Kaieteur News

Rubio toVenezuela:

Reform investment systems or oil giants will flock Guyana

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesdaydeliveredablunt message to Venezuela, urging the South American country to reform its broken investment system or watch American oil companies take their billions elsewhere includingGuyana.

Rubio made the remarks during a heated appearance before the U S Senate Committee on Foreign Relations,whereU.S.policy toward Venezuela and the futureofitsoilindustrytook centrestage.

His remarks came against the backdrop of recent developments in Venezuela.OnJanuary3,the U.S. military conducted an operation in Caracas that resulted in the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Both are now facing narco-terrorism

charges in the U S Following Maduro's removal, President Donald Trump announced plans for the U.S. to “run” Venezuela untilapropertransitiontakes place, while also outlining

during which concerns were raised about the safety of investing in Venezuela McCormick asked Rubio what assurances could be provided to give investors confidence to pursue opportunitiesthere.

Secretary Rubio said investors would first require licences from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) before any explorationcouldtakeplace.

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday before the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations

ambitious plans for the oilrichcountry'sresources.

During the hearing, Secretary Rubio disclosed that America and the new leaders in Venezuela were cooperating Further, Senator Dave McCormick referenced Venezuela's long and troubled history with foreign investors He pointed to a recent meeting between President Trump and executives from several American oil companies,

“Venezuela has a lot of oil, they do, but there is a lot of oil in other places too Companies are only gonna invest somewhere if they know,wearegoingtoinvest, we are going to make our moneybackwithaprofitand our land isn't going to be taken from us and if you try to,thereisacourtthatwecan go to and contracts that we can enforce. That's the level of certainty that we are talking about in terms of security And that's part of this transition process, that's partofthisrecoveryprocess istonormalizetheindustry,” Rubiostated. He warned that if Venezuela fails to reform its

BP, Shell seeking U.S. licenses for gas fields shared with Venezuela -T&Tministersays

Jan 28 (Reuters) - Shell and BP are seekingU.S.licensestoextractnaturalgas from fields in Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela, the Caribbean Trinidad energy minister Roodal Moonilal said on WednesdayTrinidad is Latin America's largestliquefiednaturalgasexporterandone of the world's largest exporters of ammonia and methanol, but the Caribbean island has been aiming to develop offshore fields in Venezuela and on the maritime border to counter its declining reserves and secure supply Its gas projects have progressed slowly in recent years amid frequent U.S. policy changes towards Venezuela Venezuela under President Nicolas Maduro last year suspended energy-development cooperation with Trinidad and Tobago, including joint natural gas projects in the works.But following its capture of Maduro this month, the U S is accelerating developments in the country's oil and gas sector U S licenses are needed for companiestodeveloptheprojectsbecauseof Washington's sanctions on Venezuela's energyindustry

SHELL,BPSEEKLICENSES

Shell is seeking a license to develop the Loran-Manatee discovery, Moonilal told reportersonthesidelinesoftheIndianEnergy Week conference. The field holds some 10 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, with 7.3 tcf onVenezuela'ssideandtheremaining2.7tcf inTrinidad.

BP is seeking a license to develop the Cocuina-Manakin field, he added, whose Venezuelan portion belongs to the idled gas

The Stabroek Block operated by American oil company ExxonMobil

offshore project Plataforma Deltana which has 1 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves. Shell and BP did not immediately respond to requests seeking comment. "The United States is an ally and a very strong friendtryingtoreform,sowewouldhelpthe companieswhenitcomestosupportingtheir applications,"Moonilalsaid.

DRAGONGAS

Washington in October granted an authorization for Shell and Trinidad and Tobago to develop the Dragon gas field offshore Venezuela close to the maritime border,aprojectaimedatsupplyingTrinidad withVenezuelangas.

Moonilalsaidhehopestostartproduction attheDragongasfieldinthefourthquarterof 2027, and that it will produce 350 million cubicfeetofgasperday

The move comes a day after Ecuador's PresidentDanielNoboasaidhisgovernment wouldimposea30%

Dragon holds one of the largest deposits ofnaturalgasinVenezuela.Withinsufficient reservesandoutput,Trinidadneedsthegasto feed its revenue-generating industries, from LNG to petrochemicals. With its projects backontrack,TrinidadhopestoleadandcooperatewithotherCaribbeannationssuchas Suriname, Guyana, and Grenada to develop natural gas, Moonilal said "There is emerging now a new Caribbean energy landscape,ofwhichTrinidadandTobagocan positionitselfasaleader,"headded.

oil industry and broader investment framework, companies would simply invest elsewhere, including inneighbouringGuyana.

“They're not gonna risk it. So, it's to their benefit to have set up a normal, transparent process that encourages foreign investment not just in oil by the way, in other natural resourcesbutinothersectors of the economy ” At a

January 9 meeting with President Trump, other U.S. officials and oil company executives, several firms expressed interest in entering or re-entering Venezuela's oil sector and thankedthePresidentforthe militaryoperationthatpaved theway

However, ExxonMobil Chief Executive Officer Darren Woods adopted a more cautious tone He

reminded the meeting that Exxon's assets in Venezuela were seized twice, stressing that significant changes wouldberequiredbeforethe company could consider returning Woods said Venezuela'scurrentlegaland commercial environment is un-investable and would require major reforms. He also noted that after two decades away from the (Continuedonpage9)

KaieteurNews

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

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

Putting people first

“Putting People First” is the theme of this year’s $1.558TbudgetpresentedbyDr AshniSingh,theMinister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance. Itisanotherrecordbudget,followingtheexpected patternofrecentyears.

The spending plan for 2026 continues the trend of past budgets, with unsurprising heavy allocations for roads and bridges. Thesetasidesforthe‘peoplewhoareputfirst’,on the other hand, are so meager as to prompt disbelief and pain, not unexpected, either When slogans are involved, thePPPCGovernmentisamongthebest,butthat’sall,and thisbudgetisnodifferent. Glitteringnumbers,butdullness for the owners of wealth that generates much excitement, Guyanesecitizens.

In situations where “Putting People First” is the genuine article,ordinaryGuyanese,theonesquestioningtheirlot,their circumstancesthatforcethemtoliveastheydo,wouldn’thave muchtocomplainabout. Theywouldbecelebrating,because theirgovernmentspentmuchtimethinkingofthem,andmade provisions for them Provisions in the budget that speak for themselvesinnumbersthatmeansomethingtohopefulpeople longdeniedoftheirpropershareoftheiroilpatrimony So,they joyfullytaketheirplaceascitizensinanoilproducingcountry

Citizens that have been well taken care of, not so that theyliveinthelapofluxury,butthattheycantakecareof their needs, and still have something leftover to bank or invest. They must partake and enjoy a fair slice of the national pie, the kind that the haves in Guyana, the connected less than 1% subset of Guyanese receive in continuingstreams,andtakeastheirdue. The2026budget identifies $60B for a cash grant of $100,000 for every Guyanese over 18 years old, and it is a certainty that the government and its propagandists will make a huge productionoutofthis. Conveniently,theyforgetorignore thatthatsame$100,000cashgrantwaspromisedfor2025, and should have been paid last year It is an IOU, and a carryover of a past promise made by none other than the presidenthimself,onlyforhimtodancearoundhispromise, andnowdeliverbelatedly

Citizens,manyofthemstuckinsingleincometerritory,are forced to contend with, and swallow, what amounts to insignificant charity from their cash rich government An increase of $5,000 monthly for approximately 76,000 senior citizens Thisisallthatthegovernmentcanputout,allofUS$25 moremonthly,notevenUS$1adaymoreforelderlyGuyanese whostruggledesperatelytokeepupwithsoaringprices We would like to ask Dr Ashni Singh, the man with the magical numbers,thisquestion:howisthat,howcanthateverbeabout, “PuttingPeopleFirst?” ThesamecouldbeaskedofMinister Singhinrelationtothe$10,000BecauseWeCare”increaseto the parents of 206,000 school children What does $10,000 moreayearbuyforgrowingchildrenandtheirgrowingneeds where prices are growing at astronomical rates? We acknowledgethenew$20,000transportationcashforchildren, butthenumbersconfirmwhatcannotbedenied

In record budget after record budget, the PPPC Governmenthasmadeitapracticetochiselandshavetothe skinGuyanesewhoneedtoseethesubstantialcomingfrom their budgets to them. What they actually experienced in past years, with the same repeated this year, is a $5,000 bumphere,anda$10,000jumpthere,andasquicklyasthat is devoured by cutthroat prices, that is the end of the government’s generosity Guyanese on the wrong side of thelocaleconomicscaleshouldn’tbereducedtohopingand begging for consideration from their record budgets, in a countrythatistheeconomicsuccessstoryoftheworld. The lowliest citizen in Guyana is owed, is entitled to the same standard and consideration as the highest, with the president, ministers, and the lavishly cared-for contractor class included. Hundreds of billions are provided for more building and the building up of different sectors. A few billions here and there for people sum up the dross behind the2026budgetgloss.

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

DEAREDITOR

The 2026 Budget lays bare what has long been obvious but rarely admitted: 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 productionhoversaround40 cents,noamountofspincan disguise the gap. That 25cent difference on every poundisnotefficiency;itisa subsidy.And that subsidy is not coming from some magic pot – it is ultimately being underwritten by oil moneyandtaxpayers.

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 “value-added” projects is being sold as the path to financial viability But viability, in any serious business sense,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 administering a jobs 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 billion to plug its financing needs,whatisleftisroughly US$750 million. Averaged overthelifeofproductionso far, Guyana will have “saved” the equivalent of

about US$115 million per year from a once-in-acentury windfall For a country sitting on one of the world’s fastest-growing oil frontiers, that is a sobering figure.

The rhetoric speaks of inter-generationalequityand sustainable development; the reality is a Fund treated as a high-yield ATM. Year after year, withdrawals have 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 long-term national resilience. The country is effectively burning through its inheritance to finance a bloatedbudget,with

(Continuedonpage06)

30M Mortgage ceiling reflects market alignment, expands affordability

DEAREDITOR, Iseekyourindulgenceto respondtotheSeptember27, 2026 letter by MP Sherod Duncan titled ‘The $30 Million Low-Income M

g Confession’ following the recent announcement by the Government of Guyana to increase the low-income mortgageceilingfrom$20M to$30Mthisyear

Mr Duncan contends that this adjustment reveals three “dangerous realities”: firstthatitisaconfessionof runaway inflation; second that it redefines ‘low Income’ out of existence; andthirdthattheinclusionof insurance companies as lenders signals “lender fatigue” among current lending institutions I c o n t e n d t h a t h i s interpretation is not only flawed, but that he f u n d a m e n t a l l y misunderstandshowmodern housing finance and affordability policy operates.

First, the policy to raise the ceiling reflects market alignment amid rising construction costs driven by supply chain shifts, labour demands,andenergyprices. For clarity, the policy does not increase house prices, butratherincreasesaccessto preferential financing for

homes already priced by the market If the ceiling remained at $20M, people would still purchase homes between $25M to $30M but would be doing so using commercial loans at much higher interest rates. The ceiling increase therefore reduces the cost of borrowing. It is therefore incorrect and irresponsible to suggest that raising the ceiling is “authorizing the poortoborrowmorebecause the government has failed”. Instead, it is an attempt to shield households from higher financing costs in a higher-costenvironment.

Secondly, in economies across the world, lowincome thresholds evolve with the growth of income and changes in household structures,andGuyanaisno different. Our economy has expanded significantly over the last five years, resulting in a corresponding increase in income across sectors. A static$20Mthresholdwould thereforeartificiallyexclude thousands of Guyanese who are still structurally within the low and lower-middle incomebrackets.

dable financing schemes for moderate earners, and public-private partnerships for middle-income buyers, i n c l u d i n g y o u n g professionals.

The “low-income” earners who Mr Duncan references continue to benefit

nds subsidized by as much as $4 8M (US$23,500), and still has access to lowincomehomesconstructedat varying costs ranging from $5.5M to $9.5M. Further, low-income families will also benefit this year from home improvement subsidies through a $7.5B programme budgeted for “Low-income” in housing policy is an affordability category, not a sociological label.

Regarding Mr Duncan’s question of which lowincome earner takes home enoughtopayamortgageof $150,000 monthly, I wish to remind him that mortgage affordability is assessed by lending institutions through debt-to-income ratios. The ceilingbeingraisedto$30M

I hasten to add that though the ceiling has been raised to $30M, a tiered affordability model guides the PPP/C Government’s housingpolicy TheMinistry o f H o u s i n g ’ s homeownership programme is designed to accommodate various income groups t

doesnotforceaborrowerto take $30M. It simply allows thosewhocanafforda$30M loantonowqualifyforlower interest rates and longer amortisationperiods.

