Kaieteur News

ExxonMobil now owns all four FPSOs in the Stabroek Block

...as company completes

US$2.3B purchase of largest oil ship

Energy giant ExxonMobil has completed the purchase of Guyana's fourth and largest Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO), One Guyana.

SBM Offshore, the Dutch ship builder made the announcement this week. It said that Exxon's maximum lease term would have expired in August 2027 The purchase allows ExxonMobil Guyana, a subsidiary of the corporation to assume ownership of the unit while SBM Offshore will continue to operate and maintaintheFPSOupto2035.

SBM said, “The transaction

comprises a total cash considerationofc.US$2.32billion. The net cash proceeds have been primarily used for the full repayment of the US$1.74 billion project financing and as such materially decreased SBM Offshore'snetdebtposition.”

The 'One Guyana' FPSO has beenonhiresinceAugust2025and

will continue to be operated through the integrated operations and m

n

nance model, combining SBM Offshore's and ExxonMobil Guyana's expertise andexperience.

ExxonMobil announced the arrival of the fourth FPSO inApril 2025.The vessel later commenced productionactivitiesinAugustthat year, increasing Guyana's daily oil production capacity to 900,000 barrels.Assuch,thepurchaseofthe FPSO has been completed in just six months after it commenced operationsoffshore.

Notably, the American oil majoralreadyownstheotherthree FPSOs that operate in the prolific StabroekBlock.

In December 2024, SBM announced that ExxonMobil finalised the purchase of a third FPSO, the Liza Destiny, ahead of the maximum lease term, which would have expired in December 2029 The purchase allows ExxonMobil Guyana to assume

ownership of the unit while SBM Offshore will continue to operate andmaintaintheFPSOupto2033.

“The transaction comprises a total cash consideration of c US$535 million. The net cash proceedswillprimarilybeusedfor the full repayment of the US$405 million project financing and as suchwilldecreaseSBMOffshore's net debt position,” SBM said in a statement.

Meanwhile,itwasreportedthat the second FPSO purchase was completed by Exxon in November 2024 for the Prosperity FPSO at a

cost of US$1.23B.The transaction was done ahead of the maximum lease term, which would have expiredinNovember2025.

The Liza Unity was the first FPSO purchase done by ExxonMobilinNovember2023.At thattime,themaximumleaseterm had only a few months remaining and would have expired in February2024.

That transaction was valued at US$1.26billion.

ThismeansthatthefourFPSOs carry a collective price tag of US$5.345B.

While the purchases were completedbyExxonMobilGuyana will be financing the cost of the FPSOsinaccordancewiththe2016 PetroleumAgreement.

The contract states that the contractor, ExxonMobil, can take up to 75% of the oil produced monthly to cover costs associated with production activities in the Stabroek Block Expenses not covered in any month are taken over to the next month and will continue until the country repays the contractor for all of its investments.

— Amanza says govt. hiding behind ‘National Security' to withhold GDF crash report ‘Redact it, don’t bury it’

Leader of the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), Amanza Walton-Desir, has strongly rejected the Government's claim that “national security” prevents the release of the investigative report into the deadly helicopter crash that killedfiveGDFservicemen, insisting the law requires disclosure — with sensitive detailseditedifnecessary.

On Thursday, Indar informed the National Assembly that the report is exempted from publication since the flight was military innature.

He pointed out, “When youhaveaflightthatisunder the state control, when you have a flight that is controlledbythearmyorthe state, it is governed by the Chicago Convention and it says “aircraft used in military, customs and police services shall be deemed stateaircraft”andbecauseof this, which country, that has military operation disclose tothepublicaboutwhenyou have incidents or accidents? Find a country! It is a militaryoperationwithinthe virtue of the national securityboard…andbecause ofthatitisanationalsecurity issue and it is exempted by virtueofthat.

On Saturday, WaltonDesir argued that the Minister has incorrectly interpreted ICAO Annex 13 on Aircraft Accident and IncidentInvestigation.

She pointed out that Annex 13 is concerned with aviation safety and not operational secrecy To this end, she explained, “Once a State conducts an aircraft accident investigation under Annex 13, it is required to make the final report publiclyavailableassoonas possible and where possible within twelve months Where a final report cannot beissuedwithinthattime,an interim public statement must be released on each anniversary of the occurrence outlining the progressoftheinvestigation and any safety issues identified.”

To this end, WaltonDesir noted that following the crash and on subsequent occasions, government publicly indicated that an interim report would be released,followedbyafinal report, which is a sharp and alarming departure from the recentcommentsbyminister Indar The party leader was

keen to note that the argument that the flight was a military operation therefore does not remove Guyana's responsibilities where the Government has chosen to proceed through civil aviation investigative structures and to invoke Annex 13 standards in addressingtheoccurrence.

“While the Chicago Convention distinguishes civil from State aircraft, the Government has publicly r

occurrence was investigated through Guyana's civil

c i d e n t investigation framework Havingelectedtoinvestigate inaccordancewithAnnex13 standards, the obligation is not secrecy but responsible disclosure of safety relevant findings, subject to necessary protection of sensitive information,” the MPreasoned.

She pointed out that international practice recognises that national security may justify redaction of operational details, but not the complete withholding of causal factors, safety issues, or safetyrecommendations.

Further, Walton-Desir explained that the aircraft involved in the accident carried a civil registration andwasenteredonGuyana's civil aviation registry, bearing the marking 8R AYA. According to her, “It places the aircraft within Guyana's civil aviation oversight architecture and heightens the State's responsibility to ensure that safety findings arising from its operation are properly examined, documented, and communicated. Where civil aviation systems and registrations are used, the State cannot credibly argue that aviation safety transparencyisirrelevant.”

Furthermore, the MP urged that this obligation is especially important given that the chopper was not an exclusively military aircraft butwasusedforoffshoreoil and gas operations, emergencymedicalservices, search and rescue, and law enforcement.

S h e s a i d , “ A n y mechanical defect, maintenance issue, design limitation, or human factors problem identified in a military context may have direct implications for civil aviation operations elsewhere. Safety findings do not lose relevance

Leader of the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), Amanza Walton-Desir

because a particular flight was military. That is preciselywhythosefindings mustbeshared.”

To this end, the party leader argued thatAnnex 13 does not require the publication of sensitive operational details. Instead, she suggested that publication obligations can besatisfiedthroughapublic report that excludes protected or security sensitive information while still disclosing causal factors, contributing factors, systemic or technical failures, and safety recommendations. “This is why accident reports are routinely redacted rather than withheld entirely. National security justifies editing a report. It does not justifyrefusingtoissueone,” sheurged.

Infact,theMPstatedthat it is this very reason that accident investigations under Annex 13 include accredited representatives such as aircraft and engine manufacturers, maintenance authorities, and technical specialists, to ensure safety lessons feed back into the global aviation system so

that risks identified in one occurrence are addressed everywheretheymayarise.

Assuch,withholdingthe findings result in undermining the purpose of aninvestigation.

AccordingtotheMP,“If pilot error is involved, that does not justify nondisclosure Annex 13 accident reports regularly identify pilot error, but they do so without blame and withinabroadercontextthat examinestrainingstandards, operational pressures, fatigue, procedures, supervision, and systemic factors.”

She added that if pilot error occurred, the public is entitled to know whether training was adequate, whether procedures were

clear, and whether systemic issues contributed. It is not m e a n t t o c a u s e embarrassment but rather to beusedinprevention.

Walton-Desir made it

clear that accident investigation under Annex 13isnotconductedsolelyfor domestic purposes as safety recommendations are intended to be shared with other ICAO Member States, including States of Design, States of Manufacture, and States of the Operator, as well as manufacturers, operators,andregulators.

This allows other States to assess whether similar aircraft,procedures,training systems, or maintenance practicespresentriskswithin theirownjurisdictions.

To this end, she noted that withholding safety f i n d i n g s a n d recommendations not only denies public transparency, but interrupts the flow of safety information to the international aviation system.

“That undermines confidence in Guyana's safety oversight culture and is inconsistent with the transparency expectations embedded in Annex 13 and reflected in ICAO's safety ove

framework,” Walton-Desir stated.

Additionally, she noted other implications for Guyana's standing under ICAO safety oversight. The MP said, “The Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme operates on a continuous monitoring basis and assesses not only whether States have laws and institutions in place, but how they are applied in practice Accident investigation,theissuanceof safety recommendations, and the sharing of safety in

assessment.”

In addition to providing closure to families, WaltonDesir explained that investigationreportsprevent recurrence, none of which disappears because an aircraft was engaged in a militarymission.

“The law does not requireGuyanatopublishan unredacted report. But it does require, as a matter of international aviation rules, bestpracticeandresponsible governance, that safety f i n d i n g s a n d recommendations be released,”sheconcluded.

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur News

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

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

Editor-In-Chief: NIGEL WILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

Ringfencingprovision

Theabsenceofringfencingprovisionsintheoilsectoris killingGuyana,greenlightsExxonMobiltospendinthetens of billions of US dollars, and recover those from oil revenues. ExxonMobilcanclaimexploringforoiloffshore, and without government knowing how much of that it did, pass those bills for billions to Guyana. If ExxonMobil is contesting every audit finding, every dollar, tooth and nail, then it doesn’t require too much thinking of what kind of partner Guyana has at its side, and what more it could be doingformoredollarsoffshore.

TheAPNU+AFCCoalitiondidpoorlybythiscountryin 2016, when it signed that oil deal that left Guyana without ringfencing provisions and protections. In addition to no ringfencing, no taxes, nothing but a paltry 2% royalty, no depletion policy, and no control of cleanup billions are among some of the other massive failures that cheat the Guyaneseownersofthisnationaloilwealthalmost10years later. This grim prospect is what hangs over the heads of Guyanesefordecadestocome. FormerMinisterofFinance under theAPNU+AFC Coalition,Winston Jordan, more or less shared those thoughts publicly. Mistakes have been made, and it is encouraging that the former minister spoke frankly

“Noring-fencinghaseffectivelytransferredalltherisks ofinvestmentdecisionsto,andtheactualsearchfor,newoil fields from Exxon to the Government of Guyana while Exxon maintains a high premium on such investments.” ExxonMobil was sharp enough that it has reduced its risk exposures to almost zero in its Guyana investment. Since those risks have been passed onto Guyana, this country’s partner in its oilfields has insurance on its explorations and operations, because Guyana is carrying that load. No ringfencingmeansthatcostsarenotcontainedinaspecific oil project, but could be spread across and applied by ExxonMobil to other projects, while this so-called new oil producingdynamoislefthelpless. Hence,onereasonwhy this over a hundred years veteran of oil keeps announcing newoilprojects,withGuyanagoingalongfortheride. New projectsmeanthatoldbillionsforpastprojectscanberolled overtothenewones,andGuyanapayingfromoilrevenues. Which company, oil or nonoil, would not be happy to haveadeallikethat? Whichseniorcompanyexecutive,or board group, would want to let go of such an arrangement, notexploittothefullest,bywringingeverylastdollaroutof projects, because there is no ringfencing? Though it promised to ‘review and renegotiate’ all contracts, the successorPPPCGovernmenthasproventobeallsmokeand no substance. Sanctity of contract has been found by the government to be the best substitute for ‘review and renegotiate’of ExxonMobil’s contract, which prospers the oilgiant,andcontinuestohemorrhagethiscountry Whena government and its leaders are too cowardly to act for the greatergoodofitspeople,thenthereisnotmuchthatisgood thatcanbesaidaboutboth.

Whenthe‘reviewandrenegotiate’promisewasbroken, itmeantthatnoringfencingwouldremainacostlydrainon Guyana. Withthatfirsthugepromisebroken,thewaywas setformorepromisestomeannothing. Theoutlookonoil prices is not inspiring, which means that Guyana could be collectinglessinthenearfutureasitsshareofroyaltiesand profits,unlessitproducesmoredaily Oilreserveshavenow been stuck at 11 billion barrels for several years, so producingmoreoiltokeepcollectionslevelisadrainonthat reservoir,whatshortensitslifespan.

OnepromisemadebythePPPCGovernmentcamefrom Bharrat Jagdeo, Guyana’s chief oil and gas policymaker Sacrificesarebeingmade,sothatGuyanesecouldgetmore soon. He has since done a slow retreat from the spotlight, while his promise of more for Guyanese look more remote bytheday Moreoilisbeingproduceddaily,andamillion plusbarrelsadaydrawwithinrange,yetthepeoplewhoown thepatrimonycan’tseetheirway Noringfencingisanopen invitation for ExxonMobil to take advantage of Guyana, whileperpetuatingGuyanesehardships.

From Silence to Thunder:WIN’s Rising Voices Rekindle Democracy’s Flame

DEAREDITOR,

In the hallowed halls of Guyana’s NationalAssembly,asthe2026Budget debatesthunderedtolifeonFebruary2, the air cracked with something rare—truth unvarnished. Three WIN

MPs, making their maiden presentations, unleashed a political storm the PPP/C benches never saw coming. Vishnu Panday, Gobin H. Harbhajan, and Deon La Cruz didn’t merely speak; they summoned the forgotten voices of real Guyanese, wielding lived experience as weapon and witness. Their words didn’t read from a script—they ripped through the fiction.

Panday,anchoredinconviction,tore throughthe$1.558trillionillusionwith surgical rage. “Oil money flows, yet familiesscrape,”hethundered—andthe chamber shuddered. Gone were the comfort phrases of prosperity; in their place stood portraits of ordinary struggle, of overdrafts and empty pots, while the nation’s wealth fattened the privileged few He peeled back the façade of fiscal “growth” to expose a government addicted to borrowing, raiding the sovereign fund while starvingitspeople.

Harbhajanfollowed,sharpasglass, dissecting the regime’s billboard projects with cold precision. “Roads to where? Hospitals for whom?” he

demanded, making ministers squirm beneath the fluorescent light of accountability His interrogation was not noise—it was truth measured in decibelsofconscience.

Then rose Deon La Cruz, the Indigenoussonofthesoil,whosevoice echoed through Parliament like a drumbeat from the heartlands. His call—We Invest in Nationhood—was less slogan and more scripture. In his lamentforthoseleftbehind,hebridged heritage and hunger, culture and compassion.

Hisspeechremindedthenationthat inclusion is not charity—it is the cornerstoneofjustice.

Andholdingfirmamidthedinand

Continued on page 6

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox

Oversight, deal-making and cross-border expansion

DEAREDITOR,

G u y a n a ’s r a p i d infrastructure expansion has rightlydrawnattentiontothe role of large local quarry

operators and their

p a r t n e r s h i p s w i t h multinational construction firms, particularly where such relationships intersect with public-interest projects

a n d c r o s s - b o r d e r commercialactivity. There is growing public interest in the historical engagement between a major local quarry operator involvedinaggregatesupply for national infrastructure projects and China Railway Shanghai Engineering

Group Specifically, questions arise as to how investors, partners, and projects were introduced, structured, and advanced during earlier phases of expansion.

