kaieteur News

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Cuban woman to killing

Thousands feared dead as back-to-back earthquakes rock Venezuela

...severalhigh-risebuildingscollapsed, govt.declaresstateofemergency

AFTERSHOCKS FELT IN GUYANA

...destroys over 100 homes and public buildings ...schools among structures battered by heavy rains and strong winds rains and strong winds

STORMRAVAGESREGIONTWO

The structural damage to Anna Regina Multilateral School

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali is leading the team in Region Two

Apowerful storm of heavy rainfall and strong winds has torn through Region Two, damaging more than 100 homes, public buildings, and private properties, injuring a teacher, and leaving the Essequibo Coast grappling with widespread poweroutagesandstructuraldestructionattwoschools.

President IrfaanAli led a senior inter-agency team to the region to conduct an on-the-ground assessment and coordinate the emergency response, joining Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Mandanlall Ramraj, Civil Defence Commission (CDC) Director General Colonel (Retired)NazrulHussain,andseniorofficialsoftheGuyana PoliceForce(GPF)andtheGuyanaDefenceForce(GDF).

Initialassessmentsindicatethatroofdamageaccountsfor the majority of destruction across the affected communities. Emergency responders have begun distributing tarpaulins to provide temporary cover while a full-scale damage assessment remains underway Temporary shelter facilities have been placed on standby should displacement worsen, and power restoration crews are actively working to address majorelectricitydisruptionsacrosstheregion.

The storm inflicted significant structural damage on the Anna Regina Multilateral School and Rivers Town Primary School on the Essequibo Coast. A teacher at Rivers Town Primarywasinjuredintheincidentandiscurrentlyreceiving medical attention. Reports are that a shed from the primary schoolfellonherheadcausinginjuries.

The Ministry of Education confirmed it is mobilising further assistance and working closely with the Regional Administrationtocoordinaterepairs.

"We remain in close contact with the regional administration as we begin to mobilise further assistance. Meanwhile,extensivecountrywideassessmentsarecurrently being conducted," the Ministry stated, adding that once immediate evaluations are complete, it will work alongside the relevant Regional Democratic Councils and Municipalitiestoensureallstructuraldamageisremediedasa matterofurgency

The CDC is leading the broader damage assessment as authorities work to determine the full extent of destruction acrossaffectedcommunities.

Meanwhile,theGuyanaPowerandLightInc.(GPL)said it received multiple reports of damage to the electricity networkasaresultofthesquallthataffectedseveralpartsof thecountry.

Inastatement,GPLsaid“Thesevereweatherconditions, characterized by strong winds and heavy rainfall, are currentlyimpactingsectionsofGeorgetown,EastDemerara, someareasofWestDemerara,theEssequiboCoast,and Continued on page 9

APNU sounds alarm on uranium push

—saysGuyanamustconfrontregulatoryand environmentalrisksbeforeminingbegins

The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is callingontheGovernmentof Guyana to properly inform the nation, on the Kurupung uraniumprojectthatisbeing developed by a Canadian firm in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element that serves as the primary fuel for nuclear power plants worldwide. It is primarily used to produce electricity, providing a highly concentrated energy source and its special properties also make it the main source of fuel for nuclearreactors.

Kaieteur News first reported on the uranium project in April 2026. The project is owned by U92 Energy Corp. and covers an area of 92.2 square kilometres(km2).

In a letter to the editor, A P N U M e m b e r o f Parliament (MP) Sharma Solomon said the transfer of uranium exploration rights to the Canadian company calls for greater public disclosure, careful scrutiny, informed debate, and a serious national discussion about readiness, oversight, and the public interest. He added that while the party is notopposedtoinvestmentor development, there needs to be responsible exploration and utilisation of Guyana’s naturalresources.

The MP outlined that public disclosure is not a threat to investment but a prerequisite for confidence, legitimacy, and informed nationaldecision-making.

He stated, “Uranium is unlike most other minerals. Across the world, its exploration, extraction, transportation, and storage are subject to stringent oversight because of the environmental, health, security, and long-term management challenges associated with the industry.”

As such, he noted that it is entirely reasonable to question whether Guyana possesses the technical

expe

, regula

y systems, emergency response capacity, and monitoring capabilities required to effectively regulate uranium extraction

and manage its associated risks.

“That answer cannot be provided by investors, press releases, or political declarations. It must be measured by the strength of our institutions, the effectiveness of our laws, and the capacity of our regulator,”theMPstated.

“For too long, Guyanese have been asked to embrace m a j o r r e s o u r c e developments before being provided with the information necessary to fully assess their implications,”headded.

The Canadian firm gained control of Guyana’s only uranium project througha2026acquisitionof a Singaporean firm, LIA Industries Pte Ltd The Kurupunguraniumprojectis listedasU92’sonlyproject.

Research by this publication revealed that, LIA Industries formerly knownasArafuraOestePte. Ltd , indirectly holds mineralexplorationrightsto the Kurupung Property, through its wholly-owned subsidiary LIA (Guyana) Inc , a private limited liabilitycompanyinGuyana which was incorporated on 20thMarch,2023.

On 19thApril, 2024, the Guyana Geology & Mines

Commission (GGMC) granted LIA Guyana the “exclusive right of occupation and exploration” through the issuance of Exclusive Prospecting Licences (PLs). Exploration activities commenced the sameyearbythecompany U92 recently received TSX Venture Exchange approval and closed the

million-pound The transaction also provides it with direct ownership of a substantialbodyoftechnical work that would be both costly and time-intensive to replicate.

Earlier this year, U92 entered into a commercial agreementwithOrbitGarant for phase one 5,000 metre diamond drill programme at the project and has also submitted the required environmental application fordrillpadpreparation.

there must be a serious assessment of whether the supporting infrastructure exists to safely and effectively manage these developments, protect surrounding communities, and ensure adequate oversight by the relevant authorities,”Solomonsaid.

APNU’s

competence, and national preparedness required to manage such a resource responsibly,”theMPadded.

agreement to acquire the completehistoricaltechnical and exploration dataset for its Kurupung project. Acquiring the dataset gives the company more than a decade of systematic exploration work and representsthecoretechnical foundation supporting the projectwhichhasahistorical resource estimate of 20.6

In his letter, Solomon stressed that before the project moves forward, governmentmustanswerthe questionwhetherthecountry is ready for uranium e x p l o r a t i o n a n d development.

He underscored that Guyana must avoid repeating the mistakes that have accompanied previous uranium and rare earth mineralsdevelopments.

“BeforeGuyanaexpands into increasingly complex forms of mineral extraction,

He reiterated that any consideration of uranium development or rare earth mineral extraction must be preceded by stronger regulatory institutions, expandedtechnicalcapacity, c o m p r e h e n s i v e environmental safeguards, active parliamentary oversight, and meaningful e n g a g e m e n t w i t h Amerindiancommunities.

“The central question is not whether uranium exists beneathoursoil.Thecentral question is whether Guyana possesses the institutional strength, regulatory

Thispublicationrecently reported that U92’s Kurupung uranium project has been recognised by investors at the recently concluded CEM Bermuda Capital Event 2026, earning a place among the top five investment opportunities for its growth potential amid renewed global interest in nuclearenergy

Theprospectinglicences GGMC granted permit the exploration of uranium, other radioactive minerals, and rare earth elements (REEs) for a period of three yearsendingApril18,2027. The licences may be extended upon application for a maximum of two additional one-year periods, extending the term to April 18,2029.

Boycott calls grow after New River Triangle appears on Surinamese map

Three major Guyanese private sector organisations have condemned Suriname for displaying an inaccurate mapattheSurinameEnergy, Oil and Gas Summit 2026, depicting the New River Triangle as Surinamese territoryandarenowcalling on the local business communitytoboycottfuture Surinamese events until the patternstops.

TheGuyanaOilandGas Energy Chamber, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GOGEC) and Industry (GCCI), and the Private Sector Commission

(PSC) each issued statements on Wednesday describing the incident as partofadeliberate"trendof incivility" toward Guyana's sovereignty "The New River Triangle is and remains an integral part of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, as affirmed by internationally recognized legal processes," GOGEC stated, adding that any suggestion its status is open to differing interpretations "doesnotreflectthebinding nature of Guyana's sovereignty."

The GCCI went further, describing the display as "blatant contempt" of Guyana's territory, made worse by the fact that visiting Guyanese officials andexecutiveswerepresent in the room when the map appeared "The Chamber encourages Guyanese and the business community to not support events that depictsuchdisrespectofour country,"theGCCIstated.

The PSC noted that this is not an isolated incident.

OnFebruary11,2025,itwas forced to issue an identical objection after the same

misrepresentation appeared at Suriname's International Business Conference Combined with recent disputes over fees imposed on Guyanese vessels operating on the Corentyne River,thePSCsaidbilateral goodwill has been seriously eroded "The Guyanese private sector cannot be expected to participate in forumsdesignedtopromote partnership while Guyana's sovereignty is repeatedly disregarded," it stated, formally calling on SEOGS 2026organisers,including

Continued on page 8

Kaieteur News

PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

Starmer's exit and lessons for Guyana

Leadership is not supposed to be comfortable. It is not supposed to be a lifetime entitlement. Leadership comes with a simple bargain: deliver results and retain the confidence of those you lead, or step aside when that confidenceislost.

That is why the contrast between Sir Keir Starmer and AubreyNortoncouldnotbemorestriking.

StarmerinheritedaLabourPartythathadspent14years wandering in the political wilderness. It was divided, demoralisedandconsideredunelectablebymanyobservers. Throughdiscipline,persistenceandstrategicrepositioning, he transformed Labour from an opposition force into a government-in-waiting. He dug his party out of a deep politicalholeandledittoacommandingelectoralvictory

Yetpoliticsinmaturedemocraciesisunforgiving.When his party concluded that it needed a different direction, Starmeracceptedthatverdict.Whetheroneagreeswiththe decisionornot,therewasarecognitionthatnoindividualis bigger than the movement he leads There was accountability Therewashumility Therewasgrace.

One cannot help but feel sympathy for the man. To rescue a party from political exile and then be shown the dooronlytwoyearslaterseemsharsh.Butthatisthereality of politics where leaders are judged by performance and where parties are willing to make difficult decisions in pursuitofsurvival.

NowlookatGuyana.

The PNCR under Aubrey Norton presents the exact opposite picture. Here is a leader who has presided over electoral decline, internal turmoil, defections, resignations and unprecedented political setbacks, yet continues to behave as though none of these developments require seriousself-examination.

Theevidenceisimpossibletoignore.

Over the past two years, the PNCR has witnessed the departure of several prominent figures, including longserving members and senior party officials. Even as respected party stalwarts walked away, Norton publicly declaredthathewas"notconcernedatall."Thisnewspaper hadpreviouslyquestionedthatposture,arguingthataleader unconcerned about losing experienced and influential members was displaying a troubling disconnect from politicalreality

The situation deteriorated further following the 2025 elections.ThePNCRandAPNUsufferedacrushingdefeat and were pushed into third place, an outcome that would havebeenunthinkableonlyafewyearsearlier Thefallout was immediate. Senior party figures resigned. The party chairman departed. Executive members walked away Public complaints about internal management and leadershipmultiplied.

Yet through all of this, there has been no meaningful acceptanceofresponsibility

In a previous editorial, we observed that the irony of Guyanese politics is that Norton was among those who demanded renewal after David Granger's defeat. Today, whenthesamestandardheappliedtoothersisbeingapplied tohim,heisresisting.

Leadership is not measured by speeches. It is not measured by press conferences. It is not measured by declarationsofconfidence.

Leadershipismeasuredbyoutcomes.

Under Starmer, Labour moved from opposition to government.

Under Norton, the PNCR moved from being the principal alternative government to suffering one of the most damaging periods in its modern history Electoral support declined. Internal divisions widened. Prominent membersdeparted.Newpoliticalmovementsemergedand capturedsupportthatoncebelongednaturallytothePNCR.

YetNortoncontinuestosignalhisintentiontoremainat thehelm.Thisiswherethedifferencebetweenthetwomen

Who is really being empowered in this country, and who is being kept on the outside looking in?

DearEditor,

We live in a difficult time, a time when we are celebrating60yearssincewe fought for independence. It hascometoapointwherewe need to take note—not only take note, but make decisionsaboutthedecisions that are being made on our behalf.

From the time of independence, and from the time we acquired, to a large extent, republican status, we have spoken about making thiscountryonethatbelongs to all of us—a country that takes on board not only the political and social will of the people, but also their economic will We have spoken about making Guyanadesirabletoallofus, regardless of race, culture, creed,orreligion.

But after 60 years, we must ask ourselves a serious question:whoisreallybeing empowered in this country, andwhoisbeingkeptonthe outsidelookingin?

We have talked about capitalism. We have talked about socialism. We have talked about State control, cooperatives, and private

ownership. We have spent decades discussing systems that supposedly take into considerationthewell-being of our people. What our people have always wanted is something that is best not only for us individually, but collectively Wehavealways soughtprogrammesthattake on board the well-being of everyoneofus.

The BERMINE issue stands as one of the clearest tests of whether those principles have ever been appliedequally

When the BERMINE Bauxite Company was put up for sale by the Bharrat Jagdeo regime, the trade union movement embraced theopportunity Everyeffort was made to ensure that preferencewouldbegivento the workers. The workers, management, and trade unions came together and said to the government: “If you want to get rid of this company, then give us the opportunitytobuyit.”

It was a simple proposition put forward by the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU), of which I

serve as General Secretary, together with the Berbice MiningUnion(BMU).

The workers were not asking for charity, handouts, or special treatment. They wanted to purchase the company they helped to build and sustain They formed a company, secured the support of the trade unionsandmanagement,and prepared a bid during the tenure of the Jagdeo-led People's Progressive Party (PPP) regime The stakeholders also developed anarrangementtobidforthe rightstominebauxiteovera ten-year period Nothing happened.

Since that bid was submitted, no one from management,theworkers,or t h e t r a d e u n i o n movement—has received a response from the government.

T h e r e w a s n o acknowledgement No rejection.Noacceptance.No explanation.

To this day, I do not believe the silence was accidental.Itwasintendedto send a message to a particular section of this

society It told bauxite workersthattheiraspirations did not matter It told them thattheireffortsateconomic empowerment were not worthy of engagement. It toldthemthatwhenAfricanGuyanese workers seek ownership, they can be safelyignored.

The significance of that silence becomes even more apparenttoday

Ataroundthesametime, workers argued that similar arrangements could be replicated in the sugar industry We argued that the peoplewholabouredinthese industries should have the opportunity to own part of what they helped build. The PPP government took a different position where bauxitewasconcerned.

Today, however, we are hearingthatasugarestatein Berbice can be handed over to workers to manage and own.

If worker ownership is a good idea today, why was it not a good idea when the BERMINE workers proposed it? If workers can owninonesector,whywere (Continuedonpage6)

True transformation cannot happen without meaningful participation and fair treatment of the workforce

DearEditor,

As we celebrate United Nations PublicServiceDay2026June23,2026, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) congratulates all Public Sector Workers for your commitment, dedication, innovation and impact of delivering quality public services worldwide.