Thirdly, there is no shift to insurance companies away from commercial banks and other lending institutions like the New Building Society Instead, there is a widening of the pool of lenders by including insurance companies, in keeping with international p r a c t i c e s T h e diversification of housing finance channels allows for increased competition in the market which triggers improved interest rate offerings to the benefit of borrowers.

So, the expansion of the pool of lenders does not signal that commercial banksarereachingtheirrisk limits as Mr Duncan incorrectly states. In fact, a simple google search would reveal that commercial banks in Guyana have been recording phenomenal success – particularly in residentialmortgages–over thepastfiveyears.Demerara Bankforinstance,recordeda historic$8.4Bnetprofitafter tax, with zero nonperforming loans for the financialyearending (Continuedonpage06)

Budget 2026 Lacks Human Development Emphasis R3PSInc hails Budget 2026 as a game-changer for Region Three’s growth, health, and education

DEAREDITOR

From the first experience sitting in the national assembly during the 10th parliament observing the Finance Minister’s presentation to this 13th parliament inaugural budget, ithasbeenapiquingcuriosity and reverence to the democraticprocess. Budgets not only propose allocating funds to priority areas the party in power has promised based on its social contract butprovidesmacroeconomic state of the world markets and microeconomic outlook within the country. Budgets

a l s o s e r v e a s a n accountability tool for informing the population on inflows of revenue from taxation, investments and natural resources such as bauxite,gold,diamond,oil& gas industries. Additionally, it zeroes in on financial indicators that the government must commit to foster social, economic and politicaldevelopment.

Deep introspection on budget 2026 warrants the quote by British author, speaker and international advisor Sir Ken Robinson, who posits candidly “You cannotpredicttheoutcomeof humandevelopment.Allyou candois,likeafarmer,create theconditionsunderwhichit will begin to flourish ” Macroeconomically the IMF states Guyana is seeing unprecedentedgrowthwitha Gross Domestic product per capita (per person) at US$80,155attheendof2024 whichwasexpectedtoriseto US$94,260 in 2025. These numbers assume that the wealth from the oil and gas economy trickles down to

mostofthepopulationbased on the government’s ability as the farmer to cultivate human development. While we wait for the seeds of progress to be sown, the masses are experiencing economic deprivation with povertyatanall-timehighof 58%(approximately452,000 citizens)with32%ofthislot livinginabjectpoverty

Guyanesearenowforced toliveaCadillaclifestyleon a donkey cart salary while members of the government presentsuccessivebudgetsto feedthemselves,familiesand friends handsomely. There isn’taninklingofmeaningful human development in this budget that is bloated with mega projects targeting infrastructure, energy and housing appropriations. It is without doubt these sectors are important for Guyana’s developmentbutroads,gasto energy projects and housing developments doesn’t place money in pockets, food on the table and improve social wellbeingofthemasses.

As Robinson states government’s role is to sow those seeds of human development by investing in short,mediumandlong-term initiatives that will ensure economicdevelopment.Real economicdevelopmentstarts by paying public servants a l i v a b l e w a g e A n

GUY$80,000salaryincrease across the board for our public sector with b e n c h m a r k s f o r

performance-based numerationsisdesirable.The cost is only $US 200 million dollars yearly that is fully funded from the windfall we areexperiencingfromtheoil & gas economy Given the

numbers mentioned above relative to the GDP, the elderly and youth are vulnerabletopoverty

A meagre $46,000/ month is inadequate to pay for rising costs of food and utilities for the pensioners. We hear repeatedly that youths are the future of the country but how can we expect our future to be undernourished, uneducated and ill-prepared for a technologically advanced society? Grants for school uniforms, transportation and “because we care” should never take the form of corporate kickbacks for family and friends, but these programs should be administered purposefully thro

agencies.

P a r a m o u n t t o development of our school children is a robust transportationsystemofgaspowered bus

d competent drivers that will ensure safety and security of our precious assets This budget is not a budget for human development, it is an infrastructure-based budget that will only further the development of the current administration friends, family and favorites. It is without doubt that the country needs to improve its infrastructure by way of roads,bridgesandferriesbut when this is the primary focus,theaveragepopulation does not gain access to real humandevelopment,andthe manifesto promises of the current administration are nowafootnoteofprogress.

ThankYou,

CollinHaynesMPH MBA

The Head of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc), Halim Khan, has welcomed the Government’s 2026 National Budget as a decisive step toward broadbased, inclusive growth, positioning Region Three to emerge as one of Guyana’s most dynamic investment andmanufacturingcorridors.

Speaking after Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh presentedBudget2026tothe National Assembly, Khan highlighted that the budget’s focus on small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs), housing, infrastructure, value-added production, and human capital development reflectsyearsofadvocacyby the private sector in Region Three.

“This budget sends a clear signal that national development is no longer confined to Georgetown or a few coastal pockets,” Khan said. “For Region Three, it opens real opportunities for manufacturing, agroprocessing, logistics, and smallbusinessgrowth.”

Budget 2026 introduces measures aimed at lowering business costs and widening access to financing, including the establishment

of a capitalised Guyana Development Bank offering zero-interest microcredit to small entrepreneurs, expanded co-investment f i n a n c i n g t h r o u g h commercial banks, and the removal of VAT on locally madefurnitureandjewellery Export incentives for valueaddedforestryproductswere alsoenhanced.

Khan noted that these initiatives directly benefit c l u s t e r s o f s m a l l manufacturers, contractors, and agro-processors operating along the West Demerara and Essequibo coast. “For years, businesses in this region have struggled with access to affordable capital and high input costs. This represents a deliberate shift to empower local producers, not just importers.”

Thebudgetalsoraisesthe low-incomemortgageceiling from $20 million to $30 million and extends the facility to insurance companies, a move expected tostimulateconstructionand related industries in Region Three, where new housing areas are being developed. Expanded infrastructure, includingroads,utilities,and

communityservices,issetto integrate the region more fully into the national economicgrid.

“Every new house built creates jobs for carpenters, masons, electricians, hardware suppliers, and transport operators,” Khan said. “This is how a local economic ecosystem is nurtured.”

Khanemphasisedthatthe budget prioritizes long-term human development through substantial investments in health and education. With the expansion of regional hospitals, rollout of electronichealthrecords,and training of over 5,400 nurses a n d a l l i e d h e a l t h professionals, “access to quality healthcare is no longer limited to urban centres; residents in West Demerara and surrounding areas will enjoy improved services, shorter wait times, andbetterpreventativecare,” hesaid.

On education, the budget provides for scholarships, free university education, technical and vocational training, and digital schooling programmes “Educationistheultimate (Continuedonpage06)

The hope is that the walk-out is really not an indicator of future behaviour among the opposition members

DEAREDITOR

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

Frompage04

comparatively little left as a genuine savings buffer againstfutureshocks.

Theactofwalkingoutof any meeting sends the message that one does not agree with what is taking placeinthemeeting.

Perception plays a massive role in politics, and

Witnessing the heavyhanded behaviour of the Government over the past few months, and with the belief that the Government with its Parliamentary majority will continue to ignore the issues raised by theoppositionmembers;the people cannot be faulted to expect opposition parties to collaborate APNU, the group that has been around for a long time, could have shown better judgement by not walking out before the Opposition Leader was declared.

thoughAPNUreasonedwhy it walked out, the people may be left with the belief that the combined opposition would not be acting as one in the nation’s bestinterest.

Whether they are

supporters of all the opposition parties, nonpartisan individuals or notwith-my-approval PPP/C supporters, Guyanese

desperately need the outnumbered opposition, to actwithaunitedfront,doing their utmost to hold the Government to its promises tothecountry

The hope is that the walk-out is really not an indicatoroffuturebehaviour among the opposition members.

Sincerely FaiyazAlli

Govt. is looking out for the health, dignity, and inclusion of all Guyanese

DEAREDITOR

, I want to thank the Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh for presenting Budget2026totheNational Assembly yesterday. I also want to thank the GovernmentofGuyanafora budget that meets the needs of our most vulnerable citizens, such as young children, people with disabilities,andtheelderly What struck me most about this budget is that it's not just about numbers and predictions; it's also about people. As President Dr Mohamed IrfaanAli rightly stated, “Budget 2026 is positionedwiththepeopleat the centre. The steps are meant to have the biggest effect on people and improvetheirqualityoflife.

Those words mean a lot to me because they show that developmentneedstobefelt at the level of the home and thecommunity I was especially happy to hear the President say that Budget 2026 really includes all parts of the Guyanese population, even the elderly. Older people often feel like they'vebeenforgotten,butthis budgetshowsthatourhealth, dignity,andwell-beingarestill important as the country movesforward The plans for people with disabilities and kids with special needs are also good.ThePresidentsaidthat the main problem for these people is access, and he made it clear that the government is dealing with this directly, whether it's

getting to school, getting to buildings,gettingtomedical care, or getting to social services.

As outlined by the Minister, Budget 2026 deliverstangiblesupportfor vulnerablegroupsthrougha range of targeted measures, including an increase in the old-age pension to $46,000 permonth,atanannualcost of $52 billion, providing pensioners with a steadier income to cope with rising livingcosts;theintroduction of annual transportation grants for pensioners and schoolchildren, easing the burden of travel to essential services and schools; an increase in the Because We Care cash grant to $60,000 per child, benefiting more than 206,000 children

assistance to $25,000 per person, extending vital

ost financially vulnerable households.I'mgladthatthis budget shows that a society thatcaresisonethatlooksout for its most vulnerable members Budget2026makes ussurethatthegovernmentis not only in charge of the economy, but also looking out for the health, dignity, and in

l Guyanese. This budget that putspeoplefirstisgreat Thank youtotheGovernmentandthe MinisterofFinance Ican'twait toseethesepromisescometrue in communities all over our country

Respectfully, BRIANAZORE

Takentogether,thesugar policy and the NRF policy tellthesamestory Thestate is using oil revenues to postpone hard decisions: whethertofullyrestructureor scale down uncompetitive industries, how to design targeted social protection withouthidingitbehindlossmaking enterprises, and how muchtotrulysavefortheday when oil prices fall or wells decline The government has chosen the path of maximum present spending, cushioning

technocratic development strategy

Thismaybesmartpolitics in the short term It keeps estatesopen,contractorsbusy, and budgets fat But it is fiscally and economically fragile Ifoilrevenuesstumble

whether through price

volatility,productionissues,or global energy transitions –Guyana will wake up to an uncomfortable reality: an under-capitalised savings fund, entrenched recurrent spending, and legacy industries still unable to pay their own way By then, the sugar cheques will have long 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 andefficientwaytoprovide it. Direct, transparent social and regional development programmes are one option. Persisting with a 40-centsper-pound sugar industry in a15-centworld,financedby an oil fund that is being rapidly drained, is another Guyana is free to choose. Whatitcannotescapearethe consequencesofthatchoice.

Sincerely

HemduttKumar

30M Mortgage ceiling reflects market alignment...

Frompage04

September 2025 This representeda50.5%increase over the previous year and a 184.7%growthoverthepast five years. Similarly, GBTI and Citizens Bank both recorded significant increases in their net profits when compared to the corresponding period in 2024 These figures are incompatible with any narrativeoflenderfatigue.

Finally, infrastructure rollout across housing schemes and mortgage financing are separate but complementary activities

As the Government continues large scale

investmentinroadandwater networks, electricity expansion,anddrainage,the processofaccessingfinance for homeownership cannot be frozen until schemes are completed.Itmayhavebeen the policy of the APNU+AFC who only delivered7,000houselotsin 5 years, but it certainly isn’t forthePPP/CGovernment. I wish Mr. Duncan well in his budget presentation next week and respectfully suggestthatalittlemoretime be devoted to understanding housing policies he so confidentlycritiques. Yoursfaithfully, RavinSingh

R3PSInc hails Budget 2026 as a game-changer for Region...

Frompage05

security measure,” Khan remarked. “Awell-educated population strengthens our communities, reduces social vulnerabilities,andprovides thehumancapitalneededfor sustainable economic and socialdevelopment.”

