Kaieteur News

$1 billion worth

Elson Low resigns

Small businesses to tap US$200 million interest-free lifeline through Development bank

The government of Guyana (GoG) is aiming to launchaDevelopmentBank next year, aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access finance to either start or expandtheirideas.

This was explained by Vice President Bharrat JagdeoonThursdayduringa press conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.Jagdeotoldreporters

that the rollout will see an initialinvestmentofUS$200 million by the GoG which will constitute interest-free capitaltoSMEs.

“This came out of the survey we had and the informalconversationwe've hadoverthefiveyearswe've beeningovernmentwherea number of Guyanese across all 10 regions of Guyana have great business ideas, many started a business but

Pres. Ali announces plans for Guyana to market its own crude

Guyana will be working to develop its capability and capacity in crude oil trading, President Irfaan Ali told a roomful of private sector players on Thursday at the inaugural energy breakfast hosted by the Georgetown ChamberofCommerceandIndustry(GCCI).

“I will be working with the local private sector and international partners to ensure that we develop our capabilityandcapacityincrudeoiltrading.Wemustbeable to trade our crude oil from Guyana, with the infrastructure, withthehumancapital,andwiththemarketskillsandthatis goingtocreateenormousopportunitiesforus,”PresidentAli said.Thehead-of-statemadeitclearthatGuyanashouldnot onlyseektobesuppliersbutcreateindustriesofitsowninthe oil sector.He said the government will be looking for partnershipstorealiseitsboldgoals.

ThePresidentcontinued,“So,wehavetogetthosewho have already done it for other countries to work with us in transferringtheknowledge.Maybetoenterapartnershipfor thenextthree,four,fiveyearsuntilwegettheexperienceto doitonourown.Thesearethebolddecisionsthatwemust embrace. These are the bold ideas that will take us from wherewearetowherewewanttobe.”

Meanwhile, GCCI President, Kathy Smith in remarks underscored the need for the local business community to workincloserpartnership.Shesaid,“Mr President,justlike you, I am strongly in support of joint ventures and consortiumsrighthereinGuyana…wedon'thavetotravelto go and find business opportunities but there are a lot of Guyanese who are abroad and they want to be part of the growthanddevelopmentofGuyanaandtheGCCIwouldbe attheforefronttoensurethathappens.”

Shesaidthecitychambercanbetheavenueusedbythose individuals who want to come back to Guyana as well as thosewhoprefertoinvestfromoverseas.

Guyana commenced oil production in November 2019. Sincethen,thecountryhasengagedagentstomarketitsshare ofprofitoilreceivedfromtheoperator,ExxonMobilGuyana Limited. Currently, there are four Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels (FPSOs) operating in the Stabroekblock.Thecountry'sdailyproductioncapacityhas increasedto900,000barrelsdailywiththerecentstartupof thefourthproject,Yellowtail.

ItwasreportedthatUnitedKingdom(UK)companies,JE EnergyandBBEnergywonnewcontractslastyeartomarket Guyana'scrudeoil.

JE Energy had been contracted as the marketer of oil comingfromtheLiza-1platformwhichusestheLizaDestiny FPSO,whileBBEnergyhadbeencontractedasthemarketer for oil from the Liza-2 and Payara platforms which use the LizaUnityandLizaProsperityFPSOs,respectively

In keeping with the terms of the 2016 Exxon contract, 75%ofproductionisrecoveredbytheoperatorascost.The remaining 25% is shared equally with Guyana as profit oil. Additionally, ExxonMobil pays 2% of its share of profit to thegovernmentofGuyana(GoG)asroyalty By 2030, ExxonMobil Guyana expects to have total productioncapacityof1.7millionoilequivalentbarrelsper dayfromeightdevelopments.

-Jagdeo

they can't either grow the business or get the idea translated into a business because of the lack of financing, ” the Vice Presidentexplained.

He noted that many of those persons often fall withinthebracketofwomen oryoungpeople.Regardless, he pointed out that all Guyanesewillhaveaccessto finance as early as next year to create income for themselvesandfamilies.

Jagdeosaidthatworkhas already commenced on the project, with a discussion scheduledfornextweekona seconddraftoftheconcept.

To this end, the VP revealed, “We want an early budget next year where we will be putting part of the financingtostartthebankin the budget. We hope that before the end of next year, that this bank will be fully established and functional, thattheseedcapitalwouldbe putin,andalltheparameters for lending these resources wouldhavebeeninplaceand met so that we can start delivering on this promise

veryearlyinthenewterm.” Government plans to invest US$200 million into theDevelopmentBankinthe firstyearbutwillreassessthe demand and make periodic injectionsifrequired.

Jagdeo said that government has looked at models around the world which had a higher repayment rate than the commercial banks in some countries.Heanticipatesthat 10% of the loans may fall through.Atthesametime,he explained, “We anticipate that if you work with the businesses themselves in a hand-holding fashion, that you'dbeabletogettheloans

repaidandthemoneycanbe revolved.”

Additionally, he highlighted the need for training in the areas of financial literacy and mentorship to ensure the companies have access to marketing and other technicaladvice.

According to him, “You would know immediately whether this is a viable project or not, if you go throughthatwholeprocess.”

In addition to the creation of a new Development Bank, the VP said government will ensure theformalbankingsystemis reformed to allow SMEs easieraccesstocapitalandat greatermagnitudes.

“We will work with the bankingsystemtodevelopa range of instruments, from discountingtradeinvoicesto make project financing, to commercial bank financing, that would allow Guyanese to better use the banking system to support their businessneeds,”hesaid.

Meanwhile, President IrfaanAliduringabreakfast event earlier that day also alluded to the initiative. He told members of the private sector that in addition to the

Development Bank, a technical team was working on modernising the local bankingsector Ali said, “We want to positionourSMEs.Already, I have the technical team workingwithgovernmentto have,bynextweek,thedraft proposal on a Development Bank as we have promised. We have the team working with cabinet members, minister of finance, on modernising the financial sector In three weeks, that report will come to us as to how we modernise our banking sector, the creation of a modern stock exchange and options for capital mobilisation. Many people are speaking about that, for bondsandallofthese,allof these options will be examined.”Furthermore, the Presidentpointedtotheneed for all Guyanese to have a bank account. In fact, he stated that government is willing to incentivise the process if necessary “We have to be able, in the shortest time frame, to ensureeveryGuyanesehave a bank account. Even if the governmentmustincentivise theopeningupofthosebank accounts.”

KaieteurNews

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EDITORIAL

Audit report

The2024AuditorGeneralReportissoontobemadepublic, shouldgeneratehighinterest Itwouldnotsurpriseifthereis muchofthejuicyinit,lotsofmeat,andwhocollectedmorethan their rightful share Another record budget, more lavish spending,andiftherewasonegroupofcitizenswhoprospered from both, it was those favored contractors Auditor General Deodat Sharma gave the public some idea of what it should expect,throughhiscommentsabouttheconductofcontractors, ministries, and a well-aimed shot at that invisible and untouchable species, consultants. Three of those comments from Guyana's audit chief indicated a combination of facts as found,andthinlyveiledwarningsdirectedatthosewhodidn'tdo their duty as they should have. To begin with, according to Sharma, “the contractors do not dispute the audit office in terms of our findings we have been finding through the engineeringdepartmentoverpayments,theyarestillthereand that'sanareawewillhavetotrytoimproveintermsofIprefer preventionisbetterthancure” Howtointerpretcontractors not disputing overpayments found? What to think of the engineering departments at various ministries and other governmentagenciesthatfacilitatesuchoverpayments? We thinkthatbecausetherearesomanyGuyaneseeyesfocusedon ongoingdelays,costoverruns,andshoddyresults,theerring contractors prefer issues with overpayment to go away as quicklyaspossible Whymakeafuss,andprolongunwanted andinconvenientattentiononone'shead,whenoverpayments thatarequestionedandhavetobereturnedandcanbemorethan recoveredthroughsomeotherscheme? Easysqueezecausesno riot is an old Guyanese maxim, and help tricky matters to disappear The other issue of concern is how much engineering oversight these various engineering departmentsthathavesomeinvolvementwithpublicworks projects are actually doing. Due to the occasional parliamentary revelations, Guyanese get a glimpse of the network of conspirators that are embedded in projects, and howtheyoperate. Thatis,feedeachother,lookoutforand takecareofeachother Sharma'snexttargetisevenmoreinteresting,revealing “So youneedtoholdthoseconsultantsresponsibleifyoucouldget thatbeingdone,thenIthinkwhenthereisanoverpayment,not onlytheaccountingofficerwecouldholdresponsiblebutalso the consultants” Supervisory consultants and managing consultants,amongvariousiterationsofconsultants,havebeena mystery to Guyanese who foot the bill for their expensive services Whatdotheyreallydo? Howmuchvaluedotheyadd? Whatclaimcantheyofferonbehalfofthemselvesthattheyhave earned the millions paid to them to be the eyes and ears of Guyanesetaxpayers? ThefactthatAuditorGeneralSharmafelt itnecessarytogiveconsultantsspecialmention,asintheymust beheldresponsible,seeminglyindicatesthataworryingnumber ofthemfailedtoliveuptotheirname Wheneverthathappens, thereisonegroupoflosers,Guyanesetaxpayers Consultants needtostartshapingupandputtingup,ortheyshouldbeheld accountable, when project failures (delays, poor work, and soforth)occur Itiseitherthatthisbecomesthenorm,orthe freeforallwithtaxdollarswillcontinueunabated.

TheAuditorGeneralhadsomepositivestoshare Hesaid that “the number of recommendations have (sic) now been reducedtremendously,therehavebeenimprovementsinterms of logbooks almost all ministries have been presented their logbooks, there have been improvements in terms of fuel management” Reduction in recommendations normally signifiesareductioninfindingsorgaps,whichisencouraging Ontheissueofmostministriespresentingtheirlogbooks,that can be received two ways Ministries have tightened their proceduresandpractices,orthatsomespecialskillshavebeen developedinthecompilationofthosesamelogbooks Rigorous testing by the Audit Office could put that one to bed Fuel managementhasalwaysbeenasourceofenticement,sinceso muchmoneyisinvolved,somanyhandsareintherichmixture Timelyandcontinuingcompletionoflogbookscancontribute tremendouslywhendonehonestly WhentheAuditOfficedigs deep,taxpayersgetvalue

NY Guyanese Hindus Concluded Fasting in 2025 Festival Celebration

DearEditor, Guyanese Hindus in New York and around the USA ended the holy period of fasting for Navratri with the celebration of Vijay Dashmi (victory to the lord) on Wednesday with some planning to celebrate Dussehra(burningtheeffigy of the demonic king Ravan who governed parts of India thousandsofyearsago).The fasting practice in Guyana hascontinuedinUSAamong Hinduswithsomefastingfor weeksoronselectivedaysas prescribed in the scripture. Guyanese Hindus thronged mandirs in greater New York, Schenectady, Florida, Dallas, Houston, Boston, Jersey City, Atlanta, Minnesota,andotherplaces; m

n established in Guyanese communitiesacrossAmerica whereHindutraditionsfrom Guyana have been transplanted and become institutionalised. Hundreds of thousands of Guyanese are also settled in Canada, UK, the Caribbean where they have established places of worship, continuing traditionsandpracticesasin Guyana Guyanese have helped to institutionalise Hindu and Islamic festivals inpartsofAmerica,Canada, UK, the Caribbean, and Holland and France Increasingly,theyhavebeen receiving support and recognition from politicians who graced their numerous

festivals.

