Kaieteur News

Exxon eyeing new discovery at Goatsh-1 well

Ex x o n M o b i l Guyana Limited ( E M G L ) i s

currently conducting

exploration drilling operations at the Goatfish-1 well site, targeting a new discovery in the prolific StabroekBlock.

Already, ExxonMobil has made 46 discoveries across the 26,000 square kilometers-block.

In2025,thecompanydid not announce any new discoveries for the year, despite its ongoing exploration and appraisal activities.

The Goatfish-1 well, according to the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) is situated approximately 110 nautical milesor203.8kilometersoff the coast of Guyana It coversanareaof0.29square nautical miles or one square kilometer

T h i s n e w s p a p e r understands that the Noble Sam Croft drill ship will be used for the exploration activity, which is slated to concludeonMarch31,2026.

In the meantime, MARAD has advised all mariners to stay clear of the vessel and avoid with extremecautionwheninthe vicinity

Todate,ExxonMobilhas discovered over 11 6B barrelsofoilintheStabroek Block. The company made its first commercial discovery in 2015 and has since unlocked major finds, positioningGuyanaasoneof theworld'stopoilproducers.

Notably, Exxon has not offered any update to the media on its exploration campaign for this year In a brief engagement, a s p o k e s p e r s o n f o r ExxonMobil confirmed that the company is pursuing the newwell.

She said, “Goatfish-1 wasspudontheSamCroftin the South-East part of the Stabroekblock.”

Thecompanyisrequired to supply the Ministry of Natural Resources with its p l a n f o r t h e y e a r, accompaniedbyabudget,in keepingwiththecontractual termsofthe2016Production

SharingAgreement(PSA). Guyana has been paying Exxon millions of USdollars to explore the basin for hydrocarbons, a cost which experts argue should notbebornebythestate.

Up to 2024, Guyana received an exploration bill of about US$2 3B from Exxon.Bethatasitmay,the two partners have been at odds regarding the oil reservesinStabroek.

In April 2022, Exxon said the reserves in the Stabroek Block totaled 11 billion barrels After mounting public pressure, two years and eight

discoveries after the last r e s o u r c e u p d a t e , governmentsaidthisgrewto 11.6B.

Notably,althoughExxon supplies government with data, the company said its estimateoftheresourceswas lowerthan11Bbarrels.

President of EMGL, Alistair Routledge explained,“Thegovernment released a number of 11.6B oil equivalent barrels, ExxonMobil's estimate is lowerthanthatnumber…our number remains a little under 11 billion oil equivalentbarrels.”

M e a n w h i l e , i n

explaining the variation between Exxon's figures compared to the reserves

announced by government, Routledge noted that the State conducts independent studies, although it is supplied with data by the company

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur News

Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: DR. GLENN LALL - TEL: 624-6456

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

ProsperousExxonMobil sellspovertyimprovement

Aman from outer space came to Guyana and spokealltherightwordsatthefifthgatheringof the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply ChainExpo. DanAmmannisthelatestfromExxonMobil’s galleryofsupersalesmentomarketthecompanyandallthat itisdoingforGuyana. Ammanncomeswiththeimpressive title of President of ExxonMobil Upstream Company and VicePresidentoftheCorporation. Withsuchanoutstanding introductory card, Ammann has to be an old hand at his company’s public relations game. He did not disappoint, and by the time he was finished speaking, the wellcredentialed DanAmmann showed how much he has been well-oiledbytheExxonMobilsalesmachine.

“First,energydevelopmentistransformingthiscountry You can see it everywhere. New construction, hospitals, clinics, schools, roads, bridges, shops and stores, beautificationprojects,communitycentersandrecreational facilities.” Thatwasapartofhisopeningsalvo. Likemany others,Ammannseeswhathewantstosee,andnothingelse. He sees the top of the new Guyana skyline, but he is smart enoughtoturnhisface,sohecanpretendnottoseethehuge swaths of poverty around and below those massive towers andstructures. Inacountrywhereitisreportedthatoverhalf thepopulationcouldbestarvingfromnothavingenoughto eatdaily,therewasthemanfromExxonMobilwhohasitall, highlightingbricksandmortars,onlytoproceedtodigahole forhimself.

Moreimportantly,“there’swhattheenergyfromGuyana candotoimprovethelivesofpeopleallaroundtheworld…it helps to lift people out of poverty and raise the standard of living of people everywhere. Guyana’s energy develops Guyana but it helps the entire (globe) and that’s what this conferenceisabout,”heshared. Whoisthismanthattalksa lot,hassuchanexpansivevision,butclearly,isstrugglingto seebeyondhisnose? Guyana’soilisacontributortohelping lift“thestandardoflivingofpeopleeverywhere(theentire globe)”. It is doubtful, but it seems thatAmmann has not heardthatcharitybeginsathome. Peopleeverywherereap the benefits of Guyana’s oil, but at least half of the people right here, are gasping for breath, grasp futilely for some substance. They come up with straws, in their efforts to makealivinginoneoftherichestcountriesintheworld. A passable living only, that same standard of living of which Ammann spoke so eloquently, but which is a mirage for Guyanese. Mr.AlistairRoutledge,ExxonMobil’sheadman in Guyana, has heard many earfuls from this paper on this veryissue,soheisinagoodpositiontobringExxonMobil’s latestpropagandist,DanAmmann,uptospeed.

Thestructuresarephysicallypresent,sohehasthatright; buttheymaskthegrimconditionsofcitizenswhoareshoved out of Guyana’s prosperous picture. Hard reality confirms that there are so many large batches of Guyanese who live with dirt poverty as a constant companion, who see those signs of glittering progress as the price they pay for their miserable state. When a government is forced to hide poverty data, and computes food inflation percentages by somemysteriousalgorithmunknowntoothers,itsignalsthat all is not well. All that glitters is not gold, and with ExxonMobilonthethresholdofproducingamillionbarrels ofoiladay,halfofGuyanacantestifytotheaccuracyofthat adage. Wherearealltheserichesspokensosmartlyabout, andhowisitthatthereishardlyanyofitreachingdownto Guyaneseattheirwitsendtomakeendsmeet?

DanAmmann,thelatestofExxonMobil’smenspecialty skilledatpaintingbrightpictures,couldbeexcused. Hejets intoGuyana,thenjetsoutjustasquickly Heseesthesurface gloss,wasgoodatsellinghowgreatGuyanaisfortheworld. The last thing that Guyanese need is another slick energy salesman bigging up ExxonMobil and Guyana’s oil, while citizens lose their way, and lose hope, daily Guyana’s oil lifts the world’s impoverished, with Ammann’s keynote addressskirtingaroundtheimpoverishedrighthere.

Sugar’s Second Life: Who Really Pays the Price?

DEAREDITOR

,

The 2026 Budget lays bare what has long been obviousbutrarelyadmitted: theresurrectionofGuySuCo is a political project, not a commercial one. When the world market is paying roughly 15 US cents per pound for raw sugar while GuySuCo’s cost of production hovers over 50 cents,noamountofspincan disguisethegap.That35cent differenceoneverypoundis notefficiency;itisasubsidy And that subsidy is not coming from some magic pot – it is ultimately being underwritten by oil money

andtaxpayers.

Over the past five years, the government has poured billions of dollars into reopening estates, refurbishing factories, and mechanisingfields.Officials point to 8,300 jobs and revitalised rural economies as justification. No one disputes that sugar estates are economic lifelines for entirecommunities.Thereal questionis:atwhatcost,and with what endgame? If GuySuCocannotevencome close to breaking even at currentglobalprices,thenits continued survival depends on permanent political

protection and continuous budgetarytransfusions.That isnotaturnaroundplan;itis awelfareschemewrappedin industriallanguage.

The 2026 Budget doubles down on this approach. More money for boilers, harvesters, dryers, roads, and “valueadded” projects is being sold as the path to financial viability But viability, in any serious businesssense,meansbeing able to stand on your own feet without recurring bailouts. If your cost per pound is nearly three times themarketprice,youarenot in a business – you are

adm

programme.

There may be valid socialreasonstokeepsucha programme alive, but the government should be honestenoughtocallitwhat itis.

That honesty becomes even more urgent when we shift the lens to the Natural Resource Fund After roughly six years of oil production,theNRFbalance of about US$3.25 billion sounds impressive at first glance. But once the 2026 Budget yanks out US$2.5 billiontoplugitsfinancing

(Continuedonpage06)

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox

Guyanese must step up and save SN

DEAREDITOR

,

In 1986 when President DesmondHoyteallowedthe establishment of Stabroek News (SN), Guyanese, received from SN a presentation on what was right or wrong in our CooperativeRepublic. Asa result, SN for the last 40 years, has been a shining light and a solid bridge that brought into focus, without fear or favour, all the different political, educational, cultural, social, and economic permutations, as well as cost-of-living stories(https://wwwstabroe knews.com/2025/06/16/new s/guyana/how-the-cost-ofliving-part-132/) in our evolvingGuyana.Thanksto thelateMr DaviddeCaires, his family, and SN staff for providing a public space for differentpointsofview.

It is therefore very troubling that the current government,whichdenieda radio licence to SN, and which passed the first ever trillion-dollar budget in Guyana’s history, could not include the eighty million dollars to clear a debt owed to SN. This mistake cannot bedismissedasanoversight, for the money required to pay this debt of eighty million dollars from a trillion-dollar budget is equivalent to a tear-drop in theDemeraraRiver Timeto getthejobdoneGovernment of Guyana: pay the debt, with interest too; issue the radio licence; and free the Guyanese people of this embarrassment.

Meanwhile, and on a personalnote,Iwouldliketo place on record my sincere appreciation and thanks to SN for allowing me to document my assessments

on a number of matters; and also to thank SN for publishing my responses to untruthful claims made in the Mirror Newspapers, where the Management of the Mirror Newspaper refusedtopublishmyreplies to a set of misleading articles. For example, in submitting a reply to the Editor of the Mirror Newspaper in relation to a lead story published in the Mirror on July 18, 1993, I receivedasignedletterfrom the Editor dated July 23, 1993 inwhichIwastoldmy letter would not be printed. Infact,theEditorwrote,“… I have given it (my letter) much thought but cannot find any necessity to print it.”. I therefore sent my lettertoSNandonAugust8, 1993, my letter was publishedasanarticleinSN. Thank you, Stabroek News for being the freedom space and balanced environment thatGuyanacannotaffordto lose.While press freedom is guaranteed on paper in Guyana,andGuyanain2025 wasrankedinthe73rdpress freedom spot (2025 RSF World Press Freedom Index),itisclearthatif SN isclosed,Guyanesewilllose an essential institution that brings in a timely manner important informationtothe Guyanese public It is therefore contended that Guyanese must step up and saveSN;fortolosethispart of the free press will be harmful to our fledgling democracy And so in the wordsofBillyPilgrim,“Can we do it?”. Guyanese reply: ‘Yes,WeCan’.

Sincerely,

Dr C.KenrickHunte

ProfessorandFormer Ambassador

Ministry must set more rigorous criteria for promotions to leadership in schools

DEAREDITOR

, I noticed the SN has reported that some GTU teachers wore black in protest against a Ministry of Education’s(MOE)decision toawardonepointforevery 5 years of teaching experience in determining teacher promotions. These teachers did not wear black when many of our students did not do well at NGSA,

whentheydidnotdowellat C S E C , a n d w h e n matriculation rates are dismal What seems to matter most here are “adult agendas” not student achievement and student outcomes, where we “Put Children First ” Parents should be concerned about this. Apparently, there are several hundred vacancies for leadership positions

becoming available and someteachersareanglingto getaseniorslot.Whyshould the MOE promote someone who did not go and sharpen their saws by doing additional studies but sat on their aspirations all those years? I support the Ministry’s reallocation of pointslimitingwhatIcallthe “Methuselah” principle (whereolderageandnumber

of years you worked have undue weighting) Appointment to School leadership positions should never be based on how long onehasbeenteachingasthat does not necessarily translatetoleadershipskills, leadership aptitude, leadership propensity, and leadership competency The failuresineducationtoday

(Continuedonpage06)

CloseRelationshipwithUSAandlobbying

DEAREDITOR, Reference is drawn to editorial (Jan 23) and letter (Feb 13) questioning Guyana’s close relationship with Washington and expending over US$1M annually on an American lobbyist firm to lobby the USA government for favourable policies towards Guyana.Idisagreewithboth arguments.

Ithasbeenmyconsistent position since 1977 when I firstarrivedinUSAtopursue tertiary education that Guyana should have very warm, friendly relations with Washington Since 1965, Guyanese have been flocking to USA, perhaps totalingoveramillion.

Theyhavebeensending tensofmillionsinAmerican dollarsplusmillionsmorein materials annually to Guyanaandsincethe1970s, accountingforsome20%of our annual budget and GDP

Washington was also generous in giving assistance to and supporting loans for Guyana Close relationship with USA

benefited Guyana’s economy, our people, and the diaspora. When Guyana steered away from Washington, as it did during the period from 1976 thru 1992, the country suffered. The economy collapsed Washington also served as a bulwark against Venezuela aggression Guyana was protected from a close linkagewithUSA.

Lobbying Washington has also served Guyana’s interests.

Governance in USA is that of lobbying writers like meknowfromourstudiesin political science Various interestgroupsseektolobby Washington and various state capitals and cities Politicians pay heed to lobbyists. And lobbyists are

paidbigbucksbyclientslike Guyana, India, etc. A group ofactivistsandI,since1977, endlesslysoughttoconvince other USA based activists affiliated with political parties in Guyana to lobby American politicians to win them over in support of our struggle for restoration of democracy and holding free andfairelectionsinGuyana. The position of communists was they would rather live under an authoritarian communistdictatorshipthan lobbywhattheydescribedas “the imperialists of W a s h i n g t o n t o institutionalize democracy in our homely So the country suffered until communism collapsed in 1990, paving the way for return of capitalism and democracyinGuyana.

When communism collapsed, the left wing parties of Guyana and their support groups in USA

began to lobby Washington for the return of democracy inthehomeland.

Had the left parties themselves lobbied and or encouraged their supporters in America to lobby Washington, democracy would have been restored longbefore1992.

I also think lobbying Washingtonhashelpedusin our border controversy with Venezuela. President Trump has removed from office Nicolas Maduro who has beenthreateningtoseizetwo thirds of our territory. Lobbyists are not cheap. Democracy is also not cheap;itisbetterthanunder authoritarian rule. Won’t we would be better off paying Americanlobbyiststolivein ademocracy

Ordosomeprefertolive under a left-wing dictatorship?

Yourstruly, VishnuBisram

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Onverwagt Prawns Project coming into full fruition

DEAREDITOR, I was always enamored with the Onverwagt Prawns Project, and now the news has it that it is projected to produce over 360 tonnes of shrimp annually, and is part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s strategy to expand the national shrimp industry, and why? To “… generate income for local farmers and reduce reliance onimportedseafood.”

To contextualize what I have just said, I go back to the caption in the press recently, “Locally-farmed Vannamei Shrimp now in MassyStores.”Thisisreally big,andthedetailsshowthat

the“MassyStores(Guyana) Inc, in partnership with the Agriculture Ministry, has officially launched the sale of the locally produced Vannamei shrimp from the said Onverwagt Prawns Project, and Guyanese can now access this wellpackaged and processed product from their Massy Stores located all across the country

Quicklyletmesayafew things about this variety of shrimp, known as the Litopenaeusvannamei.

It is the world’s most cultivated shrimp, highly prizedforafewgoodthingsits high-density farming

capability,diseaseresistance capability,andrapidgrowth.

I add that it is a highly nutritious, low-fat protein source (approx. 20g/100g) r i c h i n O m e g a - 3 (540mg/100g)andselenium. And very importantly, as of early 2026, farmgate prices range from USD 3.28 to $5.89 per kg for sizes 80 to 30, with Ecuador being a dominant exporter So outside of the local milieu, Guyana is moving in a direction that has export possibilities.

Another good word on this is that the Assistant Vice-President (VP) and General Manager (GM) of

Massy Stores (Guyana) Inc, Christpen Bobb-Semple, emphasized the importance o f p u b l i c - p r i v a t e collaboration in advancing nationaldevelopment.

He stated that “Our partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture demonstrates how public

policy and private sector collaboration can translate vision into tangible outcomes.”

He detailed that “By supporting initiatives such as the Onverwagt Vannamei Shrimp Project, we are contributing to Guyana’s n o n - o i l e c o n o m i c

diversification,strengthening local value chains, and providing consumers with greateraccesstohigh-quality, locally sourced food” What else can we ask for when it comestothisprojectbearing resultsthataresotangible Editor,itisgoodtoknow (Continuedonpage09)

Ministry must set more rigorous...

Frompage05 are due to incompetent leadership at all levels. An education system needing to reformitselfmustabandonoldpracticesthat do not correlate with effective school leadership.Therehastobeurgentreformand change, and teacher organizations must embrace a new unionism that supports leadership for impact and higher student outcomes.Noteveryteachercanbeaschool leader, which is a specialty skill. Most teacherswillnotmakegoodPrincipals.

In North Carolina, USA, for instance, most teachers do not want to become principals. To become a Principal (Guyana still uses the old colonial term of Head Master/Head Mistress. Seems difficult to shake off the colonialism in our structures) you have to complete a Master’s degree in SchoolLeadershipandobtaina“License”or certification from the State Department of Education. Heads of Departments are not paid, and there are no “Senior Masters.” Administrative vacancies are advertised widely There is no entitlement to seniority based on how long you have worked. From the applicant pool, a small number is shortlisted for interviews based on information in their applications The interviewteamrecommendsanapplicantfor

theposition.Theselectionismadebasedon qualifications,experience,accomplishments documentedinaportfolio,yourpresentation on a topic, and how well you did in the interview The number of years you have worked does not matter They look for initiative, creativity, what co-curricular things you did for your school, the school leadership things you do at your school (sponsorship of clubs, volunteerism, time youspenthelpinginvariouswaysincluding voluntary tutoring of students who are behind, etc.). In NC, at the dismissal bell, teachers do not jostle with students to see who can get out of the campus quicker, as happensinGuyana. Given the crisis we have in educational outcomes,wehavetosupporttheMOEwhen it tightens up its rules and enforce stronger accountability The finger print sign-in for attendanceisagreatmovebytheMOE.We need to resume teacher evaluations too. A unionthatopposeseverythingtheMOEdoes must examine whether it is on the side of hapless students, or whether it is committed only to teacher interests. Put Children First, PutGuyanaFirst!

Sincerely,

Dr.JerryJailall CivilSocietyAdvocate

Sugar’s Second Life: Who Really...

Frompage04 needs,whatisleftisroughly US$750 million. Averaged overthelifeofproductionso far, Guyana will have “saved” the equivalent of about US$115 million per year from a onceinacentury windfall.

For a country sitting on one of the world’s fastestgrowing oil frontiers, thatisasoberingfigure.

The rhetoric speaks of intergenerational equity and sustainable development; the reality is a Fund treated as a highyield ATM. Year afteryear,withdrawalshave grownalongsideproduction, as if the only measure of success is how much can be spent today In that context, calling the NRF “raped” is not mere hyperbole; it is a pointed description of a policychoicethatprioritises immediate political gains over longterm national resilience. The country is effectively burning through its inheritance to finance a bloated budget, with

comparatively little left as a genuine savings buffer againstfutureshocks.

Takentogether,thesugar policy and the NRF policy tellthesamestory Thestate is using oil revenues to postpone hard decisions: whether to fully restructure orscaledownuncompetitive industries, how to design targeted social protection without hiding it behind lossmaking enterprises, and how much to truly save for the day when oil prices fall or wells decline The government has chosen the path of maximum present

technocratic development strategy

This may be smart politics in the short term. It

s open, contractors busy, and budgetsfat.Butitisfiscally and economically fragile. If oil revenues stumble –whether through price

volatility, production issues, orglobalenergytransitions–Guyana will wake up to an uncomfortable reality: an undercapitalised savings fund, entrenched recurrent spending, and legacy industriesstillunabletopay their own way By then, the sugarchequeswillhavelong been cashed, and the NRF’s best years may already be behindit.

A serious national conversation is needed, not aboutwhethersugarworkers deserveprotection–theydo – but about the most honest and efficient way to provide it. Direct, transparent social and regional development programmes are one option.

Persisting with a 40centsperpound sugar industry in a 15cent world, financed by an oil fund that is being rapidly drained, is another Guyana is free to choose What it cannot escapearetheconsequences ofthatchoice.

Sincerely HemduttKumar

Guyana’s Gas Moment Between Opportunity and Drift

ByAnthonyPaul

Senior Energy and StrategyAdvisorandformer Director of Geology and Geophysics at the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Energy

For much of the past year, Guyana's energy story hasbeentoldalmostentirely through the language of speed.

Oil projects sanctioned ahead of schedule. Floating production vessels arriving one after another Output climbingfasterthaneventhe

most optimistic forecasts onceimaginedpossible.The country has become, in record time, one of the world's fastest-growing petroleum producers — a rare case where geology, capital and political will have aligned almost

perfectly

ButattherecentGuyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, a different, quieter story emerged beneath the celebratorytone.

It was not about oil sprintingforward.

Anthony Paul

Itwasaboutgaswaiting.

When ExxonMobil executives stated that the offshore gas pipeline was builtandreadytodeliver,but that Guyana needed to advance industrial projects to maintain long-term demand, the message sounded technical Even routine.

In reality, it was a strategic warning disguised asreassurance.

Because when steel is in the water and molecules are ready to move, but markets

c o n s t

d , g a s development does not pause politely Itbeginsgenerating economic pressure, institutional strain, and politicalcontroversy

This is the moment at which many gas provinces around the world quietly slide from promise into prolongeddelay

And it is precisely the moment where Guyana now stands.

Gasisnotoilwith differentchemistry

Oil forgives sequencing mistakes. It can be stored, lifted by tanker, monetised project by project, and generates cash even when the rest of the system is incomplete.

Gas does not Gas demandssimultaneity

Pipelinesmustlandatthe same time processing is built. Power plants must be ready when supply becomes available Industrial users must exist before volumes rampup.

Contractsmustalignrisk between State and investor Institutions must be capable of steering complexity continuously

Ifanysinglelinklags,the whole value chain stalls — or worse, starts creating liabilities before it creates development.

This is why the “ready pipeline, waiting demand” framingmatterssodeeply It markstheexacthingewhere oil logic ends and gas logic begins.

History shows that countries that treat gas as merely the slower cousin of oil almost always underestimate how quickly delaybecomesstructural.

Dragon'sForty-Year Lesson:GasDoesNot Fail—AlignmentDoes The Dragon field offshoreVenezuelawasnota geological disappointment. Discoveredinthelate1970s, appraised in the 1980s, engineered in the 1990s, drilled and partially built in the 2000s, and nearly piped to shore by the mid-2010s, the gas remained exactly (Continuedonpage 48)

The PPPC is an ungrateful dog

There is an old

saying that sometimes we build our own trap and then complain when we are caught in it Today, the leadership of the PPPseems tobeinjustsuchabind—a bindofitsownmaking.

