Kaieteur News

Prosecution pushes for paper committal in Mohameds' extradition case

…Defenceobjects,sayswill undermine cross examination

The extradition

p

OppositionLeaderAzruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, were d e l a y e d a g a i n o n

Wednesday after the prosecution requested that thematterproceedviapaper committal rather than the currentpreliminaryinquiry

The submission was made at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman.

RepresentingtheUnited States, prosecutors Terrence Williams, SC, and Glenn Hanoman requested that the extradition matter be handled through written statementsanddocumentary evidence, bypassing oral testimony

A paper committal allows a case to be sent to a highercourtbasedsolelyon documents, expediting the process In contrast, a preliminaryinquiryinvolves oral evidence and crossexamination to determine if there is sufficient evidence to commit the accused to standtrial.

Since the start of the proceedings,theprosecution has called one witness, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ForeignAffairs, Sharon RoopchandEdwards, who has testified andiscurrentlyundercrossexamination.

Her previous testimony sparked tension in the courtroom as the defence raised questions about the transparency of her evidence.

Williamshadpreviously indicated to the media that the prosecution plans to call multiple witnesses to give oral testimony against the Mohameds.

However, Wednesday's hearing was briefly adjourned after defence attorney Siand Dhurjon informed the court that an updated medical report on Nazar Mohamed had not beenreceived.

Nazar told the court he wasstillunwellandawaiting a report from his cardiologist.

The defence requested time for him to rest and

sought an adjournment to submit the report

Considering the accused's health, the magistrate rescheduled the matter to February26,2026.

During the hearing, the magistrate revisited the prosecution's earlier request for paper committal Hanoman had previously indicated that, with the accused's approval, Nazar would not be required to appear in court if the case

proceeded via paper committal Williams confirmed this position on Hanoman'sbehalf.

Dhurjon strongly opposedtherequest,arguing that it would undermine the defence's right to crossexaminewitnesses.

“They intend to change the course of the proceedings from oral evidence to simply submitting documents for the magistrate's decision, withoutquestioningasingle witness.

This is indisputable evidence that the prosecutionistryingtoabort our efforts at crossexamination.

The legal underpinning oftherequestisflawedandit wouldbeanerroroflawfor the magistrate to allow that tooccur,”hetoldreporters.

“The Fugitive Offenders

U.S. signals no retreat in Mohameds' extradition case

…Ambassador Theriot says 100% committed

U n i t e d S t a t e s Ambassador to Guyana, NicoleTheriot,ishopingthe extradition proceedings involvingOppositionLeader Azruddin Mohamed and his father, Nazar Mohamed, would move steadily, with a decision reached relatively soon.

In an interview with Newsroom Wednesday, Ambassador Theriot acknowledged the recent delays in the case, including the elder Mohamed's illness and multiple high court applications filed by the defence.

Actwhichistheactthatsets out how the extradition process ought to unfold in the miniscule detail, it sets out that there ought to be a preliminary inquiry, a common law process and there must be cross examination.

Theactalsosetsouthow evidenceistobeproceeded, how the orders are to be made; this act is a specific act,”Dhurjonadded.

The defence indicated thatitwouldsubmitdetailed arguments at the next hearing.

The magistrate noted that paper committal typicallyappliestoformally charged criminal cases, whiletheMohamedsarethe subjects of extradition proceedings and have not beenformallycharged.

The court ordered both sides to submit their arguments on the matter at thenexthearing.

The Mohamed family faces criminal charges in a U.S.federalcourtinMiami, Florida A 25-page indictment unsealed on October 2, 2025, alleges they orchestrated a largescale fraud scheme involving gold exports, customs fraud, bribery, and the evasion of millions of dollarsintaxesandroyalties owedtoGuyana.

apaceandwe'llgetadecision relativelysoon,”sheadded.

“I want to make it incrediblyclearthattheU.S. is 100 per cent committed to seeing this through. It is incredibly important to us that these proceedings continue and that a decision is ultimately made Obviously,wehopeitwillbe a certain decision, but there have been a lot of delays, including today That's understandable;thathappens in cases. But let me just tell you, the U.S. government does not spend tens of thousands of U.S. taxpayer dollarstorequestextradition ifwe'renotserious,”shesaid.

The ambassador emphasised the need for justice for both Guyanese and U.S. citizens. “We are very hopeful that the proceedings will continue

However, she noted that the U.S. must respect the judicial process in Guyana. “I think that we have to be respectful of the Guyanese judicialsystem.Thisballisin your court, as they say We are content to wait and see what happens,” she said, while expressing confidence intheoutcome.“Ihaveevery faith that things are going to proceed and the right decisionwillbemade.We're watchingfromafar We'renot interfering, but we're very, very interested in the outcomeandfullycommitted toseeingthisthrough.”

TheMohamed'sfamilyis facing criminal charges in a U.S. federal court in Miami, Florida A 25-page indictment, unsealed on October2,2025,allegesthat they orchest

an extensive fraud scheme involving gold exports, customs fraud, bribery, and the evasion of millions of dollars in taxes and royalties owedtoGuyana.

The extradition documents were received by Guyanese authorities on October 30, and on October 31, Nazar Mohamed and Azruddin Mohamed were arrested separately by local lawenforcementfollowinga formal extradition request fromtheU.S.Government.

They were subsequently brought before the Georgetown Magistrates' Court, where each was granted bail in the sum of $150,000 The extradition request arises from an 11count indictment filed in the U.S. Southern District Court of Florida, which includes charges of wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, aiding and abetting, and customsrelatedoffencesconnectedto an alleged US$50 million gold export and tax evasion scheme.

Following a formal request from the United States, Minister Walrond signed the Authority to Proceed, allowing the extraditionmattertoproceed beforethemagistrates'court. If sufficient evidence is establishedduringcommittal proceedings, the magistrate could order the Mohameds' extraditiontofacechargesin theUnitedStates.

KaieteurNews

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EDITORIAL

Stabroek News-a light goes out

On March 15, 2026, a light that has blazed across Guyanawillgoout. Itissettobethelastdayofpublication for Stabroek News. The technological age strikes at the mediasectorinGuyana,andSNisoneformidablepresence felledbyitsmarch. Thegravitationalpullofdigitalisation captures readership, drains away some advertising revenues. Some other advertising receivables were not beinghonouredinatimelymanner,norwithanydegreeof consistency When the jaws of those pincers closed in, it wasjustamatteroftimebeforethebeaconoflightthatSN projectedwassnuffedout,extinguishedaftersome40years ofservingthisnation.

Thesweepofthedigitalageisaformidablerealitythat has hit hard at bigger media houses than SN, many with greatforeignpedigree. Butbeforethedigitalageregistered its compelling presence, there was that always menacing, treacherous, local presence.Adark and powerful presence thatfearslightwithapassion,feelsthreatenedbyanything that has to do with light, even a small ray, a more than passing flicker Light is of truth embedded and truth signified,andwhenthoseessentialsarecherished,cometo mean something, a devotion to facts and accuracy automaticallyfeatureinwhateverisproduced.

TheeditorsandreportersandothercontributorsatSNstood inlocksteptoproduceaqualitypaperonaconsistentbasis A paperthatwasrespected,andwhichwillbespokenofwithfond feelingslongafteritslasteditionrollsoffthepresses Weatthis paper,learnedathingortwoabouttheartofjournalism,therole of the Fourth Estate, and then some more, from SN Though there was fierce competition in the small media space of Guyana, there is joy in recognising a champion presence, a courageous contributor to democracy, a free press, and free speechinGuyana

Nation and citizens are better for it, and its steadfast dedicationtothedemandsofanincreasinglytoughprofession Those Guyanese who long for the best in integrity and accountabilityingovernment,andthetruthswhensuchisnot the case, weigh their loss with the departure of SN They wonderifnewsinGuyanawouldbepresentedintheformof officialhalf-truths,exaggerations,propaganda,andthegeneral deviousness that led to SN leaving the scene When the objective is to force national thinking and national conversations into a narrow space, where hard questions are dodged, secrets are proxies for transparency, and abuse is normalised Overtheyears,ahandfulofthestaffrecruitedby thispaperhadtheirstartinthegalleysofSN Infact,thepresent editor-in-chiefofKNhashisroots,andcuthiseyeteethatSN It isanotherlegacyofSN,onenotgenerallyknown,inthefour decadesofitsnowiconicexistence Asanewspaper,wehave learnedmuchfromSNaboutthisprofessionthathassomany expectations, of which so many demands are made The example of SN has been a quiet inspiration to many in the newsroomofKN,andforthattherecanonlybegratitude For sure,therewasatimewhenSNandKNmighthavebeenbitter rivals,buttherehasneverbeenanydoubtabouttheirdedication togoodgovernance,honestleadership,andwhatisbestforall Guyanese

How is the void created by SN leaving the national media space at the end of the next few weeks filled in the post-March 15 era? There is only one answer to that question:thevoidisn’tfilled,andnoentityshouldattempt todoso.Managingthevoidleftinthemostprofessionaland ethical manner, and through a commitment to the highest journalistic standards, would be best. It would be the greatesttributethatcouldbegiventoapublicationthathas served the people of Guyana well, by holding one government after another to the highest standards of accountability. When a paper inspires the outpouring of praiseandrespectseeninthelastfewdays,itconfirmsthe grandnessandprofoundnessofthefootprintthatithasleftin Guyana.SNwillbemissed.

The ghost in the machine:Atale of two AIs and the struggle for human agency

DEAREDITOR

The modern individual exists within a paradox of autonomy

While we celebrate the “digital age,” we are increasingly caught in a crossfire of algorithmic warfare where the human subjectisboththetargetand the casualty The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence into corporate retention strategies has birthed a perilous new frontier: the weaponisation o f p s y c h o l o g i c a l vulnerability

Recent legal actions by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice against multinational giants like Adobe and Gen Digital Inc. (owners of Avast and Norton) underscore a systemic shift toward predatory “dark patterns.” These corporations utilise decision architectures designed to induce “digital duress.”

Whether through “scareware” pop-ups on a private computer screen or

relentless, AI-driven email funnels,thegoalisthesame: to coerce a subscription that is deceptively easy to enter buta“nightmare”toexit.

The Mechanics of AutomatedPredationThese platforms often penetrate the sanctuary of the private home through seemingly useful apps or “free” securitytrials

Once the billing information is secured, the “Negative Option” trap is set Statisticsreveala130% surge in these aggressive retention tactics globally When a user attempts to exercisetheirrighttocancel, they are intercepted by a “RetentionAI”,analgorithm programmed to ignore human intent, utilising convolutedloops,“ambush”

fees, and persistent resistance to wear down the consumer’sresolve.

Theimpactisnotmerely f i n a n c i a l ; i t i s physiological To be trapped in a high-pressure confrontation with an unyielding digital agent, especially for those with

e x i s t i n g m e d i c a l vulnerabilities, is a form of automated harassment It represents a profound erosionofhumanagencyby a state-corporate apparatus that views psychological distressasamerevariablein aprofitequation.

The Paradox of

Defensive AI Perhaps the most striking irony of this era is that to reclaim one’s agencyfromapredatoryAI, one must often turn to a defensiveone

We are witnessing a de facto recognition that algorithms now mediate our world so thoroughly that human logic alone is no longerasufficientshield.

To f i g h t b a c k , individualsarenowutilising “digital interlocutors”, defensive AI services, to articulate legal demands, n a v i g a t e c o m p l e x regulations, and level a playing field tilted by massive corporate legal departments.

Paradoxically, to exercise our autonomy, we must return to the very

technology that threatens it.

We are “the people in between” theAI wars, using one form of code to neutralise the unethical architectureofanother A Call for Cognitive LibertyThisshiftsuggests that traditional consumer protectionisobsolete

We must move toward a scholarly and regulatory framework that recognises “Algorithmic Harassment” as a formal violation of cognitiveliberty Intellectual vigilance is required to ensure that our digital tools serve to empower the individual rather than diminish the human spirit throughautomatedcoercion.

The struggle for agency in the 21st century will not be fought on traditional battlefields, but within the lines of code that dictate our daily interactions

We must learn to command these tools, or be prepared to be commanded bythem.

Sincerely

Dr.WalterH.Persaud

EXXON’S GLOBALALTRUISM VS. GUYANA’S 58% POVERTYREALITY

DEAREDITOR

The rhetoric flowing from the podium at the fifth Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo suggests a tale of two nations.