In every society your foundational role in building stable societies and implementing transparent, ethical and community focused governance is recognised.

OnthisPublicServiceDay2026,the Guyana Public Service Union salutes the backbone of our nation: our dedicated public servants. This year's theme challenges us to 'Transform the Public Sector to Optimise Productivity and Service Delivery by Advancing Innovation, Participation, and Inclusion.'

True transformation cannot happen

becomesmostevident.

without meaningful participation and fair treatment of the workforce Innovation thrives only when workers arerespected,adequatelycompensated, and protected under robust collective agreements. As we push for a highly productive public sector, the GPSU remains steadfast in ensuring that inclusion means leaving no worker behind.Wedemandsafeenvironments, equitable wages, and fair pensionable appointments to match the tireless contributionsofourmembers.Together, we will innovate, participate, and build astrongerGuyana."

Productivityriseswhenworkersare valued! Thank you to every Guyanese public servant keeping our nation strong. In line with the 2026 global theme, the GPSU emphasises that a transformed, highly productive public sector is built on a foundation of fair labour standards We call for meaningfulsocialdialogue,inclusionin

Starmer's political story may be tragic. He rebuilt a broken party only to find himself sacrificed by the very organisationherescued.Butheacceptedthejudgement.

Norton's story is different. The party he leads has been bleedingsupport,bleedingtalentandbleedingcredibility

Still,hecarriesonasthoughnoneofitmatters.

The question facing PNCR delegates at their next congress is therefore a simple one: if electoral defeat, mass

policy-making,andimmediateattention to the welfare of our workers, who remain the bedrock of Guyana's rapid development.

The need for a living wage that reflects Guyana's economic reality would set the benchmark for poverty eradication.

Optimisation must begin with an investment in human capital. We urge all public servants to remain united, steadfast,andresoluteaswedemandthe dignity, respect, and equitable compensation you rightfully deserve. The GPSU remains fiercely committed todefendingtherightsandfreedomsof all Public Sector Workers as they continue to anchor our nation; the GPSU stands ready to participate in meaningful dialogue to transform our public sector, but will not compromise onthefundamentalrightsofworkers.

Regards

GuyanaPublicServiceUnion

resignations, defections, internal division and political decline do not trigger accountability, then what exactly would?Politics requires many things. Ambition is one of them.Butsotooarehumility,self-awarenessandtheability torecognisewhenone'scontinuedpresencehasbecomepart oftheproblemratherthanthesolution.

Sir Keir Starmer may have left office under difficult circumstances.Butheleftwithhisdignityintact. AubreyNortonshouldreflectcarefullyonthedifference.

Beyond policing: building a more orderly and hospitable Guyana

DearEditor,

The recent concerns raised by the TourismandHospitalityAssociationof Guyana regarding disorder and persistent disturbances along the Kingston seawall corridor behind the MarriottHoteldeserveseriousnational attention. While calls for enhanced policing, CCTV coverage and stricter enforcement are entirely appropriate, they should be viewed as only part of thesolution.

Guyanaisexperiencingacivicand institutionaldeficit:manycitizenshave never consistently experienced environments where rules are predictable, public spaces are wellmanaged, and civic norms are reinforced by both society and government.The challenges described arenotuniquetotheKingstonseawall. Similar issues can be observed in aspects of roadway behaviour, littering, customer service, noise pollution and the management of publicspacesacrossourcountry They pointtoabroaderchallenge:theneedto

strengthen civic norms and public expectations in a rapidly changing society

G

transformation. However, economic growth alone does not automatically produceanorderly,safeandhospitable society Institutions, infrastructureand civicbehavioursmustevolvealongside economicdevelopment.

A sustainable solution requires a whole-of-government and whole-ofsocietyapproach.

Government agencies should continue to improve enforcement of existing laws and regulations, but enforcement must be consistent, predictable and impartial Public spaces should be intentionally designed and managed through better lighting, sanitation, designated recreational zones, adequate waste facilities and technology such as CCTV

Equally important is investment in civiceducation.Schools,communities,

religiousorganisations,businessesand the media all have roles to play in reinforcing the idea that public spaces belongtoallofusandthateachcitizen hasaresponsibilitytorespectthem.

Thehospitalityandtourismsectors are particularly important Every visitor's experience shapes Guyana's reputation In an increasingly competitive global tourism market, safety, cleanliness, courtesy and predictabilityarenotluxuries;theyare prerequisites.Ultimately,nonumberof police patrols can permanently compensate for weak civic norms. Lastingprogresswilloccuronlywhen orderly conduct becomes not merely a legalrequirement,butawidelyshared socialexpectation.

G

d repeatedly that it can adapt and succeed. As our nation continues its

, strengthening civic responsibility shouldbeviewedasanationalpriority

Respectfully,

BrianChin

Pres. Irfaan and Diasporic Engagements

DearEditor,

The Guyanese diaspora inAmerica praise President

Irfaan Ali for his engagements with them Few global leaders engage theirdiasporalikePresident Irfaan and the scarce interactions of his immediate predecessor is not a comparison. President

Ali had countless engagements with the diasporawhichcameacross as a strategic pillar of outreach to promote and showcase the country in order to attract investors as well as to involve the diaspora in the nation's development growth He sees the diaspora as a

powerful tool for Guyana's developmental aspirations and trajectory to become a Caribbean Dubai or Singapore; he encourages diasporic participation in Guyana.

Few global leaders engage their diaspora when theytravelabroad;Guyana's President Irfaan Ali is among them President Ali's engagement with the diaspora has consistently come across as a strategic pillar of Guyana's outreach to promote and showcase development of the country in order to attract investors as well as to involve the diaspora in the nation's growth.Heseesthediaspora

as a powerful tool for Guyana's developmental aspirationsandtrajectoryto become a Caribbean Dubai orSingapore;heencourages diasporic participation in Guyana.

President Ali does not see the diaspora in terms of segments but as 'one'. His 'OneGuyana'policyseesall Guyanese abroad and at home as one people. His outreaches to the diaspora have become one of the most distinctive and admired elements of his governance style. He has consistently interacted with the diaspora since he became President and even before the 2020 elections

Months of Voltage Fluctuations at Alberttown Home, GPL Yet to Fix Fault

DearEditor, I'm sharing this issue publicly, as a last resort, out ofdesperation!

The property at 32 Third St , Alberttown has been plagued with electricity/ voltagefluctuationsforsome months now (incidentally, a neighbour was overheard m a k i n g t h e s a m e complaints). An electrician was called in, and after numerous checks, he concluded that this was/is a Guyana Power and Light (GPL)issue!

We called GPL, and to their credit, they responded promptly After careful

examination, they found that there was an undersized supply line connecting several houses, and this needed to be rectified! Nothing was done, so GPL was called again.They came again and made some checks but nothing was done! Then we heard via the grapevine that GPL has no wire! Really? What are we supposedtodonow?Arethey waitingforafirealarm(God forbid)!

I sincerely hope that this problem can be rectified soonest!

Regards

C.Heywood

Lawful but not beneficial

Thoughtshammermymind

Bringingimagesofsordidexperiences; Somelifethreatening.

ThenIshiftimagestothepleasant Hewhostoodtobettermehisenemy

Onceormorethan,didmuchinmyfavour

Sonowtoponderthepasttomeislawful

Buttowhombeneficialifarousedfromsleep willthatbe;whatgainsapartfromvenomedhate.

when he got elected; he engaged Guyanese in every major location they are settled and continues to do so whenever he travels abroad He and Vice PresidentBharratJagdeo(in addition to when the latter was President 1999-2011) engaged the diaspora multiple times with much success like no other Guyanese leader, except maybeDr CheddiJagan.

Irfaan's engagement with the diaspora has become one of the most defining features of his foreign policy style since 2020. No Guyanese leader, otherthanJagdeoandJagan, (Continuedonpage6)

SometimesHistoryyearnsforacribrest

Andweforthesakeofothers

Mustletitrestinpeace.

Regards

KrishnaNandPrasad

Who is really being empowered...

Frompage4

bauxite workers denied the sameopportunity?

T h e s e a r e n o t unreasonable questions They go to the heart of fairness, equality, and justice.

I am also convinced that

the bauxite workers' proposal,nowgatheringdust on the desk of Jagdeo, the President, or some PPP minister, will eventually serve as the blueprint for helping sugar workers acquire an estate. While I have no objection to sugar workers and their unions

benefiting from the intellectual heavy lifting undertaken by the bauxite workers and their unions, this society must know where the idea originated, who was denied the opportunity,andwhoisnow beingempoweredtoreapthe rewards of another's initiative.

T h e B E R M I N E

w o r k f o r c e w a s overwhelmingly AfricanGuyanese. These workers soughtownership,economic participation, and a greater stakeintheproductiveassets ofthiscountry Theywanted tomovebeyondwages.They wanted to create wealth and build something for themselves and future generations.

ManyAfrican-Guyanese

havecometotheconclusion thatwheneverAfricansseek ownership, control of productive assets, or economic independence, resistance emerges. There appears to be comfort with Africans working There appears to be comfort with Africans depending But there appears to be discomfort when Africans seektoown.

T h e B E R M I N E experience did not create thatperception.Itreinforced it.Theissue,therefore,isnot merely about the sale of a company Itisaboutwhether economic empowerment in Guyana is intended for everyoneoronlyforsome.It is about whether ownership opportunitiesareavailableto all citizens or selectively extended to some while deniedtoothers.

Againstthatbackdrop,it becomes absolutely important that we ask whether there exists a deliberate reluctance to support African-Guyanese economic empowerment Many have concluded that these people do not want Africans to own anything in thiscountry They would rather Africans join and embrace whatever government decides they should have thanbecomeownersintheir ownright.

That is why BERMINE still matters. It remains one of the most powerful examples of how AfricanGuyanese efforts at ownership and economic empowerment have been treated It remains a reminderthatthereisoftena significant difference between what is said about inclusion and what is done when Africans seek a place attheownershiptable.

Aswecelebrate60years of independence, Guyana must confront that reality Independence cannot be confinedtopoliticalslogans. It must include economic empowerment.

It must include ownership. It must include therightofeverycommunity to participate meaningfully inthenation'swealth.

The workers of BERMINE wanted to buy the company they helped to build.

They organised themselves, submitted a proposal, and sought no handoutfromtheState.They simply asked for an opportunity

The PPP denied them that opportunity That fact should trouble every Guyanese who believes this country belongs to all of its people.

Sincerely LincolnLewis

Pres. Irfaan and Diasporic...

Frompage5 so consistently engaged overseas community gatherings – Queens, Brooklyn, Toronto, London, Miami, Washington, Houston, Trinidad, etc. He has recognised that the diaspora can be a bridge for bilateral ties with USA, UK, Canada, and other countries where there is an active Guyanese presence. He, like Jagdeo and Cheddi, also recognise that the diaspora canbeasourceforfundingof projects in Guyana and for investment.Itisnotforgotten thatelementsinthediaspora, includingthiswriter,lobbied for the restoration of democratic governance in Guyana during that long period of authoritarian rule from1966to1992andagain toprotectdemocracyin2020 when it was under severe stress.

Whenever Irfaan or Jagdeo visited overseas and time permitting, they engaged the diaspora. They consistently praised the diaspora's role in championing democracy in Guyana, for providing financial and material assistance to the homeland during difficulttimes,and in promoting ties with nations that host the diaspora; previous PPPC leaders like Janet Jagan, and Donald Ramotar also praised the work of the diaspora in the strugglefordemocracyinthe

homeland and for their economic and political contributions.

President Irfaan and VP Jagdeo have consistently highlighted Guyana's transformation over the past six years, citing major achievements such as poverty reduction and exponential growth rates as well as improvement in standardofliving. Diasporic communitiestendtorespond enthusiastically to the race free messaging of PPP political leaders during open e n g a g e m e n t s T h e outreaches of both leaders and occasionally Prime Minister Mark Phillips with the diaspora appealed all ethnicitiesunderscoringtheir strategy: leveraging the diaspora as economic connectors to strengthen Guyana's economy and their connection with their homeland and continue to help protect democratic gains for which the diaspora fought.

The theme of the messaging tends to energise overseas Guyanese, reinforcingasharedsenseof pride in Guyana's progress, the journey from which Guyana has evolved from being a very poor country a decade ago to an upper middle-income country The diaspora outreaches have been infused with the languageofeconomicpower growth, development,

higher income, wealth, etc. In their engagements, President Irfaan and VP Jagdeo would talk about the recent past and make comparisons with the present By highlighting Guyana's development milestones and trajectory, they invite overseas Guyanese to see themselves as stakeholders in the country's rise This emotional appeal of the developmentoftheircountry — rooted in nostalgia and identity has proven remarkably effective in stirring up pride in their country and evoking nationalist feelings among patriotic diasporans The messaging also reinforces a sense of belonging among diaspora communities who, despitelivingabroad,remain emotionally tethered to Guyana. Their appeal to the diaspora to return home resonates strongly with communities, suggesting overseas Guyanese are of significantimportancetothe country'sdevelopment.They may not return home, but theyeagerlymaintainfamily and cultural ties while establishingrootsabroad.

President Ali is saluted for elevating overseas community engagement into a powerful instrument of i n v i t e d e c o n o m i c participationandpride.

Yourstruly, VishnuBisram

BLUNT BLUNT

AnotherWarning

So many warnings have been issued to Guyana about its oil wealth that one more may seem easy to ignore.

That would be a mistake. Trinidadian energy strategist, Anthony Paul is not speaking from theory; he is speaking from the bitter experience of a country that watched secrecy, weak oversight and poor transparency rob citizens of the full value of their resources.

His warning strikes at the heart of Guyana’s oil and gas sector: secrecy begins quietly First documents are withheld. Then agreements become “commercially sensitive ” Then citizens are told to trust the process.

The Gas-to-Energy project is the latest test. If licences, contracts, cost recovery arrangements, pipeline terms and gas supply agreements remain hidden, the question is simple: what is there to fear from public scrutiny?

Transparency is not anti-government. It is protection against exploitation. Trinidad learnt that lesson after value slipped away. Guyana still has time. The tragedy would be hearing every warning, yet allowing oil companies to keep draining the golden goose while citizens are left fighting over crumbs.

Doctors fired over toddler’s death quietly rehired by Ministry of Health, placed at Diamond Hospital

The Ministry of Health has reportedly rehired two doctors terminated by the GeorgetownPublicHospital Corporation (GPHC) for gross negligence in connectionwiththedeathof 17-month-old Deandre Prashad — quietly placing them at the Diamond Diagnostic Hospital on the East Bank of Demerara whilehisfamilystrugglesto obtain the medical records neededtopursuejustice.

The low-profile move has drawn sharp concern from within the local medical fraternity, where sources say the Ministry has h

storically

sed employment to practitioners dismissedforfarlessserious infractions.