For years, the party has claimed that it practices internal democracy. It speaks proudly about open discussion, robust debate, and the right of members to express their views inside the party On paper, that sounds healthy But in practice, another rule looms l a r g e : c o l l e c t i v e responsibility Once a decision is taken, every leader must defend it in public No dissent No criticism.Nodeviation.

That is where the contradictionlies.

You cannot boast about

Onverwagt

internal democracy while enforcing a code of silence outside the room. If leaders are forbidden from publicly disagreeing with party or government decisions, then what kind of democracy is that? It begins to look less like debate and more like discipline.

Take the issue of Gaza. One prominent PPP leader has made his personal positionclear.Hehasspoken passionately about the sufferingofPalestiniansand has even gone as far as calling on CARICOM to break relations with Israel. That is a strong and principledstance.Buthereis the problem: he cannot demandthesameofhisown partyandgovernment. Why?BecausethePPPC government has stubbornly refused to break diplomatic and economic ties with

Israel. To openly call on his own government to do so would be seen as criticism. And criticism, under party rules and the doctrine of collective responsibility, is notallowed.

So, the leader speaks boldly about what CARICOM should do, but remainssilentaboutwhathis own government refuses to do.Thatisthebind.

ThenthereisCuba.

Manymembersofthesocalled “Old Guard” in the PPP have long opposed the United States’ decades-long pressureonCuba.Theyhave spoken against embargoes and sanctions that have deepened economic hardship for ordinary Cubans Today, recent actions restricting oil supplies to the island have madelifeevenharder

No doubt, many within

Prawns Project coming...

Frompage06 that the Onverwagt initiative is a part of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government’soverallplantobuildamodern aquaculture industry that is capable of supplying local markets and eventually expandingintoexport.Latelastyear,Irecall the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, telling the nation that “… the project aligns with Guyana’s wider goals of

food security and economic diversification as we are expanding this initiative nationally to attract more people into aquaculture.

Our goal is to secure large investors so Guyana can become a major producer and exporter of prawns.” I think it is only a matteroftime.

Yourstruly, RaymondAnderson

DEM BOYS SEH

Astateofemergencyfuhtraffic

Dem boys seh dem hate fuh sound like a ol’ vinylrecordwehgetscratch and keep jumping back to de same line. But wha fuh do? When yuh driving pon de East Coast Public Road, is like yuh enter a horror movie and de villain is… yuhfellowdriver

Is no longer just traffic. Istrafficwithambition. Every morning and afternoon, dem boys watching drivers turn two lanes into three, and sometimes four if de shoulder look strong enough fuh tek a lil tyre pressure Undertaking is nowanationalsport.People nahwaitingfuhovertakeon de right; dem diving on de left, squeezing between minibus and drain like dem inaFast&Furioussequel. Dem boys seh is not congestionalonecausingde nightmare.

Is indiscipline. Plain andsimple.Everybodyina hurry, but nobody reaching

faster Instead, everybody reachingstressed. Now remember how de resident had to personally step in pon de East Bank situation? Yes, de same traffic saga did deh pon de EastBankDemeraraPublic Road. People did holler Things did chaotic. And thenactioncome. Today, believe it or not, yuhgettingtoCheddiJagan International Airport faster dese days — even with chokepoints — than before de big road repairs start. Progressain’tperfect,butat leastisprogress. So dem boys asking: who stepping in fuh East Coast Public Road? Goat biteam?

De police trying. Dem boys nah knocking dem. Butlehwebehonest—dem don’t have de numbers fuh park an officer at every lamp post from LBI to Annandale where the greatest bottleneck is Drivers creating dem own lanes, driving through dem

the PPPleadership privately condemn this strangulation. No doubt, they sympathize withtheCubanpeople.

But when the PPP government halted the agreement that allowed Cuban doctors to serve here — a move widely seen as bowing to external pressure — silence filled the air. Leaders who may well have disagreedsaidnothing.

They could not say anything.Todosowouldbe to publicly criticize their owngovernment.Andthatis not allowed by the party’s ‘democratic’rules.

And so, the party that oncestoodfirmlywithCuba now appears to have joined the very forces it used to condemn. It is hard not to imagine that Cheddi Jagan, the party’s founding figure, wouldbedeeplytroubledby suchaturn.

Ironically,manyofthese same leaders will likely join in supporting statements from former Caribbean headsofgovernmentcalling for an end to the strangulation of Cuba. They will condemn imperialism foritsrecentassaultinCuba but will remain silent about their own government’s retreat.

Cuba will endure, as it alwayshas.Ithassurvivedin

thepast.Therealquestionis whether the PPPcan endure thelossofitsdignity

And then we come to StabroekNews.

Today, we read statementsfromPPPleaders praising the newspaper Warm words. Respectful language. Appreciation for itsroleinpubliclife.

Yet none of them have publicly condemned the government’s embargo on payments to that very newspaper None had in the past openly criticized the w i t h h o l d i n g o f advertisements that placed financial pressure on the publication.

It is well known that many within the party were uncomfortable with those actions. Some were said to bestronglyopposed.

Butagain,therulesofthe partydemandedsilence.

T h e r e w a s o n e exception:Mrs. JanetJagan. Shespokehermind.Butshe was a special case — an untouchable figure in the party’s history, not easily disciplined The ordinary leadersoftodaydonotenjoy that freedom They are boundbythesamerulesshe helpedtoshape.

And so, we see the pattern On Gaza, they cannot challenge their

government’s stance. On Cuba, they cannot question the halting of cooperation. On Stabroek News, they cannot criticize actions that many of them privately opposed. They are free to speak—aslongastheysay nothing that contradicts the officialline.

Thatisthebind.

ThePPPwantstopresent itself as democratic, principled,andindependent. Butcollectiveresponsibility, as practised, has become a gag.Itmaypreserveunityon the surface, but it breeds quietfrustrationbeneath. In the end, a party must choose.

Either it allows its leaders genuine freedom to speakopenly,evenattherisk ofpublicdisagreement,orit accepts that its internal democracy is limited to closedrooms.

You cannot have it both waysforever

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

villages only to emerge throughasidestreetfurther u p a n d m e r g i n g dangerouslywiththetraffic on the Public Road. And whenyuhtryfuhblockdem isonebigcussyuhgetting. What de East Coast Public Road need between LBI and Annandale is camera every 100 meters. Big, bright, blinking reminders that Big Brother watching yuh bad driving. And more importantly, undertaking and creating third lanes got fuh become proper ticketable offences weh hurt pocket bad-bad. Because some drivers only learning when dem wallet startcrying.

And de police don’t havetheresourcestocharge everyone who undertaking along this stretch. Mek undertaking a ticketable offence, rather than only one which requires a dangerous driving charge, and drivers will learn when demwalletsfeelthepinch. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

H@RD TRUTHS

Excellency Nicole D. Theriot's interjection, injection

I term it a team effort, 100% proof. Strong Cajun bourbon (or moonshine) to settle the spirit US Ambassador, Excellency Nicole D.Theriot appointed herself emcee, did the honors. The US is 100% committed to get the Mohameds stop-and-start extradition business now chugging laboriously along, to be over and done. Her Excellency said soon. With respect, I think that the Honorable US Ambassador inGuyanainterjectedherself a smidgen too far in

Guyana's business. The ole PPP would have hollered “internal meddling”. The newlyconvertedPPPisnow onthesideofangels. Oilis the greatest lubricant, the best of nectars. The PPP's cup overfloweth with US generosity A timely helping hand from Ambassador Theriot. From oilman and NFL man John Hess to Excellency Theriot. There seems to be some fascination with how Guyana's storied judiciary works. Oilmen are about crude. AUSplenipotentiary

isn't; or shouldn't be Guyanese pros are squabbling about paper committal. Her Excellency i

US commitment. Ah, the odds multiply in the Mohameds extradition matter For or against, will be decided, surfaceinduetime. TheUS must really want its men badly For diplomatic t a c t f u l n e s s a n d circumspection to go on a holiday Forthesilenceand restraint that have become t h e h a l l m a r k s o f Ambassador Theriot's tour

in Guyana to be shed so openly, tell their own story None of the swagger and style of Excellency Sarah Ann Lynch is Excellency Theriot.

But there she was steppingawayfromherown set standards, and stepping into the ongoing, engaging Mohamedsextraditionsaga. It is the reassurance of total commitment, with 100% i n t e r e s t , e n e r g y, engagement, and support.

The ambassadorial guarantee of 'no retreat.' If shesaidso,itisso. Perhaps, it was to lend a few rods of steel to boost Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman's resolve, help her see the straightway Noretreatand 100% commitment mean thatthereshouldbeonlyone resolution to the extradition matter

I repeat: the Americans must genuinely want with a passionthetwoGuyanesein handcuffs, in bed, in the unforgiving glare of the spotlight.

Theywanttoknowwhat is in the heads of both Mohameds. If I were the PPP, I'd be careful. Recall what the son said in open forum of parliament of all places Not in some woebegone, remote village nook, or some disreputable street corner (tavern), but in parliament under the bright

lights and the eyes of cameras. “Ibankrolled thePPP.” Abankroller is a boss of gigantic proportions; a feared, but cherishedgodfather Ithink theAmericanswanttoknow thetotalgiven.

Pointedly, from where did the millions originate, then lavishly donated to the PPP? Howmuchthatmade possible. Here's a question allGuyanese must chew on: how many millions were involved in the December 2018 parliamentary no confidencemotion?

Who collected, who carried out their parts of a dirty job. Now sinister silence surrounds PPP government leaders and agents, normally so responsiveandaggressivere any negative, trouble with laryngitis.

Now, if by whatever chancetherewas,themonies thePPPcollectedcamefrom ruff neighborhoods, what does that make the democratic, capitalistic, altruistic PPP Govt? A criminal conspirator and partner?

It was Pres.Ali himself who said dismissively that hereceivesazilliontextsand phone calls hourly He's a very popular, much-indemand, leader So, if he doesn't have time to recall texts and calls from

Mohamed the younger, how isheexpectedtopullrabbits from hats, and recall bankroller duties that Mohamed asserted (nay, swore)hedidforthePPP?

In all of this, I behold a cat-and-mousegameinslow motion. The PPP eyes the Mohameds and their dangers. The US watches theMohameds(andthePPP [Exxon or no Exxon]), and whatevertricksareconjured. The Mohameds look to the heavens and ask: from here to where, what to do? I correct myself; this isn't a cat-and-mouse caper in process. It's a cat-andscorpionminefieldthat'snot fully firmed up, still unfolding. I shouldn't be a commentator I shoudda beenablastedsoothsayer When a USAmbassador cantakeleaveofhersenses. Sorry,Excellency;Itakethat back. Take leave of protocols and practices, with parlance to match (100 percent commitment, no retreat), something is afoot. I'm watching so I don't get kicked. It'sLent. Icontinue to wash feet. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCIES!

In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Dr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecencies in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.

MONDAY–FEBRUARY 16,2026

Democracydemands participation Stabroek News did not close because Guyanese lacked money It closed because too many lacked commitment.Evenifyougot your news from social media, there was a moral obligation to defend press freedom because we all know that when press freedomgoeswhathappens. It would have only cost a mere $100 per weekday and $150onSundays.

Guyana now faces the closure of its oldest independent newspaper. This is not just the loss of a business.Itisaseriousblow to press freedom. It narrows the space for independent thought It weakens accountability It diminishes publicdebate.

Ifthereisalessoninthis moment,itisthatdemocracy demands participation Supporting independent journalism is one such form ofparticipation.

The Guyanese people once stood in lines for a single copy of Stabroek News In the end, they allowedittofadeaway

History will record that the paper fought many battles. But in its final battle for survival, it stood largely alone (Peeping Tom February15,2026)

TUESDAY–FEBRUARY17,2026

Priya'sexcuse

For five long months, Region 10 has been left in politicallimbo,nochairman, no vice-chairman, no resolution. Yet the Minister of Local Government, Priya Manickchand, now tells the nationherhandsaretied.She “can'ttellhimwhattodo,or beathim,”shesays,referring to the inaction of REO

Dwight John John was

a p p o i n t e d b y t h e government and reports to the said minister who now

claimsshecannotdemandof himtodohisduty

Thisparalysisdidnotfall from the sky It stems from amendments to the Local Democratic Organs Act under the APNU+AFC administration, stripping the minister of tie-breaking authority But laws are one thing; leadership is another Region 10 voters who handed We Invest in Nationhood the plurality deserve governance, not excuses. If the law prevents intervention,thenfixthelaw Iftheprocessisstalled,then demand accountability Democracy delayed is democracy denied. Five monthsisnotprocedure,itis failure.

WEDNESDAY–FEBRUARY18,2026

ThepassingofJesse Jackson

The passing of Jesse Jackson marks the end of a towering chapter in the long and unfinished struggle for racial justice in the United States.

A protégé of Martin Luther King Jr , Jackson refusedtoallowthedreamto wither in the harsh winds of political compromise and socialbacklash.Throughthe Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, he championed economic empowerment, voter participation, and international human rights, giving voice to those relegated to society's margins.

Twiceacandidateforthe presidency, he expanded the boundaries of American politics, compelling it to confront its moral deficits. Yet his career was not without controversy, reminding admirers and critics alike that leaders are human and movements imperfect.History,however, willlikelyjudgeJacksonasa relentless advocate, who insistedthatAmericaliveup toitspromiseofequalityand justiceforall.

THURSDAY–FEBRUARY19,2026

WhitherMash

As Guyana prepares for another Mashramani, the annual celebration of our Republic status, the usual e x c i t e m e n t i s building costumes, music trucksandpatrioticrevelry

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 Guyaneseculture.

We are a nation of many histories A

can resistance, Indian indentureship, Indigenous heritage, Chinese and Portuguese enterprise Wherearethesenarrativesin our grand parade? A truly national festival should feel unmistakably ours As we wave flags next week, perhaps the real work is c u l t u r a l introspection shaping Mashramani into a celebration that mirrors Guyana's distinct, layered soul rather than echoing someoneelse'srhythm.

FRIDAY–FEBRUARY 20,2026

Charity begins at home

Even as ExxonMobil's upstream boss proclaims at the Guyana Energy ConferencethatGuyana'soil will “lift the world from poverty,” the bitter irony festers at home. In a land nowproducingover900,000 barrelsperday,some58%of citizens still wrestle with poverty, scraping by on a $60,147 minimum wage while rent alone swallows $45,000 Street begging swells.

Homelessness creeps throughthecapital'scorners. Under the lopsided 2016

PSA, Exxon and partners cartoffbillions,US$8.4Bin 2024 while Guyana pockets a fraction, just 12.5 barrels of every 100

produced. The glitter of FPSOs offshore contrasts cruelly with empty pots onshore Before preaching about

rescuing the globe, the oil titan should confront the starkrealityinGeorgetown's yards and villages. Charity, astheysay,beginsathome.

Machel Montano won the title for a record 12 occasions, with his tune, Encore

all-time record holder of Road March titles

Trinidad (CMC) Veteran Calypso and Soca artiste Machel Montano on Wednesday became the all-time record holder of the Road March title in Trinidad andTobagowhenhewonthisyear'sedition attheendofthe2026Carnivalcelebrations.

Montano won the title for a record 12 occasions, with his tune, Encore moving ahead of the late Lord Kitchener (Alwyn Roberts) with whom he had been tied with his victory in the 2025 edition of the competition.

“This historic milestone is a testament

to his consistency, talent, and undeniable impact on our Carnival culture. Year after year,hecontinuestoraisethebarandunite the nation through music,” said the country's culture minister Michelle BenjamininaFacebookpost.

Montano, whose tune was played 171 times during the two-day judging period, defeated Aaron “Voice” St Louis, the youngest International Soca Monarch winner, whose tune Cyah Behave was played 127 and Bunji Garlin's Still a Road Manwhichwasplayed97times.

Meanwhile, “LostTribe,” a member of the Tribe Carnival Group, which had been criticised by Roman Catholic Archbishop Jason Gordon for distributing sex toys in goodie bag s t o i t s f e m a l e masqueraders, won the Large Band of the year and the overall Band of the Year title with its presentation, Island Circus, with second place going to Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra with Sailors Ashore in Japan, while PaparazziCarnivalsecuredthirdplacewith Elope:DestinationIDo.

BLUNT BLUNT

GPL says it has enough power

While Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. boasts of “reliable, rm” capacity, citizens sit in darkness. At the recent energy conference at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, CEO Kesh Nandlall proudly announced generation up 63 percent since 2020 and customers up 21 percent. Peak demand has doubled to 236MW. Installed capacity stands above 300MW. On paper, it sounds impressive.

But Guyanese do not live on paper. If there is 260MW of reliable power on the DBIS, why do routine blackouts plague homes and businesses? Why does one hiccup at a station plunge the entire country into darkness? “Maintenance” cannot be the permanent excuse.

Growth gures mean nothing if the grid collapses weekly. Before promising 600 percent expansion by 2030, GPL must rst deliver what it claims today: steady, dependable electricity. Words do not power homes. Electricity does.

$144.9M road project at Rupertee

Village completed

TheMinistryofPublicWorksonSaturday announced that the $144.9 million road network project that was being executed at Rupertee Village, Region Nine is now completed.

“Thisinfrastructureupgradesignificantly improves the daily commute for residents of thevillageinRegionNine.Further,drainage works were recently completed to complementtheroadwork,”theministrysaid inastatement.

Kaieteur News understands that the $144,958,800projectbeganonJune16,2025, and included the construction of one kilometreofasphalticconcreteroadwaywith a stabilised base. The scope also saw the completion of road markings and drainage works to support proper water runoff and

long-term durability. Modern Urban Investments was contracted to undertake the project.

Similarly, in Maruranau Village, the rehabilitationoftheroadnetworkiscurrently beingexecutedatacostof$181,119,960.The project involves the construction of one kilometreofasphalticconcreteroadwaywith astabilisedbase.Pavingiscurrentlyongoing, and residents will soon have improved internal access that supports daily transportationandcommunityactivities.

The ministry stated that the execution of these projects enhances mobility, safety and overallconnectivitywithinthecommunities.

Kaieteur News understands that the Ministry was allocated $10 billion for the hinterlandroadprogrammethisyear

Trio nabbed with 10.9 kg of cocaine at Parika

ThreepersonswerearrestedonFriday after they were found with ten brick-like parcels of cocaine. The trio have been identified as Jared and Jahdiel Kellawan andDavidNewsum.

The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) in a statement on Saturday said that its officers acting on information, conducted an operation in the vicinity of Mora Village, Parika, East Bank Essequibowherethetriowasintercepted. One of the males was carrying a

haversack.“A subsequent search of the haversack revealed three (3) brick-like parcels suspected to be cocaine,” CANU said.The three men were then taken to Jared'shomewhereofficersdiscoveredan additional “seven (7) brick-like parcels suspectedtobecocaine.”

CANU said that the trio was taken to its headquarters in Georgetown and the narcoticsweighed.Thecocaineamounted to10.966kilograms. Investigationsareongoing.

$468M Bartica Water Treatment Plant commissioned

…Pres. Ali wants all consumed water to be locally produced in 12 months

President IrfaanAli

on Saturday commissioned the $468millionwatertreatment plant at Five Miles, Bartica, Region Seven while mandating that all locally consumed water must be produced locally in 12 months.

The treatment plant, which is funded by the Government of Guyana's Public Sector Investment Programme(GOG-PSIP),to support the development of housing schemes is set to serve 6000 residents from Four to Seven Miles, and is designed to treat surface water abstracted from a streamatFiveMiles.

T h e p l a n t w a s constructed by Toshiba Water Solutions America Inc through the Guyana WaterInc.(GWI).

In delivering the feature address, PresidentAli stated that water is an economic commodityandthatthereare manystudiesthatpointtothe global recession of water in decadestocome.

The Head-of-State said thecountrynowhastowork with the integrated water resource management systemprinciplestodevelop

an optimization plan of the total water asset, and how thatassetcanbedeployedto optimizevalue.

“You can't be such a resource rich country in freshwaterandbeimporting bottledwater,”PresidentAli

declared while noting that the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation must work with the private sector to ensure that the water consumed locally is produced here and at a reducedcost.

“This ministry must thereforesetasideonatarget ofensuringthatallourwater

produced locally in the next 12months.Whetherwehave to collaborate and we must collaborate with the private sector to ensure that they build up their capacity and capability Everyentitydon't needtohaveabottleblower We can have one entity to produce all of the plastic

bottleatstandardsizeacross the country, so that we have economies of scale. So, we have to look at all the verticals and to see how we canhaveeconomiesofscale ateverylevelsothatwecan bring down the cost of water,”heexplained.

President Ali said that officials at the GWI have

assured him that they can economically bottle water, sellingitfor$100orless.

“What we have to do is work with the private sector to see how we can actualize this, so that a country that is known as the land of many waterscanhavethecheapest wateravailabletoitspeople, and that is what we have to do,”hesaid.

ThePresidentalsostated that looking ahead to 2030, theirplanisnotonlyfocused on delivery of water, but on theeconomicvalueofwater Notingthatwaterisessential to every sector in the country, he called on the ministry to work towards implementing a strategy as to how they are going to (Continueonpage 49)

President Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis and current Chair

of CARICOM, the Honourable Dr Terrance Drew met at State House on Saturday

The two lead

rs discussedanumberofissues relating to CARICOM and the advan

men

of Guyana–St Kitts and Nevis relations.

According to a short statement posted on the Office of the President's Facebook page, Prime Minister Drew called the meeting "fruitful" and said that the CARICOM Heads willcontinuetopushtheidea of "regional integration and togetherness".

The 50th Meeting of the

th

Conference of Heads of Governmentisscheduledfor next week in St Kitts and Nevis.

Also present at the meetingweretheMinisterof F

s and International Cooperation, the Honourable Hugh Todd; Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency, and I

,

he Honourable Zulfikar Ally; Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

and Director of the National

Howell.

Colonel

The Waterfalls Waterfalls Mashramani Panorama ignites

Kingston beach

Guyanese talent Guyanese talent

Patrick "Pahjo" Joseph

Patrick "Pahjo" Joseph earnswritingcreditfor MachelMontano’sCarnivalRoad

Marchhit

Marchhit ‘Encore’ writing for MachelMontano’sCarnivalRoad

Through education,opendialogue, andcommunityinitiatives, 18-year-oldbeautyoftheweek, AngelenaJohnsonempowersteens andyoungadultstounderstandtheir emotions,buildcopingskills,andprioritize theirwell-being.AngelenaisContestant#9in theBarticaRegattaPageant.Herheartfelt platformisfocusedonpromotingmentalhealth awarenessandpersonalgrowthamongyouth. Sheispassionateaboutbreakingthestigma surroundingmentalhealth,encouragingyoung peopletoseeksupport,andfosteringresilience inthefaceofchallenges. Shebelievesthatmentalhealthawarenessis essentialforgrowth,self-confidence,and overallsuccess.Withempathyand dedication,Angelenaaimstoinspire agenerationtocarefortheir mindsasmuchastheir ambitions.

Angelena Johnsom

IfUSSecretaryRubioattendsCARICOMSummit -LetItMarkaReset—NotaReckoning

BySirRonaldSanders

IfU.S.SecretaryofState Marco Rubio accepts the invitation to attend the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in St KittsandNevisfrom25to27 February, his presence should be treated as consequential.Itwouldoffer anopportunitytorecalibrate the relationship between the UnitedStatesandthefifteen Member States of CARICOM that has never been broken — but now requiresdeliberaterenewal.