Information available suggests that, at the time operations were scaling, c

l introductions and deal facilitationoccurredthrough

n arrangements, with limited

institutionalreview. While such practices may have been common during periods of rapid growth, they warrant closer examination when the enterprises involved are operating at scale, across borders,andincollaboration w i t h s t a t e - l i n k e d multinationalentities.

Of particular note is the apparent expansion of the associatedenterprisebeyond GuyanaintootherCaribbean jurisdictions. As operations

regulators, public officials, and commercial partners in multiple countries, the question naturally arises as to whether consistent compliance standards, disclosurerequirements,and approval mechanisms were applied throughout this expansion.

Whileitisacknowledged thatmorerobustgovernance frameworks may now exist, the public interest would be served by clear answers to several fundamental questions:

* how investor and partner introductions were historically conducted within the quarry and constructionsector;

* w h e t h e r s u c h arrangements were subject to formal compliance and

risk review by all corporate partiesinvolved;and

* how oversight standards have evolved to reflect the responsibilities

t h a t a c c o m p a n y multinational reach and public-sectorengagement.

Thesearenotallegations, nor are they directed at any individual. They are reasonable questions about governance, transparency, andaccountabilityinasector that plays a critical role in nationaldevelopment.

Open and factual

engagement by the companies involved would s t r e n g t h e n p u b l i c confidence Continued silence, by contrast, risks deepening uncertainty at a time when clarity is most needed.

Respectfullysubmitted, Anonymous

Wealth and corruption in Guyana

DEAREDITOR,

Our heroes are not being recognised

DEAREDITOR,

The maiden delivery by the opposition MP asked the pertinentquestion:whereareourculturalheroes?Nowhereto be seen or had! No statue erected for them; no recognition given.

Justlikethenationalawards,athingofthepast,ourheroes are not being recognised, either alive or posthumously This speakvolumeswherecitizenscontributionstonationbuilding arecasttothewind.

So,askitagain:whereareyourheroesGuyana?

Regards,

ShamshunMohamed

Bullying in schools

DEAREDITOR,

Recentlyatroublingsituationofbullyinginschoolscame tothefore.Therewasacallforallofustodesistfrombullying manifestedalmosteverywhere.

Thissickness,thishumanweakness,isnotnew,ithasbeen an evil, perhaps more a curse, that has characterised the human species who we claim are the highest group in the animal kingdom. Bullying manifest itself in many ways and constitutes an attitude which over time becomes a habit. A habitthatoftentimesbeginwithinthefamilyhousehold,elder siblingdictating,directing,andbullyingtheyoungerones.

ed in your newspaper, and other means of victimisation are used to bring people in line. Fall in l

e consequences – hallmark of authoritarianism!

The US$50 M lavish wedding of the ruler of Burmahassomesimilarities

wedding in Corentyne also heldlastyear Wheredidthe high government official acquire the money for two w e e k s o f c a t e r e d

ostentatious wedding celebrations that cost over a hundred million, not to mention ownership of many properties (valued at tens of billions) as exposed in videos and of which you provided reporting? Government does not care about your exposure and reporting.Therehasbeenno query from Jagdeo and Irfaan. It has been business as usual.And there were no investigations into the

Thecorruptionandabuse of power in Guyana is not much different from what takes place in Burma or Myanmar Guyana has not reached the level of closing downtheindependentmedia or murdering political opponents or locking them upasinMyanmar.Butthere iswidespreadfearamongthe population of the leadership of the party Everyone in Guyana is expected to automatically fall in line with the announced and unannounced dictates of the l e a d e r s h i p o f t h e government. And everyone knows the leadership is the Vice President and the President, and also in that order If you defy them, critique them, you are marked, targeted, and victimised and trolls come after you on social media if not also in the two newspapersalignedwiththe ruling party Denial of contracts, termination of jobs, re-assignments or transfers from positions or locations to incur hardship, as repor

scandalous ‘Su-Gate’ and Western Logistics, the latter purportedly seeking to intimidate SN and the free press as you reported. Why was the Minister not only retainedbutpromoted?Who are the true owners of Western Logistics? Will we everknow?

Asyoureported,poverty hasgrownby10%inGuyana underthePPPadministration even amidst quadrupling of revenuesandthebudgetover the last five years. But the population, including the poor,votedbackthePPPinto office last September Don’t they deserve the leadership theyget!

Onecan’thelptoponder aboutthelevelofcorruption and poverty in Guyana and lackofcompassionfromthe leadership for the poor, the working class, the dispossessed. It is so antiJagan. Jagdeo and Irfaan’s political and economic approach has not been defined by compassion for the poor or for welfare of

country and nation. There is nothing altruistic in their politicaloreconomicpolicy It is about self-interests and taking care of family and friends who surround them.

T h e y e x p l o i t a n unsuspecting public that does not know better. Unfortunately, they cannot put their trust in a PNC opposition that has time and again abused democracy in order to cling to power as they attempted and failed in 2020 after five years of disastrousgovernance.

The PPP leadership of Jagdeo and Irfaan have no regards for those who built the party, fought to restore democracy, and those who volunteer time to get the party elected and re-elected. The duo and their acolytes are primarily interested in self-interests not the interests of activists and supporters and those who playedcriticalrolestogetthe party into government in 1992andagainin2020.If

Continued on page 6

If we are serious, to tackle this problem, I suggest we employ the wisdom contained in the old English proverb “example is better than precept”. My experience over the years, and as recent as a few days ago, bullies and wrongdoerswhendisciplinedsimplyregarditthattheyarepunished or being bullied by a bigger and stronger bully Maybe necessaryasaninterimmeasure,butcertainlynottheanswer, punishmentinotherwordsispushingaband-aidonafestering sore.Thestate,social,andreligiousorganisationsmustbein thefore-frontforchange.

Letuscontinuetheconversation,fortheysayhopesprings eternalinthehumanbreast.

Sincerely,

ElderHamiltonGreen

M@ilbox

Wealth and corruption in...

Frompage5

thatisnotthecase,howdoesoneexplaintheir embrace of the likes of Kit Nascimiento, Gerry Gouveia, Freddie Kissoon, to name just a few, all haters of the Jagan’s, the Ramkarran’s, the Chanderpal’s, the Ramotar’s, and the PPP family And supportershavenoticedthatonlyafewyears agothatseveralPNCstalwarts,officeholders in the PNC, were abusing PPP activists and leadership and the Jagan’s. And now those who abused PPPites are ensconced in the PPP,warmlyembracedbyIrfaanandJagdeo. And those who embraced principles and fought for the PPP, alongside the Jagan’s, have been shunted aside in favor of rank opportunists.

Clearly, political imperatives and not principles drive or influence behaviour The leadership uses contracts and appointments to reward and punish, irrespective of the negative consequences on the economy Appointments to office are no longer confinedtothosewhofoughtinthetrenches fordecadesforthePPPbuttoopportunists.In sodoing,theleadershipsendsaclearsignal–opportunists are welcomed Competent loyalistsarenotrewardedashappenedunder the Jagan’s and under the Ramotar presidency OpportunisticallyleavingPNC, as happened in 2025, and embracing PPP is

aninstrumentofpoliticalsignaling;youwill be rewarded with a position if you abandon politicalprinciplesandyourparty

The party’s traditional supporters historicallyfeelthePPPwillprotectthemand takecareof theireconomicwell-being.That feeling now warrants re-examination as we have witnessed in recent years The supporters are badly mistaken The leadership has been taking care of themselves, not the supporters. Irfaan and Jagdeo and a small number of others, their friends, benefit now but the party’s supporters will suffer in the long run. The supporters need to start re-thinking about theirownself-interestsandnotthepartythat has been equated with or belonging to the small leadership The leadership, their families, and friends have mansions and high-end vehicles, own billion-dollar businesses, travel first class, display infinite wealth, and have armed security Do you? Havethesupporterseveraskedwhytheyalso can’tbewealthyandenjoyprivilegeslikethe leaders, the Ministers, and other ranking governmentofficials.

The supporters and public at large must resist authoritarianism and combat corruption.

Yourstruly, FerozeMohamed

Kaieteur M@ilbox

New form of squatting must be addressed

DEAREDITOR, There is a massive infrastructural programme on in Guyana, and it is the transformation of our country into a modern state. However, while these developments are taking place,thereisthesilent,slow and insidious movement of squatters on to government reserves.

T h i s n e w e s t phenomenon comes in various forms, such as the setting up of booths on government parapets and roadways, their motive to convertgovernmentreserves into their own private investment.

If this lawlessness is not addressed early, it has the potential to escalate into greater nuisance, such as traffic jams and the intentional blocking of publicthoroughfares.

Then, there are the actions of some big businessmen who believe that a new road means that they can use government reservesfortheirownprivate parking.

Others have converted roadways as their motor vehicular workshops; you can see rows of vehicles parked illegally on

roadways. Again, roadways and parapets have become parking lots leading to a bottleneck in traffic flow Already some of these businessmen, as we commonly say, have fallen into The Bishop’s Mouth, where swift action had to be taken to address the crazy situation that existed there. Some had to make a monetarycontributiontoget thosevehiclesremoved

Other folks extend their boundaries way past the designated surveyor’s paal; these encumbrances extend way on to roadways. This is unacceptable under any circumstance and must stop now

Yes,thetimeisnow,that everyillegalstructure,every roadside minimart, every illegally parked vehicle, must be dismantled. Public roads and government reserves must be there for what the name suggests “reserves,” and for no other purposes.

If you are located in an area where there are no parkingspaces,thenyouwill have to rent parking spaces foryourvehicles.

Thesameruleappliesfor those who use government roadways as their workshops.

As we move forward in this upward trajectory of development, these and otherimportantareashaveto be looked into. I have directed this letter to the minister of public infrastructure for his urgent attentionandconsideration RespectfullySubmitted, NeilAdams

As Guyana moves forward in its massive transformation, some adjustments have to be made When I speak of adjustments, I am talking about strict adherence to building codes, for new homeowners,whenbuilding plansaredrawn,thereought to be enough room left for the parking of (at least two vehicles).Withdevelopment moving at a fast pace, more and more persons are becoming owners of vehicles which means that parking must be catered for on one’s own property and not on public roads and reserves; these are not designedforthat. For truckers and owners of large vehicles of haulage, youtoowouldhavetomake yourownparkingspace;that is, away from reserve shouldersandparapets.

From Silence to Thunder:WIN’s Rising...

Frompage4 derision came Azruddin Mohamed unflinching, composed, resolute. While the government benches erupted in distraction, Mohamed stood like a calm

center in the storm, delivering a measured yet penetrating assessment of the2026Budget.

He withstood the onslaught of interruptions with quiet strength, his clarity undimmed by the surrounding noise In

substance and style, Mohamed proved that discipline is also a form of defiance his analysis sliced surgically through excess and inefficiency, layingbarethegapsbetween promiseandperformance.

And yet, the fire only blazed hotter Nandranie Singh, fierce and fearless, detonated a truth-bomb so piercing it rattled the Chair

h i m s e l f i n t o a n

u n o r t h o d o x a n d revealing rebuttal Her rebuke cut through the government’ssmugdefense, layingbarehowdeeptherot of partiality and neglect has

sunk. Singh’s defiance was more than dissent—it was a mirrorhelduptopower,and powerflinched.

Then came Odessa

Primus unstoppable, incandescent, alive. Taking the floor in living color, she electrified the House while flaying the Youth and Culture budget for its hypocrisy With poise and passion,Primuslaidbarethe insult of token allocations dressed as empowerment, reminding the nation that c u l t u r e i s n o t entertainment it’s the lifeblood of identity and a weapon for unlocking youth potential. Her delivery was not a performance—it was prophecy

What unnerved the government was not opposition anger it was opposition authenticity In a chamber often dulled by rehearsed defenses and hollow applause, theseWIN MPs spoke with unfiltered conviction and the authority ofexperience.

Their voices sliced through spin, their stories breathed the oxygen of truth

back into the National Assembly.

And when WIN claimed 13 of 20 opposition slots in that debate, it wasn’t mere arithmetic—it was a pulse checkfordemocracy Guyanese, take heed

These are not career politicians they are catalysts. Panday burns for fiscal justice; Harbhajan hunts for accountability; La Cruz thunders for inclusion; Mohamedsteadiesthecause with reasoned clarity; Singh roars for fairness and dignity; and Primus rekindlesculturalpride.

Together they remind this nation that Parliament’s purpose is not to defend power but to serve people. Their emergence marks something greater than opposition it marks awakening.

Thegovernmentbenches squirmed, but the nation stirred.Letthattremorgrow Because Guyana deserves leaders who speak not to please, but to provoke progress.

Sincerely, HemduttKumar

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCIES!

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

MONDAY–FEBRUARY 02,2026

Letthedebatesbegin Today's opening of the budget debates marks another critical test for our parliamentary democracy

After a long and exhausting budget presentation, the nation now looks to

Members of Parliament to rise above theatrics and deliver serious, evidencebasedscrutiny

Many Guyanese are understandably skeptical, worn down by years of shouting matches that resembleafishmarketmore than a forum for national decision-making. Yet hope

remains that this season can be different. The country deserves clear analyses of revenues, spending priorities,andtherealimpact on households and businesses.

Specialattentionwillrest on the new We Invest in Nationhood party and other first-timeMPs,whohavean opportunity to set a higher standard. As a newspaper, wewantdebatesrichenough to generate meaningful stories, not recycled sound bites Let ideas guide discourse,andrestorepublic confidencetodaynationwide now

TUESDAY–FEBRUARY 03,2026

Theanti-freepress Speaker

Speaker Manzoor Nadir's latest edict restricting media coverage of the budget debates represents a dangerous assaultonpressfreedomand democratictransparency By limiting access to just a handful of reporters and denying direct broadcast feeds,theSpeakerhasplaced unnecessary barriers between the public and the business of Parliament.This isnotaboutorderorspace;it isaboutcontrol.

The National Assembly belongs to the people, and the press is the public's eyes and ears. When journalists are sidelined, citizens are deprived of their right to know how decisions affecting their lives are made Such actions undermine accountability anderodetrustindemocratic institutions.

NoSpeakerbeforeNadir hasattemptedtosobrazenly curtail media access. If this precedent is allowed to stand, it will embolden further encroachments on civilliberties.Theedictmust be rescinded immediately in theinterestofdemocracy

WEDNESDAY–FEBRUARY04,2026

Theenforcer

The Speaker of the NationalAssemblyManzoor Nadir has not put his best foot forward, but rather madehimselflookshabbyin his attempt to restrict the media from covering the ongoing budget debates.We havesaidherebeforethatthe Speaker is not a political enforcer

Heisnotaprosecutor He is not a mouthpiece for the governmentoftheday Hisroleistoserveasthe

impartial guardian of Parliament, to uphold the Constitution, protect democratic integrity, and preserve institutional dignity

Yet he continues to demonstrate, with alarming consistency, that he is either unwilling or incapable of risingtothatstandard.From t h e c o n t r o v e r s i a l manoeuvring that stymied the electionof the Leader of the Opposition, to the deliberate exclusion of journalists from key parliamentary proceedings, Nadir'stenurehasdescended from controversy into outright hostility toward transparency Hislatestedict restricting media coverage of the budget debates is a direct assault on press freedom and democratic accountability and this must beresisted.