Khan stressed that Region Threeisstrategicallypositionedto becomeahubformanufacturing, logistics, and value-added production, bridging the capital andtheEssequibocoast Healso highlighted the importance of modern aviation infrastructure and reliable utilities, noting: “Without dependable electricity, water, and air

transport, no economywhether manufacturing, agriculture, or services can function or grow These are foundational to sustainable development”“Budget2026 demonstrates that national growth and regional development can go handin-hand,” Khan concluded. “The private sector is ready to do its part If these measures are implemented effectively, Region Three will not just benefit from nationalgrowth—itwillhelp driveit.”

Sincerely RegionThreePrivate SectorInc.

$1.5B for further infrastructure upgrades,

$141.8M for officers,

inmate training

- as $6B budgeted for Guyana Prison Service

Senior minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh on Monday revealed that $1.5 billion will be set aside for further infrastructural upgrades of the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), while some $141.8 million will be set aside for the training of officers and inmates to aid in rehabilitationintosociety Presenting the 2026 national fiscal plan, Dr Singhremindedthenational assembly of the completion oftheprisonheadquartersat Lusignan, alongside other facilities,includingafemale prison,acellblockandafire suppressionsystem.

“Additional facilities were upgraded at Mazaruni andNewAmsterdamprisons including a mess hall and livingquarters.Tothisend,a sumof$2.1billionwasspent in2025.In2026,$1.5billion has been allocated toward further upgrades to the prison infrastructure,” he disclosed.

Minister with responsibility for Finance

Dr Ashni Singh

Dr Singhsaiditisallpart of government's plan to embark on a comprehensive transformation of the prison system to establish it as a modern correctional institutionthroughextensive infrastructural upgrades and theconsolidationofstrategic facilities, thereby strengthening security and safety Hence, a whopping $6 billion is earmarked for theGPSin2026.

The minister said there h

prioritisation of inmate rehabilitation, vocational training and behavioural programmes, all aimed at addressing the underlying

simultaneously providing support for successful inmatereintegration.

Over1,300inmateshave beentrainedinareassuchas

block making, carpentry, stress management and several others to date. Also 361 officers have been t r a i n e d i n p r i s o n managementpractices.

For this year, there will b e a d v a n c e d a n d comprehensive human rights and prison management training for 400 officers, ensuring that proficiencies are aligned with the new correctional mandates Additionally, 1500 inmates will undergo training to facilitate their reintegrationintosociety

Last year the GPS received $6.2 billion of the $108.9billionallottedtothe security sector, while last year'sallocationrepresented a $100M decrease from 2024, this year the service has been allocated $200 millionlessthan2025.

He added that, 400 officers will be exposed to training in prison management techniques to enhance their skills in security, rehabilitation, and inmate management all at a budgeted sum of $140 2 million.” The 2026 budget speech revealed that a total of361officersweretrained.

The minister told the house last year that the, “completionoftheMazaruni Prison also saw significant investments over the period which included its reconstruction, and the c o m p l e t i o n a n d rehabilitationofquartersand otherfacilities.Wehavealso advanced several key infrastructural upgrades at the New Amsterdam Prison through the completion of officers' living quarters, sportsclub,infirmaryannex, kitchen, vocational school and storage and training facilities.”

In last year's speech the minister said that, “In 2025, a further 1,600 inmates will benefit from academic, behavioural modification, technical and vocational training which will cater to thediverseneedsofinmates to support efforts geared towards a successful transitionintosociety.”

In policy debates, especiallyindevelopingand smallopeneconomies,ithas becomefashionabletoargue that in-kind grants are preferable to cash grants because they supposedly create less instability in m a c r o e c o n o m i c fundamentals The claim sounds responsible, even prudent.Afterall,whowants inflation, exchange-rate pressure, or fiscal slippage? But on closer examination, this argument is far from airtight and, in some cases, restsonshakyassumptions. Cash grants and in-kind grants differ mainly in how assistance is delivered and how recipients can use it.A cash grant provides money directly to beneficiaries, allowing them to decide whether to spend it on food,

Cash or Kind?

rent, transport, school expenses, or small business needs. An in-kind grant, by contrast, provides specific goods or services chosen by thestate.

In Guyana, for example, the cement and steel grant gives building materials rather than cash, ensuring that the support is used for home construction or repairs. While cash grants offer flexibility and support localmarkets,in-kindgrants limit choice but allow government to direct spendingtowardaparticular purpose. At its core, the argument in favour of inkind grants suggests that when governments give people cash grants, that money floods the economy, fuels excessive demand, pushes up prices, increases

imports,andplacespressure on foreign reserves. In-kind grantsaresaidtoavoidthese dangers because the state controls what is distributed andhowitisused. Thereissometruthhere. In economies with weak productive capacity, sudden large-scale cash injections canraisedemandfasterthan supplycanrespond.Thatcan lead to inflation, especially forbasicgoods.Cashgrants canalsobespentonimports, increasing demand for foreign currency and stressing exchange rates These risks are real and should not be dismissed. However, it does not follow t

inherently destabilising, or that in-kind grants are inherently safe. Inflation is not caused simply by giving

Rubio to Venezuela: Reform investment...

Frompage3 country, Exxon would need an invitation fromtheVenezuelangovernmentalongwith appropriatesecurityguarantees.

Rubio’s reference to Guyana comes at a time when major American oil companies already have a significant presence in the country ExxonMobil and Chevron both operate in Guyana’s offshore oil sector Currently, oil is only being produced from the Stabroek Block, where four developments are producing more than 900,000 barrels per day ExxonMobil GuyanaLimited(EMGL)istheoperatorand holdsa45percentinterestinthe6.6-millionacreblock,whichisestimatedtocontain11.6 billion barrels of oil. CNOOC holds a 25 percent stake, while Hess owns 30 percent. Chevron acquired Hess last year, giving it

indirectaccesstotheStabroekBlock. The agreement governing the Stabroek Block extends favorable terms to the oil companies.

According to the agreement, Stabroek Block partners can recover 75% of oil produced to cover investment costs. The remaining 25% is considered profit and is split equally between Guyana and the consortium, giving each 12.5%. However, the consortium pays a 2% royalty from its sharetoGuyana.FromGuyana’s14.5%total take, the government must pay the oil companies’taxes.Thedealstipulatesthatthe sum equivalent to the taxes owed by the companies must be paid by the Minister responsible for petroleum to the Commissioner General of the Guyana RevenueAuthority(GRA).

DEM BOYS SEH

Time fuh slowdown

Dem boys hear a mancallinpun oneroadsafety programme and drop one memory like is old-time calypso record He say long, long ago under Commissioner of Police

Laurie Lewis some minibus get device pun de accelerator to stop dem fromflyinglikejetplane. Dem boys scratch dem headtillitnearlybald.Dem boysdoesrememberplenty thing, but dat one hiding deep-deep, like old GTT phone book. De man claim dem bus had to come in regular-regular to check if de device still working, so de driver couldn’t press accelerator till it begging for mercy If dat true, dem boys would like to know who put it and who tek it

out—because since then, some minibus does move likedemlateforfuneraland weddingatdesametime. Now fast-forward to today Governmentsaydem bringingbackdemdevices, but this time for monster trucks. Dem boys nearly clap till dem hear de proposedspeedcap:80km perhour Eighty!Demboys nearly fall off de chair At 80 km, some of dem truck does still look like dem auditioning for Fast & Furious:GuyanaEdition. Dem boys wondering: whoexactlydemprotecting at 80 km? Certainly not de small car that look like matchbox when a truck blinkatit. And definitely not de pedestrian who crossing road with grocery and

people cash. It depends on the size of the programme, howitisfinanced,whetherit is phased over time, and whether domestic supply canexpand.Amodest,welldesigned cash transfer funded sustainably is unlikely to upend macroeconomicstability

By contrast, in-kind grants come with their own macroeconomic and institutionalrisks,whichare often ignored in public discussions. First, in-kind grants can distort markets. When government steps in as a large buyer and distributor of goods, it can crowd out private suppliers, disrupt price signals, and create artificial shortages or surpluses. Over time, these distortions weaken the very marketsthateconomiesneed for growth and resilience.

S e c o n d , i n - k i n d p r o g r a m m e s a r e administratively expensive. Goods must be procured, stored, transported, and distributed. These costs can be substantial, especially in countries with limited logistical capacity. What appears stable on the inflation front may, in reality, be placing hidden strainonthefiscalsideofthe economy Third,andperhaps most troubling, in-kind grants are particularly vulnerable to rent-seeking. Rent-seeking occurs when individuals or groups try to gain income, advantages, or profits not by creating value or producing goods and s e r v i c e s , b u t b y manipulating the system

This often involves influence or corruption to capture benefits created by governmentpolicy

In the context of in-kind grants,rent-seekingcantake many forms. Contracts for supplying goods may be steered toward politically connectedfirms.Pricesmay beinflatedbecausesuppliers know government will pay Distribution lists may be manipulated so benefits go to favoured groups rather than intended recipients. In some cases, goods are diverted and resold on the private market. None of this createsnewwealth.Itsimply redistributes public resources to those best positioned to game the system.

The claim that in-kind grants are preferable because they do not affect the money supply is technically narrow and economically misleading While in-kind grants do not place cash directly in beneficiaries’ hands, they are still financed with money—through taxes and therefore can influence the economy through fiscal channels. More importantly, macroeconomic outcomes

depend on aggregate demand and resource allocation, not just on changes in the money supply In-kind grants can raise demand and prices in specific markets, crowd out private activity, and create inefficiencies and rentseeking, all of which can underminestability

Anotherweaknessofthe “in-kind is safer” argument is its assumption that governments know better than households how resources should be used. Cash grants give people choice. They allow families to prioritise food, transport,

school supplies, medicine, or small business needs according to their circumstances This flexibility improves welfare and often supports local markets, creating positive multipliereffects.

Macroeconomicstability should also be judged over themediumtolongterm,not just in the immediate aftermath of a policy While in-kind grants may dampen short-term demand pressures, they can slow economic adjustment, suppress entrepreneurship, andentrenchdependencyon state distribution systems. Cash, when paired with sound macro management, can support recovery and growth. None of this is to argue that in-kind grants have no role. But elevating them as a superior tool on macroeconomic grounds alone is misguided Ultimately,stabilitydoesnot depend on whether assistanceisgivenincashor kind. It depends on policy design, scale, timing, financing, and institutional quality Therealchoiceisnot between cash and commodities, but between thoughtful economic management and simplistic assumptions dressed up as prudence.

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

prayer Ifdemserious’bout road safety, dem boys feel truck speed should be capped at 60 km per hour

Sixty still moving, but at leastyouhavetimetoshout “Watch out!” before disasterstrike. Dem boys not against technology Buttechnology without common sense is like putting lipstick on a bull. If dem want fewer accidents,slowdowndebig boys Because when a monster truck in a hurry, everybody else end up in a rush—to hospital, police station,orinsuranceoffice.

Dem boys seh: remember de past properly before you repeat it… and slowdowndetrucksbefore d e m s l o w d o w n we—permanently. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

H@RD TRUTHS

Budget 2026: From a rich man's position

IfIwerearichman…

I'd build a big tall house withroomsbythedozen…

I'd fill my yard with chicksandturkeysandducks andgeese…

I see my wife…looking likearichman'swife…

Those lines cobbled togetherfromFiddleronthe Roof announce to the world thedreamofthepoormanin Guyana (women, too)

From a rich man's perspective, the 2026 Budgetaddsmoreofthoseto the already rich, the superrich, of Guyana

Another big house, bigger ones, planned and done Another sprawling plot of prime land snared and filled with snow leopards, hippos and exotic ornaments of the stinking rich. And why settle for one wife, when several more is in keeping with the new wealth inside

the new budget for rich people.

I let the 2026 Budget

numbers speak for themselves. Besttothinkin billions. Hundreds of those succulent orbs of opulence, those that make possible a lusciouslife. Somebodyhas to build roads and bridges; all $196 billion worth of them. Isn't that the lavish

inducing feastings possible?

Move over L'il Comrade, Mr SmallGuyanaMan,with a hammer, a saw, and a shovel without a handle. FYI-thesawisn'telectric. It iscontractortime,andwhata time, baby! The contractor classusedtonumberamong the nouveau rich in Guyana. Now this already rich group has a budget (another one) that powers them more commandingly to the upper

levels of Guyana's established aristocracy Like the old British one, the new Guyana one doesn't openitsdoorstowannabees. It's a closed circle, an inner circle,acirclethatlooksout for one another in the best traditions of noble backscratching.