The U S and the Caribbean Community are not strangers testing first principles. Geography binds us Trade sustains us Security concerns connect us Migration links our families For decades, cooperation between Washington and Caribbean capitals has been steady, pragmatic, and grounded in mutualinterest.

Secretary Rubio has spoken forcefully about sovereignty, economic resilience, border control, and the dangers of surrendering national agency to external forces.

Caribbean leaders understand that language instinctively Our region’s modern history is rooted in claiming our legal entitlement to sovereignty, building viable economies out of colonial inheritances, and defending democratic institutions in societies small in size but firminconviction.

There are no communist politicalmovementssteering CARICOM governments There are no ideological crusades underway in the Caribbean. Our politics are

p r a c t i c a l A c r o s s administrations and across party lines, Caribbean governments have pursued market-driven economies

tempered by social responsibility We rely on private enterprise, welcome investment, and maintain deep commercial ties with the United States, which remains our largest trading partner With the exception of Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, whose energy exports alter the arithmetic, the United States enjoys consistent trade surpluses in goods — and substantial commercial advantages overall with most CARICOMmemberstates.

American goods fill Caribbean ports. American

companies operate profitably in our economies.

combating organized crime has been structured and ongoingundertheCaribbean Basin Security Initiative Thesearenotthemarkersof strained relations. They are the foundations of a long partnership. Yet strain has emerged, and it must be acknowledged honestly if recalibrationistooccur

One present source of tension is U.S. migration policy regarding refugees and deportees Every CARICOM country has consistently accepted the return of its own nationals deported from the United States. We have cooperated in verifying nationality, issuing travel documents, and facilitating lawful r

cooperationisnotindispute.

The unease arises when small states are asked to accept–andbearthecostof maintaining - persons who are not their nationals. For large countries, absorbing additional populations may be an administrative challenge. For small island and coastal states with limited fiscal space, small land mass, and tightly interwoven social systems, theimpactcanbemagnified.

Integration involves housing, health services, education, employment, community stability, and — above all — security vetting in environments that do not possess the investigative reachoflargernations.

The issue, therefore, is not unw

proportionality It is capacity Anditisrisk.

Secretary Rubio has arguedthattheUnitedStates must strengthen its own resiliencebysecuringsupply chains, reinforcing borders, and deepening cooperation with reliable partners. The Caribbean is not a distant theatre in that strategy; it is

America’s immediate neighbourhood. A stable, economically viable, and security-aligned

CARICOM reduces irregular mig

on pressures, strengthens maritime domain awareness in a region through which illicit trafficking flows Further, it offers trusted nodes for supply-chain diversification close to U.S.

s

, investment in Caribbean resilience is not charity It is strategicdepth.Inaworldin

which major powers contest for influence, proximity and partnershipstillmatter

If progress is to be made on migration cooperation, it must be built on clarity and reciprocity — clear legal frameworks, strict vetting standards, limited and manageable numbers, and arrangements that do not leavesmallstateswithopenended financial or social obligations Sustainable cooperation cannot rest on imbalance.

Climate policy presents another area where careful conversation is required Caribbean countries do not contribute significantly to global emissions. Yet we en

g hurricanes, coastal erosion, an

disruption at levels that threaten our economic survival.

For us, resilience is not i d e o l o g y E

g y diversificationisnotdogma. It is existential necessity Any recalibration between Washington and CARICOM must recognize that for CARICOM states, climate adaptation and economic growth are inseparable objectives.

On matters concerning Venezuela and Cuba, Caribbean governments share a common interest in stability in the hemisphere. Disorder and economic collapse do not respect boundaries. But Caribbean states are also guided by a longstandingcommitmentto sovereignty—aprincipleof international law that small states regard as essential to their security In any event, durable outcomes in the Americas are achieved not through destabilization, but through predictable, lawful processes that reduce instability rather than amplifyit.

IfSecretaryRubiomeets CARICOM in St. Kitts, the most constructive conversationwillnotrevolve around pressure It will revolvearoundalignment.

The United States seeks secure borders, resilient supply chains, and stable neighbours — and it has them in CARICOM. For its part, CARICOM seeks economic growth, climate resilience, and security against organized crime Clearly, the U S and CARICOM objectives are not contradictory They are complementary Expandedcooperationon maritime security and intelligence-sharing would

strengthenbothAmericanand Caribbean safety Structured labour mobility pathways could meet workforce needs in the United States while supporting development in Caribbean economies Resilient regional supply chains could integrate Caribbean production rather than bypass it Transparent, mutually agreed migration frameworks could remove uncertainty and build trust Meaningful support for climateadaptationandenergy resilience would reinforce stability in America’s immediateneighbourhood

None of this requires either side to abandon its principles. It requires both sides to apply them with

balance.

The Caribbean does notseekconfrontationwith theUnitedStates.Nordoesit seek dependency What it seeks — and has always sought is partnership rootedinmutualrespectand mutualbenefit.

If Secretary Rubio attends the CARICOM Summit, our leaders should be pragmatic, forwardlooking, and prepared for empathetic and candid engagement. The moment callsforstatesmanship.

TheUnitedStatesandthe Caribbean have cooperated forgenerations—intrade,in security,indisasterresponse, and in shared democratic values.Thatrecordissolid.

The meeting in St. Kitts offers the chance to strengthen their cooperation foranewera. That opportunity should beseized.

(The author is the Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States and the OAS, and Chancellor of the University of Guyana. Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronald sanders.com)

WEEK-IN-REVIEW

SUNDAY

Almost five years later… Govt. and Exxon still to agree on sole expert to settle audit disputeVickram Bharrat

As the five-year anniversary approaches since the government of Guyana received the first audit report of ExxonMobil’s expenses, the two parties remain at odds over the appointment of a sole expert to settlethedispute.

This was revealed on Friday by Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat when pressed on the sidelines of an event to provide an update on the audit of the company Bharrat was hesitant, first reminding that the review of the report is being handled by the GuyanaRevenueAuthority(GRA).

Kaieteur News however informed the Minister that queries to the agency have gone unanswered, with the nation still awaiting an update on the process. To this end, Bharrat explained, “I h a v e s e e n s o m e o f t h e correspondences between Exxon and GRA and they have recently come to a position where they have two sole experts They have narrowed it down to two and I believe within a month or so they are gonna identify the one that they are going to move forward with because both parties must agree on thatsoleexpertasisspecifiedinthe agreement.”

Bharrat added that the process will move forward upon the appointment of the sole expert

F u r t h e r m o r e , f r o m t h e government’s standpoint, he assured that efforts are being made to follow-up on the process to ensureitmovesahead.

AnauditoftheCostBankofthe Stabroek Block was conducted for the years 1999 to 2017 by IHSMarkit, a British firm. The audit resulted in findings of US$214M and a report was submitted to the governmentinMarch2021.

Following the submission of that report, the flagged sum was reduced to a meager US$3M based on submission of documentation thatwasabsentduringthecourseof t h e a u d i t A f t e r c a r e f u l consideration the Government did not accept the presented documents, and the sum was restored to US$214M.As such, the disputedamounthighlightedbythe auditorwillstand.

Consequently, the Sole Expert process has been invoked to settle the dispute between the parties Should the sole expert determine that the costs were inaccurately added to the cost bank, Exxon will berequiredtocreditthesum.

The 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) states at Article 26 that if the parties fail to agree on a sole expert within 30 days such expert shall be appointed by the

Commerce (“ICC”) in accordance with its Rules for the Appointment ofExpertsandNeutrals.

The contract states at Article 26 10 “ the Parties shall cooperate fully in the expeditious c o n d u c t o f s u c h e x p e r t determination and provide the expert with access to all facilities, books, records, documents, information and personnel necessary to make a fully informed decision in an expeditious manner

The sole expert shall act as an expert and not as an arbitrator or mediator, and shall endeavour to provide an opinion on the Dispute within thirty (30) days of his appointment,butnolaterthansixty (60)daysafterhisappointment…”

Trinidad gets licences from United States for oil and gas activities in Venezuela

CMC - The Trinidad and Tobago government Friday said that it has been issued with two United States General Licences, which provides “a clear and structured legal framework” under US law for certain oil and gas activities in Venezuela and along

InApril 2025, the United States revoked the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) licenses that had permitted Trinidad and Tobago to develop the Dragon and Manakin-Cocuina natural gas fields in partnership with Venezuela.

The licences had allowed multinational energy giants Shell andBP,alongwithTrinidad’sstateowned National Gas Company (NGC), to develop offshore gas fields near the Venezuelan maritime border The Dragon field alone holds an estimated four trillion cubic feet of gas, with first exportsinitiallyslatedfor2026.

“oursharedmaritimeborder”.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar in a statement posted on X,saidthat“asalongstandingclose partner of the United States, Trinidad and Tobago views this development as an important opportunity to deepen hemispheric energy cooperation, strengthen regional stability, and reinforce trustedcommercialties.

“We are optimistic about the potential to enhance our role as a responsible energy hub in the Caribbean, supporting domestic industry, safeguarding jobs, and contributing to reliable supply chains that benefit the wider region,”shewrote.

Persad-Bissessar said that Trinidad and Tobago will proceed in full compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements “and in keeping with our commitment to transparency and soundgovernance”.

According to the licence “any payment of oil or gas taxes or royalities to the government of Venezuela, PdVSA or any PdVSA entity must be paid to the Foreign Government Deposit Funds or any other account as instructed by the USDepartmentofTreasury”.

It states further that the general licence does not authorise “payment terms that are not commercially reasonable, involve debt swaps or payments in gold, or are dominated in digital currency, digital coin or digital tokens issued by, for, or on behalf of the GovernmentofVenezuela”.

Following the United States military incursion into Venezuela last month and the detention of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife on drugs and illegal weapons charges, Washington announced that it would be running the South

American country for the foreseeablefuture.

Prime Minister PersadBissessar had publicly supported the United States military presence in the Caribbean after Washington had initially said it was intended to putanendtotheillegaldrugstrade.

Trinidad and Tobago had already begun paying over one million US dollars per year in taxes to Venezuela for the expected 20year Dragon project. But the move by Washington, citing concerns over Venezuela’s failure to restore democratic norms and manage illegal migration, had effectively frozenthedeal.

However, by October 2025, a new, revised six-month OFAC licensewas grantedtoTrinidadand Tobago, valid until April 2026, allowing for renewed negotiations on the Dragon gas project under new,strict,tieredconditions.

MONDAY

HIV infections set to fall …as most of 7,800 on treatment achieve viral suppression – Anthony

Guyana is projecting a decline in new Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections this year, with nearly 7,800 persons living w i t h H I V c u r r e n t l y o n antiretroviral treatment (ARVs) and the majority achieving viral suppression, according to Minister ofHealthDr.FrankAnthony.

Dr. Anthony made the disclosure on Friday during the consideration of the Ministry of Health’s 2026 estimates and expenditure by the Committee of Supply We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Member of Parliament Natasha Singh-Lewis questioned the targeted reduction in the incidence of HIV for 2026 and asked the Minister to outline the interventions supporting the projecteddecline.

Minister Anthony explained that HIV incidence refers to the number of new cases recorded annuallyandnotedthattheministry has strengthened its prevention and transmission efforts. “We have a number of preventative programs,” Dr Anthonysaid.

He highlighted ongoing public education campaigns and the availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for persons who consider themselves at risk.

The ministry also distributes close tofivemillioncondomsannuallyas partofitsnationalpreventiondrive.

Dr. Anthony said another key

intervention is ensuring that persons living with HIV are placed on treatment and achieve viral suppression, significantly reducing theriskoftransmission.

“So, if you manage people who already are infected with HIV, and you get them to be virally suppressed, it means that they cannot transmit to somebody else. So, what we have been doing is working to ensure that most of our patients are virally suppressed… Sooncetheyarevirallysuppressed, they cannot transmit, and that has also contributed to the reduction in cases. That does not mean that we have to that we don’t have to be vigilant,”hestated.

The Minister noted that close to 7,800 patients are currently on ARVs, with most virally suppressed He added that the ministry has procured laboratory equipment to conduct viral load testing, allowing for closer monitoring of patients on treatment.

Addressing concerns about access to services in hinterland regionssuchasRegionsOne,Eight andNine,Dr Anthonysaidprimary healthcare physicians across the country have been trained to manage HIV cases, reducing reliance on a centralised system. Complicated cases, he explained, are referred to specialists when necessary, but most patients now livelong,healthylivesonARVs.

“Before HIV was like a death sentence,sowhenpeoplegetitafter a couple of years, you see they progresstoAIDSandtheydie.”

“Now we don’t see that most of our patients are living and most of them probably died from something else, heart disease or some other thing. So, they do very well on the ARVs and that, I think that, in itself, has been a success story for the HIV programme,” Dr Anthonyadded.

He further disclosed that the HIV programme is also being used asanentrypointtotestforandtreat other sexually transmitted infections,includingsyphilis, Continued on page 21

Frompage20 gonorrhea and chlamydia. “So, we have been setting up clinics, going out,raisingawarenessandwhilewe aredoingitforHIV,therearealsoa number of STIs that we look for,” henoted.

APNUslams$18.8B year-endspending …calls it ‘rubber stamp’governance

TheAPartnership for National Unity (APNU) has condemned the Government of Guyana (GoG) for what it describes as a “quiet” and controversial drawdown of $18.8 billion in the final two months of 2025, accusing the administration of sidestepping parliamentary scrutiny Financial Paper Number Two of 2025 was laid in the National Assembly by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, on January26,2026—weeksafterthe funds had already been spent and during presentation of the 2026 NationalBudget.

Opposition Member of

Parliament(MP)GaneshMahipaul on Sunday said thatAPNU did not supportthepassageofthefinancial paper as the approach by government reeks of flagrant

disrespect to the National Assembly of Guyana. “If the sums were spent in 2025, the administration had every opportunity to convene a sitting beforetheendofDecembertoseek the lawful approval of the House. Instead, it chose to arrive in February of a new financial year withoutanyacceptableexplanation andaskMemberstosimplyendorse what has already been done,” Mahipaulargued.

He pointed out that while the lawallowsforadvancestobemade by a government, the PPP has trampled on the principles of good governance and accountability by refusing to convene Parliament in NovemberorDecembertoapprove theadditionalexpenditure.

Moreover,theMPdescribedthe move as an abuse of the contingency fund, as the expenditure by government failed to meet the criteria of “urgent and unforeseen”.

Mahipaul called for a division inParliament,duringtheweehours ofSaturdaymorning,followingthe debate on the sum requested. He told Kaieteur News it was important for the record to show thatAPNUdidnotsupportsuchan act that reduces the National Assemblytoa“rubberstamp”.

Additionally,hesaidthatwhile the PPP holds majority of the Parliamentary seats, the division allowed for each MP to vote according to his own will which would demonstrate individual principleandrespectfortheHouse, or lack thereof Notably, 28 members voted against and 35 in favouroftheMotiontosupportthe

additional expenditure by government Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo were absent from the Assembly at the time and did not cast their respectivevotes.

The joint Opposition currently holds 29 seats and the governing party 36 seats in the 65-member Assembly Mahipaul therefore urged, “The National Assembly is not a rubber stamp It is the constitutional body charged with ensuring accountability, transparency, and proper oversight of public funds on behalf of the people of Guyana Possessing a majority does not give any government the moral authority to ignore long-standing principles of respect,order,andlawfulprocess.”

The MP added, “Principles matter Respect for the Assembly matters. Law and order matter. Thesemustneverbecompromised, particularly when public spending and the people’s money are involved.”

According to Financial Paper Number Two, seen by this newspaper, the Government made two advances totaling $18,821,223,636 with $7 4B for current and $11 4B for capital expenditure to cover the period November 18 to December 16, 2025.Earlierin2025,theGoGhad sought an additional $57 5B to support the $1.382 trillion Budget. This means that Government increaseditsspendingpowerinthe election year to a massive $1,458,313,838,911.

TUESDAY

Mohamedarrested overlatecourtarrival …Accuses Govt., police of slashing car tires causing delay …Magistrate threatens to forfeit bail

Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed on Monday accused the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) of orchestrating events to delay his arrivalatcourt,afterawarrantwas

briefly issued for his arrest in his ongoingextraditionproceedings. Mohamed was scheduled to appearat09:00hrsbeforePrincipal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court in the matter involving himself and his father, Nazar Mohamed. When the case was called and he was absent, the magistrate issued a

disrespectful. He arrived about 35 minutes later and was escorted to the court’s lock-ups. The warrant was subsequently withdrawn after explanations were offered to the court.

hearings, he has consistently arrived early, except for one prior occasionwhenhewastwominutes late. He described Monday’s delay as a “strange occurrence” and accusedthegovernmentofpolitical persecution “The political prosecutionthatIamgoingthrough is unbelievable under the PPP administration,” he said. “I have utmostrespectforthemagistrate.I think I attended this court more than 12 times. I would always be here before my attorneys Only onceIwaslate,thatwas09:02hrs, two minutes late at the second hearing. The magistrate told me to ensure that I arrive on time, and sincethatdayIneverattendedcourt late.”

Mohamed claimed that his driverdiscoveredtwoslashedtyres onhisvehicleonMondaymorning, preventing him from arriving on time. He alleged that this was not the first such incident, stating that weeksago,oneofthetyreshadalso been slashed on the day of a court hearing. On that occasion, he said, the driver was able to replace the damaged tyre with a spare However, on Monday, with two

tyres slashed and only one spare available, the vehicle could not be used.

He further alleged that he has been forced to rely on staff members for transportation becauseinsurancecompanieshave refused to renew coverage for his vehicles,whichheclaimswasdone at the direction of government authorities.“Thismorningat07:20 hrs I called one of my attorneys, Damien Da Silva, and told him to ensuretheycomeearly,”Mohamed said “All my vehicles, the insurance companies are not renewingtheinsurancesbecauseof the wicked, vindictive PPP governmentinstructingthemnotto renew my insurances I got to depend on some of my staff to use theirvehicleslikewhatIhavebeen using for the past couple of weeks ormonths,”Mohamedsaid.

He went on to allege that the Special Branch of the Guyana Police Force was responsible for thetyredamage.“Twowheelswere slashedthismorning,andIsuspect thattheSpecialBranch,thearmof theGuyanaPoliceForceheadedby the PPP, did this purposefully so I can arrive to court late,” he stated. Mohamed stressed that he remains committed to punctual attendance atcourt.“Iwouldalwaysbehereon time.Thereporters know this.You would see me sitting here before courtstarts.So,thismorning,thatis the reason why I attended court late,”hesaid.

In the court room, Latchman, who is presiding over the extradition matter, initially issued an arrest warrant after Mohamed failed to appear at the scheduled 09:00hrsstart.

However, following repeated pleas and submissions from the defence, the warrant was later reversed.Whileshowingmercyby removin

magistrate issued a stern warning that any future late appearance

could result in immediate remand. Whenproceedingsbeganpromptly at 09:00 hrs, all attorneys were present but the Mohameds were absent. The magistrate questioned theaccused’sabsence,anddefence attorney Roysdale Forde SC, told the court he was unaware of his client’s whereabouts but assured that Mohamed would attend Displeased, Magistrate Latchman sharply questioned the delay, asking, “Is he moving on a snail?” She further stated, “he’s disrespectful He needs to be punctual.”About 35 minutes later, Mohamed arrived at court, but by then the warrant had already been issuedandthematteradjourned.He was escorted to the court’s lockups. Defence attorneys, including Forde,DamienDaSilvaandSiand Dhurjon, attempted to notify the magistrate of their client’s presence, but she declinedto leave her chambers to address them. In another attempt to prevent their client from being remanded, the attorneyssoughttheinterventionof the Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty However, she indicated thatshedidnothavejurisdictionto recall a warrant issued by another magistrate and referred the matter backtoMagistrateLatchman. After repeated applications from the defence to have the warrant reversed and to allow Mohamed to explain his tardiness, Magistrate Latchman stood the matterdownuntil12:30hrs,during which time Mohamed remained in custody When proceedings resumed, Mohamed apologised to the court, stating, “Your Worship, I’msorrythatIwaslateforcourt.” MagistrateLatchman,however, reminded Mohamed that he had previouslybeenlateforthesecond hearing of the extradition matter andhadalreadybeenwarnedabout punctuality “I warned you that 9 o’clockis9o’clockandthatyouare nottoletithappenagain,”shesaid. She further stated that under her watch, the wheels of justice would continuetoturninatimelymanner “Thisisnotmonopolyandthereare no chances.At this point in time, I am very much inclined to escheat thebailandremandyoutoprisonso Icanguaranteethatyouwillbehere on time on the next occasion,” she said,stressingthatthecourtwould nottolerateexcuses.

Opposition Leader, Azruddin Mohamed in handcuffs after he was arrested for showing up at court late on Monday

In response, attorney Dhurjon apologised on behalf of his client andassuredthecourtthathewould personally ensure Mohamed’s punctual attendance in the future, evenifitrequiredcollectinghimas early as 6:00 hrs. “Madam I will personallytakestepstoensureeven ifIhavetogoforhimat6:00hrsto bringhimtocourtIwill,”Dhurjon toldthecourt.

Meanwhile, prosecutor Terrence Williams expressed concern about delays in the extraditionproceedings,notingthat Continued on page 22

Frompage21 Mohamed ought to have been present in court on time “We are concerned There is public uttering that the matter may take place in fiveyears,”hesaid.

In delivering her ruling, MagistrateLatchmanstated, “I will temper justice with mercy,” before ordering the

removal of the arrest warrant. The court was also

informed that Nazar Mohamed remains unwell, and an updated medical reportwillbeprovidedatthe nexthearing.Thematterwas adjournedtoFebruary18.

The Mohameds are facingafederalindictmentin Miami, United States, following the unsealing of a 25-page indictment on

October 2, 2025 The indictment alleges a wideranging fraud and moneylaundering scheme involving gold exports, customs fraud, bribery and the evasion of millions of dollarsintaxesandroyalties owed to Guyana. Following a formal request from the United States, Minister OneidgeWalrondsignedthe Authority to Proceed, allowing the extradition matter to move forward beforethemagistrates’court. If sufficient evidence is established during committal proceedings, the magistrate could order the Mohameds’ extradition to face charges in the United States.

Bikerkilledinhigh-speed crashinCorentyne

A 2 1 - y e a r - o l d motorcyclist lost his life Mondayafternoonfollowing a collision on the No 64 Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice.

D e a d i s J a d h e o

Bhimsingh of No 63 Village, Corentyne, an overseas-based Guyanese According to police, the accident occurred around 13:00hrs and involved Bhimsinghanda60-year-old driver from No. 64 Village. Investigators said the motorcyclistwasproceeding south along the eastern carriageway at a fast rate of speed.

B h i m s i n g h w a s reportedly riding an unregisteredmotorcycleand was not wearing a safety helmet when he collided with motorcar PKK 5792, which was travelling along thewesternlane.Theimpact threw the motorcyclist onto the eastern grass parapet,

leaving him with multiple injuries Public-spirited citizens rushed him in an unconsciousstatetothePort Mourant Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival A breathalyzer test conducted on the driver of the car reportedlyrecordedreadings of 7 and 8 micrograms. The driver remains in police custody as investigations continue.