THURSDAY–FEBRUARY05,2026

Thespeaker Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, continues to dominate headlines, but not for defending parliamentary democracy

Instead, his conduct raises troubling questions about whether he is being politically weaponised or whether this is simply the real man behind the lofty rhetoric.

ThisisthesameSpeaker who recently paraded himselfas“outstanding,”yet attempted to stall the constitutionally required election of an Opposition Leader and now seeks to muzzle public scrutiny by restricting media access to the Budget debates Parliament is not a private club.

It belongs to the people. Any Speaker who treats transparency as a nuisance and accountability as optional has forfeited the moralauthorityoftheoffice. The speaker is meant to be neutral, firm and fair, not a shield for executive convenience.

Ifdemocracyistomean anything beyond slogans, the Speaker must remember who he truly serves: not partyinterests,butthepublic trust.

FRIDAY–FEBRUARY 06,2026

Aworldlesssafe

The quiet expiration of the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty between

theUnitedStatesandRussia marks a dangerous moment forglobalsecurity.

F o r y e a r s s u c h agreementsplacedverifiable limits on the world's two largest nuclear arsenals, reducing miscalculation and providing a measure of predictability in an unpredictable world. With this framework gone, both powers are now free to expand, modernise and deploy weapons with fewer restraints, at a time when trust is already at historic lows.

Theendofthetreatyalso weakens the broader nonproliferation regime Smallerstatesmayconclude that restraint is optional, while rivals feel compelled to respond in kind For countries far removed from the centres of power, including Guyana, the risks are no less real: heightened global tensions, increased militarisation and the everpresent danger of catastrophic error Action is urgently required now globally

SATURDAY–FEBRUARY07,2026 FacebooklivePressy President Irfaan Ali's dawnFacebookmonologues have become a poor substitute for democratic accountability Each morning, the Guyanese leaderappearsliveonsocial media, energetically defending his government's $1 5 trillion budget, as though his own ministers and MPs are incapable of doingsoinParliament.

Yet the president steadfastly refuses to hold proper news conferences, where independent journalists can question him inthefullglareofthenation. When he does subject himself to questioning, it is s a f e l y choreographed before schoolchildren or a gallery of sycophants parading as journalists This is not transparency; it is performance.FacebookLive offers control, comfort, and applause, not scrutiny A confident president does not hide behind a camera and a commentsection.

He stands before the press, defends his stewardship, and answers hard questions. Governance by monologue may be convenient, but it is no replacement for leadership testedbyaccountability.

The rule is a guide not a guillotine

There was a curious development that attended the maiden address by the Leader of the Opposition in our National Assembly When the Leader of the Opposition was making his presentation, amid the chorus of heckling, a steady objection was that he was readinghisspeech.

The Standing Orders discourages reading one’s speech.And so, at intervals, theSpeakerwasremindedof this venerable rule against readingpreparedremarks.

To an outsider, it must have seemed a quaint insistence. But it is worth pausing to parse the matter, for those who invoked this rule — and invoked it with suchrelish—thattheywere perhaps not entirely au fait with its origins, its purpose, or its enforcement in the world’sgreatlegislatures.

The rule in question had its roots in the long, organic evolutionoftheWestminster parliamentary system. The House of Commons, as we knowhasdevelopeditsown customs and conventions. Somewhere in its long historytherearoseatradition in which members were discouraged from reading theirspeechesverbatimfrom ascript.

The rationale was straightforward It was intended to encourage debate that was responsive, immediate,andimbuedwith the “cut and thrust” of

conversation rather than the dryrecitalofprewrittentext. In time, resolutions were adopted in the Commons noting that the practice of reading prepared speeches was “alien to the custom of this House” and, some said, “injurious to the traditional conductofitsdebates.”

But it is worth stating plainly that customs, in the parlanceofParliament,isnot the same as law; it is not a bullet with which to fell an opponent. The authoritative proceduraltreatiseknownas Erskine May a text revered as a kind of parliamentary bible described the tradition against reading as a ‘convention’, a guide to the style of debate rather than a statutewithteeth.

Indeed, the modern practice of the Speaker was not to leap from the Chair, gavel in hand, and declare a member in breach. Instead, the Speaker might gently note that a member’s notes were somewhat lengthy — but that was usually the extentofenforcement.Oras wasdoneinthecaseathand, the Speaker reminded the Leader of the Opposition of therule.

If one drills just a bit d e e p e r i n t o t h e Commonwealth experience, the picture becomes even clearer The rule against reading one’s speech was never intended to be scrupulously enforced In

Dem Boys Seh...

Australia’s federal House of Representatives, there once had been a standing order very much like ours, forbidding the reading of speeches. Yet in 1965 that provision was deliberately deleted out of recognition that precision, especially on complex or technical matters, often required preparedtext,andthatitwas neither practical nor necessary to enforce a hard ban.

In Canada, the House never embodied such a prohibition in its standing orders at all; the discouragement of reading derived from tradition, reinforced by Speaker guidance and historical resolution, not by a rule that carriedpenalties.There,too, the Chair allowed reference to notes and permitted prepared texts in many circumstances.

InIndia’sParliament,the manuals of decorum – what we call Standing Orders –spoke of avoiding the reading of prepared speeches, but even there the practicewasqualifiedbythe Chair’s leave: a direction, notaprohibition,enforcedat theSpeaker’sdiscretion.

InthecaseofthePPPC’s eagernesstodemandthatthe LeaderoftheOppositionnot read his speech, one cannot help recalling past moments

wielded, not to uphold the

Four lanes tun two

Dem boys seh it tek real talent to build four lanes and end up with two. Is like ordering a jumbo jet and getting a bicycle with wings—plenty money spent, but yuh stillpedallingintraffic.

LookhowthePPPCgovernmentinlove with four-lane highways. Every ribbon cut does promise free flow, smooth ride, and moderntransportnetwork.Butfiveminutes after the asphalt cool down, the inner lanes mysteriously transform—not into traffic lanes—but into VIP parking for customers buyingoneplantain,twobolts,andadream. TaketheRailwayEmbankmentbetween Ogle and Cummings Lodge. Four lanes drawnupnice-nice.Thenbusinessespopup like mushrooms after rain. Next thing yuh know, both inner lanes on both sides get “temporarily” occupied by cars that have been temporarily there since last year Result?Twolanes.GroveontheEastBank Public Road? Same story, different sequel. The road wide enough to host a cricket match. But once the businesses line up, the road shrink like it frighten. Customers park rightwherethetrafficsupposedtoflow,and the four lanes politely step aside and say, “Nah,wegood—y’allgoaheadwithtwo.”

SheriffStreetwasmarketedasthecrown jewelofurbanmobility.Fourlanestomove peopleandgoods.Instead,itbecomealong

spirit of debate, but to embarrassapoliticalrival.In a bygone era, Desmond Hoyte, mostly in jest, invoked this rule but to embarrass a certain PPPC parliamentarian. But Hoyte never insisted repeatedly that the rule be complied with. He used it as a tactical relish to poke fun at and embarrass the PPPC parliamentarian.

There is always a place for the traditions that r e m i n d s u s t h a t representative debate ought to be lively and engaged — responsive rather than rote. But there is also a place for common sense, and for historicalunderstanding.

To wave the rule against reading speeches like a c u d g e l , w i t h o u t acknowledgingitsoriginsas a guiding convention, is to miss the point of what

parliamentary debate is meant to be. The rule was neverenshrinedtopolicethe letterofdeliverybuttoshape the norms of discourse: to encouragememberstospeak to each other, to respond to the arguments of their fellows, and to make the chamber a forum of living conversation rather than a publicreadingroom.

When the Leader of the Opposition stood to deliver his address, reading from prepared text or not, he participatedinatraditionfar older and far richer than a single item in the Standing Orders The spirited interchangethatfollowed— the rejoinders, the heckling and even the procedural protests—formstheessence ofparliamentarylife.

Itisworthremembering, then, that the rule against readingspeecheshadalways

been a guide, not a guillotine; a compass, not a cage. In the end, it was the quality of the debate that mattered not whether every word had been memorised, improvised, or carefully written and read from a preparedscript. To brandish a rule without seemingly understanding its origins or how it is actually applied is rather like citing scripture without having read the book It may sound impressive in tone, perhaps, butbethininsubstance.

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

concrete parking lot with occasional traffic passingthroughlikeavisitor

Desamethingwillhappenwiththefour lanesdembuildingontheEastBankasyou approach Timehri. Customers done start parkingontheunfinishedroadways.

So dem boys seh ask a simple question: whyspendingbillionstowidenroadsjustto subsidise private parking? If the goal is customer convenience, say so upfront. Put upasign:“Government-SponsoredParking FacilitywithOptionalTraffic.”

Ifbusinessesgoingtoeattheinnerlanes every time, then stop pretending. Either enforceparkinglawsliketheyactuallyexist, orstopwastingmoneyonfourlanesthatturn into two before the paint even dry Or stop approving businesses on our Public Roads. Take them further inside de villages and housingschemes.

Betteridea?Buildalternativeroadways. Bypasses. Secondary routes. Roads that actually move traffic instead of hosting it. Because right now, we building highways forcarstorest,notforpeopletoreachhome beforenightturnmorning.

Demboyssehdevelopmentisnotabout how wide the road look. Is about whether yuhstillstuckintrafficayearlater,watching fourlanesmagicallydisappearintoparking. Talkhalf.Leffhalf

H@RD TRUTHS

National budget vs family budget

ThePPPGovtsays one thing. The 2026 budget is big, bright, beautiful; a bonanza for battered Guyanese. The opposition parties-PNC, WIN, FGMsay the opposite: the 2026 budget is straight from the devil's workshop, a diabolical brew (a la Rev Jim Jones) for down-ontheir-luck, down-in-thegutter Guyanese. In sum, the PPP budget is a sharp, steel-tipped boot into the kidneys of already dejected, and serially unhappy citizens. Who speaks to truth,who'sclosertotheraw, poignant realities experiencedbyshorthanded, shortchanged Guyanese? There's a simple solution to the squabbles between govt and opposition. I dare the PPP Govt, and grandmaster Ashni Singh's Frankenstein

budget. Putittothetest. Let the people speak; a referendum on the 2026 budget. Helpful or not helpful. Hurting or not. Disappointing; or grand in its shining, blinding presence and promise. It is muchanditisrich. Or,itis skinny for poor people, which means more of the famished, undernourished skeletal. Lettherebehonest comparison, reconciliation. From the lips of the people. About where they stand on the so-called creamy national budget and their own cramping, shattering, personalbudget. InominateSN'sprogram that focuses on cost-oflivinginGuyanatoaddafew budget-driven questions to wherever it visits in the upcoming weeks The programiscredible,reliable. Should reveal whether

Guyanese find their times and environment livable or notlivable. What does the budget mean to you, how much confidenceitgathersinyou? Second, do you feel counted? Third, official statisticianshavetheirtables and charts; what does your table look like? Fourth, if youweretodraw/chartyour existence (food, bills, wearand-tear, and upkeep) what story would it tell: a happy one, or one of saddening financialagony? Thosewho live it can tell it: the joy or nonstop jabs that life has become. I put neither ideas nor words in any Guyanese head. They speak on their own re the budget and its impact on them. Longawaited relief or continuing s u f f e r i n g a n d disillusionment? Guyanese that stare speechlessly at

their children are the best judges of this year's big budget bonanza. Whether plates are still bare, clothes worn, and their bills enough to scare the light out of a man,imprisonhimingloom. Let SN's feature ask the question(s), relay the responses, check the closeness or distance of this crude budget reconciliation. Eitherway,themathematics, statistics, and logic should beirrefutable.

Howgoodisthebudget?

Nothing from me. Not one commentary Letthepeople speak Hard truths are what's required; the only standard that is acceptable. And what does the chart carved out by the fragile hands and drained energies of poor, weak, vulnerable Guyanesesay,swear?

Protein availability and intake-high or low Meat and fish are solid, not mirages. Carbcountsonthe bright or light side. The latter helps if one is a diabetic. Fats contribute to frail condition, excess weight. Too little; or too

much. There's moneyformilkand cheese; or not.

What does the people's chart on the wall reports about vegetables: heavy or scanty? Remember that sweetpotatosellsfor$200or $300 per pound, depending ontheday Buildingblocks fromthefamilyfoodchartof those folks facing SN's microphones, cameras. Or, theydon't. Incircumstances where there's a $1.5 trillion budget (the 0.558 is a gift from me to those who have plansforit),Guyaneseeither breathe, or can't. Can or can't buy channa or banana. Orsufficientquantitiesofall food groups. There's the storyoftableandchart,with narratives that bludgeon the brain. Whenthebrainloses feeling, its sense of balance, the stomach starts crying in agony

bending and screaming Humiliatingalsoinacountry now hailed as Midas territory Or just utterly, sparklingly lovely Let the people bridge the national budget and family budget. How the former excites the rich; whether the latter is a malignant tumor or multivitamins in the throats of ordinary, man-in-thestreet Guyanese. Let the people tell their story; share theirpain,shouttheirjoy A great budget, or one that gores, due to its paltriness and grimness for nose-tothe-grindstone Guyanese Poorpeoplestoryeitherwill supportorshamepoliticians' budget quarreling and brawling.

Someinsistthatthe2026 budget is a beauty, a fatted beastforthosewiththeleast. Reality on the ground speak for or against. What is gnawing. Piercing. Mind-

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

BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT

Silence on extradition request

The Government's silence on the latest U.S. extradition request is unacceptable and reeks of calculated concealment.

Guyanese were told that transparency and accountability would define this administration. Yet, months after confirmation that a second extradition request was received in November 2025, the authorities remain tight-lipped. Why? This is not a trivial matter. Extradition engages sovereignty, due process, international obligations and public trust. When one request is acted upon with lightning speed while another is buried in secrecy, reasonable questions arise.

Is the law being applied selectively? Is someone being protected? Or is the Government afraid of who might be named?

The nation deserves answers, not evasions and heckling in Parliament. Ministers responsible for legal affairs, home affairs and foreign affairs have a duty to come clean. Transparency is not optional. If there is nothing to hide, then tell the people. And if there is something to fear, the public has an even greater right to know.