In September, Guyanese observed the ten days Ganesh festival, the two weeks Pitri Paksh paying homage to ancestors, the auspicious Navratri (nine days) festival followed by Vijay Dashmi or Dussehra (one day), concluding the period of fasting. The next fasting will be for Diwali (Oct 20) and Teerat (kartik) on the full moon later this month that concludes Hindu festivals for this year until February

The observance of Navratri pays obeisance to the universal mother in which God is neither male nor female but can take either form. With regards to Navratri, the celebration includedmakingofferingsin the morning and evening overninedays--Navmeans nineandratrimeansnight.It isafestivalthatiscelebrated duringthenightwithprayers and spiritual dancing and a discourse that also includes singing as took place in Guyana.

The festival began on eveningofSeptember22and concluded on September 30 and extended into Dashmi October 1. Dayaram mandir on 192 Street in Hollis, Queens, and all IndoCaribbeantemplesintheNY area held discourses and bhajan singing on the occasion Temples were packed in Queens. People were nicely dressed in

traditional colourful garb headingforthemandirs.

Navratri is one of the holiest periods in the Hindu calendarwithpeoplefasting, visiting mandirs, and performing pujas at home; many invited pandits to conductspecialpujasattheir home. People fasted during this period focusing on purificationofthemindsand bodiesandmakingofferings tothelord.

Navratri is associated with the propitiation of the feminine aspects of the Almighty – clearly illustrating that Hindus do not discriminate among the sexes.Hinduspayobeisance to both male and female murthis representing their GodorGoddess.

But during Navratri, H i n d u s f o c u s o n worshipping the Goddesses Durga and her two feminine Lakshmi and Saraswati EachGoddessisworshipped for three nights to offer protection (Durga), provide wealth (Lakshmi) and guide the devotee to knowledge (Saraswati) respectively During Navratri, people becomeconsciousofhis/her faults, limitations and internalenemiessuchaslust, hatred, greed, jealousy, and anger, among others, and want to reform life. People make sacrifices fasting so they can become conscious of their faults and take corrective action. Through worshipping, these internal

No excuse for exploitation:

enemies are destroyed and are replaced by love, harmony, cheerfulness, compassion, devotion, and servicetohumanityorsewa.

The celebration of Navratri is directly linked to other Hindu festivals like Ram Leela (worshipping Lord Rama) that will be celebrated right after Navratri which will be followedbyDiwaliandthen karthik or Teerat. During Diwali when Goddess Laxmi is worshipped Although Hindus pray to many Gods and Goddesses, thereisonlyoneGodtaking onmanyre-incarnationsand names. Hindus believe they all represent the same one almighty God or Goddess who take different appearances for different purposes and came on earth at different times with different names to model an appropriate lifestyle for humans.

In New York, all of the templesheldNavratrikathas and poojas The popular Pandit Rajin Balgobind of Berbice held court under a tent at the Cheddi Jagan ground on 133rd Street, off Liberty Ave , attracting hundreds of worshippers nightly At the conclusion of every service at every mandir or other location, aartee was performed and dinnerserved.

Yourstruly, VishnuBisram

Poverty Is Not a Reason to Sacrifice a Child

DearEditor, Inaworldwherechildren aresufferingthemost,weas adult carers have to try harder to be present and provide better protection for ourchildren.Moreandmore, we see stories of children wandering the streets and younggirlsbeingexposedto exploitation. How can we allowthisidealisedcultureto quietly exist in our communities - the culture where mothers, out of desperation or misguided beliefs, encourage their underageddaughterstoenter into inappropriate relationshipswitholdermen in exchange for financial support?

This is not love. This is not protection. And it is not survival.Itisexploitation-in the most horrid ways possible. We already know

the story that usually follows: “We are poor We don't have food. We need help.” Povertyisreal.Many familiesinGuyanafacedaily struggles just to make ends meet, nonetheless, many of those poor families are very protective of their children. However,thisisnotthecase foragrowingnumberofgirl children/teens. Theadultsin their families lack basic parental skills and are supportive of very harmful behaviours whilst blaming poverty Povertyisnot,and must never be, an excuse to give away a child's innocence. When we do, we are not helping our children—we are harming them in the deepest way possible.

What happens to these young girls who are handed over to men, or are

encouraged in these arrangements? Atfirst,there may be money, food, or temporary security, but beneath that surface lies trauma. These girls grow up believing their bodies are their only currency in life. They are robbed of the chance to dream bigger, to believe in and get a good education, to learn that their worth comes from who they are-notwhotheycanplease. Toooften,thesegirlsbecome women with little skills to make a life for themselves and who face domestic violence, emotional scars, and broken spirits. Some even lose their lives at the hands of the very men they weretoldwould“takecareof them.”

When mothers support their daughters into these arrangements, they are

unconsciously planting the seedsofacycleofpain.They are unknowingly shaping a future where their daughters may grow up believing that violence is normal, that control is love, and that dependence is the only way to survive Instead of knowing respect, freedom, and independence, these girls are taught to settle for less than they deserve. And yes,mostofthetimemenare the ones who commit these acts of abuse, and they must be held accountable. But as women, we also have to gently face a hard truth: when we encourage or stay silent about these relationships, we give abusersroomtocontinue.

That does not mean mothers are monsters It meansmanymothershaveto (Continuedonpage6)

The Agriculture Minister’s feigned love for farmers does not appear to extend to other farmers

DearEditor,

Recentremarksbymeon

t h e p r o g r a m m e , 'Countdown', first aired

online on Sunday, September21,2025,seemto have generated a lot of interest and commentary –some by the usual suspects (for example, Sasenarine Singh, Ambassador to B e l g i u m a n d T h e Netherlands). I had taken a decision not to respond especiallysincealotofwhat was being said was illinformed, most likely the consequence of the commentatorsnottakingthe time to listen to the original programme; instead, they reliedonwhatwascarriedas 'news'invariousmedia.

When, however, the government decided to unleash the might of its propaganda media in its effortsatpushback,itistime to get off the couch. Permit me, therefore, to respond to Minister of Agriculture, ZulfikarMustapha,'Jordan's remarks on rice farmers ''reckless” says Mustapha' (Stabroek News, October 1, 2025).Asimilar article also appeared in Kaieteur News, Oct 01, 2025, under the caption, 'Govt will not abandonricefarmers'.

So what is the source of this angst displayed by Mustapha?Accordingtothe SN article, he is peeved at mysupposedsuggestionthat

“smallerfarmersshouldexit rice production ” [His words]. But did he listen to what I actually said and the context within which it was said?Iprovideasummaryof thediscussiononthissubject that I was able to extract from the original programme:

Rice farmers must be given information that there isaglutintheworldmarket, that the price is formed by the interplay of market forces(demandandsupply). Because a glut implies that supply far exceeds demand, prices would be depressed; hence,thisisnotanoccasion to increase production. On the contrary, production should be scaled back temporarily, unless you are in a position like Brazil, Australia or Thailand, for example, where you can make use of large silos that can hold excess production for when prices improve. In addition to silos, excess rice production may be captured inthevalue-addedchain,for example rice cakes, rice crispies, rice flour, rice porridge,andpackagedrice. I contended that if farmers are being asked to produce more when market conditionsareunfavourable, then the government will alwaysbeonthebackfoot.I thenwentontoenumeratea wide range of concessions that the government has

already extended to rice farmers, including but not limited to: distribution of free fertiliser; duty free machinery and equipment, removal of the commission chargedbytheGuyanaRice Development Board (GRDB) and the absorption of the loss income by the government; provision of direct cash transfer to rice farmers; rice farmers benefited, too, from the

distribution; government paid a cash subsidy directly to farmers to boost the price offered by private millers; and the provision of insurance premium. Among theconcessionsthatwerenot mentioned were: reduced drainageandirrigationrates; removal of ferry tolls for trucks transporting paddy; compensation for spoilage ofpaddyduringwaitingtime for trucks to access milling facilities; and government e n g a g e m e n t w i t h commercial banks to ease the financial burdens of the ricefarmers.

I concluded that there was not much left to give to thericefarmer,exceptifthe governmentweretoincrease furtherthepricesubsidy Itis thisthatIregardedasatotal misuse of taxpayers' money, were it to be pursued by the government. This was said against the realisation that the whole country was

suffering from high cost of living that the government haddonelittletotemper;yet, here we were having two behemoths, sugar and now rice, extracting substantial sums of money from treasury

I repeated that it made little sense to ask rice farmers to produce more under current conditions Further, if the outlook is for pricestoremaindepressedin the long term, and with no access to premium markets suchaswhatobtainedunder Petro Caribe Arrangement, then the government must 'level' with farmers. In that regard, I offered that marginal farmers should be enabledtotransitiontoother crops and productive ventures, while other farmers should be encouragedtoimprovetheir productivity

While not a verbatim transcript, the above represents an accurate accountofwhatIsaidonthat programme Against that background, what can be classified as “reckless” in thatsummary? DidIaskthe government to abandon rice farmers? If Mustapha is referring to my reference to marginal farmers being assistedtotransitiontoother crops,thatcanbeconsidered to be neither reckless nor abandonment. On the contrary, it shows concern

and consideration, offering an alternative means of livelihood and sustenance whilerelievingsuchfarmers oftheburdensofuncertainty of income and crippling debt. In this regard, I am in good company since none other than the Head of the Guyana Rice Producers

Association, Lekha Rambrich, has advised rice farmers to scale back their investments in light of the challenging market conditions And he was givingthisadvicemorethan aweekaftertheairingofthe programme.

Likeabrokenvinyllong playing (LP) record, Mustapha could not help invoking the bogeyman, APNU/AFC, the scapegoat for the PPP/C incompetent managementoftheeconomy generally and the rice sector in particular According to SN's article, Mustapha 'soughttoremindJordanand the public of the Coalition government's record on rice between 2015 and 2020, when rice farmers faced 'blatant neglect'” This propagandamustbeexposed for what it is, for, in the absence of serious challengesbytheCoalition's Agriculture Minister, it has beensaidoftenenoughasto be taken for a Goebbelian truth.

Very early in the life of the Coalition government

(circa September 2015), a series of questions on rice was posed to me by then Opposition Member of Parliament Mohammed Irfan Ali This was no accident;itmaskedahidden worrythatthestateinwhich the rice industry was left by his government could redound to their eternal shame and embarrassment. After all, on attaining office in May 2015, the Coalition found a Petro Caribe Accountthatwasusedtopay farmers and millers for rice shipped to Venezuela to be almost depleted; it had less thanUS$800,000,withlittle accounting as to how the over US$1 billion that the Fund had accumulated was used That amount was insufficient to pay the US$4 million that was due to the farmers and millers since March 2015. The Coalition was left to find the funds to paytheoutstandingbalance (Continuedonpage8)

President Ali has taken Guyana to new heights

DearEditor,

I, like most Guyanese both in Guyana and in the Diaspora regardless of race, ethnicity,religiousbeliefsor political affiliation should congratulateHisExcellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on his historic victory at the polls and his re-election as the 9th Executive President of the Cooperative Republic

ofGuyana.Dr Ali'screative and visionary leadership coupled with his splendid work for the nation's progress during the last five years have earned him the trust and assurance of the citizens of Guyana. For the most part, the Head of State has displayed love, compassion and tolerance and most if not all the

citizens have in one way or another benefited from his good governance and his boundless efforts to reduce the high cost of living and improvetheirlives.

