About 6.5 million people in Somalia -Govt.and UNsay face acute hunger
...Pres.Alihailscompanyas‘trustedpartner’
...amidsilenceonreported oil reserve boost
ExxonM pledges US$100M for STEM
…Director says education gaps must be addressed
boyfriend in Missouri Guyanese woman charged with killing Canadian firm announces new gold discoveries at Guyana project
President Irfaan Ali has hailed ExxonMobil as the country’s trusted energy partner, assuring that Guyana offers a stable environment where investment is “safe, soundandprotected.”
His comments come on the heels of reportsthatthecompanyrecentlydiscloseda growth in Guyana’s oil reserves to the shareholders of Exxon, while such information has not been shared with Guyana. Despite no new announcements were made in 2025, Exxon reported new discoveries and extensions in Guyana’s reservestoitsinvestors.
Withthecompanyandgovernmentyetto offeranyclarityinthatregard,conversations persist around Guyana’s unequal benefits from the oil deal with Exxon, as the push continues for a negotiated Production SharingAgreement(PSA)toofferbalance.
Executive Directors of the Board of Exxon Mobil were greeted by the president andfirstlady,AryaAliwhohostedawelcome dinner for the visiting delegation on the evening of the country’s 56th Republic Anniversary
LeadingtheExxondelegationwasChief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman, Darren Woods. Special invitees included Cabinet members, the business community, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Roxane George, Deputy Chief of Mission from the United States Embassy, John Crippen, Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken and Chief of Defence Staff, BrigadierOmarKhan.
During remarks, Ali highlighted the goldenopportunitiesthatlieahead,citingthe need for strong and focused leadership,coupledwithtrust.
He said, “You cannot manageasectorlikethisifthere isnotrust.Iwanttomakeitvery clear and I am unapologetic about this, Exxon is our partner and we have to work and confronttheopportunitiesofthe future as partners. There is no wayweareseparatingourselves fromeachother.”
To this end, the president offeredthecompanyreassurance of a stable environment. In a directmessagetoExxon’sCEO, Alisaid,“Hereiswheretherule oflawappliesandhereiswhere investment is safe, sound and
protectedandthatishowitwillalwaysbe.”
The head-of-state shared Guyana’s ambition to continue building trust, with no greater affirmation than through such a visit by the “super structure” referring to the top executives of the company, who are in Georgetownforaboardmeeting.
“We find this not only remarkable but that this is a vote of confidence in the relationshipandtrustthatwehavebuiltover theyears,”thepresidentnoted.
For his part, the CEO and Chairman of ExxonMobil Corporation reminded of the company’s commitment to develop the country’s resources.Woods said, “Since our first discovery a little over 10 years ago, we’ve been committed to responsibly developing Guyana’s oil and natural gas resources.Butjustasimportantlywe’vealso been committed to ensuring that the oil and natural gas produced offshore creates opportunity for progress onshore. We share PresidentAli’sambitionindevelopingthese resources to transform Guyana’s economy andbringenduringprosperitytoitspeople.”
Meanwhile, president of ExxonMobil GuyanaLimited(EMGL),AlistairRoutledge reinforced the company’s commitment to Guyana.Hesaid,“Guyana’senergypartneris more than a slogan to the people of ExxonMobil It reflects our long-term commitment, supporting your vision for sustainable development and shared prosperity.”
Speaking directly to President Ali, Routledge expressed gratitude for his partnership. “Together we have achieved a greatdealandthereisstillsomuchpotential aheadofus,”headded.
PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.
Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456
Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS
Tel:225-8465,225-8491. Fax:225-8473,226-8210
Guyanaisfastapproachingamagicalnumberintheoil world. By yearend, little, once unknown, newly rich, but stillpoor,Guyanacouldbeproducingoveramillionbarrels ofoildaily Itistobelongtoaspecialclub,thatsweetcircle of oil champions, a producer of a million barrels a day A countrythatproducesoilatsuchalevelhastobeaparadise forallofitscitizens. CanGuyanaclaimtobeinthatcoveted position? Can Guyanese say with satisfaction and in all honesty,allofthem,thattheyknowwhatitistobelivingin anoilparadise,becausetheyarelivingit?
The last report that had some degree of credibility, one from the InterAmerican Development Bank, said that over half of Guyana's population are battling with poverty, and losing At first, the PPPC Government and its representativesreceivedthebadnewsinasubduedmanner Now, the claim is that number of Guyanese staring at poverty, or already trapped in its clutches, is old news, so dated as to have little relevance. Further, the government haspushedbackbystatingthatthereportcoverstheperiod 2016-2017,whentheAPNU+AFCCoalitionwasinpower What wasn't addressed was the report also covered 2021 whenthePPPCwasinpower,andGuyanawasmoreofanoil economybythen.
Since the government has published its disagreements, including that the report is old news, and it is so confident about how well Guyanese are doing, then it should release any new data that it has. Government is the compiler and keeperofofficialstatistics,andonceithasnumbersthatcan betrusted,thenitsleadersandspokespersonshaveadutyto put them before the nation. That would be the best counterargument that any government could put forward before its citizens and opponents. Here are new statistics about poverty levels, and they are nowhere close to the old data that is being circulated. The government's numbers wouldconfirmhowallGuyanesearereapingthebenefitsof alreadybeingatathree-quartermillionbarrel(or900,000)a day level. Since it is so presently, then at a million-barrel daily level, all Guyanese are poised to do still better It is only February 2026, so it's likely that ExxonMobil's projection of a million barrels daily by yearend is going to happen.
Oilproductionhascreptupinthespanofsixshortyears from a quarter-million barrels to a half-million barrels to three-quarter million barrels daily If there were to be a survey to obtain from Guyanese what increasing levels of daily oil production have meant for them, the responses wouldlikelysurprise. Rank-and-filecitizensarefindingit harder to manage their lives with dignity, for it is a continuing struggle to feed their children, and pay their regularbills. Theirbillsareforthebasicsofliving,suchas rent, utilities, transportation, and so forth. They are not living a lifestyle of reckless spending, living beyond their means. It is simply that the means that they have in their hands do not allow them to live beyond an Old Mother Hubbardstandard. Weatthispaperfinditdifficulttoabsorb the ugliness of citizens living like this in a country that produces close to a million barrels of oil daily (a peak of 900,000barrels),andissoontoracepastamillion.
Whenmeasuredusingaperpersoncalculation,Guyana's GDPstoodatUS$29,675,oroverGY$6M. Ifafractionof that was reflective of the quality of existence for ordinary citizens, then arguments about impoverished local conditions are misleading. Private sector minimum wage workers earn below three-quarter million Guyana dollars annually, and public servant counterparts earn approximately GY$1.2M annually GDP averages have little relevance to them. When these Guyanese are considered,questionsmultiplyabouthowtheymanage. Ina countryproducing750,000,andsometimes900,000,barrels of oil daily, no citizen should be living as many Guyanese are. Now that a million barrels daily are fast approaching, Guyanese should be on top of the world. Many of them woulddisputethat,givenhowtheystruggletosurvive.
DearEditor,
Ready for some satire? In bygone days,whenourcurrencywasworthalot more, a local expression was “haffa millionaire ” Meaning half a millionaire, someone worth about five hundred thousand Guyana dollars. For example, in a conversation between A andB,Awouldpointtosomeonenearby and, in a hushed and awed tone say, “You see that man? He is a haffa millionaire!”Inasimilarway,todaywe havesome'haffaPh.D's'.
Onewellknownhaffa(wholovesto hearhisownvoice)writesfortheNAW (National Donkey Wipe). His friends and inner circle fondly call him Spittoon. Spittoon graduated from the schoolof“Makeyourselfbigbypulling othersdown.”
Inotherwords,CrabSchool. Now, why is Spittoon only a haffa? Why did he not graduate with the coveted doctorate? Spittoon, who knows everyone's business, coyly guards that secret. Rarely, he tells some cock and bull story about leaving his studies to support a revolutionary regime in the Caribbean. IcallBS.
Could it have something to do with his teenage track record of 'sticky fingers', especially around books, a habit he himself admitted to? Did he continue that nasty habit when he went tostudyinthefrozennorth?Ifso,didit get him into trouble and stall his progress? Inquiring minds want to know Yearsago,hebuttedheadswitha tenuredandsolidprofessor,arealPh.D, who is now happily ensconced in the Head Honcho's Office (HHO). Said professorrakedSpittoonoverthecoals and teased him mercilessly, constantly calling him “Big Coat Spittoon.” Is a bigcoatusedtohidebooks?Justasking. Thesedays,Spittoonisallpraiseforthe professor Eh eh! Look how times change! Monkey know which limb to climbon.
Spittoon loves to call himself a historian. Whatheshouldsayisthathe has a history degree. Big difference. After all, one expects that a historian wouldhavewrittensomehistorybooks, but guess what? Even though Spittoon frequently pounds his chest and boasts about the twenty six years he taught at the local university, he didn't write a
single book! That's right. No book on history Infact,nobookonanysubject! Zero,zilch,nada.Howinheaven'sname did they retain him at the university? Are there no standards or minimum expectations? At any university worth itsname,theruleis“Publishorperish!” Yet,thisposerSpittoonhabituallytakes pot shots at those who are his betters, academically and in every other way The nerve! The barefaced, shameless gall!
SpittoonrecentlywrotethatCheddi had predicted that people who took an extreme political position would eventually end up on the other side of the political spectrum He gave examples. Does Spittoon forget (and doeshethinkthepublicforgets)thatfor averylongtimehewasdeadsetagainst the PPPand viciously attacked it, even endingupincourtfacing“shinehead.” Not to mention the tasty pie thrown at him! Now he is bending over backwards, going overboard to atone forhisantiPPPpast. Spittoonearslong buthenahhearheownstory!
Sincerely
CharmaineHolder
A society that fails to protect its most vulnerable undermines the very foundation of sustainable development
DearEditor,
A s a p u b l i c communicationsanalystand human rights advocate, I have witnessed firsthand the lasting damage that social neglect, exploitation, and weak protective systems have inflicted on many women and girls across Barbados and Guyana These experiences compel me to speak candidly about emerging societal shifts that demand urgent national attention
Guyana is undergoing a rapid transformation in behavioral norms and social practices, influenced by increased migration, the expansion of illicit drug activity,humanexploitation, and trafficking While economicgrowthandglobal
opportunity, they also e x p o s e vulnerabilities—particularly for women, girls, and other
strengthened alongside development.
O n e t r o u b l i n g manifestation of these vulnerabilities is the rise in sex tourism. Globally, sex tourism is driven largely by visitors from developed nationswhotraveltoregions with economic inequality and weak enforcement frameworks.
Historically, major hubs have included parts of Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa. The Caribbean has not been
immune to this reality, and Guyana's fast-growing economy and expanding tourism sector now risk becoming an additional target for sex travel if proactive measures are not taken.
It must be stated clearly: developmentandtourismare not inherently harmful, nor should Guyana close itself off from progress. However, economic advancement cannot come at the cost of human dignity or public safety Asociety that fails to protect its most vulnerable undermines the very foundation of sustainable development. Our citizens—especially women and girls—must feel safe in their homes, communities, workplaces, andpublicspaces. This requires stronger policy enforcement, interagency collaboration, public education, victim-centered supportsystems,andazerotolerance stance on exploitation in all its forms.
wellbeing over unchecked profit.Guyana stands at a critical crossroads The choices made now will determine whether development uplifts the population as a whole or deepens existing social harms Progress must be inclusive, protective, and grounded in respect for human rights.Anything less placesoursocietyatrisk.
