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...Authorities warn 72-hour window to find survivorsclosing as more than 51,000missingaftertwoquakeshitWednesday.

Devindra Kissoon threatens of competitors

“arrest and imprisonment” explosives business

TwoCeaseandDesistordersissuedtotwoseparatecompaniesoverthe yearsbyLondonHouseChambers,foundedbyAttorneyDevindraKissoon.

Rising dancehall star dies after years-long battle with illness

Health Ministry says doctors were not fired for gross negligence ...insiststheywerereleasedin accordancewiththetermsofcontracts

Man who confessed to wife's murder found dead in cell destroyingGaza'schildren ...Commissionallegesdeliberatekillings,starvation, tortureamounttostrategytoerasePalestinians'future

Govt. lifts Chinese Landing mining ban months after assuring villagers it would remain

ByKhadidjaBa

The government of Guyana has confirmed it supports the continuation of miningoperationsbyoutside tenure holders in the Indigenous community of Chinese Landing, Region 1, directly contradicting assurancesgiventovillagers as recently as November 2025 that restrictions would remainfirmlyinplace.

The disclosure has deepened a long-running conflict between statebacked mining interests and t

y protected land rights of the Carib community, with the Chinese Landing Village Council forcefully rejecting t h e g

characterisation of the situationascooperative.

Minister of Natural

The condition of the trail as a result of the heavy-duty machines. Kaieteur News understands that school children traverse this passage to go to school.

Machines being transported by coastlanders to mine in Chinese Landing unbeknownst to the village

Resources Vickram Bharrat told Kaieteur News that while general mining restrictions outside of recognised properties r

h

,

administration is supporting operators who hold valid, state-issuedtenures.

"Restrictions for mining in Chinese Landing, outside of

holdings, continue to be in effect," Bharrat said. "The legitimate tenure holders continue to work closely with villagers in support of th

operations, as well as e m p

e r mechanisms to support the village.”

The Minister went further, asserting that residentshavewelcomedthe arrangem

"The community members have (Continuedonpage6)

Devindra Kissoon threatens “arrest

and imprisonment”of competitors in explosives business

As Guyana undergoes an unprecedented macro-

e c o n o m i c transformation fueled by immense offshore oil wealth, a surge in infrastructure development has exposed a critical vulnerability in the nation's supply chain. To build itsplannedtransnationalhighways, sea defenses, and energy facilities, the country requires millions of tons of crushed stone. To get the stone, quarries need commercial explosives.

But access to those explosives flows almost entirely through a single commercial channel, raising profound questions about market competition,legalarchitecture,and economic efficiency in the world's fastest-growingeconomy

In a three-part series, this investigation examines the structural dynamics of Guyana's commercial explosives market, the legal maneuvers used to maintain its current architecture, and the b r o a d e r m a c r o e c o n o m i c implications as the state launches a newnationalminingconsortium.

PART 1: The Legal Paradox: Safety Laws and Market Control in

Two

Guyana'sExplosivesTrade

According to public firm biographies and marketing materials, Guyanese attorney Devindra (Dave) Kissoon—a U.S. citizen and former director of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Guyana and his firm, London House Chambers, represent Orica Mining Services, the world's largest commercial explosives provider In these materials, Kissoon's operation is describedasthe"exclusivesupplier of explosives to the Guyanese miningmarket"fordecades.

A review of statutory frameworks and court filings re

architecture that has facilitated this concentrated market power, highlighting a stark contradiction between Guyana's public safety regulations and its anti-monopoly mandates.

The commercial explosives market in Guyana is governed by the Explosives Act, which grants the executive branch and the Commissioner of Police unilateral authority to issue import licenses and certify secure storage vaults.

Whiledesignedtopreventtheillicit diversion of dangerous materials, legal analysts note that this strict regulatory gatekeeping has e ff e c t i v e l y c r e a t e d

insurmountable barrier to entry for competingfirms.

Simultaneously, the Civil Law of Guyana Act explicitly prohibits economicmonopolies.

The statute states that all grants or licenses for the "sole buying, selling, making, working, or using of anything within Guyana... are altogether contrary to the laws of Guyana, and so are and shall be utterlyvoid."

Despite this, court filings d

systematically blocked from the market through aggressive civil litigation.

In 2015, Dominicana De Cales, S.A. (Docalsa), a regional licensee of global explosives distributor Dyno Nobel, attempted to enter the Guyanese market Court records show that Kissoon filed an ex parte application—a proceeding where t

present arguing that Docalsa's

interference" with his prospective business relations. In his July 30, 2015 sworn affidavit, Kissoon

operators—including BK Quarries Inc.,AGM Inc., Guyana Goldfields Inc., Troy Resources Guyana Inc., andPharsalusGoldInc.—asclients withwhomheexpectedcontinuous business, juxtaposing his own sworn claims of market control againstthenation'santi-trustlaws.

The High Court granted an interim injunction in August 2015, effectively freezing Docalsa out of themarket.

Leaked appellate documents reveal a protracted procedural timeline: when Docalsa attempted to discharge the injunction in December 2016, Kissoon utilised procedural arguments to strike out theirdefense.

The case remained stalled until May 2018, when the Full Court finally dismissed Kissoon's procedural objections and ordered t h e h

preemptive litigation can tie up competitors for years during critical periods of economic expansion.

Simultaneously, leaked correspondence obtained during this investigation shows that on August 14, 2015, London House Chambers issued a cease-anddesist letter to Docalsa bypassing standard commercial negotiation. The letter directly threatened a "warrant for your arrest and imprisonment" if the competitors did not withdraw, noting that customs had been instructed to seizeanddestroytheirproducts.

This strategy of pre-emptive legal action continues On November 12, 2025, London House Chambers issued another cease-and-desist letter to domestic actors including Eclisar Financial, a firm involved in statesponsored audits of offshore oil operations.

The leaked letter, which was explicitly copied to the Minister of Natural Resources and the Commissioner of Police, threatened "actual, punitive and exemplary damages against you in a n

x c e e d US$1,000,000.00."

The correspondence alleged attempts to import competing explosives and boldly asserted the incumbent as the "only authorized explosivesdealerinGuyana."

Legal and international trade observers note a profound irony in these market dynamics Kissoon was previously a lead commercial counsel in a landmark case that successfully dismantled a decadelong state telecommunications monopolyheld by the Guyana TelephoneandTelegraphCompany (GTT), arguing successfully that monopolies were unlawful under theverysameCivilLawAct.

Furthermore, foreign investors note that while Kissoon is deeply tied to the U.S.-Guyana business community—a jurisdiction where the Sherman Antitrust Act strictly c

behaviour—his aggressive use of local courts to threaten competitors risks creating a severe chilling effectonForeignDirectInvestment (FDI)intheregion.

Kaieteur News

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

Publisher:DR.GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor-In-Chief:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

WalesGTE–endlessintrigue

A landmark Guyana project that is its most expensive onshore one to date. Around it is a shadowy Venezuelan connection. Add two American banks, one Puerto Ricanbased. Plus, US Courts, the FBI, and moreVenezuelansall representpartofthecontextofGuyana’sUS$2BWalesgasto-Energy(GTE)project.

Itisaprojectgoingoneway,incircles. Thepeoplewho should provide clarity seal their lips and sit on their hands. Thereistheproject’sTaskForceand,atthetop,theGuyana Governmentperformingasquiet,uninvolvedspectators. PresidentIrfaanAliusuallytalksupastorm. Alwayswith a ready answer, like Mr Fixit. He now keeps his distance, limits himself to his characteristic hollow platitudes. For US$2B,localtaxpayersgetonlypoliticalcommercialsfrom theirpresident. Meanwhile,disputesrage.

Delays lengthen. Key players absent themselves, become more secretive. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Guyana’schiefoilandgaspolicymakerapparentlyhasallbut abandoned that role. Truth be told, he has put so much distance between the GTE project and himself that the impressioncouldbehadthatheneverhadanythingtodowith itscrippledexistence. Itisnothisbrainchild.

Heisnotthedrivingforcebehindgettingitofftheground, pushingitforward,anddefendingitforyears. Untilhefound it convenient to erase himself from the GTE map. Now, formerTaskForceHead,reengineeredtoProjectConsultant, WinstonBrassington,isthego-topersonforanswers. Hehas hadnone.

How is it that a Venezuelan family, and a Venezuelan controlledbank,wasallowedtobeapartoftheUS$2BGTE project? Was the proper due diligence done? Or was the WalesGTEaschemefromthefirstdaythathadonlyoneway to go? Lead this expensive and much-needed project to a placeofconfusionandchaos?

WhointhePPP/CGovernmenthasanythingtosayabout whypeopleonthereceivingendofanFBIraid,andUSCourt proceedings, are involved in the Wales GTE project? Or where local records indicate a curiously-timed series of flights to this country? Who in the government can offer whatiscredible? Who,andthisrangesfromPresidentAlito Prime Minister Phillips to Vice President Jagdeo has the confidence to face Guyanese and give them a full accounting?

ThereistheVenezuelanconnectionthatdoesnotcomfort. On the one hand, there are Venezuelans around Guyana’s largest onshore project, one with future connection to this country’ssensitiveenergygrid.

Ontheotherhand,thereareVenezuelansarrestedfortheir allegedinvolvementinagunbustinvolvingalargenumberof high-poweredweapons EconomicmigrantsfromVenezuela shouldalwaysbewelcomedinGuyana Butweatthispaper areconcernedthatVenezuelanswiththehistorythattheyhave aresoclosetotheWalesGTE,asleakeddocumentsindicate Thegovernmentcannotbethisblind,northisnegligent, withaprojectthatcostasmuchastheGTE,andfromwhich somuchisexpected. CoulditbelessaquestionofthePPP/C Government being not so careless, but of elements in its leadership so devious that they will carry out this nation’s businesswithanyTom,Dick,andHarry Duetosuchaction guaranteeingtheirownself-enrichment.

Americans, Cubans, and Venezuelans are not seen as a problem in this country Only those that pose a risk to the welfareofGuyanese,thosewhoareouttogougecitizens,and those whose past confirm that they should not be here. DefinitelynotaroundtheUS$2BWalesGTE.

TherecordofthePPP/CGovernmentnotesitsincredible success engaging companies with certain shaky attributes. Theycannotgetbigjobsdone(Skeldon,AmailaFalls). They cannot be trusted to deliver on time and within the original contractterms(CheddiJaganAirport).

Theycannotmeasureupwhenaspotlessrecordisneeded. Sothatcitizensbelievetheyareinthebesthands,andwillget fullvaluefortheirsacrifices. HowthePPP/CGovernmentis so skilled at recruiting the same kind of companies and principalsrepeatedlybeatsus. TheWalesGTEseemstohave attractedanarmyofthem,tothiscountry’sdetriment.

What message does a potential investor receive when held in stopped traffic from Timehri to Georgetown with no explanation and no apology?

DEAREDITOR,

President Mohamed Irfaan Ali has been sharply critical of foreign companies wanting to sell into Guyana but not invest in this country; see for e x a m p l e https://kaieteurnewsonline.com/2026/0 6/22/no-investment-no-access-toguyanas-market-pres-ali-tells-foreigninvestors/.

PerhapsthePresidentwouldhavea better understanding of investor reticence if he endured the chaotic failure of the Ministry of PublicWorks and the Guyana Police Force to have any functional system of traffic management along the East Bank Demerara(EBD)publicroad.

The almost total absence of conventional town planning and scheduling of road construction and maintenance in our country is exemplified by the daily nightmare of transitalongtheEBDroad.

Yes, the reconstruction is impeded by houses and shops pressing close to the original carriageway, and by the absence of parallel relief roads – but thoseissuesarenotpeculiartoGuyana.

In most countries, such road building and rebuilding is done in sections,eachequivalentinlengthto35 minutes of normal travel time, and each section controlled by interlinked stop/go lights or trained flaggers with linkedphones.

Thus, stopped time is kept short enoughtopreventthebuildingofdriver anxietyandanger

ButalongtheEBDroad? Coming back to Georgetown on Friday June 26 at1800hourswereachedalonglineof stalledtrafficnearFriendshipVillage.

Duringthemorethan30minutesof waiting at the first stop, 51 vehicles streamed past on the wrong side of the roadtoboreinfurtheralongthequeue. Twenty-two of those were minibuses

withscheduledroutenumbers.

When the line of patiently stopped vehicles finally began to move, we passedjustthreepairsofstop/golights, butwesawnoaccidentorobstructionto explain the delay. We saw not a single GPF police officer or other traffic controllerduringthattime.Ajourneyto Georgetown from Friendship took 2.5 hoursbycar.

Mr President of One Guyana, I recommend that you experience yourself what ordinary citizens have to endure every day because of the shambolic mis-management of the roads and the absence of the police. Stepoutofyourlimousineandrideinan ordinarycarorminibus.

LearnwhatlifeisreallylikeinOne Guyana. And then think about longsuffering commuters, and the image receivedbypotentialinvestors.

Yourtruly, JanetteBulkan

M@ilbox

A Love Letter to Bharrat Jagdeo

DEAREDITOR,

This is a love letter to BharratJagdeo.Notbecause he is beyond criticism. Not because he is universally admired. Not because of his charisma.Butbecause,inthe h i s t o r y o f p o s tindependence Guyana, few politicalfigureshaveshaped the country’s economic direction, strategic posture, and governing centre of gravityasdeeplyashehas.

Jagdeo deserves his flowers for more than presiding over economic transformation. He deserves them for vision, political endurance,andhisabilityto understand power, leverage, andtiminginwaysfewofhis rivalseverhave.

Long before oil transformed Guyana’s revenue base, Jagdeo was already thinking in generationaltermsaboutthe country’splaceintheworld, its development trajectory, and the strategic value of geography, environment, andinternationalalliances.

From climate leadership and his “Champion of the Earth” recognition, to the Low Carbon Development Strategy, to cultivating international and regional partnerships, to steering the PPP into a position of longtermdominance,hisimprint isimpossibletoignore.

He also does not get enough credit for what it meant to govern Guyana through a period marked by deep instability, fear, polarisation, and violence. Many Guyanese remember those years not as abstract politicalhistory,butaslived uncertainty I recall once travelling by taxi to the UniversityofGuyanaand,in

the course of a casual conversation about politics and life in the country, the driver said to me: “You are exactly the type of young man that we need to recruit, train and mobilize on the front line against this government.”

He was referring to the PPPgovernment.Ihadnever met this man before in my life. I had simply entered a taxionSheriffStreet.

That moment stayed with me because it captured something deeper about the politicalclimateofthetime, that is, how easily young men, especially young men living in poverty, could be imaginedasinstrumentsina largerpoliticalstruggle.

Jagdeo, whatever one thinks of him, understood the stakes of that environment.Heunderstood that Guyana was never governed only through policy

It was governed through competing interests, organised pressure, ethnic mistrust, foreign influence, domesticbusinessnetworks, and constant struggles over power, resources, and legitimacy

He understood the state not romantically, but strategically That is one reason he rose not only to lead Guyana economically, buttoleadthePPPitself.

His critics will say that this was manipulation. His defenders will say it was political intelligence. The truthmaywellbethatitwas both. But what cannot be denied is that Jagdeo has consistently shown a capacitytoreadpowerandto respondtoit.

Whether dealing with

hostile interviews, external pressure, domestic opposition, or narratives designedtodiminishhim,he has shown that he understandshowleverageis created, how it is used, and howitissurvived.

This is also why the weakness of the opposition cannot be explained only by elections.

The deeper problem is that too much of the opposition has long been sustained by posture, grievance, and internal competition for livelihood, relevance,andaccess.

An opposition that cannot manage its own houseisnotreadytomanage a high-stakes, resource-rich, strategically located state like Guyana. Many know this privately, though few willsayitopenly

That said, I would encourageJagdeotodoeven moretoshapethemoralside of his legacy He has the network, influence, and leverage to deepen philanthropi

nd institution-building work that directly supports working-class, poor, and marginalizedcommunities.

MaketheBharratJagdeo Foundation more visible, more inclusive, and more felt. Mobilize support and pportutniireis for social enterprises. Let it not only symbolizesuccess,butbuild itforothers.

If history is generous, it may one day say that this was a man who, from the aspirations of youth, helped positionGuyanaforthenext century That would be no smalllegacy

Regards, RawleA.Small

Kaieteur M@ilbox

It is a calculated strategy to

avoid scrutiny

DEAREDITOR,

I write regarding the recent statement by Mr. Vishnu Panday, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, who has accused governmentmembersofdelayingtheworkof thisvitalparliamentaryoversightbody Four scheduledmeetingshavenowbeencancelled because PPP/C representatives were unavailable. This is not a minor procedural hiccup. It is a deliberate strategy to obstruct accountability

The PPP has been playing this game for decades. They understand the rules and exploit them ruthlessly while keeping the public distracted with social events (bread and wine) The PPP/C controls the governmentsideofthePAC,andthequorum rules require at least two government memberstobepresent.Bysimplyrefusingto attend,theycanparalysethecommittee.This isnotincompetence.Itisacalculatedstrategy toavoidscrutiny

They have done this before. Between 2021 and 2025, fifty-one meetings were scheduled, but only twenty-six were held. Twenty-five were cancelled because government members did not show up. The patternisclear

This brings me to a broader point. The WIN Party is new to the national political stage. They have energy, ideas, and the support of many Guyanese who are tired of oldpolitics.

Their leader, Mr Azruddin Mohamed, deservesfullmarksforhisfieldworkamong the people. Many issues the nation is now aware of were hidden under the previous APNU/PNCwatchbecauseoftheirlaziness.

However,theWINteammustunderstand the cunning and undemocratic ways of the PPP Theyshouldestablishadedicatedteam forparliamentaryaffairsandlegalresponses toPPPtactics.ItwasthePPPthatchangedthe quorum requirements for the PAC in April 2021 specifically to gain control over when the committee could meet. They knew exactlywhattheyweredoing.

The PPP has thirty-six parliamentarians. There is no reason why ministers Gail Teixeira and Juan Edghill must sit on the PAC. The PPP chooses to place ministers with complex portfolios on the committee, knowing they will often be unavailable

becausetheywillbeoutoftownoroutofthe country.Thisgivesthemaconvenientexcuse tocancelmeetings.Thisisnotanaccident.It is strategy. Could Member of Parliament Suresh Singh and James Bond not serve on thePAC?

ThebacklogofAuditorGeneral’sreports isstaggering.Thelastreportfullyscrutinised was for 2018. Reports from 2019 through 2024 remain untouched.At this pace, it will takeyearstoclearthebacklog.

Instead of simply complaining, Mr Panday and the WIN Party must anticipate these tactics and develop counter-strategies. They must be smarter, more organised, and morepersistent.

Why not picket the offices of Minister Teixeira and Minister Edghill for their poor performance at the PAC? Why not write to international parliamentary bodies the Inte

e Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, and ParlAmericas—complaining about the PPP’scommitmenttogoodgovernance?

Every cancelled meeting should be documented and published. Every excuse should be challenged publicly The media mustbeengagedinaformalpressconference hosted by the other WIN Leaders since the Leader of the Opposition is so busy in the field doing exactly what an Opposition Leader should be doing, opposing and exposing the weaknesses of the sitting government.

Thepublicmustbeinformedanditisthe duty of Mr Panday to so inform them of the PPP shenanigans. The PPP relies on public inattention.The opposition must make them payattentionbyexposingwhatishappening inParliament.

TheWINPartymustupitsgameandnot relysolelyontheLeaderoftheOppositionto doeverything.

IsupportthePAC’swork.Itisoneofthe fewgenuineoversightmechanismswehave. Buttheoppositionmustbesmarterabouthow they approach it. They must anticipate the PPP’s tactics and expose them relentlessly ThePPPmustnotbeallowedtohidebehind proceduralexcuses.

Thetimeforstrategic,relentlesspressure isnow

VishnuPrashad

Govt. lifts Chinese Landing mining ban months...

Frompage2 been receptive and the relationship between the parties continues to be monitoredclosely,"hesaid.

The Village Council flatlydisputesthatclaim.

'WE

ARETHE OWNERS'

The Chinese Landing Village Council says the government is deliberately s i d e s t e p p i n g t h e community's primary legal statusasthetitledownersof theland.UnderSection48of the Amerindian Act, any external miner is legally required to secure a formal agreement with the resident Village Council before extraction can begin The C o u n c i l s a y s t h a t requirementisbeingentirely bypassedandthatnovillage membersareparticipatingin

currentoperations.

"The villagers are the true,lawfultenureholdersof the area by virtue of being the absolute owners of the titledlands,"theCounciltold KaieteurNews.

The dispute has deep legal roots In 2010, a GGMC officer issued a Cease Work Order against coastlander miner Wayne Vieira for operating without a village agreement The ordertriggeredalegalbattle that reached the Caribbean CourtofJustice(CCJ).

TheCCJultimatelyruled the Cease Work Order was unlawfully issued but not becauseVieira's mining was legitimate. The court found, on narrow jurisdictional grounds, that the GGMC officer had exceeded his statutory authority: the Mining Act only empowers the Minister to craft regulations tied to the Mining Act itself, and does not authorise GGMC officers to enforce the separate provisions of the AmerindianAct.

Crucially, the CCJ did not validate Vieira's underlying mining permits, nor did it extinguish the village'stitledrights.Whatit did was expose a critical legislative gap: Guyana's primary mining regulator has no legal mechanism to enforce Indigenous consent requirements. That gap has never been legislatively addressed.

That legal vacuum is now being exploited on the ground Kaieteur News observed that mining operations have resumed within Chinese Landing without any formal engagement with village leadership.

Whilenineresidentsand twonon-residentsreportedly signed the document, the Toshao stressed that the broader community remains deeply opposed and that the Village Council, the legally mandated party to any such agreement, was not involved.

The situation has drawn scrutiny beyond Guyana's borders.TheInter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) previously iss

C

Landing, citing a "serious

irreparable harm to the community The IACHR documented a pattern of targeted aggression against residents, including a 2018 incident in which a local family was allegedly forced from their home by mine security and the police Tactical Services Unit, and multiple reports of residents being subjected to searches atgunpoint.

The community has also expressed frustration at being excluded from past legal proceedings between the GGMC and external miners, leaving their land rights unrepresented in court.

WiththeCourtofAppeal yet to issue a ruling on the community's substantive land claims, Chinese Landingremainscaughtina dangerous legal divide: the state endorses the "legitimate tenure" of outside operators, while the titledownersofthelandface active, unconsented extraction and no regulatory body with the authority to stopit.

Toshao Nikita Miller confirmedtheoperationsare active,withoperatorsfailing to present themselves to the council or seek formal recognitionbeforeaccessing the land. According to the village leader, Stephen Vieira,actingunderpowerof attorneyforWayneVieira,is currently managing the worksites. Wayne Vieira is said to have traveled to the area via the Tassawini airstrip, where he allegedly sought signatures from residents for a proposed labour agreement, an arrangement the council views as an attempt to circumvent official consultation.

BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT

KillersintheForce

The chilling details of the alleged murder of Cuban national Dailen Paneque Gómez expose not only a horrifying act of violence but also a deeper sickness within our society. Domestic violence continues to claim lives with alarming regularity, fuelled by possessiveness, rage, and a disturbing disregard for human life.

Even more frightening is that the accused is a serving police officer, a man entrusted with protecting the public. If those sworn to uphold the law can allegedly commit such calculated brutality, public confidence in our institutions is gravely shaken. This tragedy demands more than outrage. It requires stronger action against domestic abuse, rigorous psychological screening and monitoring of law enforcement officers, and a justice system that sends an unmistakable message that no badge places anyone above the law. Society cannot become numb to such cruelty. Every life deserves protection, dignity, and justice.

$4.7M in donations received by EPA unverified - 2021 Audit

An Audit of the

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2021 has uncovered that some $4.7M in donations/ income were unverified,raisingquestions about accuracy of the a m o u n t a n d m o r e importantlyitsuse.

Thereportwaslaidinthe NationalAssemblyatthelast sitting on June 5, and is the

mostrecentauditedfinancial statementoftheregulator

Thedocumentstatesthat the sum of $452 917M represents equity on the financial statements for the year 2018 It added, “Included in this amount, is the sum of S4.718M which represents miscellaneous income/donations coming forwardfrompreviousyears and for the year under review.”

Notably, the accuracy of the amount could not be verified as documentation was not provided to verify thefigure.Inresponsetothe finding, EPA acknowledged

that $4.718M was recorded in 'equity' as miscellaneous income/donations. To this end, the agency explained, “Efforts are underway to reviewhistoricalrecordsand rec

avail

e documentation Where records cannot be located, the balances will be regularized in keeping with theFMAA(2003).”

It added that going forward, its finance department will ensure all such income is fully documented and properly retained.

The audited financial statement reveals that EPA's revenue for 2021 was $1,815,267,356.Theamount includes $603 5M s u b v e n t i o n f r o m

government, $278 5M in revenuefromoperationsand $933.2Min'otherincome'.

Revenue from other income includes sale of tender documents and other income.

Meanwhile, the agency's financials indicate that its annual expense was $636.6M in 2021.The EPA, headed by Kemraj Parsram ended the year with $597M inassetsincludingbuildings, vehicles and equipment amongothers.

TheEPAwasestablished under section three of the Environmental Protection Act.Itsfunctionsinclude(a) to take steps necessary for theeffectivemanagementof the natural environment so as to ensure conservation,

protection, and sustainable use of its natural resources; (b) to promote the participation of members of the public in the process of integrating environmental concerns in planning for development on a sustainable basis; (c) to coordinate the environmental management activities of all persons, organisations and agencies; (d) to establish, monitor and enforce environmental regulations; (e) to prevent or control environmental pollution; (f) e n s u r e t h a t a n y developmental activity whichmaycauseanadverse effect on the natural environment be assessed before such activity is commencedamongothers.

Guyana’shousingprogrammehasfailedthepoor

For decades, Guyanese have been told that the government’s housing programme represents one of the country’s greatest social achievements. House lot distribution has been celebrated as proof of development,empowerment andprogress.

Yet a closer examination of the numbers reveals a troubling question: if so, many lots have been distributed over the past three decades, why does Guyana still have tens of thousands of housing applicantswaitingforland?

The figures are staggering.

Inits2006manifesto,the PPP/C boasted that it had distributed70,000houselots since taking office in 1992. Subsequent reports suggest thatanother45,000lotswere distributed between 2006 and 2015. The PPPC said that the APNU+AFC administration distributed approximately 7,000 lots between 2015 and 2020 Since returning to office in 2020, the PPP/C has stated that it has distributed more than50,000additionallots.

Taken together, these figures amount to approximately 172,000 house lots distributed since 1992.

The irony is impossible to ignore. When the PPP/C entered office in 1992, Guyana already possessed an estimated housing stock of roughly 150,000 units. If homes had been constructed on the overwhelming

majority of the 172,000 lots subsequentlydistributed,the countrywouldtodaypossess a housing stock exceeding 320,000 units With an average household size of four persons, such a stock would theoretically accommodate more than 1.3 millionpeople,farmorethan G u y a n a ’s c u r r e n t population.

Yet the government now speaks of some 81,000 housingapplications.

Something does not add up.

The obvious conclusion is that the housing programme has not functioned primarily as a mechanism to provide shelter to the homeless or landtothelandless.Instead, ithasincreasinglybecomea vehicle for speculation, accumulationandprivilege.

For years, Guyanese have witnessed the reality with their own eyes. Drive through many housing schemes developed during the past three decades and one encounters not modest starter homes but sprawling mansions and luxury residences occupying lands originally intended to advancesocialdevelopment. Entirecommunitiesemerged in which the beneficiaries were not the poor and vulnerable but members of the expanding middle and upperclasses.

The programme ceased being about housing and became about asset acquisition.

Many Guyanese still

Dem Boys Seh...

Dem Boys Seh Jamaica done join de long line, pack up dem suitcase, grease up dem handshake, and come fuh a lil bite at Guyanatable.DemboyssehifGuyanawas arestaurantbefore,nowitismorelikeaallyou-can-eat buffet wid international seasoning—call it “Oli & Opportunity Grill.”

Butdemboysgotlongmemory,fuhtrue. DemrememberwhenGuyananameusedto beliketabooinsomeCaribbeanairports.If yuh said “I’m from Guyana,” security used to raise one eyebrow, immigration used to raise two, and dem suitcase used to raise suspicion.

Dem boys seh there was a time when someCaribbeancountriesdidnotevenwant to hear the word Guyana. Is like the name used to come wid extra questioning, extra waiting,andextra“stepasideplease.”

Oneofdemcountriesevenhadafamous bench.Demboyssehitwasnotofficial,but everybody know it. The Guyanese bench. Any week yuh pass through, yuh could see one fella from Guyana sitting down pon it, lookingathepassportlikeitdoinghewrong. The bench used to get more frequent flyer than some airlines. Is like it had loyalty

recallthechaotic“One-Stop Shop” exercises in which allocations appeared to be made at remarkable speed.

Stories circulated of individuals arriving with large sums of money and walking away with allocations while questions lingered about whether adequate verification had been conducted Were previous ownership records properly checked? Were beneficiaries screened to ensure they genuinely needed assistance? Were multiple all

cations prevented?

The perception that the system has been abused is reinforced by stories that have circulated for years about individuals and families allegedly obtaining multiple house lots through various means One allegation that has been repeatedly mentioned is that a now-deceased engineer wasabletosecurehouselots for each of his four children ataroundthesametime.