‘This is a vision, not just a budget’

...Teixeira defends $1.5T spending plan, slams opposition's record

M i n i s t e r o f Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, on Friday mounted a robust defenceoftheGovernment's $1.558trillion2026Budget, arguingthatitrepresentsnot merely a collection of projects and expenditures, but a long-term vision for Guyana that couples infrastructure expansion withhumandevelopment.

Contributing to the Budget Debate in the NationalAssembly,Teixeira described the spending plan as “people-centred in the truest sense,” saying it protects the vulnerable, empowersfamilies,supports workers, strengthens communities and reinforces Guyana's emerging role as a

regional l

r in sustainabledevelopment.

Teixeira used her speech toreflectonthehardshipsof the 1970s and 1980s and b o a s t e d o f t h e transformational progress thePPP/Cgovernmentmade from 1992 to “transform lives”. “I am proud to see mycountrymovefromwhat it was in the 70s and 80s to whatitistoday Iamproudto have lived long enough to haveseenwhatishappening to my country, to see the change, to see the transformation, to see the improvements in the quality of our people's lives,” she said.

The minister recalled thatduringthoseyears,there were issues of no water, no

Minister of ParliamentaryAffairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira

electricity, poor road infrastructure among other challenges noting that “povertyinthiscountrywas stark,(and)palpable.”

Teixeira also called out the PNCR Opposition that during their time in government, “you destroy democracy, you take away

money When they were in government for 2015 to 2020,Iwanttoremindthem when they won the governmentin2015to2020 they took the government that was left in their hands had US$783 million in foreign currency reserves to cover the three months and more of Guyana's foreign currency reserves, and $13 billion in the gold reserves.

the will of the people, you bring the working people downtozero.”

She noted that the Oppositionclaimedtheydid not had the money to fund various projects during their time. “I've heard comments saidthat,Oh,wedidn'thave money We didn't have oil

In2020,whentheywereout andwecheckthebooks,that $783 million went down to $300 million Where the money gone?” the Minister disclosed.

“And so the issue of saying to us, Oh, we didn't havemoney Youhadmoney You had money, but what youdidwithitdidnotbenefit

the people of this country,” Teixeira argued. She noted since 1992 when her party tookovertheybegantobuild

infrastructuresandimproved

Guyanese now have

internet, smart studies, cash care grants, to electricity either through solar or the grid, and clean water, and housing just to name a few

“Nooneissayingonthisside ofthehouse,we'vesolvedall the problems We're not sayingthat.

We're saying that consistently, constantly, sustainably, we're moving this country forward,” Teixeirarelated.

‘$25,000 a month keeps people poor’ ...Mahipaul demands forensic audit of public assistance programme

Member of Parliament for A Partnership for

National Unity (APNU), GaneshMahipaul,hascalled for a forensic audit of the P u b l i c A s s i s t a n c e Programme,warningthatthe system is poorly managed and may be benefiting persons who do not qualify, while many vulnerable Guyaneseremainexcluded.

Mahipaul made the call duringhispresentationatthe NationalBudgetDebateheld at the Arthur Chung ConferenceCentre.Heurged

that a monitoring system be implemented to ensure that onlyeligiblepersonsreceive publicassistance.

During his presentation, Mahipaul argued that the amount allocated for public assistance is insufficient for thosewhodependonit.“Mr Speaker, public assistance standsat$25,000permonth, Mr.Speaker,thisislessthan $900perday,notenoughfor food, rent, transport, utility and health care combined. This does not lift people out of hardship, it merely keeps

them in poverty A budget that puts people first, but have aimed to reduce poverty,notadministratively manageit,”hesaid.

Hefurthercontendedthat the programme is not being properly managed, claiming that some individuals who a

vulnerable are benefiting, whileotherswhoareeligible are excluded.As a result, he called for a forensic audit of the programme. “The public assistance program requires a forensic audit to weed out the friends, families and f a v o r i t e s w h o a r e barefacedly receiving it

without satisfying the criteria and are in the financial position to provide forthemselves,”hesaid.

Additionally, Mahipaul called for the expansion of public assistance benefits, urging the government to providewaterandelectricity (Continuedonpage44)

‘Miracle birth at GPHC’

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has recorded a lan d mar k med ical achievement with the successfulCaesareansection delivery of a pregnant woman suffering from Haemophilia A — a rare, inherited bleeding disorder

marking the first procedure of its kind ever performedinGuyana.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the hospital confirmed that both mother and baby are healthy and were discharged in stable condition, with a structured follow-upplaninplace.

An inherited/genetic condition haemophilia affects the body's ability to allow blood to clot or coagulate, therefore during childbirth or surgery bleeding can be severe and life threatening if not properly managed However, through careful planning coupled with specialised care alongside strong teamwork, the surgery was successfully completed with minimal

expected bleeding and no needforbloodtransfusion.

“Thepatientunderwenta planned Caesarean section after detailed antenatal assessment and preparation. A comprehensive bleeding management plan was developed jointly by GPHC's Haematology and Obstetricsteams.

A special clotting factor medication was given around the time of surgery, along with medicines to reduce bleeding, and the patient was closely monitored before, during, and after delivery,” GPHC said.

It is important to note that when first seen the patient was severely anaemic, with haemoglobin levels at 4.8. The normal levelsforwomenrangefrom 12–16. Further testing and careful evaluation led to the final diagnosis of Haemophilia.

The GPHC is advising persons that if they are anaemic, experiencing heavy or prolonged bleeding, or feel something

Members of the multidisciplinary medical team who successfully carried out the historic, first-of-its-kind procedure at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

isnotright,togettestedand see a doctor immediately

Thesuccessfuloutcomewith this patient was made possible through strong m u l t i d i s c i p l i n a r y collaboration, the hospital said.TheHaematologyteam was led by Dr Kamela Bemaul-Sukhu, Consultant Haematologist, with Dr Jamal Shamsudeen, Senior M e d i c a l O f f i c e r ,

coordinatingongoingcare.

“Obstetric care was led by Dr Natasha France, Consultant Obstetrician, with surgical support from Dr Shury, Registrar, along with anaesthesia, nursing, andlaboratoryteams. Until recently, limited access to clotting factor treatmentandtheabsenceof

structured care pathways wouldhavemadesuchacase extremelyhighrisk.

Today, this success reflects GPHC's growing capacitytomanagecomplex medical conditions locally, reducing the need for overseas referral and improving outcomes for Guyanese patients,” the

hospital highlighted This delivery means more that medical success for GPHC, itisatestamenttoteamwork, investment in specialised care and the hospital's evolving role as a national referral centre, delivering safe, evidence-based, and high-level care for the peopleofGuyana.

WIN MP slams govt. over Region 10 RDC delay

...warns of exclusion from development

Me m b e r o f

Parliamentfor the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, Duarte Hetsberger, has accusedtheGovernmentofa constitutionalfailureoverits

continued delay in convening the statutory meeting of the Region 10

Regi

D

c Council(RDC),fivemonths afterelectionswereheld.

Speaking during the

Thursday, Hetsberger told the National Assembly that the Upper Demerara–Upper Berbice RDC has still not met to elect its Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, despite a national budget already being laid and

moving ahead “They haven't reconvened that s

conclude the election for its Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, Mr Speaker and a budget is before this honourable House, Mr

Expenditure has been outlined, the programmes are moving forward, yet the duly elected council, the

, scrutinise and implement regional development has been excluded from the process. Mr Speaker, this is notatechnicaldelay Itisnot an administrative oversight. It is a constitutional failure. Utterfailure,”helamented. MP Hetsberger told the House that the region is not justimportanttohimbutitis also important to his party, anditsmovementatlarge.

Turning his attention to the Upper Takatu, Upper

Essequibo Region also known as Region Nine, G u y a n a ' s l a r g e s t administrative region, he highlighted that the Rupununi located here is of vast distance and rich in Indigenous heritage, with immense agricultural potential.

The politician reasoned that the region has significant opportunity for tourism and cross-border trade and is home to more than 55 villages that cover approximately 57,700 square kilometers “This reality alone, Mr Speaker speaks not only to the geographical scale of the region but the depth of responsibility borne by the state in delivering services, infrastructure and governance across that vast distance.Mr Speaker,thisis not a sparsely inhabited space that can be managed by approximation and occasional intervention,” Hestbergerstressed.

He went on to say that developmental efforts need to be organised to suit the region of communities that have distinct needs, priorities and expectations. Therefore, it cannot be treated as episodic or

occasional intervention which is often channeled throughthelensofacamera for the purpose of social mediaplatform.

“Mr Speaker, it must be deliberate, it must be sustained, and most importantly, it must be respectful of the people that live there Mr Speaker, education in the region like Rupununi is not merely a social service, it is in a vast hinterland region where distance, geography, limited access already place young people at a disadvantage, education.”

He said with over 55 villages,thereisdependence on a small number of secondary institutions to educate the children. When

those institutions, overburdened or delayed, the impact is felt across the entire region not in theory, but in classrooms, dormitories,andthelearning outcomes,hewentontosay

Turning his attention to infrastructural development the MP said that in this region road infrastructure is not just about mobility but alsoaboutaccesstoservices, economic survival, and public safety “Mr Speaker, roads connect villages to school,schoolstoschoolsto farms, farms to markets, patients to health care, and communities to opportunity. When road fails, Mr. Speaker, isolation follow and that is a real human cost,”heexplained.

DR. HIDAR FINDS THE PUREST OF JOY IN WORKING MEDICAL MIRACLES

Teanna Chin

Meetthe gorgeousMs.TeannaChin,apassionateCSEC EnglishLanguageandGeographyteacheratCamille’sAcademyInc. Thisbeautytakesprideinshapingyoungmindsthrougheducation,confidence,and self-expression. Beyondtheclassroom,shefindsjoyindrawingandpainting,exploringcreative design,enjoyingnature,andembracingnewexperiencesthatfuelhercreativityandfemininity Her Favourite quote is, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

The End of the Illusion in Haiti:What Next?

BySirRonaldSanders

February 7 matters in Haiti not because it promisesrelief,butbecauseit marks the end of an illusion On that date, the mandate of

Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council expires From its inception, the Council was never embraced by the Haitian people It was widelyseenasanine-headed contraption unwieldy,

inward-looking, and vulnerable to rivalry, corruption, and personal ambition Haitians warned that it would fail They were right

TheCouncilhasfailedon every element of its own mandate. Security has not beenbroughtundereffective control Daily life for Haitians has not improved.

Elections to restore constitutional governance arenowhereinsight.

There are, to be fair, l i m i t e d s i g n s o f improvementonthesecurity

front Haitian police operations, supported by international partners, have registered some tactical gains against gangs But these tactical improvements do not redeem strategic failure. Security advances cannot substitute for constitutional legitimacy or politicalcoherence.Theyare necessary but far from sufficient Political disunity Haiti’s most e n d u r i n g affliction—reasserted itself even as the country slid deeper into violence and humanitarian despair The result is now unmistakable: t h e r e i s w i d e convergence both inside Haitiandamonginternational partners that the Council’s mandate ends on February 7 and must not be extended by manoeuvre or political improvisation.

Caribbean leaders have warned repeatedly against last-minute destabilization andthemanufactureoffresh crises at the moment of expiry The United Nations

Security Council, in renewing its political mission in Haiti, has underscoredthecentralityof

national dialogue, accountability, and elections.

A F e b r u a r y 2

consultative meeting convenedbyAlbertRamdin, the Secretary General of the Organization of American States, involving two CARICOM foreign m i n i s t e r s a n d

representativesoftheUnited Nations, Canada and the United States, produced a common position—despite reporteddifferencesofview While participation in the consultationwaslimited,the expectation conveyed was broadly shared: predictable governance, credible security, timely elections, and still hoped for a Haitian-ledsolution.

This strips away a familiar alibi. The failure of the Transitional Council is not the product of foreign imposition It is the consequence of internal conduct. That reality was articulated with moral authority by Edmonde Supplice Beauzile, a former parliamentarian, party leader,andseriouscontender for Haiti’s presidency in 2016. Speaking not as a factional actor but as a committed citizen, she warnedthatHaitisuffersless fromalackofdiagnosisthan from a collective refusal to accepttreatment.Herappeal was not for another council orpoliticaldocument,butfor civic courage—for leaders willing,evenbriefly,toplace the country above personal ambition.

A s F e b r u a r y 7 approached, fears arose that some Council members might resist departure, heightened by the appearanceofU.S.warships offshore Publicly, the deployment was framed within a broader countertrafficking and regional

security operation; politically, it carried deterrent symbolism Yet informed voices inside Haiti including former senior officials and civil-

society leaders are confident that no constituencywillmobilizeto preserve the Council or provokeU.S.intervention. That assessment is

reinforced by Pierre

Esperance, Executive Director of Haiti’s leading human-rights organization. Esperance expects all members of the Transitional Council to leave office on February7.Intheabsenceof an agreed replacement framework, he observes that the Prime Minister should remain in place solely to m a n a g e r o u t i n e administration—anoutcome thatwouldamounttoathird consecutive transition rather thanaresolutionofthecrisis. Crucially, Esperance is explicit that continuity must notslideintorulebydecree.

Any interim arrangement must be bounded by a defined roadmap for governance, security, and elections,andconstrainedby independentoversightinthe absenceofalegislature.That oversight drawn from Haiti’s own audit, financialintelligence, and antic o r r u p t i o n institutions—would review public expenditures, test legality, and publicly flag abuse. Its function would be supervisory, not executive: toconstraindiscretion,deter misuse, and preserve the temporary character of authority February 7 closes the Council’s mandate. It alsoclosesthebenefitofthe doubt.Transitionsarejudged by outcomes, not intentions. On security, governance, unity, and elections, the Transitional Presidential Council did not deliver In law and in fact, its authority ends.Itmustgo. But it cannot reasonably be expected that all governing authority should rest in the Prime Minister alone However able or committed he may be to Haiti’s recovery, there must beagoverningstructurethat aligns more closely with Haiti’sconstitutionalorder Amoredefensiblecourse exists. Haiti’s Constitution locates executive authority not in the Prime Minister acting alone, but in the Government acting collectively through the Cabinet, which the Prime Minister chairs (Articles 1 5 5 – 1 5 8 ) T h a t structure—long understood within Haiti—serves as a constitutional check on rule by decree and provides the lawful basis for interim collective governance pending elections. It is an important consideration seldom acknowledged by external actors who influence Haiti’s political arrangements.

Authority vested in the Cabinet, exercised for a strictly limited period, subject to oversight by civil society and the private sector, and anchored to an irreversible commitment to elections,wouldtiepowerto collective responsibility Civil-society oversight would provide review of proposed decisions and prevent unchecked discretion It is not elegant—butneitherwasthe Transitional Council, nor wouldgovernancebyprimeministerial decree be CollectiveCabinetauthority,

with independent review, is proportionatetothismoment inHaiti’shistory

Haitian actors must now govern with restraint and accountability At the same time, the international community led by the United Nations, working in concertwithCARICOMand keybilateralpartners—must match political expectations withoperationalsupport.