WEDNESDAY

‘Guyana’soiltohelplift worldfrompoverty’–ExxonUpstreambosstells energyconference

Guyana’s sweet light crude, discovered in the StabroekBlockbyAmerican energy giant, ExxonMobil will not only improve the lives of Guyanese, but will help to lift people across the globe out of poverty, according to the company’s Vice President, Dan Ammann.

Delivering a keynote addressattheopeningdayof the fifth installment of the

Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, the President of ExxonMobil Upstream Company and Vice President of the Corporation, Dan Ammann spoke glowingly of the country’s energy potential andthecrucialroleitplaysin thecompany

Overseeing Exxon’s efforts to discover, develop and produce oil around the world,includingthePermian Basin in the United States, Angola, Nigeria Indonesia, andseveralothers,including neighbouring Brazil, Ammann spoke of the vantagepointheholds.

With an eagle’s view of each country he said, “I can very confidently say that Guyana is perhaps the most exceptional energy development anywhere in the world not only for the scale of the resources offshore, but how it’s being developedandmanagedand importantly what it is enablingonshore.”

Shifting his attention to theroleGuyanawillplayon a much wider level, he said the country’s resources will help improve the lives of peopleacrosstheglobe,with the country already

e x p e r i e n c i n g transformation “First, energy development is transforming this country You can see it everywhere. Newconstruction,hospitals,

another 250,000 barrels dailyin2027.

D e s p i t e t h e unprecedented growth in oil production in Guyana, the country will continue to receiveameagreshareofthe revenue generated offshore, until it repays Exxon for its current and future projects. The country receives just 12 5 barrels of every 100 produced in the Stabroek Block.

In keeping with the provisions of the 2016

Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), the contractor, ExxonMobil can takeupto75%ofproduction

e

production activities The remaining 25% is split equally with Guyana as profits with the country receiving an additional 2% royalty paid from gross production. This model has resultedinGuyanareceiving only a trickle of its nonrenewable wealth, while poverty continues to afflict more than half of the population.

ImbalanceinPSA

clinics, schools, roads, bridges, shops and stores, beautification projects, community centers and recreational facilities,” he stated.

More importantly, Ammann added that this transformation is also evident in human capital withnewjobsbeingcreated, expansion of business o p p o r t u n i t i e s , improvements in health and progress in education “Then, there’s what the energy from Guyana can do to improve the lives of people all around the world…it helps lift people out of poverty and raise the standard of living of people everywhere. Guyana’s energydevelopsGuyanabut ithelpstheentire(globe)and that’swhatthisconferenceis about,”heshared.

Already, the VP noted that the country has become the world’s largest oil producer per capita, producing over 900,000 barrelsperday(bpd).

Guyana currently has four Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels(FPSOs)operatingin the Stabroek Block. A fifth FPSO, is expected to come online by the end of 2026, pushing the country’s daily capacitybeyondonemillion barrels daily Meanwhile, a s i x t h d e e p w a t e r devel

questions about the method of calculation for profits underthecontract.

PovertyinGuyana

With meagre resources flowing to the country, Guyanesecontinuetocryout againsttheimpossiblewages theyareforcedtoliveon.

Kaieteur News reported in December last year that ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC raked in US$8 4 billion in profits from Guyana’s Stabroek Block in 2 0 2 4 , w h i l e Guyana entitled to a 50 percentshare—receivedjust US$2.6 billion, raising renewedconcernsabouthow profits are calculated under theoilcontract.

E x x o n , a 4 5 % shareholder in the block

reported a profit of US$4,738,784,812 for the yearendingDecember2024.

Financial statements for Hess, the 30% shareholder, shows the company earned US$3,145,029,074 while CNOOC with the remaining 2 5 % s h a r e b a g g e d US$530,737,000 during the sameperiod.Thismeansthat the partners toge

ve US$8,414,550,886 for the year2024.

Notably, Guyana should be receiving 50% of the profits from the Stabroek Block,orhalfoftherevenue from crude sales in accordance with the provisions of the 2016 PSA. However, Guyana received just about a quarter of the US$8.4B that the Stabroek Block partners gained from the deal. Deposits into the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) in 2024 totalled just about US$2 6B raising

Only last week, women from Red Thread joined a picket outside the Arthur Chung Conference Center where Parliamentarians were debating the 2026 National Budget They vented frustration over the allocation of millions to an Office that provided no evidence of work to the House, as more resources continue to pour in that direction.

“I am out here because I am a poor person and this budget is not poor people friendly. I am angry that a former judge could be receiving $40 million a year for work that we don’t even see,”saidWintressWhyteas sheheldherplacard.

“Poor people can’t eat certain things. They always have to forego something Some of them can’t even afford to send their children toschooleveryday Someof them go to school and they can’teveneatapropermeal. Lookatwhattheygivingthe children and calling it healthy meal- a pine tart,” SusanCollymoreargued.

Similarly, Wintress Whyte noted, “The government minimum wage is$60,147permonth.House rent in Georgetown is $45,000 and up for a one bedroom.Ican’tevenaddin the meals and transportation and so forth…poor people have to be in our bed worryingwhatwegivingthe childrenthemtomorrow We gottobedoingMathematics in we sleep. In we sleep we worrying, take away, subtractandthenyoudivide Continued on page 32

MTowards a better life with your psychologist

Unresolved trauma and neurological diseases

any people think that Alzheimer’s and dementia are about old age. However, that is only 25% true. The other 75% is those brain diseases are about unresolved childhood traumas rather than ageing. Childhood traumas do two things.

Split us into two personalities: the authentic self and the false self. The authentic self asks for help without feeling like a burden, expresses love w i t h o u t f e a r i n g vulnerability, etc. The false self is the survival of you.

Stealing rather than humiliation of asking, pushing away love while craving it, shouting down rather than being assertive. Etc.

Trauma and dementia risk are linked; individuals with a history of child maltreatment (physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect)haveahigherriskof cognitive impairment in middle age and a higher probability of a positive dementiadiagnosis.

Acceleratedbrainageing and high trauma exposure accelerate brain ageing and neuro inflammation, potentially making individuals more vulnerable

to neurodegenerative diseases.

B i o l o g i c a l Mechanisms: Childhood trauma is linked to chronic stress, which leads to higher levels of cortisol. Over a lifetime,thiscandamagethe brain, particularly the hippocampus, which is essentialformemory

So, trauma victims’ brains slip into survival mode,asaresultofunhealed traumas, the separation of self,andthismentalsurvival stateofthebrainandnervous system begins to deteriorate ourbrains.

The brain’s survival mode starts, let us say, for someone at age 20. In 30-40 years, that is 50-60 years of the individual’s life, their brain begins to malfunction inchronicways,turninginto a n i r r e v e r s i b l e neurodegenerative disease, such as dementia, Alzheimer’s,etc.

HowSurvivalMode CausesBrain Deterioration

When the brain is in a chronic, untreated survival

state (often characterised as PTSDorComplexPTSD),it prioritisesimmediatethreats over long-term health. This leads to several, sometimes irreversible,changes:

H i p p o c a m p a l

S h r i n k a g e : T h e hippocampus, which is responsible for memory formation, shrinks due to chronic exposure to high cortisollevels.

A m y g d a l a

Hyperactivity: The “alarm system” of the brain becomes hyperactive, resulting in heightened fear, anxiety, and a constant state ofalert.

Prefrontal Cortex

Dysfunction: The area responsible for reasoning and emotional regulation becomes less efficient, makingitdifficulttomanage stress.

Neuroinflammation: Chronic stress triggers inflammation, which damages neurons and a c c e l e r a t e s neurodegeneration.

Dementia Risk: Individualswith PTSD have a 61% higher risk of developingdementia.

Alzheimer’s disease is caused by prolonged exposuretostresshormones, which cause the brain to accumulate amyloid-â plaques and tau protein tangles, which are the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.

Cognitive decline in midlife, people with unhealed trauma often show significantmemorygapsand cognitive decline by middle age(40s-50s).

In women, long-term, high-stress events reduced grey matter volume, implyingdirectatrophy

Whatarechildhood traumasagain?

Childhood traumas are defined as serious, adverse experiences that occur before the age of 18, which overwhelm a child’s ability to cope, often resulting in lasting impacts on their mental, physical, and emotional health. These experiences involve threats toachild’ssafety,security,or bodily integrity, frequently causedbycaregivers,family members, or community members.

Abuse: Physical, emotional,andsexualabuse.

Neglect: Physical neglect (lacking food,

shelter, clothes, or medical care) and emotional neglect (feeling unsupported, unloved,orignored).

Household Dysfunction:

Witnessing domestic violence or violence in the home Living with a household member who has a substance abuse problem. Living with a household member who has a mental illnessorissuicidal.

Parental separation, divorce, or abandonment Incarcerationofahousehold member Bullying:Repeated in-personoronlinebullying. Community Violence, exposure to gang violence, school shootings, or war Systemic Factors: Racism, discrimination, poverty, and homelessness.

Reversibilityand Mitigation

T h e b r a i n h a s neuroplasticity, meaning it can re-organise and form new connections. However, these changes are generally not reversed without intervention There is currently no scientifically validated cure to completely “reverse” dementia or Alzheimer’s disease once s i g n i f i c a n t n e u r o degenerationhasoccurred.

If dementia is presenting with, or exacerbated by, unresolved trauma (e.g., in cases of PTSD-related cognitive decline), the focus is on treating the trauma, reducingthestressresponse, and supporting brain health. Specialized interventions can help manage symptoms, slow progression, and address the trauma itself: Thereisatreatmentplanand careapproach

1.Trauma-Focused Therapies

It is never too late for therapy Forindividualswith dementia who can still participate. Processing the underlying childhood traumas, be it emotional abuse and neglect, mental abuse and neglect, sexual or physical abuse, will always improve emotional regulation and stabilise cognitive function by reducing chronic stress hormones (like cortisol) that damagethebrain.

EMDR (Eye Movement

Desensitisation and

memories and reduce their emotional impact, potentially alleviating agitation and cognitive impairment

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Used to reframe negative thought patterns and manage the psychologicalimpactofpast trauma. Identify and avoid triggers such as loud noises, specific people, or, in some cases, certain caregiving techniques that cause fear

Use gentle communication and a calm approach

Sensory Comfort, using toolslikeweightedblankets, can help soothe, reduce anxiety, and regulate the nervous system, as trauma can leave the brain in a constant state of “fight, flight,orfreeze”.

Narrative Therapy: Assists individuals in reshaping their personal life stories to promote healing and integration of traumatic events.

2.Cognitive&Lifestyle Interventions

These strategies aim to build cognitive reserve and maintain independence: Cognitive Rehabilitation, which uses healthy parts of the brain to compensate for i m p a i r e d a r e a s ReminiscenceandLifeStory Work, using photos, music, or keepsakes to improve moodandstimulatememory

L i f e s t y l e

M a n a g e m e n t , including regular exercise, a hearthealthy diet, and social engagement, can help protectremainingbrain function. Get 6 to 8 hoursofsleepperday

By Dr. Telford Layne Jr. PsyD, MSc. Postgrad, BSc. Clinical

and

removingamyloidplaques.

Neurofeedback therapy trains the brain to function moreefficientlyandcanhelp improvememoryandfocus.

Physical and mental activity: Regular physical exercise(45minutes,4days per week) increases blood andoxygenflowtothebrain, whichiscrucialforreversing some of the neurochemical damage caused by chronic stress Learn to do new things weekly, e.g., brush your teeth with the less dominanthand.

Social connection and combating loneliness are essential, as social isolation is strongly linked to faster cognitivedecline.Makenew friends,joinaweeklygroup, etc.

3.MedicalManagement andDiet

While not a “reversal,” new 2026-era treatments focus on modifying the disease’sbiology:

Disease-Modifying Drugs: FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies like lecanemabanddonanemab can help “freeze” a person’s current functional state by

Trauma-Related

Medication: In some cases, antidepressants or antianxiety medications are prescribed to manage the severe symptoms of unresolved trauma that exacerbate memory issues. Medication for childhood trauma should be a last resort,ifatall.

Core Brain-Healthy

Foods Leafy Green

Vegetables: Aim for 6+ servings per week (e g , spinach, kale, collards)

Berries: Strawberries and blueberries are prioritised over other fruits for their antioxidant properties. Nuts and Beans weekly Small cupsofwater,fruitwithhigh water content (like watermelon), or smoothies throughouttheday

B Vitamins (B6, B9/folate, B12): These vitamins help lower homocysteine levels, an amino acid in the blood linkedtobrainshrinkageand increaseddementiarisk.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Particularly DHA. Vitamin E,VitaminD,Magnesium

Reprocessing): Helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories to reduce their ongoing distress help rep

cess traumatic

ByKarenAbrams, MBA,AA, DoctoralCandidate

There is understandable excitement around artificial intelligence in education

Around the world, companies are promising personalized tutors, instant feedback, and adaptive learning systems that can

accelerate academic progress The vision is attractive Every child supported Every gap identified Every lesson tailored.

But innovation must sit on a foundation. And in Guyana, we must confront a difficult truth: for too many of our children, that foundationisnotyetsecure.

Thecrisisbeginsbeforea child ever enters a classroom National data showthatclosetooneinten children under five is moderately or severely

u n d e r w e i g h t , a n d approximately 12 percent are stunted. In Regions 7, 8

and 9, where many Indigenous families reside, these rates are among the highest in the country Research across developing economies is consistent E a r l y c h i l d h o o d malnutrition can reduce cognitive development and is associated with a 5 to 10 percentreductioninlifetime earnings.Achildwhobegins school hungry begins alreadybehind.

Thenthereisthequestion ofaccess.InRegion2,nearly 47percentofchildrenofpreprimaryage,arenotenrolled in nursery education In Region 1, the rate is 35 percent.InRegion7,itis34 percent Children whose mothers have no formal education face nonparticipationratesexceeding 20 percent at the nursery level. Among the poorest households,morethanonein five nursery-aged children arenotinschoolatall.

When these children enter Grade 1, if they enter, many do so without school readiness skills. In some hinterland communities, they also enter without speaking the language of instruction Eight Indigenous languages are spoken across our interior

Advancing Education, Technology & Innovation in Guyana…

Before We Digitise, We Must Stabilise

regions,yetEnglishremains the sole language of instruction in the formal system The Ministry of E d u c a t i o n h a s acknowledged that early learning is most effective when delivered in a child’s native tongue. Small pilots exist. However, for most Indigenous children, the transition into an Englishonly classroom begins on dayone.

Nosoftwareplatform,no matter how sophisticated, can compensate for hunger, language barriers, or the absence of early childhood preparation.Technologycan enhance learning. It cannot replacefundamentals.

We must also examine therealitieswithinthehome. Every serious study of educational outcomes confirms that parental involvement is among the strongest predictors of student success But involvement requires capacity It requires time. It requiresknowledge. The economic pressures facing many Guyanese families are significant Children from the lowest wealth quintile are dramatically more likely to be out of school at lower secondary level than those from the wealthiest households. In some estimates, the gap is more than tenfold. This is not a software gap. It is an economicgap.

A mother in Mahdia or Lethem who did not complete secondary school cannot easily assist with algebra or composition structure. Not because she does not care, but because she was not afforded the same opportunity A father working long shifts in m i n i n g , f o r e s t r y, construction or offshore servicesmaybeabsentfrom homework time out of necessity,notneglect.

If we are serious about educational advancement, thesefamiliesneedsustained support School feeding programmes matter Cash grants must reflect the real cost of uniforms, transportation and learning

materials Guidance counsellors, after-school programmes, mentoring and

structured academic reinforcement are not luxuries. They are essential supports that keep children in school and moving forward. At the same time, we must be clear about the economicstakes.

Guyana is undergoing r a p i d e c o n o m i c transformation. Oil and gas have expanded GDP and created new opportunities. Infrastructure development is accelerating Foreign investment is increasing Alongside this growth, foreign labour has also i n c r e

d a c r o s s construction, services, logisticsandtechnicalfields. In many lower wage roles, competition has intensified. Basic labour positions are increasinglycontested.

If our young people do not stre

mathematics, literacy, scienceandcriticalthinking, they risk being confined to thelowesttiersofthelabour market, precisely the segments under the greatest pressure That is not a criticism of any sector It is an economic reality Higher wages follow higher skills. Movement up the value chain requires competence, certificationandmastery

We need more of our young people qualifying for engineering programmes, ICT certifications, health sciences, financial services, logistics management, renewable energy systems and advanced technical trades We need more supervisors, more project

entrepreneurs. That begins not with a device, but with foundationalcompetence.

Infrastructure must also be addressed honestly Ministry surveys have indicated that a significant proportion of nursery and primary facilities lack r

c

l installations In some regions, schools operate without consistent power Connectivity outside of urban centres remains uneven. There have been public acknowledgements thatevencentralofficeshave struggled at times with r e l i a b l e

connectivity

Digital tools require electricity They require stable internet. They require maintenance capacity and trained staff. Without these, tablets become storage devices. Platforms become inaccessible Investments loseimpact.

Noneofthisistosuggest that Guyana should reject innovation. On the contrary, we must embrace it Artificial intelligence, adaptive learning systems and digital platforms can be powerful accelerators. They can help teachers diagnose gaps, help students practise skills, and help parents

monitorprogress. But technology must sit onstableground.

Our first obligation is to ensure that children are

, linguistically supported and

competencies. Our second obligation is to strengthen teacher training, improve

d participation, and support

d obligationistobuildreliable infrastructure that allows digital investments to functionasintended.

If we do these things, then digital tools will multiplyourgains.

If we do not, we risk mistaking hardware for progress. Guyana’s future prosperity depends on moving our young people steadily up the skills ladder In a competitive global economy, and in a rapidly expanding domestic one, fundamentals are not optional.Theyarethebridge to higher wages, economic resilience and national strength.

Before we digitise, we must stabilise. Before we automate, we must educate. And before we promise transformation, we must secure the foundation on whichitrests.

Patrick “Pahjo” Joseph

Guyanesetalent Patrick “Pahjo” Joseph earnswritingcreditforMachelMontano’s CarnivalRoadMarchhit ‘Encore’

Guyanese singer Nesta performs alongside Pahjo

Guyanese soca artiste, Patrick “Pahjo” Joseph is among the songwriters behind this year’s carnival Road March hit song “Encore”

The song performed by 12thtimeroadmarchwinner and soca powerhouse, Machel Montano racked up ravereviewsduringCarnival season in Trinidad and Tobago the home of soca music Butthisisnotthefirst that the Guyanese musician who is based in the UK has made waves on the soca scene

He has more than five in the game and is a two-time Soca Artiste of the Year

(2025) He told The Waterfalls that after years of working behind the scenes andlendinghistalenttosome of the best in Caribbean music,heisnowreadytohold hisown

Hesaid,“Iwouldliketo beknownasthathumbleguy who followed his dream and passion for music and made it”

The bona fide soca lover said that his passion for the genre dates back to his childhoodevenbeforehegot his first invitation to create the‘riddim’andpenlyricsfor top artistes in the Caribbean

At the age of 8, Pahjo’s obsession with the genre earned him the nickname “Soca Junkie” within his family

His pas

manifested destiny in 2019 when producer and close friend Joel “Joey2Kool” Browneinvitedhimtopenhis first track ‘the Tool Box Riddim’ Though hesitant to record, the loss of a close friend-andtheirunforgettable advice, “do the things you love”-ignited the fire that birthed Pahjo the artiste in January2020.Sincethen,he hasneverlookedback.

Pahjo has since become thefirstGuyaneseartisteever booked for the prestigious Ubersoca Cruise in November 2025 and is now blazingatrailthat’srewriting thehistoryofsoca

In just a few short years, he transformed from a rising talent into one of the most electrifying names on the internationalsocacircuit

He has collaborated with the legendary King Bubba FM,writingthesocaAnthem ‘Pull Di pin,’ for Machel Montano, Skin and Wuss Ways He was Crowned Guyanese Male SocaArtiste of the Year 2023 and 2026 The artiste has teamed up

with Problem Child on the powerful anthem Identity, performed on Ubersoca Cruise and the Miami Carnival Main Stage for the 2024 season. He is also credited as the first

Guyanese to be booked for the legendary Bournemouth ReggaeFestival,UK.

Pahjo’s relentless drive,

Guyanese soca artiste, Patrick “Pahjo” Joseph

unmatched energy, and infectious sound have not only elevated Guyana’s presenceinthearenabutalso earned him respect from industry giants and fans worldwide His journey is proof that passion, persistence and authenticity can break barriers and make history

Miss Guyana Teen with a Purpose joins Ministry of Education’s anti-bullying campaign

The Miss Guyana

Teen with a Purpose Pageant has returned with a positive twist The pageant committee and cohort have decided to partner with the Ministry of Education in their fight against bullying inschools.

As such, in addition to having their individual platforms, the seven delegates are actively engaged in a sensitization campaign about bullying in their schools and communities.

National Director, Pamela Vaughn explained that the pageant committee has decided to partner with theMinistryofEducationin their fight against bullying in schools since it’s a prevalent issue in society today

“Each contestant will conduct sensitization about bullyingintheirschoolsand communities,” she said. So far, the delegates have turnedtosocialmediatoget theirmessageout.

Under the bold caption “STOP BULLYING” delegates have used the Miss Teen Guyana Teen with a Purpose Pageant

Facebook page to share a photo and strong message

a g a i n s t b u l l y i n g Accompanied by a photo of each contestant holding a placard, the post read “Bullying has no place in ourschools.”

The post continued

“Everychilddeservestofeel safe, respected, and valued when they walk into a classroom However, the realityisthatmanystudents face teasing, exclusion, threats, and even violence that leave lasting emotional scars. Bullying should not be faced by anyone since it can lead to anxiety, depression, poor academic performance,andlong-term m e n t a l h e a l t h challenges Prevention start with awareness, education and action from parents, teachers, students, andcommunitymembers.”

Inadditiontojoiningthe c o n v e r s a t i o n i n collaboration with the Ministry of Education to eradicate bullying in schools, Ms Vaughn said thatthisyear,thecommittee is focused on having a representative from the variouseducationaldistrict

Continuedonpage44

From where I stand... I Paused at the PlaygroundThen the Bigger Questions Emerged

When I first saw the headline about the opposition leader privately financing the refurbishment ofacommunityplayground, I paused— but not because

the act itself was unprecedented Guyana’s political history is dotted with moments where parties and political figures have stepped into communities to visibly intervene The gesture,inandofitself,isnot new

Nor,tobefair,isthisnew

terrain for Azruddin Mohamed. Long before his political life, he had been engaging communities, documenting concerns, and making donations—almost always with a camera just close enough to ensure the moment did not go unnoticed In that sense, what we are witnessing is less a sudden shift in behaviour and more an escalationinscale,visibility, andpoliticaltiming. Still, something about thismomentfeelsdifferent.

Perhaps it is the heightenedpoliticalclimate. Perhaps it is the cumulative effect of sustained visibility Or perhaps it is the way public expectations themselves are quietly evolving Whatever the precise mix, the episode brings into focus a deeper shift: the effectiveness of opposition leadership in Guyanaisincreasinglybeing assessed through new matrices.