Evenifthisispartofthe rumourmill,thepointisthat the persistence of such stories reflects a widespread public belief that the system was vulnerable to manipulation and that some beneficiaries were able to obtain advantages unavailable to ordinary applicants These are preciselythekindsofclaims that a comprehensive audit should investigate. If they are false, they should be disproved. If they are true, then appropriate action

points.Sittoday,flybacktomorrow

But look how times change. Now everybodysmiling,everybodylinkingarms, everybody talking about “Caribbean integration” and “shared prosperity”

Suddenly Guyana is no longer that cousin youdon’tinvitetotheparty Guyanaisnow thecousinwhobringthewholepot.

DemboyssehJamaicanowcomingfuh bite, Trinidad already nibbling, everybody else sharpening knife and fork Even countrieswhousedto“don’tknowGuyana” now got sudden memory loss problem. “Guyana? Oh yes! We always had a relationship!”

Demboyslaughingbecauselovedoesbe like oil, when it start flowing, everybody suddenlygotpipeline.

But dem boys seh is alright. Guyana don’t mind sharing de table. Just don’t act like yuh was starving when yuh used to be turning down de food. Because Guyana remember too. Guyana just smiling now, serving plate big, portion generous, and hospitalitystrong.

Only difference is this time, Guyana watchingwhoreachingforseconds. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

should be taken, including repossession where contractual conditions were violated.

Indeed,oneoftheworstkeptsecretsinGuyanaisthe secondary market that e m e r g e d a r o u n d government-issued house lots Lands acquired at subsidized rates frequently found their way into private transactions worth millions of dollars, often through irrevocable powers of attorney and other arrangements designed to circumvent restrictions. The result was that public assets became instruments of privateprofit.

In effect, taxpayers subsidisedspeculation.

Thetragedyisthatwhile the well-connected accumulated assets, many poor Guyanese remained excluded Grand visions such as Silica City may appealtotherichandsuperrich but they do little for families struggling to afford basichousing.

ThisiswhyGuyanadoes

not need another massive house lot distribution campaign.

The country does not suffer from a shortage of distributed land. What is urgently needed is a comprehensive national auditofeverylotdistributed over the past three decades. The authorities should identify persons who obtained allocations contrary to policy, would have previously owned property, acquired multiple subsidised properties, failed to develop allotted lands within required periods, or otherwise breached the conditions of their agreements with the Central Housing and Planning Authority

Where contractual breaches are discovered, repossessionshouldfollow

Public lands are not family inheritances They are national assets intended to advance social justice. Every improperly held lot representsalostopportunity for a young family, a single

parent or a low-income householdseekingaplaceto callhome.

The housing programme has long outlived its usefulness in its current form.Ratherthancontinuing a cycle that rewards speculation and privilege, Guyana should focus on restoring greater public confidenceinthesystem.

The goal should not be distributing more lots. The goal should be ensuring that public resources reach the people for whom they were originallyintended.

Until that happens, the housing programme will remain a symbol of how public policy can enrich the f o r t u n a t e w h i l e marginalisingthepoor

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

H@RD TRUTHS

Help find the soul of society

In the search for a moral compassandanation'ssoul, South Africa surfaces. It was the time of a rabidly racist regime. Apartheid was the name; racial domination the game. It wasn't a game. But a harsh, bitter, gruesome time in Black South African life. Lifewascheap. Blacklives were cheapest A big Christian Church was supportive. Not with the killing. But with separating and keeping down Its leaders tried Biblical acrobatics to rationalize inequality, cruelty, and inhumanity The Dutch ReformedChurch,itwas. A

bad state spiritually Afew, the frail, in the finest Christiantradition,foughtto find the soul of a bestial nation. Toendtheapartheid state, when the Dutch Reformed Church and cowardly men of God couldn't find their voice. Couldn't take a principled stand. Guyanesehavethose. They come in different outlines, have their lines ready Recall those who celebrated excellence in leadership. And those who stayedsilent. Andthosewho prefer anonymity, stealthy, shadowy safety The commonthreadistheyspeak

god'slanguage. Theirgodis a mystery to me. Earthly gods,maybe. Agodmadeof money Howaboutpolitical gods? Those men made of mud, whose minds are muddled, to be kind. A country with incredible wealth. Acitizenryyokedto poverty And, Guyanese absorb the slavishness of excellence in leadership The equivalent of political r a l l i e s , p o l i t i c a l campaigning, in religious houses.Theirownpeopleare flayed. Theirshepherdssell themselves for a penny Insinuate themselves into highplaces. Pavetheirroad to personal prosperity Receivetoreceiveareward. They may pray in different languages There is a language they know best, love the most. It's the language of money The Bible insists that nothing is impossible with God. Men and women of some god respond: who waan fuh try wid dah can try They go where the money is. Plus, theprominence. Theyforgot twothingsthatthemanfrom

Galilee counseled. Don't seek the important places. Then, tend my sheep Guyanese spirituals forgot. Or dismissed that exhortation. Now, let's talk SouthAfrica.

There was a man named Desmond Tutu, a bishop. Moreagiantofagodlyman than a bishop. He couldn't align with that racist, unclean, South African regime. He felt the pains of his people. He struggled with them. He uplifted Black South Africans. He workedtomakeWhiteSouth

Africans (especially Christian ones) better Tinglefromthesharppricks of their conscience

Persistent energy No consorting with the enemy forthecheapthrillofmoney, a photo shot, and an I-havearrivedmoment. Foranyone who wants to talk, to locate, to recognize, a society's moral compass, I tender a simpleman,arealhonest-togoodness man of God Archbishop Desmond Tutu. There was a man who functioned as his 'society's

moral compass '

A fighter, not a bootlicker He had a small company of tireless missionar

The bold men who came before and those who followed, with some hardy women in tow They had to be. To manage corrupters and arch segregationists HendrikVerwoerd. Baltazar Johannes (John) Vorster P W Botha And the AfrikanerBroederbond.

Scottish missionary, Robert Moffatt came before Tutu. Hestayed49yearsin disfigured, hopeless South Africa. AnEnglishAnglican

missionary, Trevor

Huddleston, wrote “Naught for Your Comfort, where he flatly stated that apartheid was “inspired by a desire, which was fundamentally evil, and un-Christian”, one seeking to “preserve a position of racial superiority” Archbishop Geoffrey Clayton was recalled to England, then returnedtosay,“I don't want to end my days in prison, but IwillgoifIhaveto…”

Menofsteelwholabored against the Natives Land Act, Representation of Natives Act, and the Pass Law Notbowandcurtsy,as happens here with religious leaders. Not avert the gaze topretendnotseeingdouble standards. Notprattleabout 'excellence' when inequity rages with money, jobs, awards. There is IDPASAG: a disgrace In any genuine search to find the soul of this nation, there has tobetheGuyanaequivalents of Desmond Tutu, Huddleston, Moffat, Clayton,andthenative-born Tiyo Soga and Nehemiah Tile. Tofind'society'smoral compass'and'findthesoulof thisnation'findspiritualmen oftheirmoralcaliber

(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.)

CAF launches Venezuela Recovery Fund following devastating earthquakes

The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) has announced the establishment of the Venezuela Recovery and Reconstruction Fund, a dedicated financing mechanism created in response to the earthquakes thatstruckVenezuelaonJune 24.

In a statement, CAF said that the fund is designed to consolidate contributions from governments, international organizations, corporations, foundations, andprivateindividualsunder a single administrative framework, with resources directed toward priorities set b y t h e Ve n e z u e l a n government. CAF will seed thefundwithaninitialUSD1 millioncommitmentandwill waivealladministrativefees, ensuring that every dollar contributed goes directly t o w a r d r e l i e f a n d reconstructionefforts.

The announcement comesontopofUS$300,000 inhumanitarianaidCAFhad already pledged in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.

"Acts of nature are met with acts of humanity and solidarity, and Venezuela needs us today more than ever," said Sergio DíazGranados, Executive President of CAF He described the fund as "an agile and transparent mechanism" open to both governments and the private sector, adding that CAF is committed to accompanying

The Road to First Oil - Every Man, Woman and Child must become oil-minded. Column 190 (June 28, 2026)

Part 1: Six -to - one is not 50-50

By Christopher Ram

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited has now filed its financial statements for 2025, and with Hess's and CNOOC'salreadyreviewed, we can now do the simple math of comparing the profits earned by and the share of the Government under the 2016 Agreement

which holds that the arrangement under which the Government earns the same amount as the combined earnings of the threecompanies.

We now know that ExxonMobil which holds a 45%interestintheStabroek Block in 2025 recorded revenue of G$1.713 trillion and a profit before tax of G$1 214 trillion, about US$5 8 billion; after the income tax it is deemed to have paid, it kept G$982 billion, about US$4 7

the Venezuelan people "not only during the emergency, butthroughouttheentirepath o f r e c o v e r y a n d reconstruction that lies ahead."

The fund is structured in threephases.Thefirstfocuses on immediate humanitarian

assistance, including essentialsuppliesandsupport for emergency responders

The second targets rehabilitation of critical servicessuchashealth,water and sanitation, energy,

e d u c a t i o n , a n d

c o m m u n i c a t i o n s infrastructure The third phase is oriented toward longer-term recovery and resilience, covering early reconstruction, restoration of livelihoods, and measures to reducevulnerabilitytofuture disasters.

To ensure transparency andaccountability,thefund's resources will be held separately from CAF's own balance sheet, with perintervention traceability, regular financial reporting, and independent audits. Contributionscanbemadein U.S.dollarsoreuros.

Venezuela holds particular significance for CAF—itisoneofthebank's founding member countries and hosts its headquarters in Caracas, deepening the institution's stated commitment to the country's recovery. To learn more details and become part of thisinitiative,followthelink: RecoveryandReconstruction FundforVenezuela.

whole of the nation's profit oil.

Source: Audited financial statements adapted for consistency

Sincethefirstbarrel Step back to 2020 when production began From thentotheendof2025-six years - the three companies had combined revenue of G$12 30 trillion and a combined profit before tax of G$8 58 trillion, or approximately US$41 billion After the tax they recorded, they kept some G$7 02 trillion Guyana's profit oil over the same period was G$1.58 trillionaboutUS$7.57billion.Look attheTableabove.

State pays the companies' income tax, and that the appropriate portion of Government'sshareofprofit oil is "accepted as payment in full" of that tax liability Contractually,andweknow how sacred that is, the oil companies' taxes are paid fromprofitoil.Subtractone from the other - G$1 56 trillion from G$1.58 trillion - and the NRF nation is left with G$22 billion. A drop. Afterit,theFundholdsonly thetwo-per-centroyaltyand theinterestearned.

This must trouble every Guyanese, told by the politiciansthattheFundisa patrimony-astoreofwealth h

billion By contrast, Guyana's50%shareofprofit oil, was G$451 billion, about US$2 1 billion Exxon's 45% of 50% is equivalent to 22.5% of the total.Yet,itrecordedaprofit beforetaxnearlythreetimes the profit oil earned by the country

Taken together, the earnings of the

d revenueofG$3.59trillionin 2025 and a combined profit beforetaxofG$2.52trillion - about US$12 billion. This means that for every dollar earned by Guyana on its

The proportion is more than just stark or steady Whiletheoverallaverageis a “modest” 4.89 times, the oilcompaniesaveragedover fiveandahalftimesoverthe past two years. 2020 - the firstyearofproduction-was anoutlier:thethreetogether earned barely a quarter of Guyana's opening profit oil. That now sounds like ancient history Since that heady year, the ratio of oil companies to country has seen that number hover between five and six to one, reaching very nearly six in 2024.

The Natural Resource Fund-Nothingwouldbeleft Thereisonemorefigure, anditshouldstopthereader. Over the same six years the three companies recorded income tax of G$1 56

generations to come The PPP/C Fund architecture wassoldtousassuperiorto t

t

on established and supported by intelligible rules and ceiling on withdrawals, all protected by a selfreinforcing structure of committees, managers, advisors and Board The underlying commitment to both present and future generationsthattherewillbe enough to transform our country and its patrimony into a cycle of wealth and wellbeing. Sadly, before the ink dries, before even the first generation attains maturity, that architecture has been debunked by the calculationsabove.

Infact,iftheAgreement isappliedaswritten,almost the entire Government's

50% sha

e three companies earned about $5.5 in profit. Even more dramatic is that the income tax on the profits of the oil companies was G$474 billion, itself larger than the

trillion - almost exactly the profitoilthenationreceived, G$1.58 trillion. Whatever numerologists might make of that, it is real - and it is troubling.Article15.4ofthe 2016 Agreement says the

share of profit oil would be exhaustedindischargingthe taxobligationsofcompanies representing the two largest economiesintheworld.This is like an intellectual horror show, self-imposed in an

utter surrender of the country's sovereignty What is left to set aside for the unborn is the two-per-cent royalty and the interest the balance earns: a thin remnant, not a patrimony Six years into one of the fastest oil developments the worldhaseverwitnessed,on the Agreement's own arithmetic, there is nothing ofsubstancetobequeath.An inter-generational fund with nothing to pass between the generations is a mirage, a fool'shope.

Look at it: only one of twothingsistrue.Eitherthe Agreement has been honoured,inwhichcasethe entire profit oil of the country would be gone, or thattheAgreementhasbeen violated - big time. Not by the oil companies, but by a Governmentthatclaimsthat theAgreementissacred,and that says it respects the rule of law Let us look at the evidence The audited financial statements of the Natural Resource Fund are thereforalltosee.Theonly withdrawal is used as general budgetary support, whichitselfisaviolationof section 16 of the Natural ResourceFundAct.

This then leads to another mystery, itself concealed in another illegality The mystery is that the oil companies have been issued with tax certificates even though the National Estimates show conclusively that no such payment was made to the GRA What we are faced with is that a government which does not have the courage to invoke the renegotiation clause in the Agreement, is quite comfortable breaching another of the Agreement's Articles - all to avoid an inconvenienttruth. Next week, we will look at how the oil companies have played their partshamelessly and improperly -inthisgreat,bigfalsehood.

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCIES!

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

MONDAY – JUNE 22, 2026

Delay in full profit sharing

ExxonMobil has now confirmed that only US$4.5 billion remained in its cost bank at the end of 2025 Based on current production and oil prices, that amount should already have been recovered.

If so, why is Guyana still waiting to receive the full 50% profit oil guaranteed under the Production SharingAgreement?

This question demands an immediate answer from the government Instead, there is silence, vague promises and shifting explanations while billions continuetoflowoffshore.

Even more troubling is the prospect of approving new projects without ringfencing, allowing fresh development costs to further postpone Guyana's rightful earnings.

The nation deserves transparency, not selective disclosures.Thegovernment mustpublishtheauditedcost bank figures, explain why full profit sharing has not commenced, and ensure no new licence is granted until Guyana's contractual rights and revenues are fully protected.

TUESDAY – JUNE 23, 2026

Debt in an age of oil wealth

President Irfaan Ali's proposal to issue diaspora bonds deserves far more scrutiny than it has received. Guyana is awash with oil revenues, withdrawing billions annually from the Natural Resource Fund to finance infrastructure. Why then must the country borrow? Government owes t h e p u b l i c a c l e a r explanation.

More troubling is the apparentshiftfrompromises that ordinary Guyanese would directly participate in the nation's prosperity If investment opportunities are being created, why are

o v e r s e a s G u y a n e s e seemingly first in line while teachers, nurses, public servants and pensioners at homeremainspectators?

The diaspora has every right to invest. But inclusion begins at home Before e x t e n d i n g s p e c i a l opportunities abroad, government should establish mechanisms that allow resident Guyanese to share meaningfully in the wealth

generated from their country'sresources.

I n a n e r a o f unprecedented revenues, citizens must watch this proposal closely Oil wealth should empower Guyanese, not deepen questions about whoseinterestscomefirst.

WEDNESDAY – JUNE 24, 2026

Starmer exits with grace; Norton clings on despite rejection

Politics is a brutal business, especially in countries where leaders are held accountable by their parties, parliament and voters.

Sir Keir Starmer knows that reality all too well. Just two years after leading Labour from 14 years in the wilderness to a landslide victory, he has been forced aside by a party demanding renewal It seems harsh, even unfair, given the political resurrection he engineered.

Yet Starmer accepted the verdict with dignity and grace.

Contrast that with

Aubrey Norton After presiding over humiliating electoral defeats, repeated i n t e r n a l t u r m o i l , resignations, defections and the steady weakening of the PNCR, he still insists on seeking another term as leader Starmer saved his party and stepped aside when asked Norton is wrecking his party and refuses to go. The difference is accountability One leader listened. The other appears determinednotto.

THURSDAY –JUNE 25, 2026

Another Warning

So many warnings have been issued to Guyana about its oil wealth that one more mayseemeasytoignore.

That would be a mistake.

Tr i n i d a d i a n e n e r g y strategist, Anthony Paul is not speaking from theory; he is speaking from the bitter experience of a country that watched secrecy, weak o v e r s i g h t a n d p o o r transparency rob citizens of the full value of their resources.

Hiswarningstrikesatthe heart of Guyana's oil and gas sector: secrecy begins quietly First documents are withheld. Then agreements become "commercially sensitive." Then citizens are toldtotrusttheprocess.

The Gas-to-Energy project is the latest test. If licences, contracts, cost recovery arrangements, pipeline terms and gas supply agreements remain

hidden, the question is simple: what is there to fear frompublicscrutiny?

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

FRIDAY – JUNE 26, 2026

PPPturning PAC into a National Joke

The Public Accounts Committee has become a national joke, and the laughter is at the expense of taxpayers.

After waiting nine months for the committee to be constituted, Guyanese are now being told it cannot meet because government members are “unavailable.” Unavailable for what?

Certainly not unavailable to collect salaries and benefits paidbytheverycitizensthey arerefusingtoserve.

The PAC is Parliament's watchdog over public spending It is the body tasked with examining how billions of taxpayers' dollars are spent Yet the same government that boasts endlesslyabouttransparency and accountability cannot find two members to attend meetings.

The result is a mountain of unchecked accounts stretchingbackto2019anda backlogthatcouldtakeyears toclear

Everycancelledmeeting deepens public suspicion

Accountability delayed is accountabilitydenied.

If government members cannot make time for scrutiny, Guyanese are entitled to ask: what exactly are they afraid of being examined?

The Next Value Moments: Relinquishments, Farm-Ins, Transfers and Sales

how much cost oil, how muchprofitoil,andhowfast the Natural Resource Fund grows.

Thosequestionsmatter

Guyana must watch not only production, but every pointwherepetroleumvalue changeshands.

Most public debate in Guyana focuses on production: how many barrels, how much revenue,

But petroleum value doesnotmoveonlywhenoil isproduced. It can move before

production. It can move when companiesfarmintoa block. It can move when acreage is relinquished and reoffered. It can move when

transferred It can move whenaparentcompanybuys another company It can movewhenhistoriccostsare recovered.Itcanmovewhen gasinfrastructureisbuiltand repaidfromoilproduction.It can move when a future contract is signed on terms the public does not fully understand.

That is why Guyana has to look beyond production numbers.

TheTrinidadandTobago

experience shows what can happen when mature assets, licence renewals and transfers are not treated as nationalvalueevents.

When Petrotrin was collapsing, Trinidad and Tobago could have used expiringorrenewedlicences to strengthen the national company. Instead, valuable producing assets remained with or moved through private operators. Some were later sold. The public q

unavoidable: if the people's petroleum had helped repay thecostofthoseassets,why did the people not capture more value when the assets weretransferred?

Guyana should ask that questionnow,beforesimilar momentsarrive.

One such moment is relinquishment.

Whenacreageisreturned to the State, it should not be

administrativeevent.Itisan opportunity to review what has been learned, what data exists, what value remains, whether new terms are needed, and whether the State should capture a d i

k i n d o f participation when the acreageisreoffered.

Relinquished acreage is not failure It may be information converted into futureopportunity

But only if the State has the capacity to understand whatitreceivedback.

Anothervaluemomentis thefarm-in.

Farm-ins are common in petroleum.Acompany joins a licence by funding work, sharing risk or paying considerationforaninterest. Companies understand this verywell.Theyusefarm-ins to manage risk, acquire access and position themselvesforfutureupside.

The State should understandthesamelogic.

When a company farms into a Guyanese petroleum block, citizens should be able to know whether a premium was paid, whether costswereassumed,whether historic expenses were transferred, whether any consideration was taxable, and whether any change in controlrequiredapproval.

Thatdoesnotmeanevery commercial detail must be published immediately But it does mean the regulator and tax authority must have full visibility, and the public must receive enough information to know that nationalvaluewasprotected.

The Stabroek Block makestheissueconcrete.

Shell was an early partnerandexitedbeforethe major discoveries. Hess and CNOOC's predecessor entered the block Later, Chevron's acquisition of Hess effectively gave Chevron Hess's 30 percent

interestinoneoftheworld's most valuable petroleum positions.

Each of those moments raisesgovernancequestions:

Did any party pay a premium to enter?

Was any consideration

taxable in Guyana?

Did any historic cost move with the transaction?

DidtheGovernmentreceive any tax, fee or disclosure?

Did the regulator have access to the agreements?

Didthetaxauthorityreview the value transferred?

Did the public receive an explanation?

These questions are not accusations They are normal questions in any seriouspetroleumstate. Theyalsomatterbecause Guyana does not yet have a national oil company with decades of operating experience inside these transactions Without a national company or retained equity position, the Statecanbecomedependent on information supplied by companies and consultants. ThatdoesnotmeantheState is helpless. It does mean it must build stronger systems earlier

This is where State participation returns to the centreofthediscussion.

State participation is too often dismissed as “carried interest,”asiftheinvestoris doingtheStateafavour That language is misleading. The State owns the resource Investors farm into the State's acreage Retained equity,carriedequity,earned equityoraback-inrightafter discovery can be structured as commercial mechanisms through which the State keepsaseatatthetable.

The point is not reckless operatorship.

Guyana does not need politicians running offshore oil fields. It does not need a n a t i o n a l c o m p a n y pretending to replace ExxonMobil,Hess,CNOOC or any other experienced deepwateroperator

Butitdoesneedlearning, leverageandvisibility

State participation can provide that. It can give the State access to information, technical understanding, commercial insight and futureoptions.Itcanhelpthe country move from being (Continuedonpage46)

Rising dancehall star dies after years-long battle with illness

Emmanuel James, the Guyanese dancehall andsocaartisteknown as 'Lil' Saint', has passed away, leaving behind a grieving community of family, fans, and fellow musicians who had watched the young performer carveoutapromisingplaceinthe c

landscape.

The circumstances of his death have not been formally confirmed, but in a pre-recorded videocirculatingwidelyonsocial media, Lil' Saint had disclosed thathehadbeenbattlingaserious health condition for four years, a mass on his pancreas linked to excessivealcoholusethatcaused severe abdominal pain and vomiting.

Hesharedthataftertwoprior attempts at a procedure, he had been preparing to undergo major surgery Lil' Saint's talent had been gainingformalrecognitioninthe months before his passing. In 2025, he competed in the

Competition, where he claimed second place and was awarded the title of Best Newcomer The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sporthighlightedinitstributeon Saturday

The Ministry described him as"anemergingforceinthelocal entertainment landscape," praised for his versatility across dancehall and soca, and for the

dedicationhebroughttohiscraft.

"The Ministry joins his family, friends, fans and the wider creative community inmourningthistragicloss. Wehonourhiscontribution to Guyana's cultural and musical landscape and extend our heartfelt sympathiestoallwhoknew and loved him. May his soul rest in eternal peace," thestatementread.

Fellow artiste Kwasi Ace was among those who paid tribute on social media, recalling a rivalry

Man who confessed to wife's murder found dead in cell

Hemat Kumar Mohamed, the man who confessed to stabbinghiswifeanddumpingherbodyinacanalatDe-Groot Enkline, Uitvlugt, was found dead in his cell at the Leonora PoliceStationonFriday,lessthan24hoursafterhisarrest. Mohamed,whoseagewasnotdisclosedbypolice,wastaken intocustodyonThursday,followingthediscoveryofhiswife's body, 46-year-old Shavanie Hanoman, floating in a canal near their home. He subsequently confessed to stabbing her and pushing her into the canal during an argument on Wednesday, thelastdayshewasseenalive.

Following his arrest, Mohamed was transported to the Leonora Cottage Hospital for medical treatment at approximately18:00h.Hewasdischargedataround23:40hours andreturnedtohiscellattheLeonoraPoliceStation.

The following morning, at approximately 11:24h, Mohamed'ssonarrivedatthestationwithamealforhisfather A policerankreceivedthefoodandbroughtittothecell,calling outforMohamed.Receivingnoresponse,theofficerenteredthe cellandfoundMohamedunresponsive.Policesaidhehadused apieceofhisownclothingtotakehislife.

that grew into brotherhood. He remembered first encountering Lil' Saint when the young performer came on stage at his own high school to challenge Kwasi Ace, using the older artiste'sownsongagainsthim.

"From that day we became brothers in music," Kwasi Ace wrote. "Fly higher, to one of the most ambitious youth. You were younger than I am, but I've always admired the progress and passion of you and your wife. Man you been trying for years with your music, since school

days,"hesaid.

In his final video message, Lil' Saint spoke candidly about his illness, his fears, and the woman who kept him going throughitall—hiswife.

"When I didn't believe in myself, she made me believe in myself," he said. "She never betrayed me or anything. So, I reallylovemyfamilythatIhave nowandIputthemfirst,anyday, anytime,infrontofanybody."

The young man leaves to mourn his wife, children and otherlovedones.

UN report accuses Israel of systematically destroying

Gaza's children

...Commission alleges deliberate killings, starvation, torture amount to strategy

to erase Palestinians' future

A United Nations Commission of Inquiry has issued one of its strongest condemnations yet of Israel'smilitarycampaignin Gaza, concluding that there

are "reasonable grounds" to believe Israeli forces d

d Palestinian children as part of a broader strategy aimed at destroying the future of

APalestinian woman carries a girl wounded in an Israeli strike in the Saftawi neighbourhood west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, May 27, 2025. (Bashar Taleb/AFPvia Getty Images)

Five-year-old Palestinian child Osama al-Raqab, who is suffering from severe malnutrition receives treatment at Nasser Hospital in KhanYunis, southern Gaza Strip, May 26, 2025. (Haitham Imad/EPAEFE/Shutterstock) Gaza

thePalestinianpeople.

In a sweeping report spanning more than 350 findings, the Independent InternationalCommissionof Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel, alleges that Israel's military operations since October 7, 2023, have inflicted catastrophic and often irreversible harm on Palestinian children through killings, maiming, starvation, attacks on hospitals and schools, mass arrests, torture and the destruction of essential civilianinfrastructure.

TheCommissionsaidthe conflicthasclaimedthelives ofatleast20,179Palestinian children while another 44,143 have been injured, describing the scale of sufferingasunprecedented.

"

destroyed," the report declares.

"Not incidental but intended"

Perhapsthereport'smost explosive conclusion is that the suffering inflicted upon Palestinian children was not merely a consequence of warInstead, investigators (Continuedonpage57)

Republic
Bank Limited

UNICEF and Republic Bank

Guyana bolster adolescent mental health support in Region 2

More than 25 teachers and guidance counsellors

from Region 2 have completed specialised mental health training under a partnership between UNICEF Guyana and Republic Bank Guyana Limited equipping frontline educators with practicaltoolstoidentifyand respondtoemotionaldistress amongadolescents.

The three-day training, heldfromJune17to19,was delivered under the Help Adolescents Thrive (HAT) programme,implementedby UNICEF, funded by Republic Bank Guyana, and developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the

Adolescent Health Unit Participants were trained in evidence-based approaches tosocialandemotionalskills

development, early recognition of mental health warning signs, and the appropriate referral of studentstosupportservices.

UNICEF Guyana Health Officer Joann Simpson underscored the importance of prevention as a central pillar of adolescent wellbeing. “Mental health is a critical component of adolescent wellbeing and development,” she said “This training focuses on building the capacity of teachers and guidance counsellors to support adolescents in developing socialandemotionalskills— essential for promoting mental wellbeing and preventing mental health conditions Prevention

deserves our focused attention, now more than ever.”

Guitree Ramsamooj, Branch Sales Manager at Republic Bank’s Anna

Participants at the HAT programme in Region 2

Regina Branch, said the investment reflected the bank’s belief in building systems that outlast individual programmes

“Region 2’s young people deserve environments where they feel supported, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential,” shesaid.“Byinvestinginthe capacity of teachers and guidancecounsellors,weare helping to build stronger support systems that can positivelyimpactthelivesof adolescents for years to come.”

The HAT programme is one component of a broader partnershiplaunchedinApril 2026,aimedatstrengthening adolescentmentalhealthand psychosocial support across Guyana. The collaboration focuses on raising awareness, building the capacity of f

ne professionals,andexpanding access to support services in schools and communities nationwide.

Adolescence is widely recognised as a critical developmental window, and research consistently shows that supportive school e n v i r o n m e n t s c a n significantly improve resilience and long-term wellbeing.TheHATtraining isdesignedtohelpeducators fost

conditions—creatingspaces whereyoungpeoplefeelsafe enough to seek help when theyneedit.

As Guyana continues to p

UNICEF–Republic Bank partnership represents a model of cross-sector collaboration, demonstrating how public health goals can beadvancedthroughtargeted privatesectorengagement.