Sincerely:
Tourism growth must be guided by ethical standards that prioritize community
Mr.BlaneRBunbury Public Communications Analyst &communityadvocate
DearEditor,
Communism is what you have in Cuba. Little or no privately owned businesses. Everything must be state-owned. Only the comrade Leader will decide what will be produced. He will say things like 10 million tons of sugar must be produced; 5,000 medical doctors must graduate each yearandsoallresourcesmustgotoachievewhat the Leader wants. That's called Command Economy. Communism is also Dictatorship of the Proletariat. Seizing power and setting up a dictatorship. That's what Fidel Castro did.
Socialismissomethingelse.Americaisa Socialist society The generous welfare systemisthedefinitionofsocialism.Monthly checkstopaytherent,anothercheckforfood, and free healthcare called Medicaid. From each according to his ability to each accordingtohisneed.
Garry Kasparov says: 'You cannot build socialisminapoor,undevelopedsociety No money there. But you can build socialism in a very developed, rich country likeAmerica. You must be developed first, before you can introduceSocialism'.
Guyana? Yes, you can do Socialism in
Guyana and places like SaudiArabia, Qatar, Kuwaitetc.Theseareoil-richcountries.Lots ofmoneytheretopayforfreehealthcare,free education up to university level for all citizens. Also, generous, monthly welfare paymentsforthedisabled,indigent,elderly- to cover rent, food, clothing and pocket money Socialism is really: from each according to his ability to each according to hisneed.
Leaders of Caricom countries would do well to focus on the fact that Cuba is a communist State, not Socialist – and this makes a whole lot of difference. The Cuban people have waited for far too long for a GorbachevfromamongtheCubanpolitburo to rise up and put an end to the failed Communistsystem.Theeconomyhastotally collapsed; the government will fall soon unless Caricom countries choose to prop it up. Once the communist system is swept away,anewsystem–multipartydemocracy andfreemarketeconomy-willtakeitsplace. Theeconomywillrecoverquicklytoprovide enoughfood,gasolineandjobsforallCuban citizens.
Regards MikePersaud
DearEditor,
Yesterday,astherhythmsofMashramani 2026 vibrated through the streets of Georgetown,theGuyanaPoliceForce(GPF) didn'tjustmissthebeat—theymarchedover the very heart of our national identity Their float featured a towering pyramid of "future officers," a sterile collection of Caucasian, straight-hairedmannequinsthatlookedmore like a surplus shipment from a European departmentstorethanarepresentationofour multi-ethnic Republic.This wasn't a "faux pas." It was a monumental racial farce.This stunning display exposes the glaring institutional “blindspots” How does a state institution, funded by the sweat of a brown andblacktaxbase,paradea"PoliceFamily" that effectively deletes the Indo, Afro, Indigenous, and Mixed-race children of this land?Thiswasnotaslip-upinacraftroom. Thisdesignpassedthrough:
The Procurement Officers who sourced "whiteasdefault"imports.
The Creative Directors who looked at a seaofpaleplasticandsawnothingwrong.
The Police Brass who signed off on a vision of Guyana that is entirely unrecognizable to its citizens.To place a single performer inAmerindian dress at the front as a "token" is not inclusion—it is an insult. It is the equivalent of a colonial footnoteonapageofwhite-washedhistory
Inabolddisplayoftheir“trophyofgross incompetence”, Commissioner Clifton Hicken and Minister Oneidge Walrond, seemingly still plagued by remnants of their “massa—mindset”, chose this display of "insensitivity” for the nation: a visual
manifestation of colonial Stockholm Syndrome.InaForcealreadyhauntedbythe ghosts of racial promotion lawsuits, you chose to parade an aspirational norm that whispers:"Tobetheauthority,youmustnot looklikethepeople."
If"OneGuyana"isthegospelyoupreach, why does the GPF's imagery look like a conversion therapy for our national selfimage? This float didn't just fail the "vibe check"—itfailedthesovereigntycheck.
As a national collective, we demand accountability We are tired of "oversight" that remains sightless until the public screams.Wedon'twantaquietretraction;we demand:
1. A Public Apology: Not a "mistakes were made" press release, but an admission oftheinstitutionalbiasthatallowedthis.
2.ImmediateResignations:Theplanners who curated this "Barbie Dreamhouse" policing fantasy have no business representing a multi-ethnic, muti-cultural nation.
3 Mandated Representation: A legislative guarantee that state-funded imagerymustreflectthedemographicreality of the census, not the convenience of bulkimportedprops.
Citizens, do not let this "pale parody" melt into the background. Call the Ministry of Home Affairs. Tag the Commissioner's Office. If they cannot see us in their floats, they cannot represent us in our streets. Our Republic is not a blank canvas for colonial fantasies.
Sincerely, HemduttKumar
Farewell to a great friend, brother, and revolutionary compatriot
DearEditor,
It is amazing just a few hoursafterthepassingofDr Roopnaraine, I received a text from a friend on WhatsApp from Fiji stating that the passing of Dr Roopnaraine was a "giant loss for Guyana". I met Dr Roopnaraineandsomeofhis colleagues including Dr Walter Rodney when I returned to Guyana in late 1979.
The WPA was then a small pressure group made up of intellectuals and members of the Guyanese working class committed to democratization of Guyanese society, a government of national unity and reconstruction
The years I had spent in Latin America taught me thatrevolutionwasaproduct of a people's particular historical experience and that Guyana's experience was unique with the notion of race/class and partisan party politics deeply ingrainedinthesocialfabric ofGuyanesesociety
Rupert's eulogy at Bourdawasoneofpeaceand national reconciliation, it wasvisionaryinthathesaid that "whenever Indians and Africans come together,
Walter Rodney Lives!” It wasnotacallforviolenceor mayhem at a time when Guyanese were greatly moved by the assassination of one of Guyana's greatest sonswhowasachampionof o p p r e s s e d p e o p l e worldwide.
Dr Roopnaraine not only loved the Arts, he was also a collector He always responded to invitations of the Guyana United Artists (GUA) along with Ms Jocelyn Dow, their support helped to develop many youngGuyaneseasartists.
I remember well at an exhibition held at the Venezuelan Cultural Center in Camp Street, Brother Rupert as we called him, brought some friends along andtheyboughtoutmostof the art exhibits, left with theirhandsfilled.Foryears, werecountedthatday!
The last work brother Rupert bought from me and the late Derek Boston was followinganexhibitionheld at the African Heritage Museumin2019.
In2023,hephonedmeto inquire how I was recovering after an eye surgeryinwhichIhadsome setbacks and he invited me to visit him when I got well
DearEditor,
ThefactsoutlinedbyMr Christopher Ram in his article,“StateislikeanATM to GuySuCo,” leave little room for denial: GuySuCo has become a permanent challenge for the taxpayers, with no credible path to sustained profitability under its current state-controlled structure (even in 2030). It must have some level of privatesectorinvolvementat thepolicy-making/executive level and I am not speaking about the political operative and PPP Central Committee Member Mr Paul Cheong
whose private sector credentialshasbeenaperiod ofmassiveconfusionforthe industry I am speaking about a management contract that involves real sugar professionals from India,Brazil,orevenBelize.
those fields. This is an avoidable loss that Mr Paul Cheong was incapable of actioning in 2024 and 2025 as he allegedly busied himself with political directives and his personal business In an industry where timing determines value, this is not a minor setback—it is a strategic operational failure and this one lays solely at the feet of Mr PaulCheong.
Data from 2019 to 2023
intoimprovedextractionand processing performance
That disconnect raises legitimate questions about the operational competence and the strategic capabilities ofMr PaulCheong.
which I did. He was always glad to know how I am progressing He asked jokingly whether I was still working on that painting on Guyanese history - the Anatomy of a dictatorship and I said yes. He laughed andsaidhewouldliketosee itwhenitiscompleted.Ihad been working on that painting for well over a decade and only completed it last year We parted as comrades.Ineverknewthen it would be the last time.
Myself, family and surviving members of the Guyana United Artists wish to convey our deepest condolences to his family, friendsandcomrades. Farewell to a great friend, brother, and revolutionarycompatriot… Yoursfaithfully DesmondAlli
Sugar's historic importance to Guyana is undeniable However, sentiment cannot justify an increasing number of financial transfers ($15 billion in 2025) from the taxpayers and increasing losses ($19 billion in 2025). When a state enterprise consistently absorbs billions in public funds without delivering commercial viability, decisive reform is required. Instead, we have heard only repeated public threats that “heads will roll” from President Irfaan Ali, without evidence of structural correction. This mess is now on him since, from all appearances, he has created this mess, and Minister Zulfikar Mustapha is only carrying out the President'sinstructions.
A stark example of this messunderMr PaulCheong isthefactthatsome301,000 metrictonnes(MT)ofprime canewereleftunharvestedat theendof2025. Butwhatis even more shocking is that on top of that there is approximately54,000MTof old standing canes from 2024, which has not been harvestedforovertwoyears, and are now in a state of advanced decay To rehabilitate these fields was estimated to cost some $1.1 billiontorakeoutandreplant
reportedly showed improvement in reducing caneleftstanding,evenamid the 2021 floods. Yet those success were allowed to sharply deteriorated in 2024 and 2025 under Mr Paul Cheong (see graph below). The value of unharvested cane increased dramatically over those two years, reflecting systemic breakdowns in harvesting and transport Instead of being converted into sugar and revenue, substantial volumes remained in the fields, compounding financialstrain.
Responsibility must be properly aligned. The most senior field leadership for 2024 was Mr Vishnu Panday, and for 2025 it was M r T h r e b o w a n Shivprashad,andtheirdirect superior in both of those years was Mr Paul Cheong. Thesethreemenshouldhave been made to account for these outcomes. Rather, it is amajorcover-upgoingonin the industry. If Mr. Panday had not changed political sides, he would have continued to benefit from thispoliticalcoverage.
I n v e s t m e n t s i n mechanization (including more than 100 tractors since 2020) have not translated
Theagronomicscienceis clear Caneharvestedatpeak maturity can yield quite comfortably approximately 13% recoverable sugar. Once it passes its peak mature (after 12 months in the fields), the yields can decline to 11% or less
Across hundreds of thousandsoftonnes,that2% differential represents significant lost sugar and revenue, while increased fibre content which reduces factory efficiency and raises processing costs. Leaving cane standing is not merely inefficient it undermines factory performance and profitability
Industry professionals also cite recurring factory c
grinding days, maintenance
bottlenecks, and labour
Mechanisation alone cannot
c o r r e c t s y s t e m i c weaknesses Effective management of the entire value chain—from field to factory is essential, and thisiswhatisnothappening enoughintheindustryasthe leadership hustles to attend to their personal business and another political gathering with the Minister atRegentStreet.
L a b o u r a n d compensation structures likewise require review to ensure productivity aligns with sustainability, while safeguarding technical expertisecriticaltorecovery
(Continuedonpage6)
We must always remember!
DearEditor,
The Terror and the Time which was written by the late great Dr Roopnarine should be included as compulsory material in the history syllabus in all of our schools. It is a great account that showcasesthehistoryandthe impactthatourfoundershave hadonourcountry Itisalsoa clearreminderofwhatweasa nation have gone through to gain our independence and freedom.Thestrugglesofour people, which are clearly portrayed in this film should alwaysberememberedandbe a guide to those in government.