In one version the o n e p e d d l e d b y ExxonMobil Upstream P r e s i d e n t D a n Ammann Guyana is a g l o b a l e n g i n e o f “transformation” and a savioroftheworld’spoor

In the version lived by the citizens picketing the2026NationalBudget,it is a nation where “Mathematicsinyoursleep” isasurvivalskilltostretcha $60,147 monthly wage against $45,000 rent Ammann’s assertion that Guyana’s oil will “lift the world from poverty” is not justtone-deaf;itisaclinical masterclass in corporate gaslighting.

While ExxonMobil a n d i t s p a r t n e r s pocketed a staggering **US$8 4 billion** in p r o f i t s f r o m t h e Stabroek Block in 2024, the “owner” of the resource, Guyana, received a mere US $

2 6 billion

To fully grasp the maths of exploitation let’s examine the “ G l o b a l S a v i o u r ” narrative; to really understand the depth of the “tomfoolery” being presented, one must look at the structural imbalance of the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA). The data from 2024 tells a chilling story of extraction: • The Profit Gap: Exxon and its p a r t n e r s r e a l i s e d approximately US$8 41 billion in profit, while Guyana received only US$2 6 billion roughly 24% of the available surplus

• T h e 7 5 %

Chokehold: Under the current PSA, Exxon is permitted to deduct up t o 7 5 % o f g r o s s

p r o d u c t i o n e v e r y

m o n t h f o r “ c o s t

recovery, ” leaving only a quarter of our own oil to be split

• The 12.5% Crumbs: When the math is finalised, Guyana effectively receives only12.5barrelsoutofevery 100 produced in the

StabroekBlock.

While glaring red flags challengeAmmann’s absurd assertions with claims that Guyana’s oil helps “lift people out of poverty” globally, he is conveniently overlookingthefactsthatthe primary beneficiaries are shareholders in Irving, Texas.

While global energy markets may benefit from increased supply, the specific “lifting” occurring is the elevation of Exxon’s quarterlydividends.

Ifthisoilismeanttocure poverty, why does 58% of the Guyanese population remain trapped in economic hardship?

Furthermore, Ammann praised how the resource is being “managed ” From a corporate perspective, this is true Exxon has secured perhaps the most lopsided contract in modern history, devoid of ring-fencing provisions and featuring a taxexempt status that costs the Guyanese treasury

billions in forfeited revenue To call this “ e x c e p t i o n a l management” is to

congratulate oneself on a successfulheist

Theactualrealityonthe ground dispels any corporate mirage, as Exxon celebrates its 900,000 barrels per day (bpd) milestone, the socioeconomic disconnect is reaching a breaking point The “transformation” Ammann points to new roads and clinics is cosmeticifthepeopleusing them cannot afford to eat When a “healthy school meal” is reduced to a pine tart because the budget doesn’t stretch, the oil wealth is clearly not reaching the kitchen table

The “Eagle’s view” Dan Ammann claims to hold seems to be missing the people on the ground You cannot claim to be a global poverty-fighter while presiding over a contract that leaves the host nation with the crumbs of its own banquet The world doesn’t need Guyana’s oil to save it from poverty; Guyana needs a fair deal to save its own people from Exxon’s “generosity” Respectfully HemduttKumar

Shivratri2026inGuyana,USA,India GTUC’s Tribute on the Passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr

DEAREDITOR

The Hindu festival of MahaShivratri or Shivratri wasobservedlastSundayin Guyana. The President, the AttorneyGeneral,Ministers, and other government

o f f i c i a l s s h o w e d appreciation by visiting Mandirs. Guyanese Hindus in the diaspora and other Hindus around the globe, including in India, also observed the festival last Sunday.Itisanightfestival, but Hindus worshipped during the day and the evening as was the case in Guyana also. This writer observed the festival at an ashram in Mysuru, southern India where I am visiting to lecture on the Indian

diaspora at several universities.

Hindus from India transplanted Shivratri and other festivals in Guyana and other countries to where they migrated and established communities or clusters

From Guyana and the

Caribbean, Hindus transplanted the festivals towheretheyhavesettled as in North America, UK, etc

There are over a hundred Indo Caribbean temples or mandirs in USA with the bulk of them in Queens, New York, and Florida where

most Guyanese are settled There is over a million Guyanese in USA that trace their roots to Guyana Wherever Indo Caribbeans have settled, they have established temples, masjids, and churches

Many American states and almost all of the major cities have at least one Guyanese or Indo

Caribbean temple TemplesinUSAandCanada were packed to capacity on Shivratrinight.

Many Guyanese also worshipped Sunday morning as in Guyana Service started Sunday

morning, continuing through the evening and the Monday morning as was alsothecaseinIndia.

Shivaratri obtains its

name from the word rath which means night

Shivaratri is propitiating Lord Shiva in the evening, but puja is also performed the following morning before sunrise and even on Sunday morning of Shivratri Shivratri is among the most auspicious festival for Hindus It is called Mahashivratri or the Great Night of Lord Shiva and is observed annually on a day/night as per the moon in the m o n t h o f February/March. This is not to suggest that Shiva is worshipped only on this day as the Lord can be worshipped on any d a y / n i g h t b u t a n auspicious day has been set aside annually for the exclusive worshipping of Shiva, who Hindus consider as the fountain of all cosmic energy and power

L o r d S h i v a , reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, is a very important forHindus.

He is known as the Destroyer in the Hindu Trinity of Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the ProtectorandPreserver)and Shiva.

Shiva is also the consort of Goddess Parvati (Mother of the Universe) and father of Lord Ganesh (who showers abundant knowledge upon devotees). For every God, there is a correspondingGoddess.But all of the Gods are reincarnation,meaningthere is only one God in Hinduism.

On Shivratri, Hindus tend to fast and flock to Mandirs with pandits presiding over service amidst bhajan and kirtan singing or spiritual songs sung in Hindi or Sanskrit or Awadhioradialect.

All of the Guyanese and other Caribbean and Asian Hindu temples in the New York metro area conducted pujaintheeveningandwere j a m p a c k e d w i t h worshippers. Puja included offeringjaalandperforming elaborate oblations. A long

line of devotees waited to perform oblations and make offerings to the Murthi of Lord Shiva. Many devotees kept vigil all Sunday night singing praises and offering supplications to the Lord. Theywereledinprayerbyst leastonePandit.

Shivratri worshipping in Guyana and USA is similar with that in India and in Trinidad, Suriname and other parts of the Caribbean

S

a’s Lingham, an emblem through which the lord is propitiated. Devotees offered jaal (specially prepared milk and/or water with various spices, curd, h o n e y, a n d o t h e r ingredients) and bael leaves in the day or at midnight followed by

Agarbatie and havan were alsolit.

Prasad (mohanbhog, fruit)wasalsooffered.

The pandits explained that Shiva is worshipped to ward off dangers and evils assailingmankind.Devotees pray with utmost reverence (bhakti)tothelord.

Prayers included chanting Om Namah Shivaaya.

The scripture says that anyone who fasts on Shivratri prostrating to Shiva would gain salvation. Just by attending temple or thinking of the Lord, devotees are rewarded with blessings, gaining longevity of life, success, and prosperity

At the conclusion of rituals and ceremonies, attendees were treated to sumptuous dinner and prasad.

Yourstruly, VishnuBisram

DEAREDITOR

The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) pays solemn and heartfelt tribute to the life and legacy of Jesse Jackson Sr.- who passedonTuesday,February 17, 2026- an American and global civil rights icon whose voice, courage, and conviction helped to bend the arc of history toward justice.

Reverend Jackson was more than a leader of the American civil rights movement He was a championofworkingpeople everywhere, a fearless advocate for the rights of coloured people in a world cruelly divided by race, and an unrelenting defender of the working class against systems of inequality and oppression His influence reached beyond the borders of the United States, touching the decolonisation and independence struggles of the West Indies and other partsoftheworld.Hismoral clarityandorganisinggenius left an indelible mark on the globallabourmovement.

GTUC recalls with reverencehissolidaritywith

workers and his presence in Memphis on April 4, 1968, standing beside Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr during the sanitation workers’ strike for dignity, fair wages, and improved working conditions. When Dr Kingwasstruckdownon the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, Reverend Jackson was at his right side. That tragic moment forever linkedhimtooneofhistory’s most painful turning points andstrengthenedhisresolve tocontinuethestruggle.

EveryGuyanese,without exception of colour or race, and indeed all peoples of formerlycolonisedsocieties, owe a profound debt of gratitude to this honourable son of humanity In an era whentheWesternworldwas rigidlybinary,whenonewas deemed either white or coloured, the struggle he helped to lead transformed laws,institutions,andhearts. Though primarily led by African Americans, the victories of that movement uplifted all races, including white communities, because justice, once expanded, cannot be confined It

affirmed the principle that individuals must be judged by the content of their character, not the colour of theirskin.

For his outstanding contribution to humanity, GTUC takes comfort in the words of 2CTimothy 4:7 (KJV): ‘He fought a good fight, he finished his course, hekeptthefaith.’

Yet our tribute must not end with remembrance alone. We, the inheritors of his struggle and legacy, are duty bound to preserve and builduponhisachievements. Freedom is never selfsustaining; it demands eternal vigilance, sacrifice, and collective action. The most fitting honour we can render Reverend Jesse Jackson is to continue the march toward equity, dignity, and justice for all workersandallpeople.May hissoulrestineternalpeace, andmayhisexampleforever inspirethelabourmovement in Guyana and throughout theworld.

Sincerely LincolnLewis GeneralSecretary GTUC

Adisturbing account

DEAREDITOR

The harrowing account of the Deputy Toshao fetchingonhisbackapatient to seek medical attention (SN Feb 18) deserves not only commendation but someformofrecognition.

Given the terrain he had to traverse in order to reach the health centre it was purelyagargantuaneffortof

courage, a selfless act of compassionandcaring.

Itwasdisturbingtonote from the account, that proper facilities, such as boats, to transport medical staff and patients, in emergencies are not available

It has to be wondered why this is so, given that communities are given an

annualpayoutfromtheLow Carbon fund? Surely, such basic needs of the community should be cateredforinordertoavoid thesesituations

The responsible authorities, both local and national, need to fix this urgently

Regards

ShamshunMohamed

Boy, 12, needs $8M for life-saving surgery

- Family appeals for assistance

Twelve-year-old Delroy Moses is in dire need of financial assistance to pay for a life-threatening surgery The lad was diagnosed by doctors of the GeorgetownPublicHospital Corporation (GPHC) with a ruptured saccular anuersym a critical, life-threatening medical emergency characterised by sudden headaches, spontaneous hemorrhages and in some casesseizures.

Thelifesavingsurgeryis not performed at the public hospital but can done at the St Joseph’s Mercy Hospital atthecostof$9million.The Ministry of Health has

committedtoproviding$1.5 million towards the cost. However,Moses’familyhas tosecurethebalance.

“After the first time it happened, we rushed him to the Enmore Hospital becauseitclosetowherewe live in Victoria but they transferred him to the Georgetown Hospital where the MRI that they did show like he born with the condition and was growing with.” Mr Glenroy Moses, the child’s 73-year-old grandfather told Kaieteur News.

“Based on didn’t get hit or nothing. It was just his blood pressure went up due

toanxietyorexcitementand it caused the vessel to burst. It started to hemorrhage and formed a clot.” Since the first episode of seizure, the child’s grandfather said that he has “been in and out,” of outofthehospital.

“He went in and came outtheSundaybuthestarted feeling dizzy and he had to gorightbackinthehospital. Rightnow,heisthehospital and his parents are right there with. That’s probably why you can’t get them on thephone.”

The elderly man said Delroy was an ordinary 12year-old boy up until two weeksagowhentheseizures

started.Heexplainedthatthe child has since undergone a minor surgery “They had to do a minor surgery to remove some of the fluid from in his brain,” Mr Moses told Kaieteur News fromhishomeinVictoriaon theEastCoastofDemerara.

He said that the boy’s father, a construction worker, and his mother who isahousewifeareconstantly bytheirson’sside.Henoted that the family is of modest means and have no choice but to reach to the public to raise funds since the Ministry of Health will only coverpartofhospital’sfees.

“The Ministry of Health isgiving$1.5millionandwe have to somehow raise the remainder Wearelookingto set up an account or GoFundMe to help with the cost,”Mr Mosesstated.

According to the health documents seen by this newspaper, the patient was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the

GeorgetownPublicHospital Corporation (GPHC) with a working diagnosis of a ruptured saccular aneurysm attheterminalbifurcationof theleftinternalcarotidartery (ICA).