Rickyta Ambro se

IntroducingGuyana’sdelegateforMissCaribbeanBeautyandIntelligencepageantRickytaAmbrose.Rickytaisa 19-year-oldlawenthusiastandcreativewhohailsfromthevibrantriverinecommunityofKwakwani.Thisweek’s beauty’spassionforexcellenceisevidentineveryaspectofherlifeandacademicachievement.Rickytaisdeeply passionateaboutjustice,advocacy,andyouthempowerment.Herleadershipanddedicationtocivicengagementare reflectedinherroleasayouthparliamentarian,anationalpoet,anddebater.Carryingtheplatform“combating domesticviolenceinCaribbeanhouseholds”thisdelegateextenuatesherpassionforthepursuitofjustice.

From where I stand...

The Democratic Culture We Must Intentionally Build

ByJanelleA.NPersaud

Two weeks ago, I delivered a TED T a l k o n democracy. My central

argument was that democracy is not plug-andplay and it does not thrive simply because we adopt elections or constitutions Like any living system, it dependsonconditions.

Since then, I have found myself immersed in a very

different, but deeply connected,conversation.

Over the past week, I have spoken with Guyanese who are organising around electoral reform. I also had the opportunity to discuss Guyana’s democratic t r a j e c t o r y w i t h representativesofTheCarter Center following the release ofitslatestelectionreport.

The report, like similar assessments from other internationalobserversover the years, raises important

questions about our electoral institutions: from campaign finance and constituency boundaries to GECOM and constitutional reform

I agree that these conversationsmatter Infact, I would support serious efforts to improve our electoral system. But I am much more concerned with thehealthofouroverarching democraticculture.

This distinction matters because one asks how we improve elections and the other,howwebuildthekind

of society in which democracy can genuinely flourish.

Those are not the same question.

A country can very well conduct technically sound elections and still struggle with mistrust, fear, polarisation, weak civic participationandinstitutions that fail to command public confidence.

Likewise, no amount of constitutional engineering will automatically produce citizens who feel empowered to participate, who trust one another enough to disagree respectfully, or who believe their voices matter beyond elections.

That kind of democracy must be cultivated, which requiresintentionality

I use that word deliberately because we

often reduce conversations like these to “political will.”

Of course, political leadership is important

Someone has got to lead the reform But building a healthy democratic culture cannot be the responsibility ofgovernmentalone.

There need to be intentionalchoicesacrossan entire society.What should schools teach if we hope to raiseengagedcitizensrather than just successful exam candidates?

What responsibility do universities have to produce the research and ideas needed to solve Guyana’s ownproblemsinsteadofjust graduates?

What role should our media play in strengthening informed public debate rather than merely reporting politicalconflict?

How do businesses contributetoasocietywhere citizens feel economically secure enough to disagree without fearing the loss of opportunity?

What responsibilities do faith communities, civil society organisations and families have in cultivating respect, participation and civicresponsibility?

And significantly, what responsibility do you and I bearascitizens?

These are not abstract questions.

Recently, while participating in a consultationontheimpactof social media on children, I asked what research had been conducted on Guyanesechildrentoinform theneedforregulationandor futurelegislation.

One of the presenters had earlier commented that the university didn’t have the research capacity to undertake work of that scale

Thiscommentreinforced something that has been on mymindforawhile.

Capacity doesn’t just exist, it has to be built intentionally

If we aspire to evidencebasedpolicymaking,thenwe mustinvestintheinstitutions capable of producing that evidence If we want Guyanese solutions to Guyanese challenges, we must therefore strengthen the University of Guyana, support indep

dent research, and create space for scholars, practitioners

and communities to work together in understanding our society I want to say some of that GOAL investment could go to UG, but thats another topic for anotherday

What I’m saying here is thatthisextendswellbeyond democracy To me, this is a matterofnationbuilding.

One of my academic mentors, Professor Percy Hintzen recently challenged me to think beyond democratic institutions and toward what economist and philosopher Amartya Sen would call the capabilities people need to live meaningful lives and participatefullyinsociety

That conversation has been stuck with me and promptedmetoaskwhether healthy democracies depend on more than strong institutions, but on citizens who possess the knowledge, confidence, economic securityandsenseofagency

to engage those institutions meaningfully

I suspect the answer is yes There is another reflection that these recent conversations have prompted.

Fordecades,Guyanahas benefited from the o b s e

a t i o n s o f organisations such as The Carter Center, the European Union and other foreign missions. Their work has undoubtedly strengthened our democratic journey, and their recommendations d e s e r v e c a r e f u l consideration.

But sixty years after Independence, our democratic future cannot depend primarily on outsiders diagnosing our challenges.

A confident nation must develop the habit of examining itself and doing sohonestly

That does not mean rejecting international

expertise. But, it does mean complementing it with our own and we have plenty of capableGuyanesewhohave been consistently saying muchofthesamethings.

If we need to produce more, then we have to build universities capable of world-class research We alsoneedtostrengthenlocal think tanks, encourage public intellectuals, support independent media and create the confidence to ask difficult questions of ourselves before others ask themforus.

Ultimately, democracies do not flourish because reports recommend reforms and then we implement bits andpieces,hereandthere. They flourish because

societies intentionally choose to cultivate the conditions that allow those reformstotakeroot.

This column cannot explore every one of those conditions. In the months ahead, I hope to return to many of them; from civic education and economic securitytoinstitutionaltrust, research capacity, citizenship and what it truly means to cultivate a democraticculture

For now, perhaps that is the conversation worth beginning.

Not simply how we reformourelections.

Buthowweintentionally build the kind of society in which democracy itself can flourish.

WEEK-IN-REVIEW

SUNDAY

GuyanapaidoffExxon for7oilprojectsbutstillto receivefull50%profits agreedtoincontract

Guyana has paid off

ExxonMobil the full cost of seven oilprojectsapprovedtodatebythe GovernmentofGuyana(GoG),yet, the country is still to begin receiving its full 50% profits in accordance with the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

At its press conference earlier thismonth,Exxon’sVicePresident and Business Services Manager, John Colling informed the media thatUS$4.5Bwassittinginthecost bank to be repaid by Guyana up to theendof2025.

“Through the end of 2025, therewasoverUS$55Binthecost bank of which US$51B had been recovered As I mentioned in my priortalkingpoints,US$4 5Bwas

yet to be recovered by

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited and its co-venturers, ” Colling explained

He added that the higher price ofoilhasresultedinadesaturation of the cost bank which means that recovery of investments could occur sooner than originally anticipated which could “likely be thisyear”.

Using an average oil price of US$80perbarrel,consideringdaily production for the year so far at approximately 900,000 barrels per day (bpd), the Stabroek Block generated approximately US$12.3BinrevenueuptoJune20, 2026.

According to the oil deal, 75% of revenue is dedicated to cost, as such, it could be estimated that US$9.2B went towards cost, far morethantheUS$4.5Bthatneeded to be recovered according to Exxon.

ThismeansthatGuyanashould already be receiving its full 50% profits outlined in the PSA as the cost of all seven oil projects sanctioned by the GoG has been repaid.

Currently, four projects are producing oil in the Stabroek

Block Three are under developmentandarelikelytocome onstreambetween2026and2029. Ring-fencing

In the meantime, Exxon has applied to the government for its eighth and ninth projects that remain under consideration Should a new licence be granted without a ring-fencing provision, Guyana would be further delaying its opportunity to receive its fair shareofprofits.

Aring-fencingprovisionwould prevent ExxonMobil from using revenue generated at the projects currently producing oil to pay for developments that are yet to come

on stream. In this manner, Guyana would be entitled to 50% of all revenue generated, after costs are deducted for maintenance and operationactivities.

As such, all investment into additional projects will be repaid when that development starts producingoil.

Govt.silence

With ExxonMobil presenting information to the public that it finds “appropriate” the GoG has been equally selective with the information it discloses to the public regarding the offshore operations.

TheGoGpreviouslypromiseda public statement on the cost bank and “how it will operate moving forward.”

InMay,theMinisterofNatural Resources, Vickram Bharrat said, “No new project is added because thereisnoapprovalandyouwould have heard from several persons thatwearecomingtoadesaturation point…so we’ll be able to maybe hold a press conference or the president might say something publicly on that issue on the desaturation of the cost bank and how it will operate moving forward.”

Regarding increased revenue flow for Guyana, he noted that although no other project cost has been added to the cost bank, other expenses relating to exploration is stillbeingincurred.

“Onyourquestionabout50/50, remember there is still some

amountofexpensesbeingincurred intermsofexplorationactivitiesin the Stabroek Block. Now they still have a year more on that exploration licence, so those are costs that will still be accumulated too. That’s why we say we didn’t payoffthecostbank,butit’sbeing desaturatedsowewillnowhaveto lookatthenumbersandlookatthe workongoingintheblocktoseeat what point in time we will get to that 50/50 profit sharing of oil,” Bharratexplained.

InMarchthisyear,presidentof ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), Alistair Routledge revealed that Guyana was likely to payoffthecostbankbytheendof 2026duetothehigheroilprices.

“If you stay at the current oil price then it will happen this year based on the level of expenditures and the production that we anticipate so that’s a significant acceleration.Whatthatthenmeans isthatinsteadroughlythe14anda half per cent that the country has beenreceivingbywayofrevenues into the Natural Resource Fund from the Stabroek production and revenues, what will happen is that percentage will significantly increase,”Routledgetoldreporters.

Following the recovery of all costs, Article 11.4 provides “The balance of crude oil shall be shared between the government and the contractor for each field in the following

Contractorfiftypercent(50%)and ministerfiftypercent(50%).”

Gas-to-Energycontractor wrigglesoutofU.S.lawsuit allegingmulti-million$$$fraud

When the government of Guyana(GoG)entereddiscussions with Lindsayca, officials missed a brigh

ed flag – a multimillion-dollar lawsuit that was raging in the United States againstthecompanyforallegations offraud.

Kaieteur News has already exposedthetroublinghistoryofthe firmselectedbygovernmentwhich PresidentIrfaanAlistilldefends.

AsdelaysontheWalesGas-toEnergy (GTE) project continue to cost Guyana millions, the contractor continues smiling its waytothebanks,butthisisnothing new for the questionable energy company as new court documents out of the United States reveal a hiddenlawsuitthattheGoGandthe TaskForcecompletelymissed—or worse,deliberatelyignored.

TheHiddenLawsuit: ATrailofDeception

Deep in the dockets of the UnitedStatesBankruptcyCourtfor the Southern District of Texas lies Adversary Proceeding No 2303212 In this case, Andreina Gamez Rodriguez v Hector Fuentes, Cogent Energy Services, Lindsayca Inc., et al., the plaintiff leveled damning allegations against the very men building our naturalgasplants.

Gamez Rodriguez alleged she was defrauded out of millions of

dollars convinced by Hector Fuentes and his associated entities topourhermoneyintoanoperation that was backed by elaborate presentationsbutallegedlyomitted crucial, crippling financial facts. It was a classic bait-and-switch. She accused the Lindsayca executives ofaggressivepressuringtacticsand deepfinancialdeception.

While the case was recently dismissed on procedural grounds regarding how the fraud was pleaded, the core narrative is terrifyinglyfamiliar

This lawsuit was raging in the U.S. courts at the exact same time the GTE Task Force was busy awarding Lindsayca a US$759 millioncontractinDecember2022.

This raises serious questions about why this lawsuit was kept hidden from the Guyanese public and whether the GTE Taskforce headed by Winston Brassington conducted any due diligence in handing the keys of Guyana’s energyfuturetotheforeigngroup.

ThePDVSAConnection

IftheGamezRodriguezlawsuit wasanisolatedincidentoffinancial mismanagement,onemightforgive a minor lapse in vetting but according to investigations by El Pais,AndreinaGamezRodriguezis not just a random wronged investor;sheisdeeplyconnectedto thenetworkthatlootedVenezuela’s state-ownedoilcompany,PDVSA.

GamezRodriguezisthewifeof LuisCarlosdeLeónPérez,aformer high-ranking lawyer for PDVSA who was implicated in a massive scheme to drain the Venezuelan state. De León Pérez acted as a frontman,funnelinganastonishing $1.1 billion in bribes- including payoffs from Chinese contractorsthrough shell companies in an Andorran bank. This means Lindsaycawasnotjustdealingwith an innocent bystander—they were operatinginthesamecirclesasthe architects of Venezuela’s financial ruin.

From the looted coffers of PDVS

environmentsurrounding Continued on page 21

Frompage20

Lindsaycaisglaringlycorrupt.Yet, to the GTETask Force, this highly questionable track record was apparently considered “top tier” internationalexperience.

Guyana has already secretly bled almost US$100 million in arbitration losses to these contractors because, as sources indicate, the “crafty lawyers of Lindsayca” completely outmaneuvered the Task Force negotiators, shifting the burden of liquidated damages onto the backs oftheGuyanesepeople.Now,they aredemandingmillionsmore.

IftheTaskforcewasunawareof the PDVSA looting connections and the Gamez Rodriguez fraud lawsuit then Guyanese must questionwhetherithasthecapacity to manage the country’s largest financial infrastructure project on record.

ImportedCorruption

With Lindsayca’s Chairman, Hector Fuentes having mingled with the very architects of the PDVSAcollapse,Guyaneseshould be concerned about whether this countryissimplythenexttarget.

As recently exposed by Kaieteur News, Ruben Figuera—theveryProjectDirector overseeing the GTE project for Lindsayca—is himself deeply tied to the Venezuelan corruption scandals.

During his time as a highranking official under the Maduro regime, Figuera facilitated multimillion-dollar contracts for Lindsayca before walking through agoldenrevolvingdoortobecome theirtopexecutiveinGuyana.

This means that the same network of individuals who systematicallylootedandcollapsed Venezuela’s state power company are now in charge of building Guyana’sbiggestpowerproject.

Moreover, concerns remain over whether the Donald Trump administration and Marco Rubio’s U S State Department is truly awareofwhoLindsaycais.Sources question “how can the United States celebrate deposing the corrupt Maduro regime in Venezuela, while simultaneously allowing the Department of Commerce, the EXIM Bank, and the State Department to advocate for and financially back Hector Fuentes and Lindsayca men inextricably tied to that exact regime’slootingnetwork?”

MONDAY

Ghanaianfirmstillto payUS$17Msigning bonusforoilblock–MinisterVickramBharrat

Morethansixmonthssincethe Government of Guyana (GoG) signedapetroleumagreementwith GhanaianoffshoreexplorerCybele Energy Limited for the shallowwater Block S7, the company has

still not paid the required US$17 million signing bonus into the Natural Resources Fund (NRF), placing the offshore concession at riskofcancellation.

Within 30-days of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA)beingsignedonDecember9, 2025,Cybelewasrequiredtomake the payment into the NRF However, with the deadline long expired,thecompanyhasrackedup an approximately US$4 million in interest,thatitisrequiredtopayin addition to the US$17 million signing bonus. It should be noted that while the required bonus for shallow-water blocks is US$10 million, Cybele offered US$7 millionabovetheminimumwhenit submitted its bid during Guyana’s inauguralbidround.

Earlier this month, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat disclosed that Cybele was at risk of losing the approximately 2,000-square-kilometre block becauseofthenon-payment.Atthat time,theministerhadrevealedthat during talks with the ministry, the companycommittedtopayingpart of the signing bonus into the NRF bytheendofthefirstweekinJune and the remainder shortly thereafter However, to date, no paymenthasbeenmade.

During a recent sideline interview with Kaieteur News, Bharrat said the matter is now

before the ministry’s legal team.

“Because if they don’t pay, obviously we will have to move to canceling suspension and canceling, so our legal team is dealing with the issue, because we don’t want any legal battle in the future,”hesaid.

Despitetheprolongeddelay,the minister said he remains hopeful the issue can be resolved. Bharrat said, “Hopefully, we can get a positive (result). I’m still hopeful, and I’ll put that on record too, because they’ve recruited a lot of Guyanese already to work with them…sowearehopefulstill,butif there is no sign of payment or anything in near future, we’ll have tocancel.”

TheS7islocated50kilometres from ExxonMobil Guyana Limited’sLizaOneandTwofields in the Stabroek Block, which is estimatedat11.6billionbarrels.

The block’s oil fairway runs through S7 toward Suriname. Cybelehadplannedtodrillitsfirst well within 12 months. The African woman-led firm has conservatively estimated that S7 holds400millionbarrelsofoil.

The fiscal regime for the S7 operations will be governed by the new PSA which requires the payment of a 10 per cent royalty anda10percentcorporatetax.

The cost recovery ceiling will becappedat65percentinagiven

therenewedpushfornuclearpower asalow-carbonbaseloadoption.It said too that the company’s Kurupung uranium project, gives investors direct exposure to a market where new scalable discoveriesremainscarceandslow tobringonline.

Unlikemanygreenfieldjuniors, U92 begins with a large historic resource base and about 129,000 metres of drilling That gives investorsadefineduraniumsystem in a country already attracting multi-billion-dollar oil and mining investment.

year, while profits will be shared 50/50betweenthecompanyandthe state.

Canadianfirm’suranium projectinGuyananamedtop pickatBermudainvestorevent

Canada-based U92 Energy Corp , which is developing Guyana’sonlyuraniumproject,has beenrecognisedbyinvestorsatthe recentlyconcludedCEMBermuda CapitalEvent2026,earningaplace among the top five investment opportunities for its growth potential amid renewed global interestinnuclearenergy

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

U92 Energy recently announced that following three days of one-on-one meetings with investors in Hamilton, Bermuda, it wasselectedasoneofthestandout companies at CEM’s Breakout Exchange and featured in the InvestorBreakoutnewsletter

From 54 companies with market capitalisations ranging fromapproximatelyC$5millionto C$1 5 billion, U92 was chosen alongside Carrier Connect Data Solutions,ForgeResources,Pulsar Helium and SuperOrdinary The top five picks at the event were companiespositionedtoeasesome of the biggest chokepoints shaping themoderneconomyacrossenergy, infrastructure, critical materials, anddigitalcommerce.

“Investors in Bermuda were clear they wanted companies that arefixingshortages,notjusttelling macro stories,” said Ryan Iverson, CEM portfolio manager “In this kind of market, being on the right side of a bottleneck gives you a better shot at a rerate when results showup,”addedIverson.

In its newsletter, Investor Breakout highlighted that U92 Energy continues to benefit from

ItwasstatedthatU92earnedits spotinthetopfiveduetoinvestors exposure to an advanced uranium project with a historic resource estimate of 20 6 million-pound, 10.6 million pounds indicated and 10 0 million pounds inferred, supported by 129,000 metres of historic drilling and 88,000 metres of core stored on site. Another reason highlighted is the Kurupung’s92.2squarekilometres (km2) land package and the company’s near term plan focused onlow-costtargeteddrilling.

“For investors, it provides a clearer path from a historic resource to a current resource withoutforcingthecompanytobet the balance sheet on speculative deepholes,”thenewsletterstated.

TheKurupung uraniumproject which is located in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) is listed as U92’s only project This publication had reported that the Canadian firm gained control of Guyana’s only uranium project through a 2026 acquisition of a Singaporeanfirm.

Kaieteur News reported that a January 2026 filing statement revealedthatU92onJune18,2025, entered into a binding share purchaseagreementtoacquireLIA Industries Pte Ltd , a company incorporated in Singapore on November 11, 2020 under the Companies Act as a private company Accordingtothefilling, LIAIndustrieswasformerlyknown asArafura Oeste Pte. Ltd., and the change of name took effect on December 2, 2022. LIA Industries indirectly holds mineral exploration rights to the Kurupung Property,throughitswholly-owned subsidiary LIA (Guyana) Inc., a privatelimitedliabilitycompanyin Guyanawhichwasincorporatedon March 20, 2023 LIA Guyana registeredofficeislistedatLot35E North Road, Lacytown, Georgetown.

Accordingtothedocument,the Guyana Geology & Mines Commission(GGMC)grantedLIA Guyana the “exclusive right of occupation and exploration” through the issuance of Exclusive Prospecting Licences (PLs) on April19,2024.Itwasalsorevealed in the filings that exploration activitiesattheprojectsite

Continued on page 22

Frompage21 commencedin2024.

The two prospecting

licences permit the exploration of uranium, other radioactive minerals, and rare earth elements (REEs) for a period of three yearsendingApril18,2027.

The licences may be extended upon application for a maximum of two additional one-year periods, extending the term to April 18,2029.

Earlier this year, U92 entered into a commercial agreementwithOrbitGarant for phase one 5,000 metre diamond drill programme at the Kurupung uranium project. The diamond drill rig assigned to U92 is already in Guyana to

commence phase one drilling on high-priority targets at the project Moreover, the firm has already submitted the required environmental application for drill pad preparation, and that field teamsareonsitetocomplete

camp infrastructure, including construction of a fuel storage facility in accordance with the applicable requirements It was also revealed that key machineries have been sourced to support access road upgrades and drill pad construction.

TUESDAY

Six-year-oldboydrowns atEdinburgh,Berbice

Six-year-old Kayden Busey, of Glasgow Village, EastBankBerbice,diedafter reportedly drowning during a swimming outing with other children from his community on Sunday afternoon The incident occurred at a pond near the popular swimming area known as ‘Sixth Bridge’ alongtheEastBankBerbice corridor,around2:00pm.

The child, a Grade One pupil of All Saints Primary School in New Amsterdam, was reportedly with two of his siblings, aged four and eight,alongwithtwofemale neighbours, aged 12 and 13. The group was said to have been in the area making TikTok videos before the tragedyunfolded.

Hismother,GaynorPaul, told Kaieteur News that she was at home resting at the time after taking a detoxing agent and was not in her usual state of alertness. The mother of eight, who lives with her three youngest children,saidshehadearlier

sent the siblings to purchase a beverage for a visiting friend.

Paul said she had suspected on previous occasions that the children may have been swimming despiteherwarnings.

“WhenIopenmeeyes,I wasinsleep-and-wake.Isay, ‘how y’all skin look suh?’It happen two times they go and swim. When they come back, they bathe quick and come upstairs You would never know But I watching them… they still tell me no, theyain’tswim.”

She said the children usually played in shallow water,butonthisoccasion,a neighbour’schildreportedly suggestedtheygoelsewhere.

Moments later, she received troubling reports fromneighbours.

“Meneighbourcomeand say, ‘Gaynor I hear some child missing…’ That is whenIrealisethemwasn’tin the yard,” she recalled tearfully Realising the children were not at home, sherushedtothelocationby bicycle Upon arrival, searches were immediately conducted, but there was no sign of the children Her eight-year-old son later described what allegedly transpired, saying the group had been playing when the situationturnedtragic.

“He say the girls was playing pranks, and by playing pranks, Kayden think them drown so he jump he say he see he brother hand up and he try reach him but he was drifting,”Paulrecounted.

A 16-year-old boy later dived into the pond and retrieved the child’s lifeless body Kayden was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body was later taken to

Persaud’s Funeral Home in NewAmsterdam.

Inhindsight,thegrieving mother said she regretted taking the detoxing medication that left her unwellandunabletoclosely superviseherchildren.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the

B

y.

ResidentsdescribedPaulasa h

dedicated to her children, while relatives said Kayden was especially affectionate andcloselybondedwithher

Paul said she had repeatedly warned her children to stay away from ‘Sixth Bridge’, which she described as a dangerous area known for deep water and previous drowning incidents.

“Ifyouseetheplace…is adeep,deepplace,”shesaid, stillstrugglingtounderstand whythechildrenwentthere.

Bankownedby Venezuelansclaimsit helpedGuyanatofinance WalesGas-to-Energy project …leaked financial proposal surfaces

In what is not only the country’s most expensive

integral role in securing financing for a $759M natural gas and power generation facility, which will decrease energy expenses for thousands of homes and businesses by over50%.”

“BSJI was pivotal in supporting Lindsayca CH4 Guyana’s$759Mprojectfor the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana for the construction of a natural gas liquids extraction plant and a 300 MW power generation facility that will provide clean, stable and affordable energy to thousands of families and businesses in thecountry,”itcontinued.

ButwhiletheVenezuelalin

a financier for the project that is expected to transform Guyana’s energy landscape, readers would recall that it wastheUnitedStatesExport Import (US EXIM) Bank that provided the country with a loan to support the constructionactivities.

of the project cost up to US$252M.

BSJI made it clear in its list of requirements “NGL commercialisation:theparty thatwinsthetradingcontract must be approved by BSJI, asshallthefinalcontract.”

Additionally, the proposal states that BSJI “may use any carbon credits generated by the project, particularlyasitrelatestothe substitution of fuel in generating electric power, for its use to offset carbon footprint BSJI may also assignanyofthosecreditsto thirdparties,withorwithout receivingbenefits.”

Recognising the risk involvedwiththeproject,the bank also made it clear that t h e c o v e r a g e f o r construction/performance, operating and political risk mus

p

able to BSJI Furthermore,thecostofthis insuranceistobecoveredby theclient(Guyana).

but controversial venture on record, the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project currently taking shape at Wales, West BankDemeraracontinuesto raise eyebrows, with claims being made that a bank owned by a Venezuelan family and headquartered in Puerto Rico, helped Guyana to secure finances for the development.

Guyana signed a US$759M agreement with a consortium, Lindsayca/CH4 in December 2022 for the design, procurement and constructionofaNaturalGas Liquid plant and a 300 megawatt natural gas fire plant.

A t t h e t i m e , neighbouringVenezuelawas undersanctionbytheUnited States Government, yet B a n c o S a n J u a n Internacional (BSJI) a bank owned and directed by Venezuelan national, Marcelino Bellosta Varady recently revealed that the financial institution was involved in financing the GTEproject.

InarecentLinkedInpost, the bank said, “Guyana has some of the highest electricity rates in Latin America — but this is about to change. BSJI played an

In January 2025, it was reportedthattheGoGsigned a US$527 million loan agreement with the U S EXIM Bank, for the project. Atthetime,itwasexplained that Guyana would plug the additional resources required to support the project.

This therefore raises questionsastotheassertions made by BSJI. Did the company indeed help the GoG to secure additional finances for this project? If so, what are the terms

attached to this loan agreement and why was it never made available to the public?

Calls to the Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh seekingclarityontheclaims made by BSJI were unsuccessful.

BSJI’sfinancialproposal

Thisnewspaperhasseen a leaked financial proposal

s u b m i t t e d b y t h e Venezuelan-owned entity, stating its interest in providing a loan for the Guyanagasproject. It is understood that key players in the project received a copy of the document, including the GTE Taskforce Head, WinstonBrassingtonandDr Singh. The document, dated 10th June, 2022 laid out crucial details about the proposal, including the repayment duration, interest and its intent to supply 35%

A deep dive into the records of BSJI by Kaieteur News unearthed a troubling historyofFBIraids,millions seized,andamulti-yearlegal war with the United States FederalReserve.

The2019FBIRaidand theVenezuelaConnection

On 6th February, 2019, the Associated Press reported that heavily armed FBI agents raided BSJI’s offices in San Juan, seizing documents and digital evidence in a major operation tied to the violation of U.S. sanctions againstVenezuela.

Federal authorities suspected the bank was beingusedtolaundermoney linked to Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA), the Venezuelan state-owned oilcompany Thefalloutwas swift and severe. The U.S. DepartmentofJusticeseized US$53Mfromthebank,and theFederalReserveBankof New York (FRBNY) suspended BSJI’s “master account” the critical lifelinethatallowsabankto access U S electronic paymentsystems. While BSJI eventually agreed to pay a $1M fine to resolve the probe and promisedtocleanupitsantimoney laundering (AML) protocols, the stain remained.

BootedbytheFed:The 2023–2025LegalSaga

If a bank cannot be trusted by the central bankingsystemoftheUnited States,whyshouldthe Continued on page 32

I n n a r c i s s i s t i c households, one parent is t y p i c a l l y t h e narcissist/abuser, while the other is a passive enabler, betraying children’s trust Narcissism is diagnosed when an individual meets at least five of nine criteria: grandiosity, fantasies of success,beliefinsuperiority,

excessive need for

admiration, sense of entitlement, exploitative behaviour, lack of empathy, chronicenvy,andarrogance.

These traits often develop as a means of projecting superiority for survival. Narcissists lack a stable identity and selfesteem, and function emotionally at the level of a toddler They will hide your things and help you look for it. They often repeat these patterns with their own children.

CHARACTERISTICS

Narcissistic parenting is often characterised by conditional love, in which

affection, attention, acceptance, and approval depend on the child’s obedience, appearance, achievements, or ability to enhance the parent’s image. The child internalises the belief,“IamvaluablewhenI perform,please,orimpress.”

Lack of emotional attunement: the parent minimises or dismisses the child’s feelings, saying things like, “You are too sensitive,” or “You have nothing to be upset about.” Ratherthanhelpingthechild understand emotions, the parent expects the child to protecttheparent’sfeelings.

Psychological control: the parent uses guilt, shame, silent treatment, threats, withdrawal of affection, comparison, or humiliation to control the child. This approachfosterscompliance and dependence, and is linked to maladaptive narcissistic traits and reduced autonomy The

narcissist partner experiences the same behaviourtoo.

Parentification: the child

assumes the role of emotional

r, problem-solver, substitute partner, or source of reassurance for the parent. Asaresult,thechildlearnsto prioritise others’ needs over theirown.