As a nation, which overcame oppression and colonialism, we must remember that there is no placeforleaderswhoembrace the ways of our past oppressors. There is no place forthosewhoexploitthehave nots to enrich those few who already have more than their share. As a people we have come too far to continue to struggle unnecessarily in a land of plenty We have sacrificed too much to have those seeking the approval of our previous oppressors continue to rob the poor and give away our patrimony and resources. We saw it during the time of dictatorship and betrayal, and we see it now during this period of plenty The resources of our homelandareforthebenefitof allGuyanese.Wemustnotput our fellow countrymen and countrywomenindebtsothey canprovidefortheirfamilies. Wemustnotrestrictaccessto opportunities, and most importantlywemustnotallow
strangerstocomeintoourland andexploitus.
Foryearsourcitizenshave spoken up concerning the exploitation occurring in the extractive sector Our gold is primarily benefiting those from abroad and so is our oil and bauxite. In this land of plentyeveryGuyaneseshould be able to wear gold in safety and dignity Every Guyanese shouldbeabletoeasilyafford gasoline and the safe byproducts of the oil and gas sector Every Guyanese should be able to see the bauxite of our nation converted into value added products that are used in the construction of their homes and the construction of our roads.Wedonotneedmoreof the have and have not mentalitythathasplaguedour land with exploitation since the time of Christopher Columbus.
Humilityandcontentment musttakerootandgreedmust beuprooted.Thosewhoprefer greed and a quick buck must be rejected at the polls, and those who seek justice and equality must be embraced. This will help each of us securely build a dignified, successful and lasting future forourfamilieswithoutothers being sidelined and unable to do the same. Success is not onlyforthefewtoaccess,but arightthatshouldbeavailable toall.
My fellow Guyanese, we areuponapaththathascome toacrossroad.Oneleadstoan ever-increasing gap between the few who have and the masseswhodonot.Theother leads to shared prosperity, (Continuedonpage9)
Frompage5
Reformmustbalancefairness with performance discipline. This is definitely not happening in the industry, as the PPP-aligned union GAWUiscallingtheshotson the payment for workers without adequate hours of work. The labour efficiency rate under President Granger was far superior to what is taking place today under PresidentAli.
The Agriculture Minister has articulated a goal of profitabilityby2030.
Butitwillnothappenonce we have a PPP Government that is afraid to confront the hard operational realities, withthebiggestonebeingthe productivity of the workers. GuySuCo must restore its factoryreliability,improveits field management, and insulate its commercial decision-making from politicalinterference.Todate, thereislittleevidenceofsuch transformation.
The unavoidable conclusion is that GuySuCo requires structural change—either privatisation or genuinely independent commercial management shielded from political control Market discipline, professional governance, and operational accountability are indispensableiftheindustryis not to call in 2027 for $20 billion from the Treasury. Leaving prime cane in the fields is not simply an agriculturallapse;itisadirect blow to revenue, credibility, and public trust, and that responsibility must be owned by Mr Paul Cheong. Mr Ram's warning is not rhetorical.
It is grounded in observable fact, after all, he was the independent external auditor for more than half of thetimeforthelast20years.
Sincerely LancelotHyman
Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh delivering his feature remarks at State
Declaring that Region Six occupies a futuristic place in Guyana’s development, Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh told Berbicians on Sunday that they can anticipate further development and economicprosperity
Hetoldresidentstoothat they must position themselves to capitalise on thenationaladvancements.
Dr.Singhwasatthetime deliveringthefeatureaddress at State House in New Amsterdam,Berbice,tomark the 56th anniversary of Guyana’s Republican status The minister reminded residentsthattheregion,over the years, has established itself integral to the nation’s economicstrength
“In every era, Berbice, andRegionSixinparticular, hasplayedanimportantrole, and made an important contribution in the shaping of modern Guyana...Region Six and Berbice played an instrumental role in the economiclifeofourcountry, and contributed generously to the economic well-being ofGuyana.”
The minister hailed the late president Cheddi Jagan, a native of Region Six, who he noted played an influential role throughout his national life, as a champion of both i n d e p e n d e n c e a n d democracy
Notwithstanding the adventofoilandthewindfall ofthatsector,MinisterSingh heldthatagricultureremains the anchor of the economy He noted that Region Six, a predominant agriculture zone, is indispensable to the country’sagriculturesector
“RegionSixcontinuesto
be the mainstay of our agriculture economy The cultivation of rice, the cultivation of sugarcane, the cultivation of cash crops, fruits and vegetables, the rearing of livestock, all took placeinRegionSixatascale thatcannotbecomparedand could not be compared with any part of our country,” the ministeremphasised.
T h e R o s e H a l l , Albion/Port Mourant, and Skeldon Sugar Estates were dubbed“shiningstars”ofthe sugar industry by the senior governmentofficial.
Thefinanceministeralso referenced the intellectual, professionalandcommercial imprintsmadebyindividuals andentitiesfromtheregion.
“There is a long list of distinguished legal and medical luminaries, professionals who came fromBerbiceandwentonto serve our country with distinction. There is a long list of industrialists and commercial and business leaders whose families started their businesses in Region Six and in Berbice. Today their businesses, today the professional practices of those professionals, and the commercial footprints of these business people are household names...they owe their origins to Region Six,” hepointedout.
Indeed, there have been veteran politicians, renownedentrepreneurs,and t o p - r a t e d s p o r t s professionals who have emerged from the region, attaining national recognition and even beyond, in their respective areas.
The minister later
outlined government’s ambitions for the region, which, he emphasised, augurswellforthefuture.
“Guyana’s brightest and happiest years, and Berbice and Region Six’s happiest years are the years that lie ahead of us. We are today navigating a period of economic strength and success like we’ve never seen before, and it did not happenbyaccident.”
He highlighted, as an example, government’s unveiling of the US$120 million Guyana Training CentreCollegeInc.(GTCCI) at Port Mourant, Corentyne. At that commissioning, President Irfaan Ali Region declared Region Six the national capital for oil and gastechnicaltraining.
Inafewmonths,citizens of the region can look f o r w a r d t o t h e c o m m e n c e m e n t o f constructionofanewbridge acrosstheBerbiceRiver.He also noted the wave of development underway at Palmyra, along with the provision of electricity for communities along the East Bank Berbice corridors, and transformation to the region’s infrastructure, all indicators of the president’s visions for developing the region.
“Youhaveseenthework that has been commenced to build out a completely new n e t w o r k o f r o a d infrastructure: the four-lane road along the Corentyne Highway,newroadsthatwill leadallthewaytoElDorado, and that will open up the routetoOreallaandSiparuta, roads that will open up new farm-to-market,” Minister Singhlisted.
Every society must decide what is worthy of moral outrage That, in essence, is a question about justice. And questions of justice are rarely about the surface facts alone; they are abouttheprincipleswethink areatstake.
The recent controversy over the Guyana Police Force's Mashramani float invites such reflection. The float displayed mannequins dressed in the various uniforms of the Force, from constablestoseniorofficers. The stated purpose was clear: to exhibit the ranks andregaliaoftheinstitution. Yet criticism emerged because the mannequins werealllight-complexioned, andtherefore,itwasargued, not representative of the ethnic composition of GuyanaorevenofthePolice Forceitself.
But what exactly is the moralclaimhere?
If the display had been intended to portray the ethnic diversity of the nation, the criticism might carryweight.Representation would then be the central purpose, and a failure of r
uld undermine the exhibit's integrity But the float was not about demography It wasaboutuniforms—about the visible symbols of rank a n d s e r v i c e T h e mannequins were props, not portraits.
It is always necessary when examining a controversy to clarify the purpose of an action before judging it What is the telos— the end or goal—of the practice under scrutiny?
In this case, the telos of the float was to showcase the attire of the Force The complexion of the mannequins was incidental, notessential.
To insist otherwise is to shift the purpose of the displayafterthefact.
C o n s i d e r t h e mannequins in boutiques anddepartmentstoresacross Guyana. They are often of similar light complexion They display clothing, not ethnicity Few protest their presence as a distortion of national identity Why?
Because we understand that the purpose of a mannequin is functional It holds gar
ments. It demonstrates fit andform.Itisacommercial instrument, not a sociologicalstatement.
Why, then, should the Mashramani float be judged byadifferentstandard?
One might argue that public institutions carry a heavier symbolic burden thanprivatebusinesses.That is a fair point. Public bodies must be attentive to inclusion. But attentiveness toinclusiondoesnotrequire us to interpret every aesthetic choice as a moral declaration. If we do so, we risk trivializing genuine questions of representation byattachingthemtomatters where no substantive exclusionhasoccurred.
There is a deeper issue here about the kind of civic culture we are cultivating. Are we a people inclined to assumebadfaith?Orarewe capable of distinguishing between symbolic harm and incidentaldetail?
When every action is interpretedthroughthemost suspicious lens, public discourse becomes brittle. We begin to see slights where none were intended. We elevate minor
Once upon a time, people would pitch tent from Thursday fuh see float on Monday. Yuh auntie would guard she spot like she guarding state secret. Yuh cousin wouldsleepponcardboardlikeisOlympic sport.Allfuhwatchfourtruck,twodancing group,oneconfusedhorseandabrassband thatcyahfindthekey Now? Man and woman ain't camping outfuhnutten.
Mash Day start fuh look like long weekendclearancesale.Soonaspeoplesee holidayfallclosetoweekend,demboysseh suitcase start to pack. Some heading up river Some heading down river Some heading somewhere where phone ain't ringing and boss cyan call. Easter style relaxationdonemigratetoMash.
Theadventurousonespilingintocarand boat heading fuh interior — creek, trail, resort,anywherethatain'tVlissengenRoad. Demsehifdemgonstandupwholeday,it gonbeinwaterfall,notinsunwatchingone floatcrawlbylikeitgottrafficticket.
And the wealthier ones? Dem boys seh demain'tevensmellingcook-uprice.Dem jetting off to Caribbean island fuh “quick recharge ” By the time parade reach halfway, dem posting beach selfie with caption: “Happy Mash from abroad ” Republicspiritgoneregional.
Truth is, people tired standing up five hour fuh see fifteen minute of action. Yuh
imperfections into moral failings.Andindoingso,we exhaust the moral vocabulary that ought to be reservedforrealinjustice.
Guyana is a plural society Its history makes questions of race and representation sensitive and important. That is precisely whydiscernmentisrequired.
N o t e v e r y l i g h tcomplexioned mannequin is an affront to national diversity Not every oversight is an ideological statement. To claim so is to blur the distinction between deliberate exclusion and ordinary circumstance. We must ask: does the alleged wrong rise to the level of public condemnation? What harm has been done? Who has been excluded? In this case, no citizen was barred from participation. No rank wasdeniedrecognition.The
float did not declare that the Police Force is ethnically uniform It displayed uniforms—period.
Mashramani, after all, is a celebration of republic, unity, and shared national pride. It is meant to affirm whatbindsustogether,notto amplify what divides us. To turn a display of police regalia into an ethnic controversy may reveal less about the float and more a b o u t o u r c i v i c temperament.
The real question, then, isnotaboutmannequins.Itis about moral judgment. Are wecapableofcalibratingour responses to match the gravityoftheissue?Canwe preserve our moral energy for substantive injustices — economic inequality, public safety, educ
opportunity — rather than d
Mashramanifloat?
A mature democracy requirescitizenswhocantell the difference between symbolismandsubstance.If we lose that ability, we do not strength
n our commitment to justice; we weaken it. The float was abou
controversyisaboutus.