I also extend my sincere a n d p r o f o u n d congratulations to Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Honorable Mark Phillips, General Secretary of the

PPPC and Vice President, Honorable Dr Bharat Jagdeo and the entire leadership for this renewed andsignificantmandate.Itis my fervent hope and desire that during the next five years,theywillbeguidedby humility, integrity, wisdom, ethics, political acumen, the rule of law and incessant commitment to serve the

Contrasts in Chinese and Guyanese Penalty for Corruption

DearEditor,

The international media reports that a former China Minister of Agriculture has beensentencedbyaChinese court for execution for corruption involving US$38 million.

MyfriendattheChinese Embassy confirmed that the former Agriculture Minister was found gui

peoplewithdignity,promote unity and lead Guyana towards greater prosperity andamuchbrighterfuture.

I, like others, strongly believe that the young, energetic and spirited Dr Ali's leadership is not by chance, but by divine appointmentnotonlytolead thenationinsuchatimelike this, but also to safeguard Guyana's interest and recognitionwithintheglobal community of nations. This was evident on Wednesday September24th,2025,when (Continuedonpage8)

Frompage4

Some ranking Guyanese Ministers have stolen ten times the amount as the former Chinese Minister of Agriculture.

Several Ministers and

y of corruption and the judge sentenced him to death. In Guyana, several Ministers and other officials including ranking leadership have been involved in rampant corruptioninthehundredsof millionsofAmericandollars andhavebeenrewardedwith promotion.

other officials came into government dirt poor five years ago and now have fancy vehicles and massive mansions including in B

, Pradoville, and elsewhere.

The President and Vice President have been quiet andhaverewardedMinisters for corruption with renewed cabinetberth.

If a Minister in China is

sentenced to execution for stealing US $38 million, what sentencing or penalty sh

Guyanese Ministers and other officials who stole ten times that amount? Is there anything like dozen times executionforstealingdozen times the amount as the C

Minister?

Yourstruly, NathanBarton

helptheirchildrentochoose abetterandsaferwayoflife, even though many families are caught in a cycle of desperation, repeating what theysawgrowingup,oreven believingitistheonlywayto survive Mothers and caregivers, especially of girls cannot let a cycle of violence continue. We have to recognise the harm it causes and choose differently for the next generation and for our families.

Toeverymotherwhohas ever felt tempted to make this choice, I want to say: your daughter's life is worth morethananyman'smoney You are her first protector, her first teacher, her first example of what love looks like. When you choose to guard her innocence and nurture her dreams, you are givingherthegreatestgift,a chance at a better life, free from all forms of abuse. Instead of teaching our girls tobedependentonothersfor finances, let us teach them resilience. Let us encourage them to stay in school, to value their voices and

freedom, and to believe that theycancarvetheirownpath as a young woman. The struggle may be hard, but dignity, wellbeing, and selfworth are priceless values that mothers can help their girlchildrendevelopasthey growintowomanhood.

This is not an easy conversationtohave,butitis anecessaryone. Asmothers we should truly want to end the cycle of gender-based violence in Guyana, so we mustidentifyandaddressthe feebleness of our parenting and protection approaches within our families. It is in ourhomeswehavetostartto address these underlying issuesthataremakingyoung women more vulnerable to violence and abuse. We must be more open to changing toxic cultural norms and stand firm in protecting our children Every child deserves a childhood Every girl deserves the chance to grow up without being preyed upon.And everymotherhas thepowertobreakthiscycle bysaying,“Nomore.”

Yourssincerely, ChildLinKInc.

Elson Low resigns as PNCR treasurer

Asthefalloutcontinuesin the People's National CongressReform(PNCR)its treasurer, Elson Low has tenderedhisresignationfrom thepost Low was also a member of the Central Executive Committee of the party and served as the leader's economic advisor Low confirmed the move in an interview with Kaieteur News on Thursday, stating that he submitted his resignation letter Wednesday night when the party executives met for the first timeafteritsdevastatingloss at the September 1, 2025 elections.

While Low emphasised that his resignation was only from the treasurer post and not from the party itself, he declinedtoelaboratefullyon the reasons behind his decision He acknowledged, however, that his departure stemmed from multiple factors, including his intention to pursue further studies. “There are several reasons, but that's one of them. I prefer not to go furtherthanthat,”hesaid. As a result of recent vacancies, occasioned by the resignations of Chairman of theparty,ShurwayneHolder, Mervin Williams and now Low replacements will be

made to maintain the full complement of 15 executive membersontheparty'sCEC According to the party's internal election results, Christopher Jones and Egerton David are two persons who are next in line to assume positions on the committee, having placed 16thand17threspectivelyin themostrecentvote.

H o w e v e r, w h e n contacted by Kaieteur News, party member Ganesh Mahipaulstatedthathecould neither confirm nor deny whetherJonesandDavidwill betheindividualsselectedto fill the vacant seats. He explained that the party is

Govt. to help poor Guyanese build, renovate homes -Jagdeo

To ensure every Guyanese family whose homes are deteriorating and i n d i r e n e e d o f improvements, the government will launch a surveyineverysingleregion to come up with a comprehensivedatabase.

Thisdatabasewillaidthe g o v e r n m e n t i n implementing this initiative with ease and accuracy, and most importantly, equitably Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo provided this update on Thursday during a news conference,pointingoutthat monies will be put aside in the 2026 budget to roll out thisprogramme.

“Because we made a promise that we'll assist people who are going to construct new homes,” the

vicepresidentstressedatthe Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Thursday “If they are poor, if they are lowincome, and they need help,theywillgethelp,”he assured, stating that households inthehinterland communities will also benefit.

He said as soon as the budget is approved by Guyana's Parliament next year, households can start receiving this home improvement grant. Jagdeo also clarified that the governmentwillnotfundthe construction of a complete home, but will only provide financ

al suppor

to vulnerable families with existingstructuresthatarein disrepair

This initiative is one aspect of the government's national housing drive as outlined in the 2025 M

delivering 40,000 houses by 2030. Vulnerable families will also benefit from the construction of homes through the Core Home Support Programme, raising their living standards. Other initiatives that will be

government include: the

settlements; upgrading existing communities with concrete drains, streetlights, recreational spaces, and security cameras and advancing the Silica City project.

President Ali has taken Guyana...

Frompage6

His Excellency addressed the 80th Session of the General Assembly of the UnitedNationsinNewYork. It was one of the most outstanding and excellent speeches at the United Nations(UN). In his speech, Dr Ali extols the tenets of human values, ideals, morals, and respect for one another and the rule of law before outlining some of the most persistent and severe problemsthatexistglobally He pleaded with the leaders of the world, including the United States and the other Global North (developed) and Global South (underdeveloped and developing) countries to solvethem.

He called on his counterpartsattheUNtoend theragingandviolentwarin

the Gaza, the never-ending, u n c o n t r o l l e d a n d devastating war between RussiaandUkraine.

Not to mention the scourge of gang warfare in Haiti's capital city of Portau-Princeandtosuspendand or remove all sanctions against Cuba. President Dr Ali urged the leaders to seriously tackle food insecurity, deal the unfair tradepoliciesthatbenefitthe rich and powerful countries and to solve the problems faced by climate change before it is too late. The President courageously told the leaders at the UN that if these problems are not solvedurgently,thefaultwill be ours and history will be unkind to us and we will perishunwept.

MostGuyanesebelieved that President Dr Ali is honest, trust-worthy and

Former PNCR treasurer Elson Low

currently reviewing the ranked list of candidates from the internal elections and considering those who received the next highest numberofvotes.

Mahipaul further noted that, as of now, the party has no

m

he respective persons regarding the roles “The party will issueastatementwhenthose positions are taken up,” he stated, Low's resignation comes in the wake of mounting tensions and dissatisfaction within the party's ranks In a previous appearanceonanonlineshow on September 18, Low had openly criticised the PNCR's l

adership, revealing longstanding concerns about its direction and strategy. “I have been distressed for several months because I have been speaking

internally to the party about my real concerns regarding theelections.

Now,outofrespectforthe effortsofmycomrades,outof respectformyparty,youkeep those internally, you keep thosethingsquiet,”hesaid

H i s c o m m e n t s highlightedinfractionswithin the PNCR, particularly in relation to its leadership structure and strategic planning Low criticised the top-down approach to decision-making, stating: “Leadershiptomeisnotjusta leader telling people what to do; leadership is about creating an environment for success.

And to me, there exists withinthePNCleadershipthe ideathatleadershipissimply tellingpeoplewhattodo” Healsopointedtowhathe described as a disorganised and unstructured process in theselectionofparliamentary candidates, an issue he believescontributedtorecent resignations and internal discord “You didn't see a formalstructuredprocessthat youshouldhaveseenforthe selectionoftheseMPs.That is a contributing factor that youwouldhaveseentosome of these resignations,” he added.Lowfurthernotedthat theleadershipignoredcritical data and strategic insights he had provided before the elections Reflecting on the

situation,heexpressedregret overnotbeingmoreassertive in challenging the party's internal culture “I should have pressed harder for a different definition of leadership.

Imademyrepresentation, nowlookingbackatit,Idon't know if I should have raised my voice or carried on If I have one regret, it's that I wasn't more aggressive,” he admitted

On Wednesday, the PNCR issued a statement following its CEC meeting, outlining its strategic direction, rebuilding efforts, and immediate actions The committee acknowledged recent resignations and confirmedtheappointmentof two new members to the CEC. Despite the internal departures, the committee reaffirmed its full confidence in the leadership of Aubrey Norton, emphasisingthatanychange in leadership must occur through a duly convened Party Congress, as outlined intheparty'sconstitution.

“The Committee rejects any notion that there is trouble within the PNCR's camp and assures the Party's membership that public grievances by a few persons will not defeat the Party's reactivation of political will andresilience,”thestatement said

The Agriculture Minister’s feigned...

compassionate. and that his “OneGuyana”initiativewill continue to unite the races, enrich the nation, improve the lives of the people, especially the poor and take the country to greater heights His policies are intended to benefit the greater good and bridge the racial divide which has hindered progress and development for more than sixdecades.

President Dr Ali's accomplishment during the lastfiveyearshasbeenfully acknowledged by one of the world's most prestigious GlobalMediaBrands,TIME MAGAZINE which named him one of the world's youngest and most influential leaders. It is a w e l l - d e s e r v e d commendation.

Sincerely, Dr.AsquithRose.

Frompage5 tofarmersandmillers,which hadrisentoUS$71.6million by August 2015 Hence, prior to the presentation of the 2015 Budget, the new government had transferred about $5.5 billion to GRDB for payment to the rice farmers and millers. This was in addition to the $12 billion that also had to be found to bail out the insolvent sugar industry, another legacy failure of the PPP/Cgovernment.

Meanwhile, on the campaign trail for the 2015 elections, the PPP/C had intimated to farmers that they had secured a new rice contract with Venezuela, which was meant to replace the one that should have ended on November 30, 2015 (In the event, Venezuela abrogated the contract,resultingricebeing left to rot on our wharves.). However, in a meeting with Mr Asdrubal Chavez, the Venezuelan Minister of Petroleum and Mining, on June 30, 2015 (the meeting included then Ambassador Geoffrey DaSilva and Debt Management Division Head Donna Yearwood), I was to

learn that not only was Venezuela not renewing the rice contract but also that PDV Caribe (the oversight body of PDVSA) and PDVSA had communicated toGuyana'sAmbassadorand the former Ministers of the previous Administration (Agriculture and Foreign Affairs) that Venezuela would have had enough rice from local production to meet the domestic demand. These uncertainties together with El Nino weather conditions saw rice productiondecliningin2016 but rebounding in 2017 to record a 12 7 percent increase, followed by increases in both 2018 and 2019.