Dr Marissa Seepersaud, a Guyanese national and former Head of Paediatric Surgery at GPHC, and Dr Yala Gomez, a Cuban national,werebothofficially terminatedinFebruary2026 following an exhaustive internal investigation into a July 2025 surgical procedure. GPHC’s review concluded there were clear grounds for termination basedonnegligence.

Both have since been placed at the Diamond Diagnostic Hospital, according to well-placed sources.Moretroublingstill,

sources indicate that paediatric patients may be referredtoDr Seepersaudat theDiamondfacilitydespite her recent dismissal on negligencegrounds.

GPHC’sChiefExecutive Officer (CEO) Robbie Rambarran confirmed that neither doctor remains employed at the hospital but declined to address the circumstances of their dismissalortheirsubsequent government placement, directing further inquiries to theMinistryofHealth. The Ministry has not issued any public statement explaining its rationale for re-engaging the terminated doctors. Efforts to contact

DeandrePrashaddiedon September 22, 2025, two months after surgical teams at GPHC inadvertently removedbothofhiskidneys during a procedure intended toextractonlyone. The toddler had been diagnosed with severe left hydronephrosis and was believed to have a nonfunctional left kidney alongside a normal right kidney On July 21, 2025, surgeons proceeded with a left nephrectomy Internal notes recorded that the surgery went smoothly — but hours later, Deandre

stopped producing urine entirely

Emergency imaging revealed the catastrophic truth:thechildwasanephric, meaning he had no kidneys remaining Subsequent pathology confirmed that Deandre suffered from crossedfusedrenalectopia,a rare congenital condition in whichbothkidneysarefused together on one side of the body and share a single vascular supply By removing what appeared to be a single non-functioning organ, the surgical team had unknowinglyextractedallof theinfant’sfunctioningrenal tissue.

Deandre was placed on

continuous peritoneal dialysis in a bid to manage his condition. He did not survive. He was 17 months old.

His 18-year-old mother, Shennia Allen of Belmont, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, is seeking legal representation to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against GPHC. “The family iswillingandreadytoaccept anylawyerwhocanhelpus. We need justice for Deandre,” a close relative statedonthefamily’sbehalf. That pursuit has been

obstructed, the family alleges, by GPHC’s refusal to release Deandre’s complete medical records. The family formally requested his full file — including surgical notes, laboratory results, ultrasound scans, and CT imaging as early as August 4, 2025 GPHC provided a written summary of the treatment timeline on August 27 but has continuously withheld the actual diagnostic scans and test results. The family was even charged a $5,000 administrative fee to have the request processed onto a flash drive The primary recordswerestillnothanded over

GPHC has previously stated that its investigation findings were under review by relevant oversight bodies to ensure accuracy and fairness, and pledged transparency once conclusions were finalised. No such conclusions have beenmadepublic.

The Ministry of Health has yet to explain why two doctors dismissed for gross negligenceinachild’sdeath arenowbackongovernment payroll.

Boycottcallsgrow...

Frompage3

Suriname's state oil company Staatsolie, to publicly address theerrorandprovideexplicitassurancesgoingforward.

Rahul Lildhar, outgoing CEO of the Suriname-Guyana ChamberofCommerce,appealedforcontinuedengagement without directly addressing the specific map shown at SEOGS "Suriname and Guyana have an important opportunity to demonstrate that cooperation, dialogue and mutualrespectcancreategreatervalueforbothpeoples,"he said,urgingbordercommissionstocontinueworkingwithin theirmandatedframeworks.

Guyana'sclaimtotheNewRiverTrianglerestsona1936 agreementinwhichajointBritish-Dutch-BrazilianBoundary Commission identified the source of the Kutari River as the tri-junctionpointwherethebordersofBrazil,BritishGuiana, andSurinamemeet.Theboundarywasformallysignedbyall threenations'commissionersandhasneverbeensuccessfully challenged.Guyana'sForeignAffairsMinistryhaspreviously stated that the territory "has never been recognised nor administeredasSurinamese"andthatappendingittoamapof Suriname "neither creates nor establishes any legal rights to it."

Despite the sharp rhetoric, all three Guyanese business bodies affirmed support for economic integration with Suriname, on the condition that Suriname demonstrates unambiguousrespectforGuyana'sinternationallyrecognised borders.

Who is really to blame?

A motorist approached a busy junction one afternoon and, after glancing left and right,easedhisvehicleacross a major roadway Before he could clear the intersection, there was a loud crash. A speeding vehicle slammed into the side of his car, scattering glass and twisting metallikeachild'sdiscarded toy Within minutes a crowd gathered, as crowds always do.Theverdictcameswiftly, confidently and without appeal.

“Is de man who cross de roadfault!”

Caseclosed. Orwasit?

Most of us would instinctivelyblamethedriver who emerged from the side road After all, drivers entering a major road are expected to yield to traffic alreadyonthatroadway Had he remained at the junction, there would have been no collision.Thatmuchistrue.

Buttrafficlawisrarelyas simpleasroadsidespectators makeitseem.

Suppose the vehicle travelling along the major road was speeding excessively Suppose the driverhadaclearviewofthe junction from hundreds of feet away Suppose he had sufficienttimetoslowdown, sound his horn, swerve safely, or take some other evasive action. Suppose he choseinsteadtomaintainhis speedandbarrelahead.

The picture suddenly changes.

Thequestionisnolonger whether the first driver shouldhaveenteredtheroad. The question becomes whether the second driver exercised due care and attention. What appeared to be a straightforward case of one driver's fault now becomes a much more complicated issue involving theconductofbothdrivers.

Thisiswheretheconcept of contributory negligence entersthediscussion.

Contributory negligence is a principle recognised in common law jurisdictions. Simply put, it means that more than one party can contribute to an accident. A person may have suffered damage because of another's actions, but if his own conduct helped cause the accident, responsibility may beshared.

In other words, fault is not always an all-or-nothing affair Courts around the world have repeatedly recognised thatevenwhereonemotorist violatesatrafficrule,another motoristmaystillbearpartof the blame if he failed to exercise reasonable care. A driver cannot simply claim the right of way and then proceed as though all other road users are invisible. The law expects drivers to anticipate hazards and act prudently

DEM BOYS SEH

Yetoneisleftwondering how many of our traffic officersfullyunderstandthis c

importantly, how many are equippedtoapplyitproperly

accidents.

This is not a criticism of individual officers. It is a questionabouttraining.

How many traffic ranks

contributory negligence?

How many can identify circumstances where both p

responsibility? How many can distinguish between the legal concepts of dangerous drivingandcarelessdriving?

T

e d

nc

n

s important because the two offences are not the same. Dangerous driving generally involvesdrivingthatfallsfar below the standard expected of a competent and careful driverandcreatesanobvious dangertothepublic.

Case law in many jurisdictions has emphasised thatthetestis objective.The question is whether the driving would appear dangerous to a competent andcarefuldriver.Excessive speeding, racing, aggressive overtaking, or driving with reckless disregard for obvious risks often fall into thiscategory

Careless driving, on the other hand, involves driving that falls below the expected standard but does not

FIFA fever reach far!

Dem boys seh World Cup fever hit Guyana harder than a mosquito attack after rain.Isonethingtowatchfootball.Isanother thing when people start behaving like dem personallyqualifyfordetournament.

De other night, one man tell dem boys “we” got a difficult match coming up. Dem boysaskhewhois“we.”Hesay,“America, ofcourse.”Demboysnearlychokepondem spit. De man never travel further than Rosignol, but suddenly he become an honorarycitizenofdeUnitedStates.

Anditgetworse.

When de pre-game show start, some people sitting down in front de television from two hours before kick-off. Dem analysing formations, discussing substitutions and talking tactics like dem is assistantcoaches.Onefellaeventellhewife not to disturb him because he had “team business”toattendto.

“Teambusiness?”

De closest he ever come to professional footballwaschasingalooseballthatrollinto atrench.

But de funniest thing happen when de nationalanthemsstart.

Demboyssehonegentlemanstandupso fast when de Star-Spangled Banner begin playing that he nearly overturn he chair He straighten he back, place he hand pon he chest and stare at de television with tears in he eyes. Somebody ask if he had family in America.

necessarilyreachthelevelof obvious danger required for dangerousdriving.Examples may include momentary inattention,failuretoobserve a road sign, or a lapse in concentration.Theconductis negligent,butnotnecessarily reckless.

Thedifferencemayseem subtle, but in law, it is significant One offence suggests a serious departure from safe driving standards. The other suggests a lesser, though still unacceptable, failure to exercise proper care The problem arises when these concepts are misunderstood or applied inconsistently A poorly investigated accident can lead to the wrong charges, unfair outcomes, and diminished public confidence in traffic enforcement.

Traffic investigation todayisfarmorethantaking measurements and statements. It requires an understanding of reaction times, stopping distances, visibility, vehicle dynamics, legal principles, and established case law It requires officers who can

analyse facts rather than rely onassumptions.

Too often public opinion reaches a verdict before the evidence is properly examined.Unfortunately,the same tendency sometimes appears in official investigations The most obvious explanation is not alwaysthecorrectone.

Thedriveremergingfrom thesideroadmayhavemade anerror Thespeedingdriver on the main road may have made a larger one. The truth may lie somewhere in between.

That is why training matters.Iftrafficofficersare expected to investigate collisions, recommend charges, and provide evidence that may influence judicial outcomes, then they must possess a thorough understanding of traffic law and legal principles. They must know not only what happened but why the law regards certain conduct as blameworthy

Our roads are becoming busier Vehicles are becoming faster Accidents arebecomingmorecomplex. The days when traffic

enforcement could rely solely on common sense are longgone.

Before we place officers in positions where they effectively adjudicate responsibility for accidents, we must ensure they receive comprehensive training in traffic law, accident reconstruction, contributory negligence, and the distinctions between various drivingoffences.

Andwhiletheauthorities are at it, can the authorities also explain why it is that some traffic ranks are still making routine stops of motorists and demanding 'documents' without identifyinganyoffence?

(The views expressed in this article are those of the authoranddonotnecessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

STORM RAVAGES REGION TWO

“No,”hesay “EvervisitAmerica?”

“No.”

“EverseeAmerica?”

“OnlyonYouTube.”

YetdemansalutelikedePresidentabout topinamedalponhechest.

Another fella become a temporary Brazilian.Hewearingyellowjersey,talking Spanish he invent himself and shouting “Vamos!” every five minutes. By de next week,desamemangansuddenlydiscoverhe long-lostFrenchancestry.

Dem boys seh World Cup got people changing nationality faster than England changing Prime Ministers. One day dem is Brazilian. Next day dem is Argentine. De followingweek,demisEnglish.Bydefinal, someofdemcarryingmorepassportsindem imaginationthanadiplomat.

But dem boys ain't complaining. World Cup does bring excitement. Neighbours become friends. Strangers become coaches. Everybodybecomereferees.

Only in Guyana could a man who never leave de village stand at attention for a foreignanthem,argueaboutoffsidelawsand claim citizenship in three countries all in de sameevening.

And that is why dem boys seh football might be de only thing in de world that can makeamanbecomeaninternationalcitizen withouteverneedingavisa.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

Frompage2 Leguan.Asaresult,serviceinterruptionsare being experienced in a number of communities.GPL has received reports of fallen utility poles, damaged network infrastructure,andvegetationaffectingpower lines.”Technical teams were mobilised and conducted inspections and assessments to determine the extent of the damage. Power has since been restored however, the power company warned that prevailing weather conditions may affect access to certain locationsandthepaceatwhichrepairscanbe safelycompleted.

“GPL is urging contractors, equipment operators, and members of the public to exerciseextremecautionwhenoperatingnear the electricity network. High winds can weakeninfrastructure,causetreesanddebris to come into contact with power lines, and create hazardous conditions. Persons are advised to maintain a safe distance from downedwires,damagedpoles,andanyother compromisedelectricalinfrastructure. Alldownedwiresshouldbetreatedaslive anddangerous.Customersareencouragedto report any damaged network components or hazardous conditions through GPL's emergencyreportingchannelsincluding2262600andourEmergencyWhatsAppNumber 608-9090.” Broken trees and other debris were seen scattered in some communities acrossthecountryasheavywindsandrainfall batteredthecoast.

H@RD TRUTHS

A new watcher, reporter

KiskadeeWatchis here Daily Online only

For now Much more in the pipeline. Took some time, talent, and treasure from a few to get to here. From nowhere beside a vision to reach where it is today More is needed From Guyanese who yearn for the virtuesofafreeandbalanced press. Free and fair has many more application than elections only It is an obligation of quality journalism Credible journalism is trusted journalism. All sides of an issuegivenafairshake. No one muzzled None attacked. Afewhaveledthe way to get KW going Guyanese who extol the benefits of an independent medianowhavetheirpartto play Active participants. Part of the framework that reinforces the Fourth Estate toitsbest.

The people at Kaieteur News have come out publicly to support the arrival of KW KN’s publisher doesn’t see a competitor Heseesamuchneeded contributor in the ongoing fight for clean governance, trusted leadership,andholdingboth accountable It’s what makes for a better society It’swhataddsanotherplank. Howeverinsignificantatthe inception. Towardstheroad of democracy The PPP Gov’t should welcome the presenceofKW Afterall,it is Excellency Ali who has insisted repeatedly that he andhisgovernmentarefully inthecorneroftransparency and accountability He just

acquired an ally, an asset, in those two vital aspects of a country’s existence. It’s quality of life. For what’s t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d accountability at its best, if not about a government that excels at both? What government can be so crass astocurseanadditiontothe Fourth Estate? Envision a problemforitself. What did government do? What’s to conceal? Similarly, which leader could be so nakedly, unashamedly, vulgar that he or she sees a free press presence as a threat to their standing, as a menace to society? Men with names and histories, such as Adolf Hitler and Uncle Joe Stalin, sawtheworseinafreepress. According to the new and improved PPP, Uncle Joe is gone. Uncle Sam is in; the

new protective, comforting presencearound. Ahemand amen,Isay Justbecareful,I also say Because some uncles have roving eyes. Their own interests come first.

The political opposition, the PNC in particular, has haditstroubleswiththenow cashed-out Stabroek News.

Today, the combined opposition is squeezed into narrower and narrower spaces The opposition, combined and individually (just like the ruling party), needs the presence of a KW to hold the feet of all politicians and public servantstothefire. So,they straightenupinahurry Get their business straight. For properrepresentation(ofthe people). For potent and pungentarticulation(oftheir positions) Give me

Guyana’s muzzled, Guyana’s hemmed in, Guyana’s tied up. So that their voices can be heard, their postures recorded and reported. Government gets covered,givesitselfachance torecover

Opposition gets ventilated, gives itself a chance to clean-up its individualacts. AKW,along thelinesofKN,providesthat platform. Tobeheard. Not to dictate. Certainly not to commandandcontrol.

Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) has begun construction of a new 69kV substation at Colombia, East Bank Demerara, marking the latest milestone in a multi-billion-dollar overhaulofthecountry’selectricity transmissionnetwork.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 20, 2026, led by contractor Kalpataru Projects International Limited (KPIL), the Indian firm that has emerged as a central player in GPL’s grid modernisation push. Construction is currently in its first major civil works phase, with pile-driving operations underway to establish the structural foundation on which thesubstationwillbebuilt.