Enmeshment: the parent views the child as an

Towards a better life with your psychologist

Children of Narcissistic Parents

extension of themselves rather than an individual. Independence, privacy, or disagreement are seen as betrayals or forms of disrespect.

Scapegoating and

favouritism: Parental favouritism is associated w

ng closeness and lower relationship quality in adulthood.Onechildmaybe designated the golden child,

whose achievements enhance the parent’s image, while another becomes the scapegoat,blamedforfamily issues. These roles can shift ifchildrennolongermeetthe parent’sexpectations.

Competition with the child: the parent may feel threatened when the child receives attention, becomes independent, achieves success, marries, or forms close relationships The parentattemptstoundermine or sabotage these external connections.

Image management: the family may appear successful or respectable in public, but is emotionally unsafe in private. Protecting the family’s reputation takes precedence over addressing harm. Hidden issues often

u n d e r m i n e f a m i l y relationships Narcissist parent, leaders, friend seldom change because the do not see what they are doing as wrong. Lacking remorse and self-reflection. The traits are vital for their survival.

IMPACT ON ADULTHOOD

Children of narcissistic parents often develop unstable self-worth. When parental approval is inconsistent or based on performance, children may experience low self-esteem, shame over normal weaknesses, dependence on praise, fear of disappointing others, difficulty identifying their own interests, and the belief that mistakes make them unworthy These adult children go on to form

relationships with narcissists, mirroring the narcissistic parent or adopting the behaviour that mirrorsthepassive,enabling parent.

Childrendevelopanxiety and depression, remaining hypervigilant to changes in the parent’s mood, expression, or tone. This leads to chronic worry,

sadness, emotional

s u p p r e s s i o n , a n d helplessness.

Perfectionism may develop as a way to avoid shame, punishment, or rejection The child believes being flawless ensures safety orlove Inadulthood,thiscan result in overpreparation, procrastination, fear of submitting work, difficulty celebrating success, severe self-criticism,andburnout

Adults may overwork, fear mistakes, repeatedly check tasks, struggle to delegate, feel guilty when resting, accept unreasonable workloads, and take on unpaidresponsibilities.

Narcissisticparentsoften punishemotionalexpression rather than teach emotional regulation As a result, children may struggle to identify feelings, express anger appropriately, selfsoothe, tolerate criticism, seek comfort, or distinguish guilt from responsibility Some become emotionally explosive, while others becomenumb.

Identity confusion: the child knows what the parent wants but not their own beliefs, preferred career, healthy relationships, necessary boundaries, or sense of self apart from achievementorapproval.

Children of narcissistic parents often adopt survival rolesascopingmechanisms. The achiever seeks safety through performance. The caretaker manages others’ emotions The invisible child avoids attention and conflict. The rebel expresses unspoken family anger.Thescapegoatcarries b l a m e f o r f a m i l y d y s

o n T h e entertainer uses humour to reduce tension. The golden child protects the parent’s image through compliance andsuccess.

Fear of abandonment: as adults,theseindividualsmay become distressed by ordinary separations, delayed messages, or changesinapartner’smood. They may seek constant reassurance or stay in unhealthy relationships to avoidabandonment.

Fear of intimacy: some individuals protect themselves by maintaining emotional distance They maydesirelovebutwithdraw when relationships become vulnerable This can lead to anxious attachment, characterised by fear of

abandonment, reassuranceseeking, jealousy, and discomfort with emotional distance Othersmaydevelop avoidant attachment, marked byemotionalwithdrawaland excessiveself-reliance

People-pleasing: adult children may struggle with identity, have difficulty saying “no,” apologise excessively, avoid expressing their needs, feel responsible for a partner’s emotions, confuse sacrifice with love, and feel guilty aftersettingboundaries.

Repetition of familiar toxic relationships: familiarity is often mistaken for compatibility

Unconsciously, individuals may choose controlling, emotionally unavailable, or highly critical partners, recreate unresolved childhooddynamics.

Difficulty recognising emotional abuse: when manipulation, humiliation, and guilt are normalised in childhood, adults may overlook similar behaviours inpartners.

Poor conflict resolution: a d u l t s m a y a v o i d disagreement, become overly defensive, shut down when criticised, overexplain

simple decisions, a s s u m e e v e r y disagreementwillend the relationship, and perceive a partner’s boundaryasrejection.

C o n f u s i n g

By Dr. Telford Layne Jr. PsyD, MSc. Postgrad, BSc. Clinical and Developmental Psychologist - Psychoanalyst Unwrapping Gift -Clinic

y, jealousy, and repeated breakupsandreconciliations may feel more familiar than calm,consistentlove.

Distrust of kindness and care: genuine kindness may feel uncomfortable at first.

Theadultchildmaywonder, “Whatdoesthispersonwant from me?” “When will the criticism begin?” or “Can I trust someone who is this calm?”

Adults may become dependable helpers who rarely seek support Friendships and other relationships can become one-sided,asindividualsfeel they must earn belonging throughusefulness.

Adult children of narcissistic parents often worry about repeating these patterns. Some may become overprotective, avoid discipline, be excessively permissive, feel anxious about mistakes, depend on

their child’s affection, withdraw emotionally when overwhelmed, or feel uncomfortable with their child’s independence. The adult child’s sensitivity to authority becomes a sore point An authority’s feedbackactivatesmemories of parental criticism. The personmayrespondby: Impostor feelings: even accomplished professionals may feel fraudulent when their achievements do not fosterstableself-worth.

HOPE

Ifyouhaveanarcissistic parent, consider seeking psychotherapy, plus separating from the parent, to break intergenerational patterns Therapy helps reclaim identity, address mental health challenges, and rebuild self-esteem and self-worth.Thissupportalso helpspreventtheacceptance of repetition patterns in future.

By Dr. Karen Abrams, MBA, AA

Drive through Georgetownand the evidence of prosperityiseverywhereyou look. Cranes on the skyline. Hotels rising Highways widening. Housing schemes spreading. Construction has become the visible face of the boom, and I understand why it inspires pride. After generations of making do, wearefinallybuilding.Ifeel ittoo.

But I want to ask a careful question this week, andIaskitasafriendofthe building,notanopponent.

What happens after the ribboniscut?

The World Bank’s April 2026 update on our region contains a number worth sitting with. Guyana’s nonoil economy is projected to grow at a remarkable averageof9.4percentayear through 2027 But look inside that number and the composition tells its own story. Construction is growing at 25.4 percent.

Manufacturing at 12.9

Advancing Education, Technology & Innovation in Guyana…

The Construction Boom is Not a Development Plan

percent. Agriculture at 7.6 percent.

The non-oil boom, in otherwords,isbeingcarried disproportionately by construction, and that mattersbecauseconstruction is what economists call derived demand. It responds to spending that originates elsewhere. When the State builds roads and the oil sector builds facilities, construction booms. When that spending slows, construction slows with it, because construction does notgenerateitsowndemand. It is the echo of other money,notasourceofit.

This is the distinction I want to draw as clearly as I can. Building the country physically and building the countryproductivelyarenot thesamething.

A road is valuable if it connectsfarmerstomarkets, children to schools, and businessestocustomers.The same road is just expensive concrete if nothing productivegrowsalongit.If

a new highway reduces transportation costs for farmers and helps them move produce to market faster and cheaper, that is development. If it simply gets us from one point to anotherafewminutesfaster without creating new economic activity, its contributionisfarsmaller

A hotel is an asset if visitors keep coming for decades and if it creates opportunities for local suppliers, local food producers, and local workers Buildings can appreciate in value over time, but sustainable economic growth comes from the income and productivity they enable Thequestiontoaskofevery project is not how impressive it looks on opening day but what income it keeps generating in year ten, after the contractors have been paid andgone.

C o n s t r u c t i o n employmentitselfillustrates

the point. Construction jobs are important and provide incomes for thousands of families. But they are also inherently temporary The mason who builds a hotel cannot rebuild the same hotel every year The carpenter who works on a bridge eventually finishes the bridge Sustainable prosperity requires industries that continue generating income and employment long after the finalcoatofpainthasdried. History offers a caution here, told gently Resource booms everywhere produce construction booms because building is the fastest and most visible way to convert revenue into activity The economies that prospered afterward were the ones where the building was in serviceofaproductiveplan. Ports that fed export industries. Power systems that lowered costs for every firm. Schools and laboratories that raised the capabilityofthepeople.

The economies that struggled were the ones where the construction was the plan, where the activity endedwhenthebuildingdid, and where the skills, firms, and industries that should havegrownupalongsidethe concreteneverquitedid.

So what would it look like for our construction b o o m t o s e r v e a development plan rather thansubstituteforone?

It would mean judging public investment by the income it enables, not the square footage it delivers. It would mean pairing every physicalinvestmentwiththe humanone,theroadwiththe agricultural extension service, the industrial site with the technical training, the school building with the teacher development that fillsitwithlearning.

I t w o u l d m e a n deliberately growing

Guyaneseconstructionfirms intoengineering,design,and project management companies capable of competingregionally,sothat the boom builds an industry andnotjustbuildings.

And it would mean asking, sector by sector, what productive activity each project unlocks, and being honest when the answer is unclear If an industrial park remains largely empty, it is not an engine of development. If a new port does not increase exports,itisnotfulfillingits potential. If a hotel imports most of its supplies and creates few linkages with local businesses, its economic impact is smaller than its impressive façade suggests.

Most importantly, it would mean investing as heavilyinpeopleaswedoin

concrete.

The most productive infrastructureinanycountry is not concrete. It is human capability Anationofhighly skilled, healthy, and educated people can create wealthlongaftertheoilruns dry The government’s GOAL programme has rightly celebrated the award of more than 50,000 scholarships, and free education at the University ofGuyanaishelpingtobuild amoreeducatedsociety Yet, at the same time, every five years our secondary schools loseacomparablenumberof students who leave the s y s t e m w i t h o u t matriculating This is a national contradiction that must be urgently addressed. Roads and bridges matter enormously, but ultimately, theyareonlyplatformsupon which productive people build businesses, innovate, and create prosperity. None of this is an argument to build less. It is an argument to build with a clear development strategy inmind.

Thecranesonourskyline are an opportunity that previous generations would havegivenanythingtohave. Thetaskistomakesurethat when they come down, they leavebehindmorethanwhat they lifted They should leave behind an economy that no longer needs the scaffolding.

Because a crane can build a skyline, but only productive people and productive industries can build a prosperous nation. If we mistake construction for development, we may one day find ourselves surrounded by impressive buildings but still searching foraneconomy

CARA HOTELS serves heritage on a plate for Guyana Restaurant Week

ByKhadidjaBa

“Don’tjustcometodine. Enjoy the history, culture and stay for the flavour.”

This was the passionate invitation extended by Janel Hamilton-Austin, Food and Beverages Manager of Cara Hotels, during an interview withKaieteurNews

As Guyana Restaurant Week (June 19th – 28th, 2026) hits its stride, Cara Hotels stands out not merely as a participant, but as a true custodian of the tradition

AHeritageofHospitality

“Actually, our CEO Shaun McGrath, was once a seniorofficialoftheTourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and he was the one who introduced Guyana Restaurant Week

during his tenure, ” Hamilton-Austin revealed proudly “So, we have been theresincetheinception.”

Seeing the festival grow to a record-breaking 26 establishments this year, CaraHotelsremainsunfazed

by the burgeoning competition. While patrons flock to try new spots, Cara Hotelsofferssomethingthat cannot be manufactured: deep-rootedheritage.

Nestled within a magnificent wooden building dating back to the 1840s, the venue breathes

history “For us, it’s not just about dining; this is history and culture,” HamiltonAustinremarked. PurelyGuyanese, BoldlyFusion

behindthemagicconsistsof 12 front-of-house staff managing the restaurant and bars, alongside a 14-person powerhouse kitchen crewallproudlyGuyanese.

“Restaurant week is not just about a cheaper cost,” H a m i l t o n - A u s t i n emphasised “It’s about using local produce. The majority of our menu features local ingredients, from seafood to fruits and vegetables.”

The culinary theme is a masterclass in cleaner cooking and clever fusion. For example, their dinner menu highlights dishes utilising clean stir-fry techniques paired with a comforting garden-mashed eddoes,alongsidearichcrab andcallaloosoup.

For those exploring the Lunch Menu, the options cater to every palate, from cheese lovers to those seekingatilapiafilletmeal.

ADeconstructedTriumph

Sitting in the breezy restaurant, the culinary journey began with the DeconstructedBeefLasagna Soup.

simmer in a rich, herbinfusedtomatobroth,topped with a gooey melted cheese blend.Itisabrilliant,messy, heartwarming fusion that completely reinvents a classic.

Other notable entrées gracingtheeventinclude:

To conclude, the warm Chocolate Lava cake arrived.

It was a rich chocolate masterpiece bursting with a gooey,moltencore,drizzled with a house-made sour cherrysyrupandservedwith acrunchyvanillawafer

RestaurantWeek at Cara Hotels is a celebration of local food security and culinaryingenuity The powerhouse team

Accompaniedby vibrant micro-greens and golden, glistening garlic knots, this dish is absolute comfort by the spoonful. Ground beef, tender lasagna noodles, spinach, and tomatoes

Asian Bird’s Nest: Sauteed chicken strips tossed in an aromatic house sauceinsideacrispy,golden potatobasket

·SpicyPrawnScampi:A fiery, elegantly plated seafooddelight

Rum Raisin Pork

Chops: A decadent sweetand-savorymarriage

While the week started quietly, momentum is building rapidly and ending onJune28th.

L o o k i n g a h e a d , Hamilton-Austin noted that future events should align closelywithlocalpaycycles so “everybody can experience the greatness of RestaurantWeek.”

GKFC’s Nothing to Laugh About 17 17 Returns July 4 and 5

uyana’s most h i g h l y anticipated theatrical productions, KFC’s Nothing to Laugh About 17, is set to return to thestageonJuly4thand5th, bringing with its signature humour, sharp satire, and fearless storytelling that audiences have come to expect.

Createdin2008byMaria Benschop, Nothing to Laugh About has grown into a standout fixture on the local entertainment calendar

Over the years, the production has earned a reputation for pushing the envelope while using comedyasamirrortoreflect society’s most talked-about issues,uncomfortabletruths, andeverydayrealities.

This year’s edition p r o m i s e s a n o t h e r

unforgettable experience, featuring a powerful mix of satire, slapstick comedy, dramatic skits, and social c o m m e n t a r y. T h e production will explore a wide range of themes, including relationship issues, trending situations, abuse, mental health, infidelity, family dynamics, social behaviour, and the manyissuesthatcontinueto shape conversations across Guyana.

Scenes from KFC’s Nothing to Laugh About 17

At its core, KFC’s Nothing to Laugh About 17 is more than just a comedy show. It is a reflection of society,takingthesituations people whisper about, argue over, post about, and live through, and bringing them to the stage in a way that is bold, entertaining, and thought-provoking.

The show boasts an exceptional cast of actors, each bringing their own unique flair, timing, and energy to the production.

This year’s cast includes Michael Ignatius, Leza Singh, Mark Kazim,

Clemencio Goddette, Chris Gopaul, Gerard Gilkes, Panda, Sonia Yarde, Mark Luke Edwards, Abigail Brower, Samuel Opara, and more.

Known for its fearless approach to current issues and its ability to blend laughter with reality, Nothing to Laugh About continuestostandoutasone of the few productions willing to tackle serious topics through comedy, while still delivering the high-energy entertainment audienceslove.

Asanticipationbuildsfor this year’s staging, patrons

can expect an evening filled withlaughter,surprises,bold characters, and moments that will have them saying, “That is exactly how it happensinreallife.”

KFC’s Nothing to Laugh About 17 takes the stage on July 4th and 5th and is sponsored by KFC, Pizza Hut, GuyFresh Trading, B a s h e i r & S o n s Construction Inc , MVP Sports & Sterling Products Ltd. Showtime is 8pm and dress code is in effect

Tickets are $2000, $3000, $5000 and $6000. Tickets are only available at the NationalCulturalCentre.

‘Le Chef’orchestratesan immaculate

fusionepicforRestaurantWeek

ByKhadidjaBa

Stepthroughthedoorsof Le Chef during this spectacular installment of Guyana Restaurant Week, and you are immediately enveloped in an ambiance that is simultaneously intimateandelectric.

The dining room strikes theperfectbalance,cozy,yet beautifullywell-lit,providing an inviting backdrop for a masterclass in gastronomy

We were warmly guided to our seats by our attentive waitress, Nadine Bristol, whose impeccable service set the stage for an unforgettableevening.

Attheheartofthisvibrant culinary sanctuary is Dustin Dalgety, the visionary owner and chef Chef Dalgety crafted a menu that does not merely feed the appetite; it sings a song of bold, intentionalcreativity.

Our culinary journey commenced with a welcome

drinkthatimmediatelyteased thepalate,alovely,refreshing fusion concoction balancing vibrantsweetnoteswithcrisp undertones.

The initial excitement only intensified as the

crowned with delicately drizzled house sauces, a sprinkleofsesameseeds,and elegantmicro-greens.

Accompaniedbyabloom of pickled ginger and sharp wasabi, the execution was

appetizers arrived The Dragon Roll Sushi can only be described as absolute perfectiononastoneslate.

This pristine roll features perfectly seasoned rice cradlingarich,crispyinterior,

raisedthestakeswith a spectacular showcase of savory artistry:

The presentation alone is a visual feast Thick, beautifully seared cuts of

sliced fried plantain chip, adding a subtle, velvet sweetness to the plate. To complete the composition, a vibrant array of seasonal vegetables, including crisp broccoli and bright carrots,

flawless, offering an immaculate balance of textures that danced across thetastebuds.

TheMainEvent: PlatedPerfection Forthemaincourse,Chef

tender beef are glazed in a deeply aromatic, glossy reductionsauce.

Restingbesidethemeatis a towering, perfectly piped mountain of creamy sweet potato mash with a thinly

bringsafresh,earthybalance toadeeplysatisfyingdish.

Pure,Fresh,and Homemade

Noepicureanadventureis complete without a sweet finale,andLeChefdelivered

an absolute triumph of simplicity and natural excellence

The dessert course features an artisanal pairing of a smooth cheesecake and homemade mango ice cream Free from artificial enhancement, both elements burst with authentic,cleanprofiles.

The cheesecake is light and fresh which left your mouth salivating with the flavour of natural passion fruit, while the velvety, homemade mango ice-cream sings with the tropical sweetnessofpurelocalfruit.

Artfully presented on a cream-colouredplate,draped inrichchocolateribbonsand a sweet coulis, it offers a wonderfully refreshing conclusion to an exquisite meal.

Chef Dustin Dalgety has trulyoutdonehimselfforthis year’s culinary festival. Le Chef delivered not just a dinner, but a vivid, sensory celebrationoffood

BUILD STRONG FOUNDATIONS WITH READY-MIXED

CONCRETE THAT MEETS STANDARD REQUIREMENTS

Everylastingstructureis built on a foundation of quality, precision, and care. Tomeetthesespecifications, it is important that the construction materials used in the foundation meet the requirements of national standards One of those materialsistheready-mixed concretemadefromcement, aggregates, water, and sometimes admixtures, which is delivered to a site and poured to build the foundationofstructures.

At the Guyana National

Bureau of Standards (GNBS), there is the NationalStandard“GYS227 - Specification for ReadyMixed Concrete. ” It specifies the conditions under which ready-mixed concrete shall be made and delivered, the methods by which the purchaser can specify his/her enquiry or order, and the properties of theconcreterequired.

The document gives guidance on the data to be provided by the purchaser when ordering ready-mixed concrete, the inspection facilities to be provided by

the supplier and the appropriate tests Routine tests which must be carried outbythesupplierandthose w h i c h a r e t h e responsibilities of the purchaserarealsoincluded.

GYS 227 covers central mixed concrete which is mixed in a stationary mixer before being transported to the point of delivery, and truck-mixed concrete which is mixed completely in a

truckmixer

Notably, the standard does not cover the placing, compaction, curing or protection of the concrete after delivery, nor does it apply to materials for lean concreteorsimilarroadbase materials.

In addition to the standard, the GNBS qualified Laboratory

Technicians offer testing of concrete mixtures in the form of concrete cubes, to ensure the mixture produces strong, quality structures

Recognising that buyers are not witnesses to the mixing stageofthisproductandmay have doubts about its strength, the GNBS’

Industrial Metrology and Testing (IMT) Department offers testing to both suppliersandbuilders.

Interested clients are required to submit three cubes for testing to GNBS’ Georgetown location. These canbesubmittedaftercuring for 24 hours, seven days, 14 days, 21 days and 28 days. Once submitted to the GNBS, the cubes are measured and weighed before they are tested for compressivestrengthusinga compression testing machine.Atest certificate is provided at the end of the process.

Thesetestsareofferedin a c c o r d a n c e w i t h international standards. In thiscase,thestandardusedis the European Standard –“BS EN 12390-3 Testing hardened concreteCompressive strength of test

specimens.”

Contractors and homebuilderslookingtotest the strength of their structures which were already built can also do so, using the GNBS’ NonDestructive Testing (NDT) service. This is done with t h e u s e o f a Rebound/Schmidt Hammer to ascertain the quality of concretefoundations,floors, walls,posts,fences,bridges, etc. The equipment can also determine the compressive strength of concrete used to

make concrete electrical poles, and columns, foundations, etc with a range from 0 - 8400 Pounds per Square Inch (PSI) or 058 Megapascals (MPa) Using the rebound method, this test provides a convenient and rapid i n d i c a t i o n o f t h e compressive strength of the concrete structure, and a certificate is prepared and provided by the GNBS to clients,whichcanbeusedas a firm basis for the acceptance or rejection of a

structure.

Further, the GNBS providestestingforconcrete cylinders and concrete hollow blocks (size three, four or six inches)

Meanwhile, calibration is also provided for comp

sion testing machines to promote accurate reading This calibration exercise is done onthesite.Interestedclients can schedule this service throughtheGNBSwebsitehttps://gnbsgycom/metrolo gy/industrial-metrology/.

To learn more, visit the GNBS booth at this year’s international Building Expo set for June 25-28 at the National Stadium, Providence, which is being hosted under the theme Guyana at 60: Building strong foundation for a sustainablefuture.

F o r f u r t h e r information on how to access this and other services, contact GNBS at 2 1 9 - 0 0 6 4 - 6 6 , v i a WhatsApp at 692-4627 or emailinfo@gnbsgy.org

Frompage22 regionalenergysectortrustthem?

Despite promises to reform, BSJI failed to submit mandated assessments attesting to the effectiveness of its compliance programmes.ConcludingthatBSJI posedan“unduerisktotheoverall economy by facilitating activities such as money laundering”, the NewYorkFedofficiallyterminated BSJI’smasteraccountin2023.

Rather than quietly fixing their internal operations, BSJI launched a legal campaign to force the Federal Bank to reinstate their access.InJuly2023,BSJIsuedthe FederalReserveBankofNewYork in the Southern District of New York BSJI claimed they had a “statutory entitlement” to a master account and argued that without it, theywouldsufferirreparableharm andlosetheirclientele.

The U.S. courts, however, did not budge. In October 2023, Judge JohnKoeltldeniedtheirrequestfor a preliminary injunction, noting that the Federal Bank was well within its rights to protect the financial system from illicit activity

In January 2025, the District CourtcompletelydismissedBSJI’s amended complaint.. When BSJI refused to accept defeat and appealed,theSecondCircuitCourt of Appeals delivered a unanimous decisioninMay2026,affirmingthe dismissal and ruling definitively thatBSJIhadnostatutoryrighttoa masteraccount.

TheBellosta connectioninGuyana

Marcelino Bellosta, the Venezuelan banker who owns and serves as a director for BSJI, has blended himself into Guyana’s gas project,accordingtosources.

Kaieteur News previously exposed the secret US$80M arbitrationpayouttotheLindsayca

CH4 consortium, a major contractor on Guyana’s Gas-toEnergyproject.CH4SystemsLLC, a Puerto Rican company ousted duringthosenegotiations,iswholly ownedbyJuanBellosta.

Oursourcesconfirmthatduring the crucial contract negotiations in 2022 for the Wales project and again later during the secretive

Dispute Avoidance and Adjudication Board (DAAB) hearings,MarcelinoBellostawasa constant,loomingpresence.

Furthermore, flight records obtained by this newspaper show that during these sensitive periods of negotiation and dispute

resolution, the private jet associatedwiththeBellostafamily and their banking interests was a frequentflyertoGuyana.

Guyanese must know why a banker, whose institution was under intense scrutiny by the U.S. Federal Reserve for money launderingrisks,wassointimately involved in the negotiations of a multi-million-dollar Guyanese

(vi) whether any licence, right or approval has been granted; (vii) whetheranytransferorassignment has occurred and (viii) what information is confidential, and why

The energy strategist insisted that sharing this information is not anti-government, but rather, progovernance.

Senior Energy and Strategy Advisor and former Director of Geology and Geophysics at the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Energy,Anthony Paul

infrastructureproject.

Guyana, and the wider region, must remain vigilant When the suits show up with bright smiles, private jets, and polished press releases, it is our job to check the fineprint.

WEDNESDAY

Guyanashouldfiercely guardagainstsecrecyin oilandgassector

– Trinidadian Energy Strategist …says key licences, agreements, terms and arrangements for GTE project must be public

Trinidadian Energy Strategist, AnthonyPaulhasurgedGuyanato guardagainstsecrecyintheoiland gassector,adangerousculturethat gripped his home nation and affectedthecountryfromenjoying the full value of its natural resources.

In a column published on Sunday by Kaieteur News, the energy expert lauded Guyana’s efforts for publishing several petroleum agreements, but pointed to the deafening calls for transparencyinthedevelopmentof the gas industry with several documentsstillnotpublic.

Paul explained, “The Gas-toEnergyprojectshouldbealearning point. If key licences, agreements, cost-recovery arrangements, pipeline terms, gas supply arrangements, reimbursements or related project documents are not available in the same way petroleum agreements have been published,thencitizensshouldask why Not because the project is necessarily wrong Not because development should stop But because a national energy project funded by public resources and linked to petroleum production must be subject to public understanding.”

Headdedthatthepublicshould know(i)whatagreementsexist;(ii) who the parties are; (iii) what; (iv) recoverable costs; (v) what obligations the State has assumed;

“A strong government should welcome this scrutiny because it strengthensitshand.Whencitizens understand the issues, the government can say to companies: these are not the demands of a few officials;thesearetheexpectations of a people who understand their resource,”headded.

Paulurgedthecountrytoensure itguardsagainsthidinginformation from the public. He said, “Guyana should therefore guard fiercely againsttheslowreturnofsecrecy It beginsquietly.First,adocumentis said to be too technical. Then an agreement is descri

s commercially sensitive Then a project is treated as urgent. Then disclosureisdelayed.Thencitizens aretoldtotrusttheprocess.”

Trinidadand Tobago’sexperience

LeaningonthelessonsofT&T, theexpertdescribedhowacountry with more than a century of petroleum history lost enormous value from weak regulators, contractskeptfrompublicscrutiny, lack of enforcement of legal safeguards and citizens not given the information needed to understand and defend their nationalinterest.

Paul noted that across the Caribbean, citizens for years were toldthatoilandgascontractswere too sensitive, too technical or too commercially confidential for public scrutiny. Trinidad and Tobago’s experience however shows the danger of that culture, according to him The energy strategistnotedthatevenwherethe law required public records, the public could still be left unable to follow what happened to licences, renewals,transfersandassets.

In Trinidad’s case, the Petroleum Act provided for a petroleum register, where licences granted, assignments, renewals, surrenders, terminations and revocations were supposed to be recorded. Further, notice of these actions was supposed to be publishedinthecountry’sGazette. Tothisend,Paulsaid,“Inprinciple that should have allowed citizens, competitors, journalists, unions, investors and public-interest groups to see when petroleum rights changed hands But the practicalrealitywasdifferent.”

The expert highlighted that some of the country’s most important petroleum licences became difficult for the public to track, as major renewals and transfers were announced through newspapers, industry reports or

company statements. As such, the publicrecordwasnotmaintainedin a way that allowed ordinary citizens to follow the full chain of rights,obligationsandvalue.

Paul emphasised the importanceoftheinformationgap, pointing to the missed opportunity for Trinidad and Tobago to use expiring or renewed licences to foreigncompaniestostrengthenits national company that closed its operationsin2018.

He explained, “Producing assets, platforms, wells, pipelines andrelatedinfrastructuremayhave beenavailabletotheStateunderthe law when licences expired or acreage was surrendered. Instead, assets remained with or moved through private operators, and somewerelatersold.”

AlessonforGuyana

Paul believes Guyana is still in the early phases of its petroleum journey to avoid the mistakes of T&T. “It still has opportunities ahead: relinquished acreage, new contracts, farm-ins, asset transfers, corporate takeovers, future gas agreements,andeventualrenewals oramendmentstoexistinglicences. Each of those moments can create value. Each can also move value awayfromtheStateifcitizensand regulatorsarenotalert,”hewarned.

Moreover, the expert strongly advised Guyana against a “onetime” act of transparency and instead suggested a system crafted to inform the public. This means contracts and licences must be made public, creating public registers, Gazette notices, transaction disclosures, costrecovery explanations and clear reporting when petroleum rights are granted, renewed, assigned, transferred, relinquished or terminated.