The medical record noted that the 12-year-old initiallypresentedtoEnmore

12-year-old Delroy Moses needs a life-saving surgery

Hospital after experiencing four episodes of first-time generalised tonic-clonic seizures.

He was subsequently referred to the GPHC for further management and admittedunder the Pediatric HighDependencyUnit,with (Continuedonpage16)

115 dangerous driving cases processed in court

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) says more motorists are being hauled before the courts as footage from the Safe Road IntelligentSystem(SRIS)continuestodetect dangerousdrivingacrossthecountry.

InastatementissuedonThursday,police disclosed that as of February 4 hundreds of dangerous driving incidents have been capturedbythetrafficcamerasandadvanced through the judicial process. “To date, one hundred fifteen (115) cases have already been processed in court, resulting in fines and,insomeinstances,suspensionofdrivers’ licences.Theremainingmattersarecurrently atvariousstagesofreviewandprosecution,” policesaid.

Police in the statement explained that dangerous driving occurs when a motorist operatesavehicleinamannerthatendangers thepublic,otherroadusersorproperty Such offencesarenotticketableandmustbeheard beforeamagistrate.

According to the GPF, each incident recordedbytheSRIScamerasisindividually reviewed by trained ranks. “Each incident captured by SRIS cameras is individually reviewed by trained police personnel, with

evidence carefully analysed, compiled, and formally presented before the court,” police said.

Recently,severaldriversappearedbefore the Sparendaam and Georgetown Magistrates’Courts charged with dangerous driving. They include: Kwande Pellew, driver of motor vehicle BXX 6175, fined $50,000; Wahid Prasad, driver of motor vehicleBAB3610,fined$40,000;Narendra Persaud, driver of motor vehicle BZZ 9177, fined $50,000; BrandtAlly, driver of motor vehicle BAJ 9917, fined $25,000; Kimeon Brandford-Williams,driverofmotorvehicle BAG8728,fined$40,000.

The Police Force noted that it is strengthening its prosecutorial capacity to ensure faster preparation and advancement of SRIS-related matters as enforcement expands nationwide. Police reiterated that the SRIS forms part of a wider national initiativespearheadedbytheGovernmentof Guyana in collaboration with the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) to modernisetrafficmanagementthroughdatadriven enforcement systems aimed at reducingcollisionsandsavinglives.

Exxon to seek approval for second gas project

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) will soon movetoseekenvironmental authorisation for its second gas project, according to EMGL President, Alistair Routledge.

He made the disclosure while addressing attendees at the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo 2026 at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in GeorgetownonWednesday

“Weanticipatethatinthe coming weeks, the next couple of months, we will likelysubmitarequestforan environmental authorisation forthesecondgasprojectin the southeast part of the

StabroekBlock,”hesaid. Routledge outlined

Exxon's broader gas developmentplan,including thegas-richLongtailproject, which would be the eighth developmentintheStabroek Block and is also located in the southeast portion of the offshoreconcession.

Hesaidthecompanyhas been advancing technical worktobetterunderstandthe gas reservoirs and how they are expected to perform.

This includes evaluating well placement, both producing and injection wells, and progressing development concepts for a second gas project in the

…Routledge outlines company's plan to develop gas resources

samearea.

Exxon believes that a second Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, “almost identical” to the concept proposed for the longtail development (the eight developmentintheStabroek Block), could unlock additional gas resources in thesoutheast.

He added that the companyisseekingtomove quickly to capture market efficiencies for a second FPSO, aswellasforSubsea Umbilicals, Risers and Flowlines (SURF) and drillingservices,buildingon what he described as strong

contractor performance “And indeed, we're testing themarketforSURFandfor the FPSO currently as we look towards the possibility of bringing a second gas development forward to the government next year,” he said.

To this end, he urged industry players to “sharpen yourpencils,”notingthatthe projects will require competitive and efficient bids.

Exxon president further stressed that growing confidence in the resource base is critical, particularly as gas developments are morecomplexandrequirean integrated value chain. He referenced Trinidad and Tobago's long-established gas sector, which includes multiple monetisation options such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exports andonshorechemicalplants.

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) President Alistair Routledge

“Guyanadoesnot,today haveanonshoregasmarket, but as you heard from President (Irfaan) Ali yesterday, that is the vision. Inadditiontogasenergyand the Wales development, our commitment and our energy isgoingbehinddevelopinga B

industrial development,” Routledgesaid. He outlined three key requirements for advancing the project: confidence in

upstreamresources,onshore

collaboration.

“We have growing confidenceandwecanseea path forward to developing the upstream resource, including what it takes to deliver that resource from offshore to onshore by pipeline, ” he added Routledge said Exxon has already begun conceptual work on the pipeline, (Continuedonpage9)

Wood, Massy and Tagman launch new joint-venture business in Guyana

Wood, Massy and

Tagman on Tuesday announced the launch of WMT Guyana, a new jointventure operating company in which Tagman holds a 51%shareholding.

WMT Guyana brings together the proven capabilitiesofWood,Massy, and Tagman to deliver engineering led studies and design services, brownfield m a i n t e n a n c e a n d modifications, and earlyphase project and operational readiness solutions, Tagman said in a pressrelease.

Combining global standardswithdeepregional expertise and strong Guyanese leadership, the joint venture will play a centralroleinadvancingthe country's energy sector “WMT Guyana reflects a

long-term commitment to building a strong, locally an

A

ex Graham, Chief Executive OfficerofTagmanInc.

“By combining global st

capability, and local leadership within a single operating platform, the joint venture provides stability and confidence for clients operating in Guyana's energysector.”

“WMT Guyana brings together complementary strengths to support safe, high-quality and predictable delivery The joint venture reflects a shared focus on operational excellence, strong governance, and trusted execution, underpinned by Wood's globaltechnicalexpertise.”

MassyWoodGuyana,an existing joint venture, will transition into and operate underWMTGuyana.Witha growing presence in the country, the company is committed to strengthening local capability by investing in Guyanese talent and the development of a robust, locallydrivensupplychain.

Vaughn Martin, Group Executive Vice President and CEO of the Massy Gas Products Portfolio and Board member of Massy Woodadded“Thenewjointventure is a natural progressionofMassyWood, partnering with strong local leadership in Guyana to provide exceptional and critical solutions to the expandingenergysector.” Jason Mohan, Board MemberofMassyWoodand Vice President of Technical Delivery at Wood added

Someone must knock

After the 1997 e l e c t i o n s , G u y a n a trembled on the edge of fracture.Itwasnotthepolice or diplomats that first steadied the ground, but the so-called “three wise men”—regional elders who helped broker what became known as the Herdmanston Accord. They were all men who were knighted – Sir Shridath Ramphal, Sir Alister McIntyre and Sir Henry Forde.All there, now like Jessie Jackson, have passed to the Great Beyond. It was Yesu Persaud, a nonpolitical actor – who instigatedtheirinvolvement.

The ‘three wise men’ operated in the space

g

Guyana’s political actors that dialogue is not a concession but a necessity

TheHermanstonAccorddid not solve every grievance, b

temperature enough to preservetherepublic. These men, like Jessie Jackson, did so repeatedly d

diplomacy is the art of conducting foreign policy without portfolio, embassy, or flag. It is diplomacy in shirtsleeves. It is the conversation held outside the chandeliered rooms of state.Itisnotundertakenby gove

individuals who carry no sealofofficeotherthantheir own reputation. Sometimes it is called Track II diplomacy; sometimes it is dismissed as freelance meddling. At its best it is moral suasion operating where official power has stalled. In the hands of the lateReverendJesseJackson, it became an improvised bridge across political ravines too deep for bureaucraciestocross.

JessieJackson,whodied this past week understood that politics is conducted by human beings before it is recorded by institutions.

Where governments see

Exxon to seek approval for second...

Frompage8 including its size, route and delivery point onshore.

On infrastructure, he noted that an onshore Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) extractionfacilitywouldberequired,similar in concept to the Wales Gas-to-Energy (GTE)project,wheregasistransportedfrom the offshore Stabroek Block to the Wales Industrial Zone. “This is a rich gas that will deliveragoodquantityofnaturalgasliquids. Soweanticipatebuildinganonshorenatural gas liquids extraction plant at the end of the pipeline onshore. I believe that should be a single plant for efficiency and then what it will enable us to do is to deliver methane to whoever are the offtakers for power generation, for industrial uses, for alumina, for data centers, whatever those uses may be,” Routledge noted. He said Exxon will workinpartnershipwiththegovernmenton

plans that include a deep-water port, an industrial zone and other infrastructure for Berbice, highlighting the importance of existingandnewpartnerships.

RoutledgealsoaddressedPresidentAli’s 2030 timeline for the second gas project. “I think many in the industry are shaking their headsbutthatsortofvisionaryleadershipis often what is needed to make things happen andasIsaidlastyearifthereisanywaythat we can make this happen I do believe the Guyanaiswhereitcanhappen,”hestated.

He pointed to Exxon and its Stabroek Block co-venturers, Hess and CNOOC, and their relationship with the government, outlining that seven major projects have already received approval. According to Routledge, that shared experience and regulatory familiarity will be critical as the company advances the more complex gas developments.

DEM BOYS SEH

Ifitbiggerthan175cc,parkit

Dem boys seh every lil junction in Guyana now sound like engine testing day at NASA. Yuh deh home tryin’ to watch the news, and the whole veranda start tremblin’like it remember 2005 flood.

B e f o r e y u h blink vrooooom! is another big bike gladiator tearin’ up the public road like he late fuh pole position.

Nowlehwereasoncalm and cool. Guyana road got character It got history It g o t p o t h o l e w i t h generational wealth But what it ain’t got is run-off area, gravel trap, or grandstand.

Dem boys seh straight up: any bike bigger than 175cc ain’t got no business pon we roadways. 175cc is plenty fuh reach from

Georgetown to Berbice without tryin’ to bend space-time.Onceyuhcross that line, is like yuh buy horsepower just fuh intimidatetraffic.

Andlehwetalkboutthe “style.”Plentybigbikeman doesfeelhenahfashionable unless he ridin’ bare head, no helmet, no protective gear,sunhittin’heforehead like common sense never arrive Helmet does apparently mash up the hairstyle Gloves? Too warm. Jacket? Nah man, that slow down the vibes. Demboyssehsomeofdem believe safety gear reduce speedbyfashionlaw Thencometheweaving. Left,right,betweencarand drain,likeisobstaclecourse sponsored by bad decision. Indicator? Optional. Speed limit? Decorative From

politician sees opportunity; where foreign ministries issue communiqués, the privateenvoyboardsaplane.

The state speaks in paragraphs; the private citizen speaks in sentences. And sometimes the shorter speechprevails.

Consider 1984, when a U.S. Navy pilot, Lieutenant Robert Goodman, sat in Syrian custody after his plane was shot down over Lebanon The Reagan administration maintained itsposture;Syriamaintained its leverage. Into the stalemate stepped Jessie Jackson, traveling to Damascus not as an accredited envoy but as a minister of conscience. He returned with Goodman Critics muttered about grandstanding; the pilot camehome.Thatsameyear, Jackson made his way to Cuba,engagingFidelCastro at a time when Washington preferred megaphones to conversation.Hesecuredthe release of political prisoners andAmericandetainees.The StateDepartmentfrownedat the breach of etiquette Families welcomed their sons. In 1990, as Saddam Husseingatheredhostagesin theanxioushoursbeforethe Gulf War, Jackson again ventured where diplomats fearedtotread.MeetingIraqi officials including

Hussein himself he negotiated the release of Americansandotherforeign nationals. The gesture did prevent war, but it rescued individuals from its antechamber

Slobodan Miloševiæ. The soldiers were released. The Pentagon had its strategy; Jackson had his handshake. One might add his involvement in Lebanon during the era of hijackings, or his later conversations with Hugo Chávez in Venezuela each instance an exercise in the same conviction: that access, however informal, can produce outcomes unreachable by formal means. He carried no treaty in his briefcase, only the c

ugh decades of civil rights struggle. He made diplomacy personal again. What Jackson popularised wasnotmerelythetacticbut the legitimacy of private diplomacy Hedemonstrated that moral authority can sometimes purchase what military authority cannot. A president cannot easily sit down with an adversary without seeming to confer recognition;aprivatecitizen candosoandcallitdialogue. The very absence of office becomesanadvantage.

mistake indignation for strategy, the quiet visit and the unpublicised meeting retain their value. Jackson’s genius lay in recognising that the world’s doors are seldom locked from the inside Someone must knock. And sometimes the knock cannot come from a governmentcrestbutfroma familiar human face. His missions were controversial because they exposed an uncomfortable truth: that power does not reside exclusively in office. It can reside in reputation, in courage,inthewillingnessto crossalinedrawninredink and ask for the release of a prisoner.

zero to “who son that?” in secondsflat.Andwhendem pass yuh, the breeze alone does rearrange yuh thoughts.