The Colombia facility forms part of Lot 2 of GPL’s Project 053 and has been designed specifically to improve voltage stability and distribution reliability within the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System.

Once completed, it will reinforcetransmissioncapacityand support load growth in rapidly developing areas connected to the DBIS, a system already under significant strain as Guyana’s economy continues its record expansion.

Pile-drivingwillbefollowedby foundation construction, equipment installation, and full electrical integration into the national grid. GPL stated it is working closely with KPIL to ensure all works meet approved technical specifications, international standards, and environmental and safety requirements, while committing to minimise disruption to nearby

And, naturally, oil and gasmanagement. Thislistis only a start. Sufficient, I think. It’s why a Kiskadee Watch, a Kaieteur News, is ofsuchpricelessvaluetoall Guyanese. I endorse. All political leaders should Guyanese must show where they stand with their mouth andwaysmaterial.

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

The Guyanese people want their weariness and woes to be hung on a line. So,theworldseesandhears how Guyanese live in Guyana. the richest country intheworld. Costofliving. Minimum wage. Livable wage Flood plagues Blackouts Safety and security Fair and fearless policing. Crediblejudiciary Parliamentary integrity. Unlevel playing field Indigenous rights. Uneasy leadership Unsavory government fronts Criminalising conscientious citizens.

GPL breaks ground on new Colombia substation

Workers on the ground at the construction site.

communities throughout the constructionperiod.

Colombiaalreadyhostsapower station equipped with 17 containerised generators and six step-up transformers capable of generating 30 megawatts to the nationalgrid.Thenewsubstationis intendedtocomplementandextend thatcapacityasdemandgrows.

TheColombiasubstationisone piece of a vastly larger infrastructure push. In April 2025, GPL signed contracts worth approximately US$422 million with Power China and Kalpataru for the extension of transmission lines across the eastern corridor of

theDBIS.

Power China was awarded Lot One valued at US$256.7 million, while Kalpataru secured the remaining two lots for US$156.5 million combined. The scope of those contracts is expansive: 155 kilometresof230kVdouble-circuit transmission line, 167 kilometres of 69kV double-circuit line, five newsubstations,andtheupgradeof the existing Kingston substation. The 230kV line will interconnect with the Goedverwagting substation currently under construction as part of the gas-toenergyproject—throughtoanew substation in Williamsburg, East Berbice.

InNovember2025,GPLsigned an additional US$235 million in contracts: a US$199 million agreementwithKPILcoveringnew substations and transmission lines at Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke; Williamsburg, East Berbice; Hydronie, East Bank Essequibo; and Princes Street, Georgetown, alongside a US$35 93 million contract with China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation.

The 2026 national budget further underpins the expansion, withSeniorMinisterofFinanceDr Ashni Singh allocating $66 2

billionspecificallyfortransmission anddistributionnetworkupgrades. Those works are designed to carry power efficiently from the gas-to-energy plant at Wales through Garden of Eden, Goedverwagting,Sophia,alongthe EastCoastofDemerara,acrossthe BerbiceRiver,andasfarasNo.53 Village. GPL’s head Kesh Nandlall has explained why the scale of investment is necessary “It is no secret that Guyana has the fastestgrowingeconomyintheworld,”he said. “GPL’s role is of paramount importance in supporting the energyneedsofthecountry.”

…claims of gunpoint extortion, foreign criminals, and fatal negligence

Parliamentary Lead for A Partnership forNationalUnity (APNU) Dr Terrence Campbell has issued a formal ultimatum to the Ministry of Natural Resources, demanding unrestricted access to the MarudiMinesinSeptember

Dr Campbell’s demand follows a list of alleged crimes,cover-ups,andsafety failuresthathaveoccurredin thearea.

Thismattertracesbackto March 26, 2026, when a parliamentary delegation, comprising Dr Campbell, Sharma Solomon, Saiku Andrews, and Sherod Duncan, was physically barred from entering the mining zone by Newell Dennison, Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

Dr Campbell called the blockade illegal. “The only lawful basis for such an obstructionwouldhavebeen major ongoing roadworks,” he said noting, “There were none.”

The Rupununi Mining Association (RMA), allegedly controlled by

during a video recording

Romel McKenzie and Vivekanand Dalip, had leaned on its supposed “accident-free record since October 2024” to justify the government’s blockade That defence collapsed on April 5, 2026, when a Brazilian national was electrocutedtodeathonsite.

“Clearly,allisnotwellin terms of the safety of the people working in the Marudi Mines area,” Dr Campbell said. The fatality, he argues, is not an isolated tragedy—itistheinevitable consequenceofanoperation shieldedfromoversight. TheRMAwasstruckoff

the register by the Ministry of Labour in May 2023. It has continued operating regardless, functioning as a cooperative with apparent impunity

Video footage emerging from the interior tells a grimmerstory Dr Campbell cited recordings showing small miners being coerced at gunpoint, their equipment seized by security personnel allegedlyactingonbehalfof RMAexecutive Vivekanand Dalip.

“All small miners got bills to pay,” Dr Campbell said, “and this is what Mr Dalip do in the backdams withhissecurity—bullying people and collecting their machineswithguns.”

Dr Campbellhasalleged thatasignificantshareofthe major mining operations at Marudi are currently under the control of two Brazilian nationals who are actively wanted by law enforcement in Brazil. He also raised concerns about widespread undocumented foreign labour, rampant gold smuggling, severe environmental degradation, and the systematic destruction of interior roads

Man pleads guilty to 2023 murder of businessman

YogendraSukhdeo,amanwhocultivated a self-styled mafia persona on social media underthename“ElChapoEscobar,”pleaded guiltyonWednesdaytothebrutalmurderof 21-year-old businessman Amit Singh of Delph Street, Campbellville — a killing driven by greed and executed through deception. Sukhdeo entered his guilty plea before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Georgetown High Court. Sentencing has beenscheduledforJuly9,2026.

Singh, who was Sukhdeo’s friend, was lured to his death on October 24, 2023, throughafabricatedoffertopurchasealarge quantity of gold. The young businessman assembled $7.9 million in cash to complete the deal. Sukhdeo picked Singh up from his DelphStreetandCampbellAvenuehomeina vehicle bearing a false number plate, then drove him to his father’s property at Middle Road,LaPenitence—wherehebeathimto deathandstolethecash.

Following the murder, Sukhdeo initially told investigators that he and three

Yogendra Sukhdeo during his court appearance on Wednesday

employees had jointly robbed and killed Singh. Police tracked down the named men, but all denied involvement and provided alibisthatheldupunderscrutiny Sukhdeo later confessed to acting alone. HetoldpolicehewrappedSingh’sbodyina sheet, locked up the house, and drove to his home at Diamond, where he concealed the stolenmoney

An autopsy conducted by government pathologistDr NehaulSinghconfirmedthat Singhdiedfromblunttraumatotheheadand face, with multiple fractures recorded. The pathologist also noted blunt trauma to the neck and broncho-aspiration of blood — blood present in the nostrils and lungs. The court heard that Singh fought for his life beforesuccumbingtohisinjuries.

by heavy tankers operating duringtherainyseason.

In an official letter dated June 15, 2026, addressed to Permanent Secretary Joslyn McKenzie, Dr Campbell r e q u e s t e d f o r m a l authorisation for a tenperson multi-disciplinary team — comprising MPs, trade unionists, mining

experts, and members of the press — to enter Marudi in September The team’s mandate would include independent audits of health and safety compliance, investigation into the unlawful seizure of miners’ equipment, environmental risk assessments, and direct interviews with vulnerable workers.

The Ministry of Natural ResourceshasuntilJune30, 2026, to provide written confirmation and logistical clearance.

“Undernocircumstances shouldwebepreventedfrom entering Marudi,” he said adding “To Marudi, we will return.”

21 firms bid to design and supervise six new IDB-funded primary schools

Twenty-one consultancy firms have submitted bids to design and supervise the construction of six new primary schools spanningRegionsOne,Two,Four,Five,Six, and Ten — part of a US$90 million InterAmerican Development Bank initiative aimed at transforming educational infrastructure for some of Guyana’s most underservedcommunities.

The bids were opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board office, drawing a competitive field of local and international firms with engineering, architectural, and project managementexpertise.

The project targets six communities

where inadequate or absent facilities have long forced children to travel difficult distancestoreachthenearestclassroom:

- Parakeese Primary School* — Region One

-SuddiePrimarySchool*—RegionTwo (tobelocatedatOnderneeming)

- Cummings Lodge Primary School* — RegionFour

-ExperimentPrimarySchool*—Region Five

- Chesney Primary School* — Region Six

- Sand Hill Primary School* — Region Ten

Continued on page 20

T&T, Suriname energy chambers sign MoU

Trinidad and Tobago Guardian - The EnergyChamberofTrinidadandTobagoand the Suriname Energy Chamber signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Suriname Energy, Oil and Gas Summit (SEOGS)2026.

AccordingtothereportontheChamber’s websiteyesterday,theagreementwassigned byDr PriyaMarajh,interimexecutiveofthe EnergyChamberofTrinidadandTobago,and OrlandoOlmberg,presidentoftheSuriname EnergyChamber,ondayoneofthesummit.

Dr Marajh said, “The development of energy resources in the southern Caribbean requiresastrongprivatesectortoensurethat localbusinessescanparticipateinthesupply chain and retain value within the economy This MOU with the Suriname Energy Chamberfostersthegrowthofprivate-sector firmsinbothcountriesandpromotesthelocal content participation of our people and businesses We believe that through cooperation, we can encourage stronger investment inflows and create an environment where the private sector can capitalise on the opportunities rapidly unfoldinginourregion.”

PatrickBrunings,Suriname’sMinisterof Oil, Gas, and Environment, and board members of the Suriname Energy Chamber, ClydeGriffithandJanineJadnanansing,were present to witness the signing. The Energy Chambersaidsigningrepresentsasignificant step forward in private-sector collaboration betweenthetwonations.

The chamber explained, “Under the MOU, the two parties have agreed to cooperate on: Institutional collaboration and energy-sector development Knowledge transfer, institutional strengthening, and local-content capacity building The developmentofregionalpolicies,investment

promotion, and regional integration. Joint activities, including events, research papers, andconsultations.”

This MOU is the second such signed by the Energy Chamber in recent months. In May,asimilaragreementwassignedwiththe Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI). The Energy Chamber said that regional private-sector collaboration is vital for the continued development of the Caribbean’senergyresources.

The chamber said these regional partnerships will go a long way toward ensuring that Chamber members can work collaborativelywiththeprivatesectorintwo of the world’s most promising energy jurisdictions, while also creating new avenuestostrengthenfirmsacrosstheregion.

The SEOGS 2026 began yesterday and willrununtilFriday,June26.

Collision protection system installed at new Demerara River Bridge

The Ministry of Public Wo r k s a n n o u n c e d Wednesday that a collision protection system has been installed at the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge According to information provided by the ministry,theinstallationwas executed by the Contractor, ChinaRailwayConstruction Corporation and its partners onJune18,2026.

The ministry explained that this protection system was installed around the main tower pile caps within the Demerara River and its purpose is to protect the bridge’scriticalsubstructure from accidental vessel impact by absorbing and reducing collision forces before they reach the main tower pile caps and other supportingelements.

T

understands that since the opening of the bridge some 4,323 vessels have passed safely beneath the crossing reflecting the continued use of the Demerara River as an activenavigationcorridor

The ministry added that the collision protection system therefore plays an important role in protecting the bridge while supporting safe and orderly marine traffic.

“The completed installationformspartofthe bridge’s permanent safety and protection works It strengthens the resilience of the crossing, supports safer navigation near the main span, and contributes to the long-term operation of this majornationalinfrastructure asset,”theministryshared.

‘No

ulterior motive behind social media regulations for children’ - AG

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs

Anil Nandlall, SC, has assured the general public that there are no ulterior motives behind the planned social media regulations thatwillbeimplementedfor children, stressing that it is merelyfortheirsafety

Speaking on Tuesday night’sepisodeof‘Issuesin the News’ Nand

l explained that the initiative i s d e v o i d o f a n y disadvantage because children will still have socialmediaaccessitisjust thatitwillbemanaged.

“They will continue to have access to educational programmes but they will not have access to pornography,andwhatthey have access to will depend upon their age. The entire world is moving in this direction. The entire world. Idon’tunderstand,”hesaid.

The AG said that the opposition’s attempts to make the issue seem like a negative thing is merely them pulling at straws, noting that a part of his presentation spoke to the level of comfort felt when certain things pop up on one’sFacebookpage.

Speaking to an article recentlycarriedinthemedia

The Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge which replaces the old floating Demerara Harbour Bridgewascommissionedin October2025.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall

he said that, “the reporter writes the government is uncomfortable with what happens on Facebook I neversaidthegovernment,I said all of us.You tell me if you are pleased with every single thing that you have seen on Facebook over the past24hours.Youtellmeif youdon’tfindcertainthings offensive,butifIsaythatit becomes the government thatiswhatthesethat’swhat you got to deal with here now.”

Nandlall clarified that it wasnotacasewhereanyone wastryingtostopFacebook, becausethatcannotbedone to a global platform. It is simplyascaseof Continued on page 14

The US$262 million contract was awarded to ChinaRailwayConstruction Corporation (CRCC) and its partners, China Railway Caribbean Company Limited and China Railway Engineering Bureau Group Company Limited Construction began on December22,2022.

The Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge where the collision protection system was installed.

New$512MbaggagehandlingsystembeinginstalledatCJIA

The Cheddi Jagan InternationalAirport (CJIA) on Wednesday said a new $512,300,000 state-of-theartbaggagehandlingsystem iscurrentlybeinginstalledat the airport and will be completednextmonth. This is according to CJIA’s Chief Executive

A new $512 million baggage handling system being installed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

Officer, Mr Ramesh Ghir who noted that the major infrastructure upgrade is movingapace. According to a release

from CJIA, once fully operational, this system will vastly improve the traveler experience by allowing passengers to drop off their

checked bags directly at the airline counters, where screening will then be conducted remotely CJIA said that to support this system, new and modern baggage scanners are also being installed to ensure

operations. Commenting on the system, Ghir stated that this upgrade is a major shift in how th

cess departuresattheairport.

“Passengers will no longer be required to manually take their checked luggagetoaseparatescanner aftercheckingin,makingthe journey through our airport significantly smoother and morestress-free,”hesaid.

In addition to that, the upgrade is expected to significantly boost airline operational efficiency and injectahighlevelofintegrity into the entire check-in system. CJIA stated that to ensure maximum safety and accountability, several new cameras are being installed

Frompage13

toprovidefull,uninterrupted CCTV coverage from the moment a bag is checked until it is safely placed onto t h e a i r c r a f t L a w enforcement officers and baggage screeners will also be required to wear body cameras.

Commenting on these stringent security measures, the CEO said, “We are introducing multiple layers of accountability The integration of advanced CCTV coverage alongside body-worn cameras for our screeners and law enforcement personnel ensures total transparency, reinforces safety, and secures the integrity of our entire baggage handling operation.”