OppositionLeaderdemands thoroughinvestigationof allegedtaxandlabourlaw breachesbyGTEcontractor …calls on Labour Minister to assess working conditions

Leader of the Opposition and We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, Azruddin Mohamed has

Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed raising concerns about the project during a visit to the site earlier this month.

called for a thorough investigation to be conducted in the alleged floutingofGuyana’slabourandtax laws by the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) contractor,Lindsayca.

Theforeigncompanywashired to construct a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL)facilityatWalestotreatgas that will be transported to the site, as well as build the country’s first gas-fired power plant, which is expected to generate 300megawattsofelectricity

It was recently reported that hundreds of foreign workers employed at the project are allegedly working without valid permits and being paid through a third-party company in a system that may be circumventing Guyana’s labour, immigration and taxlaws.

With no work permits, the foreign employees are paid millions through a digital payment system with no taxes paid to the GuyanaRevenueAuthority(GRA) or the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), while Guyanese employees aremandatedtopaythesetaxes.

According to the Opposition Leader, these damning allegations if proven true, point to a major breach in Guyana’s laws He explained, “It points to tax avoidance and irregular payroll practices that should not be ignored The Guyana Revenue Authority must investigate and conduct an audit to ensure full compliance with the country’s tax andlabourlaws.”

The leader highlighted that the US$759M project cost has ballooned to almost US$1B, pointingtotheimportanceoftaxes being paid by the foreign contractors to the state. In fact, he urgedthatnocompanyoperatingin Guyana should be allowed to bypassthenationaltaxsystem.

Additionally, Mohamed called for an urgent site visit to be conducted by the Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith to assess the working conditions of the employeesattheGTEproject.

Several calls and messages to ministerGriffithforacommenton Continued on page 33

Frompage32 the issue went unanswered, since Saturday Leaked documents, digital paymentrecordsandaccountsfrom workers suggest that foreign labourers are allegedly not being paid directly by Lindsayca or its knownpartners.Instead,wagesare reportedly routed through an intermediarycompanyidentifiedas MOAPInc.

MOAPInc.allegedlyfunctions as a financial conduit for payroll, potentially bypassing statutory obligations, including National

Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions, while facilitating payments to hundreds of undocumentedforeignworkers.

This publication understands that MOAP avoids a paper trail through the traditional banking system and executes bulk salary disbursements via a local digital paymentsystem.

Meanwhile, on the ground, workersdescribeutmostfear,being trappedinasystemofdependency One worker spoke with this newspaper strictly off the record out of fear for his safety The employee detailed the grim reality of life inside the Lindsaycamanagedcamps.

According to the worker, “We, asundocumentedworkerspaidbya third party in MOAP have little recourse and are afraid for our job andincome.

We wish that Keoma Griffith and Ministry of Labour who has never visited nor inspected our job sites or accommodations take action on this matter and investigate why we are not receiving benefits nor properly employed, and instead we depend on this MOAP Inc. and whoever runsthisscheme.”

The worker’s plea highlights a glaring dereliction of duty by the Minister of Labour Recently, the subject minister championed the project as a massive employment opportunity,providinghigh-profile jobsforGuyanese.

It has however been disclosed that the project under construction at Wales, West Bank Demerara employs about 1,500 persons with only 50 of those being Guyanese. Sources linked to the project have accused the Ministry of Labour of failingtoconductduediligenceon how this foreign workforce is actuallybeingsourcedandpaid.By

failing to act, the Ministry is essentiallyallowingintermediaries like MOAP Inc. to blatantly break Guyana’s immigration and NIS

laws, the source close to governmentsaid.

This newspaper was informed that to date, there has been zero labour inspections at the GTE campsites,nochecksforlegalwork permits,andzeroaccountabilityfor thelackofstatutorybenefitsforthe hundreds of men building the nation’s largest infrastructure projectonrecord.

Beyond the non-payment of taxes and other benefits for workers,theuseofanintermediary company has raised deeper concerns relating to accountability formillionsofUS-dollars.

These bloated manpower invoices, if true, can serve a dual purpose:dodginglocaltaxeswhile generating lucrative kickbacks for Lindsayca managers operating on site.

THURSDAY Copconfessesto killingCubanwoman

A police constable has confessedtothemurderof26-yearoldCubannationalDailenPaneque Gómez, whose decomposed body was discovered in a clump of bushes on the East Coast of Demerara on Wednesday evening — six days after she was reported missingwhileonherwaytowork.

Paneque Gómez, a resident of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, was last seen during the early morning hours of Thursday, June 18,2026,assheleftforworkinthe Lusignan area. When she failed to arrive, she was reported missing, triggering an investigation by

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

detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters.

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

Crime Chief and Deputy Commissioner of Police Wendell Blanhum told Kaieteur News that the police constable was arrested andconfessedtokillingthewoman.

“The policeman confessed that heshotthevictim,”Blanhumsaid.

KaieteurNewsunderstandsthat the constable and the deceased shared an intimate relationship priortoherdisappearance.

STORMRAVAGES REGIONTWO

…destroysover100homes andpublicbuildings acrossthecountry …schoolsamongstructures batteredbyheavy rainsandstrongwinds

A powerful storm of heavy rainfall and strong winds has torn through Region Two, damaging more than 100 homes, public buildings, and private properties,

injuring a teacher, and leaving the Essequibo Coast grappling with widespread power outages and structural destruction at two schools.

PresidentIrfaanAliledasenior inter-agency team to the region to conduct an on-the-ground assessment and coordinate the emergency response, joining Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Mandanlall Ramraj, Civil Defence Commission (CDC) DirectorGeneralColonel(Retired) NazrulHussain,andseniorofficials of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).Initialassessmentsindicate that roof damage accounts for the majority of destruction across the affected communities. Emergency respondershavebegundistributing tarpaulins to provide temporary cover while a full-scale damage assessment remains underway Temporary shelter facilities have been placed on standby should displacement worsen, and power restoration crews are actively working to address major electricity disruptions across the region.

The storm inflicted significant structural damage on the Anna Regina Multilateral School and RiversTownPrimarySchoolonthe Essequibo Coast A teacher at Rivers Town Primary was injured in the incident and is currently receiving medical attention Reports are that a shed from the primary school fell on her head causinginjuries.

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

“We remain in close contact with the regional administration as we begin to mobilise further assistance. Meanwhile, extensive countrywide assessments are currently being conducted,” the Ministry stated, adding that once immediate evaluations are complete,itwillworkalongsidethe relevant Regional Democratic Councils and Municipalities to ensure all structural damage is remediedasamatterofurgency

TheCDCisleadingthebroader damage assessment as authorities worktodeterminethefullextentof destruction across affected communities.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Power

and Light Inc (GPL) said it received multiple reports of damage to the electricity network asaresultofthesquallthataffected severalpartsofthecountry

In a statement, GPL said “The severe weather conditions, characterized by strong winds and heavy rainfall, are currently impactingsectionsofGeorgetown, EastDemerara,someareasofWest Demerara, the Essequibo Coast, and Leguan. As a result, service interruptionsarebeingexperienced inanumberofcommunities.

GPL has received reports of fallen utility poles, damaged network infrastructure, and vegetationaffectingpowerlines.”

Te

inspections and assessments to determinetheextentofthedamage. Power has since been restored however, the power company warned that prevailing weather conditions may affect access to certain locations and the pace at which repairs can be safely completed.

“GPL is urging contractors, equipmentoperators,andmembers of the public to exercise extreme caution when operating near the electricitynetwork.Highwindscan weaken infrastructure, cause trees and debris to come into contact with power lines, and create hazardous conditions. Persons are advisedtomaintainasafedistance from downed wires, damaged poles, and any other compromised electricalinfrastructure.

All downed wires should be treated as live and dangerous Customersareencouragedtoreport anydamagednetworkcomponents or hazardous conditions through GPL’s emergency reporting channels including 226-2600 and ourEmergencyWhatsAppNumber 608-9090.” Broken trees and other debris were seen scattered in some communities across the country as heavy winds and rainfall battered thecoast.

FRIDAY Guyanasoontoknowif shallow-waterblocksholdoil …asAmericancompany launchesseismicactivity

The Government of Guyana (GoG)andanAmericanfirm,CGG ServicesInc.hascommenced Continued on page 34

Frompage33

Geotechnical Surveying and Seismic surveying operations within Block S4 of Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone to determine the potential of oil resourceswithinthatarea.

BlockS4,ashallowwaterblock was awarded to French oil giant, Total Energies on November 11, 2025.

Accordingtoanoticepublished on Wednesday by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), the exercise is scheduled to conclude on November 15, 2026. The SV BGP Prospector and OSV Moonrise-G will be used for the activity in the survey area which is situated approximately16.98nauticalmiles (31.4 kilometers) off the country’s coast and covering an area of 1782 28 square nautical miles (6113.05squarekilometers).

Seismic surveys are routinely used in offshore and gas explorationactivitiesworldwideto detect and define geological structuresundertheseabed.

A c c o r d i n g t o t h e Environmental Permit granted to thecompanybytheEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA), CGG will be required to submit a report to government on the survey three months after completing the process.

Section 10 19 of the Permit states: “The Permit Holder shall submitanOperationalSummaryof theSeismicSurveywithinthree(3) months after completion of the survey The use of maps, figures and tables should be included where applicable. The Operational Summaryshouldincludeacopyof the report prepared by the Marine Mammal Observers and Passive AcousticMonitoringObservers.”

An operational summary for a seismic survey provides a detailed accountoftheentirelifecycleofthe datacollectionprocessinthefield. Thedocumentistheofficialrecord ofthetypeofequipmentused,how it was deployed and what challengesthecrewencountered.A key feature of the summary is data qualityandpreliminaryprocessing where evaluation of the signal-tonoise ratio and data quality in the fieldisexplained.

According to the three-year permit obtained by CGG, the 3-D seismicsurveywillbeconductedin shallow water between Lots 2-4, offshoreGuyana.

Anapplicationfortheinitialoil exploration works was made by CGG, an affiliate company of the Viridiengroup.Viridienisaglobal advanced technology, digital and Earthdatacompanythatprovidesa comprehensive range of data, products,servicesandsolutionsfor complex digital, energy transition, natural resource, environmental and infrastructure challenges In addition to proprietary offshore projects for clients such as Exxon,

which discovered the successfulLizafieldfromCGG data, CGG acquired the only two offshore multi-client projects available for licensing inGuyana(StabroekPhase1& 2).

Regionally, CGG recently completed a multi-client project in Suriname in 2023. Covering 1,800 sq km, Phase IV completed the programmed 14,500 sq km survey of newly acquired 3D data in deep and shallow water in the GuyanaSurinamebasin.

On November 11, 2025, C G G a p p l i e d f o r a n Environmental Authorisation to the EPA, seeking to conduct geophysical 3D surveys within shallow waters offshore of Guyana The areas for the shallow water survey are outlinedonamapattached.

The survey area is offshore of Guyana, east of the border of Venezuelaandwestoftheborderof Suriname The closest shore distance is around 120 km away and ranges with water depths approximately 10 to 70 metres deep.

Thesurveyprocess

According to the Project Summary, a research vessel with a towedstreamerwillbeusedforthe seismic acquisition Towed streamer 3D seismic acquisition allows for the efficient and comprehensive mapping of offshore geological formations, providing valuable insights for oil andgasexplorationandproduction activities.

“Thisisacommonmethodused to gather detailed subsurface geological information in offshore exploration for oil and gas. CGG currently plans to use the BGP Prospectorforthisproject.”

The company noted that the vesselisfullyfurnishedwithstateof-the-art equipment for seismic 3Dsurveys.

KaieteurNewsunderstandsthat theactivitieswillbeconductedina totalofeightphasesbeginningwith setup and deployment, data acquisition and closing with data processingandinterpretation.

Marineseismicdataacquisition isbasedontheprincipleof‘seismic reflection’. The method involves releasingpulsesofacousticenergy (i e sound waves) at regular intervals along designated transect lines In general, the energy penetrates subsurface formations andisreflectedbacktothesurface whereitcanbedetectedbyacoustic receivers,orhydrophones,encased in a long cable (i e streamer), which is towed behind the seismic vessel. Each time a seismic pulse meets a change in rock properties; partofthepulseisreflectedbackto the surface and received by the hydrophones Consequently, by measuring precisely the difference in arrival time of reflected seismic

energy, distinct subsurface rock layers can be identified, and subsequently mapped This map helps geoscientists understand the geology and structure of natural resources. It plays an integral role indecisionmakingwhenexploring for and developing oil and gas reservesinoceanwaters.

Corentyneteenkilled duringpolicechase …brutality claims spark fiery protests …Govt. promises impartial probe

A 16-year-old Corentyne teenager was killed following a police chase onThursday evening, with conflicting accounts of how the tragedy unfolded triggering fiery protests and renewed allegations of police brutality in RegionSix.

ResidentsallegethatAltafKing was struck from his motorcycle by a police patrol vehicle during the pursuit, while the Guyana Police Force maintains that the teenager lostcontrolofhismotorcyclewhile attempting to evade ranks and crashed into a utility pole As tensions mounted Thursday night, angry residents blocked the Princetown Public Road with burning tyres and other debris,

independent investigation into the teen’sdeath.

In a statement last night, the

clear so far, reports are that a police patrol vehicle was involved in a high-speed chase withKing,andthathewasstruck down by the Force’s vehicle Otherreportsstatedthattheteen crashedintoautilitypole.

“Duh wuh happen tonight ain’t supposed to happen. The policethemchasedownayoung schoolindividual.Notlikehe’sa thief man that rob people or something. An innocent youth,” one bystander noted, calling for the traffic police to cease harassingindividuals.

“It’s a child, and he needs justice,heisjust16yearsold.It’s my neighbour’s only child, and she needs justice for her child. That is wrong,” an acquaintance ofthefamilystated.

GuyanaPoliceForce(GPF)saidits

Responsibility has commenced an immediate investigation into the deathofKing.

According to police, enquiries disclosed that King was riding motorcycle #CL 5607 when he attempted to evade a police patrol, lost control of the motorcycle and collidedwithautilitypole.

Kingsustainedinjuriesandwas conveyed to the No. 75 Regional Public Hospital, where he was examinedandpronounceddeadon arrivalbyadoctoronduty

“The OPR investigation will examine all aspects of the incident andestablishwhethertherewasany criminalordisciplinaryculpability, “thestatementread.

TheGuyanaPoliceForcesaidit recognises the seriousness of this matter and assures the relatives of the deceased and members of the public that appropriate action will be taken should any criminal or disciplinary culpability be established.

Meanwhile,inavideouploaded toFacebook,Kingisshownlyingin apoolofblood,withsevereinjuries to his head and leg. His mangled motorcycle was seen a few meters from where he laid Onlookers lamented the seemingly callous manner in which the young man was placed into the trunk of the policevehiclebyattendingranks.

The teen’s death has led to instant protest, and irate residents withintheareareactedbyblocking the Princetown Public Road with burningoftyresandothermaterials on Thursday evening Calls for justice are intensifying, even as residents regard the incident as murder and hold the view that the policewillattemptacover-up.

KingattendedtheSkeldonLine Path Secondary School, where he recently sat the CSEC examinationsandwasawaitinghis results Kaieteur News also understand that he was an only childforhisparents.

While full details surrounding the incident have not been made

The incident has drawn the condemnationoftheOpposition, led by We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), which expressed concerns over what it believes is rapidly becoming a pattern in Guyana, where extraneous courses of violencearetakenagainstcivilians by ranks of the Guyana Police Force(GPF).

Also leading calls for investigations was the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) In a statement, the party noted that the young man’s death is a tragedy Expressing that it is “deeply concerned,” the party mounted calls for thorough and impartial investigations over the serious allegationsofpolicebrutality

“The PNCR/APNU strongly condemns any conduct by law enforcementofficersthatplacesthe lives and safety of citizens, particularly our young people, at unnecessary risk. The Guyana Police Force has a duty to protect life, and every operation must be conducted with professionalism, restraint,andfullregardforhuman life.”

In that regard, PNCR/APNU is also demanding that the ranks responsibleforcausingthedeathof theyoungmanbeheldaccountable, and called for the findings of the investigationstobemadepublic.

Forherpart,OneidgeWalrond, MinisterofHomeAffairsextended condolences to the family and lovedonesof King.“Mythoughts and prayers are with them during thistimeofprofoundgrief.Iwishto assurethefamilyandthepublicthat this matter will be the subject of a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation Every aspect of the incident will be carefully examined, and if any criminalordisciplinaryculpability is established, it will be dealt with swiftly and in accordance with the l a w N o o n e i s a b o v e accountability,”theministersaidin astatement.

“Ialsoappealtotheresidentsof Continued on page 35

Frompage34

Skeldon and the surrounding communities to remain calm, refrain from actions that may endanger lives and allow the investigative process to proceed without interference. I understand the grief and concern being expressed,butitisessentialthatthe truth is established through a comprehensive and independent investigation,” the statement ended.

SATURDAY

Walesplanttodeliver electricitybyDecember2026 –ContractortellsJamaicaPM

Lindsayca Guyana Inc , the contractor hired to deliver phase one of the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project, on Thursday informed Jamaican Prime Minister, Andrew Holnessthatconstructionactivities are ongoing round-the-clock to ensurepowergenerationbytheend of2026.

The project was initially intended to startup at the end of 2024 but has faced significant delaysduetothesoilatWales,West BankDemerara.

PrimeMinisterHolnesswason an official state visit to Guyana between June 25 and June 26, Guyana’s Office of the Prime Ministerreported.

Holness and his team, accompanied by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation,DeodatIndar,Ministerof Natural Resources, Vickram Bharratandothertechnicalofficers visited the GTE project on Thursday

The Department of Public Information (DPI) reported that engineers are now preparing to introduce natural gas into the systemandareworkingaroundthe clock to deliver electricity to the nationalgridbyDecember2026.

Lindsayca’s Project Manager, LuisPireladetailedthecomponents oftheproject,highlightingthatthe facility is designed to receive natural gas and separate it into different components to maximise valueforGuyana.

Methane is the primary gas componentthatwillbeusedtofuel power generation and supply electricitytohomesandbusinesses.

Pirela explained, “The facility separates the molecules and extractsmethane,whichisthensent to the power generation system as fuel”.

Beyond power generation, the GTE project will also position Guyana as an exporter of cooking gas,withotherby-productssuchas plasticandglassbeingexplored.

Theprojectmanagerpointedto the collaboration between Guyana and at least 20 countries across Europe,Asia and theAmericas for the importation of key equipment and expertise to develop the

flagshipproject.“Thisfacilityisthe result of integrating engineering and equipment from around the world,”henoted.

Pirelasaidthattheinternational collaboration allowed the engineering teams to deliver the project within an accelerated timeframe.

DPI said he further revealed thatthecurrentconstructionworks represent the second phase of development.

“The plant is being designed with operational flexibility, allowing it to run initially in a simple-cycle mode and later transition into a combined-cycle system that captures hot exhaust gases to produce additional electricity more efficiently,” the reportstated.

The second phase of construction activities is expected to conclude within the next three months, after which the turbines willbefullyassembled.Tothisend, Pirelaemphasisedthat,“Thetarget is to start power generation in

December2026.”

The project manager told the visiting delegation that the contractor is working around the clock to ensure it meets the yearend deadline. “We’re working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays, to make sure this is achievable and to deliver power generation for Guyana,” he assured.

The gas processing facility is initially designed to handle 50 million standard cubic feet of gas perday,withinfrastructurealready installedtoexpandcapacityto120 millionstandardcubicfeetdailyin thefuture.

“Pirela said the site is now technically prepared for gas

introduction, with commissioning activities advancing,” according to theDPI.Theprojectmanagersaid, “We’re ready for introducing gas and supporting the commissioning teams,withthehopeofintroducing gaslaterthisyear”.

The GTE project aims to slash electricity bills by a generous 50% oncecompleted.

Husbandconfessestokilling wifewhosebodywasfound floatinginUitvlugtCanal

A man has confessed to murdering his wife after her body was discovered floating in a canal ontheWestCoastDemerara,police haveconfirmed.

The suspect, Hemat Kumar Mohamed, admitted to killing his 46-year-old wife, Shavannie Hanoman, according to Crime ChiefandDeputyCommissionerof Police, Wendell Blanhum who spoke with Kaieteur News on Friday

Concern grew for Hanoman after she failed to return home on Wednesday Relatives reported her missing, triggering a search that ended in heartbreak the following day when her body was found floatinginatrenchatDeGroot-EnKleine, Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara.

A preliminary examination of the body revealed injuries to her neck and other parts of her body, raising immediate suspicions of foul play and prompting investigatorstowidentheirinquiry Investigators moved swiftly, and Mohamed was taken into custody He subsequently confessedtothekilling.According to sources close to the investigation, Mohamed told detectives that a heated argument between the couple turned fatal — claiming he stabbed Hanoman before pushing her body into a canallocatedashortdistancefrom theirhome.

The Crime Chief declined to elaborate further on the details of theconfession,statingonlythatthe matter remains under active investigation.

The discovery of Hanoman’s body and the subsequent arrest of herownhusbandhascastashadow over the Uitvlugt community Her death is the latest in a troubling pattern of domestic violence cases tomakeheadlinesinrecentmonths, renewing urgent calls for greater intervention and support for victimsofabuse.

Investigationsareongoing,and formal charges are expected to follow.

POPSICLE SUMMER CRAFT

Gatherthesematerials: cardboard yarn

The Missing Beach Treasure

Emily and Daniel could hardly contain their excitement as their family arrived at Sunny Cove Beach for spring break. The golden sand stretched for miles, and the ocean sparkled under the bright sun. “Race you to the water!” Daniel shouted, dashing toward the waves. Emily giggled and ran afterhim,thewarmsandticklinghertoes.

Aftersplashinginthewavesandbuilding a tall sandcastle, Emily noticed something bobbingintheshallowwater “Look,Daniel! Abottle!”shecried,pointing.Danielwaded in and grabbed it. The bottle was old and coveredingreenseaweed.Inside,apieceof paperwastightlyrolledup.

With curious fingers, Emily and Daniel carefully pulled out the note.The paper was fadedandcrinkled,butthemessagewasstill clear:

Findtheplacewheretheseagullsplay, Wheredriftwoodrestsandchildrenstay Digbeneaththetallesttree,

Andahiddentreasureyouwillsee!

“A treasure hunt!” Daniel exclaimed “This is going to be the best spring break ever!”

Excited,thesiblingsreadtheriddleagain. “Where do seagulls play?” Emily asked, scanningthebeach.

Danielpointedtowardarockyareawhere aflockofseagullswasgathered.“Overthere!

Thatmustbetheplace!”

They ran toward the rocks, where pieces of driftwood were scatteredalongthe shore. Children were playing nearby, collecting seashellsandskippingstones.“Thismustbe it!” Emily said. “Now, we need to find the tallesttree.”

Looking around, they spotted a large palmtreestandingproudlyattheedgeofthe beach.“Thathastobetheone!”Danielsaid, alreadyrunningtowardit.

Whentheyreachedthetree,Emilytooka deepbreath.“Now,wedig!”Theyusedtheir hands at first, but the sand was too firm. Luckily, a friendly boy nearby let them borrowhissmallplasticshovel.

Digging eagerly, Daniel suddenly hit

something hard “Emily! I found something!” He brushed the sand away, revealing a small wooden box with a rusty lock.“Wow!Buthowdoweopenit?”Emily asked.

Justthen,anoldermanwithalongwhite beardandastrawhatwalkedby “Whathave you got there, young explorers?” he asked withatwinkleinhiseye.

Emily and Daniel showed him the box. “Wefoundatreasuremapinabottle!Butthe boxislocked.”

Themanchuckled.“Ah,thatsoundslike old Captain Reed's treasure. He was a sailor who loved hiding little surprises forpeopletofind.Maybethiswill help.”Hereachedintohispocket and pulled out a small, rusty key “I found this buried in the sand years ago. Maybe it belongs to yourbox.”

Little Things

Little drops of water, Little grains of sand, Make the mighty ocean And the beautiful land.

And the little moments, Simple they may be, Can make you enjoy life, As you become more happy. As

Little deeds of kindness, Little words of love, Fill our earth with blessings b Like the heaven above.

Daniel took the key and carefullyinserteditintothelock. Withasoftclick,thelockpopped open!Emilyslowlyliftedthelid, andinside,theyfoundgoldcoins, seashells,andanotethatread:

Congratulations, brave adventurers!

You have discovered Captain Reed'ssecrettreasure.

May you always find joy in the journey and treasure in the simple things. Emily and Daniel beamedwithexcitement.“Thisis amazing!”Emilysaid.

Theoldmansmiled.“Thereal treasure is the adventure you had andthememoriesyoumade.And maybeafewgoldcoins!”

Asthesunbegantoset,Emily and Daniel carried their treasure boxbacktotheirparents,already eager to tell their story This had truly been the best spring break ever!

woodcraftstick scissors glue(whiteglueworkswellORgluegun foradultsandolderkids)

How to Easily Make This Popsicle CraftforKids

Draw a simple popsicle shape on the cardboard.You can use an old cereal box or part of a cardboard box. My boys used the sidesofanemptytissuebox.

If you're working on this craft with a youngerchild,youmayneedtocutitoutfor them.

Youcantotallybecreativeherewiththe shapeofyourpopsicle,too!

Start at the top of the popsicle and work your way down. Glue one end of a piece of yarntothetopofthecardboardcutout.Wrap theyarnasfardownasyou'dlike.

Glue the end of the first color to the cardboard. Then, switch to the next color Continue wrapping and changing colors as often as you'd like until you get to the bottom of the cardboard.

Finally,slipthe wood craft stick between the yarn and the cardboard.

Separate the yarn a bit and glue the wood craft stick in place.

3D MAZE

Trace the path through the maze blocks to reach the end point.

Just as you sometimes feel that life is not fair and you want to condemn someone for treating yourself or another person badly, there are many others who have the same experience. Some of them may take the high road anddoaswesuggest,whichistowork to make the situation better, or simply moveon.

But there are many others who wouldgiveintotheideathatlashingout isthewaytodealwiththeproblemand would get themselves in trouble for doingso. Infact,whentheybehavein this way, they would not be doing anything to improve the situation but onlymakingitworse.

You can make a difference in other people's lives

If and when you experience any friend, relative or other acquaintance wanting to retaliate for some wrong they felt was done to them, you would be doing everyone a favour if you advisethemtodesist. Makethemsee, asyouhave,thatthereisamuchbetter and effective solution to the problem than yielding to the temptation of revenge.

You may advise them to face the situation and confront the person who they perceive has wronged them. If this does not work, then you need to do your part to let them believe that they should

BENDS

givethebenefitofthedoubt, andmoveonwiththeirlives. Therearealsootherways inwhichyoucanreachoutto your friends and lead them into understanding your approach to the proper solutionoftheproblemsthat would face them in their everydaylives. Youcanstart a discussion group in which yougetthemtointeractandspreadyour ideasofgoodbehaviour

Youcanalsosingleoutanyonewho seemstobehavingproblems,andtryto show them the right course to follow Youcangetsomeonefromthechurchor othercharitableorganisationtospeakto yourgrouponthismatter

Just believe that you can make a huge difference if you are willing to take the trouble to help. No act of kindnessgoesunpaid,anditwillalways comebacktoyouintheend. Thenice thing is that when you make a difference in other people's lives, you willfindthatyouwillalwaysbetheone toreapthemostbenefit.

“Each row and column contain one of each kind of V shape (eight different orientations). Vs should not form straight lines by touching other Vs. There is a unique solution."

A Friend

A friend is one who reaches for your hand, One who shares his ideas and together you expand, When you are in trouble or pain, One who lends assistance and together you gain.

A friend is not selfish, cruel or heartless, He is not unmindful or helpless; A friend does not watch another in sorrow, But is always there today and tomorrow

A friend is caring, loving and kind, He is there with a wise and pure mind, He is not vulgar, rude or immature, But is there to solve, assist and cure.

A friend is always there to land a hand, He is not vain, proud or playing grand, He is there to ever offer a smile, And keep you happy through all life's trials.

So, just as you value a good friend, Be there for others with a helping hand to lend; Always be known for the good you do, And you will benefit from friendship too Colour by Number 1-yellow, 2-green, 3-red, 4-orange, 5-azure, 6-dark orange, 7-red, 8-purple, 9-black, 10-brown

FROM BUXTON TO NATION BUILDER: TheenduringlegacyofOdingaLumumba

Fondly known in grassroots circles as the “Godfather” of Guyanese sports, politics and pageantry, OdingaLumumba’slifehasbeendefinedby humility, resilience and an unwavering commitmenttonationaldevelopment.

Lumumba’s roots were imbued with humility, independence, and reverence LumumbawasborninJuly1949.Hismother, Elaine McNeal, who was raised under impoverished circumstances, was adamant that her only child, Odinga, would not go throughlifewithasimilarfate.

McNeal was firm in her belief that education was an important pathway out of poverty,andshededicatedmuchofhertime teachingOdingatoreadfromayoungage.At 4 years old, Lumumba was precociously readingshortarticlesinthenewspaperswith his mother’s guidance. Lumumba jocularly recollected,“SheensuredthatIstudiedevery nightundercandlelightuntil9:00pmbecause there was no electricity during my early years. She supervised my studies with the assistanceofabelt,”hesaidinaninterview

Nevertheless, McNeal was not onedimensional in raising her son, and when Odinga was old enough, she insisted that he partakeinchoresandCatechism.