T h e C o a l i t i o n government worked tirelessly to secure new markets in Africa, Central and South America and the Caribbean, including Cuba and Haiti, with measurable success.Butmoreaboutthis and related rice matters in anotherletter

The Agriculture Minister's feigned love for farmers does not appear to extend to other farmers Immediately after assuming

Office in 2020, his government set about d

y

n

Rural Agriculture Infrastructure Dev

opment (RAID) Project, which targeted the predominantly African villages of Mocha, Buxton, Beterverwagting/Triumph and Ithaca This project, whichwasmeanttobringthe rich, arable lands in these villages back into cultivation, thereby incr

e, household and national incomes, was a follow on from a similar project that h a d t a r g e t e d t h e predominantly Indian villages of Ruby, Laluni, Parika, Onverwagt. Today, one can only lament the waste of a project whose success would have seen 2500 acres of abandoned lands back into cultivation andtheorganisationof1200 farmers into cooperatives., thereby helping Caricom to reduce its food bill by 25% by2025. It's time to hit the couch again!!

Sincerely,

WinstonJordan Former Minister

of

Finance

The shrinking Bank

Ialways suspected that one day the government would invent a new institution to solve all our problems, and that it would turn out to be aboutasusefulasaforkina soup. And here it is: the grand“DevelopmentBank.” At least, that’s what they called it on the campaign trail, where promises are made with all the precision of a drunken man throwing darts.

But now, months later, after the flags and banners have been folded and the drums put away, the DevelopmentBankisnotso muchabankasitisalending a g e n c y f o r s m a l l businesses essentially a glorifiedpawnshop.

It is highly possible that it will be modeled after the G r a m e e n B a n k o f Bangladesh, which is like me announcing that I’m modeling my personal finances after Bill Gates’s—exceptIdon’thave the billions, the foundation, asaBillGates.

TheGrameenBank–the so-calledBankofthePoor–incidentally, wasn’t without its controversies. Accusations of high interest rates, poor borrowers trapped in debt, and the Nobel Peace Prize looking like it had been awarded for inventing the wheel. But that’s the bank we’re copying.

And, true to form, our version has no feasibility

study None. Not even a doodleonacocktailnapkin. A concept paper is in the works,whichisbureaucratic code for, “We’re writing something vague so we can sayitexists.”

Andlet’stalknumbers.A Development Bank an institutionthat’ssupposedto transform the economy, s u p p o r t i n d u s t r y, a g r i c u l t u r e , a n d infrastructure will be capitalised with 200 million dollars That sounds impressive until you realise it’sGuyanadollars,notU.S. In banking terms, that’s the equivalent of opening a grocery store with enough stockforthreetinsofmilk,a bottleofpeppersauce,anda packet of salt.The first loan will probably wipe out half the capital. The second loan will require a parliamentary supplementaryprovision Ofcourse,thedangersof a state-run bank are legendary Loans will be given not on merit, but because some minister’s cousin has a dream of startingawaterbedfactoryin Mahaica. The telephone at thebankwillringconstantly withofficialsaskingtheloan officers to “help out” an applicantortwo,orthree,or the entire village. Before long,theDevelopmentBank will resemble less an institution of financial empowerment and more a Christmas tree with ornaments of political favors.

And I can’t help but feel duped. On the campaign trail,theword“development bank” conjured visions of sleek skyscrapers, revolving doors, and serious people in gray suits financing hydropower plants and highways Instead, we’re getting a micro-loan shop handing out a few dollars to buyasewingmachine.It’sas if they promised us a grand piano,andweendedupwith ablow-blow

The deception is almost admirable The electorate was sold a Development Bank.What we’re getting is a microenterprise fund that competes with the same private agencies already in the business Only difference? This one will be runbythestate,whichislike saying you’ve decided to take your car for repairs to yourcousinwhooncefixeda blender

Ofcourse,hoveringover allofthiswillbetheMinister withoutPortfolio.Whenever he’s in the picture, one expects things to go slightly sideways, like a painting that’s been hung upside down.

And so, the muchheraldedDevelopmentBank has shriveled into a damp squib. Instead of financing major businesses, as its names suggest, it will hand out loans for chicken coops and corner shops, and even that will be wrapped in red tape and political phone calls.Meanwhile,theprivate

DEM BOYS SEH

De best government is a closed one

Dem boys seh if America government shutdown,isnotdeendofdeworld.Infact, is de best thing since slice bread. Imagine billionsofdollarssavingjustbecausesome politician cyan agree pn how de Budget mustspend.Degovernmentclosedownand suddenly people realise, “Eh-eh, life still goingon.Sunstillrise,moonstillshine,de banksstillopenandKFCstillsellingfries.”

Demboyssehislikewhenyuhwifestop talking to yuh for a few days.At first yuh frighten, then yuh realise how much peace and quiet yuh getting. Government does talk too much anyway Every day dem issuing press release, giving order, taxing yuh leff, taxing yuh right. When dem shut down,islikedewholecountrygetaholiday fromnagging.

And leh we be real. Shut down does provehowimportantgovernmentis.People doesonlymissyuhwhenyuhgone.Islikea man who never clean de drain till flood water reach he bedroom. De day de governmentclose,peoplegonbawl,“Who

sector yawns, the small borrowerscratcheshishead, and the rest of us wonder if thisisreallythebestideathat couldbehatchedafterthesocalled consultations on developingtherulingparty’s Manifesto.

But what do I know? Maybe, just maybe, a $200 million“developmentbank” will spark the next Silicon Valley in Silica City

Stranger things have happened. After all, I once investedmylifesavingsina friend’s revolutionary invention a collapsible umbrella It collapsed beautifully Just not when it wassupposedto.

gon inspect de meat? Who gon stamp de passport? Who gon send me welfare cheque?” Suddenly everybody remember government is not just politicians quarrelingponTV,butalsodelilclerkwho pushpapersosocietydon’tgrindtoahalt.

Dem boys sehAmerica could teach de world a ting. Guyana government should try it too. Shut down de ministries for a week and see wha happen. We gon save plenty money from fuel, air condition, and over-time claims. Plus, some a dem public servantsgonfinallyrealisedecountryain’t dependingpondem.

SolehdeminWashingtonshutdown.Is decheapestdietAmericagonevertry Less government, more savings, and a wake-up call fuh everybody Sometimes yuh does only appreciate de light when de blackout come.

Dem boys seh, “Best government is de one that close shop and still making yuh missit.” Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

Untilthen,forgivemeifI remain skeptical. Banks are supposed to instill confidence This one inspiresthesameconfidence asaparachuteknittedbymy greatgrandmother

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

H@RD TRUTHS

Cash handouts Part 1

Money in the pocket makes a man feel in chargeofhisdestiny Ithink so. Money in hand gives a woman confidence that she canfeedherfamily Itisnot disputed any longer that numerous Guyanese cannot affordtobuyfood,takecare of their regular bills. In an oilrichcountry,thatismore than a deficit, or a contradiction. It's a shame thatshouldnotbe,especially in a country producing 650,000 barrels of oil daily, and on the threshold of pumping a million barrels a dayinthenearfuture.

The PPPC Government had objections to cost-ofliving realities, comforted itselfwithinflationnumbers thatpersuadednoone. Then there was a cash grant, with promises for more to come.

Now, Minister Vickram Bharat,aveteranofthesame PPPC Government was prompted to drill a hole in

cash grants. It is a failed model, one that does not work,hesaid. ThisiswhatI say If it is such an unworkable model, then what kind of setting up of citizens was the PPPC engaginginonthecampaign trail? Starting on the first day of this year, President AliinhisNewYear'saddress tothenationspokeexcitedly and unambiguously about cashgrants. While referring to the $100,000 cash grant then underway,thepresidentalso gaveanothershotinthearm to hopeful Guyanese. “And let me signal that this cash grant is not intended to be a one-timepayment.

We are committed to ensuring that our people benefit from the proceeds d e r i v e d f r o m t h e exploitation of their natural resourcewealth,andassuch, wearecommittedtomaking futuredirectcashtransfersto

ourcitizens.” Hear,hear! It was none other than President Ali who had articulated in an earlier exchangethatcashgrantsare notasustainablemodel.

On New Year's Day 2025, however, he was full of energy inspiring Guyana that “this cash grant is not intended to be a one-time payment” and we are committed to making future cash transfers to our citizens.” Did someone in the government settle for Minister Bharrat to be the fall guy with cash grants being a failed model? Moreover, senior members of the government were having a great time selling cashgrantstoGuyanesejust recently, with not a whisper aboutitbeingafailedmodel.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips was all energy during the PPPC campaign launchtoalargegatheringof supporters in Kitty “Last year,wepaid$100,000cash

grantforeveryGuyanese18 years and above. And it didn't done deh, because oncewestartsomething,we got to continue it, and if we pay $100,000, next time we ain't gon pay you less than 100,000 so you figure it out foryourself,morecashgrant coming, and it will not be less than $100,000.” Note the prime minister's own words, and how they diminish those of Minister Bharat, viz-a-viz, “it didn't donedeh”and“oncewestart something, we got to continue it” and “more cash grantcoming…”

Then, Vice President BharratJagdeoalsosounded anotethatwentseveralsteps beyond Prime Minister Phillips's cash grant promises.

At the PPP's sacred shrine in Babu Jaan, he said “You will get your cash grantsinthefuturetoo…Just imagine the next term in officehowgloriousthatwill

be.” Notsatisfiedwiththat, Jagdeo then proceeded to givewhatwastantamountto an unbreakable vicepresidential guarantee, “When we make these promises that President Ali spokeaboutinthenextterm, you best believe that they willbedelivered.” Loveit!

From cash in envelopes (COVID-19relief)tochecks that remind 629,000 plus Guyanese, how much the PPP Government thinks of themandcareaboutthem,it has been a trickle of the oil money directed at the people. Iwishtherewasmoreof those. Now what I sense is thatthereissomerethinking at the leadership level about delivering what was promised. Minister Bharrat drew the assignment to test thewaters,seewhatbubbles to the surface. Not a good start, I say; not with how 2025commenced.

President Ali gave

assurances of cash grants from New Year's Day onwards. Prime Minister Philipps glowed brightly with his own assurances on cash grants in Kitty in July. Last. Vice President Jagdeo outdid both of them. “You bestbelievethattheywillbe delivered ” These three most senior PPPC Government luminaries were all speaking on top of their voices about cash grants,andhowtheywillbe comingtoGuyanese,andnot just once. Where does this leave Minister Bharrat and his “failed model?” Is the PPPC Government having second thoughts about cash grants, and so dumped that dirtyjobonBharrat'shead?

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

Kaieteur

Kaieteur

Miss East Coast returns with "Essence of East Coast Beauties”

Fullcirclemomentfor ashehonoursformer Yung Bredda

teacher

at ConcertinGuyanalastweek Pan, Brass & Soca

In a touching display of gratitude,

during this past

Akhenatan Lewis, known professionally as Yung Bredda, publicly saluted his former coordinator and teacher Joel Gonsalves, who is currently serving as the Education Officer overseeing Music in Schools in Guyana The heartfelt tribute came as the artist reflected on the profound impact Gonsalves had on his life during his time in Trinidad and Tobago's SERVOL Adolescent Development Programme(ADP).