As reported before, government officials on numerous occasions said that the upgrades at the country’s main airport are strategic steps preparing Guyana to become a major aviationhub.

countries trying to regulate what happens in cyberspace and Guyanamovingtowardsthesamedirection.

He pointed out that the United Nations has already produced a model legislation which 177 countries have alreadysignedonto,soregulatingsocialmediaforchildrenis notsomethingthatisgoingtohappenitisalreadyhere.

“Howareyougoingtoregulatethisglobalplatformifyou don’thavearelationshipwiththeglobalplatform?Isaidinmy remarks that the Government of Guyana has written to Facebook;toMetaseekingtoestablishaformalinstitutional relationshipwithMeta,andthatisbeingspunnegativelythat the government is seeking to censor the government,” Nandlall lamented. He said legislations in this regard have already been passed by Europe, Australia, and half of Asia. EvenBrazilhasaverycomprehensivelegislation.

TheGeneralSecretaryofCARICOMwasalsopresentat anengagementrecentlyontheissue“andsheconfirmedthat the entire Caribbean Community is having the consultation and the conversation that we were having in relation to bringingaregulatoryframework,”headded.

“So,Iwanttoassurethelisteningpublicandtheviewing publicthatthisinitiativeuponwhichweareconsultinghasno ulterior motive. No political content and is not inspired or drivenbyanyformofdesiretocontrolorcensor Itistoaccord paramount importance and protection to the welfare of our children.Thatiswhatthisinitiativeisdesignedtoachieveto ensureparamountprotectionandadvancementofthewelfare ofourchildren,”theAGassured.

Canadian Court clears US$2.2 billion takeover of Guyana’s gold project

The Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List) has granted the final order in connection to the US$2.2B (C$3 billion) arrangement to consolidate G Mining Ventures (GMIN) and G2 GoldfieldsInc.goldprojectsinGuyana.

GMIN and G2 Goldfields are both Canadian firms that own gold projects in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). Given that the companies trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), the arrangement

was subject to shareholders and the Canadian court’sapproval.

G2’s shareholders last week approved the deal to consolidate the two adjacent gold properties, G2’s Oko-Ghanie project with GMIN’sfullypermittedandfullyfinancedOko West project. The court and the shareholders approved among other things for GMIN to acquire all of the issued and outstanding commonsharesofG2andforG2tocomplete Continued on page 22

NIS expands pension payment network from 77 to 4,800 locations

The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has dramatically expanded the ways pensioners can access their money, growing its payment network from 77 locationstomorethan4,800 in a single move — an increasethatthegovernment sayswillendthelongqueues and long journeys that have defined pension collection fordecades.

The expansion was announced at a launch ceremonythatdoubledasthe NIS Board of Directors’ 600th meeting since the scheme’s founding in September 1969, marking the milestone with what Senior Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh called “a giant step in improving the ease with which NIS pensioners can get their pensions.”

Until now, pensioners could only cash vouchers at 14NISofficesor63Guyana Post Office Corporation branches nationwide. The new partnerships add 4,779 locationsovernightwith: -MobileMoneyGuyana

(MMG) 4,672 agent locations countrywide, plus the option to receive pensions directly into an MMGmobilewallet - MoneyGram 55 locations - Bill Express — 52 locations

The effect is that pensionersacrossGuyana— inc

e

g

n communities far from NIS offices and post offices — can now access funds through neighbourhood commerce points or digital wallets without travelling long distances or waiting in lines.“Thereisabsolutelyno reasonwhytheyshouldhave to join a line and wait,” Dr Singhstated.

Allnewpaymentoptions arevoluntaryandtookeffect immediately

Alongside the physical networkexpansion,aquieter structural shift is already underway In 2020, just 11,932 pensioners received payments through direct bank lodgements. By June 2026, that figure has more than doubled to 24,415

However,39,052pensioners stillrelyonphysicalpension books.

Dr Singh urged NIS management to accelerate that transition with a plainl a n g u a g e p u b l i c communications campaign. “Please use layman’s language to explain to the pensionersouttherethatyou can get your pension paid directly into your bank account without coming to NIS,”hesaid.

ClaimsProcessing:

FromMonthstoWeeks NIS Board Chairman Ramesh Persaud used the occasion to highlight a turnaround in the scheme’s operationalperformancethat isequallysignificant.

In 2020, the NIS faced a chronicbacklogofmorethan 14,000pendingclaimsevery monthwhileprocessingonly around 5,000 — leaving the average claimant waiting two and a half to three months for a single claim to clear By 2026, monthly processing capacity has surged past 22,000 claims, cutting the outstanding

backlog to under 3,000 and reducing the average turnaround time to one to twoweeks.

“Ten years ago, the complaints were a lot more than the complaints are today,”Persaudsaid.“Tosee claims processing move fromanaverageoftwoanda halfmonthstotwoweeks—

improvement.”

Persaud also confirmed that the NIS has recorded

surpluses over the past five years, which are being reinvested to protect the

viability

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh addressing the NIS management team, board members and service providers on Wednesday.

The reforms come as the NIS contributor base expands rapidly alongside Guyana’s broader economic growth. Since 2020, nearly 70,000 new employed contributors have registered — a 38 percent increase — while the pool of registered self-employed contributors hasgrownbycloseto9,000, more than doubling its

previoussize.

Both Dr. Singh and Chairman Persaud closed with a reminder directed at youngerworkers:donotwait until age 59 to review your contributionrecord.Request contribution statements regularly online and resolve anydiscrepanciesearly,they urged, while there is still timetocorrectthem.

Courtordersgovt.topayoutstandingIDPADA-Gsubvention

TheGovernmentof Guyana has been orderedtopaythe outstanding subvention to the International Decade for People of African Descent A s s e m b l y – G u y a n a (IDPADA-G).

The ruling was made by Chancellor (Ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire, who heard the case as Chief Justice.

The organisation in a statement, said the court ruled that government acted improperly in abruptly terminating funding to IDPADA-G.

The judge ordered that the organisation be paid the subventions due for the remainingmonthsof2022.

Delivering her decision,

acknow

d the considerable delay in the issuanceofthejudgmentand offered an apology to the parties.

IDPADA-G noted that therulingbringsclosuretoa matter that has been of significant concern Paymentoftheremainderof the 2022 subvention essentially represents outstanding debts to its

employees, grantees, and serviceproviders.

“We therefore look forwardtothegovernment

y implementing the court’s ruling, thereby enabling IDPADA-G to fulfil its outstanding commitments and bring relief to the i n d i v i d u a l s a n d communities that have borne significant hardship as a consequence of the discontinuation of the subvention,” IDPADA-G said.

The organisation also

saiditremainssteadfastinits mission to advance the objectives of the United

Nations International Decade for People of African Descent and to promote the social, cultural, economic, and developmental interests of people of African descent in Guyana Despite significant challenges, IDPADA-G said it remains

n s t r u c t i v e engagement in the nationalinterest.

I D P A D A - G expressed gratitude to its legal team, supporters, partner organisations, and

the many individuals who demonstrated confidence in the organisation’s cause and principles throughout these proceedings.

“AsGuyanacontinuesits journey toward greater inclusion, equity, and national development, IDPADA-G hopes that this matter serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting democratic institutions, safeguarding civil society, and ensuring that all citizens and organizations are treated fairly under the law,” it furtherstated.

21 firms bid to design...

Frompage12

TheParakeesefacilityisdesignedtoserve200childrenfrom the mainland and surrounding islands, eliminating the gruelling daily commutes by road and boat that students currentlymaketoreachKamwattaPrimarySchool.

“By bringing high-quality facilities directly to the community, the ministry is decentralising educational resources to ensure that geography never dictates a child’s potential,”theMinistryofEducationstatedinApril.

Thebiddersareasfollows:

1.E&AConsultantsInc

2.AIArchitects

3.IvorAllen

4.MEPEngineeringServices

5.FieldingInternational

6.G.HLambert&Associates

7.WelchMorris+AssociatedLimited

8.Engineering&ManagementConsultancyGroupInc

9.AdeptProfessionalsInc

10.SizweJacksonConsultancyService

11.CEManagement&ServicesLimited(CEMAS)

12. Caribbean Engineering & Management Consultants Inc

13.BEDDGroupLLC

14.DemeraraEngineeringPLLC

15.DesotoWorks+DesignsLimited

16.BRWArchitects+ProjectManagers

17.SiektekInc

18.KalitechInc

19.KS&PLimited

20.EducationDesignInternational(EDI)

21. Polaris Engineering & Sustainable Energy & Energy EfficiencySolutionsInc(SEEES)

22.InnovativeEngineeringConsultancyServices

23.GREngineeringCompanyInc

24.C.B&AssociatesInc

25.2ME&CEngineering&Consulting

26.QA/QCEngineering

27.BestonConsultingInc

28.KaieteurConsultingInc

The schools form part of the IDB-financed Support for EducationRecoveryandTransformationproject,approvedin 2023. The Ministry of Education stated that the financing is intended to expand access to safe and improved learning environments and enhance educational services for vulnerablestudentsnationwide.

Community engagement has already begun in several regions.InMay,theRegionalDemocraticCouncilofRegion Five convened a stakeholder consultation at Experiment, whereresidentswerebriefedontheproposedschool’sdesign, environmental considerations, and anticipated community impact.TheRDCemphasisedthattheprocesswasdesignedto ensure “residents and stakeholders are actively involved” at everystageofdevelopment.

Region Two’s Regional Administration similarly held public consultations inApril with Suddie-area residents and stakeholders, laying the groundwork for community buy-in aheadofconstruction.

With bids now in hand, the NPTAB will evaluate submissionsbeforeaconsultancyfirmisselectedtoleadthe design and supervision process. Construction timelines have notyetbeenpubliclyconfirmed.

Copconfessesto killingCubanwoman

The body of Dailen Paneque Gómez was found in a clump of bushes.

A police constable has confessed to the murder of 26year-old Cuban national Dailen Paneque Gómez,

decomposedbodywasdiscovered in a clump of bushes on the East CoastofDemeraraonWednesday evening — six days after she was reportedmissingwhileonherway towork.

Paneque Gómez, a resident of MonRepos,EastCoastDemerara, was last seen during the early morning hours of Thursday, June 18,2026,assheleftforworkinthe Lusignanarea.Whenshefailedto arrive, she was reported missing, triggering an investigation by detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters.

Her body was recovered at approximately 19:50 hours, in a decomposed state. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) immediately classified the matter as a murder investigation.

Crime Chief and Deputy Commissioner of Police Wendell Blanhum told Kaieteur News that the police constable was arrested and confessed to killing the woman.

“Thepolicemanconfessedthat heshotthevictim,”Blanhumsaid.

Kaieteur News understands thattheconstableandthedeceased shared an intimate relationship priortoherdisappearance.

Government’s no-show stall long-awaited PAC resumption

...Pandayslams‘compromisedgovernance’amid6-yearauditbacklog

Lessthantwoweeksafterits long-overdue formation, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)hasbeenstoppeddeadin its tracks due to the unavailability of government members.

PAC Chairman Vishnu Panday confirmed this week that every single hearing

scheduled since the committee’sinceptionhasbeen cancelled.

The reason, each time, was the same: Gove

nt members are unavailable. Four meeting dates — Monday June 22, Tues

e 23, WednesdayJune24,andFriday June 26 — were proposed. “The Government members’ reluctance to respond positively tells us that theaffairsofpropergovernanceare compromised,”Pandaywarnedina statementissuedWednesday

Following the 2025 general elections, the nine-member parliamentary watchdog took nine monthstoformallyconstituteitself, finally electing its members on Monday, June 15, 2026, with Panday — drawn from the main opposition—selectedtochairit.

The committee requires a minimumquorumoffivemembers to conduct business: two from the government and three from the combinedopposition.

The Clerk’s repeated attempts to convene an inaugural session have been met each time with

telephone notifications of unavailabilityfromthegovernment benches Parliamentary records from the previous term between 2021 and 2025 show that 25 of 51 scheduled PAC meetings were cancelled due to government membersbeingunavailable.

The consequences of this gridlock extend far beyond parliamentaryprocedure.ThePAC carries a constitutional mandate to scrutinise the Auditor General’s Annual Reports, ensuring that public funds are spent as Parliament authorised and that wasteandextravaganceareheldto account.

The committee has only completed its examination of financialrecordsthrough2018.Six full fiscal years — 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 —

remainentirelyunscrutinised. Given that the committee’s meetingfrequencyallowsitto clear only one fiscal year per calendar year, the backlog will not be resolved until 2031.

By that point, an entirely new six-year backlog will haveformedbehindit.

Panday connected the committee’s dysfunction to a broaderpublicmatterthathas

corruption allegations across multiple state ministries

“This attitude surely gives rise to suspicion, since the publiccriesoutfrequentlyon corruption by government officials,”hesaid.

The contradiction he identified is sharp noting that an administration that publicly

parency, accountability, and prudent financial management is the same administration whose elected representatives will not attend the one committee constitutionally empoweredtoverifythoseclaims.

“I am callingon them to attend all business meetings by fulfilling their obligations to the citizens of this country, who are their paymasters, so that the public affairsofthiscountrycanbecarried out with efficiency and transparency,”Pandaysaid. The next scheduled meeting datehasnotyetbeenconfirmed.

MorestrandedoiltankersexitHormuz,addingtoglobalsupply

(Reuters) - Three stranded tankers carrying 5 million barrels of crude oil were exiting the Strait of HormuzonWednesday,with two heading to Asia, shippingdata​showed,asthe interim deal between Iran and the U.S. unlocks more supply stuck the Gulf, bringingdownglobalprices.

South Korean-flagged VL Breeze, a Very Large Crude Carrier carrying 2 million barrels of Qatari condensate and Abu Dhabi crude,passedthestraitandis headingtoDaesan,datafrom LSEG and Kpler ​showed. Thesupertankerischartered by South Korean refiner HyundaiOilbank.

VLCC Plata Carrier, chartered​byIndianOilCorp (IOC.NS), opens new tab, is headingoutofthestraitwith 2 million ⁠barrels of Saudi crude, alongside Suezmax tanker Prudent Warrior, which is heading for Sohar, Oman,with​1millionbarrels of Iraqi Basrah crude, the

data showed Both are sailing under the Liberian flag.Hyundai ​Oilbank and IOC could not be immediately reached for comment.Kpler and Vortexa analysts estimated last week that close to 90 million barrels of crude were stuck insidetheGulf.

South Korea's maritime ministry said on Wednesday

thatfourvesselsoperatedby ​South Korean shippers had exited the strait and were sailing to their destinations, one to South ​Korea and the otherstothirdcountries.

Eighteen of the 26 vessels that had been stranded since the start of ⁠Middle East conflict remain intheGulf,theministrysaid. It was not immediately

clearwhethertheshipswere sailing along the temporary maritime corridors establishedbyOmanandthe International Maritime Organization to help ships leavetheareasafely

Omansaiditwouldkeep theStraitofHormuzopento shipping without ​imposing any tolls, having ​designated two temporary routes ⁠north

and south of the existing shippinglanetofacilitatethe safe passage of vessels departingtheregion.