Whilemost10-year-oldstodayareasleep orconsumedbygadgetsearlyinthemorning, Lumumba’s daily sunrise routine was the opposite.IncolonialBritishGuyana,hewas alreadyawakeinthevillageofBuxton,East CoastDemerara,tendingpigsandworkingin the family garden before attending seven o’clockmassattheRomanCatholicChurch, before preparing for the 8:00 am train to schoolinGeorgetown.

INDOMITABLE BLACKMAN

The septuagenarian said he hopes his legacy in Guyana is one where he is remembered as an indomitable” black man thatgaveselflesslytothedevelopmentofthis nation”, across politics and sports. He now urges especially poor youth to constantly educate themselves and look towards investing in their own entrepreneurship goals.

Inaddition,hehopesthathismultifaceted career reflects a restless energy and a determination to help shape his country’s identity and elevate Guyana’s profile globally

“It is my wish that youth today dream of developingtheirownbusinesses.Thepublic service has its purpose, but it has too many people. Besides, working for a monthly salary in the public service ministry did not

Mr. Lumumba addresses the House of Representatives in the Guyana Parliament

guaranteethatyouwouldgetoutofpoverty Youngpeoplehavetodaretodreambig...get their own; start with small investments. Guyana has enormous opportunities ,” Lumumbasaidduringarecentinterview

“If there is one thing I want to be rememberedforisthatIlovedpeople,hated poverty, wantedequality,andfoughtforthe development of sports in this country… leaving a legacy of a Black man that came from Buxton who worked to ensure democracyandfairness,”headded.

From the benches of Parliament to the glamourofMissUniverse,allwiththemain philosophy of discipline, ambition, and nationalpride,Lumumbahasheldeducation, sports,anddeterminationasdefiningfactors inlife’sprogression.

HecreditsthecommunityofBuxton,long

wanting to play with friends and being thrownindetentionforfightingorsomeform ofbadbehaviour Butitisthatfoundationthat gavemetheboldnesstonotbescaredofeven Burnham (deceased President LFS Burnham),”headded.

Lumumba left Guyana for the United States and obtained his first degree in Economics,Geology,andlateraMaster’sof ScienceinMineralEconomics.

Whilehelovedthesciencesandlearning about the earth’s mineral and energy resources, he was fully involved in politics andtheBlackmovementintheUnitedStates, at a time when that country was struggling withracismandsegregation.

The exposure to the world of politics would change Lumumba’s career choice. When he returned to Guyana in the early 1980s, he rejected work opportunities with thegovernmentanddecidedthatfightingfor democracywasofparamountinterest.

“When I returned to Guyana, it was to work with Guymine, but staying inAmerica solongandbeinginvolvedinthemovement and so on, I became a political animal. I got more interested in removing the Burnham regime and getting rid of that dictatorship,” hesaid.

“He was bringing a referendum to give the executive sweeping powers; too much authority,andIcouldnotjustletthathappen. He was stifling the democratic rights of citizens and had been rigging elections. I opposedit,”Lumumbacontended.

While he admits that he was once a supporterofthePeople’sNationalCongress, he said that he was not very active under Burnham because he was in the United

FLASHBACK:

Odinga Lumumba and his mentee

deceased President Cheddi Jagan that Lumumba said called and asked if he would join his movement and fight racism and injustice.Acalling he heeded and has never looked back or regretted. “The PNC lost its way, and I said I would give up politics altogether and focus on developing sports andyouth.ButDr Jagancalledme,andItold himIwasretiring,andhesaidthatIwastoo youngtoretire,soheaskedmetojoinhimin bringing back democracy and unity to the peopleofGuyana,”herecalled.

“TheCIVICfactionwasformed,andIam oneoftheoriginalmembers.WhenDr Jagan died, Mrs. Jagan carried on his legacy, and later Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo. Some peoplemaynotlike(Jagdeo),buttheydosoa lot from stories told second-hand to them. I am not asking anyone to blindly follow any party or person, but they must research for themselves. Separate fact from fiction and tell me about a Guyana of the past and a GuyanaunderthePPP Youwouldbelyingif you don’t see how this country has transformed,”heposited.

CONTRIBUTIONTOSPORTS

knownforitsproudAfro-Guyaneseheritage andresilienceforshapinghischaracter

“Buxton taught me that the value of persistencewasnotjustchoresbutlessonsin endurance,”heremarked.

Those fundamental lessons ultimately prepared him for the intellectual rigors of living and studying in the United States, “Growing up in Buxton gave me the foundation to never be afraid, and that determinationpaysoff.Ihadtowakeat4am and get cracking; feeding pigs; watering the garden; going to early morning 7:00 am Catholicmass,andstillgettingtothetrainfor 8:00 am. Many days I walked and ran from GeorgetowntoBuxtonorgotarideonahorse cart…,”hereflected.

“Toreturnhome,ifImissedthelasttrain at 6pm, it meant I had to walk home, and manydaysIwalkedfromtown(Georgetown to Buxton) because I got carried away

Mr. Steve Ninvalle, Director of Sports

States, but was very active under President Hugh Desmond Hoyte, who succeeded Burnhamafterhedied.

But his stay with the PNC was shortlived,andLumumbasaidthatheleftbecause he“feltlikethePNChadlostitswayanddid nothavethegrassrootsandthemasses’wellbeing at heart. He joined the former Prime MinisterandPNCExecutiveHamiltonGreen andothers,andtheyformedapartycalledthe GoodandGreenGuyanaParty

Apersonwhoholdsfirmtothebeliefthat friendscanhaveopposingpoliticalviewsand compartmentalise politics from friendship, he said that Hamilton Green will always be hisfriend.

He would also later part ways with the party he helped his friend, Green form, and subsequentlydecidedtoretirefrompolitics.

ACIVIC

It was PPP founding member and

Lumumbasaidthathisfootballinitiatives were not just about winning matches. It was also about building character He referred to Director of Sports, Steve Ninvalle, as he pointed out that he saw him as a son and someone he could mentor “I saw that potentialinStevewhenhewasajournalistat Stabroek News and told him to come out of that. That isn’t his destiny, and he was wastinghistalent.Steveleftthejob,andthe restishistory,”hesaid.

He said that his political career reflected his belief that sports and culture are integral to nation-building, and one of the main reasons he has consistently argued that investmentintheseareaswasnotaluxurybut anecessityforGuyana’sprogress.

It is the same passion for sports and mentorshipofyouththathecarriedtoyoung footballersacrossthecountry,andthereason hebroughttheAlphaUnitedFootballClubto thecountry’spremiersoccerteamduringthe early 2000s. Lumumba said that his football initiatives were not just about winning matches They were about creating opportunities for young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. His work in football mirrors his political advocacy, and he strongly views sports as a vehicle for empowerment and national development.

“I am the first person to pay a monthly salary to all members of the Alpha United footballteamandbroughtinoverseasplayers to participate as professionals. These were mostly young men from poor neighbourhoods, and they also needed motivation and some sort of incentive. I wantedthemtoknowthatsportsisavehicle

Continued on page 46

Latin America, Caribbean rally behind new UN push to end AIDS by 2030

Latin American and Caribbean nations havethrowntheirsupportbehindanewUnited Nations Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, reaffirmingtheircommitmenttoendingAIDS as a public health threat by 2030 despite shrinking global funding, widening inequalitiesandpersistentstigmathatcontinue tohamperthefightagainstthedisease

Thedeclaration,adoptedatthecloseofthe UNHigh-LevelMeetingonHIV/AIDSinNew York, sets a new global roadmap for 20262031, outlining commitments to expand equitableaccesstoHIVprevention,testingand treatment, close financing gaps, strengthen community-led responses, protect human rights and improve access to lifesaving medicines

“We welcome the adoption of the new Political Declaration, which serves as a road map to guide the HIV response over the next five years, and which received strong support from governments across our region This is undoubtedlyanimportantsignalthatcountries remaincommittedtothegoalofendingAIDS as a public health threat by 2030,” said Luisa Cabal, UNAIDS Regional Director for Latin AmericaandtheCaribbean “Werecognizethe work of all actors in the HIVresponse from communities to governments in helping us reachthisrenewedcommitment”

The meeting brought together governments,multilateralorganiz civil society, and communities, strong participation f representatives across Latin Am and the Caribbean. Their engag reflected the region’s cont commitment to the HIV respons its determination to keep HIV hi on national and regional health anddevelopmentagendas

The new Political Declaration comes at a critical moment for the HIV response, marked by declining international funding, persistent inequalities in access to health services, and the impact of stigma and discrimination on the populations mostaffectedbyHIV

persistent inequalities, stigma, discrimination and barriers to access,” said Leslie Wade, Permanent Observer of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to the United Nations “CARICOM continues to call for renewed global solidarity, sustainable financing and equitable access to HIV prevention,treatmentandinnovation.Whatis needed now is renewed political leadership and collective action to turn commitments into action and ensure that no one is left behind.”

ThePoliticalDeclaration,whichwillguide the global HIV response for the period 2026–2031, sets out new targets and commitments to expand equitable access to HIVtesting,treatmentandprevention;address funding gaps; protect human rights and promotegenderequality;expandaccesstoHIV medicines and related technologies; and strengthen the role of communities and civil societyintheAIDSresponse

During the meeting, representatives from Latin America and the Caribbean agreed that theprogressachievedintheHIVresponsemust be protected and accelerated in the face of financialchallenges,persistentinequalitiesand barriers that continue to limit access to HIV prevention,testing,treatmentandcareservices

“TheadoptionofthisPoliticalDeclaration sendsastrongmessagethattheworldremains committed to endingAIDS as a public health threat by 2030, and that the tools and knowledge needed to achieve this goal are within our reach While the Caribbean has made significant progress, those gains remain fragile in the face of financial challenges,

“Brazilexpressesitsdeepappreciationfor the strong support shown for this Political DeclarationonHIV,whichreflectsourshared recognition of the progress achieved to date while acknowledging that important challenges remain,” said Mariângela Simão, Secretary of Health and Environmental SurveillanceatBrazil’sMinistryofHealth “In this regard, we also wish to highlight the valuable role of UNAIDS in supporting countries in the implementation and monitoring of these commitments, helping to ensure that our collective efforts translate aningfulandsustainedimpact.” ommunitieshavebeenattheheart HIVresponse and must continue pport the implementation of the itments made Our role has been tial in ensuring that these agreements translate into tangible mprovements in people’s lives,” said Mariana Iacono, representative of ICW Latina “Community experience has helped bring public policies closer to people living with HIV, key populations and all those who continue to face structural barriers to fully exercising their human rights We stand ready to work alongside governments to turn the2030targetsintorealityandendAIDSasa publichealththreat.”

The interventions by governments, regional organizations and community representativesunderscoredthatachievingthe 2030 targets will require strengthening multilateralism, reinforce national responses and ensure the meaningful participation of communities They also emphasized that the commitments made in New York must be translatedintoconcreteactionthatrespondsto people’s needs and helps reduce the inequalitiesthatcontinuetohinderprogress

At the close of the meeting, Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, said that governments around the world, with thesupportofcommunities,hadreaffirmedthat multilateralism remains alive and that international cooperation continues to be an essentialtoolforacceleratingprogresstowards 2030 “The fact that so many Member States votedinsupportofthisPoliticalDeclarationat this moment is recognition that our progress remains worth protecting and that there is a willingness to sustain the actions needed to achievethe2030goal,”shesaid

Relief vessel carrying Guyana, CARICOM support to

leave Friday for earthquake-hit Venezuela

DPI-Avesselcapableof transporting 8,000 tonnes of humanitarian supplies is expected to depart Guyana next Friday carrying relief

items for earthquakestricken Venezuela, as Guyanaintensifiesanational and regional response to support its neighbour's recoveryefforts.

President Dr Mohamed

Irfaan Ali made the announcement on Saturday during a social media address outlining Guyana's coordinated humanitarian operation and regional mobilisationeffortfollowing thedevastatingearthquakes.

The president said the vessel's large carrying

capacity has allowed Guyana to expand the operation beyond national support to include contributions from across CARICOM.

“We've extended the operation to include CARICOM support,” President Ali said, noting that relief supplies from

regional partners are expected to arrive in the coming days before the shipmentdeparts.

Guyana's assistance package will prioritise pharmaceutical support, medical supplies, food for children and families, sanitation items, recovery equipment and essential humanitarianaid.

Expressing concern for those affected, PresidentAli saidthecountry'sresponseis

centred on helping

vulnerable groups, especially children, women, the elderly and families displacedbythedisaster

“As neighbours, we must reach out,” the president stated, adding that Guyana remainsinactivediscussions with Venezuelan authorities to ensure aid aligns with immediaterecoveryneeds.

PrimeMinisterBrigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips has beentaskedwithleadingand coordinating all aspects of the national response through a multi-agency structure involving the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Guyana Defence Force(GDF),GuyanaPolice Force, private sector bodies andotherpartners.

So far, Guyana has mobilised close to 100 containers of humanitarian supplies, including pharmaceuticals,fooditems, riceandwater

Acentralcollectionpoint has been established at the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO)facilityonWoolford Avenue,Georgetown,where donations will be received, sorted and loaded for shipment. The facility will operate with support from theCDCandGDF

President Ali also encouraged groups and organisations wishing to donate entire containers of supplies to coordinate with the response committee so that al

n be documented and integrated intoVenezuela's distribution system.

In addition to supplies, Guyana has off

d logistical and recovery support, including the deployment of teams to assistwithreliefoperations.

The Office of the Prime Minister will oversee daily

President IrfaanAli with members of his cabinet and members of the private sector

coordination and public updates as preparations

departure President Ali thanked the Guyanese public,Venezuelannationals

EduGoal Global shifts to a public-access model, bringing smarter digital learning to more users

Since its debut here last January, the new AIpowered Learning ManagementSystem(LMS) platform ---Edugoal Global has expanded its reach to cater for learners and educators throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.

Guyanese-American Founder/Creator of the platform, Dr Donica Thompson Chan explained that Edugoal's focus is now making access to highquality education through technology even more readilyavailable.

Dr Donica Thompson Chan explained “Initially, our focus was on institutional partnerships and educational systems However, we recognized that many students and families needed immediate access to personalized learning support regardless of their location or school affiliation.MakingEduGoal publiclyaccessibleallowsus to reach individual learners, parents, teachers, and schoolsdirectly.”

PreschoolthroughGrade12.

She said one of the most significantachievementshas been the successful developmentoftheEduGoal L M S a n d m o b i l e application, designed to support students, teachers, parents, school leaders, and ministriesofeducation.

“We have expanded our platform to include adaptive learning, self-practice assessments, progress

monitoring, digital

opportunities

a c r o s s m u l t i p l e

Caribbean nations while alsoexpanding its reach into A f r i c a n markets Their work include e d u c a t i o n a l consulting,

transformation planning, AI integration and consultancy,

Tomakethisareality,the US- registered company has changed its business model to one which favours more consumeraccess.

Under this model, Guyanese can subscribe to the platform for as low as GYD $1000 or $5 USD per month. Dr Thompson Chan saidthepricingstructurewas intentionally designed to maketheappaffordableand accessible.

“ I n d i v i d u a l subscriptions begin at just $1000 GYD per month or $10,000GYDannually,with premium tiers offering additional features such as advanced analytics, personalized learning pathways, enhanced assessments, and premium content We also offer

She said that her team's goal is to ultimately remove barriers to learning and ensure that every child, whetherinanurbancenteror a remote community, can access adaptive learning, self-practice assessments, and educational resources that support academic success.

special regional pricing for countries such as Nigeria and other West African countries to ensure affordability in emerging markets.”

For this investment, she said users gain access toAIpowered adaptive learning, self-practice assessments, progress tracking, digital libraries,andofflinelearning capabilities, personalized learning,curriculum-aligned content, and parent monitoringtools.

“Our goal is to deliver exceptional educational valueatafractionofthecost of traditional tutoring or supplemental educational services,”thefounderadded.

According to her, EduGoal Global has been e v o l v i n g i n t o a comprehensive AI-powered educational ecosystem serving learners from

r e s o u r c e s , p a r e n t engagement tools, and specialized support for inclusive education Additionally, EduGoal has established partnerships and collaborations across the Caribbean while positioning itself as a scalable solution capable of supporting education systems at the national, district, school, classroom, and family levels,”Dr ThompsonChan added.

And although EduGoal Globalremainsinitsgrowth phase, she said the platform has already contributed meaningfully to educational innovation in Guyana through teacher training, educational consulting, curriculum support, special education advocacy, AI integration initiatives, and digitallearningsolutions.

Beyond these shores, EduGoal Global has engaged with stakeholders, educators, policymakers, and institutions throughout theCaribbeanandbeyond.

The company has explored partnerships and

development, curriculum alignment, and the development of scalable educat

solutions.

The creator underscored that the platform was intentionally designed to be adaptable to different curricula and educational systems, making it suitable

implementation.

To this end, she asserted that the feedback has been overwhelminglypositive.

“Teachers appreciate the platform's ability to support differentiated instruction, create lesson plans and assessments, grade exams, track student progress, and provide additional resources that enhance classroom teaching. Parents value the transparency and visibility they have into their children's learning journey

Students enjoy the interactive and personalized nature of the platform, particularly the ability to learnattheirownpace.”

d to continuousimprovement…”

The founder believes EduGoal Global has a transformative role in shaping the future of education by helping bridge the gap between traditional educational systems and the demands of a rapidly evolvingdigitalworld.

According to her, the company's mission extends beyond technology; it is aboutcreatingopportunities, promoting equity, and empowering learners to succeed regardless of their b a c k g r o u n d o r circumstances.

S h e a s s e r t e d ,

“Regionally, we hope to support governments, schools,andcommunitiesin accelerating educational transformation.Globally,we aim to contribute to a future where personalized, inclusive, and technologyenabled learning is not a privilege for a few but a realityforall.”

She posited “Feedback also plays a vital role in the app's ever evolving development. “We believe that meaningful innovation occurs when technology is built with users rather than simply for them, and we

Guyana and Jamaica forge housing partnership

as Holness praises Ali's development model

Jamaica is looking to Guyana as a model and partner in addressing its

housing crisis, Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced Thursday at the opening of the International BuildingExpoattheGuyana National Stadium, where

President Irfaan Ali committed to building more than 300 homes in Jamaica as part of Hurricane Melissa recoveryefforts.

Holness arrived in

Georgetown facing a pressinghousingdeficitback home. Jamaica currently lacks approximately 150,000 housing solutions, he told attendees The government has committed to delivering 70,000 of those directly through state agencies, with the National Housing Trust tasked with building a further 42,000, of which 10,000 have already beencompleted.

But the pace of delivery,

Holness said, is being held back not by money but by structural bottlenecks. "The availability of contractors who can build at scale, the availability of labor and technical skills that can o p e r a t e w i t h n e w inn

ons and new materials, and of course the speedofgovernmentitselfin giving planning and construction approvals, these have been our challenges,"hesaid. He pointed to Guyana's streamlining of approval processes, cutting wait times from as long as three years down to three months, as a direct lesson for Caribbean governments "There is a culture in our public bureaucracy that if it didn't take long, it wasn't well done.Anditisanafflictionof C a r i b b e a n p u b l i c administration that we need tochange."

President Ali responded

to Holness's remarks with a concrete pledge "Let us partner with Jamaica in building that 300 plus homes," Ali said, directing the offer at communities displaced by erosion caused by Hurricane Melissa He assured the Prime Minister that Guyana's private sector, banks,builders,andmaterial suppliers were ready to deliver

Beyond Jamaica, Ali used the occasion to outline an ambitious domestic housing agenda. In the c o m i n g w e e k s , h e announced, he will unveil a comprehensive housing development strategy aimed at eliminating the backlog of housing applications within four years. The strategy will include targeted support for p e o p l e l i v i n g w i t h disabilities, single parents, and tho

xtreme vulnerability, he said, that every eligible person can

"have a home in which you canliveindignity."

The plan will also address demand across low, moderate, and middleincome segments as expectations from the public continue to grow alongside Guyana'seconomy " G u y a n a h a s demonstrated what can be achieved when land, infrastructure, finance, and political will is brought together," Holness said. He praised the integrated nature of Guyana's housing developments, not merely houses, but serviced communities with roads, drainage, water, electricity, and connectivity, as an a

Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness

Caribbeanshouldstudy

Housing Minister Collin Croal highlighted that over the past five years, the government has processed approximately 25,000 land titles,afigurethatreflectsthe administrative overhaul underpinning the housing programme. Minister within the Ministry Vanessa Benn also addressed the opening ceremony The housing collaboration sits within a

wider bilateral relationship t

Georgetown and Kingston. President Ali noted that the two countries are also in discussions on culture, sports, elite athlete training, and the development of Guyana's

academy

The Intern

Building Expo, which opened Thursday, concludes today

Unsafe drinking water flagged in Regions 4, 7 and 10, PUC report finds

Water supplied by the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) in Regions Four, Seven, and 10 fails to meet s a f e d r i n k i n g w a t e r standards, according to the P u b l i c U t i l i t i e s Commission's (PUC) 2025 Annual Report, raising serious public health concerns for thousands of consumers.

The report measured water quality against World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for three key indicators: pH levels (acceptable range: 6.5–8.5), turbidity (below 5 NTU), and iron content (below 0 3 mg/L) Water in multiple communities across three regions failed on all three counts.

Region 10 recorded some of the most alarming readings. Plants at Amelia's Ward, the Linden Power Company (LPC), McKenzie, WestWatooka,andWisrocall registered acidic pH levels between 3 7 and 5 4, far below the safe threshold and corrosive enough to pose direct health risks. Turbidity atLPCandMcKenzieranged between 7 and 14 NTU, suggesting filtration systems

a r e n o t f u n c t i o n i n g e ff e c t i v e l y I r o n concentrations reached as high as 1.76 mg/L, nearly six timestheWHOlimit.

Region 4 fared little better Communities including Grove, Sophia, Friendship, Better Hope, Sparendaam,andShelterBelt recorded persistent noncompliance throughout the year Turbidity in Friendship and Grove spiked as high as 1 6 – 2 9 N T U I r o n c o n t a m i n a t i o n w a s particularly severe: Better H o p e r e c o r d e d concentrations of 0 6–0 82 mg/L, Grove reached 2 10 mg/L, and Sparendaam reported levels between 2.2 and 3 35 mg/L, more than eleven times the WHO g u i d e l i n e T h e P U C attributed these readings to poor raw water quality and possible corrosion within the distribution system Periodically low pH levels were also recorded in Caledonia, Friendship, Grove,andShelterBelt.

Region 7, centered on Bartica, presented a mixed picture Wells recorded fluctuating pH levels that

occasionally fell as low as 4 5, with turbidity ranging between 6 and 7 9 NTU acrossseveraltestingperiods. By contrast, Regions Two, Three, Five, and Six largely met WHO standards, with only minor or isolated breaches recorded. Overall, the PUC found that 13 of GWI's treatment plants complied with WHO guidelines.

The report also highlights a worrying slowdown in GWI's meter installation programme, a key plank of the utility's strategy to reduce non-revenuewaterlossesand improvebillingaccuracy

Under PUC Order No. 2 of 2018, GWI was mandated to install meters in a phased rollout, backed by approved tariff adjustments The programme delivered strong results in 2022 and 2023, but installations dropped sharply to 8,608 units in 2025, with almost no activity in the final twoquartersoftheyear GWI attributed the slowdown to a supply chain disruption: its meter supplier halted operations in South America and relocated to Asia, significantly extending deliverytimestoGuyana.

As of December 2025, 141,696 of GWI's 189,571 registered consumers were metered, leaving 47,875 customers, roughly one in four,stillwithoutmeters.The company now projects full metering of its customer base by the first quarter of 2028, with all new connections to be fitted with meters at the pointofinstallation.

The PUC noted that the decline in installations is "inconsistent with the intent of the Order," signalling that theregulatorwillbewatching closely as GWI works to recoverlostground.

Kaieteur News has reached out to GWI for commentonthewaterquality findings and the metering timeline.

Guyanese-American social worker co-authors new study on what “ageing well” really means for our elders

Guyanese-American socialworkerRoyNaipaul,a PhD Candidate has spent years sitting with older clients,listeningtohowthey really feel about growing old. Over time, he noticed something: Guyanese elders found wellbeing in old age through family closeness and being needed, not through the independence and self-reliance social workers are trained to look forandhelpdevelopintheir Americanclients.

This prompted his interest in research which producedthelandmarkstudy titledBeyondIndependence: Beliefs about Positive

Ageing among IndoCaribbeanPeopleinGuyana andTrinidadandTobago.

Tocompletehisresearch, Naipaul partnered with Dr Indrani Bachan-Persad of the University of the West Indies and Dr Khagendra Nath Gangai of Sharda UniversityinGreaterNoida, India, and together they asked Caribbean elders directly what ageing well meanttothem.

They spoke with Caribbean elders across Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago The study publishedon12thJune2026 in The Gerontologist-- the flagship journal of the Gerontological Society of America.

E x p o u n d i n g t h e importanceofthisnewdata, the PhD candidate stressed that much of what social workers are trained to do, and the social services built

around that training, including elder care programmes, comes from research done on White, Christian populations in AmericaandEurope,notthe Caribbean.

He noted while, “That research is not wrong; it accuratelyreflectsthepeople itstudied.Thetroubleisthat it has often been treated as the universal truth about what ageing well looks like, rather than one culture's particularanswer.”

According to the USbased social worker, for decades, it boiled down to t h r e e r u l e s : s t a y i n d e p e n d e n t ; s t a y productive;donotbecomea burdenonanybody.

Hepointedoutthatwhile those rules shaped many elder care programmes globally, often without anyone asking whether they fitthelocalculture.

InthecontextofGuyana, Naipaul pointed out that the country has not yet built large-scale elder care programmes of its own,

whichisexactlywhytiming matters. He said, “This new study about Guyana is asking directly: how do we build elder care that reflects Guyanese culture, rather than one borrowed from somewhere else? It is worth thinking about at any age, since growing old is somethingwewillallface.”

To find out, the research team spoke directly with some elders in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. The research confirmed what he had sensed. Being needed mattered more than being self-sufficient.

He asserted, “Many elders were still providing for their families, guiding their children and grandchildren, still the first person the family called when something went wrong, even with children scatteredasfarasNewYork, Toronto,orLondon.Staying woven into family life, not steppingbackfromit,wasat the heart of what it meant to be doing well Faith and culture ran deeper than personal comfort Prayers, cooking, and passing down oldstoriesweredescribedas a duty: keeping the culture alive for the grandchildren, not just a way to pass the time.”

Naipaulsaidmanyelders spoke about leaning on traditional remedies and food as medicine, used alongside doctors, not as a replacement. To them, that knowledge carries its own weight.

He believes that the data matters for Guyana right now given that the government has stepped up support for seniors, from pensions to outreaches for thosetoofrailtoleavehome, a gesture many elders welcome.

“This research builds on that momentum by pointing to what else matters to an elder's wellbeing: family stayingclose,culturestaying alive, being respected for their wisdom, and grandchildren visiting or

c a l l i n g regularly,”heasserted.

He underscored that in many Guyanese families, grandparents live with an adult child, often a married daughter,ratherthanaloneor

a care facility; nursing homes are uncommon and often carrystigma.

drawnfromtheUniversityof the West Indies and the University of Guyana, to push this research further, with the goal of shaping programmes that genuinely improve the health and wellbeing of Guyana's elderlypopulation.

As that work continues, the US-based Guyanese SocialWorkerisbecominga leading voice in the push to make sure Guyana's elder care preserves the dignity, culture, and community of agingcitizens.

Naipaul is not stopping here. He is now leading a continuingeffortwithateam of Caribbean professors,

He believes as Guyana grows fast and invests in its people, this research can be used, to build elder care around what Guyanese peoplethemselvesvalue.

This initial research is p o i n t i n g a g a i n s t "warehousing" elders in impersonal institutions, promotingsystemsthattruly reflect Guyanese values and thenuclearfamilystructures.

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UN Commission finds Israel committed war crimes against Palestinian

A United Nations independent inquiry has concluded that Israeli authorities and security forces deliberately targeted andkilledPalestinianchildren in Gaza and the West Bank over a two-year period, finding evidence of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and conduct that further substantiates a prior finding on genocide.

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, includingEastJerusalem,and Israel presented its findings at a press conference in Geneva, recommending that theUNGeneralAssemblycall on member states to prohibit allmilitary-relatedtradewith Israel and impose sanctions forviolationsofinternational law in the Occupied PalestinianTerritory CommissionmemberChris Sidoti addressed the Israeli public directly, centering the human cost of the documented conduct. “What kind of people are your

children, recommends arms restriction

soldierswhowouldallowa14year-old child to bleed to death over a 45-minute period?” he asked.

“What kind of people are your military leaders that would inculcate a culture where soldiers feel free to do this, acting with total impunity?”

Sidoti, a lawyer, underscored the breadth of thelegalviolations.“Thereis no doubt whatsoever, there can be no doubt in anyone whoreadstoday’sreport,that everyinternationallegalnorm has been violated by the actions of the Israeli authorities towards Palestinianchildren,andthey needtobeheldaccountable.”