The SERVOL ADP is a comprehensive life-skills training programme designed for young people betweenages16and21.The programme emphasizes personal growth, vocational preparation, and social development, equipping participants with essential tools including self-esteem, discipline, communication skills, and employability training. Its mission is to prepare young people for work, further education, or meaningful community engagement.

F o r L e w i s , t h e

p r o g r a m m p

e d transformative.

Alongside his l

e collaborator DJ Hotty (Jelani Hepburn), who a l s o participated in the programme, the young artist found directio andpurpose.

T rinidadian soca artist Y ung Br edda

"Today, we givingbacktothe whattheprogramme to us—discipline, musicandlove,"Lewis his words resonating spectators at Kingston Beach.

The reunion between studentandteacheratsucha significant cultural event underscores the ripple effects of quality youth development programmes What began as a classroom relationship in Trinidad has come full circle, with both men now contributing to Caribbean culture; Lewis through his music, and Gonsalves through his continued work in music

education acrosstheregion.

DJHotty,whosharedthe stage with Yung Bredda, echoed his partner's sentiments about the lasting impact of their time in the programme The duo's success story serves as a powerful testament to the SERVOL ADP's mission of transforming lives through structured support and skills development.

The emotional moment (Continuedonpage17)

Ranks from the Guyana Police Force's Narcotics Branch,incollaborationwith ranks from Regional Police Division #6, conducted another successful “Joint Narcotics Eradication Exercise” on Wednesday at Kuyorokuri Creek, Upper Berbice River, during which more than $1B worth (street value)ofcannabiswasfound anddestroyed.

During the operation, ranks discovered an open savannah with six cannabis farms covering a total of twenty-one (21) acres

According to a police press release, the farms contained an estimated 118,000 cannabisplantsrangingfrom two (2) to seven (7) feet in height.

Eight camps and ten dryingareaswerealsofound, with a combined total of 2,500lbsofdriedcannabis.

The farms contained the following machinery and equipment:

*One(1)tractor

* Seven (7) tilling machines

*One(1)chainsaw

*Two(2)generators

* Six (6) weeding machines

*Three(3)mistblowers

*Sixteen(16)spraycans

*Nine(9)waterpumps

The cannabis plants, dried cannabis, camps, and drying areas were all destroyed by fire The exercisewasincident-free.

50-year-old Baramita

unlicensed gun farmer nabbed with

Bradley Thomas, a 50year-old Amerindian farmer from Baramita, North West District (NWD) in Region

One, was arrested on Wednesday after being found inpossessionofanunlicensed 16-gaugeshotgun.

Acting on information received, police ranks made contact with Thomas at his home in Baramita and informed him that he was accused of threatening Shawn Benn with a shotgun at 19:57 hrs that same day Bradley replied, “No, Officer, the man islying.”

A search of Thomas's home and compound was conducted in his presence. During the search, police discovered one 16-gauge shotgun, along with four 16gauge cartridges and four 12gauge cartridges, hidden amongsomebananasuckers.

T h e f i r e a r m a n d ammunition were seized

Cops destroy more than $1 billion worth of ganja

Bradley Thomas

When asked if he was the holder of a firearm license, Thomas admitted, “No.” He was arrested and cautioned according to standard procedures. Thomas further stated, “Officer, I bought the gun and ammunition from a Spanish man for thirty thousanddollars.”

Thomas, along with the seized items, was escorted to the Baramita Police Station where he was placed in custody Investigations are ongoing.

The illegal weapon seized by police

‘Whatever Ali promised, he will deliver’ ...Jagdeohintsat Christmascashgrant

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday hinted atacashgrantforChristmas, g

President Irfaan Ali will deliver on the promises made during the lead up to the 2025 ge

regionalelections.

A

People's Progressive Party (PPPC) was re-elected to office, Jagdeo sought to

a

hat “Whatever the President said on the campaign trail willbedone.”

Jagdeo declined to state whether the cash grants will be distributed in time for Christmas only stating that his party makes good on all itspromises.

Earlier this week,

Minister of Natural

Resources Vickram Bharrat saidthatgivingcitizenscash transfers from oil funds is a failed model, and if the government focuses on this Guyana will end up poorer thanitstarted.

“It'safailedmodel.It'sa model that does not work in any part of the world. Now

VicePresident, Bharrat Jagdeo

let's look at a few countries. Let'slookattheUS.Manyof these people who have calledforcashtransfer,most some of them live in the US.”Heexplainedthatalot of these persons live in the United States, and he would like them to tell him if cash transfers are offered to citizens in the US, even though it is one of the most powerful countries on earth.

“The US produces probably the most oil in the world among oil producing countries.I'veneverheardof any cash transfer in the US, Qatar I've never heard of

any cash transfer in Qatar, the UAE, which is Dubai…I've never heard of any cash transfer given Look at Ghana, look at Angola, and those African countries that produce oil,” hesaid.

“Who will go to school after that? Because if I'm a student and I'm a Guyanese, I would say I'm collecting ourmoney.WhyshouldIgo to school? Why should I study? Why should I get degree? Why should I go work? Because I'm collecting this money So, it'stheculture,istheculture thatwecreate,ortheculture behind that,” the minister reasoned.

Minister Bharrat explained that it will not be an incentive and it will be short-lived, resulting in the countrybeinginaworststate than when it started producing oil. “Oil and Gas will end at some point in time, and that is why we have used the revenue from oilandgassectortocontinue building out forestry, mining, manufacturing, (Continuedonpage15)

‘Stop dreaming, start building new industries’ -Pres.Alitellsprivatesector

President Irfaan Ali has thrown down the gauntlet to the local private sector, challenging business leaders to move beyond the comfort of simply feeding off the booming oil and gas sector He urged them instead to become the architects of entirely new industries that can sustain Guyana for generations.

The Head of State made the call on Thursday during his feature address at the inaugural Energy Insights and Breakfast Brief hosted bytheGeorgetownChamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI)atthePegasusSuites andCorporateCentre.

Acknowledging that oil has fuelled rapid economic

growth,PresidentAlisaidthe private sector must shoulder its responsibility in ensuring thatwealth,opportunity,and commerce spread across the economy. “Someone asked me recently if Guyanese businesses are ready for the oil economy I told them, well,wearereadyinspirit… But readiness is more than

dreams It is about skills, partnerships, and wealth creation. Otherwise, the opportunities will come and passusby.Wemustprepare, notjustdream,”Alistressed. The President promised government support through favou

ab

e po

icies, infrastructureupgrades,and (Continuedonpage15)

Govt. to reform Board of Guardians for easier access to public assistance

The Government of Guyana is movingtoreform the Ministry of Human

Services and Social

Security's Board of Guardians in an effort to makepublicassistancemore accessibleandequitable.

Vice President Bharrat

J a g d e o m a d e t h i s announcement during a press conference on Thursday held at theArthur Chung Conference Center,

where he revealed that funding for the reform will beincludedintheupcoming nationalbudget. AccordingtoJagdeo,the reformisintendedtoaddress long-standing complaints of exclusionandbiaswithinthe current system. Many citizens have reported being unfairly denied access to public assistance due to subjective decisions made by members of the Board of Guardians.

Jagdeoexplainedthatthe government's goal is to establish a more objective and transparent system for determining eligibility, ensuring that all qualified individuals, such as lowincome families, single parents, and persons with disabilities, can access the financial help they need without unnecessary hurdles.

“Thecomplainthasbeen that many people can't get

'Whatever Ali promised...

Frompage14

ecotourism, construction and the new sectors that are emerging now, agriculture expandingbecauseweknow wehavetoprepareforafteroil, like Dubai did, and we have seen their success. So, theseareresourcesthatdon't last forever,” the minister reminded.

“We will end up poorer than where we start from. It simply means that we will end up with a country with peoplewhoarenoteducated because they didn't see the need to go to school and for their education and to study and to build a professional career, because they're

receiving these cash transfers, and the people who have not invested in businesses and who are not working,andwewillsimply haveacountrywhereexpats

and foreigners will

dominate, obviously, because our locals are just sitting back and waiting on theircashtransferattheend of the month,” Bharrat stressed.

Notwithstanding, the minister clarified that the government does intend to provide cash transfers, but

onto the database because they're excluded by the Board of Guardians for reasons that are not objective,”Jagdeostated.“A lot of people complain that theBoardofGuardians,'oh, theydon'tlikeme.Wehavea family dispute. That's why theydidn'tputmeonthelist.' So, it's very slow”, Jagdeo sated.

Meanwhile,onThursday VicePresidentJagdeo,when asked about minister Bharrat's utterance said he noticed “the injustice” againsttheminister “ he said something to the effect that cash transfers or a failed model, and then a number of hostile forces to us, extended the meaning of that to mean that, to create the interpretation that we are backing away from all the commitments we made in the election period and beforetheelectionperiod

So, the model for developmentofourfamilies, individuals,thatisGuyanese families or a country does not focus only on cash transfer,” theVice President said.

He explained that cash transfers are not the entire development model, but rather an aspect of the model, and his government has made it clear that it is investingineverycitizen.

emphasised that, as President Irfaan Ali has stated, this is not the only waytheadministrationplans tospendoilrevenues.

kindergarten all the way to university,whilepointingto the increase in investments in the education sector from $53Bto$185Boverthelast year

“…wehavemovedtodo a number of things, pay for exams, make university education free, more scholarships all of these, we're going to give parents more choices in these next fiveyears.

The Digital School upgrading the curriculum, using AI, ensuring that we can personalise the curriculum for individual kids based on their aptitude at different ages, because that changes, a lot of that workisbeingdonenow

We're going to continue ensuring that we pay for scholarships for people. We're going to be assisting families now with the transportation grant and all those other things, school feeding programmes, enhancing the quality of it, all of these things, we promise that's one element of the model, if you can invest in people through education, then you can e n s u r e l o n g t e r m sustainability,”hesaid.

The Vice President explained that citizens will benefit from greater opportunities like having access to a high-quality e d u c a t i o n , f r o m

'Stop dreaming, start...

Frompage14 modernisation of the financial sector He disclosed that Guyana will work with the private sector to build capacity in crude trading. “That is going to c r e a t e e n o r m o u s opportunitiesforus.Andwe havetoshort-circuitthis,”he said,addingthatgovernment will bring in consultants to “workwithusintransferring the knowledge. Maybe to enter a partnership for the next three, four, five years untilwegettheexperienceto doitonourown.” Ali said these 'bold'

moves are essential if development is to be inclusive, reaching villages, hinterland communities and closing the gaps between rural and urban areas. He remindedthatoilandgasare “notendsinthemselves,but a means to accelerate sustainable development.”

According to him, discipline, planning and visionareneededtoconvert oil wealth into schools, hospitals, modern infrastructure and long-term opportunities Painting a picture of Guyana in 2030, the President said every

household should have reliable, clean energy, regions connected by highways, and world-class healthcare and education “Oil is temporary. But sustainabilityisforever.You must use oil to build for the future,notdenythefutureto spend oil,” he declared.The event was also attended by SeniorMinisterintheOffice of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr AshniSingh;Ministerof Natural Resources,Vickram Bharrat; members of the diplomatic corps; and businessleaders.