Two empty liquefied natural gas tankers Shandong Redwood and Milaha Qatar — were the latest to be seen west of the ​strait to load ⁠cargoes from Qatar,shippingdatashowed. This brings the known

empty LNG ships transiting through the strait to load at Qatar to nine, the largest numbersincethewarbegan.

Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani ⁠said ​the Gulf state would resume normal LNG production within a few ​weeks, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday

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Canadian Court clears US$2.2 billion...

From page 18 the spin-out of a new company, G3 Goldfields Inc. –which will hold G2’s remaining properties not included in the acquisition.

Subject to obtaining all re-

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quired approvals and the satisfaction or waiver of all required conditions, the arrangement is expected to closeinJuly2026.Following closingofthearrangement,G2 shares are expected to be delistedfromtheTSX.G2isalso expected to apply to cease to be a reporting issuer under applicableCanadiansecurities laws.

Thearrangementwasfirst announced in April 2026. GMIN’s President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Louis-Pierre Gignac had noted that acquiring G2 enhances the GMIN’s position inGuyana.

The acquisition enables planned production at Oko West to increase the mine’s annual production from

350,000toreachapproximately 500,000 ounces of gold per yearoveraminimumminelife of15years.Byitself,theOko West project is expected to produce about 350,000 ounces of gold annually over a 12.3-year mine life. Meanwhile, according to G2, its Oko-Ghanie gold project average annual output is expected to reach 281,000 ounces annually during the mine’speakyears-withatotal production of approximately 3.2millionouncesofgoldover thelifeofmine.

The arrangement to consolidatetheprojectswillbring the Combined Measured & Indicated Mineral Resources of 7.0 million ounces and Inferred Mineral Resources of 2.3 million ounces. The deal

willalsoexpandGMIN’sfootprintinGuyanaby293square kilometers (km²), creating a combined contiguous land packageofover362km². Duringarecentpressconference, President Irfaan Ali was asked whether the growingtrendofforeignfirms‘flipping’large-scaleminingassets in Guyana is a concern to his administration, and whether governmentbelievesstronger policies are needed to ensure the country benefits directly from those transactions. For his part,Ali has defended the transfer and sale of Guyana’s mineralpropertiesamongforeignminingcompanies,arguing that such transactions are part of the global mining industry and not unique to Guyana.

Thousands feared dead as back-toback earthquakes rock Venezuela

...SEVERAL HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS COLLAPSED

High casualties and extensive damage are feared, with the US Geological Survey (USGS) saying thereisa44%chancethedeathtoll from the back-to-back earthquakes inVenezuelacouldsurpass10,000.

BBC News has reported that Venezuela'sactingPresidentDelcy Rodríguez declares a state of emergency after the two major earthquakes shook the capital Caracasjustsecondsapart-thefirst amagnitude7.2andthesecond7.5.

Buildings have collapsed as residentspouredoutintothestreets, and the interior minister has asked peopletoleavetheirhomes.

"Assoonasitstarted,webegan hearing people screaming," said Astrid Ramirez, a 41-year-old publicist in western Caracas, Reuters reported. "Everyone was runningdownthestairs."

Residents across Caracas, which was also hit by a deadly magnitude 6.3 earthquake in 1967, rushed to evacuate as buildings shook. "There was a very loud crash.Thingsfellinthehouse,jugs inside the refrigerator I've never experienced anything like it," said Coro Martinez, 56, who lives in easternCaracas.

Maria Romero, an 80-year-old pensionerinsouthernCaracas,said police helped her get out of her home "This earthquake was horrible,evenworsethantheonein 1967," she said. Venezuela was celebrating a national holiday and many people would have been at home when the quakes struck at 18:04localtime(23:04BST)

The quakes hit an area west of Caracas, and could be felt

throughout the country and as far awayasBogota,Colombia USGSestimatesdeath tollcouldtop10,000

Meanwhile, the USGS said "high casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread " "Makinganinitialestimatethatthe death toll could range from 10,000 to100,000."

Authoritiesdidnotimmediately provideanationaltollfordeathsor injuries, but local officials and witnesses reported collapsed buildings, rescues and a growing numberofinjured.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1 and its epicenter was west of the community of Morón,locatedalongthecountry’s Caribbean coast, about 168 kilometers (104 miles) west of Caracas.The quake had a depth of 22kilometers.

The USGS reported an even larger 7.5-magnitude earthquake just a minute later The second quakehadadepthof10kilometers anditsepicenterwas16kilometers (10miles)southwestofMorón.

The quakes are among the strongest to strike Venezuela in morethanacentury

The earthquakes struck shortly after 6 p.m. local time. People evacuated swaying buildings in Caracas and remained outside, many visibly shocked as they saw entire walls that had collapsed, making furniture visible from the street. Dust columns could also be seen in two neighborhoods of the capital,whererestaurantsandother businesses are typically busy

Peopleremainedonthestreetsafter sunset. Some sat on the ground huggingtheirpetsasdustgathered aroundthem.

“It started off gently and then gradually grew, and in the end, we all had to leave our houses, go outside and gather together,” CaracasresidentHectorRiccisaid.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabellosaidthequakecouldbefelt in several states. The Altamira neighborhood in Caracas had “alarming situations” with collapsed homes and buildings, he said, suggesting people were injured in the earthquake and asking motorists to give way to ambulances and other emergency vehicles.

“We understand that some

peoplemaybedesperate,butweare acting according to protocols to activate aid and rescue efforts to help those who need it most,” Cabello said on state television.

“Be very careful with children and the elderly; call each other and check that no one has been harmed.” He also urged people to remainoutsideasaftershockscould furtherdamagesomestructures.

“The building really shook fromsidetoside.Unreal.Theforce was incredibly strong,” Caracas resident Roberto Gamas said. “We werewalkinganditwastossingus around Everything in the apartmentfell.Well,thankGodwe were able to get out.” The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami alert for Virgin

Islands Authorities in the Dominican Republic also issued onefortheisland.Anotheralertfor PuertoRicowasquicklylifted.

Strongearthquakes areunusualinVenezuela. While the country sits near multiple fault lines, its position straddling the SouthAmerican and Caribbean plates makes earthquakes much less common than in other parts of Latin America.

Along the Pacific coast — in Mexico and Chile, for example earthquakes are frequent; the two countries sit along the seismically active tectonic belt known as the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” responsible for 90% of earthquakes, according totheUSGS.

Venezuela Declares State of Emergency

Venezuela's Interim President, Delcy Rodriguez, has declared a nationwide state of emergency after two powerful earthquakes struck in rapid succession, devastating Caracas andseveralothercitiesacrossthe country

Thousands are feared dead after multiplehigh-rise buildings collapsed, trapping scores of residents beneath the rubble and triggering a massive search-andrescueeffort.

In a national address, Rodriguezannouncedtheclosure ofschoolsfortheremainderofthe week and said all public and private healthcare facilities have been placed on emergency footing to treat the growing number of injured,particularlyinthehardesthitareas.

She extended condolences to

familiesaffectedbythedisasterand appealedforpubliccooperation.

"De igual manera queremos pedir la mayor colaboración de la población" ("Similarly, we want to ask for the greatest cooperation

fromthepopulation"),shesaid.

The interim president urged residents to immediately evacuate buildings that suffered structural damage and warned against returning until safety assessments

arecompleted.

Rodriguez said teams are currently conducting evaluations of the widespread destruction to critical infrastructure and residentialbuildings.

"Pedimos calma a nuestra población,pedimosunidad"("We ask our people for calm and unity"),shestated.

She assured citizens that government agencies and military personnel are being deployed to affected areas to assist with rescue operations, emergency relief and recovery efforts.

Rodriguez also thanked several countries that have pledged support and expressed solidarity with Venezuela, including the United States, Panama, Qatar, Turkey, Cuba, Nicaragua, Jordan, Curaçao, Barbados, Colombia, the United

Kingdom,BrazilandMexico.

She further called on doctors, nurses and other medical professionals to report to emergencycentresandhospitalsas casualties continue to pour into healthcarefacilitiesnationwide.

Venezuelawasrockedbybackto-back earthquakes late Wednesday, with the first measuring 7.2 in magnitude near San Felipe, approximately 284 kilometres west of Caracas. It was followed moments later by a stronger 7.5 magnitude quake near Yumare,about293kilometreswest of the capital, according to the US GeologicalSurvey

The twin earthquakes levelled buildings, crippled infrastructure andsparkedfearsthatthedeathtoll could rise dramatically as rescue crews race to reach survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures.

Woman jailed 11 years for setting ex-boyfriend ablaze

A 26-year-old woman has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for settingherex-boyfriendonfireduringa dispute over a missing wallet, an act that left him hospitalised for weeks beforehediedfromhisinjuries.

Melissa David appeared before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Georgetown High Court on Wednesday, where the sentence was handeddown.Davidhadpleadedguilty inApriltomanslaughter,afteraninitial murderchargewasreducedtothelesser count.David and her victim, 31-yearoldEdmondMoses,sharedachildand had previously been in a relationship. Thoughseparated,thetwocontinuedto live in adjacent apartments within the same building on New Market Street, Georgetown.

On May 22, 2024, Moses raised an alarm after discovering his wallet was missing, claiming it had contained $18,000 David returned the wallet empty When Moses pressed her about the missing money and accused her of attempting to steal it, a heated argument eruptedintoaphysicalconfrontation.

During the struggle, David doused Moses with thinners and set him alight.

MoseswasrushedtotheGeorgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he received treatment for his burns. He

succumbed to his injuries on July 11, 2024,nearlysevenweeksaftertheattack. David was charged with murder following his death. The charge was subsequentlyreducedtomanslaughter,to whichsheenteredaguiltypleainApril.

Kingston hosts successful 15th Caribbean Urban Forum, advancing the region's resilience agenda

(Jamaica Observer) One hundred and seventy participants from across the Caribbean and beyond gathered in Kingston for the 15th Annual Caribbean Urban Forum (CUF 2026), featuring robust dialogue, knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation focused on building stronger and more resilient Caribbeancommunities.

The forum which was held under the theme “On the Frontlines: Rethinking Resilience and Recovery in the Caribbean”, was hosted by the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech), the JamaicaInstituteofPlanners(JIP), Island City Lab, and blueSpace Caribbean.

According to a KSAMC press release on Wednesday, the event brought together urban planners, municipal leaders, policymakers, academics, development partners, private sector representatives, students, and community stakeholderstoexaminethecritical issues shaping the future of Caribbeancitiesandcommunities.

Thethree-dayforumopenedon June 17 at the Courtleigh Auditorium with a ceremony featuring cultural performances and addresses from regional and international leaders in urban development, governance and resilienceplanning.

Among the featured speakers were Minister with responsibility for Works, Robert Nesta Morgan; MinisterofLocalGovernmentand Community Development,

DesmondMcKenzie;Leaderofthe Opposition, Mark Golding; Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby; Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Dr Carla Natalie Barnett; and Anacláudia Rossbach, executive director of United Nationa (UN) Habitat.

Mayor Swaby in his remarks challenged Caribbean leaders, planners, policymakers, and practitioners to move beyond discussion and toward implementation. He urged each participating city and organisation tocommittoatleastoneadaptation or resilience measure within the next six months, emphasising that the success of the forum would ultimatelybemeasuredbyaction.

“What Caribbean cities need now is action on a timetable,” Swaby said. “The challenges we faceareurgentandinterconnected. We must leave this forum committed to delivering practical solutions that strengthen our communities, protect our people andbuildresilienceforgenerations tocome.”

Throughout the conference, participants explored a wide range of issues through keynote presentations, technical sessions, workshops, panel discussions, poster presentations, networking events, and field experiences Discussions focused on social infrastructure, protective infrastructure,housing,shelterand settlements, disaster planning and recovery, climate adaptation, community resilience, urban governance, sustainable mobility,

and reimagining development futures for Caribbean small island developingstates(SIDS).

Presenters shared research findings,casestudiesandpractical solutions from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Puerto Rico, Haiti,SaintMartin,theDominican Republic, and other jurisdictions, highlighting both the shared vulnerabilities and unique opportunities facing Caribbean territories Several sessions examined lessons emerging from HurricaneMelissaandotherrecent disasters, emphasising the importance of strengthening social infrastructure, improving housing resilience, investing in naturebasedsolutions,enhancingdisaster preparedness systems, and promoting community-led recoveryapproaches.

The forum also featured interactive workshops led by regional and international experts, including sessions on disaster

mapping, digital planning tools, sustainable transport, climate adaptation, community mapping, watershed management, and resilient housing Participants engaged in field visits showcasing innovative resilience initiatives in Kingston, Port Royal and Bluefields,Westmoreland.

AmajorhighlightofCUF2026 was the strong participation of development partners, including the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), UN-Habitat, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and Caricom, all of which reinforced the importance of regional collaboration in addressing urban and climate challenges The conference also showcased emerging research through poster presentations and provided a platform for students, young profe

nals and experienced practitioners to share innovativeideasandsolutions. Speakingonbehalfofthelocal

organising committee, conference leaders noted that resilience is no longer simply about recovering from disasters but about transforming the systems, institutions and infrastructure that support Caribbean communities. The discussions throughout the forum reinforced the need for proactive planning, stronger g

investment in people-centred solutions As delegates departed Kingston, a clear consensus emerged:Caribbeanresiliencewill require bold leadership, stronger partnerships, innovative thinking, and a collective commitment to translating plans into measurable action.

OrganisershailedCUF2026as a

ging that strengthenedregionalpartnerships, advanced critical conversations on resilience and recovery, and reaffirmed the Caribbean Urban Forum'sroleastheregion'spremier platform for urban dialogue and action.

The conference culminated in

on Declaration of June 19, 2026, an instrument which committed to deepening the partnerships across the region to address urban governance,disasterpreparedness, climate resilience & other socioeconomicchallengesfacingSIDS. The organisers extend sincere appreciation to all speakers, presenters, sponsors, partners, volunteers, and participants whose contributions helped make CUF 2026aresoundingsuccess.

Munoz strike sends Colombia into World Cup Round of 32

GUADALAJARA, (Reuters)-DanielMunoz fired Colombia into the WorldCupRoundof32on Tuesday,sealinga1-0​win over DR Congo in Group K after goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi had threatened to turn the match a night of frustration.

Munoz struck the winnerfromtherightside of the penalty area in the 76th minute, finally beating Mpasi who had repeatedly denied Colombiawithaninspired performance.

C

opened their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, commanded possession and created numerous chances.James Rodriguez, makinghis10thWorldCup appearance to equal the Colombian ​record jointly heldbyFreddyRinconand Carlos Valderrama, forced Mpasi into action with ⁠a powerful strike in the 11th minute.