Commission Chair Srinivasan Muralidhar said the evidence points to a deliberatestrategyextending beyond battlefield decisions. Israeli forces, he stated, have “deliberately targeted and killedPalestinianchildrenand destroyed their childhood” with the effect and intent of undermining Palestinian demographic vitality and the

righttoself-determination.

BetweenOctober7,2023 andOctober7,2025,children accounted for approximately 27 percent of those killed or woundedinGaza.

The Commission found that Israeli forces repeatedly deployed high-payload munitions and wide-area explosiveweaponsindensely populated residential areas over this two-year period without modifying weapon selectionortargetingcriteria, despite full knowledge that childrenwerepresent.

The Commission concluded that the resulting casualties were both foreseeable and intentional, constituting violations of the international humanitarian law principles of distinction and proportionality

at Charlestown.Tele#601-4918/ 676-5534

The Commission found Israel violated a range of rights guaranteed to Palestinianchildrenunderthe International Covenant on CivilandPoliticalRights,the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Convention Against Torture, including the right to life, prohibition against torture and cruel treatment, liberty and security, the right to education, and the right to play and recreation.

Thereportalsofoundthat Israel systematically confiscated and withheld the bodies of killed Palestinian children, a practice the Commission said violates customary international law, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and constitutes a profound dehumanizationofthevictims andtheirfamilies.

Under international humanitarianlaw,Israelasthe occupying power bears a Continued on page 47

The report identifies distinctvulnerabilitiesacross age groups: newborns and infantsfaceacutethreatsfrom malnutrition and a collapsed healthcare system; schoolaged children have experienced prolonged disruption to education; and adolescents face heightened protection risks, including arbitrary detention.

TheNextValueMoments:Relinquishments,Farm-Ins...

From page 14 only a revenue collector to becoming a strategic resource owner.

That matters because multinational companies will eventually rationalise portfolios. They will sell assets. They will farm down positions. They will move capital to other provinces. They will do what companies are supposed to do: optimise shareholder value.

Guyana’s job is different. Guyana must optimise national value.

The next value moments are already visible: relinquished acreage, new bidding rounds, new petroleum agreements, futuregasdevelopment,possibletransfers,corporatemergers, cost-recoverydisputesandeventualamendmentsorrenewals.

Each should trigger a public governance question: what does Guyana receive?

Thecountryshouldnotwaituntilatransactioniscomplete to ask whether value was lost. It should set the rules now

·Everyfarm-inshouldbereportable.

· Every assignment should require approval.

· Every change of control should trigger disclosure.

· Every transfer should be reviewed by the tax authority

· Every recoverable cost should be auditable.

·Everyrelinquishmentshouldbeexplained.

· Every new petroleum agreement should be published promptly

· Every major gas agreement should be subject to public reporting.

That is how transparency becomes accountability

The lesson from Trinidad and Tobago is not that Guyana shouldfearinvestors.Seriousinvestorscanworkwithserious states.Thelessonisthatastatemustknowwherevaluemoves, when it moves, and who captures it.

Production is only one part of the story

The real question is whether Guyana can follow the value before it leaves.

The enduring legacy of Odinga Lumumba

From page 39 out of poverty, and I was willing to put my money where my mouth was when I said I believed in them,” he reasoned.

“At the same time, I was pressing for recreational systems to be developed. More parks were needed, facilities we had needed upgrades. It was a collective package, and when people in Guyana felt football was a poor man’s sport, I held a different view. I envisaged sport as an avenue to lift the poor man out of dire circumstances and societal ills.Upgradingthelivesofthe young black men was a way of getting them out of the ghetto. Look now at the World Cup players, they are makingmillions.Wehavethe talent, and trust me, we will get there too,” he added.

Lumumba’s influence in boxingisequallysignificant. He became a manager and

promoter, guiding fighters to international recognition. He managedboxerslikeAndrew Murray and Anthony ‘The Pearl’Andrews,helpingthem to secure world title challenges and national representation on the world stage.Theabilitytoorganise, promote, and secure international bouts, he believes, “demonstrated that if you are passionate and determined enough, you can navigateyourskillsalsointhe global sports industry.”

PAGEANTRY

In the middle of his parliamentary career, Lumumba became the owner oftheMissGuyanaUniverse pageant,securingthenational franchise for Miss Universe. He credits local designer Pat Coatesanda“teamofquality people” that persuaded him toenterpageantrypromotion as a deliberate move to expand Guyana’s cultural footprint.

He posits that the goal of bringing higher production standards here improved contestant training and helped with international exposure. In 2012, Miss Universe2011,LeilaLopesof Angola, attended the Miss Guyana Universe finals, which was a landmark event that showcased Guyana’s growing relevance in global pageantry. Guyana’s pageant ambassadors have also done welltorepresentourcountry, he said. “They have gone to many countries to showcase Guyana’smeltingpotofcultures and diversity and represented ournationwithpoiseandgrace.”

And while many have concluded his no-nonsense stance on issues is harsh, beneath the thundering voice and stoic face is a warm person and “just a man who wants to see Guyana progress and turn the potential it has into results”.

For this reason, he has

quietlyandwithoutpompand fanfare continued to give back to both football and boxing. Heisalsoamemberofthe Guyana Boxing Board. Decades later, Lumumba remains relevant and respected in the boxing fraternity. In 2024, he was appointed Advisor to the Guyana BoxingAssociation, underscoring his enduring influence in the growth and development of the sport.

As he prepares to celebratehis77thbirthdayon the 16th of July, Lumumba hopes that his life will read like a chronicle of grit and transformation, where the lessons of the soil shaped the convictions of a statesman. HeservedinParliament,was a champion of Guyanese sport,worksasaPresidential Advisor, has showcased his beloved nation, and leads as an inspiration for youth development.

UN report accuses Israel of systematically destroying...

Frompage16 concluded that much of the harm“wasnotincidentalbut intended to destroy the existence of the Palestinians inGazaasagroup.”

Because children represent the biological and social future of Palestinian society,theCommissionsaid there were reasonable grounds to conclude that attacks against them formed partof“adeliberatestrategy to destroy the future of the PalestiniansinGaza.”

The report accuses Israeli forces of directly targeting children through sniperfireanddroneattacks while also killing thousands t h r o u g h r e p e a t e d bombardments of densely populated residential neighbourhoods, schools anddisplacementcamps.

It further alleges that children continued to be killedevenaftertheOctober 2025 ceasefire, arguing that the so-called “yellow line” established by Israeli forces became “a death trap” because of vague markings and the absence of safe civiliancorridors.

Specific military units named

In an unusual step, the Commission identified several Israeli military brigades and specialised units that it says may bear responsibility for specific incidents involving the deaths and injuries of Palestinianchildren.

Among the cases cited are the killing of five-yearold children, infants, toddlers and teenagers through sniper fire, drone strikes, grenade attacks and shelling.

Oneofthecasesrevisited is the killing of six-year-old HindRajab,membersofher family and two Palestinian Red Crescent paramedics whoattemptedtorescueher “Highest concentration ofchildamputees”

The report paints a grim picture of Gaza’s healthcare system, alleging that Israeli attacks deliberately dismantled paediatric and

neonatal services. It says hospitals caring for children were repeatedly struck, leavingwoundedyoungsters toundergosurgerieswithout anaesthesia,sterileoperating conditions or adequate postoperativecare.

As a consequence, the CommissionstatesthatGaza now has the highest concentration of child amputees in the world, with thousands expected to r e q u i r e l i f e l o n g rehabilitation that is largely unavailable inside the enclave.

Investigators also point towidespreaddestructionof

s and neonatal units, linking the collapse of healthcare services to increases in miscarriages, premature births, infant deaths and congenitalabnormalities.

Starvationanddisease

The Commission further accuses Israel of using starvation as a method of warfare by maintaining restrictions on food, medicine and humanitarian suppliesenteringGaza.

According to the report, prolonged malnutrition has leftchildrensufferingsevere physical deterioration, weakened immune systems and the return of diseases suchaspolio.

It argues that hunger has become another weapon affecting children’s survival andlong-termdevelopment.

Orphans, schools and shatteredfutures

Thereportconcludesthat Israel’s military campaign has created a severe orphan crisis after thousands of children lost one or both parents.

Investigators also allege that orphanages were damaged or militarised duringmilitaryoperations.

Meanwhile, repeated attacks on schools and prolonged displacement have effectively wiped out formal education for an entire generation of Gazan children.

The Commission argues thattheeducationalcollapse

UNCommissionfindsIsrael...

Frompage46 particular obligation to protect civilians, and especially children,inbothGazaandtheWestBank.

The Commission found those obligations have been violated on multiple fronts, including failures to protect children from sexual violence, to ensure access to food, shelter, healthcare and education, and to prevent and prosecutesettlerviolenceagainstchildren.

TheCommissioncalledontheUNGeneralAssemblyto adoptaresolutionrequiringmemberstatestohaltalltwo-way military-related trade with Israel, and to convene a session reviewingIsrael’scompliancewithapriorGeneralAssembly resolution on implementing the International Court of Justice’sJuly2024advisoryopiniononIsraelipracticesinthe OccupiedPalestinianTerritory

extends beyond missed lessons.

Instead, it says

Palestinian childhood has been transformed from one centered on learning, into one focused solely on survival, undermining the futureintellectualandsocial foundations of Palestinian society

Torture and sexual violenceallegations

The Commission also alleges widespread abuse of Palestinian children arrested in both Gaza and the occupiedWestBank.

Itsaysmanyminorswere detained without access to parents or lawyers, held alongside adults and subjectedtotorture,physical abuseandsexualandgenderbasedviolence.

A c c o r d i n g t o investigators,thesepractices may amount to enforced disappearances and violate both international humanitarian and human rightslaw

Psychologicalscars

Beyond physical injuries,thereportconcludes that nearly every child in Gaza now suffers profound psychologicaltrauma.

Years of bombardment, displacement, hunger and bereavement have, according to investigators, createdwhattheydescribeas an “occupied psyche” in which hope, identity and n o r m a l c h i l d h o o d development have been fundamentallyeroded.

The Commission also criticised videos circulated online allegedly showing Israeli soldiers mocking children’s toys and other symbols of childhood, describing such actions as raising serious ethical and legalconcerns.

Israeldidnotparticipate

The Commission said it sent 13 formal requests for informationandaccesstothe Israeli Government during itsinvestigationbutreceived noresponse.

Information was supplied by the State of

Palestine and Gaza’s Ministry of Health, while investigators also relied on witness interviews, medical records, forensic experts, satellite imagery and thousands of verified opensource videos and photographs.

The report notes that it also previously investigated crimes committed against Israeliciviliansandchildren during Hamas’ October 7, 2023attack.

In earlier reports, the Commission concluded that HamasandotherPalestinian armed groups committed war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the killing, abduction and mistreatment of Israeli children.

Calls for sanctions and accountability

The Commission is u r

, and expanded international sanctions if Israel fails to comply with international law

The report also urges member states to suspend arms transfers to Israel where there is a risk they couldbeusedinviolationsof international humanitarian law and calls on the UN Security Council and General Assembly to consider further punitive measures.

If implemented, the recommendations would mark one of the most farreaching international responsesproposedsincethe warbegannearlythreeyears ago.

n, including sanctions against Israeli officials and military commanders allegedly responsible for crimes againstchildren. A m o n g i t s recommendations are a halt to military operations in Gaza, unrestricted humanitarian access, an end to child detentions, reconstruction of hospitals and schools, cooperation with the International Criminal Cou

Venezuelans dig for earthquake

survivors as death toll rises to 1,430

Authorities warn 72-hour window to find survivors closing as more than 51,000 missing after two quakes hit Wednesday.

Aljazeera - Rescuers are racing against time in Venezuela, three days after two powerful earthquakes struck, with at least 1,430 people confirmed dead and more than 51,000 still missing.

The twin earthquakes struckonWednesday,hitting magnitudesof7.2and7.5on the nine-point Richter scale and devastating the coastal areaaroundLaGuaira.

Authorities moved on Friday night to restrict access to the area, as traffic chaos began to hamper searchefforts.

With a scarcity of government rescue teams, Venezuelans have become desperate in the hardest-hit areas, digging through rubble with their hands.Aid agencies have warned that the critical 72-hour survival windowisclosingfast.

Officials said anyone who wants to enter the area around La Guaira will now havetoseekofficialpermits, but provided few details of whowouldbeallowedin.

People reported seeing fewstaterescueteamsinthe hardest-hit areas, despite authorities projecting an image of a robust governmentresponse.

“Each person saved is a miracle, ” said Jorge Rodriguez, president of the NationalAssembly “We are not going to hide absolutely anything about the magnitudeofthistragedy.”

Government forces distributedfoodandwaterto survivors in La Guaira, and acting President Delcy

Rodriguez said her governmentwasmountinga full response during these “critical hours for rescuing peoplealive”.

Shewelcomedthearrival ofinternationalrescuersand humanitarianaid.

Rodriguez said La G u a i r a h a d b e e n “militarised” and more help was on the way, even as residents said it was just a fractionofwhattheyneeded.

Rodriguez, the former vicepresident,tookofficein January after the United Statescapturedandremoved then-President Nicolas Maduro.

Venezuela has been facingeconomicdisarrayfor more than a decade, and many people reject the legitimacy of the political movement Rodriguez represents.

On Saturday, the United Nations Development Programme estimated the direct physical damage of the quakes could cost between $4.7 to $8.7 billion dollars.

Meanwhile, another 4.8 magnitudeearthquakehitoff ofAragua state on Saturday,

according to the EuropeanM e d i t e r r a n e a n Seismological Centre, although no major damage wasreported.

‘Peoplearestillterrified tore-enterwhatwere theirhomes’

Thenumberofdeadwas expectedtoclimb,aspeople reportedtensofthousandsof missing on independent digitaldatabases.

Those figures likely included people who have been incommunicado due to the lack of phone signals, and some reports may be duplicates.

The number of injured was more than 3,300 as of midday Friday, and authorities said they had rescued243people.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said up to 6 76 million people could be affected, some two million

Rescue workers pull Moises Calzadilla, 11, from the rubble three days after earthquakes struck La Guaira, Venezuela, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (APPhoto/Fernando Vergara)

“Venezuela was already i n a s i t u a t i o n o f humanitarian need, with limited resources within their civil protection services,” Kast said. “Even though international rescue teams are coming, there’s still a significant gap, and many people will likely remainundertherubble.”

Meanwhile,aUSofficial told reporters on Saturday that a damaged runway at Simon Bolivar International Airport had been repaired, allowingaiddeliveriestobe scaledup.

Struggletolocate lovedones

Reporting from Chacao, oneofthehardesthitareasin

Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, Al Jazeera’s Noris Soto said hope of finding survivorshasdwindled.

oftheminCaracasalone.

“It is already clear that displacement will increase, as people seek safety,” IOM Director-GeneralAmy Pope said in a statement. “Aswift response is essential as we deliver life-saving assistance and support the peopleofVenezuelathrough thedifficultdaysandmonths ahead.”

The destruction was amplified by the quick succession of shallow quakes,expertssaid.

Rescueeffortsturnto recoveryasaftershocks shakeVenezuela

Loyce Pace, the International Red Cross

regional director for the Americas, said, “People are stillterrifiedtore-enterwhat weretheirhomes.”

Venezuelan authorities said on Saturday that 1,600 members of foreign rescue teams had arrived in the countrytoassistwithsearch andrescue.

But speaking to Al Jazeera, Nicole Kast, the Venezuela director for the International Rescue Committee, said rescuers were already in “the final hours of the search and rescue operations, 72 hours is the window in which we hope to find people still alive.”

“As we can see, the labours of working, the labours of removing debris, are still ongoing with heavy machinery and drills,” Soto said.

“But the chances of finding survivors at this point, according to the rescuers, are nearly zero,” she said. She added that severed mobile and internet connectivity, particularly in La Guaira state, has made it difficult for many people to locatelovedones.

“The organisation has beensopoorthatthepeople, the citizens, are denouncing that they don’t even know where their relatives, their survivorsare,orevenwhere the bodies that have been found are being taken,” she said.

HealthMinistrysaysdoctorswere notfiredforgrossnegligence ...insists they were released in accordance with the terms of contracts

TheMinistryofHealthhasrejectedclaims that two doctors whose contracts were terminatedbytheGeorgetownPublicHospital Corporation(GPHC)weredismissedforgross negligence, insisting that both doctors were releasedstrictlyinaccordancewiththeterms oftheiremploymentcontractsandreceivedall contractualbenefits

In a letter addressed to the newspaper’s Editor, the Ministry refuted a key claim containedintheJune25,2026edition,which carried the headline: “Doctors fired over toddler’sdeathquietlyrehiredbyMinistryof Health,placedatDiamondhospital.”

According to the Ministry, the article incorrectly stated that the two doctors, Dr Marissa Seepersaud and Dr Yala Gomez, had been terminated by the Georgetown

Public Hospital Corporation for gross negligence.

The Ministry acknowledged that both doctors’contractswereindeedterminatedby theGeorgetownPublicHospitalCorporation but stressed that the dismissals were carried out strictly in accordance with the terms of their employment contracts, not on the groundsofgrossnegligence.

Itfurthernotedthatbothdoctorsreceived theirfullcontractualentitlements,including outstanding salary, gratuity, allowances, vacation allowance, accrued leave benefits, andsalaryinlieuofnotice.

“For the avoidance of doubt,” the Ministry stated, “neither contract of employment was terminated for gross negligenceasallegedinthearticleoratall.”

‘HE HAS LEFT AN INDELIBLE MARK’ - GCC mourns passing of Don Singh

The Executive and MembersoftheGeorgetown Cricket Club (GCC) mourn the passing of Jai Narine Singh, affectionately and more widely known as Don Singh, whose unwavering devotion to the club and the game of cricket has left an indelible mark on our institution.

Formostofhis56years, Don’s life was inseparably linkedtoGCC.

His lifelong connection to the club began in 1975,

when, as a five-year-old, he was taken by his father to ‘Bourda’ to watch his first cricket match That memorable experience ignited a passion for cricket and for the club that remained with him throughouthislife. From an enthusiastic supporter in the stands, Don became a dedicated and long-serving member of GCC His commitment culminatedinhiselectionas President in January of this

year,aroleheacceptedwith humility, purpose, and an unwavering determination toserve.

An avid cricket aficionado, Don was deeply passionate about the developmentofthegame.

His decision to seek the presidencywasdrivenbyhis firmbeliefthatthetimewas righttoleadthedevelopment agenda of Guyana’s most iconiccricketclub.

He had many ambitious plans for the club during his

tenureasPresident,foremost among them creating a conducive environment whereplayerscoulddevelop their skills and elevate their game.

Don was a candid and benevolent leader whose honesty, generosity, and genuine concern for others earned him the respect and affection of all who knew him.

He was never afraid to speak his mind when it was in the best interest of the club, yet he always did so with kindness, fairness, and asinceredesiretoseeothers succeed.

Sunday June 28, 2026

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

You need to stay as grounded as possible right now. Things areupintheair,butaslongas you feel centered you should be able to cope with it all. Thingsaregoingtogetintense soon!

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Youridealsareoutintheopen today,somakesurethatyou're doingwhatyoucantoadvance them. You know you're right, andyoucantellthatpeopleare startingtohearyouout.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Someone is not being clear withyouabouttheirrealneeds ordesires,andyouneedtoget closer to figure them out. It might not happen today, but just making the effort should helpyougetwhatyouneed.

CANCER(June21–July22)

You are going through some career-related troubles that might feel much bigger than they really are. All things should work out in the end or much sooner, so just do your bestandwaitfortheswing.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Before you rush out to try to fix whatever it is that's going wrong with your people today, you need to really listen It may be that all they need is a sympathetic ear to feelbetter

VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)

Your creative energy is helping you to refine rather than build, and that's an important part of the process. You may need to cut away so much that it starts to feel ridiculous,butgoforit!

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Youremotionsarealittleoutof whack right now, which could mean that you need to find a way to get your friends to support you. It's a good day to reach out, though at least one personisoutoftouch.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)

Your ideas don't go unchallenged today, but that's notbecausethey'rebad.It'sjust because everyone is as skeptical as you are! This can be really positive, because it forces you to defend and strengthenyourarguments.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

You need to avoid spending money as much as you can rightnow,asit'slikelytocome backtohauntyoulaterifyou're not prudent today Things should get better in the near future,though.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

You need to show off a little. Yourresultsdomatter,andyou know that you're doing better thanalmosteveryoneelseright now Make sure to give others thepropsthey'redueaswell!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Avoidunwantedattention today Even the attention you crave might start to feel burdensomeafteralittlewhile! Yourenergyisjustbetterspent onpersonal,privateactivities.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar 20)

Ifyou'repartofalargergroup, you need to make sure that you'respeakingout.Youcould be the only one who sees the situation for what it really is. Don't be afraid to suggest majorchanges.

Although his tenure as President was far too brief, Don’s vision, enthusiasm, and commitment inspired everyone who worked alongsidehim.

Hislegacywillendurein the values he championed, the aspirations he instilled, and the love he had for the club that was such an importantpartofhislife.

The Executive and Members extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.

We honour Don’s remarkablelegacyofservice and dedication, and we remain committed to preserving the vision he had for the Georgetown Cricket Club.

May his soul rest in eternalpeace.

Scotlandmissoutaseightteams secureautomaticspotsfor2028

(Cricinfo) - Teams that finished in the top four of each group at the ongoing T20WorldCuphavesecured theirspotsforthenextedition of the tournament in 2028. From Group 1, Australia, India, South Africa and Bangladesh have qualified. England, West Indies, New Zealand and Sri Lanka join themfromGroup2.Pakistan qualified as a result of being the tournament hosts; they finished fifth in the Group 2 tablewithjustonewininfive games.

Scotland missed out on a chancetodirectlyqualifyfor the 12-team ICC event after losingtoSriLankaonFriday

The 10th spot will go to thenexthighest-rankedteam ontheT20Irankingstableat theJuly6,2026cut-off.Asit stands,Ireland,rankedninth, fill that spot. The remaining two places will be determined through a 10team global qualifier, which willbesupportedbyregional qualifiers.

Netherlands, ranked 14th, are likely to have to play in the qualifier to make the main event So too Scotland (11th) and Ireland (9th)iftheyfalltoofardown thetable.

The ICC also made a decision on the composition of teams at the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy, to be held next year in Sri Lanka. The hosts will be joined by the top five teamsontheT20Irankingsat thesameJuly6cut-off.Asit stands, the teams at the tournamentwillbeAustralia, England,India,NewZealand andSouthAfrica.

Sri Lanka’s win against Scotland completed the group of eight teams (Getty Images)

England in huge danger in third Test against NZ

(BBCSport)-England’s deciding Test against New Zealand - and perhaps the future of the hosts’ management - hangs in the balance after a dramatic and fluctuatingthirddayatTrent Bridge.

Asapreviouslyflatpitch began to break up and play

tricks, England first surrendered the initiative with the bat, then tried gamelywiththeballtohang inthecontest.

At the end of it all, New Zealand moved to 120-3, a lead of 204 looking sizeable given the unevenness in the surfacethatbecameapparent onSaturday

TheBlackCapshadbeen 12-2 and 51-3, but Rachin Ravindra’s unbeaten 60, alongside26notoutbyDaryl Mitchell ensured the tourists remaininthedrivingseat

England began the day with an opportunity to get closetoNewZealand’sfirstinnings 438, only to lose three crucial wickets for 10 runsinsidethefirstsixovers.

Joe Root was out for 21 andJacobBethell74-neither man adding to his overnight score - before Jamie Smith managedonlyone

Harry Brook made a calm 58, but when England lost their last three wickets for four runs, the home side were left 354 all out and 84 behindonfirstinnings.

New Zealand seamer

ZakFoulkes,whoonlycame intothegameonFridayasa concussion sub for Blair Tickner, took three of the wickets to fall on Saturday, including Brook and EnglandcaptainBenStokes.

‘Highestpressure’ rampsupforEngland

This was a day when the match accelerated at an unexpectedly swift rate When the pitch was benign on the opening two days, only 12 wickets fell. Baked in the intense heat, the surface has deteriorated and 11 wickets fell on Saturday alone.

The pitch is the prime reason why England are in such a precarious position. The run chase could be devilishly difficult, even against a depleted New Zealand attack. Still, in the slower seam of Foulkes, the Black Caps look to have gainedanimportantweapon.

If England lose this match and the series, there c o u l d b e s e v e r e consequences It would extendtheirpoorruntoonly two wins in 10 matches, set against a backdrop of offfieldcontroversy

Giventhecircumstances, skipper Stokes said before this game that his team is underthe“highestpressure” whencomparedtoanyother point in his four years in charge.

Stokes’ team then came

up against a New Zealand side without three key players - Matt Henry, Kyle JamiesonandGlennPhillips - but still find themselves rightupagainstit.

England have memories of 2022, a remarkable win againstNewZealandonthis ground, albeit on a very different pitch.That was the birth of Bazball. This might betheend.

Ravindrarepels chargingEngland

Given the first-innings deficit, England had no choice but to find early inroads into the New Zealand top-order Jofra Archer did just that, galvanising the crowd after tea on a steamy afternoon in Nottingham.

With the final ball of the firstover,ArcherpinnedNew ZealandcaptainTomLatham ontheshinandbarelyturned aroundtoappeal Bowling an immaculate lineandusingthedemonsin the pitch, Archer unnerved Devon Conway with a blow to the helmet and, four balls later, had the left-hander fendtosecondslip.

Ravindra entered at number four, intent on counter-attacking At the other end, Henry Nicholls was given a torrid time by JoshTongue.Nichollsedged andBrookfailedtoreactata wideslip,butBrookmadeno mistake in the next over

when GusAtkinson induced anick.

New Zealand were 135 ahead,withsevenwicketsin hand, the match in the balance. Mitchell arrived to dig in alongside Ravindra, whose scoring slowed Stokes launched into a sixoverspell,tonoavail.

ShoaibBashiralmostgot MitchelltosweeptoArcher, who cranked up for a final spell before the close. New Zealand got through unscathed, the RavindraMitchellpartnershipisworth 69, with the opportunity to put the match and series beyondEngland.

Saturdayslideleaves Englandvulnerable England began with the chance to bat themselves into a strong position, yet

were left in peril by a Black Caps’ opening burst that ripped the guts out of the homemiddle-order

Eight balls into the day, Root was lbw to Nathan Smith, yet again with wicketkeeper Tom Blundell up the stumps. The ball jaggedbackandRootshook his head as the review revealed an umpire’s call, but it is the third successive innings when Root has been leg before to a seamer operatingwiththekeeperup.

In the next over, Bethell prodded at one from Will O’Rourkehecouldhaveleft and edged to second slip.

JamieSmithwassuckedinto driving namesake Nathan to continuehispoormatch-the England keeper is dropping catchesandnotmakingruns.

Stokes, batting for England for the first time since he was made unavailable for the second Test, was given a standing ovation on arrival The captainadded56withBrook before becoming Foulkes’ first victim, bowled by one that ripped back into the stumps.

England were 148 behind and hopes rested on Brook. He played sensibly, taking 80 balls over his 58, until he was bowled by a wicked delivery from Foulkes that angled in, then straightened.

Atkinson batted for two hours,firstwithBrook,then with Archer When Archer fended the second new ball to slip off Smith, England quicklysubsided.

RussellclaimscontroversialpoleafterVerstappencrash

(BBCSport)-Mercedesdriver George Russell controversially snatched pole position at the AustrianGrandPrixfromFerrari’s CharlesLeclercwiththelastlapof thesession.

The result came amid late drama as Russell set his lap, beating Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, despite passing yellow flagsforacrashbyRedBull’sMax Verstappen at the penultimate corner

Russell’s team-mate Kimi Antonelli, who was running just aheadoftheBriton,alsopassedthe Verstappen incident, but did not improve his time and will line up fourth.

McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were sixth and seventh behind Verstappen, who keptfifthdespitehiscrash.

Russell insisted he had slowed sufficiently for the Verstappen incident, and said there was just a single yellow flag showing, rather than the double waved yellows which might have been expected forsuchasituation.

Asingle yellow flag was being

shownonthelightboardstrackside but, to confuse the situation, the official sheet of race control messages says that it was a double wavedyellowflagontheapproach toTurnNine.

An FIAspokesperson said that asingleyellowwasshowninitially, beforeitwasupgradedtoadouble yellows, by which time Antonelli andRussellhadgonethrough.

“I had a big lift,” Russell said.

“I went into the corner 0.5secs up and I came out 0.25secs up. It was greattogetthatlap.

“I just spoke with Toto [Wolff, team principal] and he said everything is fine with the yellow flag. Big 100m lift before the corner Sothat’sgoodtohear.”

Antonelli, who was the car

running directly behind Verstappen, said: “I thought it was a double yellow. I aborted completely and missed the front row

“I shouldn’t have done that. It was my mistake. Its would have been very close with George. He would have been a little bit ahead

butitwouldhavebeenfrontrow.”

Thelatedramawascausedbya big crash for Verstappen, who lost control going into the high-speed downhill right-hander and spun acrossthegravelintothebarrier

Ferrari and McLaren did their runsearlyenoughtocompletetheir laps before Verstappen, but the Mercedes drivers were running behindtheDutchmanontrack.

Until Russell’s unexpected improvement, the crash had seemed to secure a front row for Ferrari, who had not looked like

pole contenders until the end of qualifying.

Leclerc was 0 059 seconds fasterthanHamilton,whohadbeen the quicker Ferrari driver all weekend.