To address these issues, Jagdeo said the government i s d e v e l o p i n g a comprehensive, criteriabased system that will clearly outline the requirements for receiving public assistance. This new systemwillpreventarbitrary decision-making and ensure that those who meet the established criteria are swiftly added to the assistance database “So

clearlywehavetoreformthe system, and the system is currentlybeingreformed.So ifyouareasingleparent,and you're a low-income single parent, then you should be able to qualify for benefits once you meet certain metrics, and those metrics will be clearly identified, and then it can be implemented. So if you're disabled then automatically youshouldbeonthesystem. You shouldn't have to run around and somebody in someregiontellingyoucan't get on the list because they can only put limited numbersonthislist.”Jagdeo emphasised.

Akeystepinthisreform will be the creation of a national database covering all regions, including Amerindian communities

Jagdeo stated that through system, it will help streamline applications and ensureafairerdistributionof aid across the country In addition to reforms to the public assistance process, Jagdeo announced that the upcoming budget will also introduce grants to support low-income households. “As we roll the program out in the budget next year, that theycanstartreceivinghelp, so they may get a grant to assist them with the construction, not to construct the full home, but as we said, assist with the construction, and then also for poor families, home Improvement Grants. So for example, if they have, a leaky roof or anything like that, they can get help from thegovernmenttodothat.”

Guyana to assist in the adoption of a UN Support

DPI - Guyana has endorsed the transition of the Multinational Security Mission(MSS)inHaitiinto a Gang Suppression Force (GSF)andtheestablishment of a UN Support Office in Haiti to provide operational andlogisticalsupportforthe mission.

At the Adoption of SecurityCouncilResolution 2793, Carolyn Rodrigues

Birkett, Permanent RepresentativeofGuyanato the United Nations, stated that the A3+, namely, Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Guyana, approachedthenegotiations

w i t h a s e n s e o f responsibility and commitment to the Haitian people, whose lives and livelihoods are directly impacted by the dire securitycrisisinthecountry

The GSF will work in close coordination with the Haitian National Police (HNP) and the Haitian armed forces to conduct intelligence-led operations to neutralise gangs, provide security for critical infrastructure, and support humanitarianaccess.

The 5,550-strong force

Office in Haiti

The Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues, speaking at the Adoption of Security Council Resolution 2793

will also protect vulnerable groups, support the reintegration of former fighters,andhelpstrengthen Haitianinstitutions.

The A3+is placing its priority on ensuring that

protection of Haitian's human rights, including the rights of children who comprise 50% of gang membership. Additionally, they sought to strengthen theeffectivenessandimpact of the mission's work to promote synergy and foster a sense of accountability

wherenecessary Ambassador Rodrigues noted “the A3+ remains fully committed to the Haitian cause and to ensuring that Haiti, a founding member of the United Nations, gets the level of international supportitdeserves.”

“Our singular objective throughoutthisprocesswas to ensure that we get things right and that the contributions of the United Nations and the UN Security Council rise to meet the gravity of the situation,”Rodriguessaid.

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Trump says US is in ‘armed conflict’ with drug cartels after ordering strikes in the Caribbean

Washington (AP) - President Donald Trump has declared drug cartels to be unlawful combatants and says the United States is now in a “non-international armed conflict,” according to a Trump administration memo obtained by The Associated Press on Thursday, following recent U.S. strikes on boats in the Caribbean.

Congress was notified about the designation by Pentagon officials on Wednesday, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorised to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The memo, startling in scope, signals a potential new moment not just in the Trump administration’s willingness

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to reach beyond the norms of presidential authority to wage war but in Trump’s stated “America First” agenda. It also raises stark questions about how far the White House intends to use its war powers and if Congress will exert its authority to approve — or ban — such military actions. The move comes after the U.S. military last month carried out three deadly strikes against alleged drugsmuggling boats in the Caribbean. At least two of those operations were carried out on vessels that originated from Venezuela. Those strikes followed up a buildup of U.S. maritime forces in the Caribbean.

“Although friendly foreign nations have made sig-

nificant efforts to combat these organisations, suffering significant losses of life, these groups are now transnational and conduct ongoing attacks throughout the Western Hemisphere as organised cartels,” according to the memo, which refers to cartel members as “unlawful combatants.” “Therefore, the President determined these cartels are non-state armed groups, designated them as terrorist organisations, and determined that their actions constitute an armed attack against the United States.”

Pentagon officials could not provide a list of the designated terrorist organisations at the center of the conflict, a matter that was a major source of frustration

for some of the lawmakers who were briefed, according to the person.

Lawmakers have been pressing Trump to go to Congress and seek war powers authority for such operations.

The White House and the Pentagon did not respond to requests for comment. Multiple defense officials reached Thursday appeared to be caught off guard by the determination and would not immediately comment or explain what the president’s action could mean for the Pentagon or military operations going forward.

What the Trump administration laid out at the closeddoor classified briefing was perceived by several senators as pursuing a new legal framework that raised questions particularly regarding the role of Congress in authorising any such action, the person familiar with the matter said.

As the Republican administration takes aim at vessels in the Caribbean, senators and lawmakers of both major political parties have raised stark objections. Some had previously called on Congress to exert its authority under the War Powers Act that would prohibit the administration’s strikes unless they were authorised by Congress.

The first military strike, carried out on Sept. 2 on what the Trump administration said was a drug-carrying speedboat, killed 11 people.

Trump claimed the boat was operated by the Tren de Aragua gang, which was listed by the U.S. as a foreign terrorist organisation earlier this year.

The Trump administration had previously justified the military action as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States. But several senators, Democrats and some Republicans, as well as human rights groups questioned the legality of Trump’s action. They called it potential overreach of executive authority in part because the military was used for law enforcement purposes. By claiming his campaign against drug cartels is an active armed conflict, Trump appears to be claiming extraordinary wartime powers to justify his action.

Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committees, said the drug cartels are “despicable and must be dealt with by law enforcement.”

“The Trump Administration has offered no credible legal justification, evidence, or intelligence for these strikes,” said Reed, a former Army officer who served in the 82nd Airborne Division.

The Trump administration has yet to explain how the military assessed the boats’ cargo and determined the passengers’ alleged gang affiliation before the strikes.

Court of Appeal dismisses Amanza case over ballot exclusion

The Court of Appeal on Thursday upheld the High CourtdecisionintheKrystal Fisher v the Guyana Elections Commission case which dealt with the ForwardGuyanaMovement (FGM)andtheAssemblyfor Liberty Party's (ALP) exclusion from certain ballots in the 2025 general and regional elections because they were not contestingcertaindistricts.

On August 20, 2025, Fisher,theAppellantfileda Fixed Date Application seeking the issuance of several declarations She argued that the GECOM

misinterpreted and misapplied the provisions oftheRepresentationofthe People Act, Cap 1:03 (ROPA) in preparing the ballot papers for certain geographicalconstituencies.

S pecifically, the Appellant asserted that GECOM's exclusion of the symbols for the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) and Assembly of Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) from the ballot in constituencies where these parties neither contested nor fielded candidates violated Articles 13, 59, and 149 of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana(Cap1:01).

On August 26, 2025 Chief Justice (ag) Navindra Singh ruled that both

Article 160 of the Constitution and section 11 of ROPAprovided the legal basis for the exclusion of FGM's and ALP's party symbols from the ballot p a p e r s i n t h o s e constituencies where the respective parties had failed tosubmitlistsofcandidates.

As a result, judgment was rendered in favour of GECOM and the Attorney General, with costs in the sumof$1,000,000awarded toeach Fisherimmediately filed an appeal August 30, 2025 asking the Court of Appeal to declare the National and Regional Elections held on the 1st of S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 5 , unconstitutional. The Appellants prayed that the Court of Appeal grant inter aliathefollowingreliefs:

A declaration that any election held without the inclusion, on the ballots in all ten regions, of all political parties that have satisfied the legal requirements to contest the nat

Acting Chancellor

unconstitutional, null and void

A declaration that the GECOM's exclusion of the F o r w a r d G u y a n a Movement (FGM) list of candidates from the ballot's nationalelectionsinregions 7, 8, and 9 constitutes a denial of the Appellant's right to ballot access and to contest free and fair elections.

On Thursday, Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Roxane George handed down the ruling in the presence of Justice of AppealRishiPersaud Justice George, in delivering the court's ruling, said that the court lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate the matter She agreed with arguments proffered by Attorney General Anil Nandlall SC and Mr Anthony Astaphan SC that the appellant's reliefsamounttoachallenge to the validity of elections and this must be challenged by way of an election petition.

“This in accordance with Article 163 of the Constitution,” Chancellor Georgesaid

The Court of Appeal noted that the matter was not an appeal arising from an election petition, and as such, the Court was not sittingasanelectioncourt Nandlallarguedthatthe court was exercising its jurisdiction in an ordinary appeal,andthereforelacked the authority to pronounce on matters relating to the conduct or validity of elections Consequently, the Court of Appeal held that it had no jurisdiction to make pronouncements on e l e c t i o n s m a t t e r Additionally, the Court foundthattheapplicationby FGMlackedmerit.

The Court of Appeal ruled that Fisher's case advanced “an extremely

flawed view,” of the constitutional and statutory provisions regarding the ability of parties to be allowed to contest in geographicalconstituencies for which they have not submittedlistsofcandidates but yet be permitted to contestthegeneralelections.

The court held that the Appellant failed to show how she was discriminated against when compared to any other elector or

constituencies

The court outlined, “It cannot be considered to be discrimination against an elector pursuant to Article 149 of the Constitution on thegroundsofraceorplace of origin if the political party of the elector's choice chose not to contest in that constituency It is not for GECOM to consider the racial makeup of a constituency in permitting a party to be on a ballot for a geographical constituency that party chose not to contest.

Neither is it for GECOM to consider the place of origin of the electors in determining which parties are to be placed on the ballots Consequently,Article 13 of the Constitution, which speaks to inclusionary democracyisnotimplicated atall.”

Further, the court

emphasised that the appellant's party could only be included in the democratic process if it seekstoparticipate Itfound that the appellant's party, through the statutory framework, had the opportunity to contest all t e n g e o g r a p h i c a l constituencies but declined todoso.

Chancellor George noted, “That most definitely wasnotthefaultofGECOM.

G E C O M d i d n o t misinterpret or violate any law by not placing FGM on the ballots in places where theydecidednottocontest.”

As such, she held that it wouldbeabsurdtoholdthat a political party could chose not to participate election and then cry foul by relying onArticles13and149ofthe constitution.

She stressed that GECOM did not deny the appellant ballot access as an electornordiditpreventher from contesting the election

asacandidateforFGM.

“ItappearsthatitisFGM thatdiscriminatedagainstits constituents or persons who wanted to vote for them by not fielding candidates in Regions 7, 8 and 9,” the chancellorsaid.

The Court of Appeal observed t00 that the appellant failed to disclose that FGM chose not to contest constituencies 7, 8 and 9, thereby giving the impression that GECOM unilaterally excluded the names of FGM from the ballots.

It was only from GECOM's Affidavit in Defence that, that material fact emerged The court stated that such material disclosure was frowned upon by the Court as the Appellant must have been aware of this information especiallybecauseshewasa candidate for FGM The Court found that such material non-disclosure couldleadtothedismissalof thecase.

Additionally, the Court found that the “most unmeritorious” case and took up significant judicial timewiththecourthavingto deal with it, with urgency because of the claims made. Asaresult,theCourtordered costs to each of the respondents in the sum of $1,000,000 to be paid on or before 14th November, 2025.