On social media in particular, Mohamed’s political footprint has been carefully cultivated His now-familiar videos highlighting alleged corruption or confronting officials in real time, have created a perception of constant motion. To many, he’s“doingthework.”

The refurbished playgroundnowextendsthat visibility into another arena; onethatblendsphilanthropy, politics,andpublicservicein ways that are difficult to ignore.And this is precisely w h e r e t h e d e e p e r institutionalquestionsbegin.

At its core, the constitutional role of the political opposition is neither philanthropic nor performative.Itisstructural. Opposition parties exist to scrutinise the executive, interrogate policy, represent dissenting constituencies, and present credible

alternative pathways for national development. Their

e ff e c t i v e n e s s h a s traditionally been measured by the quality of their oversight, the strength of their parliamentary engagement,andtheirability to hold the government to account within the formal architectureofthestate.

What the current moment suggests, however, is that public expectations may be quietly expanding beyond those traditional boundaries. Highly visible, privately financed interventions (whether community visits, public confrontations, or direct material support) are beginning to shape how citizens assess opposition effectiveness The lines between institutional oversight and publicly visible activism are becominglessdistinct.

There is nothing inherently wrong with an o p p o s i t i o n f i g u r e refurbishing a playground for instance. This can easily strengthen democratic

connection But the emerging pattern raises a more uncomfortable structural question: what happens when the perceived effectiveness of opposition

leadership becomes increasinglytiedtoaccessto privatefinancialcapacity?

In Guyana’s current institutional framework, the formalresourcesavailableto support opposition work are modest. Public information indicates that the Office of theLeaderoftheOpposition received approximately $34

million in current expenditure and about $5 million in capital, the majority of which will be absorbed by salaries, administrative costs, and basic operational expenses such as fuel and office

support Individual

Members of Parliament receiveamonthlystipendof roughly $298,000, with small increments for committee service. By any seriousoperationalstandard, these sums leave limited room for sustained constituency infrastructure, independent research support, or expansive field operations.

It is therefore not unreasonable that some observersarguethattheissue is not funding levels but utilisation Acompetingview

is that public office is fundamentally an act of service,notarevenuestream, and that representatives should first demonstrate maximum effectiveness within existing constraints before any case is made for expandedpublicfinancing

concerns,thequestionbefore us may still be too narrowly framed From where I stand, the deeper issue is whether Guyana’scurrentinstitutional design was ever adequately resourced for the level of visibility,responsiveness,and constituencyengagementthat mod

c expectationsnowdemand

One of the very real questions is not whether individualpoliticiansshould be expected to sacrifice; many already do. The more uncomfortable question is w

democratic system should rely primarily on personal s

effectively

If Guyana is serious about strengthening democratic oversight, then the conversation must move beyond personalities and towardstructure.Whatlevel of resourcing is appropriate for effective opposition work? What safeguards are necessary to prevent abuse? And how can the system ensure that democratic accountability does not quietlybecomeafunctionof privatefinancialcapacity?

T h e s e a r e n o t comfortable questions. But they are increasingly unavoidable.

This is also not a novel dilemma. Across a number of mature democracies, o p p o s i t i o n a n d parliamentary work is deliberately resourced as part of the architecture of accountability.IntheUnited Kingdom,oppositionparties receive public support throughmechanismssuchas “Short Money” to enable researchandpolicywork.In Canada, parliamentary b u d g e t s s u p p o r t constituency offices and staffing.IntheUnitedStates, members of Congress are provided with the Member Representational Allowance tomaintainofficesandserve constituents.Theprinciplein each case is not generosity toward politicians, but recognition that effective scrutiny requires baseline

institutionalcapacity

Guyana’s context is, of course, different. But the underlying democratic logic isnot.Foranyseriousreform conversation to happen however, we have to confront a deeper structural reality of embedded incentives within our winner-takes-all political framework Systems structured around total executive dominance rarely generateorganicenthusiasm for strengthening the operational capacity of political competitors An effective opposition, after all,cantranslateintoamore competitive electoral environment and tighter scrutinyofthoseinoffice.

Thatispreciselywhythe question of opposition resourcing cannot be treated

as simply some budgetary debate.Itsitssquarelywithin the unfinished business of electoral and constitutional reform, which has surfaced repeatedly in our political history but rarely advances t o m e a n i n g f u l implementation.

Of course, this doesn’t meanthatmorefundingwill magically produce a more effective opposition Nor does it dismiss legitimate c o n c e r n s a b o u t accountability, oversight, and the potential for misuse of public resources. Those

By Janelle Persaud

safeguardswouldhavetobe designed carefully and transparently But the status quo also carries risks; perhapsquieteronesthatare easiertoignore.

Chief among them is the gradual normalisation of a political environment in which visible effectiveness becomes increasingly correlated with private means rather than institutionalstrength.

From where I stand, that isnotatrajectoryanyserious democracy should accept lightly

Frompage22 and multiply the money still can’t do.”

Twolocalbanks clearedtogofullydigital …as national payment platform completed

PresidentIrfaanAlionTuesday announced that Guyana’s National Payments System (NPS) platform hasbeencompletedandlocalbanks arereadytogofullydigital.

Delivering the keynote address at the opening of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo 2026 at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, President Ali said the move marks a major step in modernisingthecountry’sfinancial architecture.

“I am pleased to announce that we have completed the process at thecentralbank,ofbuildingoutthe nationalpaymentplatformandtwo local banks are ready to go completelyonthedigitalplatform, theyhavealreadybeenapprovedso that we can now have digital wallets, digital payment systems anddigitaltransferhereinGuyana andthatwillbethenewstandard,” PresidentAlisaid.

According to the Bank of Guyana,developmentofaNPSwill support economic growth through the financial sector that is stable and enables efficient financial intermediation. Central Bank had noted that moving from paperbased instruments to electronic payments can result in significant cost savings in processing money transfers and increased efficiency intheprocessingofpayments.

PresidentAliexplainedthatthe shift is part of broader financial sector reforms aimed at ensuring the economy operates on a digital backbone, while also promoting financial and technological inclusion.

He highlighted the Guyana Development Bank, which will allow small and medium-sized entrepreneurs to benefit from collateral-free and interest-free financing. Assistance will also be provided to help transform ideas intobankableprojects.

“More importantly we are backing them with the technical expertise, by putting together a technical group that will transfer their ideas into bankable proposals and then handhold them through the process of management in creating viable and sustainable enterprise,”Alistated.

He noted that the development bankwillalsoserveasacatalystto unlock additional lending from commercial banks at low interest rates and with reduced collateral requirements, expanding access to capital for a new generation of entrepreneurs.

President Ali further disclosed that work is advancing on the establishment of a junior stock

exchange to deepen transparency andintegratemorelocalcompanies into the formal financial system.

“We have to operate in the real world,intherealfinancialsectorby buildingourcompaniesandhaving this transparency to put those companiesonthestockexchangeto ensure that we are fully integrated in the financial system and we are doingthat,”henoted.

Beyond finance, President Ali underscoredthegovernment’spush to digitise public services to improve efficiency and reduce human bias. “And it’s not about tracking people, it’s about preventing crime and we are not doingthistheoldway,wearedoing thisusingtomorrow’stechnology,” he said. He added that the digital transformation drive, will be supported by strengthened cybersecurity and data protection frameworksasGuyanaadvances.

THURSDAY

Exxongearsupforeighth project,seeksyear-endGovt. approval– Routledge

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) is expected to submit the Field Development Plan (FDP) for its eighth project in the Stabroek Block, the gas-rich longtail developmentinthecomingweeks, with hopes of securing regulatory approvalbytheendof2026.

EMGL’s president, Alistair Routledge, made the disclosure while addressing attendees at the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo 2026 at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Georgetown.

“We’re due to submit a field developmentplantotheMinistryof Natural Resources in the coming

weeks,” Routledge said. He added that the company is nearing completion of the environmental and socio-economic studies required for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and environmentalpermittingprocess.

“Ouraspirationisworkingwith the government and the different agenciesthatbytheendofthisyear, that we should be able to sanction thelongtailproject,”henoted.

Exxon,operatoroftheStabroek Block, is currently producing over 900,000 barrels of oil daily from four developments — Liza Phase One, Liza Phase Two, Payara and Yellowtail. The other projects: Uaru, Whiptail and Hammerhead have also received government approvalbutarenotyetproducing.

Unlike previous developments focused primarily on oil, Longtail will focus on gas production Routledgeexplainedthatwhilethe Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel may appear similar to others in the fleet,itsconfigurationwilldiffer significantly

“Buthowdifferentisitfrom the prior projects? To the untrained eye, that FPSO [Floating Production, Storage, andOffloadingvessel]looksjust like all the other ones, but it’s a littledifferent.Thereisnowater injection on this FPSO. It’s all aboutgasinjectionbecausewhat we’ll be developing are retrograde gas fields. They are gasfields.Theycontaingasand gas condensate when produced tosurface,”hesaid.

According to Routledge, the projectwillinitiallyoperateasa gas cycling development with 1.2 billion cubic feet per day of gas compression capacity,

production and injection wells, installation, commissioning, and operations of Subsea Umbilicals, Risers,andFlowlines(SURF),and aFPSOforhandlingandoffloading of produced hydrocarbons The company plans to install a gas export riser and associated equipment on the FPSO to enable deliveryofgas.

Routledge outlined that discussions are ongoing with the Government of Guyana regarding timelinesandpotentialdestinations for the gas; whether to support other offshore projects, the Wales Gas-to-Energy initiative, or transported to the planned second GTEprojectinBerbice.

equivalent to the combined compression capacity of the first fourprojects.

“That’s the total gas compression capacity of all of the firstfourprojects:LizaPhaseOne, Liza Phase Two, Payara, and Yellowtail Take all the compression from those four FPSOsandputitonthisoneFPSO. So, it may look the same but it’s actually very, very different,” he stated.

Henotedthatintheearlystages, theprojectwillproducesignificant volumes of liquids. BlackRock Midstreamdescribescondensateas extremely light oil. “In the early days, it’ll have a capacity of 250,000 barrels per day of condensate. We will also futureproof it. It’ll be gas export ready from day one,” Routledge said BlackRock Midstream describes condensateasextremelylightoil.

Longtailwillinvolvedrillingof

The proposed longtail development is located in the southeastern portion of the StabroekBlock,approximately200 kmfromGeorgetownandadjacent to previous Stabroek Projects Exxon has indicated plans to use drill ships to produce the nonassociatedgasandcondensatefrom approximately 24 – 60 production and injection wells The subsea equipment will be installed at a depth of approximately 1,600 –2,000metres.

U.S.signalsnoretreatin Mohameds’extraditioncase …Ambassador Theriot says 100% committed

United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, is hoping the extradition proceedings involving Opposition Leader AzruddinMohamedandhisfather, Nazar Mohamed, would move steadily, with a decision reached relativelysoon.

InaninterviewwithNewsroom Wednesday, Ambassador Theriot acknowledged the recent delays in the case, including the elder Mohamed’s illness and multiple highcourtapplicationsfiledbythe defence.

“I want to make it incredibly clear that the U.S. is 100 per cent committedtoseeingthisthrough.It is incredibly important to us that these proceedings continue and that a decision is ultimately made.Obviously,wehopeitwill be a certain decision, but there have been a lot of delays, including today That’s understandable; that happens in cases.Butletmejusttellyou,the U.S.governmentdoesnotspend tens of thousands of U S taxpayer dollars to request extraditionifwe’renotserious,” shesaid.

Theambassadoremphasised the need for justice for both GuyaneseandU.S.citizens.“We are very hopeful that the proceedingswillcontinueapace and we’ll get a decision relativelysoon,”sheadded. However, she noted that the U.S.mustrespectthejudicial Continued on page 33

Frompage32 processinGuyana.“Ithinkthatwe have to be respectful of the Guyanesejudicialsystem.Thisball isinyourcourt,astheysay Weare content to wait and see what

happens, ” she said, while expressing confidence in the outcome. “I have every faith that thingsaregoingtoproceedandthe right decision will be made. We’re watching from afar We’re not interfering, but we’re very, very interestedintheoutcomeandfully committedtoseeingthisthrough.”

The Mohamed’s family is facing criminal charges in a U.S. federal court in Miami, Florida. A 25-page indictment, unsealed on October 2, 2025, alleges that they orchestrated an extensive fraud scheme involving gold exports, customs fraud, bribery, and the evasion of millions of dollars in taxes and royalties owed to Guyana.

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 law enforcement following a formal extradition request from the U.S. Government.

They were subsequently brought before the Georgetown Magistrates’Court,whereeachwas grantedbailinthesumof$150,000. Theextraditionrequestarisesfrom an 11-count 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 customs-related offences connected to an alleged US$50milliongoldexportandtax evasionscheme.

Following a formal request from the United States, Minister Walrond signed the Authority to Proceed, allowing the extradition matter to proceed before the magistrates’ court If sufficient evidence is established during committal proceedings, the magistrate could order the Mohameds’ extradition to face chargesintheUnitedStates.

FRIDAY

US$25MConnectivityPush: OneCommunicationsrampsup networkforoil-drivenboom

One Communications (Guyana) Inc on Thursday announced plans to invest US$25 million in domestic fibre infrastructurein2026tostrengthen its multi-coverage network and build the capacity required to support the country’s rapidly expandingeconomy

The company also intends to expand its fibre network along the East Coast, Linden, Berbice and P

connectivity and greater economic o

communities.

The announcement was made by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abraham Smith during his presentation at the Guyana Energy Conference held at the Guyana MarriottHotel,Georgetown.

During his address, Smith emphasized the importance of expanding and modernising the company’s network as Guyana accelerates its digital transformation He noted that reliable digital infrastructure will play a critical role in supporting maj

, includingtheWalesGas-to-Energy Project.

Smith revealed that over the past 15 years, the company has invested approximately US$250 million in network development, including US$100 million in fiber infrastructure alone within the last few years. He said that investment will continue, with an additional US$25 million earmarked for domesticfiberexpansionin2026to ensure the network can meet increasingdemand.

“We are also building systems that can hold up under pressure. Resilience is not optional — it is foundational. Energy depends on uptime, finance depends on secure communication, and government depends on digital service delivery,”Smithsaid.

To enhance reliability, he explained that the company has reconfigured its network topology, strengthened redundancy, and is workingmorecloselywithnational partnerssuchastheGuyanaPower and Light Inc. (GPL) to ensure its systemsevolvealongsideGuyana’s infrastructurerollout.

He acknowledged that reliabilityremainsachallengeamid the country’s rapid growth and ongoing infrastructure works, noting that teams are deployed daily to respond to issues and improvenetworkperformance.

Importantly,Smithstressedthat network resilience must extend beyondcoastalregions.

“Our investments are not

limited to Georgetown. Today, our fiber network serves more than 180,000 homes and businesses nationwide,withnearly80percent of our fiber footprint located outsidethecapital.In2026,wewill continue expanding along emerging economic corridors, including Linden, Parika, the East Coast and Berbice Opportunity mustreachbeyondthecitylimits,” hestated.

The investment will also support the rollout of additional digital services. Smith highlighted platforms such as MMG, which provide easier access to payments and financial services, and r

E

c Transactions Act, which enables telecommunications and other digital providers to expand online servicesandfurtherdriveGuyana’s digitaleconomy

One Communications (Guyana) Inc., formerly known as Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T), was establishedin1991.Overtheyears, the comp

significant role in Guyana’s telecommunications development, pioneering fibre-optic technology, installing subsea cables, and expandingitsOneFibrenetworkto morethan150,000homes.

The company says it remains committed to keeping Guyana connected and supporting the nation’s continued growth and digitaladvancement.

GPLsaysenoughreliable poweravailableonthegrid …power generation up 63% since 2020 as customers grow by 21%

With significant economic growth recorded over the past five years, Guyana’s electricity

d significantly, with peak demand movingfrom120megawatts(MW) in 2020 to 236MW at the end of 2025,a100%increaseinfiveyears.

Presenting the company’s push

towards ensuring reliable electricity was Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc., Kesh Nandlallondaythreeofthisyear’s Energy Conference, hosted at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Kingston Georgetown This year’s energy conference is being held under the theme“Buildingtomorrow’sfuture today”.

During a panel discussion on the country’s energy landscape, Nandlall explained that the power company now has 244,000 customers,comparedwith201,000 customersin2020,a21%increase. Despitetheincreaseindemandfor energy, the GPLCEO assured that the company has made efforts to ensure “reliable” electricity is supplied across the Demerara Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS).

In fact, he noted that GPL has increased power generation from 903 gigawatt hours (gwh) in 2020 to 1,485 gwh- a 65% increase duringtheperiod. Heexplained,“Wehadtoreally move very quickly to meet this increase in demand. From 2020 to now, we have added more than 186MW firm capacity, including the 46.5MW at Garden of Edenfossilfuel.Weaddeda28.9MWat Colombia We have added the 36MW power ship in the Berbice River we added 60MW of powershipintheDemeraraRiver.”

More recently, he noted that 18MW of solar was added to the grid, with 10MW in Berbice, at threelocations,8MWatEssequibo intwolocations.

To this end, the CEO assured that the DBIS currently has approximately 260MW of “reliable, firm” electricity excludingsolar.Hesaid,“Wehave over300(MW)installedbutonthe maintenance, ever so often you havetotakedownaset,anumberof setsareusuallyundermaintenance. In2026,weexpecttheDBIStogo toover285MW.”

Withtremendousgrowthinthe use of electricity already recorded, GPLisexpectingevenmoregrowth by 2030. Nandlall explained, “So here’s where we are, peak demand

(at) 236. (In) 2030 its going to be 1650MW we estimate it to be what does that mean from now? 600% increase in our generating capacity from now to 2030.”

The CEO noted that the significant growth results from increasedpowerconsumptionfrom existing customers as well as the new customers that are coming onto the grid, with government’s rapid development of the housing sector and expansion of the industrialsector

SATURDAY

Guyanacouldsurpass1M barrelsperdaybyyear-end - as Exxon announces early startup of 5th project

Guyana’sfifthoilproject,Uaru isexpectedtostartupbeforetheend of 2026, ahead of schedule, which couldpushGuyana’sdailycapacity welloveronemillionbarrels. This was revealed by President of ExxonMobil Upstream Company,DanAmmannduringthe Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo which concluded at the Marriott Hotel on Friday Inakeynotepresentationearlier this week, the vice president of ExxonMobilCorporationprovided key updates on the company’s futureprojects.

He said, “By the end of 2026, we expect Uaru to come online. That represents our fifth major Stabroek development with capacityof250,000barrelsperday and that will boost Guyana’s daily oil production beyond one million barrelsperday.”

Uaru was initially scheduled to come online in 2027. Currently, Guyanaisproducingabout900,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) from four Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels (FPSOs) that are operating in the Stabroek Block The startup of the Uaru project will push Guyana’s total production capacity to almost 1.2 millionbarrelsperday

The company’s sixth project, Whiptail will add an additional 250,000 barrels per day by 2027, accordingtoAmmann.

Exxon has already signalled its intention to the government of Guyanatoincreaseproductionhere to 1.7 million barrels per day by 2030 So far, the company has obtained regulatory approvals for sevenprojects.Aneightapplication was made by the company and is currently pending review at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The vice president described Guyana’s energy story as “exceptional” to conference delegates, citing the government’s support as a key factor for the success.

Accordingtohim,“Froma Continued on page 34

Frompage33 globalperspectiveGuyanais notonlyforgreatresource,it is a new standard showing what can happen when a country pairs a world class resource with wise leadership and responsible stewardship.”

He pointed out, “In the upstream business, results matter and Guyana’s results areworldclass.Injustunder a decade from discovery, we’ve built a multi-project production system with four

FPSOs producing and several more under development,andarecordof deliveringaheadofschedule and under budget and that does not happen by accident.”

Ammann added that President Irfaan Ali is well awarethatoilalonedoesnot translate to wealth, but requires critical factors for theeconomictransformation

currently taking place in Guyana.Assuch,heboasted of Exxon’s technology development in deep-water, sustaining the company’s positiondecadeafterdecade. Just last week, Kaieteur News reported that constructionactivitiesonthe fifth FPSO, ErreaWittu was makingsteadyprogresswith mooring pre-installation activitiesnowcompleted.

The contract for the construction of the vessel was awarded to Japanese shipbuilder Modec in November2022.

TheUarufieldislocated 200 kilometres offshore Guyana at a depth of 1,750 metres.Itisestimatedtohold more than 800 million barrelsofoil.

The Errea Wittu FPSO willproduce250,000barrels

of oil per day (bpd) and will haveagastreatmentcapacity of540millioncubicfeetper day It will have a water injectioncapacityof350,000 bpd, a produced water capacityof300,000bpdand a storage capacity of two millionbarrelsofcrudeoil.

Govt.inching nearshoreforoil exploration-Bharrat - says companies also interested in onshore petroleum activities

The Government of Guyana (GoG) will be turningitssighttonearshore areas for oil and gas exploration activities as the country becomes a hotspot forinvestors.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat recentlymadetherevelation in parliament during the consideration of 2026 budgetaryestimates.

He said, “We have moved from the deep, we have awarded blocks in the shallow. We are looking at the nearshore blocks. There are a few nearshore blocks, the Berbice Block for example, the Mahaica Block, the Demerara Block, these are what we term as

near shore blocks. They are not exactlyonshore but they are very close, so those are some of the blocks under considerationrightnow.”

Meanwhile, the minister informed the National Assembly that a number of petroleum companies have expressedinterestinonshore blocks for exploration activities. He said however, that no blocks will be

conductingconsultations.

“Right now, I can say there’s no consideration of a

consultation because as you would understand, that we

d consultation for onshore blocks,especiallytheTakatu area which is the basically the wetland and there have been groups that have been advocating to have these

conservation and different other reasons,” the minister explained.

B

l exploration activities in the Stabroek Block, where over 11 billionbarrelsof oilhave already been discovered, g

en pushing for petroleum finds inotherareas.

I n 2 0 2 2 , t h e administration launched its maiden bid-round where 14 blocks located in shallow and deep-water areas were auctioned Eight of the blocks attracted bids with two licences and Production SharingAgreements (PSAs) signed to date for shallow waterareas.

Government hopes to close more deals with successful companies that participatedintherecentbid roundthisyear

Guyana struck its first commercial oil discovery in May2015throughAmerican oil major, ExxonMobil. The companyhassincemovedto production activities, with four Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels(FPSOs)inoperation justfiveyearslater

The company often describes Guyana as its crown jewel, holding the world’slargestdiscoveriesin the last decade, pushing Guyanatoearnitstitleasthe largest oil producer per capitaglobally.

In the meantime, Exxon continues to accelerate its exploration and appraisal activities in the block to furtherboosttherecoverable resources.

“The

Lenten Promise” Cross LENTCRAFT:

MayaandGrandma’sQuiltofCourage

Maya didn't really understand why her school made such a big deal about Black History Month.

“It's just history,” she said, dropping her backpackbythecouch.

Her grandmother, who everyone called Grandma Rose, smiled gently “Oh, baby,” shesaid,foldingthecolorfulquiltonherlap, “it'smuchmorethanthat.”