Thesophisticatedphrase for that doesn't exist in English The Romans rescued with quid pro quo. Heavy donations facilitate sweet budget provisions Thanks, Dr Ashni for considering the faithful, including them in budget bounties There's every reason for the gold and diamondpeopletobehappy C'mon, fellow Guyanese, stop thinking small, as in a couple pennyweight and a one-ounce pork-knocker who lightning struck with a zigzag of luck. Think big:

big budgetary concessions, big budgetary provisions, and the big people (miners) who again hit it big in the budget. The zero percent excise tax is a boon to big mining operators, and that $10billionforinteriorroads continues the free-for-all, that revolving door The PPPGovt.builduptheroads, the big miners and big transporters bruk dem up. Thus, the stage is set for more budget billions for interiorroadsnextyear The biggoldoperatorsarepartof themininggentry,thelanded aristocracy What is there not to love about the 2026 Budget? Especially when some mining magnates also double as transport tycoons and road royalists and cuddled quarrymen. Recall what I said a paragraph back? It's a closed circle of incestuousinsiders.

Theyareallrelated,they all enjoy relations, and they are all stinking rich. Score one for Dr Ashni for being so thoughtful: the rich win again,prosperagain.

The already rich, the grand cabal of haves, can't complain. Poor Guyanese own and control that monopoly. The haves have every reason to celebrate. No new taxes. They get to collect VAT, but only they know how much of that treasure chest, reaches Godfrey Statia's cash registers.

Then, of course, the accountants and auditors come into their own, with their slice of the money action. Recommendation for Dr Singh: a tax on political donations and corruption billions. How

about that, chief?

Butnonewtaxisa scam that aids the rich and blows away thepoor Debtisliving death for them. From the great, big bag of US$7.7 billion in debt to the greater, bigger bag of US$10 billion in total debt. More money drained from the Oil Fund (almost all of 2025) and more debt in the making, and one poor Guyanese segment gets $5000 for this and another get $10,000 for something else. It explains why the superrich are hoisting their gold glasses encrusted with diamonds and toasting Ali, Jagdeo, and Singh. Thanks for looking out for number one There will be remembering. Therewillbe rewarding. The donations willkeepcoming;justblock thosecallsthatseektomake thempublic.

incomparable partakers, and masters. I trust that I didn't provoke Cde Gail, another devoutRC,anddisturbedher day It gets worse. Maybe her spectacles got clouded, but when Minister Teixeira segued over to sparing a word for the little people in Guyana, she started speaking a new language. Instead of billions, she boiled down to millions. Instead of hundreds of billions, her gospel for the poor couldn't get past multiples of ten. I call that richbrothforthealreadyrich and low gravy for the impoverished, the challenged, and the disillusioned.

ItisgreattoseeComrade Gail Teixeira reappear, and looking rosier than a genuinely rich princess (Hope that doesn't get me into trouble; is taken accordingly). Her grab bag for Guyana's rich was overflowing. Education ($183.6B); health ($161.1B); housing ($159.1B).

Hundredsofbillionsfor the usual suspects, great allocationsifGuyaneseonly could get 80 cents on each dollar Think of this: when 20 cents on each dollar in $500billionfromonlythose three sectors are rebooked (stolen) that's one hundred billion dollars lost to corruption, something at which PPP Govts are

TobringthisPPPGothic horror to a merciful end, what do poor fathers and mothers tell their emptyhanded, glassy-eyed children? Stop thinking joining up at Robb Street (closetoSN).

Best to join the line at DukeStreetandbraceselfto deal with Donald Trump. Imagine that: Ashni Singh's budget for the rich makes coloredGuyaneseputTrump infrontofhim. There'slittle lefttobesaid,ofwhatcould be more joyful for Guyana's rich,asbudgeted;whatcould be such a bellyful of pain, agony,forpoorGuyanese.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the a u t h o r a n d d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

LaGrangewoman attackedbylonegunman

A34-year-oldwomanisreceiving medicaltreatmentaftershewas brutally attacked and shot at on TuesdayatherresidenceinDoctorDam,La Grange,WestBankDemerara.

The suspect, a 39-year-old auto body technician from La Grange, is in police custodyasinvestigationscontinue.

According to a statement from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the incident occurredaround19:00hrs.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the victim was at home, seated on her veranda with family members when the attacktookplace.

Police reports indicate that an unidentified masked male, dressed in dark

clothingandarmedwithahandgun,raninto the yard, charged at the woman, and assaultedher

“The victim reportedly fled the house and ran into a neighbouring yard, during whichshewaschasedandstrucktoherback, causinghertofallandsustaininjuriestoher head and body. The suspect subsequently discharged two rounds in her direction beforemakinggoodhisescape,”policesaid. The woman was subsequently transported to a private medical facility, wheresheisreceivingtreatment.

Police arrived on the scene and recovered a 9mm spent shell casing. The suspect was taken into custody CCTV footageisbeingreviewed.

WINsupportersprotestoverRegion10chairmanshipstandoff ‘Who must go? REO’

Su p p o r t e r s a n d representativesoftheWe Invest in Nationhood (WIN)tooktothestreetsofLinden on Wednesday, in a public demonstration exercise calling for the immediate election of the chairmaninRegion10.

Protestors stood in a linein the vicinity of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) with placards demanding that a chairmanbeswornin.

“Who must go? …REO!'”, the crowdchantedloudlyreferringthe

Protestors stood in a line in the vicinity of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) in Linden on Wednesday with placards and chanted in support of having a chairman sworn in.

Regional Executive Officer

Dwight John… who they accused of deliberately stalling the reconvening of the meeting set for thechairmantobeelected.

On October 10, the Regional DemocraticCouncilelectionended in a 9-9 tie between WIN and APNU nominees However, instead of moving to the second round of voting as stipulated by law, the REO and clerk of council, Dwight John subsequently suspended the process, referring the matter to Minister Manickchand, who later clarified shehasnoroleinselectingthechair and hoping the process is completed.

Tothis,partysupportersonthe protest line shouted “Swear in--Goring” referring to WIN councilor, Mark Goring who was peggedforthechairmanshipofthe region.

“Democracymustprevail!Our vote must count!” The people shoutedinashowofsupportforthe Azruddin Mohamed led party which secured a victory in the region once controlled by the People'sNationalCongress(PNC).

During the protest, Goring

reiterated his concerns about the management of the affairs of the localdemocraticorgan.

“It's been almost five months sincetheregionalelectionsandhalf of the region including the chairman and the oversight committeesarenotinplaceandso thereisnomonitoringofprojectsin theregion,”Goringlamented

He noted that the REO has ignored every attempt made by

councilors to try and correct the situation.

“We are calling for democracy toberespected.

We would have done a resolution for the 18 councilors to sign for the meeting to appoint the chair to reconvene. It is clear that the REO is disrespecting the laws ofGuyana,”hesaidlamentingthat the absence of a chair affects the regions to put the committee

responsible for monitoring and oversight of the region's spending inplace.

WIN's leader, Azruddin Mohamed has been calling for the electionofthechairinRegion10,a district traditionally dominated by the People's National Congress Reform (PNC/R) lead APNU. For its part, APNU's Region 10 councilorsinastatementlastweek, expressed readiness to participate

oncetheelectionisconvened. They said, “We respectfully statethatwearefullypreparedand willingtoparticipateinanelection once it is convened, and we hope that this is done at the earliest opportunity.Weremaincommitted to the democratic process and to operate within the framework of the law to ensure this matter is brought to a timely and orderly conclusion.”

Manon$700Kbailforcausing deathofDDLChemist

A 28-year-old labourer was on Wednesdaygranted$700,000bailafter he was charged with causing death by dangerousdriving,whenheappearedat theDiamondMagistrates'Court.

The accused, Shawn Sargeant, a construction worker and resident of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD), is alleged to have caused the death of 33-year-old Jason Bhojedat, a distillery plant manager at Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) andaresidentofAnnandale,EastCoast Demerara.

TheaccidentoccurredonSundayat about 23:30 hrs and involved a minibus, BAK 8702, driven by Bhojedat, and a motor car, PKK 6633, driven by Sargeant. Following the incident, Sargeant was arrested and subsequently charged with causing deathbydangerousdriving.

Unrepresented, Sargeant appeared before Magistrate Delon Bess, who read the charge to him. He was not required to plead and was granted bail inthesumof$700,000.

The matter has been adjourned to February26,2026.

Dead: Jason Bhojedat

According to police report, Sargeantwastravellingsouthalongthe eastern driving lane at a fast rate, following closely behind Bhojedat's minibus.Whileattemptingtoovertake the minibus, Sargeant collided with its rightrear Asaresultoftheimpact,the minibusstruckalightpole,overturned severaltimes,andcametoastoponthe western parapet. “Bhojedat was flung from the vehicle and fell onto the roadway in an unconscious state,” policesaid.

Grantedbailforcausing deathbydangerous driving: Shawn Sargeant

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 31-year-old man of Diamond New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, who was a passenger in the minibus,sustainedmultipleinjuries.

CANU bust in Lethem uncovers stolen bikes, drugs, foreign cash

Two men were arrested on Tuesday after the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) uncovered

n a r c o t i c s , s t o l e n motorcycles, uncustomed goods and multiple foreign currencies during an intelligence-ledoperationin Tabatinga,Lethem.

In a statement to the media CANU said that, “during the operation, officerssearchedaclumpof bush located obliquely

The seized currency, motorcycles and narcotics.

Burntbody oftourist guidefound invehicle

vaquero, Leon Baird also knownas'Rasta'arecurrently seeking justice after he was found dead in a vehicle betweenWichabaiRanchand Sand Creek Village, Region Nine.

With no official police report on the incident surrounding his death, KaieteurNewswasinformed that the body of the 38-yearoldmanwasfoundburntina vehicle near Sand Creek VillageonSundayafternoon.

Close friends and colleagues of the man told this publication on WednesdaythatBairdresided at the Wichabai Ranch and reportedly went missing on Friday “We were searching forhimfromFridayafternoon and Sunday afternoon the cowboysfoundhim,”oneof thecolleaguesrelated.

Based on the information reaching them, the cowboys had found the vehicle belongingtotheranchand“a body, burnt in it in the passenger side ” Upon discovery, the Region Nine police were contacted Investigators visited the scene that Sunday night, where they reportedly removedthebody

Baird's colleague stated thatthefollowingday,ateam from the Fire Service also went to the scene to conduct an investigation. “The fire team said it looks like arson, thefirestartedrightwherethe bodywas,”thecolleaguetold thispublication.

While they are still unclear as to what really transpired when he went missing and what led to his death, the colleagues noted that Baird was known to be thecaretakeroftheanimalsat theranch.

of down here in the Rupununi for so many years and so many reportshavebeenmadetothe police from ranches not just our ranch, villages, individuals and from the South Rupununi District Council for years, about the same people who are going around and killing animals and selling the meat to Lethem, ” one of the colleaguesexplained.

Accordingtothem,inthe past Baird even received threats from persons suspectedtoberustlers.

Baird,whoiswellknown to many in the Rupununi region, leaves to mourn his father, other relatives and friends.

Followingthenewsofhis death, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the Guyana Tourism Authority extended sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleaguesofMr Baird.“Mr Bairdwasanexceptionaltour guide attached to Wichabai Ranchandwasknownforhis extensive knowledge and commitment to showcasing Guyana'sabsolutebeauty We mourn the loss of a man who played a meaningful role in enhancing the visitor experience within the Rupununi region At this difficult time, we extend our heartfelt sympathies and stand in solidarity with his loved ones and all those affected by this tragic loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace,”theTourismMinistry expressed.

opposite a premises occupied by Marlon Jarvis anddiscoveredmultipleziplock bags containing suspected cannabis. A male individual who identified himself as Alim Kartel was detained at the location and interviewedinrelationtothe discovery.”

According to CANU informationobtainedduring the interview prompted

officers to attempt a search ofthepremisesoccupiedby Jarvis, but he declined to facilitate the search. As a result, a search warrant was lawfully obtained from the

LethemMagistrates'Court.” Accesswasgainedtothe two structures, within the compound, a two-storey buildingandaconcreteshop (Continuedonpage17)

They disclosed that before his death, Baird was missing some of the animals from the ranch and so they suspected that on Friday morning he left in search of theanimals.