WhatnextforHaitimust mean sustained action on

security, and timely resources to begin addressingthenation’slongneglected social and economic needs: basic services, livelihoods, food security, and institutional capacity Withoutthatparallel commitment, interim governance will be asked to carry burdens no transition can bear—and the cycle of failure will simply resume underadifferentname.

(The author is the

Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States and the OAS, and Dean of the OAS Ambassadors accredited to the OAS. Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronald sanders.com)

WEEK-IN-REVIEW

SUNDAY

Despitehigherproduction… Guyanarecorded loweroilrevenuesin2025 aspricedeclines

In 2025, Guyana’s total oil exports grew by an estimated 15 8% yet the country recorded lowerearningsfromthesector,due toasignificantdeclineinoilprices. This was highlighted by the Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh during the presentation of Budget

2026 at the Arthur Chung Conference Center, Liliendaal, GreaterGeorgetown.

Hesaid,“Oilpricesdeclinedin 2025, with crude oil prices averagingUS$69perbarrel,14.5% below the 2024 average, largely reflecting strong supply growth, whichoutpacedsofterdemandand contributedtorisinginventories.”

In the 2025 Budget, government estimated that oil pricesaveragedUS$80.7perbarrel in 2024, a 2.3% contraction from thepreviousyear

As a result of the decline in oil prices last year, Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund (NRF) or the oil accountsawareductioninrevenue flow, although the country’s production capacity increased According to the 2026 Budget, Guyana received a total of US$2.4B last year The country in 2025recorded260Mbarrelsofoil. Meanwhile, in 2024, Guyana producedanaverage225.4million barrels of crude oil and earned US$2 6B according to Budget 2025.

Guyana currently has four Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels (FPSOs) operating in the Stabroek Block. According to information presented by the government, Liza Destiny produced an average of approximately 134,300 bpd, the Liza Unity FPSO at 249,500 bpd, the Prosperity FPSO at a rate of 255,200 bpd, and the One Guyana FPSOatjustunder191,000bpd. Under the 2016 Production

SharingAgreement(PSA),Guyana

receives 12 5% of profits

ExxonMobilisallowedtotake75% oftheoilproducedeverymonthto coveritsexpensesandalsoenjoysa 12.5%profitshare.Inadditiontoits 12 5% profits, Guyana also receives2%ofgrossproductionas royalty

Government was previously warnedtoring-fencetheprojectsin the Stabroek Block to ensure the country enjoys early benefits from the sector, especially as oil prices wereexpectedtodeclineinlightof the global transition to cleaner energy sources While more countries have been increasing theiruseofrenewableenergy,other developments, have resulted in an oversupplyofthecommodity

Notably, the recent move by United States President Donald Trump to abduct the President of Venezuela and takeover the country’s oil resources is likely to havefurtherimpactsonthepriceof oil In fact, Trump has already signaled hi

n

o use Venezuelan oil to lower the price perbarreltoUS$50.

Recently, the former Finance Minister,WinstonJordancitedfull support for ring-fencing, a provisionhesaidhesupportedfrom thebeginning.

“Isupportringfencingthenand now Were we in a better negotiating position then, I’m sure we would have insisted on it or somevariantofit,”hetoldKaieteur News.

DuringtheCoalition’stenurein

office between 2015 and 2020, the government negotiated and signed a Petroleum Agreement with Americanoilmajor,ExxonMobil.

Acknowledgingamajorflawin thecontract,hesaidthatthelackof ring-fencing exposes Guyana to severe financial risks, protecting insteadthecompany’sprofits.

He told this newspaper, “No ring-fencing has effectively transferred all the risks of investment decisions to, and the actual search for, new oil fields from Exxon to the Government of Guyana while Exxon maintains a high premium on such investments.”

With more and more developments being approved in the absence of a ring-fencing provision, the country has been receiving meager profits, delayed to facilitate cost recovery Ringfencing would ensure the country receive half of the profit from a project after its development costs arerecovered.

The government of Guyana however made it clear on several occasions that it does not intend to implement this provision in the Stabroek Block. It said it would receive “massive” revenue in the future after the country pays off Exxonforitsinvestments.

BanksDIHtoappealinjunction onshareownershipby-law–Chairman

-saysBeharrynotashareholder

Chairman of Banks DIH

Holdings Inc Clifford Reis on Saturday said the company will appeal the High Court injunction granted by Justice Sandil Kissoon blocking shareholders from voting on the 15% limitation by-law at Saturday’s Annual General Assembly(AGM).

Reis told shareholders at the company’s AGM held at Thirst

Park, Georgetown that the company operated in accordance with its articles of incorporation and its by-laws. He said while the BoardofDirectorshastheauthority to recommend amendments to the by-laws, it is subject to the shareholder’sapproval.

“The shareholders have the right to vote no or yes to the resolution. If the vote is no, the resolution cannot be implemented, and that will bring an end to that resolution. If the vote is yes, any shareholderwhobelievesthatheor she has been injured by that approval, has the right, within one month, to apply to the court for a hearing,” he explained in clear referencetothecourtorder

On Saturday, Kaieteur News reported that the court case was brought by Guyana Americas Merchant Bank Inc. and Beharry Stockbrokers Limited against BanksDIH.Accordingtothecourt documentseenbythispublication, the decision effectively halts the implementation of “New By-law 8 Share Ownership,” which was adoptedbythecompany’sdirectors on November 20, 2025, and was slated to be presented to shareholdersforconfirmationatthe AGM scheduled for January 31, 2026.

In his ruling, Justice Kissoon granted a series of interlocutory injunctionsrestrainingBanksDIH, its directors, officers, and agents from presenting, tabling, proposing,orpermittinganyvoteat theAGM to confirm or give effect tothenewby-law

The court also suspended the operationandlegaleffectofthebylawpendingthefinaldetermination ofthesubstantiveproceedings. Additionally, the court

restrained the company from invalidating or discounting votes attached to issued ordinary shares by reference to any 15 percent ownershiporvotinglimitation,and from issuing or acting on any notice, investigation, divestment request, or forced sale process purportedly authorised by the new by-law

The issue arose from the directors’ decision to amend the company’s by-laws to introduce a caponshareownershipandvoting rights,amovehesaidraisedserious legalconcerns.

Justice Kissoon noted that the proposed by-law went further by authorising the company to invalidate votes held in excess of the15percentthreshold,determine whether shareholders were acting in concert to circumvent the cap, appoint a special registrar for that purpose, and compel the sale of sharesheldabovethelimit.

The judge in his ruling highlighted that courts are generally reluctant to interfere in theinternalaffairsofcompaniesor restrain the holding of an AGM. However, he stated intervention was warranted in this case due to the serious implications for shareholderrights.

He further noted that Banks DIH,apubliccompanylistedonthe Guyana Stock Exchange with a singleclassofcommonshares,had operated for more than 50 years without any restriction on share ownership or voting rights He pointed out that under the CompaniesAct and the company’s Articles of Association, shareholders are entitled to one share,onevote,andthatnocapwas expressly or impliedly provided for.

Itwasalsooutlinedthatthebylawsofacompanyareincidentalto its Articles of Association and cannot be used to erode or unlawfully restrict entrenched shareholderrights.JusticeKissoon heldthattheprocedureusedbythe directors to adopt New By-law Eightwasnotcapableoflawfully

Continued on page 21

Shareholders mingling after Banks DIH Holdings’AGM at Thirst Park, Georgetown.

Frompage20

achieving the intended outcome andcouldnotbecuredorratifiedby an ordinary resolution of shareholders.

Thejudgesaidthatallowingthe by-law to proceed could result in irreparable harm to shareholders, includingthepotentialinvalidation of votes and forced divestment of shares, affecting not only the claimantsbutthecompany’swider shareholderbase.

The injunction that will remain in effect until the hearing and determination of the substantive action.

At the AGM, Reis told shareholders that Beharry Stock BrokerLimitedisnotashareholder of the company Notwithstanding, he noted that by way of the injunction the shareholders are barredfromvotingontheby-law

“As a law abiding and a responsible corporate citizen, we willcomplywiththejudge’sorder However,thecompanyproposesto appeal this matter to the full court

for the discharge of this injunction,”hedeclared.

The company in a paid advertisement in the Saturday, January 31, 2026 edition of the Kaieteur News described Justice Kissoon’sorderas“sweeping”.The companymaintainedthatitwasnot afforded the opportunity to properly respond to the filed application.

The application was filed on January 27 with multiple exhibits and an order for the hearing of the matter made the following day for BanksDIHtoappear Accordingto the advertisement, the company’s corporate secretary Mrs. Kavorn Kyte-Williams was never given an opportunity to file an Affidavit in Opposition to theApplication, and the company was never given the opportunity to address the legal issues in detail as was to be expectedinaCourtoflaw

“The main issue in the case

required consideration of documents which made up the constitution of BDIH which was onlyincorporatedsome3yearsago on 18th January, 2023 Those documents are the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws. In a lengthy Judgement read for almost half an hour, the learned Judge repeatedly stated that the proposed vote by shareholders at its AGM wouldbeillegal,ultraviresandnot permitted by the document the learned Judge referred to as the Articles of Association. However, there is no such document in the constitution of BDIH,” the advertisementstated.

Banks DIH opined that Justice Kissoon’s judgement was “plainly wrong,particularlyinrelyingon:i. ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION, which do not exist in the constitutionofBDIHHI;ii.Failing togiveanopportunitytoBDIHHI’s Corporate Secretary to file an

Affidavit in Opposition which is one of the essential hallmarks of any system of justice BDIH proposestoappealthismattertothe Full Court for the discharge of the injunction.”

Companyprofits

Meanwhile, Reis announced that for the last fiscal year, the c o m p a n y r e c o r d e d $13,795,000,000 profit in profit beforetaxationand$9,827,000,000 profit after tax. Reis disclosed that for 2021-2025 the company’s revenuesincreasedby25%andthe profitshaveincreasedby50%.The share price was $300 per share in March 2022 and by December it was$155,adeclineof48%.

“Banks pays $51M daily in taxes, inclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. The above information my fellow shareholders served to emphasise the inherit contradiction in the downward moment of Banks Holdings in share prices while at the same time the revenue and profits are increasing,” he told shareholders.

MONDAY

US$2.8Btoflow intooilaccountthisyear …Guyanatoreceive40M barrelswhileExxongets269M

Guyana is expected to receive about US$2.8B in oil revenue in 2026, as oil prices continue to sufferfurtherdeclines.

SeniorMinisterintheOfficeof the President, with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh recently informed the National Assemblythatthecountryispoised to receive 40 million barrels of a staggering309millionbarrelstobe produced this year in the Stabroek Block.Thismeans that Exxon will be flushed with a massive 269 millionbarrelsofsweetlightcrude, producedoffshoreGuyana.

Thefinanceministerwasatthe timepresentingthenationalbudget when he highlighted the expected

expected to come online in 2026, according to the company, while the sixth project, Whiptail, was pegged for startup in 2027 and the eight- Hammerhead- in 2029

Consequently, Guyana’s daily production capacity is expected to be around 1.7 million barrels daily by 2029 In the meantime, the companyisseekingtheblessingsof government for an eight project to develop the resources at the Longtaildiscovery

Despite producing more oil however, critics fear that the country will hardly reap any benefitsfromthesectorascrudeoil pricescontinuetodecline.

House and the World Bank called on Guyana to include a ringfencing provision for each project. Director of Financial Analysis for theInstituteforEnergyEconomics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), Tom Sanzillo painted a more graphicpictureinonehisreportson Guyana.

He said, “The lack of contract protections means that every time Guyana announces it has received more revenue, it is actually being shortchanged the country may never see the promised annual revenuesinthebillionsofdollars.”

revenueflowfromthesector

He explained, “government is expected to earn approximately US$2 4 billion in profit oil and US$375.3 million in royalties. In addition,asigningbonusofUS$17 million will be deposited for the new PSA signed for exploration activitiesinBlockS7.”

Dr Singh noted that Guyana’s petroleumproductionwillcontinue to be driven by the four Floating ProductionStorageandOffloading vessels(FPSOs)inoperation-Liza Destiny,LizaUnity,Prosperityand OneGuyana.

Furthermore, he pointed out thattheaveragepriceofcrudeoilis expectedtofurtherdeclinethisyear by 15 2 per cent to US$59 per barrel.Dr Singhexplainedthatthis was as a result of “the expectation of continued deceleration in demand growth and expanding globalsupply.”

Notably, in 2025 oil prices recorded a decline, with crude oil pricesaveragingUS$69perbarrel, 14 5 per cent below the 2024 averageofUS$80.7perbarrel.

As a result of the decline in oil price last year, Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund (NRF) or the oil accountsawareductioninrevenue flow, although the country’s production capacity increased According to the 2026 Budget, Guyana received a total of US$2.4 billion last year The country in 2025 recorded 260 million barrels ofoil.

Meanwhile, in 2024, Guyana producedanaverage225.4million barrels of crude oil and earned US$2.6billionaccordingtoBudget 2025.

ExxonMobil, the operator of the Stabroek Block has already received regulatory approvals for seven deep-water projects. To date it has commenced production at fo

preparationsongoingtostartupthe three other projects over the next fewyears.

The fifth project, Uaru was

Guyana could have already been receiving multibillion USdollar profits annually if government had ring-fenced the projectsintheStabroekBlock.This provision would have prevented Exxon from using revenue generated to cover the expense of otherprojects.Ring-fencingwould ensure the country benefit from 50 percentoftherevenuegeneratedat each project, after expenses are met.

In accordance with the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), ExxonMobil is allowed to take75percentoftheoilproduced every month to cover costs; it also enjoys a 12.5 per cent profit share.

Meanwhile, Guyana receives a meagre12.5percentofprofitsand twopercentofgrossproductionas royalty

Gov’tignores Kaieteur News previously reported that in three separate reportsdated2017,2018and2019, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) urged Guyana to ring-fence itsoilprojects.Inoneofthereports, theIMFstated:“Thisasymmetrical treatmentofprofitandcostoilwill benefit the contractor at the expense of delaying government revenue.”

Meanwhile,theUnitedNations Development Programme (UNDP), along with another international expert, Chatham

The government of Guyana however made it clear on several occasions that it does not intend to implement this provision in the Stabroek Block. It said it would receive “massive” revenue in the future after the country pays off Exxonforitsinvestments.

Ann’sGroveman killedasbikeslamsintocar

Thirty-two-year-old electricbiker and bus conductor Kendel Lewis of Ann’s Grove Village has died after sustaining injuries in an accident along the Ann’s Grove Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD)Saturdaynight.