The goalkeeper stood firm, repelling efforts from JhonAriasandwingerLuis Diaz, ​who came close to breaking the deadlock in

Thursday June 25, 2026

ARIES (Mar 21–Apr 19

Today there might be tension in the air with no discernible cause,Aries.Familymembers could seem preoccupied with problems they can't quite define.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You could get some mysterious phone calls today, Taurus,likewrongnumbersor hang-ups. Other people might seemlesscommunicativethan usual.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Confusion over money matters might come up for you today, Gemini You may need to check your records in order to shed lightonsomepasttransactions Don'tpanic Allshouldbewell

CANCER(June21–July22)

Someone close to you might seem more preoccupied than usual, Cancer, and perhaps a bitdifficulttodealwith.Don't takethispersonally Ithaslittle ifanythingtodowithyou.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Today you might be feeling a bit tense, Leo, and you probably won't understand why The secret? It's the planets. You might tend to jump at unexpected noises or take offense where none is intended.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

You probably aren't going to feel much like socializing today, Virgo, though friends might contact you Your patience has worn a bit thin and you could get annoyed at incidents that normally wouldn'tbotheryou.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Uptightisthewordfortoday, Libra. At some point you might find yourself the center of attention. While you normally might not mind,nowitcouldmakeyou abitnervous.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)

You're likely to want to be left alone with your own thoughts today Relaxing withagoodbookmightbeat the top of your agenda, Scorpio,andyouaren'tliable towanttobeinterrupted.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Worries over money could have you edgier than usual, Sagittarius Whileyoumaybe doingwell,youstillcouldbe insecureandthinkyourfunds mightnotstretchfarenough

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Youprobablycravesolitude, Capricorn. Even though you may have committed to doingsomethingforafriend orrelative,nowyoufindthe ideairritating.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Although you're normally a sociable person who feels most comfortable in the company of others, today youmightratherbealone.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

You tend to enjoy solitude, Pisces, and today you might feel more reclusive than usual.Youcouldbeinvitedto spend time with friends but notfeellikeaccepting.

the18thminute,controlling a chipped pass inside the penalty area, turning smartly, and firing a shot goalwards, only for Mpasi tosavewithhisfoot.

The African side, buoyedbytheiropening11 draw with Portugal, threatened sporadically through Edo Kayembe, CedricBakambuandYoane Wissa but lacked a clinical finish.

By halftime, Colombia had registered ​15 shots, includingsixontarget,with nine of their 10 outfield playersattemptingefforts.

In the stands, DR ​Congo had support from M i c h e l N k u k a Mboladinga, the team's famous "living statue" fan, who made his World Cup debut after missing the opener⁠Portugalbecauseof Ebola quarantine requirements.

Colombia resumed on the front foot after the break,Diazforcinganother finesavefromMpasiinthe 51st minute before Arias draggedthereboundwide.

Wissa almost snatched the lead for DR Congo in the 73rd minute when his shot from Simon Banza's assist was blocked, but Colombia struck shortly afterthroughMunoz.

"Just ​because I scored the ​goal doesn't mean I'm the hero I belong to everyone; we're all in this together We secured the three points as a team, as Colombia; here, we're one family," Munoz told ColombianTV

Diaz ​later thought he had doubled the advantage with a finish into the top corner,​onlyforthe⁠effortto

Colombia's Jhon Lucumi and Camilo Vargas in action against the DR Congo. (REUTERS/Raquel Cunha)

beruledoutforoffside.

"Against a team like that, you have to find the spacesbetweenthelines;if you play too predictably, they press you and hit you on the counter-attack,"

Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzosaid.

Uzbekistan 5-0 earlier on T

remained on one point and will need ​a result against Uzbekistan to keep their qualificationhopesalive.

Colombia moved ⁠to ​six points from two matches and guaranteed their progress to the knockout ​stage ahead of their final

Wyatt-Hodge, bowlers fire England into the semis

ESPNcricinfo - England becamethefirstteamtoreach theWomen'sT20WorldCup 2026 semi-finals with a 38run victory over West Indies built on a gutsy half-century from Danni Wyatt-Hodge in challengingconditions.

Onascorchingeveningat Lord's, where temperatures hit 34 degrees Celsius just beforethetoss,Wyatt-Hodge

scored a 42-ball 65 and was well supported by Heather Knight's43off26deliveries.

In their defence, England's bowlers tied West Indies down, with spinners

Charlie Dean, Sophie EcclestoneandLinseySmith sharingfourwicketsbetween them.

ForWestIndies,Chinelle Henry and Jahzara Claxton resisted stubbornly in a 63runstandforthefifthwicket, with Henry remaining unbeatenon51.

controversy when Hayley Matthews, West Indies' captain and key player, was given out caught behind for 14 on an England review with one camera angle showing

nt mismatchbetweenthevision andUltraEdge. ThatpromptedMatthews to argue her case animatedly

with the umpires on and off the field. While her efforts, andthoseofherteam,werein vain, her side remains in contentionfortheknockouts.

Scores: England 186 for 7 (Wyatt-Hodge 64, Knight 43, Munisar 2-42) beat West Indies 148 for 5 (Henry 51*, Dean 2-31, Bell 1-20) by 38 runs.

NSC CARICOM Domino Bonanza

The National Sports Commission (NSC) CARICOM Domino BonanzaPartIVMinister'sCupis slated for July 5th at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue in Georgetown.

The tournament will run for two consecutive days at the same facility with action commencing at 4pm on Sunday and thenonMonday(Holiday)from4:30pm.

The champion team is set to collect $400,000 and the Minister's trophy along with nine medals while the runners-up side takinghome$250,000andatrophyandalso ninemedals.

Third-place team will also be awarded with$125,000,theDirectorofSports'trophy andsimilarnumberofmedals.

Inadditiontothoseprizesabove,thebestdressedmaleteamwillbereceiving$25,000 and1packofdominoesandsimilarprizefor thebestfemalesideaswell.

Meanwhile, the Honourable Minister of

West Indies and Sri Lanka set to battle for the Sobers-Tissera Trophy in Antigua

ST JOHN'S, Antigua –

There is a sense of

anticipation surrounding the West Indies Senior Men's team as they prepare for two homeTestseriesthissummer against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, with each series being played in Antigua and Trinidad,respectively

BothformpartoftheICC World Test Championship and the Men in Maroon are eager to secure crucial victoriesonhomesoilbefore concluding the current cycle with an away series against Bangladesh in November 2026.

The West Indies will welcome Sri Lanka to familiar territory, with both the venue and history favouring the home side, as the West Indies have only recorded two defeats in 13 TestmatchesattheSirVivian RichardsStadium.

The Caribbean side also boastsastrongrecordagainst Sri Lanka on home soil, havingremainedunbeatenin Testseriesagainstthevisitors

since their inaugural tour of theregionin1997.TheWest Indies have successfully defended that record across the five series contested in theCaribbeansincethen.

Ofthosefiveencounters, the West Indies have emerged victorious twice, while the remaining three series have ended in draws, including the teams' most recentmeetingin2021.

Preserving the unbeaten record is also a key motivational factor for head coachDarenSammy “I think we've trained specifically to prepare ourselves for the conditions wemayface.Youknow,what we expect here in Antigua andwhatwemustdoinorder tomatchtheSriLankanskill setandgetthebetterofthem.

“We'velookedatthesurface, and we have a fair idea of howit'sgoingtoplay Allour preparationhasbeentailored towards that,” Sammy revealed.

Amajorfactorbehindthe hosts' confidence will be the

returnoffastbowlersAlzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph who missed tours to India and New Zealand in 2025. The pace attack has become one of the West Indies' greatest strengths at home, producing outstanding figures since the start of 2024.

During that period, a bowling average of 23.13 is the best by any full member nation on home soil. They will also take the field at a venue that has historically rewarded their fast bowlers.

KemarRoachhasclaimed54 wickets there at an exceptionalaverageof17.07, while Alzarri Joseph has taken 24 wickets at 24.95 at hishomevenue.

The match could also mark a significant milestone for Roach The veteran seamerenterstheserieswith 294 Test wickets and stands justsixawayfrombecoming only the fifth West Indian bowler to reach the coveted 300-wicket mark in Test cricket.

The series could also prove memorable for Jayden Seales, who enters the contest just five wickets shy of the 100-wicket milestone in Test cricket. The 23-yearoldhasclaimed95wicketsin only 26 Tests and is within striking distance of joining anelitegroupoffastbowlers to reach the landmark at a remarkablepace.

IfSealescansecurethose five wickets within the next 212 deliveries he bowls, he would surpass Mohammad Asif among the fastest bowlers to 100 Test wickets intermsofballsbowled.Asif reached the milestone in 4,542 deliveries; a mark Seales now has firmly in his sights.

Among West Indians, only Ian Bishop currently featuresinthetoptenonthat list, giving Seales the opportunity to join distinguished company whileaddinganotherchapter tohispromisingcareer Seales' franchise captain Joshua Da Silva who has

earned a recall squad and whowillbethewicketkeeper fortheseries,isexcitedatthe prospectsforbothSealesand Roach.

“The senior pro (Kemar Roach) is the senior pro. We know what Kemar has done, what he's capable of doing andwhathecontinuestodo,” Da Silva said. He further added “I'll be really excited for him to see him cross that milestone.

The energy and the grit anddetermination,thebanter that he has on the field, it's relentless and it just shows whyheisthecricketerthathe is.”

There have been marked improvements in the team's batting fortunes in the ongoing cycle with the battersscoringfivecenturies in eight matches in comparison to only two scored in the previous thirteen for the 2023-2025 cycle.

“Over the last year we haveputinalotofworkwith thebattersontheirindividual plans, and as a group and coaching staff we have pinpointed areas which needed to be improved on. Areas of strength we have sought to enhance, and we continue to see a better attitude towards batting and battingforlongperiods.”

ThebattlefortheSobersTissera Trophy gets underway at 10 a.m. local time today, Thursday, with schoolchildren from across Antigua set to be part of the occasion.

In partnership with Cricket West Indies and the Ministry of Education and Creative Industries, the first two days of the match have been designated as student engagementdays.

Day one will welcome primary school students, while day two has been reserved for secondary schoolstudents.

Batting coach Floyd Reifer says there has been a distinct change in approach towards batting from the players.

Scotland's World Cup hopes on the brink after 3-0 defeat to Brazil -

BBC Sport - Scotland's hopes ofreachingtheknockoutstagesof theWorldCupforthefirsttimeare insignificantperilaftercalamitous defendingallowedBraziltosweep themaside3-0inMiamiandfinish topofGroupC.

Steve Clarke's side knew they could all-but confirm a historic passage out of the group stages with a point against the record tournamentwinners.

Before the game, the statisticians said a record of three points and a minus three goal difference would give a team around a 50% chance of claiming one of the eight best third-place teamspotsinthelast32.

ButtheScotsfaceanagonising wait until potentially as late as Sundaymorningtoknowtheirfate as the rest of the groups play their finalgames.

Shouldtheymissout,theywill rue being masters of their own downfallyetagain.

ScottMcKenna-inforhisfirst startofthefinals-hesitatedonthe ball and was robbed by Bournemouth teenager Rayan. He teed-up Vinicius Jr to one of the game's most potent strikers gratefullyacceptedthegift.

The Real Madrid forward –

who has scored in every group game – thought he had his second when he pick-pocketed Jack Hendry and rolled beyond Angus Gunn.

VAR bailed the Scots out - the officialsdecidingthedefenderhad been tripped - when they couldn't helpthemselves.

Carlo Ancelotti was not a happy man, but his talisman soon had his second, nodding in at the back-post after the feeble Scots failedtoclearinfirst-halfstoppage time.

Vinicius Jr could have had a hat-trick. Brazil could have had five.

AndyetScotlandwillhavefelt abitsoregoinginatthebreaktwo goalsdownastheylookedthebest they have this tournament in possessionandonthefrontfoot.

Perhaps that's saying something,though.

Without captain Andy Robertson - who was ripped by Rayan,yetsavedbyGunn-inthe secondhalf,theScotsagainstarted brightly But Brazil were toying withthem.

Two soft penalty claims and a Scott McTominay header arrowed atAlisson were forgotten of when Newcastle midfielder Bruno

Morocco beat Haiti 4-2 to progress as runners-up

Jnr is there to just nod in a

Guimaraes dispossessed Kenny McLean, setting up Matheus Cunhatosmashhome.

Scotland now face an anxious wait if they are one of the besteight third-place finishers as they look to reach the last 32 despite only defeating Haiti on matchday one. Meanwhile, Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine scored late

goals for Morocco to deny Haiti theirfirst-everWorldCuppointin Atlanta.

Morocco pegged the Caribbean nation back twicethanks to goals from Achraf HakimiandIsmaelSaibari-before Rahimi scored with 12 minutes to goandYassinesecuredthevictory

The win was not enough for MoroccototopGroupCasBrazil

comfortably beat Scotland in Miamiandthe2022semi-finalists will now face either the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden in thelast32. But they did deny Haiti a memorablenight-despitetheteam ranked83rdintheworldtakingthe leadtwiceanddoublingtheirtotal goals tally in the competition's history

Joseph 'Reds' Perreira says Al McDonald's contribution to basketball was extremely important

Renowned sports commentator and former Sports Advisor to the Guyana Government Joseph 'Reds'Perreiraisoftheview thatthelatesportsjournalist and basketball administrator

Al Vivian McDonald

Chapman “was a great servantofbasketball.”

Reached for his reaction onAl's passing due to a fire to his apartmentat his home on May 10 in Florida, USA, Reds opined from his home inSt.Luciawhencontacted, said, “Al McDonald was a very different style of a journalist.

Pleasant personality, not abrasive, didn't put people under pressure, but his style seemed to suggest that maybe, he came before his time.”

TheformerOECSSports Organiser further said, “When I say that, I would liketolinkthatalsotoBrent Chapman, who was not the average journalist; just looking to file copy but looking to go a little deeper, and a little more investigative at times, and having an opinion and just notwritingthestraightfacts. He certainly was a great servantofbasketball.Ithink that was his pet game, and I can say from my own experience when I was president for a matter of 1969 to 1975, he gave basketball a great deal of mileage, a great deal of interestandinches.”

'Reds' Perreira, a former basketball president of the GuyanaAmateur Basketball Federation,iscreditedasthe onewhointroducedAltothe demands of reporting on basketball added, “I gather thathewas,fromallreports, a very influential reporter to

Frompage31 international engagement a

programmes. The commitment of the Government of Guyana to sportdevelopmentcontinues to create opportunities for Guyanese administrators, officials and athletes to contribute meaningfully on the national, regional and internationalstage.

the team in 1975 when they wenttoSantoDomingo. He was a good all-round writer, not saying he only wroteaboutbasketball,butI think his contribution to basketball was extremely important.'

In fact, Reds offered, “I think the basketball association of Guyana, should in fact, look at ways and means of honouring his workinbasketball. That association I am sure, if they do their research, they will easily pick up the amount of great stories, the amount of investigativejournalism,the amount of articles he wrote on basketball, and I would not want to say what they should do or suggest what theyshoulddo,butcertainly amajortournament,whether on a knock out basis, or a

round robin basis involving the entire nation of Guyana wherebasketballisplayed.”