Meanwhile, in response to the ruling, FGM in statement asserted that the judgment unjustly limits a citizen's right to vote for presidential and national candidates, to whether their chosen party contests a geographic constituency seat in a particular region, notwithstanding that the party meets the minimum requirementsandisqualified to contest the national elections.

“This creates an unjust imbalance in which some citizens are denied the full range of choices available under the law, while others, including foreign nationals who qualify through residency,enjoyfullaccess,” thestatementsaid.

W hile the party anticipates that issue might ultimately be determined by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), it noted that the imposition of costs in constitutional matters is inimicalto a citizen's access tothehallsofjustice.

“Further,theuseofcosts as a punitive measure in thesetypesofcases,hasboth a chilling and deleterious effect on the administration of justice. Courts exist to interpretthelawandprovide certainty, especially when questions may appear complex or contentious and evenwheretheanswermight seem clear and obvious,” FGMsaid.

In this regard, the party alluded to the 2024 case brought by Christopher Jones challenging the government's appointment ofSarahBrowneandVikash R a m k i s s o o n a s parliamentarysecretaries.In that case, the CCJ ordered eachpartytothecasetobear its own costs noting the value of addressing a constitutional question with substantialpublicinterest.

FGMbelievesthat,“The court's position on costs in thiscase,risksthedangerous suggestion that legal clarification and justice should only be sought by thosewhohavethefinancial means to withstand harsh financial penalties, effectively barring ordinary citizens from asking hard questionsandholdingpublic entitiesaccountable.”

The party said that both GECOM and the Attorney General are funded by

taxpayers, “yet a taxpaying citizen,whointerrogatesthe systemforthepublicgoodis beingfinanciallypenalised.”

Further, the party noted that comments suggesting that the case “has taken up time” miss the fundamental purposeofthejudiciary

“Asthebalancingarmof the three branches of government, it is precisely the role of the courts to devote time and attention to interpreting the law, ensuring accountability, and reinforcing constitutional principles,”FGMsaidwhile noting that “Public-interest litigationisnotadistraction; itisacorepartofthecourt's constitutional function and integral to the development of the legal architecture of anysuccessfuldemocracy.”

Meanwhile, the party vowed it will not remain silent.“Westandfirmlywith Ms. [Krystal] Fisher and all Guyanese in demanding a systemwhereeverycitizen's votecarriesequalweightand wherethefoundationsofour democracyarenoterodedby rulings that diminish the rights of our own people,” thepartystated.

Fisher was represented byDr VivianWilliamswhile Mr. Anthony Astaphan SC, alongwithMr.ArudGossai, appeared for GECOM and Attorney General, Nandlall SC appeared in person, together with Shoshanna Lall, Deputy Solicitor General and Raeanna Clarke, Senior Legal AdvisorfortheState.

Frompage12 added an extra layer of meaning to an already spectacular evening of Caribbean music As steelpan melodies, brass rhythms, and soca beats filled the air at Kingston Beach, the story of mentorship and gratitude reminded everyone present thatbehindeverysuccessful artistisoftenateacherwho believedinthemfirst.

For Gonsalves, now guiding the next generation of young musicians in Guyana, seeing his former student shine on the Pan, Brass & Soca stage was a proud moment, proof that investing in young people's potential can yield extraordinary results. “He listened to me, attitude changedandlookIamhere tonighttoseehimperform,” Gonsalvesexpressed.

The Pan, Brass & Soca concert, which featured an impressive lineup of regionaltalent,providedthe perfect backdrop for this reunion It served as a reminder that Caribbean music and culture are built not just on rhythm and melody, but on the relationships, mentorship, andcommunitythatnurture artists from their first steps tocenterstage.

Israel threatens all staying in Gaza

City, kills at least 53 in enclave

Israeli Defence Minister Katz says anyone who stays in Gaza City will be considered ‘terrorists and terror supporters’

Aljazeera - At least 53 Palestinianshavebeenkilled in Israeli attacks since dawn across Gaza as Israel threatenedtensofthousands remaininginGazaCitywith a forced order to leave, saying it was their “last opportunity” to flee or face the “full force” of Israel’s assault.

Defence Minister Israel Katz wrote on X on Wednesdaythatanyonewho stayed would be considered “terrorists and terror supporters”.

T h e c o n t i n u o u s bombardment of Gaza City has razed the territory’s largest urban centre, killing dozens of people daily, destroying numerous residential buildings and schools, and forcing tens of thousands of Palestinians to flee to an unknown fate to the south, often targeted on theway

Reporting from the alRashidroadonThursday,Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud said the Israeli military was ordering people to leave, then chasing them on the

coastal route south with military choppers, drones and tanks, creating “mayhemandpanic”.

“Abigpartofthereason that people are not now leavingGazaCityisbecause of the fear and the intimidation created by the Israelimilitary,”hesaid.

At least 10 people were killedinGazaCity Among thosePalestiniansalsokilled on Thursday were 13 aid seekersinthesouthernGaza Strip.

The total number of victims attacked while desperately seeking food during the Israeli-induced famine is now nearly 2, 600 killed with close to 19,000 injured.

The overall toll from Israel’s genocidal war has risen to 66,225 killed and 168,938 injuries since October 7, 2023, sources havetoldAlJazeera.

The toll since Israel unilaterally broke the ceasefire in March now stands at 13,357 killed and 56,897injured.

AlsoonThursday,achild

was killed by Israeli drone fireintheAnsararea,westof Gaza City, according to emergency and ambulance services.

Nine people were killed and 13 were injured due to Israel’s targeting of displaced people in the central Gaza Strip, medical sourcestoldAlJazeera.

A Palestinian and his wifewerekilledinanIsraeli dronestrikeonahouseinthe al-Bureij refugee camp in centralGaza.

Another Palestinian was killed and more than 10 were injured in an Israeli drone attack south of Deir el-Balah In Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, eight people were injured when an Israeli drone bombed a tent for displaced people inside the Al-Aqsa University campus in the al-Mawasi area, west of the city, which Israel has repeatedly targeted despite declaringita“safezone”.

Despite the relentless Israeli carpet bombing of Gaza City, aimed at

Smoke rises following Israeli air strikes that hit and destroyed multiple buildings and high-rise towers in Gaza City, on September 14, 2025 [Abdalhkem Abu Riash/Anadolu]

forcing civilians to flee south, some are making the dangerous choice to return to the north Thousands of Palestinians have been forced by Israeli bombardment to flee from the north to the south on this perilous

route

OnWednesday,theGaza Government Media Office said that the Israeli military had shut al-Rashid Street, whichitdescribedas“oneof the vital arteries that civilians rely on for travel b e t w e e n G a z a ’ s governorates”.

As a result of the escalating hostilities, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Wednesday that it had temporarily suspended operationsinGazaCity,just astheNGODoctorsWithout Borders (known by its

French acronym, MSF) did lastweek.

“TheICRCwillcontinue to strive to provide support to civilians in Gaza City, whenever circumstances allow, from our offices in Deir el-Balah and Rafah, which remain fully operational,” it said in a statement.

In the meantime, Hamas continues to deliberate over a United States ceasefire plantoendIsrael’stwo-year war. Their acceptance of terms viewed as mostly favourable to Israel’s stated goalsremainsuncertain.

APalestinian girl sits amid debris at a United Nations school where displaced people were taking shelter, after it was bombed by Israel in the Zeitoun neighbourhood in Gaza City, on October 1, 2025 Ebrahim Hajjaj/Reuters] 2025

BLUNT BLUNT

Once Norton is there, PNC going nowhere

The PNC's Central Executive Committee has once again failed its supporters and the wider opposition movement.

By declaring confidence in Aubrey Norton, the 15-member body has chosen loyalty to a failed leader over the survival of the party.

The facts are undeniable. Under Norton's leadership, the PNC suffered its worst electoral defeat in history. Over 100,000 of its supporters abandoned the party at the last elections. That level of voter flight is not the result of external conspiracy; it is a direct indictment of Norton's inability to inspire confidence, rally the base, or attract new support.

Yet, rather than confront this reality, the executive clings to Norton, buying time until next year's congress. That is nothing but cowardice dressed up as patience. Every day that Norton remains at the helm, the PNC drifts further into irrelevance, handing the PPP a free pass to tighten itsgrip on power.

If the PNC is serious about renewal and about offering this country a credible alternative, it must act now. Norton has had his chance, and he has failed. Once Norton is there, the PNC is going nowhere.

Petra Org. launches largest-ever KFC Goodwill International Schools Football Tournament

Th e P e t r a Organisation has o f f i c i a l l y launchedthesixtheditionof the KFC International Goodwill School Under-18 Football Tournament, setting the stage for what is being hailed as the largest and most competitive installmenttodate.Withthe exciting addition of Brazil and The Bahamas, this

premier secondary school football competition continuesitsevolutionintoa top-tier regional showpiece f

.

Confirmed at Wednesday’s launch, the tournament is scheduledtotakeplacefrom December 14 to 21, featuring eight elite teams from six nations, with matches set to be played across two venues such as

the Ministry of Education Sports Complex ground and the Queen’s College Ground.

Having already earned the admiration of football communities across the Caribbean,thetournament’s expansionwasaresponseto growing interest and a clear d

n

f o r m o r e international representation. The Petra Organisation has

answered this call by broadeningthetournament’s reach to two more internationalsides.

Duringtheofficiallaunch, co-director Troy Mendonca highlighted the tournament’s evolving importance, noting that it continues to serve as a “pathway to scholarship” for standout players, an invaluable opportunity for youthathletesintheregion

Friday October 03, 2025

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

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When faced with ten entrees onthemenu,itmightbehard for you to choose just one. Feelfreetoordertwoormore, Ta u r u s D o n ' t l e t indecisiveness slow you down.Atthesametime.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Your dreams won't come true unless you believe in and act onthem,Gemini.Nooneelse is going to do it for you. Unless you have a fairy godmother, you need to take mattersintoyourownhands.

CANCER(June21–July22)

If people hassle you or give you a hard time about your appearance today, pay them nomind,Cancer Youhavethe righttoliveyourlifeanyway youwantto.

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Reachforthepotofgoldatthe end of the rainbow, Leo. It's closerthanyouthink.Indeed, your dreams are completely within your reach, and there are huge forces at work helping you achieve your goals.

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Expand your mind to its furthest reaches today, Libra.

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internationalteams.”

And with good reason.

The competition has historicallybeenfierce,with Chase’s Academic Foundation clinching their first KFC title last year in a dramatic final against St.

Be

Meanwhile, Guyana’s only other tournament winners include; D.C. Caesar Fox

This year’s tournament will feature the debut of two new international contenders, including; State School MonteiroLobato(Brazil)and Anglican Central Education Authority of The Bahamas They will join returning powerhouses and national championssuchas;Guyana’s Chase’s Academic Foundation (Defending Champions), Annai Secondary (Guyana), St Benedict’s College (Trinidad and Tobago) and Kingston College(Jamaica)

Thefinaltwospotswillbe filled by the winner of the Republic Bank U18 League (Guyana) and the Suriname Schools Football champion (TBD) This diverse pool of teamswillcompeteinaroundrobin knockout format, promisingathrillingseriesof high-intensity matchups For the sixth consecutive year, KFC Guyana has reaffirmed its dedication to youth and community development throughitssponsorshipofthe event. During his feature address, KFC Guyana CEO PaulSubryanemphasizedthat their support goes far beyond thepitch

“AtKFC,weunderstand theimportanceofsupporting Generation Next,” Subryan said. “This tournament is bigger than football. It is about discipline. It is about teamwork It is about building communities and f o s t e r i n g f a m i l y relationships.”KFChasalso boosted its investment this yearwiththecontributionof over $25 million for new bleachers at the tournament venues, a significant infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving the fan experience and expanding communityparticipation.