Lewissuccumbedtohisinjuries at the Enmore Regional Hospital shortly after the incident. Kaieteur News confirmed his death with relatives Up to press time, the GuyanaPoliceForcehadnotissued anofficialstatementonthematter According to an eyewitness account shared on Facebook by Samuel Kevin Gills, the accident occurredaround8PMwhilehewas travelling toward Ann’s Grove Village. Gills said he observed Lewis riding an electric motorcycle in the same direction along the eastern side of the roadway Gills explained that the rider appeared to be travelling in themiddleoftheroadandswerved in front of vehicles. He said he sounded his horn to caution Lewis beforepassinghimandproceeding toward the Ann’s Grove Bridge. “He swerved in front of two vehicles that passed me. As I was passing the guy, I tooted my horn indicating that he has to ride more inthecornerbecausehewasinthe middleoftheroad,”hesaid.

“Ipassedhimandwentuptothe Ann’s Grove bridge on the west side of the road turning onto the bridge and as I was there, I put on mytrafficatortoturnbuttherewas ablackToyotaAllion carthatwas coming from Berbice. The place was dark and it is possible that the riderdidn’tseethecar Istoppedto allow the car to pass and the rider turnedbehindme.Hewasswerving andnotridingclosetothecornerat all. While at the time he turned behindme,theAllionranintohim,” Gillsexplained.

GillsnotedthatLewissustained

Continued on page 22

Frompage21 severe head injuries and was bleedingprofuselyfromthebackof hishead.Headdedthatthedriverof the car stopped and rendered assistance.Lewiswasrushedtothe Enmore Regional Hospital in a critical condition, where he later succumbedtohisinjuries.Newsof his death has sent shockwaves throughout the Ann’s Grove community and the 44 Bus Park, where Lewis worked as a conductor Friends,colleagues,and relatives have since taken to social mediatoexpresstheirgrief.

One friend, Jesse Dwight Rockerfeller Gibbs, described Lewis as a jovial and genuine individual, noting that the 44 Bus Park has “lost a real one.”Another friend, Troy Del, expressed disbelief at the tragic loss, while othersrememberLewisassomeone whowasalwayscheerfulandquick tomakejokes.

TUESDAY

Speakerlocksoutpress -revivesCovid-erarulesfor budgetdebates

Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir has resurrected pandemic-era restrictions to curtail media coverage of the 13th Parliament, triggering outrage from journalists andpressfreedomadvocates.

Reporters who arrived at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre onMondaytocovertheopeningof the 2026 Budget Debates were informed that only five journalists would be allowed inside the parliamentary Dome at any given time.

Kaieteur News was told that eachrepresentativewillberequired to lodge a form of identification- a national Identification (ID) card, Passport or Driver’s License,upon whichoneoffivemediapasseswill be granted. The lodgment of IDs was required for other persons attending the Sitting, with the exception of Members of Parliament(MPs).

Indefendingtheenforcementof such an onerous initiative, the Speaker, Manzoor Nadir said that this was merely a continuation of what was obtained in 2020 during thePandemic.

The GPA in a statement that came mere moments before the thirdSittingofthe13thParliament got underway highlighted its deep concern over the restrictions imposed on media coverage of the BudgetDebates.

The Association pointed out that this represents a significant reduction from previous years, when up to 17 reporters were accommodated within Parliament Buildings to cover sessions As such, it said, “It is difficult to comprehendwhy,inalargerspace, fewerreportersarenowpermitted.”

Inadditiontothelimitedmedia

access, the GPA raised concern over the Speaker’s directive to blockmediahousesfromrecording insidetheDome.Cameramenwere informeduponarrivalthattheywill be provided with a link from the Department of Public Information (DPI) Notably, the Press Association pointed out that this mechanism has proven unreliable, with frequent audio breaks and interruptions “An online link cannot be considered a direct feed, as it does not provide continuous, unfiltered access to parliamentary proceedings,”theGPAargued.

It reminded that the role of the press is to ensure transparency, accountability, and accurate reporting of parliamentary business.As such, the GPAstated, “Restricting access and failing to provide proper technical facilities underminesthepublic’srighttobe informed We strongly condemn this edict from the Speaker and viewitasadirectattackonfreedom of the press, a hallmark of any democraticsociety.”

The GPA urged the Speaker to urgentlyreviewthesemeasuresand restore full access for the press, in keepingwithdemocraticnormsand theprinciplesofopengovernance.

For his part, Nadir at the openingoftheSittingexplainedthe needforstrictsecuritymeasuresto be implemented and consideration ofspaceutilizationintheDome.

The Speaker said, “The configuration of our National Assembly- this 13th Parliament is affected by two criteria- I should say configuration and seating.” He noted that on his left where there were previously three rows, there arenowfourwhilethegovernment alsooccupiesalargerportionofthe seats in the House. Consequently, heexplained,“Soallwehaveleftin thedomeisthetoptwo(rows)that have to accommodate the staff of the Ministries who support their ministers,

Parliament and also persons who have written to the Clerk and I, askingforaccess.”

Tothisend,henoted,“Wewant to be reinforcing that we pride ourselves on access and we will continue to provide access to the proceedings of the National Assembly.”

At the same time, Nadir said there were “additional security issues” pointing to Canada where MPsarenowoutfittedwithapanic button.

To this end, he noted that the construction of the security facilitiesatPublicBuildingsstarted and was completed in 2025, with scannersnowacquired.

“Weareinastateofcontinuous monitoring and improving,” he asserted.

While the Speaker pointed to seatingconstraintsintheAssembly, Kaieteur News observed several vacant seats in the Dome on Monday while reporters were refused entrance to cover the live debates.

Mediareacts

In light of the new directive hindering media freedom, several journalists in and out of the profession chided the regulations. Seasoned broadcaster, Gordon Mosely wrote, “This is now bordering on ignorance and arrogance to the highest level Media houses are now effectively being barred by the Speaker from providing proper coverage of the NationalAssembly Journalists arriving for this afternoon’s sitting of the National Assembly for the start of the Budget Debates are being told that only five (5) journalists will be allowed into the Assembly to providecoverageatanygiventime ofthesittingandthiswillremainin place moving forward Those 5 journalists (first come, first serve), wearetold,willhavetolodgetheir National ID Card or Driver’s

at every level before, during and after today’s sitting. We cannot be moving forward with such backwardsteps.”

FareezaHaniff

“The Parliament Building on Brickdam had very limited space for media, yet more than five journalistswereallowedinsideand providedunfilteredcoverage. This new “rule,” applied to a significantly larger building that can comfortably accommodate nearly all of us, is nonsensical There is no rational explanation or justificationforit.”

LeroySmith

License before they are allowed access into the Assembly after beingissuedwithatemporarypass fromtheAssembly

Additionally, the Speaker through his PR Officer, has also announcedthatONLYDepartment ofPublicInformationcameraswill be allowed into the Assembly and media houses will have to rely on whatever footage comes out from DPI. Note that for the electronic media, this means we will have to waituntiltheendofthelivestream sinceDPIhasNOsysteminplaceto provide any live feed to media teamsonsite.

Withthesesittingsgoingonfor hours, media houses could now be forced to wait for the end of the livestream at God knows what hour, before being allowed access to download the video for their newscasts. I don’t know where the Speakergathershismediarelations advice,butsomethinghasgottobe wrong for such a backward step to betaken.

Initially,themediawastoldlast week that the limitations for the budget presentation had to do with spaceavailabilitysincetherewould be many invitees. That has come andgoneandsothereisabsolutely noreasonforthislimitingofmedia access to the 13th Parliament by this Speaker of the National Assembly I have been covering the National Assembly since around 1999/2000andhaveneverseenthis level of contempt by a Speaker for themediainGuyana.Itisanattack on the media, an attack on the freedom of the press and an attack on the right to information by a Speakerwhooughttobeupholding those rights rather than trample on them in this cowardly way The Speaker needs to correct this nonsensical move and the Government, the Opposition and the Guyana Press Association oughttoraisethisconcernwithhim

“Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir, by way of his actions since sitting as the country’s Speaker of the National Assembly, has been inching closer and closer to the red line between media accessibility and media suppression, and today he crossed that red line it is now for the Guyana PressAssociation to write to all international affiliate bodies and agencies that work with the NationalAssembly and bring their attention to this clear attempt at stymying the work of the media in Guyana.

Ithasbeenhappeningtoooften; many people who work within parliamentwouldtellyouaboutthe fights they have to have with the speaker just to ensure that the media is properly accommodated whenever there is a parliamentary event at which the media is expectedtobepresent.

Limiting five reporters to the domeforthenationaldebatesofthe country’s largest budget is, to my mind,awaragainstthemedia.

Itisalsoadisrespecttothecraft makerinRegion9,theforestranger inRegion1,thefarmerinRegion6, themarketvendorinRegion4,and everyothersingleGuyaneseinthis country,includingallthosewhosit inthehouse.

Awar against the 4th Estate is notthesmartestthingforanypublic officialtoengineer.”

Pres.Aliurgessmall statestouniteagainst crime,tradebarriers

PresidentIrfaanAlionMonday called for deeper cooperation among small states to combat transnational crime and dismantle trade barriers, warning that regional challenges can no longer betackledinisolation.

Delivering an address to Belize’s Joint Parliament during a three-day official visit, the Guyanese Head of State said coordinated action is critical to protectingsocietiesandeconomies fromcriminalnetworksinvolvedin weapons trafficking, human smuggling and illicit trade “GeographyplacesbothBelizeand Guyana along routes exploited by thesenetworks,creatingchallenges Continued on page 32

Towards a better life with your psychologist

Is a lack of financial literacy ruining your relationship?

Financial matters are more complicated and complex in a relationship than infidelity Hence, there is a need for financial accountability and transparency due to financial infidelity and abuse. I wish parents, especially Christians, would be aggressive andintentionalabouttheirchildren becoming financially literate as they are with religion It is estimated that financial problems contribute to 30-40% of all divorces.

Forevery10marriagesthatend indivorce,threetofourofthemare because of money The financial stability of the home is primarily dependentonmen.

However, it is women who are morelikelytocontinuelifeafterthe death of their partner In every relationship, there is a spender and a saver, a saver and a saver, or a spenderandaspender

What complicates finance in a relationship is our cluelessness about financial management. Our parents never taught us about finance; we watched the interplay between our parents and finance. Oneparentusesmoneyasaformof control, giving it without boundaries.

Now, as adults, our financial literacy is shaped by our parents’ poor and abnormal relationship with money We formed our own financialideologiesinourlivesand relationships, and the cycle of struggle continues. We can never overestimate the level of resentment financial matters breed inhomes.

Thisis2026,wheredidyouget the belief and understanding that menaretogivewomenmoneyand ifhedoesn’t,heisnotagoodman? Dowegivewomenmoneybecause they are women? This is just as ridiculousassayingwomenshould notworkbutstayathome,cookand raise children. Ascribing financial rolesinarelationshipshouldnotbe basedongenderortraditionbuton financialliteracyandcompetence.

Before entering a relationship, one has to have sound financial literacy They must understand the importance of investment, saving and making sound financial decisions. This depends on their family, origin, race, culture, education, mental health, and selfawareness. Individuals struggling with mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, chronic anxiety, impulsivity, obsessivecompulsivedisorder,and substance abuse are among those who are directly affected by an individual’s cognitive capacity to makesoundfinancialdecisions.

Childhood experiences such as abuse,neglect,orpovertyinfluence financial habits; early financial education can help build healthy moneybehaviorsandresilience. Money is a value, a tool. In the

21st century, it is not to be saved, lest it lose its value, but to be invested This ability to have moneyworkforyouratherthanyou workingforitisacriticalconceptto becomprehended.

Financial literacy must start at age 3 or 4. By teaching kids about money early, you are giving them skills they will use forever Financialliteracyhelpsthemmake smart decisions, avoid debt, and evenbuildwealth.

Whether it is through an allowance, saving for a goal, or exploring investing, these lessons will prepare them for the future. Budgeting and other financial decisionsarecriticalforsuccessful adulthood and better relationships. A robust financial education profoundly influences a child’s mental health and attitude toward money Knowledge about finances not only sets children up for economic independence but also enhancestheirsenseofsecurityand mentalwell-being,

What are your financial decisions in relationships like now? Do you give your partner money to buy assets or liabilities? HowmuchdoIspendonassetsand

liabilities yearly? Do I spend because of my trauma needs to be seen and heard, based on the vital need to maintain a healthy lifestyle?

Thelackofmoneyremindsme of childhood and gives the impressionthatIwillendupthere. Do I save over investment out of fear, anxiety and false belief? Do I give my partner money out of fear thatifIstopornolongercandoit, they will leave? Would I rather spend the money my partner gives me than invest? Do I shop for everyone else and not myself?

(People Pleasing, impact of emotionalneglect)

What about your financial expectations in a relationship? Do I feel entitled because of my gender to get an allowance? Do I get upset when I am asked to be financially accountable? Do you get upset because you feel controlled, but, deep down and unconsciously, resent being accountable, feel like a child, and feel that my financial freedom is taken away when I am asked to be accountable? Am I living pay chequetopaychequebecauseIam buyingwantswhichareunresolved

trauma-relatedratherthanneeds?Is my passion to save and invest consumed by attention and energy morethantakingcareofmyhealth andwell-being?

See, if one gets upset and struggles to label and or control their emotional dysregulation, it’s mostlikelytheyarealsostruggling withfinancialmanagement.

Steps in introducing financial literacyatage4.Let’sstarthereand buildoniteachyear

Teachingbasic financialskillstokids

Encourage money-related conversations Money is a commoditythatyouuse, Atthisstage,learningthebasics what money is used for How to earnandspendit

Why saving money is important. How to share or give generously?

When and how should they spendorsaveit? Make budgeting fun. A simple way to get your child interested in budgetingistoapplyittotheirown life.Introducetheideaofsaving.

Practice healthy financial behaviour daily as parents and individuals. Eating the most fast

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

food and expensive food just after receiving salaries, but eating improvised food leading up to the next payday is a behaviour that’s being modelled to the child Chancesarethatitisagenerational financial behaviour that is more likelytobecultivatedbyyourchild asanadult.

Early money lessons can help kids:

Delay gratification (“I’ll wait and save instead of spending right now.”). Recognise the difference between wants and needs. Think criticallythroughtrade-offs. Avoid entitlement by linking effort and reward Build empathy and generositythroughsharing.

Next week, Part 11- How to navigate financial clarity, transparency, and financial fidelityinarelationship

ByKarenAbrams, MBA,AA, DoctoralCandidate

Last week, our team had the distinct honor of engagingwithmorethan700 teachers. I personally spent time in deep conversation with more than 400 of them on the topic of artificial

intelligence and its implications for teaching andlearning.Inacountrythe size of Guyana, those numbers are not incidental. Theyrepresentameaningful share of the national

teaching workforce choosing to give their time, attention,andmentalenergy to professional growth in a rapidlychangingworld.That choicematters.