Hamiltonmadeamistakeonhis first run in Q3, locking a brake at Turn Three, and had to abort the lap.

Thatlefthimhavingadifferent risk-rewardbalanceonthefinallap andhedidnothavequiteenoughto beathisteam-mate.

Antonelli backed off completely on his final lap on the approach to Turn Nine, and was nearlytwosecondsslowerthanhis final run. Verstappen’s first lap, which was third fastest behind Antonelli and Russell, was good enoughforfifthplace.

The McLaren drivers both improved on their final runs, but Norris ended up just 0.027secs slower than Verstappen, Piastri 0.009secsfurtherbehind.

RedBull’sIsackHadjarandthe Racing Bulls of Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad completed the top 10.

DM Beauty World supports the inaugural Champion of Champions Female Softball Cup

Female softball cricketers around the countrywilltaketothefield as RS Sports will be hosting the inaugural “Champion of Champions Female Softball Cup”onSunday,12thJulyin Region3from9am.

This landmark event is being organized with the objective of promoting and a d v a n c i n g f e m a l e participation in softball cricket across Guyana while providingaprofessionaland competitive platform for female athletes to display theirskillsandabilities.

D.M Beauty World of Regent Street, Georgetown has thrown it supports towards the event. Ms. Shivmattie Francis, representing the business entity,saidthatherbosswas very pleased to be invited to bepartofthetournamentand fully supports the development of sports. She said that her entity is very excited to support this particular tournament because it’s an all-female competition and will see female softball cricketers in action,whichishardlybeing seenorknownaspartofthis sports.

Ms. Francis went on to

say that her entity’s support showsandplayspartoftheir corporate responsibility of giving back to the

community and by supporting this tournament it’s one way of supporting sports development especially at the grassroots level.

She went on to wish all the teams the very best and said that let the games be played in the true spirit of sportsmanship.

Ms.DeanneFayLaRose of RS Sports thanks Ms. Francis and her entity for

Wyatt-Hodgesmashesunbeaten 89asEnglandraceintosemis

(BBCSport)-England’s winning run at the T20 WorldCupcontinuedwitha rampantnine-wicketvictory over New Zealand in their final group game at The Oval.

Already assured of top spotinGroup2,andwithita place in next week’s semifinals, England built on the momentum of their four previous wins by cruising a chaseof164with16ballsto spare.

Danni Wyatt-Hodge, now the tournament’s leading run-scorer, kept up her superb form by crashing 89 not out She was supported by Sophia Dunkley, who made 49 not out in their unbroken partnershipof128.

Defending champions New Zealand, who are now eliminated, are a shadow of thesidethatwonthistitlein 2024 but the dominant natureofEngland’swinonly added to the sense of momentumaroundthisside.

After limiting New Zealand early on, they took

three wickets in four balls without conceding a run in limiting the White Ferns to 163-6.

Sophie Devine hit three sixes in a 14-ball 30 on her final internat

al appearance but otherwise England were always in control. T

semi-final opponentswillbeconfirmed on Sunday, with India or

coming on board and being partofthetournament.

She said that by coming onboard it helps to develop cricket, especially amongst female players, and that female softball cricket is on therise,andthistournament is a stepping stone in enabling the players to showcasetheirtalentsforthe gamesamongsteachother

Ms. La Rose assures the managementofD.MBeauty World that the competition will be played in all fairness andaccordingtotherulesto ensureitissuccessful.

D.M Beauty World is known for supplying and helping to beautify our nation through its line of

Flying

qualitybrandproducts.

Fansonthedaywillhave the opportunity to visit the business booth that will be on site to offer a first-hand lookattheirproducts.

According to the organisers,itwillbeanopen competitionandtheorderof the day will be round-arm bowlingwithextrasinplace in the limited-overs affairs competition.

O r g a n i s e d a n d coordinated by RS Sports, thecompetitionwillofferthe winning team $300,000 and atrophy,whiletherunner-up willtakehome$70,000anda trophy Individual awards will include Most Valuable Player(MVP)–$20,000and

a trophy, and Player of the Final–$10,000andatrophy

Additionalprizeswillbe awardedfor:BestBowlerin aninnings,BestBatterinan innings, Most Sixes in an innings, Most Fours in an innings, and Player of the Matchineachgame.

The entrance fee per teamis$20,000.

Plans are also being finalized to have the semifinalsandfinalplayedunder lights, while cricket balls will be provided for participatingteams.

Interested teams are encouraged to register early by contacting Mr. Sedik on 698-6406 or RS Sports via WhatsAppat726-1386.

Ace Cycle Club road race on today in Ancient County

The Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) of Berbice is doing all in its power to keep cycling going in the Ancient County The club has organised a cycle road race set for todayaroundtheTownofNewAmsterdam.

The 10-lap event, which was originally slatedforFather’sDay,waspushedbackfor variousreasons.

TheeventwillbeforcyclistsofRegion5 (Mahaica/Berbice and Region 6(East Berbice Corentyne only The riders will pedal off from in front of the Level Up Bar, Charles Place and Republic Road, New Amsterdam, proceed along Republic Road, turn left into Vryheid Street, left into Main Street, proceed along New Amsterdam into Stanleytown, left into Tacama Turn along

Republictopassthestartingpointfor10laps. Theraceisexpectedtogetonthewayat 13:00 hrs. The cyclists will be sent on their way by His Worship, the Mayor of New Amsterdam, Wainwright McIntosh. Mayor McIntoshwillalsoleadthecyclistsinafree laparoundthetown.

Anumberofprizeswillbeawardedtothe outstanding riders in various categories. A number of prime prizes will also be presented.Theprizeswillbepresentedtothe winnersbytheMayor,immediatelyafterthe race.

Roberts expressed his appreciation to Mayor McIntosh and the other sponsors for theirsupportoftheeventandtheircontinued supporttotheFACCovertheyears.

South Africa appearing the mostlikely

That match will take place on Tuesday afternoon orThursdayeveningbackat The Oval, where England’s women’s side have never lostanyoftheir11matches. Win that and they will return to Lord’s for the final on Sunday for a chance to win their first World Cup since2017.

(Cricinfo)–AmirJangoo amassed 233, Roston Chase hit 194, and through a record-breaking 401-run partnership, the pair slowroasted Sri Lanka on day three in Antigua Their gargantuan stand delivered West Indies to a position of extraordinary strength, securingthema318-runfirst inningslead.Thatinthefour overstheygottobowlatSri Lanka, West Indies dismissed the dangerous Pathum Nissanka, and created other chances, buoying them further headingintodayfour

Jangoo and Chase now not only have the highest sixth-wicket stand in the history of Test cricket, they alsohavethesecond-highest partnership for West Indies, behind only Garfield Sobers and Conrad Hunte. Both batters improved on their previous first-class high scores, Roston Chase easily beating his 137 not out, and Jangoo surpassing his domestic219.

That Jangoo produced a knock of such astonishing concentration, and expansive range, in just his third Test innings was especially impressive. Until he got out attempting to

accelerate about midway through the last session, his innings was largely chanceless. He batted 373 deliveriesonhisown,andhe and Chase batted 100 2 overs, seeing out three complete sessions together Though they had begun slowly, both batters sped up through the day and were finding boundaries off both the quicks and spinners throughthesecondandthird sessionsoftheday Sri Lanka’s attack found the pitch utterly docile for mostofdaythree.Theywere

Roston Chase reverse sweeps. (AFP/Getty Images)

missing their fastest quick Lahiru Kumara, who went offthefieldwithahamstring niggle early the previous day Their quicks were earnest in the first hour, but once Jangoo and Chase saw out the second new ball (the ballwasfouroversoldwhen day three began) with a periodofdisciplinedbatting, SriLanka’squickslostsome venom, and captain Dhananjaya de Silva went increasinglytohisspinnersSonalDinushainparticular TheoneexceptionforSri L a n k a w a s M i l a n

Rathnayaka, who was intense in each of his day three spells, and created chances even in a dreary second session, having Chase dropped by a diving wideslipfor108.Laterinthe day,itwouldbeRathnayaka who would break the enormous stand, and would go on to complete a welldeserved five-wicket haul, finishing with 5 for 124. Dinusha, the left-arm spinning allrounder, conceded 234 runs himself inthisinnings,thoughhedid also pick up two wickets,

includingthatofChase. Patience had defined Jangoo and Chase’s batting in the first hour Jangoo, for example,didn’tscoreoffthe first15deliverieshefacedon day three, while Chase was only marginally less defensive. When conditions began to ease after the first hour,however,theybeganto slip into more fluent modes ofoperation.Intheafternoon session,whenthepairreally propelled West Indies into the ascendancy, they plundered 136 runs at a rate of more than five an over Jangoowasespeciallystrong square of the wicket on the offsideanddowntheground. Chasewasexcellentthrough the covers Jangoo, additionally, would sometimestonkthespinners overthestraightboundary

Rightthroughthedaythe pair would notch up milestones - both for themselves, and the partnership. The milestone that drew the most raucous celebration came soon after tea,whenJangoocompleted his double with a sweep through square leg, leaping intheairashetookoffforthe run.Althoughonlyhundreds were in attendance, the housewasonitsfeetforhim,

coachDarenSammyandthe West Indies dressing room giving him an especially warmovation.Havingcome into the XI only as a replacement player for the injured Shai Hope, Jangoo hasessentiallymadehimself undroppable for the second Test.

Afterteathepairtookthe scoring up even one further gear, Jangoo hitting some memorablesixesoversquare leg, while Chase continued to drive powerfully Jangoo wasoutattemptingtorepeat a pulled six though the ball was not quite short enough for that shot. The resultant top-edge was gobbled up by thewicketkeeper Chasewas outmuchlater,under-edging Dinusha into his stumps whenasweepwentawry He was six short of what would also have been his first doublecentury Rathnayake would take two further wickets before West Indies declared the innings. Nissanka was out caught behind feeling for a JaydenSealesaway-swinger first ball of the second over NightwatcherKasunRajitha couldhavebeenouttoo,had Jangoo at short leg held a sharp, low chance off the bowlingofKemarRoach.

CroatiathroughtoknockoutstagesafterbeatingGhana

Sport) - Nikola

scored a late header as Croatia booked their place in the World Cup last 32 with victory over already-qualified Ghana in Philadelphia.

Zlatko Dalic’s side needed to avoiddefeatagainsttheBlackStars tobesureofaplaceintheknockout stages, but Vlasic’s effort seven minutes from time ensured they qualified as runners-up to England – who beat Panama in Group L’s othergame.

Ghana defender Derrick Luckassen had cancelled out Petar Sucic’s stunning first-half opener in the 73rd minute, but the Black Stars were unable to hold on for a pointandwillnowheadintothelast 32 as one of the best third-placed sides.

Croatia’s victory also ended Scotland’sfainthopesofqualifying fortheknockoutstages.

Finalists in 2018 and semifinalists four years later, Croatia carriedthegreaterthreatinthefirst half and went close to taking the lead on 17 minutes, when Vlasic’s long-rangedrivegrazedtheoutside of goalkeeper Benjamin Asare’s right-handpost.

midfielder Sucic collected Mateo Kovacic’s pass before arrowing a low, right-footed drive through Luckassen’s legs and into the bottomcorner

Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo dragged a low shot narrowly wide of the far post late in the first half, but it would have been a scarcely deserved equaliserforCarlosQuieroz’sside, who failed to muster a first-half shotontargetforthethirdgamein succession.

timeintroductionofLeicesterCity wingerAbdulFatawu,whoflashed a powerful shot narrowly over the barearlyinthesecondhalf.

Ghana were rewarded for their improved second-half showing when Luckassen headed home Ernest Nuamah’s delivery – a goal which was awarded by the video assistant referee following a near four-minutecheckforoffside.

interfering with play when the crosswasstruckandgavethegoal.

Themomentumappearedtobe withGhanaasthegameenteredthe final10minutes,butVlasicnodded home Luka Modric’s delivery to earn Croatia their second Group L victory

Scotland’seliminationfrom WorldCupconfirmed Scotland have been eliminated from the 2026 World Cup following Croatia’s 2-1 win over Ghana.

one of the eight best third-placed teams that will reach the knockout stage.

It is another group-stage exit from a major tournament for Scotland, who have appeared at nine World Cups and four European Championships without ever progressing past the first phase.

ScotlandbegantheirfirstWorld Cupfor28yearsbybeatingHaiti10, the lowest-ranked team in their group,butstiffertestslayaheadin Group C against two sides in the world’stop10.

A 1-0 defeat by Morocco was followed by Wednesday’s 3-0 loss toBrazilinMiami,whichleftthem third on three points and with a -3 goaldifference.

Clarke and some of his players conceded after the Brazil defeat that progression to the last 32 was unlikely and they faced a wait of several days to discover their fate while the remaining matches in othergroupswereplayed.

But Dalic’s team took a richly deserved lead when Inter Milan

Results such as Ecuador’s comeback win against Germany reduced their predicted chance of progressing to 5.26% with six of the12groupsstilltobecompleted and Croatia’s victory sealed Scotland’sexit. Jangoo233,Chase194putWestIndiesincommandingposition

However, the Black Stars appeared revitalised by the half-

Kwasi Sibo was in an offside position from Nuamah’s cross, but on-field official Drew Fischer eventuallyinformedthecrowdthat the Ghana number eight was not

The result in Group L means SteveClarke’ssidecannotfinishas

Ireland’s Prendergast,spinners defeat West Indies for first win in T20 WorldCups

(Cricinfo) - It took Ireland 22 attempts across five editions of the T20 World Cup to win a match. They beat West Indies, for whom a win would have secured a semi-final spot, in a low-scoring thriller in Bristol Ireland’s win brought defending champions New Zealand back into contention - their final group game against E n g l a n d g a i n i n g significance More importantly for Ireland, it ended a long run of nearlytheres, including a four-run defeat to New Zealand last week, and proved they can competeandbeatbigteams.

Ireland were economical with the ball and limited WestIndiesto128for7,with none of their batters able to get more than Chinelle Henry’s 27 off 21 balls. Ireland’s spinners were the stranglers-in-chief as legspinnerCaraMurraywas the standout in their attack, as her four overs brought a return of two for 13 while left-arm spinner Aimee Maguiretook2for22.

Chasing a modest total, Ireland were positive in the powerplay and on 37 for 1 after the first six overs Though they lost captain Gaby Lewis for nine, Amy HunterandOrlaPrendergast puton62off53ballsforthe secondwicket.

Prendergast scored her second half-century of the tournament to put West Indiesonthebrink.Butonce she was dismissed, nerves jangled until Rebecca Stokell and Louise Little tookithome.

Ireland’s women’s team caps off a celebratory 24 hours for their country after

themen’steambeatIndiafor thefirsttimeinanyformatin aT20IinBelfastonFriday WestIndiesallorbust atthebeginning

Brought back into the side after missing the Englandgame,QianaJoseph started with a bang when blasted the third ball she faced to Jane Maguire at square leg but it was hit so hard it burst through her hands for four She hit the next ball through midwicket for a second successive boundary but then tried to finish the over with a fullblooded sweep and topedged to Leah Paul at short fineleg.

In the next over, Hayley MatthewsedgedPrendergast through the vacant short third area and then clipped her through square leg. By the third over, Shemaine Campbellewas in on the act when she edged an Arlene Kellyoutswingerforfour

But she then sent a leadingedgehighforHunter to run back and settle under Stafanie Taylor was at No.4 after batting lower down previously and cut the first ball she faced through point for four After three overs, WestIndieswere31fortwo, with 24 runs in boundaries andtwowicketsdown.

Matthews,Taylor andDottingetstarts butdon’tgetgoing After their rapid start, West Indies were tied down by four boundary-less overs before Matthews was offered a short, wide ball fromJaneandsentitthrough point for her second four She went from 10 off six balls to 22 off 24 and then, searching for another boundary,shesweptMurray

CamptownFCreceivesGovt...

Frompage57 community, he believed genuine engagement would ultimatelyearnthetrustofresidents.

“On behalf of President Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party Government, it is my pleasure to donate this riding lawnmower tractor to the Camptown Football Club,”Ramsondeclared.

Respondingonbehalfoftheclub,Vice-PresidentSalim Twahir expressed gratitude for the Government’s support.”OnbehalfoftheexecutivemembersofCamptown FootballClub,itismydistinctpleasuretoextendoursincere appreciation to Minister Charles Ramson Jr for this generousdonation,”Twahirsaid.

“Thiscontributionrepresentsfarmorethanadonation;it isaninvestmentintheclub,ourplayersandthecommunity Proper maintenance of our playing field is essential to providing a safe and suitable environment for training, competitionandthecontinueddevelopmentoftheclub.

“Thislawnmowerwillgreatlyassistusinachievingthat objective, and we deeply value your commitment to the developmentofsportandyouthinGuyana.”

straight to square leg where Stokell accepted a simple chance. Taylor had a much less fluent start and worked her way 16 off 26 balls beforesheskippeddownthe track to meet an Aimee deliveryonthefullandhitit straight to Prendergast at long-on.

Deandra Dottin had a slow start and was on two runs off 10 balls before she got down on one knee to sweepAimee behind square for four That was the only boundary she hit She workedherwayto21off28

balls, then got a full toss fromJanethatshehitstraight toPrendergastatextracover There was a thought that it couldhavebeenano-ballfor height but it was deemed legal.

Hunterdoesthehunting Irelandwereofftoasolid start with eight runs off the firsttwooversbuthadyetto find the boundary when Hunter went looking. She tried to hit Matthews over mid-off but sent the ball

straight to Jannillea Glasgow, who fluffed a simple chance at mid-off.

Hunter was on three at the timeandrubbedsaltintothe wounds when she advanced on Matthews and hit her between mid-on and midwicketforfour

Then,shefollowedupby hitting Matthews over cow cornerforsixandIrelandhad two boundaries in two balls.

Hunter went on to score 28 and batted until the 13th over, when Ireland were alreadyinagoodpositionon 88for1beforemiscuingAfy Fletcher to Taylor at point. Irelandneeded40runsfrom 42 balls when she was

dismissed. Prendergastsparklesto takeIrelandovertheline

Shescoredahalf-century in Ireland’s chase against New Zealand, where they fell short by four runs. Her dismissal triggered a collapse, so Prendergast would have known the importance of her seeing it throughthistime.

She was 46 off 35 balls when Hunter departed and reachedherfiftyoffthenext delivery She hit Ashmini Munisar between deep midwicket and deep square leg forherseventhfour.Laterin the over, Prendergast threadedonethroughthegap between cover-point and backwardpoint,showingoff herbackfootplaybothsides ofthewicket.

In the next over,

Prendergast was given out caught behind down the leg side, off Fletcher but reviewed immediately and successfully

She then took one risk too many when trying to hit Matthews over mid-wicket but did not get enough on it andwascaughtbyDottinon the rope. Ireland needed 21 runs off 28 balls as she left thefield.

BellinghamandKanestrikeasEnglandsealtopspot

(BBCSport) -HarryKanebecame England’srecordWorldCupgoalscorer astheyrecoveredfromanunconvincing starttoovercomePanamaandfinishtop ofGroupL.

JudeBellinghambrokeafrustrating deadlocktoputEnglandaheadafter62 minutes, then crossed for Kane to double their advantage with a closerangeheaderfiveminuteslater

It was the England captain’s 11th WorldCupgoal-takinghimoneahead

Harry Kane heads home England’s second. (Reuters)

ofGaryLineker

England were below-par for long periods and once more looked vulnerable at the back, suffering another injury blow when emergency right-back Jarell Quansah, deputising fortheinjuredReeceJames,wasforced offinthesecondhalf.

Bellingham was England’s outstanding driving force, making the breakthroughwhenheturnedinaclever finishfromBukayoSaka’scorner

Hethenturnedcreatorwithaperfect cross for Kane to rewrite England’s historybooksagainwitharoutinefinish, his82ndgoalin117appearances

As England closed out the win, which means they will face either DR Congo or Senegal in the last 32 in Atlanta - barring an unlikely sequence of results - Jordan Henderson came on as substitute to become the first player to represent his country at four World Cups.

215-memberT&T delegationforCACGames

(TrindadExpress)-Chef de mission Lovie SantanaDuke will head a 215member Trinidad and Tobago delegation to the 2026 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Santo Domingo after the squad was officially ratified by the Trinidad and Tobago

Olympic Comm

ee (TTOC) during its General

Council mee

Thursday

T h e d e l e g a t i o n comprises 145 athletes and 70 officials and support personnelandrepresentsone of the country’s largest contingents to a regional multi-sport event The athletes include 71 men and 74womenwhowillcompete across 28 sporting disciplinesattheGames.

Leading Team TTO alongsideSantana-Dukewill be assistant chef de mission

Reyah Richardson, administrative personnel

Jariel Mc Collin, NOC welfareofficerAvionAshton and press attachés Bryanna Romeo and Kira Alexander An experienced medical team headed by chief medical officer Dr Jude Mc Knight will also accompany thedelegation.

T&T’s athletes will compete in archery, athletics, aquatics, open w a t e r s w i m m i n g , badminton, basketball, men’s and women’s 3x3 basketball,beachvolleyball, volleyball, boxing, chess, track cycling, road cycling, mountain biking, golf, gymnastics, field hockey, karate, netball, rugby, sailing, shooting, squash, surfing, table tennis, t a e k w o n d o a n d weightlifting.

Thetrackcyclingteamis among the largest in the delegation and includes Olympians Kwesi Browne, Teniel Campbell and Akil

Campbell,alongsidePhoebe Sandy,KyraWilliams,Alexi Costa Ramirez, Danell James, Ryan A’Abreau, Tariq Woods, Syndel SamarooandLiamTrepte.

Theswimmingteamwill bespearheadedbyOlympian Dylan Carter and features Nikoli Blackman, Zarek Wilson, Liam Carrington, Zachary Anthony and Zuri Ferguson.

Athletics will be represented by Rinaldo Moore,JustinGuy,Shakeem Mc Kay, Lebron James, Christopher Crawford, Hezekiel Romeo, Taejha Badal, Lalenii Grant, Jelese Alexander and Keneisha Shelbourne.

Santana-Duke said the selected athletes and officials had worked diligently in preparation for the Games and expressed confidence that they would represent the country with prideandprofessionalism.

- $100K UP FOR GRABS Cricket Meets Golf at Westside Golf Course

JustovertheDr BharatJagdeoDemerara RiverBridge,anotherbridgeisbeingbuiltthis time between Guyana’s oldest sport, cricket andoneofitsfastest-growingsports,golf.

On Sunday, July 5, 2026, the ER Small EnginesRookieGolfTournamentwillteeoff at the Westside Golf Course in Vreed-enHoop, bringing together cricketers and firsttime golfers for a fun-filled day of competition.

The tournament will feature players associated with teams such as Brian Headley’s Mystic Marvels, along with wellknown cricket personalities including Devindra Kissoon, Rajendra Chandrika (former Guyana and West Indies player), prolific tapeball run-scorer Jonte, Jermaine DewsburyofTransportCricketClub,N.L&B FuelPumpRepairsandmanyotherswhowill trade their cricket bats for golf clubs as they showcasetheirskillsonthefairways.

The event is designed specifically for beginner golfers, with teams of three

competing for top honors and a share of G$100,000inprizes.

The Westside Golf Course, in partnership with the Guyana Golf Association, continues to break barriers by introducing the sport to thousands of new players across Guyana Conveniently located just off the Schoonord Highway at the Crane Roundabout, Westside is Guyana’s only public golf course and features a lighted driving range and highly ratedrestaurant,opendailyfrom7:00a m Registrationisopentoallbeginnergolfers andinterestedplayerscancontactDaveatER Small Engines at 647-0016. Golf clubs and balls will be provided free of charge, and complimentarypracticesessionsareavailable forallregisteredparticipants.

TheeventissponsoredbyComfortSleep, ToolsiePersaudLtd.,MadewiniGardensEco Resort,ExcelGuyanaInc.,PuranBros,Party Castle, Rommel’s Wholesale Beverages, RegalStationeryandKumarAutoSpares.

Raducanuquitspracticeas Wimbledonfitnessfearsgrow

(BBC Sport) - Emma Raducanu’schancesofbeing fitforWimbledonlooktobe in considerable doubt after the British number one cut short her practice session on Saturday

The 23-year-old postponed her pretournament media shortly after quitting a practice set against Russian Anna Kalinskaya with 10 minutes remaining.

Raducanu,whoisseeded 30thattheAllEnglandClub, is due to start her campaign onMondayagainstCroatia’s AntoniaRuziconCourtOne (13:00BST).

The 2021 US Open champion did not train on ThursdayandFridaybecause of what is believed to be a shinproblem,butreturnedto the court on Saturday to test herfitness.

Wearing strapping around her lower right leg, Raducanulookedtentativein anhourwithherteamonthe AorangiParkpracticecourts, where her mobility was not overlytested.

From there she went straight to court three to hit with Kalinskaya, but lost four games in their practice setbeforedecidingshecould notcontinue.

Raducanu, who was laughing and relaxed earlier in her practice session, wore strapping on her lower right leg

Less than half an hour after departing the court, it

was announced Raducanu’s newsconference-whichhad been scheduled for about 16:00onSaturday-hadbeen cancelled.

Wimbledon organisers said her media duties are to berearrangedforSunday

Even if Raducanu is fit enough to play Ruzic, her disrupted preparation does notbodewellfortherigours ofaGrandSlamtournament.

Shehasbeenblightedby a series of injury problems since her fairytale US Open victory in New York five years ago, while a viral illnessmeantsheonlyplayed six matches from early

Emma Raducanu, who was laughing and relaxed earlier in her practice session, wore strapping on her lower right leg (Getty Images)

February to the start of Queen’searlierthismonth.

Reaching the final in London - which she lost in straight sets to Croatia’s Donna Vekic - was a huge stepintherightdirection.

Raducanu demonstrated the aggressive brand of tenniswhichsheishopingto rediscover after reuniting withAndrewRichardson,the coach who guided her to the US Open triumph before t h e y p a r t e d w a y s immediatelyafterwards.

Butplayingfivematches insixdays-themostshehad played since February - has takenitstoll.

Closeto100horsesenteredforCARICOMCup

Entries are pouring in rapidly for next week’s CARICOM Cup horse race which is set for Sunday July 5, at Bush Lot United, West CoastBerbice.

Close to 100 horses secured entry for the highly anticipated horse race and the headline event will see the clash of Dataman and OlympicKremlin.

Initially, 11 races were on the cards,butduetotheoverwhelming entries,organizersarepushingfora 12-raceprogram.

The two year-old race will be carved into two, with fillies and colts running in respective races. Organizersdisclosedthattherehas been a packed list of Guyana-bred two-year-old horses that will be battlingforsupremacy

This CARICOM Cup will be theperfectpreparationraceforthe GuyanaCupwhichissetforAugust 23.MorethanG$15millionincash and prizes will be up for grabs at

Apacked field is expected for the CARICOM Cup

nextweek’sracemeet.

The CARICOM Gold Cup feature will be open to all threeyear-oldsandoverhorsesgoingata distance of 1900 metres. A total purseoffourmillionwillbeupfor

grabsandthetophorsewillreceive twomillion.

Other races on the programme include the CARICOM Sprint stakes open to all four-year-olds and over, CARICOM Derby open to three-year-olds Guyana bred, andthe‘E’ClassandLower

There is also the Rising Star stakes, open to three-year-old importedhorses,thethree-year-olds andoverWIBredwinners,‘H’Class and Lower WI Bred non-winner in Guyana, three-year-olds and over

I/J/KClass,‘L’Classwinners,K&L Maidens and the future star stakes two-year-oldGuyana-bredjuveniles whichwillnowhavetworaces

CamptownFCreceivesGovt.supportwithnewlawnmower

of

Freshoffsecuringpromotionto the Elite League, Camptown FootballClubhasreceivedanother boost to its development after becoming the latest beneficiary of the Government’s Community Grounds Enhancement Programme.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr visited theCampbellville facility on Saturday to officially hand over a new John Deere lawnmower machine,whichwillassistwiththe maintenanceoftheplayingsurface and support the club’s continued growth Accompanying the Minister wasAssistant Director of SportFranklinWilson.

Camptown Vice-President Salim Twahir and Treasurer Troy Mendoncawelcomedthedonation, describing it as a significant

contribution that will benefit not only the club but also the wider Campbellvillecommunity

Addressing those gathered, Minister Ramson said the presentation reflected the Government’s commitment to honouring promises made to communityorganisations.

“As a Government, we believe in keeping our word because withoutthattherecanbenotrustor partnership,”Ramsonstated.

He recalled that President Dr Irfaan Ali visited the club in 2024 and committed to improving the facility through fencing and other infrastructure upgrades.According to the Minister, many of those improvements are already visible, with the lawnmower representing another step in fulfilling those commitments.

and

Ramson noted that only a few yearsagotheclubwasstrugglingto remain active, “non-existent” but through collaboration between the Government and the club’s e

transformed itself into one of Guyana’s newest Elite League clubsdespiteoperatingwithlimited resources.

“Relationship and partnership are paramount to success,” the Ministersaid.

“Whenwefirstcame,theremay have been some hesitation about whetherthispartnershipwouldlead to anything meaningful. But the leadershipatCamptownhasalways beensupportiveoftheMinistryand theGovernment.”

H

perceptionssurroundingthe Continued on page 55

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