They also related to this newspaper that for years ranches have been dealing with the issue of cattle rustling which was reported

The Visit Rupununi Facebookpagealsoextended its sincere condolences and said Baird was “an amazing, gentle, and peaceful soul.” “In 2025, he was nominated for the Visit Rupununi Best Tour Guide Award, in recognition of his dedication and passion for guiding. At thetimeofhispassing,hewas working as a tour guide at Wichabai Ranch, where he was admired for his knowledge, professionalism, and passion for guiding. We will surely miss him,” they posted.

La Grange man to sue CANU over alleged attack

Howard Johnson, a 40year-oldresidentofOldRoad La Grange, West Bank Demerara said legal action willbetakenagainstallliable parties, after suffering shortness of breath, broken ribs and internal bleeding, which led to him having emergency surgery, from a beatingheclaimshereceived atthehandsofranksattached to the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) on January16,2026.

In an interview with this publication on Wednesday, Johnson detailed the attack and provided images of the X-Rays done, as well as videos of him at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation(GPHC).

The man explained that last week's incident was his second run-in with CANU ranksinlessthanayear Heprovideddetailsabout the incident. “Well, I was homecooking,myfatherand my nephew, my mom, she was in the hospital, so I was taking care of my dad. He don't have no legs, but I was at the receiver, I finished (Continuedonpage16)

Admitted and hooked up to a machine to drain the excess fluid in his chest cavity

Johnson displaying some of the bruises from the beatings.

$7.6 billion budgeted

Section of the Linden to Mabura Hill road.

ContinuingfromtheLindentoMaburaHillroadproject, thegovernmentintendstofurtherstretchtheroadworksthis year, by commencing works between Mabura Hill and Kurupukari.

This was announced by Senior Minister with the responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh who presented thisyear's$1.558trillionbudgetonMonday

“Going forward, our vision for transport infrastructure includes the completion of the Linden to Lethem corridor, inclusiveofabridgeattheKurupukaricrossing,”hestated. HesaidthisyeartheMaburaHilltoKurupukariRoadwill commence,forwhichsome$7.6billionhasbeenbudgeted. Another $10.4 billion has been set aside to complete the LindentoMaburaHillRoad.

The Ministry of Public Works began the Linden to Lethemroadlink,followingthesigningofaUS$192million contractwithConstrutoraQueirozGalvaoS.A.,theBrazilian companyinMay2022,fortheasphalticconcreteroadfrom

LindentoMaburaHill.

The Government of Guyana partnered with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and the Government of the United Kingdom to fund the US$190 million project (GY$32.4billion).

Theprojectconsistsoftwomainhighways;thewidthof each lane is approximately 3.6 metres, some hard shoulder, bothsidesmeasuring2.4metres,cyclistandpedestrianlane oftwometres,autilitycorridor,about10busstops,andnine restareas.

The Linden to Mabura Hill Road which will be completed shortly, is just the first phase that will ultimately leadtothecompletionoftheLindentoLethemRoadlinkthat willthencompleteanoverlandlinktoBrazil.

Upon completion, the road project will provide major support to ease travel, trade and general connectivity between Guyana and Brazil and open vast opportunities by linkingGuyana'shinterlandcommunitiestoGeorgetown.

The X-Ray image showing the pooled blood on the left side of his chest.

A 23-year-old man was on Wednesday remanded to prison on a charge of simple larceny when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court.

The accused, Simon Ifill, a resident of Haley Street, Georgetown, and an employee of Caribbean Cinemas, is charged with stealing a Nintendo gaming console valued $70,000, property of Byanka Barker

The offence allegedly occurred on January 23, 2026, at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.

Police said Ifill was subsequently arrested, positively identified by the virtualcomplainant,andlater chargedwiththeoffence.

Ifill appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty, who read the charge to him. Hepleadednotguilty

During the proceedings, the prosecutor objected to bail, citing that Ifill, who currently has several matters beforethecourt,wasrecently releasedfromcustodyabouta week ago, and allegedly committed another offence shortlythereafter

According to the prosecution's case, the gaming console had been listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace, and Ifill expressed interest in purchasing it. Arrangements were made for them to meet at Mandela Avenue. After receiving the item without paying, Ifill allegedly attempted to flee on his motorcycle.Thecomplainant reportedlyheldontotheback of the motorcycle and was dragged approximately 50 feetalongtheroadway

The prosecutor further stated that while the accused wasattemptingtoescape,the gaming console fell to the ground. As he returned to

retrieve it, his GBTI card reportedly fell, which the complainantrecovered.

During the hearing, Magistrate McGusty remarked to the accused,

“You seem familiar Why is your name familiar, sir?” In response, Ifill stated that he had previously appeared before her in relation to charges of damage to property and discharging a loaded firearm without a licence. As a result, Magistrate McGusty refused bail, citing concerns for public safety The matter was adjourned to February18,2026,forfurther proceedings.

Omai hires UK firm to update resource, economic assessment

Omai Gold Mines has engaged UK-firmSLRConsultingtodeliver an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) and Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for itsgoldprojectinGuyana.

TheCanadianminersubsidiary, AvalonGoldExplorationInc.isthe 100-percent owner of the Omai Gold Project in Region Seven. Since its return to “miningfriendly” Guyana, Omai has revitalised the property, and embarkedonanaggressivedrilling campaigntorapidlyexpandthetwo orogenic gold deposits: the shearhosted Wenot Deposit and the adjacent intrusive-hosted Gilt CreekDeposit.

The latest resources estimate forthepast-producingminepegsit at 2.1 million ounces of gold. Last month, the company applied for environmentalauthorisationforthe gold project. The upcoming PEA willbeunderpinnedbyamineplan that incorporates the expanded Wenot open pit deposit and the adjacent Gilt Creek underground deposit The updated MRE is expected in the first quarter of 2026, followed by the PEA in the secondquarter

SLR Consulting is an industry leader in mining advisory and technical services and has supported projects globally for morethan35years.Thecompany's expertise and capabilities spans geology, resource estimation, engineering, metallurgy, mine waste, and environment. SLR also delivers end-to-end support across allstagesofthemininglifecycle.

Elaine Ellingham, President andChiefExecutiveOfficer(CEO) commented:“Thesenextstepswill provide all stakeholders with a betterunderstandingofthesizeand valuepotentialoftheOmaiProject. Omaihasalreadybeenidentifiedas the largest gold project in Guyana following our much increased Mineral Resource Estimate announcedjustfivemonthsago,in Augustlastyear Sincethen,wehad five drills turning until just before theholidaybreakinDecember The additional drilling will contribute to the updated MRE which will form the base for the PEA. We anticipate that this upcoming PreliminaryEconomicAssessment will be transformational and will illuminate the pathway to development.”

Notably, three drills have commenced the 2026 drill programme. At Wenot Omai said thefocusistofurthertestthelimits of the deposit, including both east and west, and to commence upgrading the large Inferred MRE toIndicated.AnAugust2025MRE outlined a 96% increase to the Wenot Gold Deposit to 970,000

ounces of gold (Indicated) and 3,717,000 ounces of gold (Inferred).

Moreover, the company also disclosedthatdrillingwillcontinue to explore certain known gold occurrences for possible nearsurface higher-grade satellite deposits. The Omai Gold Mine produced over 3.7 million ounces

of gold from 1993 to 20052, ceasing operations when gold was belowUS$400perounce.

The company noted that the project site significantly benefits from existing infrastructure, includinganon-siteairstrip,andis connectedbyroadtothetwolargest cities in Guyana, Georgetown and Linden.

VACANCY WANTED

Male & female needed to work at supermarket in the Interior. Must be 18 years & older. Call: 674-9999.

Live in Domestic wanted. Must know to cook and clean. Call: 699-8486.

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

Live in Maid wanted. Robb St. Call: 762-3155

Job opening:Site Supervisor,Office Assistant. To apply send application via WhatsApp: 689-1111/ 608-2114.

1 personal trainer to work on the ecd,Mon,Wed,Fri from 6am-9am.Contact 2235273/647-5470.

One experienced office assistant & one handyman wanted,send ur resume via email bakshwork@gmail.com / 662-0469.

Wanted one Maid. For more information please Call: 680-1282.

Experience (Big Bus) drivers MUST have CLEAN driving license,police clearance.WhatsApp:592747-4905.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, spoiler, low mileage, PTT Series (first owner). Call: 649-0956.

ENTERTAINMENT

W.B.D. Call: 2642946-9.

SERVICES

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

COOK/BAKER AND PITMEN for interior location . Applicants must be experienced. Call: 231-2250.

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.

OFFICE

ASSISTANT / MESSENGER . Please send application to P.O.BOX 10109 , Georgetown . A valid motorcycle license .

Career Opportunity: Data Entry , Accounts . ACCOUNTING SERVICES 141 Regent St Georgetown,Contact: whatsapp 620-8611.Job Training Available.

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

General Domestic (4 day work) & experiened handyman, apply at Keyfood Trading Mc Doom next to the post office.

Pump Attendant / Cashier Shifts rotated weekly.Mobil Prov E.B.D, Call: 265-7305/6. Email:Mobilramsburg@gmail.com

LAND FOR LEASE

Wales Public Road, W.B.D, Parcel 21 (0.467 acres) 20,342 sq ft. Available Long term 2025 years. Sign on property. Phone/Whatsapp: 615-2270/ 628-8619.

Wales Public Road, W.B.D, Parcel 25 (0.494 acres) 21,388 sq ft. Available Long term 20-25 years. Sign on property. Phone/ Whatsapp: 615-2270/6288619.

Malgre Tout, W.B.D, (South of Masjid)-Lot "C" (1.347 acres) 58675 sq ft. Available Long term 20-25 years. Sign on property. Phone/Whatsapp: 6152270/628-8619.

Versailles, W.B.D, (South of Aracari Hotel)-Lot 167 (4.6606 acres) 203,016 sq ft. Available Long term 20-25 years. Sign on property. Phone/Whatsapp: 6152270/628-8619.

FOR RENT

A/C,

Spacious second story Located at 215 South Road. Telephone: # 624-7685/2267979 . Call between 9 am3pm.

GRA sacks staff over alleged illegal transfer of Mohamed’s vehicles

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has terminated the employment of several staff members, including a manager, in connection with the alleged unlawful aiding and abetting of businessman turned opposition leader Azruddin Mohamed in the illegal transfer of several motor vehicles.

Mohamed is also expected to be charged under Section 3(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act.

The alleged vehicle transfers reportedly occurred between November 27, 2025, and December 5, 2025. On January 3, 2026, Kaieteur News reported that GRA staff were under investigation for allegedly aiding and abetting the businessman in the illegal transfer of several vehicles.

According to the GRA, the transfers were carried out in breach of regulations governing motor vehicle transfers as well as Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the GRA said that in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force, it “has initiated actions to have pro-

...Mohamed to be charged

Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed ceedings brought against Mr. Azruddin Mohamed and employees of the agency for acts committed contrary to the provisions of Section 3(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act and established procedures.”

The agency cited the statutory provision which states that a person commits the offence of money laundering if he knowingly, or having reasonable grounds to believe, that property represents the proceeds of crime, converts or transfers

that property with the intent to conceal or disguise its illicit origin.

Further, Section 3(4) of the Act stipulates that it is not necessary for a person to be convicted of a serious offence in order to prove that property is the proceeds of crime.

The GRA further stated that, “despite knowing that Mr. Mohamed has been sanctioned and indicted for, inter alia, alleged fraud, customs violations, and money laundering, and that restrictions have been imposed, certain employees of the revenue au-

thority appear to have acted in concert to transfer the said motor vehicles from his name to other individuals, in a manner contrary to statute and established procedures.”

As a result, the employees involved, along with a manager, were terminated from their positions.

In a previous report, the GRA disclosed that its records revealed the same employees were responsible for off-premises examinations of the vehicles, the lodgement and approval of transfer documents, and the dispatch and receipt of payments to effect the transfers.

It was also noted that many of the transferees resided at similar addresses in Republic Park, Atlantic Gardens, and Hill Top, Timehri, East Bank Demerara. Investigations have so far uncovered 11 such transfers, including those involving luxury vehicles.

The authority has stated that all employees involved in the illegal transfers will be arrested and prosecuted. However, Mohamed has maintained innocence, insisting that all regulations were properly followed.

La Grange man to sue CANU over alleged attack...

From page 14 cooking, washing up the wares and stuff. I hear this footstep coming in. So, as I step back and look to see what the footsteps is, it’s a CANU officer already like right there, and he started punching upon me, and as I try to cover myself from the blow right, there are several others coming and joining him and start stamping up on me.”

He told Kaieteur News that he had no history of wrong doing. “They just beat me, beating me and stamping on me.”