But Guyana road ain’t racing circuit. We ain’t got pit crews; we got roadside vulcaniser and one uncle with a spanner who say, “It good, man, ride it so.” We cyanmixhigh-performance machine with lowperformance infrastructure andexpectOlympicresults. So dem boys seh keep the175ccandbelowponthe public road Anything bigger? Find a proper track or park it nice-nice and polish it Sundays. Because when yuh treat public roadway like racetrack, the onlycheckeredflagyuhsee is hospital curtain and thatracenobodywantwin. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

Nearly a decade later, during the NATO bombing ofYugoslavia in 1999, three Americanservicemenfound themselves in Serbian custody Official relations were frozen solid. Jackson traveledtoBelgradeandmet

There are risks, of course. The freelance envoy can be manipulated, photographed,ormisled.He can complicate delicate negotiations or provide propaganda to unsavory r e g i m e s B u t t h e alternative refusing all unofficial contact—assumes that states are the only custodiansofpeace.History suggests otherwise. That is the enduring utility of private diplomacy It thrives in the spaces where official language has hardened into slogans It relies on the p r o p o s i t i o n t h

conversation is not capitulation.In an age when governments conduct their quarrelsonsocialmediaand

Public diplomacy will alwayshaveitsplace Nations require embassies, treaties, andthechoreographyofstate Buttherewillalsoalwaysbe moments when official channelsarecloggedbypride or policy In those moments, the private diplomat armed with no authority except moral capital—can remind adversaries that politics is still a human enterprise JesseJacksondidnotabolish conflict, nor did he replace theStateDepartment. What he did was expand t h e r e p e r t o i r e o f peacemaking.

He showed that beyond the marble halls of government lies another forum where persuasion, empathy, and persistence can operate. He will be long beremembered.

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

H@RD TRUTHS

Bharrat Jagdeo – disappearing, reappearing, disappearing

I hope that Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, fellow citizen [a brother, if I am allowed] is doing good, enjoying peaceful, sunny days. He disappeared, reappeared, thendisappearedagain. Itis not like him. Not a man of his irrepressible, never-saydie spirit. I am concerned. He and his PPP fellowship canbeaboutinjury Mycall istomercy LentornoLent. Whenever and wherever (and from whomsoever) thereissomuchhate,letme beahealer Itry It is not in Dr Jagdeo's

nature to distance from the bright glare of the limelight. It is too much in his DNA. Since he segued into political life, and said to himself: the possibilities are endless.

No question he reaped the luscious fruits of many suchpossibilities. So,where is he? Asked with the kindest impulse inside. He istoomuchofaninfighterto retiresoabruptly,soquietly Even mud wrestlers when withdrawingfromthesquare of combat, shed their bikini andothercostumes,thendon

a suit and take a seat in the broadcast booth. What do the facts from the environment say? Not one Thursday press conference, those alarming and sprawlingdustupsthatheso loved, since his last reappearance. Somethingis not right. Not even the reading of another record budget, one to the tune of $1.558 trillion, was enough to spur him to grace the public with his presence. His fingerprints smear that budget. What could be goingonwithDr J? Forthe

nation'schiefpolicymakerto slide into silence, to make himself into a phantom, is most unusual, causes some trouble.

W h a t e v e r t h e circumstancesofDr Jagdeo, Icanhelp. Beenthere,know that,livedthoseheavydays. Thoughnotaprofessionalin manyfields,Icanlayasmall claim to the spiritual. The spiritual will always transcend the professional. If something is wrong, there is no shame in saying so. I hope that all is alright. Part of my enduring training, personalculture,isnottocry, nomatterhowgreatthepain, howhardtheloss.

There is winning, sometimes; there is slipping other times, very few those are. So,thereisappreciation that some are made of that stoic nature, where they prefer to stare into eternity, and come to grips with it on theirown. Pridecanleadin that direction When individuals are accustomed to an iron control over their faculties, their carriage, and theirpublicpersona,thereis that internalising, that soul searching.

I hope that Dr Jagdeo is soengagedwiththetimethat

he has taken for himself. Thatis,he searches for his soul, finds it, and then finds the courage to search himself. Trust me on this one, if nothing else. The results can be profound, life altering.

Due to history, I'm in a position to help a brother in rough seas (if such were the case). Cool his brow, calm his spirit, lead him to green pastures and settle him alongside still waters. The least that can be done is to offer Because the silence, and that vacant space, is thunderous, and ominous, I venture gently to say that it may not be the best of times forBharratJagdeo.

A man does not fight so long, work so tirelessly, to compile a record as a ball bearing buster, a kneecapper, and a head-breaker, only to slip away on padded feet Leaving everyone guessing.

I am not one to take the liberty of guessing about another's personal welfare. Takingofftheglovestodeal with champion public brawlers is an occupation. Butaman'sprivatesituation thatlockshimawayfromthe

world is a job from which I step aside, walk away I sharemypiece,moveon.

Anationalvicepresident and a dominant ruling party General Secretary (Chief of Staff and Lieutenant General) does not abandon those posts without the courtesy of an info bulletin. Notwithallthoseinhiswide circle of admirers and worshippershanging. What totellthem?

Who will be the one to takethatboldstep,tounseal thevacuum? Ishallnotdipa toe in the waters of public figures, but their duty to cleartheair WhatIpresent, isthatBharratJagdeoknows what he has to do, whatever well-crafted tidbit to smoothen the atmosphere. Theairistoothick. Hehasa duty to speak; he or his authorised agents. I have a responsibilitytocallmatters, asIseethem.

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

New Amsterdam man arrested after assaulting police with glass bottle man

Screen graph showing assault incident involving the suspect and traffic rank

A 24-year-old labourer of Sheet Anchor Village,EastCanjeBerbice,wasarrestedon TuesdayafterassaultingatrafficrankinNew Amsterdam, Berbice. The arrest was made during an operation conducted between 02:30hrsand02:55hrsonTuesday,February 17, 2026, at a residence in Sheet Anchor Village.

According to police, the operation was launchedfollowingthecirculationofavideo on social media showing a traffic rank performing his duties when he was confronted and assaulted by the suspect armed with a glass bottle The video

reportedlyshowsthesuspectapproachingthe officer, striking him and then hurling the bottle in his direction.During the operation, police seized one unregistered Haojue motorcycle, which was lodged pending investigations.Thesuspectisexpectedtobe chargedwithAssaultalongwithotherrelated offences.The Guyana Police Force in the statement strongly condemns any act of violence against ranks. “Assaulting a peace officerandinterferingwithpoliceoperations are serious offences and will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law,” police said.Investigationsareongoing.

…company vows to

work

'hand in glove' with Local Content Secretariat

Due diligence key to avoiding ‘rent-a-citizen’ issues - Cybele Energy

Cybele Energy Limited, the Ghanaian offshore explorer that was last year awarded a shallow-water concession during Guyana's inaugural bid round has vowedtodoitsduediligence to avoid 'rent-a citizen' or 'fronting' within the company

The company's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Beatrice Jones-Mensah Tayuimadethecommitment onWednesdayattheGuyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo being held at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown.

Tayui stated that her companywillwork“handin glove” with the Guyana LocalContentSecretariat.

“Inthatregard,wewould closely make sure that there is no such thing as a rent-acitizen. Therefore, to our people in Guyana please make sure that you are equitableinanypartnerships that you have because we will fact check and make it important that the people of Guyana benefit first when it comes to local content,” she said.

Back in June 2024, Kaieteur News reported that Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo had issued a stern warning against the exploitation of Guyana's Local Content Act through deceptivepracticeslike'renta-citizen' schemes He warned Guyanese involved in the business to desist or

facethefullforceofthelaw

The Ministry of Natural Resources at the time announced that it will be working with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), as efforts intensify to eliminatethepracticeknown as 'rent-a-citizen' or 'fronting'.Theissuerefersto the unethical practice where foreign companies use local individuals or local entities as mere fronts to meet local content requirements, while the actual control and benefits remain with the foreignentity

Further, being the first African based womenowned operator to sign a Petroleum Sharing Agreement (PSA) with Guyana, Tayui expressed that the PSA was “proof positive” that Guyanese live in a country that is broadminded, that is willing to give opportunities to women and to the next generation.

The agreement, she said, represents a bold step in the advancement of women in theenergysector

“IwouldberemissifIdid not speak directly to the women of Guyana.This win isnotjustmywin,thiswinis foreverywomaninGuyana, intheregionandglobally As IgoaroundIgetfeedbackon 'you have inspired us', while thatismeaningfulitneedsto get better, we need a call to action, inspiration without a c t i o n b e a r s n o

Man gets three years for passing drugs into prison

A 24-year-old labourer wasonWednesdaysentenced to three years' imprisonment after he admitted to taking narcotics into the Lusignan Prison,EastCoastDemerara.

Timothy Mc Garrell of TimehriSquattingArea,East Bank Demerara, appeared before Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Vigilance Magistrate'sCourt,wherethe chargewasreadtohim.

Mc Garrell was charged with Introducing Narcotics into Prison, contrary to Section 7(1)(a)(i) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control)Act,Chapter10:10. The offence was committed on February 17, 2026, at the LusignanPrison.

He pleaded guilty to the charge.

productivity,”shedeclared.

Tayui called on Guyanese women to be part of the industry and take a d v a n t a g e o f t h e opportunities.

“The government cannot do it without you. You must participate, bring out your talents,”sheadded.

“I want to say once our offices are fully opened and we will have all the structures in place, we will have an unflappable team and we call on the women.

We would have a needs assessmentbecausewewant to work with you, we don't want to give you what you don't need, that is the reason for a needs assessment. We want to uplift not just the women of Guyana but the next generation,” the CEO assured.

Speaking on Cybele Energy's corporate social responsibility and local content commitment, Tayui saidthatsocialresponsibility (Continuedonpage16)

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cybele Energy Limited, Beatrice Jones-Mensah Tayui

Timothy Mc Garrell

As a result, Magistrate Scarcesentencedhimtothree yearsinprisonandimposeda fine of $30,000. In default of payment,additionaltimewill be added to the custodial sentence.

ExxonMobil gears up for eighth project, seeks year-end govt. approval

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited(EMGL)isexpected

to submit the Field DevelopmentPlan(FDP)for its eighth project in the StabroekBlock,thegas-rich longtail development in the comingweeks,withhopesof securingregulatoryapproval bytheendof2026.

EMGL's president, AlistairRoutledge,madethe disclosure while addressing attendees at the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo 2026 at theGuyanaMarriottHotelin Georgetown.

“We're due to submit a fielddevelopmentplantothe Ministry of Natural Resources in the coming weeks,” Routledge said. He added that the company is nearing completion of the environmental and socioeconomic studies required for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

and environmental permittingprocess.

“Our aspiration is w o r k i n g w i t h t h e governmentandthedifferent agencies that by the end of this year, that we should be able to sanction the longtail project,”henoted.

Exxon, operator of the Stabroek Block, is currently producing over 900,000 barrelsofoildailyfromfour developments—LizaPhase One,LizaPhaseTwo,Payara and Yellowtail. The other projects:Uaru,Whiptailand Hammerhead have also received government approval but are not yet producing.

Unlike previous developments focused primarily on oil, Longtail willfocusongasproduction. Routledge explained that while the Floating Production, Storage and

Offloading (FPSO) vessel mayappearsimilartoothers inthefleet,itsconfiguration willdiffersignificantly

“But how different is it from the prior projects? To theuntrainedeye,thatFPSO [Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading vessel]looksjustlikeallthe other ones, but it's a little different. There is no water injection on this FPSO. It's all about gas injection because what we'll be developing are retrograde gas fields. They are gas fields. They contain gas and gas condensate when produced to surface,” he said.

According to Routledge, the project will initially operate as a gas cycling developmentwith1.2billion cubic feet per day of gas compression capacity, equivalent to the combined compression capacity of the firstfourprojects.

“That's the total gas compression capacity of all ofthefirstfourprojects:Liza PhaseOne,LizaPhaseTwo, Payara,andYellowtail.Take all the compression from those four FPSOs and put it onthisoneFPSO.So,itmay lookthesamebutit'sactually very, very different,” he stated.