(Theviewsexpressedin this article are those of the
necessarily reflect the
h i s newspaper.)
Frompage6 whereeachman,woman,andchildhasequal accesstotheopportunitytosafelyprosper.A path where our nation's resources and strengthareusedtobuildournationfirstand foremost.Wherethewaysoftheoppressors are rejected and neglected.Where the ways of cooperation and camaraderie are embracedandusedtobuildmutualsuccess. We must as a people decide which path we willtake.
Understanding and remembering our pastandthestrugglesthathavegotusthisfar will help every Guyanese make the best choice for his or her future. For this our nation should always be grateful to Dr. Roopnarine and his team that were able to capture the spirit of our fight for independence and freedom in the film The TerrorandtheTime.Mayherestinpeace.
Sincerely, Mr JamilChanglee
reachearlyfuhgetgoodspot.Vendorreach earlier. By time yuh blink, yuh watching paradethroughaforestofcooler,umbrella, barbecue grill and one man selling socks. Since when socks is a Mashramani essential?
Dem boys seh half the spectators is vendors and half the vendors is spectators. Everybody selling something. Snow cone. Fry fish. Flag. Whistle. Portable fan. One mannearlysellbreezeinbottle.
And leh we talk about space.The route small like is alleyway competition. Whole Georgetown trying fuh squeeze into one narrowstrip.Onetallfellastandupinfront of yuh and is over By the end of the day, road looking like Mash Day had Mash Night and Mash Morning too. Cup, box, plate, spoon — if archaeologist dig up Georgetown200yearsfromnow,demgon believeweworshipStyrofoam.
Dem boys seh if Mash gon survive, it need makeover Bigger route Better spacing. Real viewing zones. Less vendor invasionandmoreorganization.Otherwise nextyearparadegonhavemorepolicethan people. Mash is celebration. But if people celebrating in Barbados and St. Lucia instead of GT, somebody got to ask question.
Is either we fix Mash — or Mash go watchwe.
Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
It is now over five years sinceIrfaanAliholdsnational leadership ExcellencyPres Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, to dispel any hairbrained ideas about disrespect I thought that over half a decade later, hewouldbebetter Athought thatnowmocks Icalculated that he would have learned and grown more, with five yearsasleaderunderhisbelt.
It’sdisappointingtobeso wrongaboutamanwhoitwas saidheldpromise,toturnout to be so, ah, minimal I expected maturity, a leader
inspiring in what is dependable: word said, word lived,honoured
Expectations dashed Again, and again Hands
thrown up in despair; more like disgust, what’s dismissive
Therewasthecelebration of Maha Shivratri recently, andtheworldlyPres Aliwas athisexpansivebest,thekind that he delights to: what is hollow, contradictory, diminishing Bettermenmay care Excellency Ali gives the back of his hand and a sharpglareatthosewhosay thatheshouldlivehiswords. Andwhatwerethey?
“Reflect, act, unite ”
Thanks, Mr President Thank God for scriptwriters, screeners, and handlers I take the leader literally, and now direct my own words to all present in this sward of
83,000 squares, not just observant Hindus But all those from the ABC&E hodgepodge, and further down the alphabet Tr i n i d a d i a
Venezuelans.
ReflectonPres Ali’sfive years at the top, be honest The top has grown taller and fatter,thebottomhasendured considerable weight loss from the waist down Put differently, from below the middle to the bottom has shriveled
In Guyanese dialect: ‘de battam drap out’ For those poorsoulsinquiring,howso, here’s the short answer: it’s those budgets, stupid For many, it has been economic upheaval, economic depression Economic depression that lasts long enough leads to mental depression I lay that before Pres Alitopauseandponder (reflect,ashesaid). There’s a qualifier: if those are still, or were ever, part of his makeup.
Pres Alihadthechanceto live another one from that
triplet of thought-provoking words Act, he told his devoted Hindu audience Devotedtotheirdivines,with Pres Ali competing for that covetedspot
The President had a chance to act, live his own word Rather than act, he turned his back For a man who is in love with acting (acting the presidency), he hasbeenstubbornlyresistant tobewhatmadeSpikeLeea cinematic immortal, a universalicon. Dotheright thing! One national budget and Pres. Ali failing to do rightisunderstandable.
The second national budget under his watch, and hisfallingdownonthejobis representative of individual frailties, limitations; hence, forgivable But the same songoffailingtoact(hisown word) and failing the poor peopleinGuyana,forathird AND a fourth AND a fifth timethroughthemechanisms ofthenationalbudgetsinthe Ali era, well, what would anyone with a head say of those?
Define such an appalling instance of leadership failure, disgrace? Pardonable just flew through the window at Mach speeds Because he didn’t act to correct
Consolable shattered on the rocks of Ali indifference
Because he refused to act
After five years and five budgetsthatblewthroughthe roof, I think there’s the unlearnable, the incorrigible and the unexplainable displayed in technicolor
Sorry, Excellency Ali
Whenhedidn’tact,therestis lefttome.
The third word in Pres Ali’s outstanding trio delivered at the Maha Shrivatrifestivalwas“unite”
SayonethingaboutPres Ali, whenhepipesup,hedoesn’t go halfpipe He may not be Olympian, but stentorian is he Unite Didn’thesaythat same luscious word during his first incarnation five Augustseasonsago?
Checkwhatthepeoplein his command went and did, with him saying, doing,
nothing t o r e v e r s e IDPADA-G money yanked under false pretenses Some humble, honest, hopeful Indigenous Guyanese hurled outofabusinthemiddleifthe dangerous wilderness just beforethelastelections
Fivebudgetsthatswelled the ranks of Guyanese impoverished, widened the divide between the superrich (One Guyana scheme) and thesufferingpoor,andwhich left half of Guyana traumatized Andscreaming and cursing But the man says UNITE He must be a child of the night who has problemsseeingthelight Respect,act,unite. Easy to say Anal and pancreatic paintodeliver ‘Seewhyah luvDaktahAlee.’
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Prime Minister of TrinidadandTobago(T&T), KamlaPersad-Bissessar,has delivered a stinging rebuke to Caribbean Community (CARICOM)overitssilence despite repeated threats to two of its member
states Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago—from Venezuela.
In her address to leaders from across the region, who were in attendance at the 50thRegularMeetingofthe Conference of Heads of Government Meeting in St Kitts and Nevis, PersadBissessar said that Trinidad had taken note when CARICOM chose to lend support to the Nicholas Maduro regime last year whilethetwocountrieswere underthreat.
The Trinidadian politician told the meeting, “Despite repeated threats against two fellow CARICOM members from Venezuela, most of the CARICOM members stood against the two. Only two werethreatened…Guyanais still under threat. I openly said that if they touch Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, will be there with youandstandwithyou.And the other was Trinidad and Tobago. We are threatened, andwearestillthreatenedby Venezuela, ” PersadBissessarboldlydeclared.
She questioned, therefore, whether CARICOM can really be a zone of peace when the stability of its members is constantly threatened by a dictatorial regime in Venezuela, which killed thousands of civilians and imprisoned hundreds of oppositionmembers.
“They [Venezuelan opposition]wereimprisoned
because of politics. So how can it be when that regime was threatening violence to two CARICOM member states? There was no voice from the CARICOM. We weretalkingaboutazoneof peace. But in my respectful view, my country is not a zone of peace, and I’ll tell you why Because of the unreliability of the CARICOM and the above situation. We cannot bind ourselves to the same politicalideologies,thesame foreign issues and the same securitypoliciesoftheentire CARICOM.”
CARICOM leaders and other dignitaries at the opening of the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government being held at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort. A section of the officials at the opening of the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government.
President Trump, thanks to Secretary Rubio and the US military, I say thank you today for standing firm against narco-trafficking Human and arms smuggling originated from Venezuela.
That is what we were facing in Trinidad and Tobago
Maybe some of the other islands in the Caribbean do not have that level of illegal migration,”shesaid.
“So don’t talk to me aboutazoneofpeacewhenI willtellyouTrinidadTobago with 1.4 million people. We recorded623murdersinone year in 2024, and 40% of those murders were gangrelated, driven by narcotics, byfirearms,fromVenezuela, and gangs coming out of Venezuelaandminglingand mixing with gangs in Trinidad. In 2025, a change of government The military action by the American military in the Caribbean resulted in our murder rate decreasing by 42%. There were 257 fewer murders in T&T I can say
thanks again to President Trump, and thanks again to Secretary Marco Rubio. I thank them and the US military for the cooperation and what is shared with us for national security matters,”sheiterated.
Nevertheless, the PM noted that cooperation with the US does not mean less cooperationforCARICOM.
“I cannot depend on just my military, my protective services, and certainly from youintheCARICOM.Many of you do not have military or large police services to helpusdownthere.T&Twill continue to cooperate with theUSinthebestinterestof our citizens, to drive destabilisinganddestructive forcesoutofourcountry,out of our region and out of our hemisphere.”
As it relates to full and free movement between CARICOM member states, PM Persad-Bissessar said while Trinidad supports the concept in principle, it cannotfullycommittoit. She explained, “I know several CARICOM islands are moving forward with that, but in Trinidad, again, illegal migration is a big problem. It has been left to flourish,notjustinT&T,but elsewhere Currently, Trinbagonian taxpayers pay thebillsforthe10sof1000s ofillegalmigrantswhohave comeintoourcountry Ithas put an enormous strain on o
, financial resources, and we are working diligently to resolvethis.”
To this end, she noted thateverynationreservesthe righttoholditsownstrategy, when it comes to the issues of national security and foreignpolicy
“We respect that sovereignty and we expect no less from others,” she declared, adding that as a result, Trinidad and Tobago haschosentorelyonsupport from the United States military on matters of nationalsecurity
The PM lauded the Trump administration for its assistance “Thanks to
Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh on Tuesday dismissed several constitutional challenges posed by Opposition Leader AzruddinMohamedandhisfather, Nazar Mohamed, concerning the FugitiveOffenders’Act.
While the court upheld most sections of the law, it ruled one provisionunconstitutional,leading to the continuation of the extraditionprocess.
The Mohamed family’s legal team, which include Roysdale Forde SC, Siand Dhurjon, and Damien Da Silva, filed a constitutional motion on January 15, 2025, challenging the 2009 amendments to the Fugitive OffendersAct.
The defence argued that the amendments, particularly sections 8(3)(A)(a), 8(3)(A)(b), 8(3)(B)(a), a n d 8 ( 3 ) ( B ) ( b ) , w e r e unconstitutional and violated several rights, including: Article 122A (judicial independence); Article 139 (personal liberty);
provisionswereconsistentwiththe constitutionanddidnotviolateany fundamentalrights.
The court’s decision also emphasisedthattheminister’srole in the extradition process does not interfere with judicial independence The Fugitive Offenders Act clearly stipulates that the committal proceedings mustbeconductedbyamagistrate, and the minister’s involvement is limited to issuing the Authority to Proceed (ATP) before judicial proceedingscommence.
concerning the parts of the ruling theydisagreedwith.
“TheChiefJusticethismorning ruled in favour of ourselves in relation to one order, which we believeisthemainplankofthecase that we brought before the court, whichdealtwiththeprovisionthat requirestheministerandthecourts to read in a certain section into the law We believe that the Chief Justice was correct in that he ruled in relation to the other orders that we sought, he would have dismissed them. We would most likely be filing an appeal to those reliefs that he did not grant,” he said.