Deputy Chief Education Officer Marti DeSouza acknowledgedtheimpactof the tournament’s expansion on local teams, saying: “Guyanese teams will have tobringtheirA-Gamegiven the quality of the incoming

Secondary, Waramadong –2022andAnnaiSecondary–2019 Other regional champions also include; Shiva Boys’ Hindu College (Trinidad and Tobago) –2018andClarendonCollege (Jamaica) – 2023 Beyond the medals and trophies, the KFCInternationalGoodwill School Under-18 Football Tournament stands as

opportunity for young playersintheCaribbeanand now South America. Kickoff is December 14. Let the gamesbegin.

GMRSC,AAG,GDAamonglatestsports bodiestoengagewithMinisterJacobs

Continuing his recent meetingswiththerespective sports bodies in Guyana, MinisterwithintheMinistry ofCultureYouthandSports, Steven Jacobs welcomed more of the country’s Associationsthispastweek.

Hitting the ground running following his still fresh appointment, Minister Jacobshasspentrecenttime engaging with players, executives and stakeholders ofsportslocally,aseffortsto pushGuyana’sathletestothe nextlevelheightens.

Minister Jacobs, via his official Facebook page, highlighted a number of his recent meetings including community walks and manin-the-street discussions as

part of settling into his new role.

Among the latest to engage in talks with the Minister this week were executives and members of Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Guyana Badminton Association(GBA),Guyana Golf Association (GGA) to nameafew;whowereadded to the list of developmental and planning endeavors for overall growth of the sports

engagements this week included parlays with more key national sporting organizations, such as the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), the Guyana Darts Association (GDA), the Mixed Martial Arts Federation (MMAF), and theGuyanaMotorRacing & Sports Club (GMRSC) to namesome.

Executives paid the Minister a courtesy visit, with Jacobs stating that the re

s “Highlighted the unique challenges and successes within each discipline and opened the door to practical ways of strengthening programmes, enhancing athlete development, and creating more opportunities for participation at every level”.

GBF receives “Award of Excellence” from CBC

Th e G u y a n a

B a s k e t b a l l

F e d e r a t i o n (GBF) continues to make waves in regional and international basketball, earninghighpraisefromthe Caribbean Basketball Confederation(CBC)forits exceptional leadership and developmentwork.

During the CBC Assembly, held on the opening day of the FIBA Americas Assembly in Mexico City, Mexico, GBF Vice Presidents

R a w l e To n e y a n d Jermaine Slater, along with General Secretary Patrick Haynes, proudly received an award recognizingtheFederation’s impactonthesport.

Leslie Collymore, CBC President, lauded Guyana as a “model Federation within the CBC”, pointing to the country’s consistent commitment to both grassroots and elite-level basketball.

He noted that Guyana has gone beyond its b o r d e r s t o u p l i f t Caribbean basketball, highlighting that the entire CBC is reaping the benefits of the GBF’s efforts. Collymore further highlightedGuyana’sroleas a trailblazer, becoming the first English-speaking Caribbean nation to host a FIBA3x3Questevent.

He also underscored Guyana’s upcoming hosting of the FIBA Women’s

Caribbean Championship, a tournament returning to the regionafterseveralyears,as evidence of the GBF’s ability to stage landmark events.

Collymore said Guyana andtheGBFhassteppedup when the region needed it most, hosting key internal tournaments and proving that it could deliver at the highestlevel.

The GBF, in response, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stressing that the honour belongs to everyone involved in buildingthesportlocally

“We are happy that the work done in Guyana is being recognized both r e g i o n a l l y a n d internationally,” the Federation said in a statement.

According to the GBF, theirefforts“extendbeyond the shores of Guyana, and the CBC itself is benefiting from the growth initiatives we’veputinplace.”

The Federation also dedicated the award to its affiliates and partners, with specialacknowledgementto the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Olympic Association for their support.

Wi t h c o n t i n u e d investment in both the traditional and fast-growing 3x3 formats, Guyana has positioned itself as a leader in Caribbean basketball and onethatisshapingthefuture of the sport across the region.

TAssocia

on (GBA) will be spiking off their National Senior and Junior Tournament from October9-12attheNational Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

The competition was announcedoveramonthago

with players having adequate time to prepare, as they compete for spoils withinthevariouscategories overatotaloffourdays.

Arguably the big matchups are expected to feature in Men’s and Women’s Singles Open; which is expected to showcase Guyana’s more

seniorplayersandprospects. M e a n w h i l e , t h e Under-13 to 19 category will also have their fair share of action, with youngsters squaring off in the Boy’s/Girl’sSingles, Boy’s Doubles and Girl’s Doubles.

A Mixed Doubles category is also expected t

some of the country’s elite badminton players

The first two days of battle will see matches serving off from 17:00h to 22:00h, while the final two days get underway from 10:00h to 17:00h

West Indies Tour of India 2025… Siraj leads the line; WI batters fall in 2 sessions

(ESPN Cricinfo) - If there was any anxiety about India’s performance this home season, the first day’s play went some way to allaying them Weakened they might be with the retirementsofthreelegends, woundedtheymightbeafter losing the last series here 03,thereisstillplentyoffire. West Indies came under it and couldn’t really muster up a response After choosing to bat, they were bowledoutfor162withtime tosparefortheteabreak.At stumps, they were clinging ontoaleadof41.

MohammedSirajpicked upwhereheleftoffafterhis IronManeffortsinEngland. He focused on pitching the ball up. He targeted the top ofthestumps.Hedidn’tgive thebatteranyeasyreprieves andthatwasenoughforhim to pick up four of the first five wickets to fall He thoughthehadafifth-which would’ve been a landmark moment because he doesn’t haveafive-forathome-but DRS took it away Jasprit Bumrah, his new-ball partner,offeredhimapaton

the back when replays showed the lbw shout againstJustinGreavesbeing struckdownbutdidn’tseem tobesosympatheticwhenhe started ripping out the tail with his yorkers. Eventually Sirajhadtosettleforfigures of4for40.

Acomfortableday’splay offeredopportunityforIndia to make further gains, particularlytheirnewmanat No. 3. But Sai Sudharsan’s dismissal for 7 off 19 only servedasareminderthatthis teamisstilltransitioningand that without Virat Kohli, RohitSharma,RAswhinand Rishabh Pant, who is only injured, there are vulnerabilities KL Rahul paperedoverthemwithanononsense half-century It feels like he knows how to match his output with his abilitynow SomethingWest Indiesarestrugglingwith. Their XI has nine centuries in it. Two of their top three have yet to contributetothatcount.The other one has a double, but he was coming back to international cricket after a 20-month break.Tagenarine

Chanderpaul would be sorely disappointed with his return - out for a duck, caught down the leg side. But there were others who had reasons to feel more guilty Brandon King left a straight ball to knock down hismiddlestump.

Alick Athanaze looked steady, especially after he got through a nervous first few deliveries where it seemedlikehewastookeen to feel bat on ball.TheWest IndianNo.3wasjuststarting to gain confidence in his defence when Siraj decided to prey on his inexperience. He had seen the batter settlinginnicelyanddecided to tease him with a fuller delivery

Had the length been shorter, Athanaze might havebeenmorecircumspect withhisshot.Thefactthatit waspitcheduphadhisjuices flowing. He went for a big booming drive and was caughtatslip.

Roston Chase and Shai Hope offered some resistance. Theirs was the longest partnership of the innings - 70 balls - and it

The West Indies innings lasted just 44.1 overs (Associated Press)

pushed India to produce the two best balls of the day Kuldeep Yadav, who had spent a five-match tour of England on the sidelines, struck with his eighth delivery back, creating gap betweenHope’s batandpad

with his drift and surging through it with his dip and turn. It is ridiculous how oftenwristspinnersmakethe stumps look like an easy target.

Chase was the victim of Siraj’s a wobble-seam variation, although the real genius of the wicket lay in the steep angle that the fast bowlercreatedintotherighthander The West Indies captain was suckered into closingthefaceofhisbatso early that he was caught by the wicketkeeper off the leadingedge.

India’sbowlingwasn’tat its threatening best - there were seven fours in the first 10 overs - but they were

betteratthebasicsthantheir opposition.Bumrahdidhave one bit of the spectacular in him.AttheAsiaCup,hewas partly bowling his team to victoryandpartlytestinghis fitness out for these Test matches. Early indications were that his rhythm is on point. He spotted Greaves’ tendency to bat with a huge backlift, which also curved to the off side, and knew it would be vulnerable to his yorker and it proved so the veryfirsttimehetried.

Bumrahnowhas50Test wickets in India and he got there in record time, a full 521 balls quicker than the previous mark set by MohammedShami.

GPF played a better brand of football to earn a 6 – nil triumph

Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Football Club Women and the Guyana PoliceForce(GPF)Women, by now the usual suspects, were the ones to register winsonWednesdayevening when the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Women’s Division One League resumed.

The action of the GFF’s National Training Center (NTC) at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) began with a clash between P o l i c e a n d F r u t a Conquerors’Women.

Fruta Conquerors held firmintheinitialminutesbut thecheekiestofgoals,ashot which slipped out of the keeper’shandsonthegather, gave Police their first strike and the law women never lookedback.

Shanic Thornhill was responsible for the first strike in the 9th, while Lakeisha Pearson’s shot

from outside the box found thebackofthenetinthe26th minute. Another shot from far out saw Tiandi Smith adding her name to the scoresheet in the 28th for Police’s3-0leadatthehalf.

Thornhill opened the secondsegmentwitha42nd minute strike whileAmanda McKenzie and S. Adams netted in the 44th and 60th minutes respectively for Police’s6-0win.

Then, GDF’s Women continued to keep their winningmarginintheteens, this time with a 16-0 assault ofWesternTigers.

Similarly to Fruta Conquerors, Western Tigers started strong but it all went to dust when Abioce HeywoodsneakedoneBapst the keeper in the 9th minute tobreaktheiceforGDF

Heywood completed her brace in the 21st while Zoruna Ali registered a helmet trick in the 43rd, 46th,49thand51stminutes,

accompanied by Glendy Lewis’ hattrick in the 11th, 17thand23rdminutes.

Braces came off the boots of Sandra Johnson (30th,39th),SarenaJohnson (47th,48th)andJaladeTrim (55th, 59th) while Niomie Williams’ lone strike in the 21stbroughttheirtallyupto 16 T h e Wo m e n ’s Division One League

action will continue this evening, Friday October 3rd at the same venue, staging another double feature There, Santos FC will take on Ann’s Grove United from 18:00hrs, while Rivers’ View b a t t l e s M a i n s t a y Goldstars FC, beginning at19:30hrs

West Indies Tour of India 2025…

Siraj leads the line; WI batters fall in 2 sessions

Sports

GDF dominated ball possession against a hapless opposition

KFC Guyana backs Petra’s Goodwill International U18 School’s Football for sixth consecutive year. Present at the 2025 launch were; (L-R)Petrarep. Troy Peters, Deputy CEO of Education Marti DeSouza, KFC CEO Paul Subryan, Troy Mendonca Co-Director of Petra Organisation andAssistant Director of Sports Franklin Wilson

PetraOrg.launcheslargest-everKFCGoodwill

InternationalSchoolsFootballTournament