today With 32 top secondary schools vying for supremacy, the tournament promisestobeahigh-stakes showcase of skill, strategy, andschoolpride.
Following last Thursday’s official launch and the March 17th team briefing exercise, the anticipation has reached a fever pitch as players prepare to stake their claim forthe2026title.
The Secondary Schools road to glory, starts today at
10:00 hours with the traditional march past, signalingthe officialstart of a grueling and exciting road to the championship Schoolsandspectatorsarein for a marathon of action, with eight heavy weight clashes scheduled to keep the energy levels high throughouttheday
The honour of being the tournament’s curtain-raiser falls to Zeeburg Secondary and Hope Secondary, who willsquareoffintheopening match. Following that, the p r e s s u r e m o u n t s immediately as Patentia Secondary clashes with Georgetown’s underdogs, EastRuimveldtSecondary
The lineup continues to buildmomentumthroughout thedayasCharitySecondary meets with Vryman Erven Academy in game three
followed by West Minster SecondaryversusSt.Joseph High.Immediatelyafterthat, West Ruimveldt will tackle Yarrowkabra Secondary before New Campbellville Secondary faces off with BelladrumSecondary
As the sun begins to set, the competition is expected toreachacrescendo.Oneof the most anticipated matchups of the afternoon seesCharlestownSecondary take on the tactically disciplined St John’s College. Known for their stubborndefensiveprowess, St. John’s will look to stifle the Charlestown attack in whatexpertspredictwillbea tactical chess match on grass.
However, all eyes will undoubtedly be on the final showdown of the day. The defending champions,
The Petra Organisation has confirmed that the event has received full approval from the Ministry of Education, with the Demerara Mutual Group providing essential personal accident insurance coverage for all participating athletes. (File photo)
Dolphins Secondary, begin their journey to repeat history as they open their titledefenseagainstahungry Ann’s Grove Secondary side.Forthechampions,itis
the first step in proving that theystillholdthecrown;for Ann’sGrove,itisachanceto claim an early tournament upset. The tournament, sponsored by Massy
Distribution, continues to receive vital backing to ensureplayerswelfare.
The organiser, Petra Organisation,hasconfirmed
(Continuedonpage29)
BCB hosts Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Cricket Academy for 80 youths youths
-Holdssuccessfultalkswithgovernmentministers
The Berbice Cricket Board is forging ahead with its ongoing cricket development programme The BCB last weekend hosted a highly successful cricket academy at the Port MourantCricketGroundfor over eighty youth cricketers between the ages of ten to sixteenyears.
The academy sponsored by overseas based BCB sponsor, Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh,wascoachedbyhead coach Winston Smith with support from Leslie Solomon and Lawrence Mentis Special emphasis wasplacedonimprovingthe players’ batting, bowling and fielding techniques,
while the coaches also worked on the physical fitnessofallplayers.
The academy also involved the hosting of several practice matches on the pitch where technical problems were identified andcorrected.Playerstothe academyweredrawnfrom (Continuedonpage24)
BCB Patron Vickram Bharat and BCB delegation.
Massy U18 Secondary School football championship in effect today at
The honour of being the tournament’s curtain-raiser falls to Zeeburg Secondary and Hope Secondary (File photo)
The graduating students and officials take time out for a photo after the exercise