However, the legal challenge faced an initial setback when Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman rejected their request to refer the matter to the High Court, calling it frivolous and vexatious. Despitethis,theapplicantspursued thecaseintheHighCourt.
In a 26-page ruling, Justice Singh declared section 8(3)(B)(b) of theAct unconstitutional, stating
Article 144 (fair hearing); Article 148 (freedom of movement); Article 149D (equality before the law); and Article 40 (fundamental rights protections) They also raised concerns over the lack of safeguards against onward extradition in the 1931 Extradition Treaty between Guyana and the UnitedStates.
it was inconsistent with the Constitution of Guyana and thereforevoid.Thissection,which dealswiththepotentialextradition of individuals to a third state, was found to conflict with the constitutional protections of the country
However, Justice Singh upheld the constitutionality of the remaining challenged provisions, sections 8(3)(A)(a), 8(3)(A)(b), 8(3)(B)(a), and 8(3)(B)(c). The court concluded that these
In response to the ruling, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall SC downplayedthesignificanceofthe section declared unconstitutional. Hestated,“Wesaidthatthesection hasnobearinganditdoesnotaffect in any form or fashion, any extradition proceedings in Guyana.”
On the other hand, defence lawyer Roysdale Forde expressed mixed reactions, noting that while the Chief Justice ruled in their favour on the crucial provision regarding the minister’s role in the law, the other challenges were dismissed.
Fordeindicatedthatthedefence would likely file an appeal
Nazar andAzruddin Mohamed arecurrentlyfacingfederalcharges in Miami, Florida, in connection with an alleged multi-milliondollarfraudandmoney-laundering scheme involving gold exports, customs fraud, bribery, and tax evasion.
Following a request from the United States, Minister Walrond signed theATP, which enables the extradition proceedings to proceed before the Magistrates’ Court Should sufficient evidence be presented, the magistrate may approve their extradition to face chargesintheU.S.
TheU.S.EmbassyinGuyana onTuesdayannouncedthat,from February 9–13, 2026, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and the U S Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hosted forensic laboratory professionals from the Guyana Forensic ScienceLaboratory(GFSL)atthe DEA Southeast Laboratory in Miami for an intensive technical exchange aimed at strengthening U S –Guyana cooperation in synthetic drug detection and reporting.
TheGFSLjoinedforensiclab directors, chemists, and quality assurance managers from the Saint Lucia Forensic Science Laboratory, Jamaica Institute of Forensic Science & Legal Medicine, and The Royal Bahamas Police Force Forensic Laboratory at the technical exchange.
The DEA training combined theoretical instruction with h
laboratorypractices. Participants also observed DEA laboratory personnelprocessa200-kilogram bulkseizureofsuspectedcocaine, providing real-world context for theadvancedtechniques.
According to the embassy, this collaboration directly supports the Department’s implementation of Executive Order 14367, which designates fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction The initiative addressesacriticalcapabilitygap byrapidlystrengtheningregional synthetic narcotic and fentanyl detection,safehandling,evidence preservation, and reporting in GuyanaandacrosstheCaribbean.
The United States remains committed to collaborating with GuyanaandCaribbeannationsto combat the evolving threat of synthetic drugs. This training represents a significant step forward in developing the regional forensic capabilities necessary to detect and interdict fentanyl and other synthetic narcotics that are killing Americans and threatening our hemisphere.
The GFSL’s participation in the DEAtechnical exchange was funded by INL under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, a U.S. security cooperation programme with Guyana and 12 other Caribbean countries to degrade and dismantle transnational criminal organisations, curb illicit narcotics, and deepen regional securitycooperation.
Canadian-based miner G2 Goldfields Inc. has announced new gold discoveries outside its existing mineral resource areasatthehigh-gradeOKO GoldProjectinGuyana.
G2 is targeting total productionofapproximately 3.2 million ounces of gold from the project, with average annual output projected at about 281,000 ounces during the mine’s peakyears.
According to the
company’s maiden
Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the project will entail a combined open-pit and underground operation with a14-yearlifeofmine.
OKO’s recent mineral resource estimate stands at 1.6millionouncesofgoldin the Indicated category and 1.9 million ounces in the Inferredcategory
In an update, the companysaiditisexecuting a 100,000-metre drilling
campaign aimed at expanding and upgrading resources Notably, the programmeisexpectedtobe
Dan Noone, G2 Chief Executive Officer
completed by the end of 2026.
Exploration is ongoing along the more than 15kilometreOKO zone, where drilling is extending known mineralization Along the 20-kilometre Aremu gold zoneseveralnewgreenfields discoverieshavebeenmade. Aspartofits2026plans, exploration campaigns will run in tandem with early works programmes, as well as ongoing environmental and geotechnical studies Theseeffortsareintendedto
furtherdefinetheprojectand reduce development risks ahead of completing a Feasibility Study and m a k i n g a f o r m a l construction decision by mid-2027.
Currently, G2 has two drilling contractors on site operating six drill rigs, with two additional rigs expected next month to accelerate
work.
The company said four rigs are focused on resource expansion and exploration, while two are dedicated to upgrading and converting Inferredmineralresourcesto Indicated mineral resources for inclusion in the forthcoming Feasibility Study
Further,itwasnotedthat exploration results continue to indicate mineralisation beyond established resource boundaries. Dan Noone, G2 Chief Executive Officer, stated “As we continue to advance the OKO Project
towards production, our focusremainsonaggressive drilling to further grow and upgrade the Project’s gold resource base Recent results and discovery success continue to demonstrate the remarkable exploration potential and significant remaining upside across the Oko District.”
In late 2025, G2 conducted a 1,513-metre reconnaissance drilling programme in the Sands exploration area, located fourkilometresnorthwestof the main OKO gold
resource Notably, Sands area forms part of the broader20-kilometreAremu trend, which has historically seen widespread gold mining. It was disclosed that the 11-hole programme resulted in the discovery of a new near-surface gold zone with geologicalsimilaritiestothe company’s high-grade OKO deposit.
Moreover, the company also reported multiple goldin-soil anomalies east of the newdiscoveryarea,pointing to further exploration potential.
A young Guyanese woman has been chargedwithsecond-degreemurderfollowing the fatal stabbing of her boyfriend, a fellow student-athleteatLincolnUniversity
AnABC 17 News report says that Denita Jackson,aseniorsprinterwhosehometownis listed as Berbice, Guyana, was charged Monday by Cole County prosecutors with second-degree murder and armed criminal action.
ColeCountyProsecutorLockeThompson identifiedthevictimas23-year-oldKevaughn Goldson, a Jamaican national and senior sprinter on the university’s track and field team, according to the school’s athletics website.
Court documents state that Jackson and Goldson were in a romantic relationship that reportedlyhadahistoryofdomesticviolence.
Authorities said the most recent dispute stemmed from an argument over a missing bottle of cologne. Jackson told police she suspected Goldson was having an affair with oneofherroommates
Accordingtoinvestigators,Jacksonleftfor work late Sunday night, but returned home early after feeling unwell. She told police Goldson had been in her bedroom when she left but was not there when she returned around1a.m.Monday
CHARGED: Denita Jackson
Shereportedhearingaroommatespeaking with someone behind a locked door Jackson allegedly used a hairclip to unlock the door and told police she found Goldson and the roommate in bed, fully clothed, along with themissingbottleofcologne.
PolicesaidJacksonadmittedjumpingonto the bed, grabbing the cologne bottle and Goldson’s shirt, which sparked a physical confrontation According to authorities, JacksontoldinvestigatorsthatGoldsonkicked her in the stomach, causing her to fall. She furtherallegedthathethengotontopofher andbeganchokingher
PolicesaidJacksontoldthemshegrabbed a knife from under the roommate’s bed and stabbedGoldsoninthebackandchest.
Officers responded after Jackson called 911 to report the stabbing Goldson was first taken to Capital Region Medical Center beforebeingairliftedtoUniversityHospital, wherehelaterdiedduringsurgery
Jackson was arrested and booked into the Cole County Jail The investigation remains ongoing
The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), under the auspices of the Ministry of Finance, has officially launched a Government Procurement Opportunities Website aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability andopencompetitionacrossGuyana’spublic procurementsystem.
The new platform, accessible at https://eprocuregovgy/, will serve as the primaryonlineportalforthepublicationofall procurement opportunities for government agencies This initiative represents a significant step in modernising Guyana’s public procurement system and ensuring equitable access to opportunities for contractors, suppliers, and consultants, the ministrysaidinapressrelease.
In keeping with the core principles of accountability and open competition, all Invitations to Tender (ITTs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Expressions of Interest (EOIs),andotherprocurementnoticesissued bygovernmentagencieswillnowbepublicly advertisedandregularlyupdated.
By centralizing procurement advertisements on a single, accessible platform,theGovernmentaimsto:
• Enhance public access to government procurementinformation
•Ensuretimelyandequaldisseminationof opportunities
• Maintain compliance with procurement lawsandregulations
• Promote confidence and trust in the nationalprocurementsystem
Prospectivebiddersarestronglyencouraged to visit the website frequently to remain informedofcurrentandupcomingprocurement opportunities Governmentremainssteadfastin
its mandate to promote equitable access to public procurement opportunities while reinforcingtransparencyandefficiencywithin Guyana’sprocurementframework
Intherecentlyapprovedbudgetgovernment allocated$1452milliontoadvancetherolloutof thesystem SeniorMinisterwithresponsibilityfor Finance,Dr AshniSinghsaidduringhisbudget speechthatsignificantprogresshadalreadybeen madeinmodernisingthecountry’sprocurement framework
“In2025,achievementsincludeddigitising records, sensitising and facilitating bidders’ registrationandincreasingthenumberofvirtual tender openings thereby further enhancing transparency These initiatives were alongside effortstostrengthenstakeholderengagement, andareviewoftheProcurementActtosupport thetransitiontowarddigitalbidsubmissions,” theministersaid
Additionally,henotedthatincollaboration with the Public Procurement Commission, NPTAB will widen training and capacity building initiatives for all procurement personnelthroughin-fieldtrainingworkshops andspecialisedtrainingprogrammes.
He revealed that special focus will be placedontrainingfirst-timebiddersandmicro and small-scale contractors, to broaden competition,fosterinclusivityandexpandthe eligibility of potential suppliers. Back in October2025VicePresidentBharratJagdeo hadtoldanewsconferencethat“thedaysof people having to buy a newspaper to check fortenderadswillsoonbeover.”
Hesaidthenthatthenewdigitalplatform will replace the long-standing system of publishing tender notices primarily in newspapers-apracticehesaidcurrentlycosts theStatecloseto$800Mannually
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(Reuters)-About6.5million people in Somalia face acute hunger due to drought, the government and the UnitedNationssaidonTues-
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day, sounding the alarm days after the U.N.'s food agency warned that food aid could grind to a halt by April without new funding.
Somalia declared a national drought emergency in Novemberafteryearsoffailed rains, and other countries in the region have also been hit. Morethanathirdofthose facing acute malnutrition are children, Somalia's government and the United Nations Somalia said in a joint statement. The crisis has forced tens of thousands of people tofleetheirhomes,withmany crowding into camps in Mogadishu and other cities.
"Thedrought...hasdeepenedalarmingly,withsoaring water prices, limited food supplies, dying livestock, and very little humanitarian funding," George Conway, the U.N.'s Humanitarian CoordinatorforSomalia,saidin a statement.
Hawo Abdi said she lost two children to illness after the drought laid waste to her homeland in Somalia's Bay region.