Henotedthatintheearly stages, the project will produce significant volumes of liquids BlackRock

Midstream describes condensate as extremely light oil. “In the early days, it'll have a capacity of 250,000 barrels per day of condensate. We will also future-proof it. It'll be gas export ready from day one,” Routledge said. BlackRock

Midstream describes condensate as extremely lightoil.

Longtail will involve drilling of production and injection wells, installation, commissioning, and operations of Subsea Umbilicals, Risers, and Flowlines (SURF), and a FPSO for handling and offloading of produced hydrocarbons.Thecompany plans to install a gas export riser and associated equipment on the FPSO to enabledeliveryofgas.

Routledge outlined that discussionsareongoingwith the Government of Guyana regarding timelines and potentialdestinationsforthe gas;whethertosupportother offshore projects, the Wales

Wanted man arrested for stabbing wife at home

A34-year-oldminerwhohad been on the run for nine months was arrested on Saturday in connection with the stabbing of his wife at her mother's homelastyear

Mahendra Rampersaud, called “Kacey,” of Mon Repos School Road, East Coast Demerara, was taken into custodyonSaturday,February14,2026. Hehadbeenthesubjectofawanted bulletin in relation to an incident that occurred on May 16, 2025, at North Bladen Hall/Strathspey, East Coast Demerara, during which his wife, Felicia Ann Dharamjeet-Rampersaud,

sustainedinjuries.

Gas-to-Energy initiative, or transported to the planned second GTE project in Berbice.

The proposed longtail developmentislocatedinthe southeastern portion of the S t a b r o e k B l o c k , approximately 200 km from Georgetown and adjacent to previous Stabroek Projects. Exxonhasindicatedplansto usedrillshipstoproducethe non-associated gas and c o n d e n s a t e f r o m approximately 24 – 60 production and injection wells.Thesubseaequipment willbeinstalledatadepthof approximately1,600–2,000 metres.

Reports indicate that on the day in question, Dharamjeet, a 30-year-old motheroftwo,wasathermother'shome in Bladen Hall, East Coast Demerara, when she was stabbed several times aboutherbodybyherhusband.Shewas left incapacitated as a result of her injuries. The couple's 11-year-old son was also injured during the attack. Police stated that acting on information received about 05:55hrs on Saturday, ranks from theVigilance Police Station conducted an operation at Lusignan Grass Field, East Coast Demerara, whereRampersaudwasapprehended. He remains in police custody as investigationscontinue.

T&T man in Guyana womanising scandal charged with rape, kidnapping

Gabriel Harrigin who made newsinGuyanarecentlyhas been remanded into prison custody having been denied bail on Wednesday during his appearance before a High Court Master on multiplecriminalcharges.

Harrigin,32,ofBombay Street, St James, is charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment, two counts of rape, grievous sexual assault and assault by beating.Hewasrepresented byattorneyLarryWilliams.

Theallegationsariseout of an incident reported to police on January 19

According to court documents,thecomplainant told officers that she went out with Harrigin, also known as "Batman" to the Ibiza Bar on Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook, on January 18 She later attempted to leave but was allegedly forced into his vehicle and taken to his St Jameshome.

Police allege that at the house, Harrigin prevented the woman from leaving, assaultedherandforcedher

into a bedroom where she was sexually assaulted. He is accused of having sexual intercoursewithherwithout her consent on two occasions.Thewomanlater made a report to police and was medically examined. Investigators executed a search warrant at Harrigin's home on February 10 and seized electronic devices, which were sent to the Cyber Crime Unit for analysis. An identification parade was later conducted, and the accused was positively identified, police said. Harrigin is due to reappear in court on March 20forafurtherbailhearing.

(TRINIDADEXPRESS)

Black Bush Polder family reportedly robbed by neighbour

A Black Bush Polder, Corentyne home was last evening invaded and robbed of more than $100,000allegedlybyayoungman the family alleged is one of their neighbours.

Nazir Khan, 53, told reporters onWednesdaythataround11:15on Tuesdayevening,heandhisfamily observedasoundcomingfromthe livingroom.

Atthetime,Khan,aricefarmer, was at his Lot 98 Johanna North, Black Bush Polder home with his wife, his two sons ages 26 and 14, his22-yeardaughter-in-lawandhis grandson.

A window which is usually locked by a lever was only pulled shut, which allowed the intruder accesstothehouse.

"When we look outside in the living room, there is my neighbour's son," Khan recalled.

The man was attempting to peep intoKhan'sroomdoor

Khansaidthiswasthefirsttime his home has been invaded in his over40yearsofresidencythere.He said his young neighbour has reportedly targeted other homes in thecommunity Heisbelievedtobe in his mid-twenties, and has

Khan shows his window which was used by the intruder

reportedlyservedtimeinprisonfor similaroffenses.

The intruder, having been caught in the act, promptly exited the premises, but Khan noted that hisfamilywasabletoidentifyhim.

"There was a light (on) in the house, so we recognise him clear When we ask him 'wuh yuh doing dehbaii',hejustrunoutthehouse. He bin already open the door. We don't know when that door open,"

Khansaid.

A bag in which had $150,000 was missing. The money was the only item reportedly stolen from the home; Khan confirmed. It is unclear if the man operated by himself or if there were accomplices.

Meanwhile, he pointed out to reportersthathisengagementswith the police were unproductive. Khan both called and visited the

Mibicuri Police Station in Black Bush Polder around 12:00am, but thus far has received no visits by ranks.

Fearfulthatthemanwhoisyet to be apprehended may want to spitefullytargethisfamily,Khanis calling on the police to bring him in. Khan related that only this morning Bisram, somehow emboldened, was addressing him withfoulexpressions.

"We look for the police (to) comeanddotheirdutythattheyare supposedtodo,andhehavetopay thepenaltyforthat,becausehenot easy If he din come and kill somebodyinthehousenow?Idon't knowifhegotanyweapon,Ididn't see he hand with no weapon in he waistorso,"Khanexpressed. He said the man previously attacked members of the communitywithcutlass.

The fatal accident involving the sand truck and pensioner

Reg.9CommunityRelationsOfficer chargedwithtouristguide'smurder

A 49-year-old Community Relations Officer of Region Nine was on Wednesday charged with themurderofRupununitourguide LeonBairdcalled'Rasta'.

Sand truck driver arrested in connection with West Coast fatal accident

A42-year-oldsandtruckdriveriscurrentlyinpolicecustody followingafatalaccidentonTuesdaythatclaimedthelifeofa64-yearoldelectriccycleriderontheWestCoastofDemerara. DeadisRoyChankaofCorneliaIda,WestCoastDemerara. Policesaidtheaccidentoccurredatabout13:56hrsonFebruary17, 2026,alongtheCorneliaIdaPublicRoadandinvolvedmotorlorry GAD7032,drivenbyaresidentofFriendship,EastBankDemerara,and theelectriccycleownedandriddenbyChanka. Initialinvestigationsrevealedthatthemotorlorrywasproceeding westalongthesouthernsideoftheroadwayandwasintheprocessof turningsouthintotheCorneliaIdaAccessRoadwhentheleftfront wheelofthevehiclecollidedwiththeelectriccycle,whichwasalso proceedingwestalongthesouthernsideoftheroad.

Asaresultofthecollision,Chankafellontotheroadwayand subsequentlycameintocontactwiththelorry,sustaininginjuriesabout hisbody.Hewaspickedupinanunconsciousconditionandrushedto theWestDemeraraRegionalHospital,wherehewaspronounceddead onarrival.

HisbodywaslaterescortedtotheEzekielFuneralHome,whereit awaitsapost-mortemexamination.Policehavesinceviewedand obtainedCCTVfootagefromtheareaaspartoftheirongoing investigations.Abreathalysertestadministeredtothedriverrevealedno traceofalcohol.

Thedriverremainsincustodyassistingwiththeinvestigation.

The accused, Ken Faria of Culvert City, Central Rupununi, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court before Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty where thechargewasreadtohim.

Hewasnotrequiredtopleadto the charge which alleges that between January 23 and January 26, 2026 at Wichabai, South Central Rupununi he murdered Baird.

Faria was remanded to prison andisexpectedtoreturntocourton March31,2026.

Baird's body was found on January 25 between Wichabai RanchandSandCreekVillage.He was reported missing two days earlier after leaving the Wichabai Ranch where he lived and worked asacaretaker

Baird's colleagues disclosed that before his death some of the animals he cared for on the ranch went missing. As a result, they suspectthatonJanuary23heleftin searchoftheanimals.

Further, the deceased's colleaguestoldKaieteurNewsthat cattle rustling has been a major issue for years and the matter was reportedtothepoliceonnumerous occasions.

“This rustling thing has been going on down here in the Rupununiforsomanyyearsandso manyreportshavebeenmadetothe police from ranches not just our ranch, villages, individuals and from the South Rupununi District Council for years, about the same people who are going around and killinganimalsandsellingthemeat to Lethem,” one of Baird's colleaguesexplained.

Additionally, Kaieteur News was told that Baird was threatened

bypersonssuspectedtoberustlers.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF)inastatementdatedJanuary 30 noted that investigators discoveredtheremainsoftwocows near where Braid's body was recovered It is suspected the animalswereshot.

“Items of evidential value, includingaknifeandspentshotgun shells, were recovered and lodged as part of ongoing examinations,” thepolicesaidinastatement.

Guyana marks 60 years of Geneva Agreement safeguarding border with Venezuela

The Government of Guyana on Wednesday th commemorated the 60 anniversaryofthesigningof the Geneva Agreement of 17thFebruary1966,atreaty of immense legal and diplomatic significance establishing the framework forthepeacefulresolutionof thecontroversyarisingfrom Venezuela's contention regarding the boundary between British Guiana and Venezuela.

Signed by the United Kingdom and Venezuela, andsubsequentlyaccededto by the independent State of Guyana on May 26, 1966, the Geneva Agreement is a binding international instrument deposited with the United Nations and grounded firmly in the principles of the United NationsCharterandtherule ofinternationallaw

According to a release fromtheMinistryofForeign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899 definitively established the landboundarybetweenwhat is now Guyana and Venezuela.

“The Award” the Ministrysaid,“wasaccepted and implemented by both parties for more than six decades, including through the demarcation of the boundaryin1905.”

The ministry explained that the Geneva Agreement was a response to Venezuela's change of position in 1962 when, after 60 years of recognising the validity of the 1899 Award and the international boundary it established, it suddenlyadoptedacontrary position claiming theAward was invalid. Great Britain and British Guiana rejected Venezuela's abrupt turnabout, holding fast to their firm position on the legal validity and binding nature of the Award

Negotiations led to an agreement at Geneva on a peaceful procedure for resolving the controversy over the validity of the

arbitralaward.

“Aswemarkthishistoric milestone, the Co-operative Republic of Guyana calls upon the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to recommititselftotheruleof international law, to respect the ongoing judicial process before the International Court of Justice, and to refrain from actions or statements which may undermine peace and stability in the region. The Government of Guyana reaffirms its enduring commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect among nations, and the definitivejudicialresolution of this controversy by the International Court of Justice in accordance with the1966GenevaAgreement andtheCharteroftheUnited Nations,” the ministry said initsstatement.

Guyana instituted proceedings before the International Court of Justice(ICJ)inMarch2018, seeking a final and binding determination that the 1899 Arbitral Award is valid and that the land boundary established thereby remains legally binding on both Guyana and Venezuela Venezuela has objected to thecourt'sjurisdiction.

However,initsjudgment of December 18, 2020, the court rejected Venezuela's objectionandaffirmedthatit has jurisdiction to entertain the case, finding that by conferring on the secretary general the authority to choose the means of settlement, the parties had consented to judicial resolution by the court. The court subsequently reaffirmeditscompetenceto resolvethecontroversyinits 2023 judgment on preliminary objections raised byVenezuela and has continued to exercise its judicial function in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h international law and the requisiterulesofthecourt.

To this end, Guyana reiterates its unwavering commitment to the judicial

processbeforetheICJandto the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law At Guyana's request, the court has twice ordered provisional measures to preserve the status quo and ensure that neither party undertakes actions which might aggravate or extend the dispute pending its final judgment Guyana has consistently complied with these orders and has called upon Venezuela to do likewise,instrictobservance of its international obligations.