Notwantingtorepeatthe glowingtributeswhichwere already expressed of Al, Reds,whowasmostfamous forhisroleasoneofthebest cricket commentators the Caribbean has produced, remarked, “So much was written from many people whoknewhimwellit'svery hardtonotrepeatwhatsome peoplehavesaid.

He was gentle, he was

not abrasive, and he really respected the role of a journalist And he represented journalists in a verygoodway,hewasatrue professional. Both himself and Brent Chapman worked out of the Chronicle when competition was very high among the media. Guyana BroadcastingService(GBS) had come on stream to join the competition with Radio Demerara.

All the newspapers were surfacing. You had an

evening paper and that department in the Chronicle was led by Godfrey Wray, which included Quintyn Taylor,alongwithgoodmen behind the camera who supported the work of the journalists, that team also playedagreatpartinmaybe getting financial assistance with the lottery that the Chronicle ran, and I think they really helped a lot of associations.Theycouldnot make decisions, but they probablyhelpedtoputideas

intheirheadsaboutpossible funding.ButAl'spassingisa greatlosstoGuyana.”

In looking back at the earlydaysofsportsreporting in Guyana, Reds paid homage saying: “Some outstanding journalists going back to Jake Croker, Char

C

McDonald Dash, Cecil 'Bruiser' Thomas, Cedric Wiltshire, that whole generation and of course a very special area of work wasinradiobyBLCrombie, who for 26 years never missed a programme and kept sports very much alive before other institutions started to take sports very seriously

Which,infact,ledtoBL Crombie being brought on not just at 5 to 8 when you have a date, but brought on fulltimeatRadioDemerara. So, there's a long history of former outstanding journalists.”

The 72 years old Al McDonaldChapmandiedon May 25 and his body was cremated and ashes brought backtoGuyanabyhisfamily thispastweekandtherewere nightsofreflectionforhimat LindenandinGeorgetownin his honour as a reporter and basketballofficial,beforehe left these shores in 1984 to liveintheUnitedStateswith his family, after starting his career in journalism in the mid-1970s.

The Federation also extends special thanks to World Archery Mexico and itsPresident,GabrielRamos Rodríguez, for the excellent organisation and hospitality provided throughout the General Assembly and

Powerlifting enthusiasts areinforanexcitingdisplay of strength, determination, andathleticexcellencewhen the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) hosts its highly

A

Tlaxcala Archery Guyana remains committed to its objectives, governance and further establishing the Olympic sport of Archery nationally, regionally and internationally. We look forward to welcoming our archery

M

ers Championship on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Saint Stan

S

y School.

The championship is expected to attract some of Guyana's most talented Intermediate and Masters lifters,alleagertoshowcase months of rigorous training as they compete for top honours.

The event serves as a vital platform for athletes to test their abilities, improve national rankings, and demonstrate the continued growth of powerlifting

allowing officials to verify competitors before the actionbegins.Spectatorscan expect the lifting competitiontogetunderway at 9:00 a.m., with athletes battling through the squat, bench press, and deadlift disciplines in pursuit of championship glory Officialsfromthefederation have expressed confidence that the event will deliver a highstandardofcompetition while fostering camaraderie amongst athletes and s u p p o r t e r s a l i k e . Fans, families, and sports lovers are encouraged to attend and witness a showcase of raw power, discipline, and competitive spirit as Guyana's strongest athletestakecenterstage.

Guyana promoted as Archery destination at World Archery Americas Congress in Mexico

ArcheryGuyanaInc.,the NationalArcheryFederation of Guyana has represented the nation at the sport's

Continental General Assembly of WorldArchery

Americas (WAA) in Tlaxcala,Mexico.

The General Assembly held on Monday 22nd June, 2026 was conducted by the continental organisation in chargeofthepromotionand development of archery in theAmericas.The congress, which is made up of 32 member associations along with 2 associate members, has notably documented Guyanapositioninthesport and has acknowledged the country's rapidly growing influence within the global archery community at this congress. The delegation in attendance were Archery Guyana President Mrs Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon and Executive Board

MemberAssistant Treasurer Mr SaeedKarim.

The highlight of Guyana'sparticipationwasa presentation delivered by

President PersaudMcKinnon focused on the South American nation's position in promoting sport andsporttourism,byhosting the upcoming Inaugural

Caribbean Archery Championship and the eight edition of the Caribbean

D e v e l o p m e n t

Championships, both scheduledtobehostedatthe prestigiousGuyanaNational

Stadium, Providence GuyanainOctober2026. The present

on generated considerable interest among member associations, with many countries expressing their intention to attend and support the two concurrent Archery Championship events.

Time was allocated for a special video message from the Director of Sport, Mr Steve Ninvalle, who welcomed delegates to Guyana on behalf of the N a t i o n a l S p o r t s Commission,theMinistryof Culture, Youth and Sport, and the Government of Guyana The message h i g h l i g h t e d t h e Government's commitment tosport,futuredevelopment and regional cooperation within the nations of the Americas, which was warmly received by delegates.

President of World Archery, Mr Greg Easton, wasalsoinattendanceatthe congress, joining delegates from across North, Central and South America along with many nations from the Caribbean.

Takingtheopportunityto furtherpromoteGuyanaasa tourism hotspot and sport destination, the Archery Guyana delegation made presentationsofpromotional packages to members in attendance Delegates received Explore Guyana

Archery Guyana President Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon and Director Saeed Karim with World Archery President Greg Easton during the World Archery Americas General Assembly.

magazines, pens, keyrings and samples of Guyanese honey These items which were presented ensured that every delegation left with a memorable introduction to Guyana'sculture,hospitality andtourismofferings.

As part of the main proceedings of the General Assembly, elections and constitutional business were conducted.Mr SaeedKarim was appointed as one of the threescrutineersresponsible foroverseeingtheprocesses, ensuringthatthevalidityand values of the WAA Constitutionwereupheld.

Elections were held and delegates subsequently reelectedMariaEmmaGaviria as President of World Archery Americas Following her re-election, she announced the appointment of Mr Sergio Font as Secretary General forthenextfour-yearterm.

The election of the Permanent Committees, Guyana's PersaudMcKinnon secured the highest number of votes amongst candidates for the GenderEquityandInclusion Committee and was duly elected to serve on that committee. The election of Archery Guyana's President tothiscommitteereflectsthe delegation's confidence placed in her leadership and commitment to fostering greater inclusion, p a r t i c i p a t i o n a n d opportunity throughout the sport.

Additionally, Archery Guyana Board Member, Assistant Secretary Ryan McKinnon was announced to be appointed to serve on the WAA Marketing Committee, strengthening Guyana's representation within the continental organisation.

Reflecting on the experience, President Persaud-McKinnon stated: "Attending my first World Archery Americas General Assembly in person was truly an incredible experience. I was extremely i m p r e s s e d b y t h e professionalism displayed throughouttheCongressand grateful for the opportunity to meet so many colleagues from across the continent with whom I had previously only communicated virtually The Assembly provided an excellent platform for collaboration,

learning and relationshipbuilding that will undoubtedly benefit archery development in Guyana and throughouttheCaribbean."

Shefurthernotedthatthe overwhelming support shown for Guyana's upcoming hosting of the Archery Championships events demonstrates the c

y community has in Guyana's abilitytoadministerandhost high-quality competitions anddevelopmentinitiatives.

ArcheryGuyanaextends sincere appreciation to the Guyana Tourism Authority and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana for their generous support in making the G

Additionally, the Federation

sincerity and appreciation,

executive for the strong support that is given to the Olympic sport of Archery, ultimately enabling the development of Archery throughoutGuyana.

Archery Guyana wishes to express its sincere gratitude to Honourable Minister Charles Ramson and Honourable Minister Steven Jacobs, Ministry of Culture,YouthandSportand

Commission for their support of the Federation's (Continuedonpage30)

Heavy winds and rain cause roof damage at New Anna Regina stadium

Residents in parts of Guyana experiencedheavywindsandpersistent rainfall on Wednesday, resulting in minor structural damage at the newly constructed stadium in Anna Regina, Essequibo, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) posted on theirFacebookpage.

According to preliminary reports, stronggustsassociatedwiththeweather systemrippedoffsectionsoftheroofing material at the facility, which is currently in its final stages of preparation ahead of its scheduled openingnextmonth.

Despite the visible damage, authorities have confirmed that no injuries were reported at the site during

…no injuries reported

oraftertheincident.

Officials connected to the project indicated that emergency repair teams have already been mobilised and are expected to begin restoration works immediately Engineers are also assessing the structure to determine whether additional reinforcement is required before the venue is officially commissioned.

The adverse weather conditions affectedseveralcommunitiesacrossthe Essequibo Coast, and other parts of Guyana,withreportsoffallenbranches and temporary power disruptions in

someareas.

The Anna Regina stadium is expected to serve as a key sporting hub for the region, and its upcoming inauguration has been highly anticipated as part of efforts to expand sportsinfrastructureinRegionTwo.

Meteorological officials are continuing to monitor weather patterns as intermittent rainfall and wind gusts are forecast to persist over the coming days. Residents are being urged to remain alert and take necessary precautions.

Authorities say further updates will be provided as repair work progresses and assessments continue at the stadium,thepostinformed.

Guyana Grand Prix tickets now available at physical locations

GMR&SC

The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC)hasannounced thatphysicalticketsalesfor the highly anticipated Guyana Grand Prix officially begin today While tickets have already been available online through the GuyanaGo.org platform, the release of physical tickets represents another major milestone in the countdown to what is expected to be the largest motorsport spectacle ever hostedinGuyana.

A representative of the GMR&SC confirmed that the printed tickets arrived this week and were prepared for distribution following the addition of official security markings.

“We got the tickets in our hands this week. We just neededtoaddoursignature security marking and then d i s t r i b u t e , ” t h e spokesperson said. “Fans

willbepleasedtoknowthat they can now get those ticketsintheirhands.”

Availableticketoptions include GeneralAdmission passes for Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12, as well as exclusive VIP and Paddock Club packages

Fanscanpurchaseticketsat all Lyft Gym locations and at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club officesatThomaslandsand Albert Street General Admission tickets are priced at $4,000 for Saturday's event, while Sundayrace-dayadmission startsat$9,000.

TheGMR&SChasalso introduced premium packagesforfansseekinga moreexclusiveexperience.

T h e S u n d a y V I P Experience, priced at $50,000,includesaccessto apremiumhospitalitysuite featuring lunch, snacks, an open bar with dedicated service, private airconditioned restroom facilities, dedicated VIP parking, and panoramic views of the South Dakota circuit.

“We're excited to officially launch physical ticket sales and welcome fans from across Guyana and the region to what promises to be the biggest Motor Racing event yet. We've carefully planned spectator access to make arriving at the circuit as efficientaspossible,andwe encourage everyone to use thedesignatedentrancesfor theirticketcategory.” “The response to our VIP experience has exceeded expectations, and we're now down to our final allocation ofVIPtickets. If you've been thinking about attending in VIP, I encourage you not to wait, as we're very close to selling out We look forward to delivering an unforgettable weekend of world-class racing, entertainment, and hospitality,”thespokesman added.

Meanwhile,theSunday Paddock Club Pass, priced at $100,000, offers fans an unparalleled behind-thescenes experience The package includes all VIP benefits,alongwithpitlane access, closer interaction withtheGTcars,exclusive driver photo opportunities, and access to the pre-race grid walk and cultural festivities.Accordingtothe club, the Paddock Club package is a limited opportunity for fans who want to experience the event from the closest possiblevantagepoint. In addition to race tickets, fans can also purchase official GT Challenge de las Américas merchandise, including event shirts priced at $8,000.TheGuyanaGrand Prix is set to take place on July 11 and 12, bringing together regional and international competitors for a landmark weekend of high-speed racing and entertainment at the South DakotaCircuit.

Bernie's Pharmacy and The Laundry Chute partner with One Guyana T10 Tapeball

Bernie's Pharmacy and The Laundry Chute have officially joined forces with the upcoming fourth season of the One Guyana T10 TapeballBlast.

The two entities have secured the exclusive title rights partnership for the tournament's 'Most Runs' award, adding further prestigetowhatisshapingup to be an unprecedented season of domestic Tapeball cricket.

Located at the bustling intersection of Middle and East Street in Georgetown, Bernie'sPharmacyhasbeena cornerstone of the local communityforoveradecade.

"We have been serving this busy hospital area for over 10 years, " a spokesperson for Bernie's Pharmacy and The Laundry Chutestated.

"You can come to us for all your prescription filling and consultation, sugar and pressuretesting.

We also have a wide

range of health and wellness supplements, and as MMG agents, you can pay all your bills here and make deposits and withdrawals from your account.

We are huge fans of cricket and especially this T10 tournament, so we did nothesitatetocomeonboard tosupporttheyoungtalent."

This year, the batsman who tops the runs chart will takehomeaG$100,000cash prize alongside a brand-new televisionset.

JohnRamsingh,speaking on behalf of tournament organisers FL Sport, expressedimmensegratitude for the corporate backing as the tournament prepares for itsbiggestiterationyet.

"To have established, community-minded brands recognise the value of the One Guyana T10 Blast is fantastic.

Itispartnershipslikethis that allow us to elevate the tournamenteverysingleyear andgiveourraw,localtalent

the platform and incentives theytrulydeserve."

Thefinancialrewardsfor the 2026 edition are groundbreakingfordomestic Tapeball in Guyana, with payouts beginning early in the competition to benefit teamsateverylevel.

Losingteamsatthezonal quarter-finals are assured a payout of G$25,000, while a losing semi-finalist at the zone level pockets G$50,000.

The rewards scale progressively to G$200,000 for the losing finalist, culminating in a G$500,000 prizefortherespectivezonal champions before they even transition into the national bracket.

The stakes reach their peakinthenationalplayoffs, where the eventual national champions will secure a massive G$2,000,000 purse, while the runners-up will pocketG$1,000,000.

The two losing national semi-finalists will each

receiveG$500,000.

Beyondthecashrewards, thetopfournationalfinalists willearnqualificationberths to represent Guyana at a proposed Global T10 TapeballBlast.

Individual excellence

tournament's Most Valuable Playerwilldriveawaywitha new motorbike alongside a G$150,000cashprize.

Matchingthe'MostRuns'

prize,thetopwicket-takerof the tournament will take home G$100,000 and a new televisionset.

There will be additional prizes as well for the highest strike rate and the most economicalbowler

With the tournament structure locked in, organisers have issued an urgent directive to regional teams to secure their spots immediately rather than delaying registration to

tinkerwithsquadselection.

Registrationformscanbe a

tournament's official social m

by contacting the organisers on WhatsApp at +592 6352235.

The tournament caravan officially kicks off with the BerbiceZoneonAugust8–9, across four premier venues, including the Port Mourant Community Centre Ground, (Continuedonpage28)

Heavy winds and rain cause roof damage at New Anna Regina stadium

…no injuries reported

Screen grab shows damage done to one of the stands at the Anna Regina Stadium in Essequibo. Sports

West Indies and Sri Lanka set to battle for the Sobers-Tissera Trophy in Antigua