"When I saw that the suffering was getting worse, I fled my home and came to ... Mogadishu," she told Reuters from her shelter on the outskirts of the capital.
Lastweek,theU.N.World FoodProgrammeputthenumberofthosefacingacutehunger at 4.4 million, and said it had already cut back its assistance to just over 600,000 peoplefrom2.2millionearlier this year
It was not clear whether the new figure reflected a sharpincreaseinthoseatrisk or different counting methods.The government and United Nations figures tally with those also released on Tuesday by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification(IPC),whichsetsthe globalstandardfordetermining the severity of a food
crisis.While rainfall in the April to June season could offer some relief, some 5.5 millionpeoplewereexpected toremaininthecrisislevelor worse,with1.6millionpeople in the emergency level, the statement said.
AbdiyoAli was forced to abandon her farm in the LowerShabelleregion.
"Our farms were destroyed, our livestock died, and water sources became too far away We have nothing left to bring with us,"Ali told Reuters last week while preparing her food in a displacedpeople'scampoutside Mogadishu.
New 10 percent tariffs on imported goods announced by US President Donald Trump came into effect days after the country's Supreme Courtstruckdownmostofhis previoustariffregime. imposedanadditionaltarifffromTuesdayof10percent on?allgoodsnot?coveredby exemptions, a notice issued by US Customs and Border Protection said.
Trump has doubled down onimposingtariffsontrading partners since the top court on Friday struck down many of his sweeping and often arbitrary duties, in a rebuke of his signature economic policy
Reactingtothecourt'sruling,theUSpresidentinitially announcedanew?temporary globaltariff?of10percentbut later said on Saturday he would increase that level ?to 15percent.
The move added to confusion surrounding US trade
policy, with no explanation offeredforwhythelowerrate had been used.
An unnamed White House official told Reuters news agency Trump had “no changeofheart”inhisdesire for a 15 percent tariff under Section 122 of the TradeAct of1974,butofferednodetails on the timing for that increase.Collection of the newtariffsbeganatmidnight onTuesday,whilethecollection of the ?tariffs annulled by the Supreme Court was halted.They?rangedfrom10 percent to as much as 50 percent.“Trumpisdelivering the State of the Union address tonight so it's possible we might get a better sense of the next steps on tariffs,” DeutscheBanksaidinanote.
“Net-netwestillthinkthe effective tariff rate will fall this year and that the world post-SCOTUSwillseelower tariffs than the pre-SCOTUS world,” its analysts said, us-
ing the acronym for the Supreme Court of the United States.The conservative-majority court ruled six to three that Trump exceeded his authorityinusinga1977lawto impose sudden tariffs on individual countries.
ButTrumpsaysthetariffs are justified as a means “to deal with the large and seriousUnitedStatesbalance-ofpayments deficits”, according to a White House press release.The new duty, taking effect Tuesday, only lasts for 150 days unless extended by Congress and is widely seen as a bridge towards a more durable trade policy
Trump's tariff order argued a serious balance of paymentsdeficitexistedinthe form?ofa$1.2trillionannual US goods trade deficit, ?a current account deficit of 4 percent of gross domestic product and a reversal of the USprimaryincomesurplus.
On Monday, Trump
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warned countries against backing away from recently negotiated trade deals with the United States, saying if they he would hit them with muchhigherdutiesunderdifferent trade laws. Meanwhile, China urged the US to ?abandon its “unilateral tariffs” indicating ?also it's willing to hold anotherroundoftradetalkswith the world's largest economy, theCommerceMinistry?said in a statement on Tuesday China will decide at ?the right time ?on adjusting ?countermeasures to the latest US tariff adjustments, it added.Japan also said it asked Washington to ensure itstreatmentunderanewtariff regime would be ?as favourable as in an existing agreement,treadingcarefully to avoid rocking the boat before the Japanese prime minister'sUSvisitnextmonth. Whilethelatestmeasures could increase the tariff cost for some Japanese export items,Japan'strademinister and US Commerce Secretary ?Howard Lutnick affirmed on a call on Monday the two countries would implement the trade deal strucklastyear“ingoodfaith andwithoutdelay”,theJapanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said.The new 10 percent tariff represents a conundrum for the European Union, which agreed to a trade deal with a 15 percent base tariff rate.European Commission Trade Minister Maros Sefcovic said the bloc faces a “transitional period” over Trump's new temporary tariff, but added US trade officials have reassured him Washingtonwillstandbythe agreement. Itremainsunclearwhether and how companies will be refundedfortariff?payments made under the programme annulled by the Supreme Court.
The long-running case stemming from the alleged fraud surrounding Guyana's 2020 General and Regional Elections was delayed yet again on Tuesday after a defence attorney failed to appearforacriticalphaseof theproceedings.
Among those facing charges in the case are: former Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, former District Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, former Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers, former Health Minister Volda Lawrence, APNU+AFC Chief Scrutineer Carol Smith Joseph,andformerGECOM
employees Sheffern February, Michelle Miller, and Denise BabbCummings.
The charges stem from allegations that between March2andAugust2,2020, the accused conspired to manipulate election results at the Ashmins Building in Georgetown, defrauding electorsacrossthecountry
During the proceedings before Acting Chief
MagistrateFaithMcGustyat theGeorgetownMagistrates' Court, the court was informed that attorney Eusi Anderson, who represents defendant Denise BabbCummings, was out of the jurisdictionandcouldnotbe contacted Despite the defence lawyers repeated attempts to reach him, there wasnocommunicationfrom thedefenceattorney At this stage in the trial, the court was engaged in a voir dire—a trial within a trial to determine the admissibility of certain evidencespecificallyrelated toFebruary Witnesses had arrived, ready to testify, but without Anderson presence, who is
The suspected gun found on the miner and lodged at the Vigilance Police Station
the leading the crossexamination process the court was forced to end the proceedingstoalaterdate.
Magistrate McGusty then set the next hearing for tomorrowandindicatedthat she would propose structured hearing dates for the coming months to avoid anyfurtherdelays.Potential trial blocks for mid-March and late April 2026 were suggestedaspartofeffortsto ensure that the case maintains momentum after yearsofinterruptions.Since the commencement of the proceedingsin2021,thetrial has faced numerous delays. The current voir dire marks the fourth such procedural exerciseinthecase.
Police in Regional Division #4 'C' are investigatinganallegeddischargeofaloaded firearm and the possession of an unlicensed gun and ammunition following an early morning incident at Buxton, East Coast DemeraraonTuesday
Theshootingreportedlyoccurredaround 04:44hrsonTuesday,February24,2026.Ina statement, the Guyana Police Force said ranks on mobile patrol received information that a man had discharged a firearm in the area. Acting swiftly on the report, officers proceeded to a location near a wash bay
where they observed a 27-year-old miner of Non Pareil entering a motor vehicle. The suspectwasinterceptedandsearched.Police saida9mmpistolwasfoundconcealedonhis person. The firearm was fitted with a magazinecontainingsevenmatchingrounds of ammunition. When questioned, the man reportedlyadmittedhewasnottheholderofa firearmlicence.Hewasimmediatelyarrested and escorted to theVigilance Police Station. The firearm, ammunition and the motor vehiclehavesincebeenseizedandlodgedas investigationscontinue.
(Reuters)-TheU.S.will provide on-site passport services this week in a settlement in theWest Bank, marking the first time American consular officials haveofferedsuchservicesto settlers in the occupied territory, U.S. officials said onTuesday
Most of the world considers Israel's West Bank settlements illegal under international law relating to military occupations. Israel disputes that the settlements are illegal, and many on the Israeli right advocate annexingtheWestBank.
Palestinians have long sought the West Bank for a future independent state, alongside Gaza and East Jerusalem.
This month, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing cabinet approved measures makingiteasierforsettlersto seizePalestinianland.
U S President Donald Trump, a staunch supporter ofIsrael,hassaidheopposes
Israeli annexation of the West Bank But his administration has not taken any measures to halt settlement activity, which rights groups say has risen sincehetookofficelastyear
In a post on X, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem said thataspartofeffortstoreach all Americans abroad, "consular officers will be providing routine passport services in Efrat on Friday, February 27," referring to a settlement south of the Palestinian city of Bethlehem.
The Embassy said it would plan similar on-site services in the Palestinian WestBankcityofRamallah, in the settlement of Beitar Illit near Bethlehem, and in cities within Israel such as Haifa.
The U.S. offers passport and consular services at its Embassy in Jerusalem as well as at a Tel Aviv branch office. The number of dual American-Israeli nationals living in the West Bank is estimatedtobeinthetensof thousands.
Asked for comment, an embassy spokesperson said:
"Thisisthefirsttimewehave providedconsularservicesto a settlement in the West Bank " The spokesperson said similar services were being offered to AmericanPalestinian dual nationals in theWestBank.
Last week, Israel's cabinet approved measures to tighten the country's control over the West Bank andmakeiteasierforsettlers to buy land, a move Palestinians called a "de factoannexation".
MuchoftheWestBankis underIsraelimilitarycontrol, withlimitedPalestinianselfruleinsomeareasrunbythe Western-backed Palestinian Authority
Netanyahu's ruling coalition, which has a large voterbaseinthesettlements, includesmanymemberswho wantIsraeltoannextheWest Bank, land captured in the 1967 Middle East war to which Israel cites biblical andhistoricalties.
Efrat, the Jewish settlement where American consular officials will provide passport services on Friday, is home to many Americanimmigrants.
TheU.S.Embassysaidit did not have data on the number of Americans living there.
More than 500,000 Israeli settlers live in the WestBank,hometo3million Palestinians Most settlements are small towns surrounded by fences and guardedbyIsraelisoldiers.
Chairman and CEO of ExxonMobil Corporation, Darren Woods on Monday evening announced a US$100M funding for STEM initiatives in Guyana during a welcome reception at State House.
Director of STEM Guyana, Karen Abrams
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ExxonMobil Corporation,
Darren Woods has announced a US$100 million funding to advance
Guyana’s Science,
T e c h n o l o g y a n d
Mathematics (STEM) initiativeacrossGuyana.
Woods made the disclosureduringawelcome reception at State House, hosted by President Irfaan Ali Woods and other executive members of the boardareinGeorgetownfor the company’s board meeting.
On Monday evening, Woods in the company of other company executives
explained that the investment over the next
decade will be used specifically for training hundreds of teachers at the
secondary level, and establishing STEM centers acrossthecountrytobenefit learners.
“We will establish a nationwide network of student STEM centers, first startinginGeorgetownatthe University of Guyana
Guyana, a private organization, KarenAbrams suggested that the resources befunneledthroughbroader initiatives to help students that may be struggling in ScienceandMathematics.
She told this newspaper, “There are several issues which impact the ability of our students to excel in STEM education and many of these variables do not sound STEM-related. They are variables like having parents at home who have decent jobs, counseling for thosewhoarestressedoutso thattheycanparentproperly (and)recreationalfacilities.”
The STEM director pointed out that Guyana is struggling with a “massive literacy”issue.Thisshesaid gravely affects a child’s ability to matriculate. “If students can’t read, they can’t do math, they can’t do STEM,theycan’tinnovate,” shepointedout.
In addition to literacy challenges, Abrams highlighted a grave challenge with numeracy, with children both locally and across the region strugglinginMathematics.
somewhere around 20282029. These centers will provide hands-on STEM learningforteensandyoung adultsacrossthecountryand will mirror a successful model that President Ali visited in the states last year,”Woodssaid.