In this context, Guyana firmly rejects assertions and misrepresentations emanating from official V e n e z u e l a n pronouncementswhichseek to distort the purpose and legal effect of the Geneva Agreement, deny the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, or assert unfounded claims to Guyana's sovereign territory The GenevaAgreementdoesnot extinguish the 1899Arbitral Award, nor does it confer upon Venezuela the right to unilaterally determine the status of Guyana's Essequibo region. Rather, it provides a clear and lawful

pathway, before the International Court of Justice, for the definitive r

i o n

f t h e controversy Guyana therefore remains steadfast in its adherence to the principles of international law, the sanctity of treaties, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. For nearly six decades, Guyana has acted in good faith, respecting both the letter and spirit of the Geneva Agreement, while maintaining full compliance with its international obligations Guyana will continue to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity through lawful and peaceful means and with full confidence in theimpartialadjudicationof the International Court of Justice.

VACANCY WANTED

Workers to work on cash crop farm salary-$9000$12000 per day.Tel#6797552.

Excavator operator killed after machine topples in Region 8

Aman identified as ‘Muncho’ was on Wednesday morning killed after the excavator he was operating toppled and pinned him to his death at Mango Landing, Region Eight.

One (1) female cleaner for Eccles office call 645-8443.

General Domestic (4 day work) & experiened handyman, apply at Keyfood Trading Mc Doom next to the post office. Wanted one Maid. For more information please Call: 680-1282.

Job opening: Truck Driver, AC Technicians, Excavator and Skid Steer Operators. To apply send application via WhatsApp: 689-1111/ 608-2114.

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Armed & Unarmed Security personnel with Military and previous experience would be an asset. Contact : 6035140.

Wanted drivers and porters to work in warehouse,experience is an asset.Attractive salary: Tel:673-7373.

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Excavator Operator wanted-contact number 226-9768, 227-7528, 7100561.

Live-in caregiver wanted. Kind, dependable support for eldery in Georgetown. Experience preferred. Call: 600-5515

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T RUCK TIRES 295 / 75R22.5 $40K EACH. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL / WHATSAPP:+592-6883201.

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One clerk for TSI Eccles office English 1, Maths 2 call 615-9132 or email application to techserigy@gmail.com

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50, Car/ Van licence Call 615-9132.

Maid for East Bank area call 615-9132.

Tiler to lay small numbers of tiles call -615-9132

FOR RENT

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V/Hoop Empty, lot 1 New Road,public road,W.C.D.1 Acre rental investments for prime businesses Tel#2274377.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

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SERVICES

Visa Application:U.S.A, Canada & UK:Graphics design, advertisements, wedding arch rentals.Tel:626-7040.

Up to press time, no official police report was released about the incident, but information reaching Kaieteur News revealed that the fatal incident occurred between 09:00hrs and 10:00hrs.

A porter who was on the ground when the incident occurred told this publication that the now dead man was the driver of a truck which was transporting a brand-new excavator on its trailer to a location in Mahdia.

The porter related that the truck driver was attempting to offload the excavator from the trailer to load onto the pontoon when the incident occurred.

He recalled seeing the driver in the seat of the exca-

vator and in the process of offloading the heavy-duty machinery it reportedly slid off the trailer and toppled several times into a nearby ditch.

“When I watch I see he going over and the man go for jump out but the door or

something lash him in his back and trapped him,” the eyewitness recalled.

Videos seen by this publication showed the man lying face down, with the upper part of his body outside and the lower part trapped beneath the excavator’s

cabin.

understands that police in the area was alerted of the incident. Another excavator from the area reportedly came to help lift the toppled machinery to remove the dead man’s body. The incident is currently under investigation.

Unknown fire sweeps East Coast Chinese storage bond

Afire of unknown origin on Wednes day afternoon destroyed a section of a concrete storage bond owned by a Chinese national at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

The blaze reportedly began around 16:00hrs. Kaieteur

News understands that the fire started in a zinc manufacturing area before spreading to a nearby snack packaging company operating within the compound. No injuries were reported. Sources indicated that the bond extends from the front

of the public road to the seawall; however, an estimated measurement of the property could not be provided.

This publication understands that the entire building was not destroyed, as the Guyana Fire

Service responded to the scene before the flames could engulf the structure. Up to press time, the Guyana Fire Service had not released additional details regarding the cause of the fire or the extent of the damage.

Due diligence key to avoiding ‘rent-a-citizen’...

From page 11 is central to their mission of fostering inclusive and sustainable development.

Cybele Energy she noted is committed to empowering women and communities through local employment, skills training, entrepreneurial support and leadership opportunities while also investing in the communities, initiatives that promote health, environmental stewardship and economic resilience.

“Recognising education as a cornerstone of national progress, we would actively strive to support scholarships, school improvement projects and youth development programmes that set the standard for the next generation,” she pledged.

Through strong partnership and long-term engagements, Cybele Energy strives to create lasting social value, uplift undeserved communities and contribute meaning-

fully to the country’s growth and prosperity, the CEO said.

Cybele operates in Africa, the United States and the Caribbean, and is now the first African-led operator in Guyana’s oil and gas sector. According to the company’s factsheet, S7 is located 50 kilometres from ExxonMobil Guyana Limited’s Liza One and Two fields in the Stabroek Block, which is estimated at 11.6 billion barrels. The oil fairway, the company said, runs through S7 toward Suriname. Meanwhile, while providing an update since signing the PSA, the CEO revealed that her company will soon begin pre-drilling activities.

“We are going to commence pre-drilling technical work and world planning operations and we are targeting our first well within the next 18 months, hopefully, of course this would be subjective to approvals as well as rig availability,” she said.

Boy, 12, needs $8M for life-saving surgery...

From page 06 subsequent transfer to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following endotracheal intubation. The patient remains in critical condition and is under close clinical monitoring.

The document explained that “An MRI of the brain with brain and neck angiography and venography, performed on January 21, 2026, demonstrated a ruptured saccular aneurysm at the terminal bifurcation of the left internal carotid artery.”

It continued, “There was a large irregular hemorrhagic infarct involving the left frontal lobe and left ganglio-capsular region, with significant intra ventricular extension of hemorrhage into the lateral ventricles, the third ventricle, and the fourth ventricle. In addition, a large non-hemorrhagic acute infract was noted involving the left temporooccipital lobes, corresponding to the left posterior cerebral artery (PCA) territory.” Further, the information

noted that “multiple small acute infarcts were also identified in the right medial temporal lobe, right hippocampus, bilateral caudate nuclei, left thalamus, posterior limb of the left internal capsule, and paramedian rcgions of the left fronto-parietal lobes. These findings were associated with part effacement of the left lateral ventricle and a rightward midline shift. An incidental arachnoid cyst was noted in the left anterior temporal region.”

The document said that patient’s case was reviewed by Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi, Chief Neurosurgeon who recommended Endovascular Coiling as the definitive treatment of choice. However, the endovascular surgery is currently unavailable at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

Persons desirous of assisting Delroy Moses can contact his relatives on mobile numbers: 697-6151 or 6679600.

CARICOM leaders to tackle CSME, reparations, Haiti in Basseterre

(Barbados Today)Leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are headed to Basseterre, St KittsandNevisforthebloc’s 50th regular summit, where theywillengagehigh-profile international guests and address pressing regional challenges including its single market, the crisis in Haiti, border disputes and reparations.

A c c o r d i n g t o a provisional agenda released by the Georgetown-based CARICOM Secretariat, the leaders will discuss adding aviationpersonnelforthelist ofskillednationalswhomay live and work in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). They will also discuss proposedamendmentstothe Revised Treaty of ChaguaramasSchedule1on rules of origin, which determinewhetheraproduct is eligible for duty-free treatment as a CARICOM product

Topping the list of international VIPs to meet with the leaders are Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al

Saud, and Dr George Elombi, president and chairman of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), which opened a CARICOM office inBarbadoslastyear

The topic of reparations for the transatlantic slave tradeisalsoexpectedtobea talkingpointatthesummit.

The heads are expected togobehindcloseddoorsto tackle crime and security

issues facing the 15-nation region.Itincludesanupdate from the High-Level Representative on Law and Criminal Justice, the situation in Haiti, and geopolitical developments withtherecentabout-facein internationalrelationsbythe United States under PresidentDonaldTrump. Border issues include member state Belize’s borders with Guatemala and

Honduras, and Guyana’s ongoing territorial dispute withVenezuela.

Theheadswillalsomeet ontheapplicationbyBritish overseas territory Bermuda to join the bloc as an associatemember

Thecommunity’sbudget andgovernance,alongsidea progress report on the process to indigenise the University of the West Indies, round out the core

discussions,accordingtothe provisionalagenda.

The leaders will also continue to receive u p d a t e s o n t h e implementation of full freedom of movement between Barbados and three other member states, the state of CARICOM’s industrial policy, regional transport, foreign trade issues ahead of the next meeting of the World Trade

Organisation (WTO), climate change and finance, and agri-food systems for foodsecurity

CARICOM will also consider its participation in a range of upcoming joint summits with Cuba, the Tenth Summit of the Americas, and the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, set for Antigua and Barbuda inNovember.

T&T removed from EU Tax Blacklist

(Trinidad Express)Trinidad and Tobago has been officially removed from the European Union’s list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes, following a decision taken on February 17 by the European Union’s Economic and Financial AffairsCouncil.

In a media statement

responding to the development, Prime

Minister Kamla PersadBissessar said the country’s delisting represents a major step forward in restoring internationalconfidenceand credibility

“TrinidadandTobagoisno longer blacklisted Our country has officially been removed from the European

Union’s list of noncooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes, a designation applied to countries that fail to meet international s t a n d a r d s f o r t a x transparency Thisisamajor step forward,” the Prime

Minister said. She attributed theachievementtoswiftaction by her administration, noting that the previous People’s National Movement (PNM) government failed to secure complianceandremoval

“Since assuming office, your UNC Government moved swiftly and decisively to fix it. Through legislative reform, sustained international engagement, and strongerinstitutions,we restored credibility and rebuilt trust,” PersadBissessar said. The Prime

Minister added that blacklisting had constrained investment, limited opportunities,andweakened confidence in the financial system,butthatinlessthana year, her government strengthenedlaws,enhanced transparency, and placed the country back on the right track.

“Removal from the list signalsclearlytotheworld:we havemetourcommitmentsand reclaimedourstanding on the global stage. We promised action, and we are

delivering. Investor interest is rising Confidence is returning Momentum is building Trinidad and Tobagoisopenforbusiness, compliant, and ready for sustainable growth,” she stated Welcoming the decision, EU Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago Cécile Tassin praised the country’s progress “Theprogressmade by Trinidad and Tobago on thepathtowardsmeetingthe internationally agreed standards on tax good governance is impressive.

These efforts should be commended They are a positive sign for the continued strengthening of ourpartnership,”Tassinsaid. Minister of Finance

Davendranath Tancoo also hailed the milestone, describing it as evidence of t h e G o v e r n m e n t ’s c o m m i t m e n t t o transparency, fairness, and adherence to international standards.

“This achievement underscores our dedication to implementing robust global tax standards and strengthens confidence in oureconomicandregulatory frameworks We look forward to deepening our collaborationaswecontinue b

, competitive, and globally i

omy,” Tancoosaid.

The EU tax listing process supports global effortstocombattaxevasion and avoidance, strengthen transparency, and promote

fairandresponsibletaxation. By meeting these standards, Trin

d and Tobago reinforces its reputation as a reliable and cooperative international financial partner

Key reforms included replacing the former Free Trade Zone regime with a Special Economic Zone regime that meets international standards, s t r e n g t h e n i n g t a x transparency,andsigningthe OECD Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in TaxMatters

Thecountryalsoreceived a“LargelyCompliant”rating from the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes and addressed recommendations under the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Inclusive Framework, including Country-by-Country Reporting by multinational companies.

Ramadan begins in Gaza amid ruins of shattered mosques

(Reuters) - As the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan began in Gaza on Wednesday, Palestinians headedtotheshatteredruins of mosques or to makeshift prayer spaces made of tarpaulins and wood, mourning their dead and theirlostplacesofworship.

InGazaCity,thedomeof the now destroyed Al Hassaina mosque rests on top of a pile of rubble. Its former courtyard, where worshippers once gathered andtodayfamiliessleepand cook among the ruins, is criss-crossed with washing lines.

“Ican’tbeartolookatit,” said Sami Al Hissi, 61, a volunteer at the mosque in Gaza City, standing on rubble where rows of worshippers once stood shoulder to shoulder in prayer “We used to pray comfortably We used to see our friends, our loved ones. Nowtherearenolovedones,

no friends, and no mosque,” hesaid.

Children clamber over the cracked domes and womencollectlaundryhung betweenbrokencolumns.