Johnson said he was never arrested for any crime after the assault by the CANU ranks. He later ventured to the La Grange Police Station where he filed a report. However, he was never contacted again after a Sergeant went to his home and took photographs.

“Well, due to the circumstance with the incident with my ribs, right? I didn’t know

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

what the seriousness of it until now. I had come to lodge a complaint, Ministry of Home Affairs, on Brickdam,” he recalled.

It was while waiting to be tended to that he began experiencing breathing problems and pain in his chest. He said he recalled waking up in an ambulance being transported to the GPHC, and being told that he passed out.

On arrival at the GPHC he was placed on a stretcher, due to the level of pain he was feeling Johnson said he tried explaining to anyone who would listen but his pleas fell on deaf ears. When one doctor did pay him heed, he explained his suspicions of having broken ribs and he was transferred to a wheel chair it was back to square one.

Johnson informed this publication, “I got a video that I make in public hospital. When at the end of video, a few of the like professional doctors and who’s down on the floor. One of them said,

Yo, get him out here. Put he out de compound. Make sure you get duh phone and delete duh video.”

He left the hospital and returned home but was still in pain. The following day it became unbearable and he visited West Demerara Regional Hospital, where it was discovered that he had internal bleeding and his chest cavity was filling up with blood.

“The doctor tell me my lungs was to the verge of collapsing. So, I had to go under an emergency operation…Because I was at the hospital on Friday the same evening for the injury with the rib. But I didn’t know what’s bleeding on the inside,” Johnson lamented.

When asked what his next steps are he said, “Well, I just need some justice. I need some form of justice. I need some compensation for my injuries, because, like I said, they didn’t come and state what they hear, what they come for. They just come with

an intention, I guess, was to just do what they come to do…I’m already in legal (talks) with my counsel Mr. Patrice, all right.”

He disclosed that he will be filing a lawsuit very soon against all liable parties, and revealed that he can identify some of his attackers as not all of them were wearing masks.

Head of CANU James Singh was contacted by a reporter attached to this publication who identified herself and the entity she worked for. Just as she started to explain Johnson’s allegations and mentioned his name, Singh cut her off abruptly and said, “Excuse me, good afternoon. Good afternoon.

I don’t know who I’m speaking with, so I really can’t discuss anything about the CANU operation to someone who I don’t know reporting from an entity that I don’t know. So, if you have any questions, either come to CANU or you can send it by way of email. I’m sorry.”

GMSA shares concerns about high costs, delays in shipping industry

Th e G u y a n a

Manufacturing

and Service Association (GMSA) has added its voice to concerns about high costs and delays associatedwithshipping.

Speaking at press conference on Wednesday, where members of the association lauded the recently presented national budgetashavingcovered80 percent of its interests, First VicePresidentoftheGMSA, Ramsay Ali told reporters thatlocalmanufacturersand service providers are concerned about shipping costhikesanddelays.

The GMSA executive told reporters that the association has been part of discussions surrounding the issues plaguing the local shippingindustry

“The issues are the ports

Govt,

that can’t take big ships, so we have to rely on transshipment points The shippingworldisalmostlike aprivatebusinessofitsown, whereacoupleofpeopleare controllingeverything…We arestilltogetbacktothepreCOVID prices again. It’s almost USD $10,000 to $12,000 to ship containers,

Members of GMSA during a press conference addressing issues related to the national

whenpre-COVIDitwaslike USD$6000.”

In addition to the heavy cost of shipping, he said, there are a number of problems with the logistics ofgettingthemerchandiseto thebuyersontime.

“Moreimportantlyisthe issue of the unreliability of theshippingbecausenowwe

budget on Wednesday

have to cater for storage. There is cost to store in warehouses Warehouses don’t make money for you. It’sacost.”

To this end, the GMSA executive said a collective approach is needed to address the situation and stabilisethecost.

“We have to work with

PAHO move to boost disability inclusion with budget 2026 backing

The Ministry of Labour and M a n p o w e r Planning (MOLMP) on Wednesdayengagedinhighlevel virtual talks with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization(PAHO/WHO) to advance efforts aimed at strengthening national systemsthatsupportpersons living with disabilities (PWDs).

The meeting forms part of Guyana’s participation in the Assistive Technology Assessment(ATA)underthe WHO GATE Initiative and AT2030 Programme, which evaluates the country’s readinesstoexpandaccessto assistive technology, improve workplace accommodations,andwiden inclusive employment opportunities The engagement follows the presentationofBudget2026, which signals the Government’srenewedpush to enhance empowerment and social inclusion for PWDs,theministrysaidina press release Labour Minister Keoma Griffith highlighted key budgetary commitments, include skills training for more than 1,200 persons living with disabilities; over 70 PWDs are targeted to receive entrepreneurial loans,

supportingpathwaystoselfemployment and financial independence; construction has begun on Guyana’s first schoolforautisticlearnersat the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPC); $316 5 million has been allocated for the establishment of

training in special education needs, and increased access to literacy and skills development programmes, thepressreleaseadded. Discussions between MOLMPandPAHOfocused on improving national mechanisms that support

Labour Minister Keoma Griffith

CEMS Centres in every region and anASEN Unit at Port Kaituma Primary and government’s national disability-support effort including the payment of permanent disability benefitstomorethan26,000 persons,andthedistribution of a $50,000 one-off grant forallregisteredPWDs. These measures follow significant progress made in 2025, including the construction of Guyana’s first school for the hearing impaired, expanded teacher

PWDs in securing work, accessing assistive technology, and benefiting from structured return-toworkandskillsprogrammes.

Key areas included: enhancing the inclusion of PWDs in labour market initiatives; strengthening workplace accommodation systems and assistive technology support; improving inter-ministerial coordination to deliver integrated services across health, labour, education, social services, and national

ng, government suppliers to addressthesituation.”

L a s t w e e k , t h e Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI)warnedagainstwhat it termed as unconscionable practices by shipping companies.

Inatersestatementtothe media, the body said that over the last year it has observed and received complaints of “unfair and unconscionable practices by shipping companies operatinginGuyana.”

“Ranging from the impositionofhikedfeesand the unilateral extension of peak period pricing to the sidelining of local businesses’ imports for clearance to prioritise large foreign companies, these acts have far-reaching c o n s e q u e n c e s f o r businesses, consumers, and the pace of development,” thestatementsaid.

Further, the GCCI said that the “unjustified increases in cost as well as delayed delivery of goods lead to increased cost to

insurance systems; expanding accessible skills trainingthroughtheBoardof Industrial; training (BIT) and TVET institutions and elevating data collection on disability and employment to better guide policy and investmentdecisions.

According to the press release, Minister Griffith underscored that these efforts align with Guyana’s obligations under the UN ConventionontheRightsof Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and reflect the Government’s broader vision for inclusive national development.

Minister Griffith reiterated that the Government of Guyana is committed to ensuring that all persons living with disabilitiesareprovidedwith opportunities to participate fullyintheeconomy

He emphasised that Budget2026,combinedwith ongoing cross-sectoral collaboration, will advance the goal of creating a more enabling environment that supports empowerment, resilience, and meaningful employment for PWDs nationwide.

The ministry will continue to work closely with PAHO/WHO and partner agencies as the ATA processprogresses.

consumers, and negatively impact the operations of localbusinesses.”

“Of particular concern is the impact of arbitrary price hikes and delays on businessesthataredeadline driven and tied to the predeterminedcostssuchas those in the construction sector,”thechamberstated

The GCCI said that its members met with the Guyana Customs House Brokers and Clerks Association late last year and following their c

meeting with the Shipping Association of Guyana to address the challenges highlighted

“To date, attempts to relieve the situation have proven futile—however, the iniquitous conduct by companies within the shipping industry cannot continueunchecked.

The GCCI is calling on the shipping association to meet with its members and rectify this situation with urgency as the implications of their actions have troubling ripple effects on thebusinesslandscape.”

CANU bust in Lethem uncovers stolen bikes, drugs...

Frompage12 with assistance from the Guyana Fire Service. What wassuspectedtobecannabis was uncovered packaged in zip lock bags as well as a quantity of uncustomed liquor, empty zip-lock bags, anddigitalscales.

Thesearchcarriedouton the two-storey building revealedanadditionalsetof uncustomed liquor, a quantity of pink-coloured pills suspected to be ecstasy (MDMA), local and foreign currencies,andaquantityof yellowmetal.

“In a separate section of theyard,officersdiscovered additional zip-lock bags containing suspected cannabis and four motorcycles, which were later confirmed to be reportedstolenfromBrazil,” CANUsaid.

Therewerenooccupants present at the time the searches were conducted andtheentireoperationwas documented with the officers’ body-worn

cameras Subsequently officers attached to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) were summoned to

the location and took possession of the uncustomed liquor “During this process, Marlon Jarvis arrived at the premises, was cautioned, arrested, and escorted to the Lethem PoliceStationalongwiththe suspected narcotics, currencies, yellow metal, andotheritems,whichwere lodged as exhibits,” the statementadded.

The cannabis was weighed at the Lethem Police Station, and Bulk 1 weighed in at 519 g, while Bulk 2 weighed in at 1.626 Kg.TheMDMAweighed65 g.Currenciescountedinthe presence of Mr. Jarvis amounted to GYD $2,174,600, USD $572, TTD $100, GBP £45, EUR €30,andBRLR$5,416. Both men were escorted totheLethemPoliceStation and remain in custody as investigations are ongoing. CANU said it remains committed to working closely with local and i n t e r n a t i o n a l l a w enforcement partners to disrupt narcotics trafficking and related criminal activities.

Rubio touts progress with Venezuela’s new leaders in Senate hearing

(Reuters) - Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the U.S. Senate on Wednesday thatVenezuela’snewleaders were moving toward closer ties with the United States without the immediate need for further U S military action, as he publicly faced lawmakers’questionsforthe first time since the raid to seize President Nicolas

Maduro this month PresidentDonaldTrumphas orderedhisadministrationto workwithDelcyRodriguez, a Maduro ally who was sworninasinterimpresident

after his arrest, but previouslywarnedoffurther military action if her governmentdoesnotcomply withU.S.demands.

Rubio, a former Florida senator and member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told a packed Senate hearing room that while Trump would not rule out any options, “we are not posturedto,nordoweintend orexpectto,havetotakeany

military action in Venezuela,” signaling the administration’s satisfaction withRodriguez.

“The only military presence you will see in Venezuela is our Marine guardsatanembassy Thatis

our goal That is our expectation,”Rubiosaid.

Communications with Venezuela’s leaders were “very respectful and productive,” Rubio said, adding that he expected the U.S. would soon be able to reopen a diplomatic presence in the country.The U.S.embassyinCaracashas been shuttered since 2019, buttheStateDepartmenthas inrecentweekssentofficials to begin preparations for its reopening.

‘SERIOUS CONVERSATIONS’

“For the first time in 20 years, we are having serious conversations about eroding and eliminating the Iranian presence, the Chinese influence, the Russian presence as well. In fact, I will tell you that there are many elements there in Venezuela that welcome a return to establishing relations with the United Statesonmultiplefronts,”he said.

Rubiowasduetomeetat theStateDepartmentlateron WednesdaywithVenezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, amid questions of whether Trump would install her as Venezuela’sleadertoreplace

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a U.S.-Paraguay Status of Forces agreement signing ceremony REUTERS/Kevin Mohatt/File Photo

Maduro.

Twoweeksago,Trump’s fellow Republicans narrowl

d a resolution that would have barred Trump from further military action in Venezuela w

President JD Vance was forcedtobreakatie.

Rubiotoldthecommittee Maduro had to be removed from p

Venezuela had become a base of operations for U.S. adversaries, including China, Russia and Iran, and his alleged cooperation with drug traffickers was affecting the region and the UnitedStates.

“It was an untenable

situation and it had to be addressed,”Rubiosaid.

The U.S. had set up a mechanism to sell Venezuelan oil in the short termbutaimedtofacilitatea transition to “a friendly, stable, prosperous Venezuela” that ultimately chooses its leaders through freeandfairelections,Rubio said.

‘WITHOUT PRECEDENT’

Several members of Congress,someRepublicans as well as Democrats, have expressed frustration with what they say is a lack of communicationfromTrump officials about major operations, including the capture of Maduro and the

elimination of many foreign aid programs supported by Congress.

Committee Chairman

Jim Risch, a Republican senator from Idaho, praised Rubio for explaining to him the administration’s plans for Venezuela, despite “confusion over how it will bedone.”