Underscoring the importance of the project, the Exxon CEO noted, “STEMisthefoundationfor everymodernsociety These disciplines will help power Guyana’ssuccessinthe21st century.”
President Ali also elaboratedtheimportanceof education as an important tool in advancing Guyana’s development story He said, “...theeducationagenda,the training agenda is critically linkedtothepathwayweare deliberately taking in advancing our country forward. It’s a pathway of innovation, education and entrepreneurship and that pathway is better designed when you have a wellequipped and well-trained workforce.”
Meanwhile,inaninvited comment,directorofSTEM
To this end, she explained, “Those are all issues,theydon’tsoundvery STEM related but they tie directly into STEM so as far as I’m concerned, I am supportiveofit Ihopethatwe areengaged,ourorganisation has been here 10 years we haveseenoutstandingresults so I hope that we would at somepointbeincludedinthe conversation”
Abrams told this newspaper that she hopes some of the resources from Exxon could be streamlined totheareasthatsheoutlined to be able to have a broader impact.
“Iftheideaisjusttopush it into STEM related clubs and activities, you miss the whole point. That would only benefit the students whoaredoingwellwhichis a s m a l l g r o u p o f students...weneedtobeable to put more of our young people in the pipeline for higher paying jobs and in order to do that, we have to look at some of these other variables which affect student learning and how many students will go into STEM,”thedirectorurged.
Domino enthusiasts acrossGuyanaaresetforone of the biggest competitions in recent years, as Masters Promotions partners with Demerara Distillers Limited's Ivanoff Vodka brand to stage the second Ivanoff Vodka Nationwide Domino Tournament from
today According to organisers, the tournament, set to be played at South View Tavern, South Ruimveldt, willfeatureteamsfromall10 administrative regions competing for more than $3 millioninprizes. Today'slaunchmarksthe
start of a multi-month competition designed to elevate the traditional game
nationwide.
Organisers in a release noted that more than 100 teams are expected to participate, battling for cash
hampers, and other rewards inwhatisbeingbilledasthe largest domino tournament stagedinoveradecade.
Akeyfeatureofthe2026 editionistheintroductionof regional series tournaments, which will allow teams to compete within their respective regions before advancing to the prestigious “Champion of Champions”
Finale, scheduled for May 1–3inGeorgetown.
Thetopthreeteamsfrom each regional category will earnqualificationtothefinal showdown.
A d d i n g f u r t h e r excitement is the inaugural King and Queen Domino Tournament, set for May 1, with$100,000incashprizes and trophies up for grabs in both male and female categories.
Organisers pointed out that this addition reflects a deliberate effort to broaden participation and promote inclusivitywithinthesport.
representing government ministries, agencies, nongovernmental organisations, the Joint Services, and private sector entities, alongside community groups and casual players through specially designed categories. 
Prize incentives are substantial, wi
Champion of Champions winners set to receive $600,000andatrophy,while second, third, and fourthplace finishers will earn $300,000, $150,000, and $75,000respectively
C
Wednesday February 25, 2026
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19
Youhaveanactivemindand an even more active imagination, Aries Today you risk short-circuiting your brainasyoustruggletokeepup withalltheideas
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Ifafamilymemberisinabad moodbutnotconfessingwhy, it's up to you to step in and help Heorsheiscarryingthat big black cloud around, casting shadows everywhere theygo.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
Ifafriendorcolleagueseems tobeintrouble,youmaynot want to interfere for fear of beingtoointimate Butthisisn't atimetoholdback,Gemini.
CANCER(June21–July22)
Your career may be sidetracked by petty gossip, rumor, and office politics It's likelythatsomeoneispushing forward his or her agenda withoutanythoughtorconcern foritsimpactonothers
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Some bad news about your financial situation may not really be as bad as it first appears. Even so, it throws youforaloop.
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
In an unpleasant situation, your inclination is to protect yourlovedonesfromthetruth. Thiswouldbeamistake,Virgo. Even though you're acting out of love, your family members deservetoknowthetruth.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Youmaybefeelingtiredand a bit wrung out today, Libra.
Although you're a workaholic by nature, even you are forced to admit that thisisadaytostayinbed.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)
There could be a missing person very much on your mindthesedays.Isitpossible that the relationship is over and you're the last one to know?
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)
Misinformation is likely to spread like wildfire today, causing a lot of unnecessary upset either among your neighbors at home or your colleaguesatwork.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
You're finally setting in motion some longstanding goals of yours, Capricorn. Good for you! But even thougheverythingisinplace andyou'rereadytogo.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)
Beware lawyers, bankers, and stockbrokers today, Aquarius. One of them is likely to try and mislead you with some inaccurate information.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
A family member or other loved one may not be telling youthetruth.Inthisperson's defense, he or she likely thinks they're protecting you by shielding you from the truth.
The first regional tournamentwilltakeplacein Bartica from February 2 5 – 2 7 b e f o r e t h e competition moves across thecountry
Special series events are also planned for teams
The Most Valuable Player of the finals will also take home $30,000, with organisers hinting at additional surprise incentives.
e collaborationwithDemerara DistillersLimitedhasgrown steadily over the years, allowing the traditional pastime to evolve into a celebrated competitive platform.
T h e y e x
Teams can register at a cost of $20,000, with each team receiving three bottles of Ivanoff Vodka and a branded set of dominoes upon registration. Playing guidelineswillbedistributed prior to the start of competition.
investment, noting that the partnershiphashelpedcreate opportunities for players to showcasetheirtalentlocally andinternationally Marketing Manager of DemeraraDistillersLimited, Larry Wills, highlighted the brand's decade-long commitment to dominoes, describing the sport as one that unites communities and preserves a deeply rooted culturaltraditioninGuyana. He noted that the 2026 tournament continues that legacy by creating memorable experiences for playersandfansnationwide.
Coordinator of...
Frompage24 will battle for a share of $800,000 in prize money The champion will pocket $500,000 plus trophy and medals, while second and third place will earn $200,000 and $100,000 respectively Meanwhile, t h e t o u r n a m e n t ' s longstanding partner Rick and Sari Enterprise has confirmed its continued supportwithhampersforthe winningteamsaspartofthe prizepackage.
Making the event possible are: ENet, Stars Rental, Cummings Electrical Company Ltd,
Pegasus Hotel, New Thriving Restaurant, John Fernandes Ltd, Busta Soft Drink, G MIN Ventures, China Trading, Toolsie Persaud Ltd, Gafoors, Aurora, King Liquor Store, Correia & Correia, Dr MichaelSue,Patrick'Labba' Barton, Dr Linden Dodson, RonaldoAlphonso,IPA,and theOfficeoftheCOP With fixtures adjusted but excitement intact, all eyes now turn to Sunday's kickoff as teams begin their quest for 2026 supremacy Kickoff6:00pmeachnight.
As thirty-two teams gear up for the annual Hamilton Green nine-a-side InterWard/Village Knockout Football Cup, organisers have confirmed key fixture changes ahead of Sunday's kickoff.
Coordinator and former national football coach, LennoxArthur, announced a reshuffle to the March 1 and March 4 fixtures, while assuring fans that all match daysremainunchanged.
The tournament is set to run from March 1–21 at the Plaisance Ground, returning
Lennox Arthur, Tournament Coordinator
top-flight community football to the East Bank of Demerara corridor The two revised opening nights will feature all 32 teams before the field narrows to the final sixteen.
“All match days remain the same. However, changes were made to the March 1st and4thfixturesafterapolite request by a few other organisers, ” Arthur explained. “In keeping with our good organisational ethics to the game, we were forced to reshuffle our fixture Everything else
Exciting pound-for-pound football action set for Plasiance ground from March 1-21 as Hamilton Green Cup returns.
remains the same, and fans can look forward to even moreexcitement.”
RevisedMarch1fixtures
The opening night will now feature West Side Alliance taking on Eagles in the curtain-raiser. This will be followed by Herstelling facing Beavers, Zeelugt matching skills with Bell West Stars, and Uitvlugt opening their campaign against Team Pele. At 8:00 p m , Plaisance will play Wales, Buxton Stars will clash with Haslington,
Buxton United will tackle No. 1All Stars, and Victoria will lock horns with Park Squad Ballers in the final matchupoftheevening.
Following the March 1 showdown, sixteen more teamswillcompeteonMarch 4 for the remaining eight spotsintheroundofsixteen. The fixtures include Beterverwagting (BV) versusEspanyolinMatch#9, while Pouderoyen will be aiming for a win against Madrid. Mocha will battle Coverden, followed by a
clash between Melanie and Harmonie. The night will also feature four more
Pouderoyen 'B', Mahaica facingWashBayBoys,Ann's Grove going pound for pound with Soesdyke, and Golden Grove squaring off againstTimehriUnitedinthe final match of the opening round.
What'satStake?
Over five nights of intense competition, teams (Continuedonpage25)
It was excitement throughout the day as TransportSportsclubhosted its annual Draughts and billiards competitions last Sundayattheclub'svenueat T h o m a s L a n d s , Georgetown.
In the Draughts Competition, Jiaram made 13 points to win the Mashramanititle.Devanand Persaud from Tuschen, East BankEssequibo,withaclose 12 points, finished on second,whileSteveBacchus took the third spot with 11 points Three players finished on ten points each; Floyd Cumberbatch, Navin Meighbarran and Clarence David. However,Navinand Clarence did not contest the tie breaker leaving Floyd Cumberbatch to earn the fourth place. All winners were awarded trophies compliments of Transport SportsClub.
TheDraughtgameswere c o n t e s t e d o n t h e International 10x10 boards in preparation for the
upcoming Pan am Draughts in Paramaribo, Suriname fromApril18th2026.Jiaram would be heading the team ofthree.FloydCumberbatch is another candidate, while the third player will be draft in shortly Some 20 other countries would be participating.
In the b
lliards competition, Ramesh Das defeated Hugh Curtis in the finaloftheBcompetitionto retain his title. Das was last year'swinner Curtistookthe runner-up position. In the A
divisionthecompetitionwill continue next Sunday Humil Wilson will come up against Terrence Bacchus in the semi-finals. The winner willplayagainstSinghinthe final to determine the champion.
SpecialthankstoDr Ivor EnglishandCharlesGreaves who played an active involvement in the day's proceedings.
Thanks to Transport Sports club for hosting and Sponsorship for both the Draughtsandbilliards.
Organiser
Franklin Wilson (Newsroom photo)
Ball-weavers
r e s i d i n g i n
communities alongtheEastBankDemerara
and Soesdyke Linden Highway will have the opportunity to lock horns in the Sports Extra-organised Inter-Village Competition which kicks off next month.
According to Organiser Franklin Wilson, over $2millioninprizemoniesand trophieswillbeupforgrabsin whatisanticipatedtoproduce keen rivalry among the sixteenteams.
Wilson in an invited comment said many spinoffs will be derived from the stagingofthetournament.
According to Wilson, players'talentwillbeonshow thereby allowing scouts firsthand opportunity to spot them, while the social impact that will be created is another area that players can profit from.
With the 'One Guyana' themeapersistentchantunder thecurrentadministration,the tournament can serve as another occasion to boost camaraderie among the participating communities andevenbeyond.
Then there is the prospect of improving the economic fortunes of those engaged in
small businesses both inside and outside of participating communities, while also providingnecessaryexposure for contributors from the businesssector
Wilson,insummingupthe timingandoverallbenefitsof staging such a tournament, expressed confidence in its success,addingthatheseesit asawinallforeveryone.