AlHissisaidthemosque haddrawnworshippersfrom other neighbourhoods including Shejaia and Daraj duringRamadan.

“It would be filled with thousands,” he said. “But now, where are they supposed to pray? It’s all rubble and destruction There’sbarelyenoughspace forahundredpeople.”

Israellauncheditsairand ground war in Gaza after a Hamas-led cross-border attack on October 7, 2023 that killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies. Israel’s assault has killed 72,000 Palestinians, health authoritiessay The Hamas-run Gaza government media office says Israeli forces have completely destroyed 835 mosques and partially

Jose Jeri,

damaged180.ItaddedIsrael has targeted churches in attacks on multiple occasions, and destroyed 40 ofGaza’s60cemeteries.

Israel says it targets militant infrastructure and accuses Palestinian armed groups of operating in civilian areas, including

mosques, an allegation Hamasdenies.

‘PRAYINTENTS’

For many residents, the loss is both spiritual and

communal.

“We wished we could welcome Ramadan in a different atmosphere,” said Khitam Jabr, displaced and nowstayingatthemosque.

“We don’t have enough mosques.Allofthemosques were destroyed and there’s nowhere to pray Now we pray in tents, and the mosques became centres for thedisplaced,”sheadded.

Despite the devastation and severe shortages of materials, people are attempting to rebuild small sections of mosques and set up makeshift prayer spaces usingreusedplasticsheeting andwood,saidAmirAbuAlAmrain, director of the religious affairs ministry in GazaCity

“Fourhundredandthirty prayer areas have been rebuilt, some using plastic sheets from greenhouses, some made of wood, and some constructed with plasticsheetsfromtents,”he said.

Peru’s ousted president, was one of the world’s youngest heads of state

(Reuters) - After just four months in office, Jose JerijoinedPeru’slonglistof ousted presidents on Tuesday,becomingthethird consecutive leader to be removed from office by Congress in the Andean nation.

Jeri, who vaulted into power in October after the sudden impeachment of his predecessor Dina Boluarte, was one of the youngest heads of state globally and had a swift and bumpy rise andfallfrompower

Jeri,39,becamethehead of Congress last July and was next in line of succession after Boluarte’s dismissal since she had no acting vice president. He was named Peru’s seventh presidentsince2018.

Buthisstintinofficewas quickly overshadowed by controversies The most notablewasregardingsecret meetings with Chinese businessman Zhihua Yang, who owns stores, an energy concession and was already

scandal that became dubbed “Chifagate,” after the local name for Chinese restaurants.

The now-former president issued an apology following the meeting and saidthatnowrongdoingtook place.

Despite that, Jeri could not fight growing political pressure as the upcoming presidential elections loomed and politicians aimed to garner support amongthecrowdedfield.

after less than a week in office following widespread anger and the deaths of two protesters.

Jeri’sremovalhighlights Peru’s ongoing political volatility ahead of the April presidentialrace.

Peruvian President Jose Jeri testifies before a congressional committee to address undisclosed meetings with a Chinese businessman, a case that has intensified scrutiny over his government’s transparency and accountability, in Lima, Peru, January 21, 2026. REUTERS/Gerardo Marin

“His legitimacy as presidentwasalwaysweak,” said Martin Cassinelli, assistant director at the Atlantic Council’sAdrienne ArshtLatinAmericaCenter The ouster, he added, was “less an act of justice” and “moreanactofpoliticalselfinterest by a congressional majority.”

His short tenure notwithstanding, Jeri is not even Peru’s shortest-serving president in this decade. In 2020, Interim President Manuel Merino resigned

“Unfortunately, for Peruvians, the electoral systemwilllikelyresultina fragmented election that is unlikely to yield the majorities necessary for the next president to govern without having to worry a b o u t a p o l i t i c a l impeachment,” Cassinelli said.

Jeri was born to a middle-class family in the PeruviancapitalLima

He graduated from the state-run Federico Villarreal National University in 2014 and later earned a law degree from a privateuniversityinLima.

J e r i j o i n e d conservative party Somos

Peru in 2013 while studyinglawandtwiceran unsuccessfully for municipalofficeinLima.

In 2021, Jeri initially m i s s e d o u t o n a congressional seat after his party won three seats inthelegislature

But as the candidate from his party with the fourth-largest number of votes,heendeduptakingthe seatofMartinVizcarra,who was disqualified from holding public office before being sworn into Congress. Vizcarra served as Peru’s presidentfrom2018to2020.

In January 2025, Jeri was accused of sexual assault by a woman who attendedapartythemonth before

The case was shelved in August by the attorney general, citing a lack of evidence

Jeri has denied any wrongdoing

As president, Jeri also faced controversy for awarding state contracts to women following late-night meetings with them in the presidentialpalace.

BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT

Whither Mash

As Guyana prepares for another Mashramani , the annual celebration of our Republic status, the usual excitement is building—costumes, music trucks and patriotic revelry.

Yet beneath the glitter lies an uncomfortable question about identity. Mashramani, rooted in an Arawak word meaning “celebration after hard work,” was meant to reflect our unique story.

Too often, however, it resembles a diluted version of Trinidad's Carnival rather than a confident expression of Guyanese culture.

We are a nation of many histories—African resistance, Indian indentureship, Indigenous heritage, Chinese and Portuguese enterprise.

Where are these narratives in our grand parade? A truly national festival should feel unmistakably ours.

As we wave flags next week, perhaps the real work is cultural introspection—shaping Mashramani into a celebration that mirrors Guyana's distinct, layered soul rather than echoing someone else's rhythm.

Farhan’s maiden ton fires Pakistan into T20 World Cup Super Eight

(Reuters) - Pakistan became the final team to qualifyfortheSuperEightof the Twenty20 World Cup after Sahibzada Farhan’s maideninternationalcentury poweredthemtoathumping 102-run victory over Namibia in Colombo on Wednesday Farhan

remained unbeaten on exactly 100 off 58 balls, reachinghislandmarkinthe finaloverasPakistanposted 199intheirmust-winGroup AencounterattheSinhalese SportsClubGround.

Despite a slow start, the opener’s explosive knock featured 11 boundaries and

four sixes, with skipper SalmanAgha contributing a useful 38 and Shadab Khan adding an unbeaten 36 that included two sixes in the finaloveroftheinnings.

“Early on the wicket wasn’t that easy to bat on, I told (opener) Saim (Ayub) we’ll take some time (to

settlein)andIwasconfident thatwithtimewecouldseta target,” said Farhan, who was named the player of the match “The partnership withShadabwasimportant.

The idea was to build a partnership and once the partnership gets going, I would take charge and Shadabcanhitaswell.”

WINLESSNAMIBIA FINISHBOTTOMOF GROUP

Thursday February 19, 2026

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Toomuchmentalorphysical exercise could have you feelingabitburnedouttoday, Aries You could be considerably slower on the uptake than usual, and those aroundyoucouldbesurprised thatyou,

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Althoughyourpartnermaybe feeling very sensual at this time, Taurus, you might not feel much like getting passionate You've had a stressful few days and can barelymove.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Yourhomecouldbeagloomy place today, Gemini. A member of the household is likely to be away, and this person's presence is apt to be verysorelymissed.

CANCER(June21–July22)

An older relative or neighbor may need your assistance today,Cancer Thisisapttobe a very inconvenient time for someone to ask for help, because you have plenty of chores of your own Nonetheless.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Your creative talents could seem totally blocked today, Leo. You may have a project you really want to work on. You have the mental focus, but the creative element just mightnotbethere.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

This definitely isn’t a good day to stay home and do household chores, Virgo. If you do, some sad and rather irrational thoughts may plague you throughout the day

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Some disappointing news could put you into a rather gloomy state at some point today,Libra.Someonecloseto you might suddenly have to leave town for several weeks and you'll be lonely without them.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

The fundraising activities of a group with which you're affiliated are going very well, Scorpio, but today you're likely to find that things seem to be stalled. Checks may not comeinthemail.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Career matters could move so slowly today that you just might be tempted to give up, Sagittarius. Don't even think that way! It's just one of those dayswhennothingseemstogo right.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Ifyou'vegotsomethingyou're tryingtostudy,Capricorn,this isn’t the day to do it. Your concentration is likely to be off, and what you're reading will probably look like Greek to you Unless it’s really necessary

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Dark, depressing dreams could plague your sleep tonight, Aquarius, probably alternatingwithsillyonesthat make you laugh out loud.You could wake in the morning totally confused by these images.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Have you been invited to a party that's supposed to take place today? If you think you haven't, Pisces, you'd better checkyourcalendaragain.

Namibia’s chase never gained momentum despite a promising start from opener Louren Steenkamp, who raced to 23 before the African side began losing wicketsatregularintervals.

Shadab (3-19) proved instrumentalwiththeballas well, dismissing skipper Gerhard Erasmus before having Alexander Busing-

Volschenk stumped for 20 whenthemiddle-orderbatter charged down the pitch as the required run rate mounted. Spinner Usman Tariqcleanedupthetailand finished with career-best figures of 4-16 as Namibia were dismissed for 97, ending their World Cup campaign without a win to finishbottomofthegroup.

Pakistan skipper Salman Agha was beaming when he described the win a s a “ c o m p l e t e performance”

“We started really well and in the middle, we put partnerships on and then finishedwell,”hesaid

“Sahibzada has been outstanding, the way he’s been batting for us for the last six months. He scored a hundred today and I’m very happyforhim.

“When it comes to bowling,wewerelethaland wewereruthless.Webowled intherightareas.”

All teams in the Super Eight have also secured automatic qualification for the next edition of the tournament in Australia and NewZealandin2028.

T20 WORLD CUP

SUPEREIGHTTEAMS

GroupA:India,Pakistan

Group B: Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe

Group C: West Indies, England

Group D: South Africa, NewZealand

Scores: Pakistan 199 for 3 (Farhan 100*, Agha 38, Brassell 2-38) beat Namibia 97 (Steenkamp 23, Tariq 416, Shadab 3-19) by 102 runs.

South Africa sink UAE to cap unblemished group campaign

N E W D E L H I , (Reuters) - South Africa made four changes yet scarcely missed a beat as they trounced the United

Arab Emirates by six wickets in a Group D dead rubber of the Twenty20 World Cup at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on

Wednesday.

Having already secured their place in the Super Eights with a hat-trick of victories, the 2024 runnersup treated the fixture as a tuneup and rested David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj and Lungi Ngidi.

Yet, they hardly broke a sweatastheyrestrictedUAE to a below-par 122-6 after electing to field under an overcastsky

Dewald Brevis (36) and Ryan Rickelton (30) produced breezy cameos as South Africa reached the target in 13 2 overs, wrapping up their blemishfreegroupcampaign

withfourwinsfromfour.

“It was great to see the boys that came in and that have been working hard for an opportunity to grab that opportunity with both hands,”SouthAfricacaptain AidenMarkramsaid.

“I thought the bowling unit once again was really good in executing plans on that wicket It gives confidencetousasagroupto knowthateachguyinthe15 isinagoodspace.”

Earlier, UAE opener Aryansh Sharma was on six when South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock spilled a skier but the reprieveprovedbrief.

Leftarm spinner George Lindestruckinhisfirstover, removing Muhammad Waseem for 22 to open the gateandthepowerplaytilted further when Corbin Bosch (3-12)bouncedoutAryansh.

The seamer returned to land a major blow - prising outtheinformSohaibKhanto leave UAE 663 at the halfwaymark.

AlishanSharafu(45)was put through concussion protocolsafterbeinghitbya Bosch bouncer, which dislodgedtheneckprotector ofhishelmet.

The batter gamely soldieredontotop-scorefor his team but UAE could never really break the shackles.

South Africa lost MarkramanddeKockinthe powerplaybutRickletonand Brevisscoredbriskly Neither could stay put until the end but South Africa’s victory was swift andclinical.

Scores:SouthAfrica123 for 4 (Brevis 36, Rickelton 30, Arfan 1-16) beat UAE 122for6(Sharafu45,Bosch 3-12, Nortje 2-28) by six wickets.

International Masters Tournament is set to honour 50 Football legends

As anticipation reaches itspeekfortheInternational M a s t e r s F o o t b a l l Tournament slated for the GFCGround,Bourda,today (February 19) and Friday, February 20, organiser Paul D’Andrade is ensuring the spotlight shines just as brightlyonthepastasitdoes onthepresent.

The former Thomas United midfielder turned businessman will not only reunite some of the region’s mostcelebratedveteransbut willalsoculminatetheevent with a grand tribute to 50 former national players, a gesture D’Andrade believes islongoverdue.