Maya loved that quilt. It was made of bright red, gold, green, and deep blue squares Each piece of fabric looked different Some had patterns, some were plain,andsomelookedolderthantheothers.

“Didyoubuythatatastore?”Mayaonce asked. Grandma Rose laughed. “No, child. Thisquiltholdsstories.”

That night, Maya sat beside her grandmotherasraintappedsoftlyagainstthe windows.Grandmapointedtoafadedsquare ofdenim.“Thispiece,”shesaid,“camefrom myfather'sworkshirt.Heworkedlonghours and didn't always get treated fairly But he nevergaveup.Hebelievedthingswouldget better.”

Shetouchedabrightyellowsquare.“This oneisfromthedressIworewhenImarched for equal rights. We walked together, sang together,andstoodtogether.”

“Youmarched?”Mayaasked,eyeswide.

“I did,” Grandma said proudly “We didn't have everything handed to us. People beforemefoughtforfreedom.AndImarched soyoucouldhaveevenmoreopportunities.”

Maya had never thought about her grandmotherlikethat—notjustassomeone who baked the best sweet potato pie, but as someone brave. “What about this piece?”

Maya asked, pointing to a deep blue square withtinysilverstars.

Grandma smiled. “That's from the night you were born. I stayed up sewing it while your mama rested. I wanted you wrapped in loveandhistory.”

Maya ran her fingers over the quilt Suddenly, Black History Month didn't feel likejustsomethinginatextbook.Itfeltalive. Itfeltpersonal.

Thenextdayatschool,whenherteacher asked if anyone wanted to share something aboutBlackhistory,Mayaraisedherhand.

I love to go to school

by Uncle Roy

There was a time I was not so sure If school was the place for me, But now I know, apart from home, There is nowhere I'd rather be

The many friends I meet each day, All help to make me happy; We talk and play and have so much fun, On leaving each day I feel sorry

Our teachers are so kind and keen, As they help to make me learn; I know I have to work some more To do my best in turn.

I feel so good about going to school, I know I will pass the test; When the time comes when I have to leave, It will help me to become my best.

“My grandmother marched forcivilrights,”shesaidproudly “And she made a quilt that tells our family's story.” That night, Maya asked Grandma Rose to teachherhowtosew “Why?”Grandmateased.

“Because,” Maya said, holdingupapieceofherfavorite purpleT-shirt,“onedayIwantto addmyownsquare.”

Grandma's eyes sparkled “That's how history continues, baby Onebravestitchatatime.”

TROIX

PUZZLE

"The finished puzzle should be filled with Xs, Os, and Is.

Rows and columns should never contain three-in-a-row of any one symbol and should contain an equal number of each symbol.

There is a unique solution."

Purpose: To help children reflect on prayer, giving, and kindness during the 40 daysofLent.

Materials:

Construction paper (purple recommended)

Markersorcrayons

Scissors

Glue

Smallslipsofpaper

Optional:stickers,goldpaper,ribbon

Instructions:

CutOutaLargeCross.Usepurplepaper (symbolizes reflection and preparation) Decorate it with gold or simple patterns.

RAMADANCRAFT: “RAMADAN Moon & Star Good Deeds Chart”

Purpose:Toencouragekindness,prayer, andgratitudeduringRamadan.

Materials:

Blueorblackconstructionpaper

Yellow/goldpaper

Glue

Markers

Glitter(optional)

Instructions:

1.CutaLargeCrescentMoon

Use gold or yellow paper to make a crescentmoon.

Glue it onto dark blue paper (night sky effect).

2.AddStars

Cutoutsmallstars.

Oneachstar,writeoutagooddeed:

i.“Sharewithothers”

ii.“Bepatient”

iii.“Pray”

Create “Promise Slips.” On small strips of paper,writeapromise:

1.Akindaction(“Helpmysibling”)

2.Aprayergoal(“Praybeforebed”)

3.Asacrifice(“Giveupcomplaining”)

Once you created your promise slips, placetheminasmallenvelopelabeled:

“MyLentenPromises.”

ReflectionMoment

TalkabouthowLentpreparesChristians forEaster

Discusshowsmallactionscangrowinto bigchange.

Optional:Addonepromiseforeachweek oflent.

iv “Helpparents”

3.Createa30-StarGoal

AddonestareachdayofRamadan. Bytheend,theskywillbefull!

4.ReflectionMoment

Talk about how Ramadan is a time of fasting,prayer,andgenerosity

Just as you would see it wise to plan any trip you wouldbegoingon,itisnecessarytodeterminethethings that would give your life meaning and try to keep on coursetobringthemtofruition.

Moreover, when you make yourself excited about pursuingthesegoals,thenyouwillfindthatitwouldtake less effort to keep you on track towards them. Most teenagers do not take the trouble to look ahead and determinewhattheyneedtodotobesuccessful,bothona long-termandshort-termbasis.

As a result, they go through life drifting along, and most times not only waste energy and time in activities notbeneficial,butendupmovinginthewrongdirection anddoingthingsthatcouldgetthemintotrouble.

Be Passionate about Fulfilling your Dreams

Take some time and assess your special skills and talents,whatyoureallyneedfromlife,anddeterminethe goalsyouwanttoachieve,bothfortheshorttimeahead,and forthelongterm.

Youwillfindthatwhenyoudothis,evenwhenyouarenot deliberately working to achieve your goals, your subconsciousmindwillbealwayskeepingyouonthepathto yourdreams.

Furthermore, when you try to pursue these dreams with passion, you will be more effective in your efforts to achievingthem.

If you keep this always in mind, you will find that your inner self will be automatically inspired and always urging you to move in the right direction so as to achieve the goals youhavesetasthepurposeofyourlife.

Making passion the driving force towards achieving your dreams will give you the best chance of fulfilling them. c

You will also realise that the enthusiasm that you will be generating in moving passionately will provide the greatest help in maintainingalivelyspirit.

Nomatterwhatyougetenthusiasticabout, aslongasyoubecomeengrossedinitearnestly, it will become a mission in your life and providethestimulationtoyourbody,mindand spiritfortheircontinueddevelopment.

Achieve your dreams with passion

You are the driver of your destiny, Passenger of none, In control and looking forward To things that must be done.

You are the captain of your ship, Destination you must control, Plans to help you get there, And the passion to bring you home

You are the pilot of your airplane; Fly as high as you want.

The flight is what you make it, So follow your preconceived plan.

Hopes and dreams are yours to decide Motivation to help on the way

A journey you are passionate about, Moving forward each day

Direction is always forward; Backwards only to learn.

Discover your authentic self, And work for your goals to earn.

Enhance each quality given. Develop talents with which you were blessed, Transform your heart into one of gold, And try always to do your best.

For every earnest start there is a finish. Do not give up as you move day by day; Keep moving passionately to fulfil your dreams, And success will certainly come your way

Solutions to last week’s

ZIGZAGS

MindYour Business

How Economic Hardship Shapes Decision-Making and Stress PovertyandthePsychologyofScarcity

ByDr.EonAndre George,PhD,EdD

When poverty is discussed, the focus is usually on money: income, employment, and the rising cost-of-living. Psychology, however, asks different questions What does financial strain do to the mind? How does constant economicpressureshapethe way people make decisions, handle stress, and view the future? These questions move the conversation beyonddollarsandcentsand into the human experience behindthem.

Economichardshipisnot only a financialcondition;it is also a mental and emotional one. It influences howpeoplethink,plan,react to stress, and imagine what tomorrow might look like. When resources are limited, the brain must constantly calculate and re-calculate priorities. What gets paid now? What can wait until next month? Which need is urgent, and which one must bepostponedagain?

Becauseofthis,themind isalwaysjugglingtrade-offs. Although this process is rarely visible from the outside, it is mentally draining.Financialpressure,

therefore, does not only stretch a budget; it stretches attention, patience, and emotionalenergyaswell.

Psychologists explain this using scarcity theory

Research shows that ongoing financial strain narrows mental bandwidth and pulls attention toward i m m e d i a

d s (Mullainathan & Shafir, 2013). This is sometimes called a scarcity mindset. It doesnotmeanapersonlacks goalsordiscipline.Rather,it reflects a brain that is trying tosecurethepresentbeforeit cansafelyplanthefuture. Seen this way, certain behaviours begin to make more sense.Alate payment, apostponedplan,orashortterm decision may not always reflect poor judgment. Sometimes they reflect a person navigating pressurewithlimitedmental space Context does not excusebehaviour,butitdoes explainit.

WhentheMind EntersSurvivalMode

As financial strain continues,thebrainnaturally prioritizeswhatfeelsurgent. Long-termgoalsstillmatter, but immediate concerns speaklouder Forexample,a parent choosing between repairing a vehicle needed

forworkandpayingachild’s exam fees is not choosing carelessly Both options carryweight,andbothaffect thefuture.

Making decisions like this repeatedly can exhaust mental resources. This is whereanotherpsychological idea becomes helpful: cognitive load Cognitive load refers to how much information and stress the brain is managing at one time.Whentheloadisheavy, focus, memory, and decision-making suffer A personwhoseemsdistracted or indecisive may simply be carryingtoomuchmentally Related to this is d e c i s i o n f a t i g u e (Baumeister et al., 1998).

After many high-stakes choices, mental energy declines.Justasmusclestire, sodoesthemind.Undersuch conditions, even small decisions can f

overwhelming.

TheEmotionalSide ofFinancialPressure

Financial stress rarely staysconfinedtofinances.It spills into emotions and relationships Ongoing strain is linked to anxiety, irritability, and sleep problems (APA, 2022) Someone under pressure may react sharply or

withdraw, not from attitude, but from a nervous system under strain. Children often sense this atmosphere even when adults try to shield them. A student who hears regular worries about groceries or utilities may carry quiet concern into the classroom Some young peoplerespondbybecoming helpers at home Others become anxious about stability These are human responsestouncertainty,not characterflaws.

Strengthin SharedSupport

Yet hardship does not erasestrength.Oneenduring f e a t u r e o f m a n y communities is mutual support. A neighbor shares produce from a garden. A relative helps with books or uniforms. Someone sends a small contribution when they can. These acts may seem ordinary, but psychologically, they are powerful. Research shows that social support reduces the mental toll of stress (Cohen&Wills,1985).Long beforepsychologynamedit, communities practised it Shared burden often becomessharedresilience.

SupportingMinds AlongsideLivelihoods

The deeper concern

Dr. EonAndre George, PhD, EdD

Prolonged strain can keep thebodyinastressresponse that affects memory, focus, and physical health. This is why poverty is also a psychological and publichealthissue.

Encouragement alone is rarely enough Telling people to “push harder” overlooks the mental load they already carry More meaningfulsupportincludes financ

eracy, mentorshipforyouth,access to counseling, and teaching coping skills in schools and communities.

When the psychological side o

rdship is recognized, conversations shift.Behaviourisviewedin contextratherthanisolation.

Poverty is not only about income; it is also about mental space, emotional strain,andthedailypressure ofuncertainty AClosingReflection Scarcitydoesnotdefinea person’s worth or intelligence. It describes a condition that places extra demand on the mind Recognizing this invites moreunderstandingandless judgment. Sometimes what looks like poor decisionmaking is actually someone doing their best under pressure. Looking beneath behaviour often reveals effort, not indifference.And when understanding grows, empathy often follows.That empathy can strengthen families, schools, and communities.

Mashramani Panorama ignites Kingston beach

By Shania Williams

Anight of pure energy,

soca, excitement and rising tension unfolded at Thursday’s Republic Bank 18th Mashramani Panorama Steel Pan Competition and Fete, heldagainsttheserenebackdropof KingstonBeach.Whatisusuallya calm stretch of coastline was transformed into a pulsating arena of rhythm and celebration as steel met stick and the countdown to Mashramaniintensified.

Hosted in collaboration with theMinistryofCulture,Youthand Sports,theeventcapturedthetrue essence of Caribbean culture and spirit,settingthetoneforGuyana’s biggest cultural celebration. The evening blended electrifying performances from local soca artistes with thrilling renditions from young Guyanese pannists competingintheschool,youthand

largebandcategories.

The school bands that took to the stage were Tutorial High School, St. Stanislaus College, Dolphin Secondary School, North Ruimveldt Multilateral and President’s College. In the youth

category, West Demerara Secondary School, The Bishops’ High School – New PanWave ProjectSteelFusion,KunjazYouth Band, Guyana Police Force B Division Youth Band and Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra battled for top honours The large band segment featured the Guyana Police Force Steel Band, Parkside Steel Orchestra and the Kunjaz SteelOrchestra.

Emerging victorious on the nightwereKunjazSteelOrchestra in the large band category, President’s College and St Stanislaus College in the school category,andBuxtonPrideSteel

Continued on page 40

Mashramani Panorama...

Frompage39 Orchestra among the youth bands each delivering masterful renditions of popular soca hits by Guyaneseartistes.

The crowd was anything but small. Kingston Beach seemed almost like a tiny speck compared to the hundreds who gathered. Patrons squeezed shoulder-toshoulder for a clear view of the stage. Some came out in full support of their respective schools and communities, waving banners and chanting loudly, while others simply wanted to immerse themselves in the authentic steelpanculture.Thosewhoarrived late faced the bitter task of scrambling for parking and weavingthroughthepackedvenue, determinednottomisstheirband’s performance.

The evening began with the school competition, each performance met with thunderous applause and high-pitched cheers. Tutorial High School, which has actively developed its steel band programme with new instruments from the Ministry of Education in 2019 and 2023, placed fourth this year. The school previously secured second place in the youth category in 2023, reflecting its steadygrowth.

Dolphin Secondary School, longregardedasastrongPanorama contender with victories in 2015, 2016and2019,claimedthirdplace inthisyear’scompetition.

Inadramaticfinish,President’s College and St. Stanislaus College tied for first place. For President’s College, known proudly as the “PurpleBloodNation,”thevictory markedapowerfulcomebackafter failingtosecureaplacinglastyear Students and supporters erupted in celebration as the announcement was made Meanwhile, St Stanislaus College continued to solidify its status as one of the

country’s emerging steelband powerhouses, having recently performed at the 2025 Christmas Village and captured first prize at theAmitySteelBandFestival.

The youth category raised the energy even higher Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra stole the spotlight with a commanding and energetic rendition of Adrian Dutchin’s “Display.”

Their performance ignited the crowd and earned them the top spot, marking a triumphant return after placing third last year The bandpreviouslycapturedtheyouth title in 2023, reinforcing its reputation as a consistent force in thecompetition.

Tying for second place were West Demerara Secondary School and Kunjaz Youth Band. West Demerara had secured first place last year with 256 points, making this year’s result a closely fought battle. Third place went to the Guyana Police Force B Division Youth Band, while The Bishops’ High School – New PanWave Project Steel Fusion placed fourth. Despite their ranking, Bishops’ drewloudpraisefromtheaudience for their vibrant stage presence, sporting bright blue wigs and dark shades while delivering Sharmane Blackman’s “Gi Dem Mo Fuh Talk.”

Throughout the night, patrons were further energized by live performances from Timothy Roberts,SamuelMedasandAdrian Dutchin, who kept the fete atmosphere alive between competitivesegments.

Thegrandfinalecamewiththe highly anticipated large band competition.Defendingchampions KunjazSteelOrchestradelivereda powerful performance of Adrian Dutchin’s “Soca Doh Meh,” confidentlydefendingtheirtitlefor the eighth time. Their precision, volume and stage command left

Asthefinalnotesechoedacross Kingston

and celebrations erupted among the winners, it was clear that Panorama once again proved why it remains a

Govt. allocates house lots to families evicted from Joe Vieira Park

TheMinistryofHousing and Water, through the Central Housing and

Planning Authority (CH&PA), has allocated house lots to seven of the thirteen persons who were occupyingstatelandswithin the Guyana–China Friendship Park (Joe Vieira Park) at Schoonard, West BankDemerara.

The 13 persons were orderedtovacatetheareaas construction of the Guyana–China Friendship Joe Vieira Park advances.

The multi-million-dollar project, which is reportedly 83%completeasofOctober 2025, is expected to open in thefirstquarterof2026.

Following reports of the evictionearlierthisyear,the Ministry issued a statement outlining ongoing efforts to relocate affected persons According to the Ministry, engagement with residents on January 13, 2026, identified thirteen households occupying the lands To date, seven households have been allocated residential house lots through the Ministry's prescribed allocation

system, while the remaining allocations are progressing underwhatofficialsdescribe as a “structured relocation framework ”However, displaced persons have challenged the Ministry's account Speaking with Kaieteur News on Saturday, one woman claimed that although lands were allocated, the lots are in deplorableconditionandnot suitable for immediate habitation. She added that those who received the evictionnoticehavenotbeen engaged meaningfully by authorities.

“Nobody hasn't reached out to us as yet. The people that get land this happening recently in the system here. Aftertheycomeandserveus notice,theytrytogiveother people land. Unfortunately, the people pay for these lands but they didn't get the opportunity but they serve you notice that you have to move,”shesaid.

Man beats brother to death with garden hoe at

A 57-year-old labourer wasallegedlybeatentodeath by his brother with a garden hoe, on Friday afternoon at Capoey Mission, Essequibo Coast.

Dead is Leslie Edwards, called 'Bumpy', of the said village.

According to police reports, the incident took placeatabout14:10hrs.

P r e l i m i n a r y investigations revealed that Edwards was at home with his 59-year-old brother, with whom he lived, when an argument reportedly started between the two Police reported that the argument escalated and the suspect reportedly armed himself with a garden hoe and dealt Edwardsseveralblowsabout hisbody.

Police ranks who respondedtothescenefound Edwards lying motionless in theyard.

He was taken to the Suddie Public Hospital, where he was pronounced deadonarrival.

His body has since been transported to the Suddie Public Hospital Mortuary, where it awaits a post-

“The action undertaken atJoeVieiraParkisalawful enforc

ment meas

e executed pursuant to CH&PA'sstatutoryauthority to administer, regulate,and protect State lands The Government will not permit theunlawfulseizureor occupation of lands designated for public, e n v i r o n m e n t a l ,

(Continuedonpage44)

In its statement, the Ministrymaintainedthatthe occupationoftheStatelands wasunlawfulandposed risks to environmental protection, land use planning, and the orderly execution of national developmentprojects.

Capoey

mortemexamination. The 59-year-old suspect was taken into custody and later escorted to the Lima Regional Hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention under police guard. He remains in custody as investigations continue.

First Scleral Buckle Surgeries performed at GPHC Elderly woman dies following bee attack at Success

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Saturday said itrecentlyperformedforthefirsttime, Scleral Buckle Surgeries, a primary method used in retinal detachment repair

The hospital described the past weekassuccessfulnotingthatinitsbid to strengthen specialized eye care in Guyana, there was a week-long surgicalpartnershipfromFebruary9to 13 with local and international retina specialists The team worked to managecomplexretinalconditionsand introduce advanced su

gical techniquesatthehospital.

GPHC said that the collaboration was led by its very own Dr Arlene

GPHC in collaboration with the World Eye Mission recently performed several retinal surgeries.

Bobb-Semple, an Ophthalmologist with Vitreoretinal specialty training, alongside visiting U S Retina specialist Dr Krishi Peddada of the WorldEyeMission.

The primary objective of the collaboration was to identify and surgica

challenging Retinal cases while

providing hands-on collaboration and mentorshipforlocalsurgicalteams.

“During the mission, a total of 11 complex Retinal surgeries were performed.Theseincluded two scleral buckle procedures, which were performed at GPHC for the first time. Thismilestonerepresentsasignificant expansion of the hospital's Retinal

surgical capabilities Scleral buckle surgerycaneitherbeusedasaprimary method of Retinal detachment repair, or it can be used in conjunction with a vitrectomy in complex and recurrent detachments,”GPHCdisclosed.

KaieteurNewsunderstandsthatDr Bobb-Semple is currently the only (Continuedonpage43)

A77-year-oldwomanlost her life on Friday evening afterbeingviciouslyattacked by a swarm of bees at Success, East Coast Demerara(ECD).

Dead is Mohadai Sankar, known as “Aunty Pamma,” a pensioner of Success. A 25year-old woman who was also attacked during the incidentremainshospitalised.

According to reports, the elderly woman was stung earlier in the day and later succumbed while receiving treatment at the Enmore Regional Hospital on Friday evening.

TheGuyanaPoliceForce, in a statement on Saturday saidSankar,whowasvisiting from the United States and staying at her local address, was attacked along with the 25-year-old woman and two o t h e r i n d i v i d u a l s Investigators believe the swarm originated from the roofofaneighbouringhouse.

“The victims sustained multiplesuspectedbeestings during the incident,” police stated.

A video circulating on socialmediashowedSankar's face and head completely covered by bees as she struggled during the ordeal.

The visibly distressed pensioner appeared barely abletostandwhileattempting toseekrefuge.Public-spirited residentsrushedtoheraidand transported her to the hospital,whereshelaterdied

Mohadai Sankar's face and head fully covered with bees

around 18:45hrs while undergoing medical treatment.

The 25-year-old victim was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, whereherconditionhasbeen listedasstable.

Sankar's body has since been taken to Jerrick's Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

Police said the scene was visited by ranks, and personnel from the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) were summoned to control thesituation.

Investigations are ongoing.

First Scleral Buckle...

Frompage42

Retina surgeon practising in Guyana. Since joining GPHC in 2018, she has played a pivotal role in developing the hospital's Retinaservicesand,followingtheacquisition of vitrectomy equipment, has been performingcomplexRetinalsurgerieslocally since2021.

“Intheabsenceofalocalophthalmology subspecialty programme, specialists are requiredtoundergoseveralyearsofadvanced trainingoverseasbeforereturningtoservethe country Dr Bobb-Semple's commitment to completing this extensive training, including an additional year of subspecialty training in vitreoretinalsurgery,hasbeenkeytomaking advanced Retinal surgery accessible in Guyana and expanding the availability of highly specialized, sight-saving care at GPHC,”thehospitalexplained.

GPHC stated that the visiting specialist

missions provide valuable opportunities for the exchange of skills and advanced techniques, while also reducing the need for overseas referrals and improving access to criticaleyecareforpatientslocally

Further, the ultimate aim of these initiatives is to strengthen GPHCs' and, by extension, Guyana's capacity to manage complexretinaldiseases.

Focusing on improving access to advanced sight-saving eye care, GPHC expressedthat“Withcontinueddevelopment, advanced procedures such as scleral buckle surgery have the potential to become routine optionsforeligiblepatients.Weareproudof the surgical team for this significant and successful collaboration. Their collaborative effort reflects a strong commitment to advancing patient care and expanding specialized services within Guyana's healthcaresystem.”

Govt. allocates house lots to families evicted...

Frompage41 orstrategicnationalpurposes,”theMinistry asserted.Officials also clarified that formal noticeswereissuedonNovember4,2025,by the Malgre Tout/Meer-Zorgen NeighbourhoodDemocraticCouncil(NDC), informing occupants that their presence was unauthorized and that enforcement action wouldfollowifvoluntarycompliancewasnot forthcoming The Ministry said its interventionwasgroundedindueprocessand consistentwithestablishedlegalprocedures. In a stern warning, the Ministry emphasizedthatillegaloccupationwouldnot be regularized.“No individual or group may bypass the legal application process and expect regularization by virtue of illegal occupation. Such actions undermine fairness, equity, andtheruleoflaw,particularlyforthousands ofcitizenswhohaveappliedandareawaiting allocation through lawful channels,” the statement read.The Ministry reiterated its commitmenttoprovidinghumanerelocation options for eligible citizens but stressed that enforcementwillcontinuewherepubliclands a n d n a t i o n a l p r o j e c t s a r e threatened.Meanwhile, affected persons are calling for clearer communication and improvedconditionsontheallocatedlandsas they attempt to rebuild following their displacement.