“I personally envisage a successful tournament and one that will certainly benefit allinvolved,”heasserted.
He added that it will also providemuchneededactivity among the communities situatedontheEastBankand Soesdyke Highway corridor thatthesportisplayedin.
Among the village teams expected to participate are: Agricola, Grove, Friendship, Soesdyke, Timehri, Kuru Kururu, Swan, St. Cuthbert's Mission,Circuitville,Samatta Point, Kaneville, Mocha, Herstelling, Diamond, HauraruniandYarrowkabra.
A meeting with the representatives from the villages will be convened shortly to go through the detailsofwhat'sexpectedand other logistics pertaining to thestagingofthetournament. Meanwhile,teammanagersor coachescancontact6823241
Fourth round continues tomorrow...
Frompage27
battingperformancebeingrolledoverfor119inthe30thover OpenerYannickNewtonpunched45off36with6foursand twosixes.HispartneratthetopJuniaDindyalscored19witha quartet of fours during the pair's half-century stand; with not muchelsecomingfromtheirotherteammates.
Leg-spinnerReyazLatifwastheinstrumentofdestruction, snaringmagicalfiguresof7-21withhempfromRavaldoPereira (2-12)andDaveMohabir(1-8).
At Police Ground, Upper Demerara folded for 72 all out inside20overs.ErrolAlder(16)andTyricHenry(16)werethe top-scorers as off-spinner Joshua Budhram bagged 4-12. Medium-pacerRavindraSinghlentsupportwithreturnsof3-22. EastBankreachedtheirtargetwith7wicketsintactinside19 overs. Opener Dilshan Latchman an unbeaten 29 with three fours,whileShaneShivbarran(15)andShaneKissoondeo(10) lentthenecessarysupport.
CricketcontinuestomorrowFebruary26,withGeorgetown tacklingUDCAatPoliceGroundwhileWestDemerarawillface offagainstEastBankatMeten-Meer-ZorgGround.Matchesare settobowlofffrom9:30h.
Dominic Sam and C h e l s e a Harrison were the stars of the Jade's Wok, Pinnacle Business Services,
and Cubs in Action International joint sponsored U1400 Rapid Chess Tournament,whichwasheld last Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the David Rose Special School The two
juniors won in their respective categories: Open and Female, claiming the first-place trophy after d e l i v e r i n g s t e l l a r performances over the board ofrapidchess.
Samfinishedinfirstplace ahead of the 25 competitors in the Open Category Returning to competitive chess after a break from his studies, Sam made an impressive comeback. His perfectscorewasthwartedby draws against Tejasvarun KandavelandJeremyColein the second and seventh rounds.
Shurlan Sparman produced a calm and t e c h n i c a l l y s o u n d performance to finish with 6 points; however, due to tiebreakers, he was awarded the second-place trophy. His lone loss came in the fourth
roundagainstSam.
Third place went to talented Arush Ramnarine, whoscoredfivepointsaftera resilient showing despite lossesinroundsfiveandsix.
Jeremiah Jacobs, a promising young talent, finished fourth with five points after fighting hard; tie breakersplacedhiminfourth afterlossesinroundsoneand six.
Roundingoffthetopfive wasJeremyCole,whoscored 5 points. His performance washighlightedbysolidplay anddrawsinroundsfourand seven, respectively, with a singledefeatinroundthree.
In the Girls Category, Harrisonfinishedwithasolid six points ahead of the 16 girls. Her only setback came in the third round, when she lost to second-place winner AngelinaYhap.
Yhap maintained a tactically sound and disciplined approach for most of the nine rounds. Her strongrunincludedonlytwo minorsetbacks:adrawinthe fifth and a loss in the final round, bringing her score to 5.5points.
Third place went to Sana Sreebalakumar,whofinished w i t h 4 . 5 p o i n t s .
Sreebalakumardisplayedher depth and knowledge of the game despite losses in the first and sixth rounds and a lonedrawinthethirdround.
Finishing in fourth place on a tie break was seasoned competitor Italy Ton-Chung, finishing with 4.5 points, with losses in the first and sixth rounds and a hardfoughtdrawinthefifthround contributing to her final standing. Parnita Kishun secured fifth place also with 4.5 points due to the tiebreakers. She played calmly and consistently to win her
final round, showing her resilience and experience She drew her game in the second round and recorded two losses in the third and fifthrounds.
Notable players in the Open Category were Ethen Pompey, finishing with 5 points; Jacob McDonald, Mark Defreitas, Tejasvarun Kandavel, Sanjay Suman, BrianClarke,PranavSuman, and Viren Meghan, all finishingwith4points.
Other notable players in the Female category were Axela Vieira and Divya
Persaud, who both finished with four points Bianca Jessimy, Rebha Lachhman, Varsha Pooran, and Madison Spencer each ended the tournamentwith3.5points.
The seven-rou d competitionfeaturedaRapid time control of 15 minutes plus a 5-second increment per move and was overseen by Chief Arbiter John Lee and his assistant Arbiters Ethan Lee and Kim Shing Chong. The U1400 Rapid tournament is in its second year of running, designed to attract only unrated players,
givingthemachancetoshine and compete among players withsimilarplayingstrength. In a simple prize-giving ceremony, trophies were presented by Mrs Lucknauth, the proprietress of Jade's Wok, Pinnacle Business Services, and Cubs inActionInternational,tothe top five finishers in both categories. GCFwouldliketoextend heartfelt gratitude to Jade's Wok, Pinnacle Business Services,andCubsinAction International for their generoussponsorship.
FM Rawle Allicock delivered a flawless performance last Saturday, February 21st, 2026, in the Mashramani Open Blitz Chess Competition sponsored by the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) andtheGambitGroup.
The FIDE Master finished unbeaten to claim the first-place prize with a perfect score of 9 points, showcasing his experience and style of play that have proven his dominance over the board. Securing second place was Keron Sandiford, whose years of experienceintheblitzformatwere
onfulldisplay
Hefinishedwithanimpressive 8points,droppinghisonlypointin a hard-fought fifth-round encounteragainstFMAllicock.
FM Anthony Drayton, one of Guyana's most seasoned competitors, secured third place with seven points, following a surprising loss to Sandiford in round four Drayton also went downagainstAllicockinroundsix.
The top three performers received a total cash prize fund of $50,000. Joshua Gopaul, Dominic Sam, and Leslie Campbell each finished with a solid 6 points,
followed closely by Abel Fernandez Ciria with 5 5 A competitive group including Matthew Persaud, Javier Davendand, Kishan Puran, Tharisha Montes De Oca, and several others—rounded out the toptierwith5pointseach.
15-year-old Montes De Oca won a medal for her stellar performance, claiming the Best Femaleaward.
The Best Junior Female prize went to new talent Rachel Raghunandan, who also finished with5points.
In the youth categories, Abel
Fernandez Ciria earned the Best U16medal,whileJavierDavenand andMarkDeFreitastookhomethe top honours for the U14 and U12 divisions, respectively Twentyseven players including 6 female players,descendedontheSchoolof theNationsfornineroundsofhighspeedchess.Utilizingaformatof3 minutesplusa2-secondincrement, theeventwasspecificallydesigned to promote fast-paced competitive playandboostlocalparticipation.
Special thanks are extended to Oluwadare Oyeyipo from the GambitChessClubandarbitersfor supervising and working together
to ensure fair play throughout the event. Gratitude is extended to the School of the Nations for their steadfastsupportofthelocalchess community and for once again providing an excellent venue for thistournament.
TolearnmoreabouttheGuyana Chess Federation or to join one of our chess clubs, please visit the officialwebsiteatguyanachess.gy
Lusignan Golf Club
(LGC) staged a vibrant and competitive Romel Golf Tournament in celebration of
Mashramani, bringing together a diverse field of 55 players in a true display of unity, sportsmanship and national pride. Leading the charge was Patanjilee Persaud,whosecuredOverall
Best Gross with an outstanding 38. Persaud also topped the 10–18 Flight, finishing 1st with Gross 38, Net 6, Score 32, reinforcing hisdominanceonthecourse.
Competing in a strong group that included former Guyana Open Champions
Mike Mangal and veteran Patrick Prashad, along with Ian Gouveia and Danny MaximMangra,Persaudheld his nerve in a highly competitive field Persaud and Mohanlall Dindanauth both completed the round with matching 38 Gross scores. With no back-nine separation, the winner was decidedonacountbackofthe final six holes On those crucialclosingholes,Persaud produced a steady –1, while Dindanauth returned +2, giving Persaud the edge and securing the Overall Best Gross title. In the 0-9 Flight
Mohanlall Dindanauth bagged first place with a Gross38,Net3andScore35. RakeshHarryfollowedin2nd with Gross 40, Net 4, Score 36,whileKasimKhanplaced 3rd with Gross 42, Net 4, Score 38. The 10–18 Flight sawPersaudin1stwithGross 38,Net6,Score32,Davindra Parbu2ndwithGross42,Net 8, Score 34, and Ramesh Anrud3rdwithGross43,Net 8,Score35.
In the 19–28 Flight, Basil Sewprakesh delivered an impressiveroundtosecure1st place with Gross 45, Net 14, Score 31. Brian Prince took
Inter-association Under19 cricket action continued this past weekend with big wins for Georgetown and EastBank,asplayintensifies heading into this upcoming round.
At LBI, Georgetown raced to 300-5 by the end of their 50 overs, batting first.
Opener Khush Seegobin struck an aggressive 80 off 76 with 7 fours and 5 sixes.Jonathan Mentore also played a fantastic hand, steadying the innings with his 96-ball 78 featuring 8
2nd with Gross 43, Net 12, Score31,andOrsonFerguson finished 3rd with Gross 44, Net 10, Score 34 Sewprakesh's performance also earned him the Overall BestNettitle.
The Amateur Category, introduced for the second time, continued to highlight inclusivity within the sport. Karamchan Persaud finished 1st, Vishnu Ramjit 2nd, and Wazim Khan 3rd. Special
excitement to the Mash celebrations. Anand Persaud capturedLongestDrive,Deso Ramsundar won Nearest to Pin, Phillip Haynes was recognised as the Honest
, while Basil Sewprakesh secured Overall Best Net Golf enthusiast Romel Bhagwandin praised the execution of the tournament and its broad participati
executed,wehadaturnoutof 55 players. For the second time we included an amateur flightforthosethatdon'thave knowledgeofthesportorwho play a different sporting discipline We had eight cricketers participating from the Lusignan Cricket Club. This is something I want to continue in the future, whereby people from various sportingdisciplinescancome out and experience the game of golf.”He further noted his
Sewprakesh,agroundsmanof
tournament demonstrated golf's accessibility from the experiencedcompetitortothe first-timeparticipant.
I n t h e s p i r i t o f Mashramani, the Romel Golf Tournament stood as a celebration of culture, community and competitive excellenceonthefairways.
fours and a six. West Indies Under-19 batsman Shamar Apple was also on show, pummelling51offamere41 balls with four fours and a p a i r o f maximums.Georgetownalso had vital contributions from Dhanesh Persaud who scored a crucial 32 (3x4s, 1x6).
Arun Gainda led East Coast'sbowlingwith2-38,a mild performance by the East Coast lads, who followed up with a shoddy (Continuedonpage25)
The winners’ row display their prizes following the presentation.
Prize winners for Jade's Wok, Pinnacle Business Services, and Cubs inAction International sponsored U1400 Rapid Chess Tournament.