Among those set to be honoured are Gordon Brathwaite, Deon Barnwell, Terrence Archer, Adrian Forde, Trevor Maxwell, Neville “Zipper” Johnson, Marlon De Souza, Denzil “Hunky brains” Thompson, We n d e l l “ F i g a r o ” Sandiford, Gregory “Jacky Chan” Richardson, Charles “Lilly” Pollard, Randolph Jerome, Vibert DeFreitas, Phillip Young of Bartica, Rudolph“Chow”Hunteand MichaelPierre.

The list also features iconic figures whose exploits helped shape Guyana’s football history

Former national captain Maurice Enmore of Santos FCandGuyana’sfirstWorld Cup captain in 1976 against Surinamewillberecognised f

l

rship He also represented the Caribbean Football Team against Hull Cityin1973andKwangtung Provincein1978.

Another standout veteran is Earle O’Neal, national captain from 1977 to 1980, who likewise represented the Caribbean sideagainstHullCity(1973) and Kwangtung Province (1978), is also among the honourees A special posthumous tribute will be paid to Hubert “Senor” Brathwaite, British Guiana captain from 1955 to 1964 and a standout defender duringtheCaribbean’s1959 touroftheUnitedKingdom. Meanwhile, other distinguishednamesinclude MontyHopeofStBarnabas; Sanbach Parker, British Guiana captain in 1965; George Green of Thomas United;andComptonJulian, who represented YMCA, Thomas United and British Guiana — all members of theCaribbeantouringsquad to the United Kingdom in 1959.

Lewis “Waterboat”

Weithers, the dynamic St BarnabasandBritishGuiana left winger who represented the Caribbean against Suriname in Paramaribo in 1952,willalsobehonoured, alongside Emmanuel “Mam Man” DeSouza, British Guianacaptainfrom1950to 1954, who also represented the Caribbean team against Jamaica at Sabina Park and Surinamein1952.

“This tournament is a b o u t m o r e t h a n competition,” D’Andrade noted in a recent announcement. “It’s about honouringthemenwhobuilt the foundation of our football.”

While the tribute ceremonypromisestobethe emotional highlight, fans can expect thrilling action across both days. Overseas teams such as Pele Masters ofBrooklyn,NewYork,and the T&T X-Men from Trinidad will compete alongside Masters teams from Linden, Bartica, BerbiceandGeorgetown.

The tournament has also received the blessing of the Office of His Excellency, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, under the One Guyana sports initiative, further underscoring its national significance.

2026 DCB Inter-Association 50-over tournament Round 1… GCA vs. EBCA

Lewis stars with ball, as City boys rally to 8-wicket win

All-rounder Emmanuel Lewis collects his match award from GCB executive/ Competitions chairman Shaun Massiah.

Georgetown Cricket

Association (GCA) completed an easy 8-wicket win over East Bank Cricket Association (EBCA) when action in the opening round ofthisyear’sUnder-19Inter-

Association 50-over tournament bowled off yesterday

In a match which was floodedwithtalent,thelowscoring stint of the both innings failed to capture the aura of what should have been a more competitive battle at the Police Sports ClubGround.

Battingfirst,EBCAwere mowed down for 38 runs with 10 of those coming in the form of Extras, an inevitable fate after being reduced to 31-7 at one point oftheirinnings,whichlasted approximately20minutes.

Opener Dilshan Latchman (10) was the topscorer by the end of the inningswhichsawalmost30 odd overs remaining in the bank.

Georgetown had a phenomenal bowling outing ledbyskipper,spinnerDave Mohabir (3-9), Man-of-thematch Emmanuel Lewis snared 3-5, with help from Shane Prince (2-6) and StephonSeymour(2-15).

GCAwastedlittletimein gettingtotheirfinalscoreof 39-2 thanks to effortless contributions from Danvir Seegobin (11), opener Kishawn Silas (9*), West Indies U19 all-rounder Shamar Apple (6*) who strucktheonlymaximumfor his team and Khush Seegobin(5).

EBCA had little hope in defending such a low score against a stacked GCAunit, despite Rupie Rajaram bagging2-22from4overs.

Action continues on Friday February 20 with EBCAplayingEastCoastat Eve Leary Ground, while WestDemerarabattleUpper Demerara at MMZ Ground region 3, with both games startingfrom9:30h.

Kashif and Shanghai...

Frompage26 Caribbean. Its New Year’s Day finals, first in Linden and later at Providence, became national events, often drawing crowds beyond stadium capacity and setting the benchmark for sporting promotion and fanengagement.

Following its decline, year-end football lost much ofitsidentitydespiteseveral attempts to revive the tradition under different formatsandbranding.

Many fans felt those versions lacked the authenticity,excitement,and organisational excellence that defined the original Kashif and Shanghai tournament.

A return to Linden, therefore, would not only mark a homecoming but could also signal the rebirth of one of Guyana’s most cherished sporting traditions, restoring the atmosphere, and spectacle that once m a d e K a s h i f a n d Shanghai football the heartbeat of the nation’s holidayseason

India cruise past Netherlands to maintain perfect record at T20 World Cup

(Reuters)-Indiabeatthe Netherlands by 17 runs in their final Twenty20 World Cup Group A match on Wednesday in Ahmedabad

as the co-hosts and

defending champions maintained their perfect record heading into the SuperEightstage.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, India posted 193-6 on the back of Shivam Dube’s 66 off 31 balls in the middle order while Logan van Beek finished with figures of 3-56

In response, the

already-eliminated Dutch side managed only 176-7 after Varun Chakravarthy picked up three wickets for just 14 runs

India had a nightmare start in the first over when Abhishek Sharma the world’s number one ranked batter fell for a third consecutive duck in the tournament after he was bowled by spinnerAryan Dutt Fellow opener Ishan Kishan (18) also fell victim to Dutt in bizarre f a s h i o n w h e n h e attempted to play the pull shot but failed to connect as the ball came off his arm and rolled into the stumpstodislodgeabail India’s troubles deepened when Tilak Varma (31) departed courtesy of a stunning diving catch in the deep by 41-year-oldRoelofvander Merwe, while Suryakumar

Yadav’s dismissal for 34 l

g championswobblingat1104. Yet Dube entered the fray and unleashed a barrage of boundaries with four fours and six sixes in his match-defining knock, s

Pandya’s quickfire 30 in the death overs to propel Indiatotheirimposingtotal.

bowled numerous dot balls

As the required run r

d , Chakravarthy provided the breakthrough in the powerplay by uprooting Max O’Dowd’s leg stump

Michael Levitt caught in thedeep Chakravarthy was on a hat-trick after dismissing Colin Ackermann and Dutt,whileDuberemoved danger man Bas de Leede for 33 to leave the Dutch reelingat112-5

Despite scoring 51 runs off the final four overs and benefiting from dropped catches, the Netherlands had left themselves too steep a m

c

b, ending their campaign with three defeats and one victory

Scores: India 193 for 6 (Dube 66, Suryakumar 34, van Beek 3-56, Dutt 2-19) beat Netherlands 176 for 7 (de Leede 33, Varun 3-14, Dube2-35)by17runs

Kashif and Shanghai tournament eyes emotional return to Linden after 18 years

ByRawleToney

The iconic Kashif and Shanghai Football Tournament could be heading back to its spiritual home in Linden, nearly two decades after organisers were forced to move the grand finale due to inadequatefacilities.

Tournament co-founder Kashif Muhammad confirmed in an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News, that plans are underwaytoreturntheyearend spectacle to the mining townwhereitallbegan,once the necessary approvals are secured from the Guyana FootballFederation(GFF).

Muhammad, who alongside his longtime partner, Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major launched what became Guyana’s most successful football tournament in 1990, revealedthattheintentionis to host this year’s competition in Linden, provided logistical and administrativearrangements fallintoplace.

“But that’s the plan, to play this year in Linden,” Muhammadstated.

“Remember, one of the reasonswemovedthefinals backthenwasbecauseofthe venue. But now, we’ll have two massive venues, so we wanttobringthetournament back this year That’s the plan,butwehavetoseehow itgoes,”Muhammadsaid.

The two venues referenced are the Bayroc National Stadium and the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground, with the latter widely regarded as the historic “Mecca” of sport in Guyana.

T h e r e c e n t l y commissioned Bayroc facility now boasts a FIFAstandard pitch, while the Mackenzie venue is nearing completionafterundergoing a significant transformation,

including a new playing surfaceandupgradedstands, a stark contrast to the deteriorated conditions that onceforcedthetournament’s relocation.

Muhammad expressed confidence that the availability of two quality venues would ensure longterm stability for the tournamentinLinden.

“We have two venues now, so we will never move the tournament once we get going again,” he said enthusiastically

In October 2008, organisers announced that thefinalofthetournament’s 19theditionwouldbestaged at the Providence Stadium, marking the end of an era after nearly two decades in Linden.

At the time, Muhammad explained that the deteriorating condition of the Mackenzie Sports Club groundmadeitimpossibleto provide players and supporters with an environment befitting the prestige of the country’s premierfootballevent.

The move, however, received massive backlash fromtheLindencommunity, considering that the event brought significant economicimpactattheevent oftheyear

But the finals held at Providenceattractedrecordbreaking crowds, with attendance figures that remain among the largest ever recorded for a sporting event in Guyana, rivalled only by finals of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

From 1990 to 2015, the Kashif and Shanghai Tournament represented the pinnacle of football entertainment in Guyana, comparable in cultural significancetowhattheCPL isforcricketinthemodern (Continuedonpage25)

Alcaraz wins ‘difficult’ first match since Melbourne triumph

BBC Sport - Carlos Alcaraz says he was glad to get through some “difficult moments” against Arthur Rinderknech as he won his first match since triumphing at last month’s Australian Open.

Top seed Alcaraz had to save two set points in the second set but won 6-4 7-6 (7-5) against the unseeded Frenchmaninthefirstround oftheQatarOpeninDoha.

It was seven-time Grand Slam winner Alcaraz’s first match since beating Novak Djokovic in Melbourne to become the youngest player to achieve the career Grand Slam.

“It was really difficult,” saidtheSpaniard “Arthur is a really dangerous player Nobody wantstoplayagainsthimin the first round, I’m happy with the level I’m happy that I got through difficult momentsinthematch ”

Alcaraz,22,startedwell and broke to go 3-2 up, before comfortably seeing outtherestofthesettotake it 6-4 with a deft volley at thenet.

World number 30 Rinderknech improved from there, earning two set points at 6-5, but Alcaraz, helped by his 28 winners in the match, saved them beforecomingoutontopin thetie-break

He sealed victory with a forehand down the line and sets up a second-round tie against France’s Valentin Royer,whobeatcountryman

calendar does not feel sustainableforplayersgiven the physical, professional and personal pressures of competing at the highest level”.

Chaired by American world number five Jessica Pegula, the council is set to “

calendar, commitments and other core elements of the Tourframework”.

Potential changes to the Tour“canbeimplementedas soonasthe2027season”.

The council is made up of a number of players, including former world

Azarenka, as well as tournament directors and WTATourchiefs.

“Thisisachancetofocus on specific parts of theTour structureandseewhatcanbe addressed in the short-term, wh

he conversation on longer-term

improv

s in a dedicated, focused way,” saidPegula.

“The WTA has the opportunity and standing to bring a group like this together and I’m grateful they’re using that power to advance real change for 2027.”

Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-0 6-3.

Victory was Alcaraz’s 150th at tour level on hard courts and extended his flawless start to the 2026 seasonto8-0.

Dubai Championships seesmorewithdrawals

The second round of the D u b a i T e n n i s Championships was hit by fitness issues again as four players, including fifth seed Mirra Andreeva, advanced because of player withdrawals.

Andreeva went through when opponent Daria Kasatkina pulled out before the tie, while ninth seed Belinda Bencic was also handed a walkover when Sara Bejlek withdrew prior tothematch.

Paula Badosa retired after losing the first set 6-4 against sixth seed Elina Svitolina, while Ella Seidel withdrew after dropping the first set 6-0 to Jaqueline Cristian.

The withdrawals follow nine dropouts in the first round, which saw seven luckylosersfromqualifying fillthemaindraw

Association (WTA) has announced it is launching “the Tour Architecture C

e women’sgame.

In a statement, WTA chair Valerie Camillo says the council has been set up because th

and Shanghai organisation (L-R) Frank ‘English’

Kashif and Shanghai tournament eyes emotional return to Linden after 18 years

Farhan’s maiden ton fires Pakistan into T20 World Cup Super Eight Pakistan