MissGuyanaTeenwithaPurpose...

Frompage28 inGuyanatocompeteinthepageant,making the pageant a national event that schools, teachers, parents and contestants can look forwardtoannually

Under the theme,” Creating a legacy, whilebecomingher.”thatthisyear'spageant is a stepping stone for greatness, Areanna GildariewillberepresentingDistrict1;Elina BissoonDistrict3;ChaitraPersaudDistrict4; Aquela Archer District 5; Nazeema Bailey District 6; Syesha Fraser District 10; and TacasiCummingsDistrict11.

There will be a marketing challenge

sponsored byAustin'sAuto dealership, each contestant will be tasked with creating a promotional video for this company and the winner will be given an opportunity to be a brandambassadorforthebusinessfor1year

Additionally, there would be a charity drive to St. Cuthbert's mission where the contestants will be taking school supplies, along with food supplies into the village for thepeople.

The 2026 production of the pageant will behappeningonMarch28th,2026.Formore informationonthepageantcontact: 7245027 oremailmissgtwap20@gmail.com.

Grey's Anatomy Alum Eric Dane dies at 53

Eric Dane, the muscular actor best k n o w n a s t h e charming and womanizing plastic surgeon nicknamed McSteamy on the longrunning ABC medical drama “Grey's Anatomy,” died on Thursday Hewas53.

HispublicistMelissaBank confirmed the death, which came 10 months after he had revealing to People magazine that he was being treated for A.L.S., a neurological disorder also known as Lou Gehrig'sdisease.

Mr.Dane'sbuffgoodlooks propelled his career, with recurring roles in the early 2000s as a doctor on the ABC medical drama “Gideon's Crossing” and as a San Francisco newspaper owner and love interest for Alyssa Milano's character Phoebe on “Charmed,” the CW series aboutthreesisterwitches.

His breakout role, on “Grey's Anatomy,” came in 2006, a year after the show's debut He portrayed the handsome, blue-eyed Dr MarkSloan,theheadofplastic surgery at a fictional Seattle hospital.

Each week, his character who was known as McSteamy for his sex appeal stirred up mischievous drama. To many viewers, one moment in particular stood out: Called the “towel scene,” it featured him shirtless and wrapped in a white towel around his waist after a hot shower

“Inthemoment,itwasjust another scene to me,” Mr Dane recalled in the 2025 interview with Diane Sawyer on ABC's “Good Morning America.” “I just remember walking out of the bathroom with a very nice gentleman kind of blowing smoke towardsme.”

How The Times decides who gets an obituary There is no formula, scoring system or checklist in determining the news value of a life We investigate, research and ask

around before settling on our subjects If you know of someone who might be a candidateforaTimesobituary, pleasesuggestithere.

Mr Dane appeared in 139 episodes of the show, which is still on the air, and told the “Armchair Expert” podcast he was let go because in part because of his addiction to prescription drugs and becausehehadsimplybecome tooexpensive.

“The network knows that the show is going to do what it's going to do irrespective of who they keep on it,” he said.

“As long as they have their Grey, they're fine. I wasn't the same guy they had hired, so I understoodwhenIwasletgo.”

Mr Danewentontostaras a fearless and by-the-book Navy commander in the dystopian TNT network suspense series “The Last Ship”from2014to2018.Inan interview with late night TV host Conan O'Brien in 2015, spoke about gaining weight for the part and how it might disappoint fans of McSteamy “I'm going to let it all go,” he jokedofhisaddedgirth.

From2019to2022,hewas the strict but closeted father of a school football standout, played by Jacob Elordi, on the H B O t e e n a g e d r a m a “Euphoria ” The complex patriarch on the show, Mr DanetoldVariety,wastherole heconsideredhisfavorite.

“Ineverconsideredmyself an artist,” he said. “I could never admit it, until I started making'Euphoria.'”

A female doctor looks at a male doctor with his arms crossed

Mr Dane played the handsome, blue-eyed Dr Mark Sloan on the hit TV s h o w “ G r e y ' s Anatomy ”Credit Scott Garfield

Eric Melvin was born on Nov 8,1972,inSanFrancisco to William Dane Melvin, an architectandinteriordesigner, and Leah (Cohn) Melvin, who (Continued on page 48)

GNBSINFOCUS

GNBS STANDARDS & SERVICES: STRENGTHENS QUALITY ACROSS THE OIL AND

The Guyana Energy Conference and Supply ChainExpowereheldatthe Marriott Hotel in Georgetown from February 17 to 20. This major event hasonceagainamplifiedthe importance of standards, safety, quality assurance, measurements and certification in supporting Guyana’s rapidly expanding oilandgassector

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) plays a crucial role in ensuring those within oil and gas and supporting industrieshaveaccesstothe relevant standards and support services to reduce risks,enhanceefficiencyand maintain conformance. The Bureau supports both local and international investors by developing national standards, ensuring measurement accuracy, providing reliable testing services and certification to maintain international best practices.

Today, GNBS has several standards which are directly applicable to the oil and gas sector, including a list of American Petroleum Institute (API) Standards. AmongthemistheGYS572 - Specification for Natural gas - Quality designation, adoptedfromtheISO,which provides guidance for evaluating and assessing the physical and chemical properties of natural gas used in various industrial applications It specifies requirements related to gas composition, including

GAS SECTOR AND SUPPORTING INDUSTRIES

components and trace constituents and addresses sampling procedures, leak detectionandmore.

Meanwhile, the GYS 574 - Specification for Fuel Oils standard enables petroleum refineries and other chemical processing plants to evaluate and process fuel oils for quality It covers grades of oil intended for use in different types of fuel oil-burning equipment under various climatic and operating conditions. This document featu

y internationally recognised sampling and testing methodsforthecomposition andqualitycharacteristicsof f u e l o i l s , m

hydrocarbon.

Beyond o

nd gas–specific standards, GNBS also develops and promotes standards for several supporting sectors, i

manufacturing.

In the tourism sector, local restaurants and related establishmentscanadoptthe National Standard GCP 17:2025 - Code of Practice for Quality Management in the Restaurant Service. This standardservesasavitaltool to strengthen management systems in restaurant establishments, improve servicedeliveryandenhance customer satisfaction within Guyana’s growing hospitalitysector In the construction sector, GNBS standards support quality control,

consistency, occupational safety and environmental management by outlining requirements for ensuring quality construction materials. For instance, the Bureau offers testing for blocks measuring four, six,

National Standard – ‘GYS 215:2024–Specificationfor Load Bearing Masonry Concrete Units.’ To ensure durability, these items are tested for compressive strength, moisture content, andabsorption. These standards are especially important as infrastructure development acceleratesinresponsetooil

Compliance helps ensure durable c

improved safety outcomes and long-term sustainability ofbuildingsandfacilities.

In addition to standards, GNBSoffersawiderangeof

w businesses to demonstrate compliance with national requirements. These include certification, training, technical assistance and verification services For instance, certification provides assurance to regulators, partners and consumersthatproductsand services consistently meet e

y bench

ks This is particularly important for companiesoperatingwithin, orsupplying,theoilandgas sector, where reliability, safety and consistency are critical.Italsoprovideslocal

businesses with an advantage as they provide theirproductsandservicesto the sector and the wider market.

GNBS’s training programmes are designed to help businesses improve their effectiveness by addressing gaps in management systems and documentation. The Bureau also provides technical assistance aligned with a widerangeofinternationally recognised standards, supporting businesses in improving operational

efficiency, strengthening consumer confidence and achiev

ng long-term sustainability

Additionally, GNBS offers verification services for weighing and measuring instruments, helping to support fair trade, public health,andsafety

TheGNBSwillcontinue to promote national standards across all sectors anddeliveressentialservices to assist local businesses in meetinginternationalquality requirements, thereby positioning Guyanese

products and services to competemoreeffectivelyon theglobalmarket.

GNBS commits to providing and promoting national standards and its services across relevant sectors, helping local businesses meet quality, s a f e t y a n d o t h e r requirements in alignment with national and internationalbestpractices. For more information, kindlycontactGNBSat2190064–66, via WhatsApp: 692-4627, or visit www.gnbsgy.org.

VACANCY WANTED

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

Head cook/chef wanted.Send Application via Whatsapp to 637-1465 or Call same number.

Snackette assistant wanted.Send application via Whatsapp to 637-1465 or call same number.

Armed & Unarmed Security personnel with Military and previous experience would be an asset. Contact : 603-5140.

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

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

Driver wanted- valid lorry license required-contact number 226-9768, 2277528, 710-0561.

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

1 male project supervisor (Road Construction Field),ages 35-50 years,must have managerial experience atleast 5 to 8 years.Email CV to rbinvestmentinc@gmail.com

Roller Operator,excavator operator,call between 9am and 5pm on 613-0855.

One kitchen assistant.Must know various duties in the kitchen. Contact: 660-4904/ 223-5031 between the hours of 10am-3pm.

Vacancy at Dyna's Embroidery & Screenprints: We are hiring factory workers.Tel# 226-2621.

Vacancy at Dyna's Embroidery & Screenprints: We are hiring a driver for minibus (must have a valid driver's license) Tel# 2262621.

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

V/Hoop front lot building and land next to KFC . Lot 8 New Road,W.C.D.Investment for businesses Tel#227-4377.

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

Prime commercial spots on Regent st. and La-Penitence public road contact Ray's Realty 627-9685.

SERVICES

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

Grey’s Anatomy Alum Eric Dane dies at 53...

From page 45 managed the home. He was 7 when his father, whom he described as a “troubled soul,” died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

As a high school student, Mr. Dane excelled at water polo. “My season was short and I ended up getting roped in to playing Joe Keller in ‘All

My Sons,’” he later told a McClatchy reporter, noting how he got the lead role of the war-profiteer father in a school staging of the Arthur Miller drama. “I fell in love with it. I was, like, ‘This is the greatest feeling ever!’”

He left his San Mateo, Calif., high school a month before graduating to move to

Hollywood. He made his TV debut in 1991 on the sitcom

“Saved by the Bell” and soon landed other small roles on TV shows like “Married … With Children” and “The Wonder Years.” In movies, Mr. Dane played a mutant able to make multiple versions of himself in “X-Men: The Last Stand” (2006). Two years later, he had

a key supporting role as a journalist in the comedy “Marley & Me,” starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston.

In 2004, he married Rebecca Gayheart, an actress. In addition to his wife, survivors include two daughters, Billie Beatrice and Georgia. (New York Times)

Guyana’s Gas Moment Between Opportunity...

From page 8 where it had always been. What kept changing was everything around it.

Markets shifted. Capital cycles tightened. Institutions were reorganised. Geopolitics intervened. Development strategies were repeatedly reinvented.

Dragon did not wait because gas was hard. It waited because integrated alignment never held long enough.

Only when Trinidad and Tobago’s existing gashungry industrial system finally intersected with Venezuela’s stranded abundance did monetisation become inevitable.

Not through new discovery. Through belated architectural coherence.

The Global Pattern Guyana Is Quietly Entering Guyana is not Venezuela. Its governance context is different. Its geopolitics are different. Its oil revenues are already flowing. But the structural physics of gas do not change with optimism.

Across the world, major gas provinces follow a familiar rhythm: oil accelerates

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naturally, gas only moves when institutions force alignment. In Mozambique, worldclass discoveries stalled for years as security risk, financing cycles and LNG megaproject complexity collided. In Tanzania, negotiations over a single massive export project have stretched over a decade, turning gas perpetually into “next phase development.”

In Namibia, high gas content has complicated oil-first strategies and delayed final investment decisions.

In Suriname, early discoveries now face the same sequencing choices between rapid oil monetisation and slower gas architecture.

Everywhere the lesson is the same: Oil accelerates naturally. Gas only moves when institutions force alignment. Left to market timing and portfolio priorities alone, gas almost always drifts.

Guyana’s Quiet Strength

— and Its Quiet Risk

o Guyana’s credit, transparency has been a defining feature of its petroleum management so far. Data has been published. Costs discussed publicly. Contracts debated. Independent experts allowed space to scrutinise assumptions. This is not cosmetic. It is a genuine institutional asset. But transparency alone does not build markets.

Upstream delivery is no longer the binding constraint. Downstream architecture now is - power systems, industrial demand, tariff frameworks, commercial risk allocation. These sit squarely within sovereign responsibility.

deliberately constructed domestic sinks for gas: power generation, ammonia and fertiliser, methanol, steel and downstream manufacturing. Gas was treated as a development instrument, not a byproduct. Industrial estates were built around gas availability.

Contracts anchored longterm demand. Midstream institutions coordinated sequencing, shared infrastructure and services

Trinidad’s later challenges stem largely from upstream decline and policy inertia, not from failure of the original gasindustrialisation model.

For Guyana and Suriname to focus only on Trinidad’s present difficulties, and allow sentiment to obscure what once worked extraordinarily well, would be to discard one of the region’s most valuable institutional case studies.

The Sophisticated Investor Problem Another reality sits quietly beneath Guyana’s success story.

The upstream partner driving development is among the most technically sophisticated and commercially disciplined energy companies on the planet.

Its project sequencing, capital allocation and contract design are optimised relentlessly for global portfolio performance.

That is not a criticism. It is its mandate. But when a young petroleum state’s technical and commercial capacity is still evolving, the risk is not bad faith - it is asymmetry.

space. Public scrutiny is active. This is the window when gas architecture can still be deliberately designed rather than inherited by default.

The core questions are institutional, not geological. Who is the long-term offtaker — and on what risk terms?

What triggers take-or-pay obligations?

How are cost recovery optics managed transparently?

What industrial demand will anchor volumes beyond power generation?

How is sequencing enforced across ministries, regulators and investors?

Without clear answers, delay does not remain neutral. It becomes expensive, politicised, and eventually structural.

Gas as Development Vehicle — or as Deferred Promise Nothing in Guyana’s story suggests failure.

Quite the opposite.

But every delayed gas province once stood exactly where Guyana stands now: confident in reserves, optimistic about infrastructure, assuming markets would naturally follow.

They rarely did without forceful institutional design. Dragon waited forty years not because gas was difficult, but because alignment was never held long enough.

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VEHICLES FOR SALE

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LAND FOR SALE

The Trinidad & Tobago Misread Much regional commentary focuses on Trinidad and Tobago’s recent gas decline - falling production, ageing fields, underutilised LNG trains, declining government revenue, slowing economy. What is often forgotten is that Trinidad’s early gas buildout phase was one of the most successful examples of smallstate industrial gas strategy anywhere in the developing world.

The State did not wait for export markets to mature. It

Decisions made quickly offshore can become extremely difficult to unwind onshore once steel is laid, costs are sunk and contracts activate.

This is precisely why gas requires stronger, earlier institutional steering than oil. Oil can be course-corrected field by field. Gas locks systems together for decades.

The Moment Before Drift Guyana now stands at a rare advantage point. The pipeline exists. The gas volumes are real. Oil revenues provide fiscal breathing

Trinidad’s early success came precisely because alignment was engineered deliberately. Guyana now has the chance to choose which model it follows. Not in speeches.

In sequencing. In contract design. In market construction. In institutional capacity. Gas will not automatically become a development engine simply because it exists offshore.

But with disciplined architecture, it can transform power costs, industrial depth, employment and economic resilience for generations. This is the moment before drift. And history suggests that what happens next depends far less on geology, and far more on governance.

Trumpsayshewillincreasehisnewglobaltariffsto15%

BBC - US President Donald Trump has said that he will impose global tariffs of 15%, as he continued to railagainstaSupremeCourt ruling that struck down his previousimporttaxes.

Trump said on Friday that he would replace the tariffs scrapped by the court witha10%levyonallgoods comingintotheUS.

But on Saturday, he announced on Truth Social that this would be increased to the maximum allowed underanever-usedtradelaw

These will come into force on Tuesday 24 February and can only stay in place for around five months before the administration must seek congressionalapproval.

Thenew15%taxrate-a temporary solution under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act - raises questions forcountriessuchastheUK and Australia, which had agreeda10%tariffdealwith theUS.

Tr u m p s a i d h i s administration had reached thedecisiontoraisethelevy following a review of the S u p r e m e C o u r t ’s “ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily antiAmericandecisiononTariffs issuedyesterday”.

Ina6-3decision,justices on the highest US court found that the president had overstepped his powers

when he introduced sweeping global tariffs last yearusinga1977lawknown

as the International

Emergency Economic PowersAct(IEEPA).

Frompage16

The US has already collected at least $130bn in tariffs using IEEPA, accordingtothemostrecent governmentdata.

Immediately following theruling,Trumpsaidthathe was “ashamed of certain members of the court” and called the justices who rejected his trade policy “fools”.

The decision to strike down the tariffs was joined by the court’s three liberal justices, Chief Justice John Roberts, a conservative nominated by George W Bush and two justices nominated by Trump: Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch.

Three conservative justices, Clarence Thomas, Brett Kavanaugh and SamuelAlito,dissented.

Trump’s tariffs are a key plank of his economic policy,whichhehassaidwill encourage businesses to invest and produce goods in the US rather than overseas.

Butthehighcourt’sdecision marked a significant check on his power and a major blow to his second-term agenda.

The US president has argued his tariffs are necessarytoreducethetrade deficit-theamountbywhich importsexceedexports-but the US trade deficit reached a fresh high this week, wideningby2.1%compared to 2024 and hitting roughly $1.2trillion(£890bn).

Drew Greenblatt, owner of Marlin Steel Wire Products, a steel fabrication plant in Baltimore, said he

modernizethesystem.Meanwhile,President Ali commended those who worked on completing the water treatment plant noting thatcleanwaterisnotaluxury,itislife.

“Whencleanwaterflows24hoursaday, hopecomeswithit.

When a community no longer worries about the safety of its supply, when a community no longer worries about the safety of its supply, it can focus on growth, education and opportunity.Water is the first building block of development, because without water, nothing else works,” he stated.

GWI’s Chief Executive Officer, Shaik BakshwhostatedthattheFiveMilesBartica Water Treatment Plant is the result of over twoyearsofdedicatedtechnicalresearchand investment to overcome geological challenges.

He disclosed that the facility utilises automated surface water treatment technology, ensuring 24-hour service and international standards for residents in Four Miles,FiveMiles,andSevenMiles.

Theplantistheseventhlargesttreatment plantcommissionedundertheCoastalWater Treatment Infrastructure Programme, and stands as a reflection of the government’s

was “very disappointed” by the Supreme Court’s decision.

“It is a setback for poor peopleinAmericathathada chance to climb into the middle class with great manufacturingjobs,”hetold theBBC.

But John Boyd, a soybean farmer from Virginia and founder of the National Black Farmers Association, said: “This is a huge win for me and a big lossforthepresident.

“I don’t care how you look at it, President Trump lostonthis.”

Yet Allie Renison, a former UK government trade adviser and director at SEC Newgate, said: “While it may seem like a good day for free trade, I think trade actually just got a lot messier.”

She said that businesses are now facing “much more ofapatchworkapproach”to tariffs under the Trump administration.

It means that US businesseswillhavetopaya 15% tariff to import most goods into America under Section122oftheTradeAct of1974.

But some products will be exempted such as critical minerals, metals and pharmaceuticals.

Meanwhile, separate tariffs on steel, aluminium, lumber and auto-motivesintroduced using a different US law - remain in place, untouched by the Supreme Court’sruling.

On Friday, a White Houseofficialsaidcountries

broader commitment to expanding treated watercoverage,henoted.

Kaieteur News understands that the first phase of the Coastal Water Treatment Infrastructure Programme (CWTIP) has completed seven new large water treatment plants, fifteen small water treatment plants, upgraded twelve existing plants, and installed 200 KM of transmission mains to improvewaterquality,continuityofservice, and level of service in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and7.

The second phase of the CWTIP has started,withtheconstructionof7newwater treatmentplantsinRegions2,3,4,5,6,and 7.

Theseincludenewwatertreatmentplants at Maria’s Delight in Region 2, Wakenaam and Leguan Water Treatment Plants in Region 3; Hope Water Treatment Plant in Region 4; Bath Water Treatment Plant in Region 5;AdventureWaterTreatment Plant inRegion6,andtheFiveMilesBarticaWater TreatmentPlantinRegion7.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar said that the BarticaWaterTreatment Plant project is the first of its kind in the area and serves as a blueprintforanationalstrategytomodernise Guyana’sutilityinfrastructure.

thatpreviouslyreachedtrade dealswiththeUS,including the UK, would face the global tariff under Section 122ratherthanthetariffrate they had previously negotiated.

However,theUK’sdeals around steel, aluminium, pharmaceuticals, autos, and aerospace sectors - which represent most of its trade with the US - were not impacted.

TheUKgovernmentsaid it expects Britain’s “privileged trading position withtheUS”tocontinueand thatitisa“matterfortheUS to determine” whether those dealsstillstand.

William Bain, head of trade policy at the British ChambersofCommerce,has

said he feared that the president’s response to the SupremeCourtruling“could be worse for British businesses”.

The new 15% import tariffsare“badfortrade,bad for US consumers and businesses” and will “weaken global economic growth”, the leader of a UK businessgroupsaid.

In remarks made before Trump announced the new levy rate of 15%, French P

Macron said France will adapt, adding that the “fairest possible rules involve reciprocity, not suffe

decisions”.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz

warned of the “poison” of more uncertainty around tariffs.

Merz said he would work closely with other EU countries on a joint position ahead of his upcomingtriptotheUS

“The biggest poison for the economies of Europe and the US is this constantuncertaintyabout t a r i f f s A n d t h i s uncertainty must end,” Merzsaid

The Supreme Court ruling also opened the door for consumers and businesses to seek refunds from the unlawful tariffs, though the high court did not make a decision on whether reimbursements shouldbeissued.

Cuban security forces exit Venezuela as US pressure mounts

CARACAS, Feb 21

(Reuters) - Cuban security advisers and doctors have been leaving Venezuela as Interim President Delcy Rodriguez’s government faces intense pressure from WashingtontounwindLatin

A m e r i c

ist alliance, according to 11 sources familiar with the matter Venezuela’s Interim President Delcy Rodriguez has entrusted her protection to Venezuelan bodyguards, according to four of the sources, unlike deposed president Nicolas Maduro and his predecessor, the late president Hugo Chavez, who both relied on elite

Cubanforces.

Thirty-two Cubans were killed in the U.S. military attack that captured Maduro on January 3, according to the Cuban government These soldiers and bodyguards were part of a deep security agreement between Caracas and Havanathatbeganinthelate 2000s in which Cuban

embedded throughout the military and Venezuela’s

le DGCIM counterintelligence unit, which was fundamental to weeding out domestic opposition.

“The Cuban influence was absolutely essential” to

the survival of the Chavista government, said Alejandro Velasco, an associate professor of history at New York University and an expertonVenezuela.