Professional learning is often treated as a checkbox exercise,somethingendured rather than embraced. Yet these teachers showed up voluntarily They listened closely They asked thoughtful questions. They demonstrated curiosity and courage at a moment when the demands on teachers are heavier than ever Conservatively, this group represents more than 10 percentofGuyana’steachers signaling a desire to learn, adapt,anddobetterfortheir students.

Research has long confirmed what many of us already know intuitively Teachersareoneofthemost powerful influences on student outcomes John Hattie’s large-scale synthesis of educational research identifies teacher effectiveness as among the strongest in-school factors

Advancing Education, Technology & Innovation in Guyana…

“Let us acknowledge teachers. Let us elevate them to the levels they deserve. Let us invest in teachers so that they can effectively invest in our children”

s h a p i n g s t u d e n t achievement, engagement, and long-term success. A goodteacherdoesnotsimply deliver content A good teacher changes trajectories and we see this reflected repeatedlyinreallives.

In the United States, one ofthemostcitedexamplesis that of Erin Gruwell, a high school English teacher whose work with at-risk students in Long Beach, California became known throughtheFreedomWriters story Gruwell’s students, manyofwhomwerewritten off due to poverty, violence, and low expectations, went on to graduate at rates far exceeding district averages. Thekeyfactorwasnotanew curriculum or expensive technology It was a teacher who believed her students mattered, invested in relationships, and refused to lower expectations Longitudinal evaluations later showed improved literacy, attendance, and post-secondary enrollment amongherstudents.

Closer to the global South, a powerful example comes from rural India, where teacher-led literacy interventions documented by the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab demonstratedthatstructured teacher coaching and support dramatically improved reading and numeracyoutcomesforlowincome students When teachersweregiventraining, mentoring, and autonomy, student learning gains followed quickly and measurably These stories are not anomalies. They are

evidence.

Teachers spend more waking hours with our children than almost anyone elseinsociety Dayafterday, year after year, they shape how children see learning, authority, effort, and themselves This reality places a national obligation on parents, governments, and institutions to ensure that teachers are supported, respected,andwell-prepared to influence the nation’s most valuable resource, its children.

As a researcher, I am particularly drawn to SelfDetermination Theory, developed by Edward Deci and Richard Ryan The theory identifies three core psychological needs for motivation and learning, autonomy, competence, and relatedness. While all three areessential,itisrelatedness that repeatedly emerges as critical in classroom research.

Relatedness refers to the quality of the relationship betweenteacherandstudent. When students feel seen, respected,andunderstoodby their teachers, engagement increases and resistance decreases. Multiple studies publishedinjournalssuchas Educational Psychologist and Review of Educational Research show that strong teacher-studentrelationships are associated with higher academic achievement, better classroom behavior, and increased persistence, especially for students facing socioeconomic challenges.

This is why so many adults carry vivid memories

ofasingleteacherwhomade adifference.Everyonehasa teacher-story Ateacherwho noticed them when others didnot.Ateacherwhospoke encouragement at the right moment A teacher who madethembelievetheywere capable of more These e x p e r i e n c e s a r e unforgettable because they are formative. Yet teachers are asked to do this work under extraordinary constraints.

They are not only managing classrooms of ethnic or gender diversity

They are navigating diversity of academic preparation, home stability, nutrition, emotional regulation, and exposure to learning resources In a single 40-minute lesson, a teacher may face students whoareseveralgradelevels

apart in understanding, all while using the same materials and meeting the s a m e c u r r i c u l u m expectations. This is not a smallask.

Technology now offers real opportunities to support differentiated instruction Research from the OECD and UNESCO shows that adaptive learning tools, formative assessment platforms, andAI-supported tutoring systems can help personalize instruction and providetimelyfeedback.But technology is only effective when teachers are trained, supported, and given the space to integrate it meaningfully Studies consistently show that without proper professional development, technology addsstressratherthanvalue.

In Guyana, and across

theworld,ifourchildrenare to win, our teachers must be treated like the gems they are. They must be prepared, supported, respected, and fairly compensated They must be given access to modern tools, high-quality training, and professional environments that recognize theirinfluence.

Last week’s engagement with hundreds of teachers was a reminder that despite the pressures, despite the challenges, many teachers remain deeply committed to growth and excellence.That commitment deserves more than applause. It deserves investment.

Let us acknowledge teachers.Letuselevatethem to the levels they deserve. And let us invest in teachers so that they can effectively investinourchildren.

ADVANCING ACCURACY AND CONFIDENCE IN BUSINESSES THROUGH CALIBRATION SERVICES

Have you ever stopped to consider how precise your instruments really are and what impact that accuracy has on the processes in your business? Calibration, which involves comparingtheresultsfromtheinstrumenttoa recognised, accurate standard, forms the foundation of every successful business, ensuring reliability, consistency and confidence in products and services offered across the oil and gas, health, mining, aviationandconstructionsectors.

As Guyana experiences rapid industrial growth, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards(GNBS),asthecountry’sNational Measurement Institute (NMI), plays a vital roleinhelpingbusinessesoperateefficiently, safely, and in compliance with established standards.Byprovidingtraceablecalibration services, GNBS supports organisations in maintaining quality, mitigating risks, and meetingregulatoryrequirements.

Through its Industrial Metrology and Testing (IMT) Department, GNBS offers calibration services across a wide range of areas, including mass, volume, temperature, dimensionandpressure.Instrumentssuchas thermometers, pipettes, balances, pressure gauges, measuring tapes, torque wrenches and calipers are routinely submitted to the Bureau’s accredited calibration laboratories by business operators to ensure precise, traceable, and repeatable results All calibrations are aligned with internationally recognisedstandardstraceabletoinstitutions suchasNIST(USA)andPTB(Germany).

With the rapid expansion of industries across our country, calibration remains critical where accurate measurements

directlyimpactoperationalsafety,efficiency, compliance and the quality of products produced. For example, the production of milkproductslikeicecreamrequiresreliable temperature checks from calibrated thermometers to maintain quality This is similarforairlinesandmechanicsthatrelyon torquewrenchesandcalipers,andcontractors who depend on measuring tapes and other instruments for reliable measurements Uncalibrated or inaccurate instruments can lead to serious consequences, including customer dissatisfaction, safety hazards, financial losses, and reputational damage. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their measuring instruments for calibration at the GNBS.

Last year alone, the IMT Department completed 2,790 calibrations, an increase fromthepreviousyears.Theseachievements highlight the Bureau’s ongoing commitment towards ensuring precision, quality, and accountabilityacrosslocalbusinesses.Italso demonstrates the level of confidence businesseshaveinGNBSservices.

Finally, calibrations will be one of the services showcased by the GNBS at the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, which is scheduled to occur from February 17-20 at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown.Avisit to the GNBS booth will provide an ideal opportunity for businessownersandprofessionalstoengage directly with the GNBS team to learn and explorefuturebusinessarrangements.

For more information, contact GNBS at 219-0064–66, via WhatsApp: 692-4627, or visitwww.gnbsgy.org.

ByShermonHawker

DR. HIDAR FINDS THE PUREST OF JOY IN WORKING MEDICAL MIRACLES

my home Mainly, my

“For as long as I could remember, I felt a strong urge to offer a hand in engendering physical healing for others ” Those were the deep-seated aspirations of a young lad some years ago; whose empathy for the suffering enveloped him with an unshakable conviction as to his calling.

Withpersuasionsnotcraftedon whims or impulses, those convictionsroseeachmorningwith thepunctualsun,andasitsettledin the west, so did his mind on the matter Andasthoughwithanodof approval, the Controller of circumstances gave green light for the noble ambitions of Andre Alexander Hidar, now a medical doctor at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), to materialize.

There is no packaged joyfulnesstobehadfrombeingata facility where patients’screams of anguish rents the atmosphere, or having to witness the most mindnumbing cases which outright challenges the power of medical science, or even where sombre news are heavy-heartedly offloadedtodistraughtrelatives.In such an unpredictable environment,onewouldhavetobe inventive in sourcing their professional gratification Dr Hidar sourced his from simply savinglives.

TOBELIKEHISMOTHER

The 31-y-o of No. 2 Village, East Canje Berbice, left his academic footprints at the New AmsterdamSecondarySchool,the esteemed Bishop’s High School and Queen’s College, and later would ascend to the University of Guyana, School of Medicine, where he successfully graduated andisinhissixthyearasamedical practitioner He is also in the final stages of his Master’s Degree in PublicHealth.

A relatively shy character, Dr Hidargracefullybalancesthatwith an outgoing persona, the latter of which is a necessary element as professional who confronts hundredsofindividualseveryweek

Theyoungdoctorwasdutifully molded by the perseverance of his father, a cane harvester, and the dignified bearings of his mother, a retiredheadteacher Inhisyounger years he witnessed many cases of sickness, and would feel a consistentnudgeinbecomingwho he is today by witnessing his mother’sgraceandcommitmentin helpingothers.

He said “During my childhood there was always someone sick in

grandparents, then my parents and uncle… It was always a chronic disease that could’ve been managed with adequate health education.AssuchIfelttheneedto equip myself with the necessary knowledge so that I can be in a positiontoaid.Igrewupseeingmy mother act as the community doctor She had a knack for taking care of the sick. Neighbors always visitedorcalledherwheneverthey were sick. It is her kind and caring nature that propelled me into a medicalcareer.”

TIKTOKER

Dr Hidar is Seventh - day Adventistandalsoaloverofgospel music.Hefancieshimselfatouring enthusiast.Asmuchashishassling schedule permits, the doctor capitalizes on every chance to exhalewhileflyingmilesacrossthe world, absorbing the picturesque sights and surrendering to the hypnotic flute of nature and everything else that successfully overrides the mundane beep of an EKG.

His passion for sponsoring medicalreliefisfiercelyrivaledby his widely recognized culinary craze, and when not administering injections or stabilizing patients, Dr HidarinjectstimetohisTikTok channel, where he gleefully showcase his dexterity with dishes ofalldescriptions.

Cooking, he acknowledged, serves more than momentarily appeasing the inner rumblings of hisstomachorwinningforhimself popularity by his impressive array of prepared meals. Toiling in the kitchen affords him the luxury of peace, reinforces personal discipline, and maintains structure inhislife.

“It’s only recently, maybe for the past two years or so that I’ve reallystartedtoheatthingsupinthe kitchen I enjoy making local dishesandaddingaGuyaneseflair to meals I’ve encountered in other countries.”

“I hope to visit every continent andasmanycountriesasIpossibly can. My most meaningful travel experience was to Ghana, Africa, earlierthisyear Thecountry’srich history moved me deeply I visited the slave castles, where I learned about the horrors of slavery, an experienceIwillneverforget.I’ve pledged to do everything in my power to ensure that slavery, or anything resembling it, never reemerges,”DoctorHidarreflected tothispublication.

HEARTED

Beingamedicaldoctorisbyno measure of the imagination a simple task The layers of complexity within an operation even for a seasoned physician demands painstaking diligence, as it can be a literal case of life and death And the workload is massive, as one would imagine. In his novice years, Dr Hidar had to toughenup.

Moreover, Dr Hidar is kneedeep in the youth ministriesaspect of the local SDA church organization, where he featured in various senior leadership and mentorship posts. His optimistic outlook on the negatively summed “youths of today” remains unchanged.

“There are so many brilliant young minds yearning for guidance, gullible, impressionable souls waiting to be shaped. I’ve takenupthemantletoprovidethat supportanddirection.”

NOTFORTHEFAINT-

He explained “The most challenging year of my career and my life was my year as a medical intern. I’m sure every medical intern would agree. During this time, you take on a much more active role in diagnosing and managingpatients.”

“You’re expected to study constantly, conduct research, and shoulder much of the team’s follow-up work. There is no room for error when treating a patient because someone’s life truly depends on you. The workload is mentally and physically exhausting,butitteachesresilience and builds capacity I often tell people if you can get through your yearasamedicalintern,youcanget throughanything.”

MEMORIESSURGERY

Dr. Hidar is firmly grounded in his church’s Youth Ministry

CAN’TREMOVE

The doctor sobered up to some realitiesofwhat’sunavoidableand mentally crippling in that line of work: maintaining one’s composure and having to convey grim news to faintly hopeful relatives that their loved ones passedaway,orbearingresultsofa terminal illness to someone. Most harrowing of all, he shared, is seeingahumaninthefinalminutes oftheirnaturallifedie.

“Thesemomentsstaywithyou. They remind you of the gravity of your responsibility and the human sideofmedicine,”heexpressed. There is an undeniable lofty aura that swirls about being a doctor The title bears a stamp of prestige in society, and there are certainly some perks. Dr Hidar’s satisfaction transcends these, however, as his greatest kickbacks come from correctly diagnosing a criticallyillpatient,witnessingand facilitating his or her recuperation, andtheirultimatedischargefroma medical institution. Such is the truest sense of satisfaction for the competentdoctor

“I vividly remember an experiencewhereIwasableto Continued on page 48

Frompage22

no single state can address alone,” Alitoldlawmakers.“Thesethreats donotrespectbordersandtherefore requirecoordinatedresponses.”

He continued “Transnational problems demand transnational solutions.Itisimperativethatsmall states actively pursue cooperation with regional and international partners who share a common interest in preventing, disrupting anddismantlingorganisedcriminal activity.”

The President explained that such cooperation strengthens national capacity and enhances collectivesecurity.“Sovereigntyis notdiminishedbycooperation.Itis weakened by isolation and vulnerability Through partnership grounded in mutual respect, small statesarebetterabletoprotecttheir people, their institutions, and their future. Another essential pillar of resilience for a small state lies in democracy and open economies,” Alisaid

According to the president Economic openness also plays a criticalroleindevelopment.While openness carries risk, it facilitates access to market, capital, technology,andidealsthatarevital for growth He highlighted the importance of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), democratic institutions, and multilateral engagement, especially for states with limited economicandmilitarypower

President Ali said the visit marked a significant moment for bilateralrelationsbetweenGuyana andBelizeanddeepencooperation inagriculture,trade,climateaction, andregionaldevelopment.

He asserted that “Our two countriespossesssomeofthemost diverseandvaluableecosystemsin the Caribbean, encompassing vast tracksoftropicalforests,extensive freshwater resources and extraordinary biodiversity that place us among the world’s most environmentally significant small states.”

“Our territories include critical habitats that support unique flora and fauna, provide essential ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and climate regulation and sustain livelihoods through agriculture, forestry, fisheriesandecotourism.

“Atthesametime,thesenatural endowments carry global responsibilities.BelizeandGuyana serves as careful custodians of environmental heritage whose preservationisvitalnotonlytoour national development but also to regional and global ecological balance.”“Andthatiswhywehave a joint responsibility to monetize this most important global asset. And the world in turn has a responsibility to ensure that the economic value of these assets is passed on to the peoples of our countries.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister of Belize John Briceño, underscored the historical shared strengths and areas of mutual cooperation betweenthetwocountries.