The war powers resolutionappearedtobeon tracktopasstheSenateafter five Republicans joined Democrats in voting to advance it, in rare Republican opposition to Trump.

But Trump railed at the five, saying they should never again be elected to public office. He and Rubio made repeated calls encouraging senators to change their votes by insisting there were no U.S. troops in Venezuela, and with promises including Rubio’s agreement to come before the Senate committee.

Two of them, Josh Hawley of Missouri and Todd Young of Indiana, flippedtheirpositions.

Members of Congress, including some of Trump’s fellow Republicans, said Rubio had insisted the administrationdidnotplana leadership change in Venezuela just days before U.S. troops removed Maduro, and that oil company executives were told about the operation beforelawmakers.

Some Democrats also raisedconcernsthattheU.S. could be pulled into another long war without consulting Congress.

“Thescopeoftheproject that you are undertaking in Venezuela is without precedent,” Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticutsaid.

“You are taking their oil atgunpoint.Youareholding and selling that oil, putting for now the receipts in an offshore Middle Eastern account You’re deciding how and for what purposes that money is going to be used in a country of 30 million people. I think a lot of us believe that that is destinedforfailure.”

The close vote reflected concern in Congress about Trump’s foreign policy and growing support for the argument that Congress should take back the power to send U.S. troops to war fromthepresident,asspelled outintheConstitution.

Sudan’s war displaced crisis peaks as millions eye return to ruined homes

(AL-JAZEERA) - Sudan has moved to the forefront of the global humanitarian landscape, now hosting the world’s largest internal displacement crisis According to the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR), approximately 14 million people havebeenforcedfromtheirhomes withinthecountry

These staggering figures in Sudanarepartofabroaderglobal surge in forced displacement UNHCR estimates suggest the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide exceeded 122 millionbythefirsthalfof2025.

However, amid geopolitical shiftssweepingtheMiddleEast,a countertrendhasemerged.

For the first time in a decade, the global number of displaced personsdroppedby5.9millionby mid-2025.Thisshiftraisescritical questions:whatdrivespeopleback

toconflictzones,andhowdothey surviveintheruins?

Al Jazeera Arabic spoke with experts, officials and returnees to understandthe“Khartoumcase”–aphenomenonwhereciviliansare trickling back to the Sudanese capital despite the destruction, driven by nostalgia and a fragile sense of stability following the government’s recent return to the city

Aregioninflux

While the global numbers showaslightdecline,theregional reality remains grim. The conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which erupted in April 2023, has placed immense pressure on infrastructure across all Sudanese states.

Elsewhere in the region, the situation is equally dire. In the Gaza Strip, internal displacement

affects nearly two million people—the vast majority of the population. Many have been displacedmultipletimesduetothe Israeli offensive that began in October2023.

Adnan Abu Hasna, media adviser for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), describes the situation in Gaza as unique.With90percentofhomes, schools and infrastructure destroyed, Abu Hasna notes that 2.5 million Palestinians are, in effect, homeless, making a return to normalcy “almost impossible” amidtotaldestruction.

Meanwhile, protracted conflicts continue to drive displacement figures in Syria, where 12 million remain displaced, and in Yemen, where thenumberexceedsfivemillion.

TheKhartoumexperiment Khartoum presents a unique

case study in the dynamics of return.

The recent resumption of government operations from the capital has sent a signal of potentialstability

Adel El-Baz, director-general of the African Centre for Consulting, views the government’s return as a “direct invitation” for citizens to follow suit. Major-General OsamaAbdel Salam, former director of the Centre for Strategic Studies and Research,arguesthatthereturnof civilians naturally enhances security

“The filling of abandoned neighbourhoods with residents reduces the risk of negative phenomena, prevents theft and spreads an atmosphere of reassurance,” Abdel Salam explained.

However, the infrastructure

challengeismonumental.SaadElDin El-Tayeb, spokesperson for Khartoum State, told Al Jazeera that the government has spent more than a year attempting to clearthedebrisofwar

“We began by cleaning the citiesofbodiesandburntvehicles, restarting water stations, and rehabilitating power distribution lines,”El-Tayebsaid.

He highlighted that Khartoum suffered the “largest looting operation” of its electrical in

story

Approximately 15,000 electrical transformers were stripped, with looters targeting the copper in underground cables and motors. Despite this, El-Tayeb noted that authorities are diverting available electricity to critical facilities like hospitalsandwaterstations,while encouraging the use of solar energy

BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT...BLUNT

BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT

Peake, Lachmund secure Australia’s semi-final spot in Under-19 World Cup

ESPNcricinfo - Captain OliverPeake’s109andpace bowler Charles Lachmund’s four-for made Australia the firstteamtosealasemi-final spot in the Men’s Under-19 World Cup. They were put under pressure by West Indies but piled the pressure back on them in a 315-run chase that was 22 runs too manyintheend.

After being put into bat, Will Malajczuk gave Australia a fast start with a 30-ball 48. Nitesh Samuel, hispartner,playedhispartby scoring 56 off 74 and being partof50-plusstandsforthe openingandthirdwickets.

Peake,whocameinafter 11 overs at No. 4, batted for therestoftheinnings,across 166 minutes, for his 109 off

117 balls Aside from Samuel, he found Alex Lee Young (45 off 47) and Jayden Draper (29 off 23 balls)forcompany

R’Jai Gittens took two key wickets at the top includingthatofMalajczuk.

Jakeem Pollard, with 2 for 37,wasthemosteconomical bowler and had the best figuresforWestIndies.

CartergaveWestIndiesafighting

ina

but

Thursday January 29, 2026

ARIES

You'll find that things are slipping nicely into place for you today, Aries. Your persuasivemannerandgentle nudges are just enough to get peoplewhereyouwantthem.

TAURUS

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

GEMINIS

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

CANCER

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

LEO

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

VIRGO

Today is your day to dream and dream big, Virgo. Think aboutwhatitisthatyouwant most out of life. Aim your arrow to the stars and pull back your bow as far as possible. There's no limit to howfaryoucango.

Expand your mind to its furthest reaches today, Libra.

There's an incredible opportunity opening up for you in which you can make great strides in a creative realm.Followthemusic.

SCORPIO

Your mind may seem rather cloudy today, Scorpio, but don't let this hinder you. In fact, you'll find that you can use this feeling of fantasy to your advantage. Try to bring moremagicintoyourlife.

SAGITTARIUS

Today is an excellent day for you,oneinwhichyou'llfinda great deal of strength in your emotions, Sagittarius Trust that your instincts are serving youwell.

CAPRICORN

Things might get a bit confusing for you today, Capricorn. Don't feel like you needtomakesenseofitall.In fact, this task may be impossible. Just be yourself. Let your creative nature shine through.

AQUARIUS

Mix your reality with a bit of fantasytoday,Aquarius.Allow your feet to come off the ground for a little while. Give yourselfarest.Takesometime to meditate and clear your mindofyourdailyworries.

PISCES

Let yourself go into high creative mode and drift into a whole other world, Pisces. Escape your present reality and explore your fantasies through any sort of artistic endeavor Dreamasbigasyour mindallows.

West Indies got off to a strongstartandwereinfront forthefirsthalfofthechase. It started with an 88-run opening stand between Zachary Carter and Tanez Francis followed by a brisk 35-run partnership between CarterandJewelAndrew Carter’s 42-ball 64 and Andrew’s 38-ball 44 were followed by a half-century from captain Joshua Dorne at No. 4 but his 62 took 97 balls.AllofWestIndies’topsix batters scored more than 25eachbuttheyunraveledin

thefinaltenoverswhenthey needed83towinwithseven wickets in hand. But they went on to lose for 5 for 52 while trying to get close to thetarget.

Lachmund was the chief destroyer taking 4 for 66 in his nine overs Hayden Schiller and Aryan Sharma took two wickets apiece

while Naden Cooray took thekeywicketofCarterand gaveawayjust38offhisten overs.

Scores:Australia314for 7 (Peake 109, Samuel 56, Pollard 2-37, Gittens 2-45) beat West Indies 292 for 9 (Carter 64, Dorne 62, Lachmund 4-66, Aryan 247)by22runs.

2026 CWI CG United Women’s Super50 Round 2… Guyana vs. Trinidad and Tobago

Important Round looms as Guyana face Arch rivals

Tramaine Marks

Withjustonefinalround remaining, Guyana after securingamuch-neededwin in their opening match will now look to overcome their arch rivals in Trinidad & Tobago; with huge implications riding on the line as teams scramble for thefinals.

Guyana got off to a fantastic start with a five wicketwinoverJamaicaand given the 3-round limit, a first round Win could only help to keep the former Blaze T20 champs in a positiontoreachafinal.

Trinidad have proved to beGuyana’sbaneduringthe Blaze tournament, as their front-linespinnersinskipper Karishama Ramharack, Brianna Harricharan, Anisa

Mohammed and Samara Ramnath could once again comeintoeffecttoday

Trinidad suffered a loss in the first round which c o u l d b e a h u g e psychological push for Guyana, who will look to Shabika Gajnabi, Shamaine

Campbell, Sheneta Grimmond, Mandy Mangru and others to have a much better batting game today; havingfailedtoreach100in thefirstgame.

The Guyanese bowling has been exceptional since the T20, with spin twins Ashmini Munisar and Plaffianna Millington leadingtheattack.

SeamerGrimmondalong with spinners Tramaine Marks who had 2 wickets against Jamaica and a peaking Kaysia Schultz will needtokeeptheirfeetonthe gasagainstplayerslikeLeeAnn Kirby, Shunelle Sawh, Britney Cooper and other

keybattersintheTrinidadian camp.

Meanwhile, Round 2 counties with two more excitinggamesasWindward Islandswilllooktocontinue theirformagainstLeewards, while Barbados fresh off their first round win will be hunting the scratchy Jamaicans.

The second round of gamesissettobowlofffrom 9:30hrespectively,acrossSt. Vincent.(CliftonRoss)

Do-or-dieforunder-fireWindies...

Frompage25 asSampson,whohesaidheisnottoofamiliar withbuthasseenalittleofhiminAbuDhabi andremainsunimpressed.

Both players believed Springer, a player whohashelpedraisethestockofWestIndies T20cricketandMan-of-the-matchinthelast T20I against Afghanistan with 4 wickets,

some handy runs and a few catches during a time the Windies looked sloppy in the field; shouldhavebeenselected.

Wallace also said while Hetmyer scored runs in the first game, it was for a losing cause,addingthattheleft-handerhaslet“Us” (West Indies) down tremendously (Clifton Ross)

Patentia Sec’ cruise to 10-wicket victory to lift GOAPC’s

Trophy Stall Secondary School Tapeball Trophy

Patentia Secondary emerged champions of the 2006 Trophy Stall Secondary School and CommunityAreasTapeBall Cricket Competition after a commandingperformanceat theNationalCulturalCentre tarmac on Sunday, January 25.

T h e o n e - d a y competition,whichattracted 14 teams from across the country, concluded with Patentia Secondary delivering a dominant 10wicket victory over Diamond Secondary in the final to lift the first GOAPC Tapeball trophy of the 2026 season.

Diamond Secondary

won the toss and elected to batfirstbutstruggledagainst disciplinedbowlingfromthe Patentiaattack.AaronJames top-scored with a determined 11 runs as Diamondwererestrictedtoa shaky 29 for 6 in their allotted overs. Shazad Ally was the standout bowler, claiming 3 wickets for just 11runstokeeptheDiamond battinglineupincheck.

In reply, Patentia Secondary made light work of the modest target, reaching30 without the loss ofawickettosealthevictory emphatically and cap off an impressivetournamentrun.

Tournament coordinator James “Uprising” Lewis

a s s i s t e d w i t h t h e presentation ceremony, handing over the Secondary School Tapeball trophy to the victorious Patentia Secondary team for their exceptional showing in the firstGOAPCcompetition.

Lewis also announced thatpreparationsarealready underway for the next tournament, which is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, at the National Park tarmac Defending champions Covent Garden Secondary are set to return, with 17 teams already registered, promising another exciting chapter in thegrowingTapeballcricket calendar

SouthAfrica

Following the 9-wicket thrashing,anunder-fireWest Indiesteamwilllooktokeep the series alive and regain some momentum, as pressure back home continues to mount with more ex-players continuing to call out the team’s direction ahead of the upcomingT20WorldCup.

The South African players,freshofftheirSA20 tournament continued their form against an out-of-sorts West Indian side, handing the visitors a 9-wicket thumping to set up what could be the series for them cometoday.