Inside DGCIM, some Cuban advisers have been removed from their posts, according to a former Venezuela intelligence official. Some of the Cuban medical workers and security advisers have travelled from Venezuela to Cuba on flights in recent weeks, two of the sources said.

One source close to Venezuela’srulingpartysaid the Cubans were departing on the orders of Rodriguez

due to U.S. pressure. The other sources were not clear onwhethertheCubanswere being forced to leave by the new Venezuelan leadership, departing of their own accord, or being summoned homebyHavana.

The decision to sideline Cubansfromthepresidential g u a r d a n d t h e counterintelligence unit has not been previously reported.

TRUMPWANTSEND TOVENEZUELA-CUBA TIES

Prior to the operation to remove Maduro, thousands ofCubandoctors,nursesand sports coaches worked in Venezuelaaspartofwelfare programs begun under Chavez In exchange, Venezuela provided Cuba with a source of muchneeded oil 00:09Seized guns converted to musical instruments in Mexico exhibit The video player is currentlyplayinganad.You canskiptheadin5secwitha mouseorkeyboard

Following the U S attack, U S President DonaldTrumpvowedtoend the security relationship between Venezuela and Cuba.“Cubalived,formany years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela. In return, Cuba provided‘SecurityServices’ for the last two Venezuelan dictators, BUT NOT ANYMORE!,” he wrote on TruthSocialonJanuary11.

In response to questions about U S pressure on Venezuela to cut ties with Cuba,aWhiteHouseofficial said the U.S. has “a very good relationship with the leaders of Venezuela” and that it believes that Rodriguez’s “own selfinterest aligns with advancing our key objectives.”

Severing Venezuela’s relationship with Cuba is part of Washington’s broader strategy of toppling Havana’s communist-run government Since midDecember, Washington has blockaded Venezuela from shipping oil to Cuba, economically strangling the

island.TheU.S.government is “talking to Cuba, whose leadersshouldmakeadeal,” theofficialsaid.

The Cuban government hassaiditisopentodialogue on equal terms, while condemningtheoilblockade and vowing to resist U.S. intervention.

Neither the Cuban nor Venezuelan governments responded to requests for comment.Thetwocountries have publicly affirmed their continuedrelationship.

Rodriguez,thedaughterof aformerMarxistguerrilla,has been a longtime ally of Maduro and member of Venezuela’s ruling Socialist Party She’s also personally close to the Cuban government, according to ten U.S. and Venezuelan sources On January 8, Rodriguezappearedalongside Cuban Foreign Minister BrunoRodriguezataflowerladen memorial service in Caracasforthevictimsofthe US attack “To the brave Venezuelan people, we express Cuba’s deepest solidarity, ” Bruno Rodriguez said at the event, before uttering the rallying cry of one of the leaders of the Cuban revolution, Ernesto “Che” Guevara: “Hasta la victoriasiempre”

Later in January, Delcy Rodriguez also spoke by phonewithCubanPresident Miguel Diaz-Canel, saying afterwards that the two countries remained “united.” Diaz-Canel, after thesamecall,saidCubawas committed to “continue strengthening the historic relationsofbrotherhoodand cooperation.”

R e g a r d i n g t h e relationshipbetweenthetwo countries, the White House official said: “President Trumpunderstandsthatthey have to make certain statements for domestic politicalreasons.”

FLIGHTSBACKTO CUBA

A source familiar with the Cuban government’s thinking said that some militarypersonnelinjuredin theU.S.attackhavereturned toCuba,butthatothershave r

m

ned active in Venezuela. The source also said many Cuban doctors continue to provide care in Venezuela.

Cuba’s state-run media in earlyJanuarysaidasuspension of commercial flights and closureofVenezuelanairspace had caused a backlog that preventedCubafrombringing home doctors from vacationsorforendingtheir missions in Venezuela Those flights resumed the week after the January 3 U.S. attack, those reports said.AU.S. source familiar with the matter said that while the Cuban presence is diminishing, some undercover intelligence agentsarelikelytoremainin the country to see how the politicalsituationpansout.

FrankMora,whoservedas U S ambassador to the Organization of American States under the Biden administration, said “Rodriguez is treading very carefully”

“She wants to keep the Cubans at a distance until this situation calms down, until her hold on power is clear, but not entirely throw them under the bus, either,” Morasaid.

At least some Cuban military advisers are still working in Venezuela, four sources familiar with the matter said Cuban professors also continue to teach at the state university for police and security forces, known as UNES, accordingtoaformerpolice officer

JohnPolga-Hecimovich, aprofessorattheU.S.Naval Academy in Maryland who hasstudiedtheroleofCuban security advisers in Venezuela,saidthelegacyof t h e C u b a n counterintelligence effort is still evident in Caracas, where Maduro’s top loyalistsremaininpower

“The Cubans didn’t manage to protect Maduro, buttheyplayedakeyrolein keeping the Chavista government in power,” Polga-Hecimovich said “The coup-proofing worked brilliantly.”

MassyGasProductsamong 10vyingtoconstructand operatecookinggasbottling companyinGuyana

Ma s s y G a s Products, along with nine other companies have expressed an interest in partnering with the Government of Guyana (GoG)ontheconstructionand operation of a cooking gas bottlingcompany

The Trinidad-branded Massywillcompetewithlocal firm,Guygaswhichpartnered with Makeen Energy of

D

s L

m

ed, headquartered in India, according to bids received by theNationalProcurementand Tender Administration Board

domestic cooking gas It explained, “Annual domestic demand for cooking gas is equivalenttothreemillion20pounds cylinders with a retail value of G$14 billion per annum.”

The proposed gas project is to be developed at Wales, West Bank Demerara, east of the GTE Combined Cycle Power Plant and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility. Cooking gas will be supplied tothefacilityfromtheGuyana Power and Gas Inc (GPGI), a fully owned Government of Guyana company, at wholesaleprices.

(NPTAB)onThursday.

Texas-based Lindsayca, government's partner on the Wales Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project also submitted an ExpressionofInterest(EOI).

Divyan International Inc of India, Rubis Guyana Inc and Sol Guyana Inc also expressed interest in the project along with four consortiums They are: Gas ZipaSASESPofColombiain joint venture (JV) with Fix It Depot and Standard Energy Company; Gate Ventures and Consulting Guyana Inc in JV with Propak Systems Limited and Makeen Energy; ILF ConsultingEngineeringIncin p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h MAHAPREIT-both of India and finally, UK-based BB Energy and Dec Ogeco of Belgium.

The'GuyanaGasBottling and Logistics Company'

( G G B L C ) w i l l b e incorporated under a publicprivate partnership model to bottle,transportanddistribute cooking gas to supply the localmarket.

Theprivatepartnerwillbe responsible for the financing, design, engineering, construction and operation of thecompany Meanwhile, GoG will establish the gas bottle company,structureandsecure financing and arrange all contractsandpermits.

GovernmentsaidGGBLC is targeting reduced price of

ExxonMobil has already completed the pipeline element of the project which will transport gas to Wales from the Liza Fields in the StabroekBlock.

In its RFP, government cited local content requirements for its potential partner During a panel discussion last week at the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, Consultant at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Winston Brassington highlighted the potential of the project in not only generating revenue for the country through a new export product, but lowering the cost of cooking gas for consumersinGuyana.

He explained, “The cookinggasliquidthatwewill produce at the retail value today is worth a quarter of a billion-US. The 4,000 barrels adaythatwewillproduce-the 63milliongallons,attheretail value to the end user…and whenwefillthatpipeline,and wetakealltheliquidsout,we will go from 4,000 barrels a dayofliquids,ofcookinggas to10,000barrels.”

Of the 4,000 barrels of cooking gas to be generated from the project, Guyana merely utilizes an average 1,000 barrels currently This means that the remaining portion will be available for export to Brazil and other potential Caribbean markets, accordingtotheConsultant.

Sunday in De Country Domino Tournament on today

Jumbie and Honda willberunningoffa Dominotournament today at Dayday Sports Bar, Middle Street, Pouderoyen, WestBank,Demerara.

Entrance fee is

$15,000 With emphasison female participation, a $200,000potisupforgrabs once have entered an all femaleteam.

Participants will only pay $13,000 with the first fivefemaleteamstoregister

willbegiftedahamper

The format - Four games,6sittings,2-in-1-out withtheactionsettobeginat 2:30pm.

The MVP in the finals will cart off with $15,000 whilethebestfemaleplayer in the tournament will take home$10,000.

Foodanddrinkswillbe onsale

For more information, contact Jumbie: 6598672/Honda:669-1994.

The top team will cart of with this piece of hardware

Transport SC to host Mashramani Draught and Billiard Competitions

Mashramani celebrations, the Transport Sports Club would be holding a day of Sports at the club’s venue, ThomasLands.

Sunday February 22, 2026

ARIES(Mar 21–Apr 19)

Tension may arise today, Aries.It'spossiblethatyou're either too dreamy or too practical to deal effectively with the issue. It's important to strike a balance The toughest part will be finding otherswhoagreewithyou.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Yesterday's trajectory may runintotroubletoday,Taurus. Your intrinsically dreamy nature is dragging down the action you initiated This conflict could create tension that will be difficult to resolve.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Try to align your mind with youremotionstoday,Gemini. It's possible that a powerful yet subtle force is slowly pullingyouofftrack.

CANCER(June21–July22)

An emotional issue could be rubbing you the wrong way, Cancer Your impulse is to escape. Try to do so in a healthy manner Go see a movie or read a book. Don't fall prey to the temptation to indulgeinalcoholorfood.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Yourartisticsidewantstotake to the airwaves in some way, Leo Perhaps you should considerbuildingawebsiteor becomingacommentatorona localradioshow

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

It may be apparent that what was so light and active yesterday is running into a few roadblocks today, Virgo. You're suddenly heading into a brick wall with some of the projects you've been working on.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

There may be dreaminess about your emotions today, Scorpio,whichcouldkeepyou from focusing on the task at hand. The aspects dictate that people may be stubborn and confused-andyou'relikelyto beoneofthem.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)

Little voices whisper in your ear and ask you to take flight and join them in the clouds, Sagittarius There's tension between what your heart and mind tell you. They're pulling you in very different directions.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Recentspiritualbreakthroughs might have you feeling both exhilarated and downcast, Scorpio. Your sensitive side tells you that this is a definite step forward on your spiritual path.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Something or someone may prod you to take action today, Capricorn. It may be best if you beat them to it and motivateyourself.Breakaway fromtheherdandgowherever youwanttogo.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20–Feb 18) You might experience a great deal of emotional confusion,Aquarius.There'sa debatebrewinginsideyou,and you're having a hard time deciding whether to be practicalormorefanciful.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar 20)

It will be a challenge to keep youremotionsonanevenkeel today,Pisces.Conflictmaybe brewing and you might fear it could get out of hand Everythingwillworkout.

T h e D r a u g h t s competition starts at 11:00am and would be contested on the 10x10 international boards The competition is opened to all players and the entrance fee is $1000 per player The nation’s top players would take part, which would enhance the excitement of the day Linden player, Floyd C

batch, Transport Club members Jiaram, Steve Bacchus, Ivor

Meighbarran would all vie for the top positions Devanand Persaud from Tuschen is also expected to takepart.

The billiards is scheduled for 12:30 pm and would be contested in theA and B categories. The A competition would see senior players like Derek Babb, Colin France, Mark Morgan, Singh and Humil Wilson. In the B division, Ramesh Das and Clifford Dodson would take the charge.

Entrancefeeis$2000per player OnlyTransport Club membersareedibletoenter Contact Jiaram (614-6671) formoreinformation.

PowerliftingFederation...

Frompage57 sportsmanship,andpersonal bests.

Registration details, weightclasses,andtechnical rules are available through the federation’s official channels.

Forinquiriesaboutentry, coaching accreditation, or volunteer opportunities, contat the federation’s

OrganisingCommittee. Whether you are taking your first competitive steps or returning to test new limits, the 2026 Novices/Juniors National Championship is the place to begin a powerful journey Join us on March 8 to lift, inspire, and build the future of Guyanese powerlifting

NZ-Pakistan match abandoned because of rain

(BBC Sport) - The opening match of the T20 World Cup’s Super Eight stage between New Zealand andPakistaninColombohas been abandoned without a ballbowledbecauseofrain.

Spectatorsarrivingatthe RPremadasaStadiumfound the field under cover after

precipitation in the afternoon, but conditions improved enough for a toss to be staged on time, with Pakistan winning and

choosingtobat. However the rain set in prior to the start of play and umpires called off the game just over two hours after its scheduled start time, with both sides taking a point for anoresult.

Rain blighted fixtures held in the Sri Lankan capital during October’s Women’s World Cup, held duringtheisland’smonsoon season, with seven of 11 matches held there affected

bytheweather.

This is only the second abandoned match of this tournament, after Ireland’s game with Zimbabwe in Pallekele was called off on Tuesday

Both New Zealand and Pakistan finished second

winning three fixtures and losing against their pool winners, SouthAfrica and Indiarespectively

resumes on Sunday with

Lanka in Pallekele (09:30 GMT) before India face

GMT)

Pakistan will hope for better weather when they face England on Tuesday, while New Zealand will resume their campaign on Wednesday against Sri Lanka in Colombo (both matches13:30GMT).

Berbiceclinchtitlefollowingrain-affectedmatch

Inclement weather reduced what was expected tobeahigh-octaneclash,to abasicencounterasBerbice emerged champions of the 2026 GCB U16 50-Over Inter-county tournament, following yesterday’s final played at the Georgetown Cricket Club Ground, Bourda Demerara had another ordinary batting

performance by their standards, making just 11210 with just 13 balls remaining, in a match eventually reduced to 30 oversduetorain.

OpeningbatsmanLomar Seecharran led with a watchful 78-ball 35 (3x4) with support from Ashton Collins (23) Offspinner Ravindra Persaud (3-20)

was the pick of the Berbice bowlers with help from JadenGanpat(2-11).

The Berbicians were rewardedwithsomeknocks by Trevor Reynolds (24), opener Akash Ramdewar and Luke Amsterdam both hit 16 with additional help fromAltafAliwhoendedon 17*withasolitaryfour Collins (3-28) tried to pull things back with his left-arm spin but failed to keepthegameinfavorofhis side, along with Makai D o w l i n ( 1 - 6 ) a n d Seecharran(1-14).

Despitebeing3downin the 19th over, Berbice kept their cool and drove home thanks to the collective effort from their main scorers.

PowerliftingFederation to

hostNovices/Juniors ChampionshiponMarch8

The new executive of the Guyana

A m a t e u r Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) will lift off their 2026seasonwiththehosting of the Novices/Juniors

National Championship set for Sunday, March 8, at Saints Stanislaus Collage Auditorium, in the capital City

Youngliftersfromacross the country will compete as they showcase their progress,andjoinagrowing community dedicated to strength, discipline, and sportsmanship.

Weigh-in begins at 07:00hrs sharp and the first liftwillcommencepromptly at 09:00hrs Competitors should arrive early with completedregistration,valid

competition-readygear Coaches, parents, and supportersareencouragedto attend to cheer emerging talent and witness the next generation of Guyanese powerlifters.

Thischampionshipseeks to grow

ort by welcoming and harnessing fresh young talent to the strength sport arena. Novice and junior divisions will follow standard federation rules and will be officiated by certified Referees to e

, and transparentcompetition. Awardswillbepresented fortopliftersineachweight c

al recognitionwillbegivenfor outstandingtechnique, (Continuedonpage55)

Archery Guyana Engages Full-Time National

Coach in Historic Step for Sport Development

The Board of

Directors of

Archery Guyana Inc has announced the engagement of Lourdes Maria Mederos Regalado as its Full-Time National Archery Coach, marking a transformative milestone in the Federation’s continued commitment to structured athlete development and h i g h - p e

o r m a n c e excellence.

Ms. Mederos Regalado is a Graduate in Physical Culture from the “Manuel Fajardo” Higher Institute of Physical Culture in Havana, Cuba, and brings over two decades of experience in internationalarchery,bothas an elite athlete and as a

national-levelcoach. Her distinguished career includes: Member of the Cuban National Archery Team for eight years (1994–2002), Participation

American competitions, C

& Caribbean Championships, and Olympic qualifying tournaments, Qualification achievement for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, World junior indoor record holder, Multi-medallist and national record holder in several international and domestictournaments,Main Archery Coach (Children’s Category), 10 de Octubre Municipality, Havana

(2021–2024), Coach of the Havana Provincial Cadet Team (2011–2014) and P

Methodologist in Havana (2004–2007).

She has completed

y coaching courses and advanced seminars in sports planning and psychological

performanceathletes.

“Coach Lula” as she is oftenreferredtoas,willlead thetechnicaldevelopmentof archers across beginner, junior, and elite levels; strengthen the Junior P

structured national training

emerging coaches to build

sustainable t

capacitywithinGuyana. P

Vi

Persaud-McKinnon stated: “The engagement of a fulltime national coach represents a defining moment for Archery Guyana.

Coach Lourdes brings not only elite international experience but a proven record of developing young talent and building s t r u c t u r e d , h i g hperformance programmes. Thisappointmentsignalsour commitment to long-term excellence.”

The Board of Directors of Archery Guyana extends sinceregratitudetoPresident Godfrey Munroe and the Executive Committee of the G u y a n a O l y m p i c

President ofArchery Guyana Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon inks the agreement with Coach Lourdes Regalado.

Association, as well as to Director of Sport Mr Steve Ninvalle and the National Sports Commission of Guyana, whose support and collaboration made this important step possible Their commitment to strengthening national sport development continues to create meaningful opportunities for athletes acrossGuyana. This engagement forms part of Archery Guyana’s broaderstrategicobjectiveto elevate the sport nationally, expand grassroots participation, and enhance Guyana’s competitiveness r e g i o n a l l y a n d internationally

E-NetsupportsHamiltonGreen FootballTournament

Telecommunications provider Enet has reaffirmed itscommitmenttocommunity sports development, lending support to upcoming HamiltonGreenCup,whichis slatedtokickoffonMarch1at thePlaisanceGround

The highly anticipated tournament will feature 32 teams battling for supremacy in what is expected to be a thrilling showcase of Inter Ward/Village Knockout Football Enet’s sponsorship covers the third-place prize along with the corresponding trophy, further enhancing the competitive incentives for participatingteams.

At the simple but meaningful presentation ceremony held on Friday, Enet’s representative Ulex Dorris emphasized the company’s dedication to empowering communities throughsport.

“Footballcontinuestobe a powerful unifying force across our communities,” Dorris stated. “At Enet, we believe in investing in platforms like the Hamilton Green Cup that give young athletes an opportunity to shine. Supporting the thirdplace prize is our way of ensuring that teams are rewardedfortheirhardwork and perseverance, even beyond the championship spotlight ” Tournament coordinator Lennox Arthur expressed gratitude for

Enet provides support to upcoming Hamilton Green Cup. In photo is company rep, Ulex Dorris (left) handing over sponsorship cheque to Tournament Coordinator, LennoxArthur

Enet’s timely support, noting that partnerships of this nature are critical to the tournament’s continued growth. “We are extremely thankfultoEnetforstepping forward to support this initiative,”Arthursaid.“The Hamilton Green Cup has grown into one of the marqueecommunitynine-aside football tournament, and having corporate partnerswhounderstandthe vision makes all the difference. The third-place prizeandtrophyaddprestige andmotivationfortheteams competing.”

A r t h u r f u r t h e r highlighted that with 32 teams confirmed, fans can expect intense competition fromtheopeningwhistleon

March1.“Theexcitementis already building We anticipate large turnouts at the Plaisance Ground, and this year’s edition promises high-quality football and unforgettablemoments.”

Action tips off on Sunday March 1 at 6:00 pm with eight thrilling encounters In the opening match Pele will take on Eagles, followed by Herstelling versus Beavers, Soesdyke versus Zeeburg in match #3. Timehri United will also face off with Uitvlugt, Plaisance will tackle Wales, Buxton Stars will also some up against Coverden, and to close the evening Buxton United will matchupwithNo.1AllStars beforeVictoriatakesonPark SquadBallersinmatch#8.

Petra outfits quarterfinalists in ongoing Modec Tertiary Football C/ship

distinction

The tournament also

As P e t r a

Organisation r a m p s u p preparations to host the quarterfinal stage of the ongoing Modec Tertiary Football Tournament, the tournamentreceivedanother major boost with the distribution of uniforms to thefinaleightteams.

In a significant show of i n v e s t m e n t a n d commitment to youth

football, the Petra

O r g a n i s a t i o n , i n collaboration with title sponsor Modec (Guyana), outfitted the remaining teams set to compete in next weekend’s knockout round

The brief but symbolic presentationceremonywas held at the Ministry of Education Sports Complex following the completion of theopeninground.

Director of Petra

Organisation, Troy Mendonca, joined Modec Guyana Country Manager

Rafael Femis and team representatives for the

exercise, officially

confirming the eight institutions that have a d v a n c e d t o t h e quarterfinal stage of the inaugural football competition

The teams advancing are: University of Guyana

(Turkeyen) Campus, Essequibo Technical Institute, Government

Technical Institute,

Mahaicony Technical Institute, Upper Corentyne Industrial Training Centre, Linden Technical Institute, Port Mourant Technical

Institute and New Amsterdam Technical Institute

During his featured address, Mendonca praised

the quality and intensity displayed throughout the openinground.

“ W h a t w e h a v e witnessed over the past two weekshasbeentrulyspecial. Each team has given a good account of themselves, and that’s what football is all about,”henoted.

“Now the tournament narrows to the final eight as we head into the knockout stage.”Meanwhile, Modec’s Country Manager Rafael Femis echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the company’s commitment to bothsportandeducation.

“Today we celebrate all theteamsparticipatinginthe Modec Tertiary Football

Tournament Your dedication, drive and sportsmanship have been on display over the past few weeks, creating a platform for everyone to strive,” Femissaid.

“At Modec, we believe that sports and education are essential to t h e g r o w t h a n d development of our youth Sports teach discipline, resilience and teamwork, while education opens doors to opportunity and progress.

By supporting this tournament, we hope to inspire you in every area of yourlives.”

Femis also encouraged the remaining teams to compete with passion and pride, reminding players that the tournament offers opportunities beyond the field, especially as the company preparestohosta careerconference.

He stressed that every matchpresentsachanceto learn, grow and represent their institutions and

Mutual, Powerade, MVP Sports, the Ministry of

C

MinistryofCulture,Youth andSport Quarterfinal action is set for Saturday, February 28, with New Amsterdam Technical Institute facing Government Technical Institute in the opening matchup, followed by U p p

Industrial Training Centre against Port Mourant Technical Institute Both fixturesarescheduledforthe ScottsGround.

between Modec Guyana a

a Organisation, setting the stage for an exciting climax as the race for the titleintensifies

The tournament is being staged through a

As promised, Petra Organisation has outfitted the eight remaining teams in the inaugural Tertiary Football Tournament. Rafael Femis, Modec’s Country Manager assisting with the handing over while Troy Mendonca Petra Director also sharing the moment

Petra outfits quarterfinalists in ongoing Modec Tertiary Football C/ship

AG President Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon and Coach Lourdes Regalado

Archery Guyana Engages