Game one witnessed the Windies being outplayed in

a l l t h e n e c e s s a r y departments, with the bowling attack lacking the sting needed to ruffle the likes of top-scorer Aiden Markram and his men, who had their way with the bowlers.

With skipper Roston Chasebeingtheonlybowler to claim a wicket, today’s finalXI,moresothebowling attack will need to be assessedquickly With Gudakesh Motie out, Chase and left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein, who went wicket-less, remain front-line slow bowling options.

One huge worry especially with the T20

World Cup around the corner, is a premier pace option or two Matthew Forde, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Joseph, who recently returned from injury, and Jayden Seals haveprovedtobeineffective thusfar

Windies dropping fastbowling all-rounder Shamar Springer despite a good series against Afghanistan, could be a huge mistake given his ability as a clean lower-orderstriker.

Also, with no Alzarri Joseph at the moment, West Indies will be clutching at straws as they try to figure outthebestoptions,notonly for the Cup but as they seek to keep the series alive against a dangerous South Africanbattingorder

Markram remains the key, fresh off his 86 not out and two near-century partnershipswithLhuan-dre

Pretorius and Ryan Rickelton; who both hit scores of 40 or more during thefirstgame.

One key player to not haveabatisDewaldBrevis, arguably their best T20 batsman and the X-Factor fortheProteasbatting.

Should Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, all-rounder George Linde fire in their usual cylinders,West Indies could likelychasea200-runtarget iftheyhappentobowlfirst.

Today’smatchcouldalso see the addition of Quinton de Kock, speedsters Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen and LungiNgiditotheXIhaving beenrestedfortheopener.

West Indies batting looked suspect with a number of former players aroundtheCaribbeancalling for the head of Johnson Charles among others ahead oftheT20WorldCup.

Charleshasyettofirefor the team despite being among the senior bunch of players recalled for this seriesandpossiblytheCup.

The Windies’ failed experiment of batting pacer MatthewFordeat3,aheadof Sherfane Rutheford, RomarioShepherdandeven Jason Holder was mindboggling.

Rutherford, who was in the top 5 for scorers in the SA20,shouldeasilybegiven a free role as a makeshift opener alongside Brandon

Kingorevencomeinat3.

Shimron Hetmyer looks to be regaining confidence but will need to play better shots especially after missing out on two recent half-centuries.

Windies could also look to slot in Guyanese Quentin Sampson at the top of the order, a position he gained success and selection from after a few fifties in the previous edition of the RepublicBankCPL.

Shai Hope should also playintoday’sXI,resuming his role as skipper and keeperwhilebringingtonsto batting as well as possibly freeing Charles from the gloves and opening another spottoswapinaSampsonor KeacyCarty

If the West Indies lose, the aftermath ahead of the Cup could be catastrophic, especially with the recent chatterfromanumberofexplayers,coachesandpundits

weighing in on the Mason and Guests Show about the lackluster performances as wellastheteam’sselection.

Speakingrecentlyonthe show, former Windies and Trinidad pacer Tony Gray, called out the selection of Charles saying he believes the opener has seen his best days.

“I’m not happy with JohnsonCharles,Ithinkhe’s pasthisbest,”Graynoted,as hehighlightedduringthelast T20I World Cup held in the Caribbean, Charles was droppedbecauseofhisform. Gray noted that solid left-hander Amir Jangoo could have been a good option over Charles as he believestheopener“Doesn’t deservetobethere”.

Meanwhile, another exWest Indies player, Philo Wallace echoed similar views regarding the selectionofCharles,aswell (Continuedonpage24)

Edison Chouest Offshore, G-Boats Inc. renew partnership with Youth Basketball Guyana

Edison Chouest Offshore and GBoats Inc have

r e a f f i r m e d t h e i r commitment to youth development in Guyana by renewing their sponsorship ofYouth Basketball Guyana (YBG) tournaments The announcement was made duringasimplepresentation ceremony at the Cliff AndersonSportsHall. Therenewedpartnership marks seven consecutive years of support, providing young student-athletes with opportunities to develop their basketball skills while pursuing their academic journey

The ceremony was attended by members of the YBGAcademy, parents and invited guests, including R o s s C h o u e s t , a representative of Edison Chouest Offshore and GBoats Inc Mr Chouest interacted with the young athletesandobservedabrief exhibition game held in his honour

A native of Galliano, Louisiana, Chouest brings a personal connection to the sport.Hewasastandouthigh school player at South Lafourche High School before continuing his basketball career at the collegiate level, including stints at Louisiana State University (LSU) and Georgia Tech His background, organisers noted, gives him a unique appreciation for youth developmentthroughsport.

During the sponsorship meeting,Chouestnotedthat: the partnership with YBG resonated deeply with him, recalling his own basketball journeyandfamilytiestothe game. He underscored the importance of basketball in instilling discipline, teamwork and positive valuesinyoungpeople.

Speaking on behalf of YBG, Chris Bowman expressed gratitude to the Chouest family and the leadership of Edison Chouest Offshore and G-

BoatsInc.Heofferedspecial thanks to Gary Chouest, president of the familyowned Edison Chouest Offshore, for his continued confidence in YBG’s mission.

“We are deeply grateful for the support of Edison Chouest Offshore and GBoats Inc.,” Bowman said. “This partnership has been pivotal in allowing YBG to sustain and expand our programmes across regions and to uplift young athletes through a year-round developmentalstructure.”

2026ConcacafWomen’sU-17Qualifiers…

GuyanatackleArubachallengetonight

Tonight, the Guyana Women’s Under-17 team continues their campaign at the2026ConcacafWomen’s Under-17 Qualifiers when they oppose the host team, Aruba, in their Group D encounter at the Guillermo Prospero Trinidad Stadium, Oranjestad,Aruba.

Guyana commenced their journeyonSundayatthesame venue against Jamaica and secureda1–1resulttoclaima point Assuch,theJuniorLady Jags sit third in the Group behind the high-ranked Honduras (1st - 6 points) and Jamaica(2nd-4points),while ArubaandSt Vincentandthe Grenadines are yet to get on thePointstable.

TheGroupisachallenging draw for Guyana, who are ranked 17th among the 41 Concacaf Nations, as the Group D leaders are ranked 9th and 13th, respectively. Only the six Group winners (A,B,C,D,EandF)andthe best two second-place finishers will advance to the ConcacafWomen’sUnder-17 QualifiersFinalRound

Guyana will be playing their second Group D match this evening.

Although a goalpopulated draw was a good start, the Guyana team now hasnoroomforerrorifthey havehopesofprogressingto thenextroundandmustalso hope other results in Group Dfallintheirfavour

After this evening’s encounter with the ranked33team,Guyana’snexttask will be the toughest when they face Honduras on Sunday, January 31. The Group leader will be energised after a 15 – 0 win over Aruba in their most

recent encounter To close off Guyana’s Round One Group stage, they go headto-head with 28th-ranked, St Vincent and the Grenadines, on February 2 Meanwhile, Sunday’s battle against Jamaica was an intriguing one with what seemed like matched skills as the two sides evenly shared possession, corners andalmostasimilaramount ofshotsongoal. However,afteragoalless first half, the Lady Jaguars wereabletodrawfirstblood

when Alexaudria Chasles buried a left-footed shot fromthecentreoftheboxto pierce the bottom right corner

With regulation time swiftly approaching, Jamaicawasabletoequalise in the 85th minute through an excellent Nycolette Predergasshotthatfoundthe topcorner

Tonight’s match, which kicksoffat20:00hrs(8pm),is expectedtofeatureaconfident Guyanasquadastheyopposea team that has suffered two consecutive losses but will have heavy support from the homefans

Guyana U17 Squad: JasmineSolomon-Ross(GK), AlexisMars(GK),SaraErnest (GK),AliyahJohn,EllaYhip, Kuleni Springer, Lily Biffin, Avril Pasvolsky, Laila Ross, Laila So, Caraleena Elliston, Sydney Glean, Kimora Edwards, Arianna Chin, Carissa Lombardi, Ellie Biffin, Ayah Stewart, Alexaudria Chasles, Tanya De Vair, Anaya Joseph and EleannaIsaacs.

EdisonChouestOffshore and G-Boats Inc continue to support YBG programmes throughout the year, with a strong focus on regional expansion and creating positive, structured and purposeful basketball opportunities for young peopleacrossGuyana.

Guyana Badminton Association endorses 2026 National Budget for Sports

the long-term sustainability ofsport,”theGBAstated.

(GBA) has welcomed the Government of Guyana’s continued commitment to sports development as outlined in Budget 2026, which includes a notable $6 billion allocation for the sector The GBA describes the measures as a positive andtimelyinvestmentinthe development of sport and youth across Guyana. The Associationsaidtheallocation builds on the personal commitment made by HisExcellencyDr Mohamed Irfan Ali following engagements with sports associations last year, signaling a serious and sustained approach to the improvement of sports in Guyana.

“Budget2026providesa

associations to build on recentgains,enhanceathlete development, and support

TheGBAhighlightedthe budget’s importance to youth empowerment, improved facilities, and investment in people and coaching, all of which are critical to international competitiveness The Association also pointed to tangible progress already underway, including the s

to-be-completed dedicated Badminton and Table Tennis facility, continued funding for national athletes, and consistent support from the GovernmentofGuyana.

The GBA expressed appreciation to the Government of Guyana, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and the National Sports Commission, and reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate to ensure meaningful and lasting impact from the initiatives outlinedinBudget2026.

Members of the Hockey Board and the National Sports Commission take a photo following their meeting.

Th e G u y a n a

Hockey Board

( G H B ) h a s signaled an ambitious and expansive vision for the sport’sfuturefollowingwhat its president, Phillip Fernandes, described as a “fruitful” meeting with the N a t i o n a l S p o r t s Commission(NSC).

The engagement, part of the NSC’s ongoing consultations with national sporting bodies, focused heavily on the GHB’s strategic direction for 2026 while also addressing the b r o a d e r g o a l o f decentralizing hockey and makingitatrulynationwide sport.

Fernandesexplainedthat

the Board used the opportunity to reflect on its 2025 programme, carefully examining challenges faced during the year and identifying corrective measures to strengthen operationsmovingforward.

“We had a very productive discussion,” Fernandes said. “Not only did we outline our major plans for 2026, but we also spent time reviewing 2025, looking at where we faced difficultiesandwhatsystems wewillputinplacetoensure we improve across the board.”

A key theme of the meeting was development beyond Georgetown, where the sport has traditionally beenconcentrated.

“And then there was a

h e a v y f o c u s o n d e v e l o p m e n t , a n d developingthegameoutside of Georgetown, and in fact, we’ve had some good ideas

coming out of the discussions,wheretherewill be availability of the new facilities the Government is putting in place, and will be

available to hockey,” Fernandesnoted.

He underlined that the expansion of suitable sporting infrastructure acrossthecountrycouldbea game-changer for hockey’s grassrootsgrowth.

“Thefacilitiesoutsideof Georgetown will give our Federationanopportunityto form clusters of schools to develop around the areas of those grounds, and we believe that those little regional groupings will then feed back into our national programme.Itwillbecloser to a country-wide game as compared to only Georgetown,”headded.

Fernandes said he was excited by the ideas presented and the level of support offered by the Commission, revealing that both sides committed to continued engagement to ensure the plans are effectivelyexecuted.

On the NSC’s side, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle commended the GHB for what he described as a strong and wellorganised 2026 calendar of activities.

He pointed to hockey as one of the better-managed sports locally, highlighting its structured development across both genders and multipleagegroups.

N i n v a l l e a l s o u n d e r s c o r e d t h e Government’s role in strengtheningthefoundation for sports growth through improvedinfrastructure.

The Commission, he explained,discussedplansto ensure that facilities nearing completion,alongwiththose scheduled to begin construction this year, are built to accommodate hockey as part of a broader push to develop sport

Guyana Hockey Board

has fruitful meeting with NSC as they eye expansive vision

nationwide.

Ninvalle expressed confidence in the Federation’s direction. He noted the GHB’s ambitious plans and reaffirmed the NSC’swillingnesstoengage and provide the necessary support to help bring those planstolife.

He further stressed that expansion, national development, and inclusion remain central to the Government’s sporting agenda,withaclearfocuson making facilities readily availableforfederationsand associationstodeveloptheir respectivedisciplines.

Peake,Lachmund secureAustralia’s semi-finalspotin Under-19WorldCup