“Our future is inextricably linked by our shared histories and the challenges we face today,” Briceño said. “Together, we will unlockthepossibilitiesourpeoples deserve.”

The Belizean PM offered to help Guyana in developing its tourism product and in turn the South American nation would assist its sister Caribbean Community (CARICOM) counterpart in technology “We offer our experience in tourism as you build your tourism product in the land of many waters Our geographic similarities provide scope for knowledge sharing. Our expertise in agriculture will be made available and educational opportunities explored,” he said. TheBelizeanleadersaid“Wemust leverage our abundant resources, facilitateprivatesectorinvestment, and reap the benefits of our people,”headded.

WEDNESDAY

Oppositionleaderwithout security,vehicle -accusesgovt.ofdenyinghim constitutionalbenefits

Leader of the Opposition Azruddin Mohamed has raised alarmthatoneweekafterassuming office he has not been provided with official state security or a government vehicle, benefits guaranteed under law, which he says signals continued political discriminationagainsthim.

“It’s a clear case of political persecution and victimisation by thegovernment.Theyaretryingto strip me of everything. I have no right as a citizen of this country,” Mohamed told this newspaper on thesidelineofthebudgetdebatesat theNationalAssemblyonTuesday

He argued that under established prot

d constitutional practice, these benefits should have been made available immediately following his election, or at the very least, formallycommunicatedtohim.

Under the Leader of the Opposition (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act 2010

,

Opposition Leader is entitled to a r

furn

sh

d

fice accommodation; medical attention including medical treatment or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred by him for himself and the dependent members of his family; full-time securityserviceathisofficialplace ofresidenceandattheofficeofthe Leader of the Opposition to be provided by the Guyana Police Force; the services of a research

assistant, an executive assistant/secretary,aclerical/office assistant, a chauffeur, a personal

securityofficer,agardenerandtwo domestic servants; salary, vacation allowance, and parliamentary benefits equivalent to those of a CabinetMinister

However,oneweekafterbeing elected, Mohamed said none of these benefits has been afforded him.Mohamedsaidthatjustbefore hiselectionhehadenquiredabouta vehicleaswellaspersonalsecurity andwastoldbytheclerk,Sherlock Isaacs that the Speaker, Manzoor Nadir had said no then. “About 10 days ago before my election, we talkedaboutthebenefitsandsoon, then I asked about a vehicle since the government has instructed insurance companies and so on to takeawayalltheinsurancesformy vehicles…Hesaid,no,butnowthat I have been elected, I am still waitingtoseewhattheywilldo.”

Mohamed said while he can understand that some of the other benefits would have to wait on the passage of the budget, he believes something as important as security and a vehicle should have been madeavailabletohim.“Theseare things that should have been provided for immediately on a transition. This is a constitutional office…”Mohamedlamented.

Asked how does he feel about this development and whether he thinks it is deliberate given the problems he faced before being elected, Mohamed said he would reserve his comments. “I will give them the benefit of the doubt, so I will await the approval of the budget before I comment directly onthis.”

Meanwhile,Mohamedsaidthat since his personal security was stripped when the government seized all his firearms, he believes that now being the leader of the opposition his security is compromised “I had all my security weapons, you know,

This likelihood has been unprecedentedinourwestminister parliamentary system.” Mohamed, who is sanctioned by the United Statesandcurrentlyinalegalbattle in the local courts over an extradition request, was among 16 WIN members sworn in as Members of Parliament on November 3, 2025. He was then formally elected Leader of the Opposition, securing 17 votes in a process that lasted less than five minutesandchairedbyNadir

Manchargedforkilling6-yr-old boysenttoHighCourtfortrial

OdelGarnett,waschargedwith the murder of six-year-old Jeremiah Gustave, has been committed to stand trial in the DemeraraHighCourt.

The ruling was delivered on Tuesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court by Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore, following the completion of preliminaryproceedings.

handguns, shotguns, and rifles to protect my assets, properties, even personal,security,andbodyguards, and so, and the government seized all the firearms and so I have no armedsecurity,noarmedsecurity.”

The Clerk of National Assembly had told Kaieteur News that provision was made in the budgetfortheofficeoftheleaderof the opposition, but Mohamed said hewasnotawareifanyallocationis in the budget. Late last month this newspaperreportedthatIsaacshad confirmed that it submitted budgetary proposals for the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, even though no leader was yet in placethen. “Yeah,wesubmitteda proposalforsalaries,upkeepofthe officeandsoon.Yes,wedid.Topay rental for a building and so on,” IsaacshadtoldKaieteurNewsinan interview He explained then that theestimatesaregenerallybasedon previous allocations, noting, “Well IthinkwhatInormallydo.Welook atthepreviousyears’allocationand we increase it just by five or ten percent, not much.” Isaacs added that the allocation for the office would only be known after the budget process is completed. “But wewouldn’tknowuntilthebudget is passed,” he said. In 2025, the Committee of Supply approved $32.5 million for the Office of the Leader of the Opposition That allocation, unchanged from the previous year, formed part of the $2 1 billion approved for the ParliamentOffice.

Nadir had buckled under pressuretoconvenethemeetingof non-governmental MPs to elect a leader of the opposition, but not before he had warned: “If the oppositionMPsseeitmorallyright to elect an ‘international fugitive’ as the country’s opposition leader, thenthestainonourparliamentand ourcountryrestssolelywiththem.

During the hearing, Magistrate Azore noted that all witness testimonies were presented and severalexhibitsweretendered.The court found that the prosecution had established a sufficient case to be heard before a judge and jury, paving the way for Garnett to be committedfortrial.

The matter was prosecuted by SergeantQuincyLacon.

Jeremiah Gustave was shot in theheadbyastraybulletonJuly9, 2024, along Charles Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, during anallegeddisputebetweenGarnett and another suspect, Marlon Christopher Wilburg, also known as “Mice Man.” Following the shooting, the child was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in a critical condition and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he was placed on life support. He underwent multiple surgeries and spent several months in and out of hospital.

After eight months of battling forhislife,Jeremiahsuccumbedto his injuries on March 29, 2025, at his home on Charles Street, Charlestown.

Reports indicate that Jeremiah, a student of Smith’s Memorial Primary School, was sitting at his mother’s food stall when the altercation escalated and gunfire erupted.

Garnett was arrested in July 2024 and initially charged with attemptedmurder Anothersuspect, Marlon Marcus, also known as “MiceMan,”wasalsocharged,but his matter was withdrawn in October by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Following Jeremiah’s death, Garnett’s charge wasupgradedtothecapitaloffence ofmurder

SpeakingwithKaieteurNews Continued on page 33

Frompage32 on Tuesday, Jeremiah’s mother, Keisha Gustave, expressed satisfaction that the case is now movingforwardtothehighcourt.

“I will get justice for my son, because at the end of the day, he didn’t went in anybody way so let he [Garnett] rest he self right in there [prison] Jeremiah is an innocent child and justice will be served”,”shesaid.

Jeremiah would have celebrated his eighth birthday on January 29. His mother said the occasionwasparticularlypainfulas itservedasareminderofherloss.

“Icriedthewholeday,knowing that Jeremiah is gone and couldn’t livetoseethisday,”sheshared.

Garnett is currently awaiting a datetobefixedbythehighcourtfor thecommencementofhistrial.

THURSDAY

Fourfounddeadonvesselat WaterStreetwharf

The bodies of four Guyanese men were discovered aboard a vesseldockedattheCourtneyBenn Wharf on Water Street, Georgetown,onTuesdayevening.

KaieteurNewsunderstandsthat the men were found at approximately 20:00 hrs. by staff members working on the vessel. The boat is reportedly owned by PritipaulSinghInvestmentsInc.

Police identified the men as Brandon Deonarine, 18, a seaman of Support, East Bank Demerara; Nerwaine Persaud, 57, a boat captain of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara; Dominic Alexis, 33, a seaman of De Kendren,West Coast Demerara and Getindra Sanchara, 25, an engineer of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara.

When this publication arrived on the scene, police investigators werepresentalongwithotherstaff at the wharf, including Pritipaul Singh Jr He declined to disclose detailssurroundingtheincidentbut confirmed that he is fully cooperating with the police investigation.

The bodies were later removed fromthevesselbypoliceranksand transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital for further examination.

Kaieteur News was informed byastaffmemberatthewharfthat themen,whoareregularworkersat thelocation,hadbeeninstructedto gobelowintheengineroomofthe vessel to carry out repairs on the engine.Whiletheywereworking,a chemical gas allegedly began emanating from the engine compartment, resulting in the men’sdeath.

Preliminary investigations by police indicate that the men were inspecting a dry space within the engine room, located in the lower section of the vessel, when they were reportedly exposed to

suspected noxious fumes and collapsed.An alarm was raised by other crew members and Emergency Medical Technicians, alongwiththeGuyanaFireService, respondedtothescene.

The men were removed from the vessel and transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where they were pronounced dead by a doctor on duty The bodies are at the hospital’s mortuary awaiting postmortem examinations, police reportstated.

Teixeirasaysnopersonal securityorvehiclefor OppositionLeader -butlawguaranteesstatefundedsecurity,staff andbenefitsequivalent tocabinetminister

Responding to comments by Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed that he has not yet been providedwithofficialstatesecurity or a government vehicle, benefits guaranteed under law, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira on Wednesday said the new leader is notentitledtosuch.

Responding to the article published by Kaieteur News, Minister Teixeira in her response pointed to the benefits enjoyed by former presidents compared to an opposition.

She noted that former President, Bharrat Jagdeo received security and other facilities during his tenure as opposition leader because he was covered under the Former Presidents’ Benefits Act She said, “First of all, former presidentsbylawundertheFormer President’sBenefitsActareentitled tosecurity vehicles,andsoformer

president Jagdeo, as leader of the opposition, was entitled to those things.Mr Azruddinisnotaformer president and therefore is not entitled to the things that a former presidentwouldbeentitledto.”

To this end, she stated that the leader of the opposition (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act provides that the holder of the post receives benefits equivalent to those of a cabinet minister These include salary,allowancesandstate-funded security at the official residence andoffice,paidforbyparliament.

“So, Mr. Mohammed will receive,andhasreceived,thesalary benefits, allowances and entitlements of ministers. That includes security at his home, and sothatispaidforbyparliament,he is not entitled to personal security However, there’s security at the office of the leader of opposition whenever he designates the office…”shenoted.

On the issue of duty-free concessions and a government

vehicle, Teixeira said Mohamed has no special entitlement beyond what is provided to all parliamentarians “He has no entitlementtoavehicleassignedto him,noentitlementtoclosemen,if he wishes to have that, he can hire themhimself.Butthatisnotpartof the benefits of the ministers of government and allowances, and therefore it’s not his entitlement,” shestated.

She added that his office is entitledtothreepaidstaffandother operational support funded by parliament.

While Minister Teixeira accused the opposition leader of misleading the public and misunderstanding the law governinghisoffice.

Under the Leader of the Opposition (Benefits and Other

opposition leader is entitled to

accommodation; medical attention including medical treatment or

expenses incurred by him for himself and the dependent members of his family; full-time securityserviceathisofficialplace ofresidenceandattheofficeofthe Leader of the Opposition to be provided by the Guyana Police Force; the services of a research assistant, an executive assistant/secretary,aclerical/office assistant, a chauffeur, a personal securityofficer,agardenerandtwo domestic servants; salary, vacation allowance, and parliamentary benefits equivalent to those of a CabinetMinister

FRIDAY

Govt.saysGDFcopter crashreportofflimits -oppositionraises transparencyconcerns

Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar has refuted comments made by Opposition Member of Parliament and Leader of the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM),AmanzaWalton-Desirthat Guyanaisrequiredbyinternational convention to release the report on the deadly helicopter crash that claimed the lives of five servicemen.

During the Budget Debate on Thursday, the minister said that while the MP claimed Guyana is breaching international aviation codes by failing to release the report on the helicopter crash, she was “woefully” incorrect He explained that the flight was military in nature and not civilian, which exempts the report from becomingapublicdocument.

TheAviationMinisterinformed theNationalAssembly,“Theflight operation at the time when it happened, it was a military operation…Annex 13 of ICAO speakstodisclosuresofflightsthat arecivilinnature.”

Consequently, he pointed out, “When you have a flight that is under the state control, when you have a flight that is controlled by thearmyorthestate,itisgoverned by the Chicago Convention and it says “aircraft used in military, customs and police services shall be deemed state aircraft” and becauseofthis,whichcountry,that has military operation disclose to the public about when you have incidents or accidents? Find a country! It is a military operation within the virtue of the national security board and because of that it is a national security issue and it is exempted by virtue of that.”

Followingtheconclusionofhis presentation, the lead Opposition MP for the APNU benches, Dr Terrence Campbell challenged the statements made by the minister HepointedoutthattheMinisterof Public Works, Juan Edghill who waspreviouslytaskedwithcontrol Continued on page 34

Frompage33 oftheaviationsectoratthetimeof the crash had committed to the publicationofthereport.Campbell thereforequestionedthereasonfor thissuddenrelianceontheChicago Convention to dodge transparency inthattragicaccident.

Kaieteur News had reported Minister Edghill as saying, “They (stakeholders) have until January 10, 2025 to make their comments, when those comments come, if thereareanyseriousconcernstobe adjusted that will be and then the reportwillbepublished.”

Moreover, Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo had also given the commitment for the report to be published, following its completion On December 8th, 2023fiveofsevenoccupantsofthe Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Bell412 helicopter died when the aircraft crashed in the jungle between Arau and Ekereku in RegionSeven.Thosewhodiedare: the pilot-in-command, veteran aviator Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, Colonel Michael Shahoud, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome, Staff Sergeant Jason Khan and Brigadier (ret’d) Gary Beaton. LieutenantAndio Michael Crawford, a pilot on board the aircraft, and Corporal Dwayne Johnsonsurvivedthecrash.

Shortly after the crash, Edghill hadappointedaspecialinvestigator toprobetheincidentandatanews conferencelateDecember2023,he disclosed that the Blackbox of the chopperhadbeensenttotheUnited States (US). Subsequently, Edghill toldreportersathisministry’sendof-year press conference that the feedback on the draft helicopter crashreportshouldbesubmittedby January10,2025.

To this end, MP Walton-Desir on Wednesday during the 2026 Budget Debate said that the report shouldbemadepublic. Shenoted, “Under Guyana’s international obligations, including the Chicago Convention, accident investigation is not optional, and it is not political. It must be independent, credible, and transparent ” As such, she reiterated calls for the Government to release the aircraft accident investigation report. The MP suggested, “If there are national-security sensitivities, thosesectionscanberedacted.But the technical findings must be released. They must be released. Families deserve closure The aviationsectordeservesthelessons and trust demands transparency

When accident reports are withheld,confidenceinthesystem isundermined.”

Manshotdeadduring shootoutwithpolice

Police in Regional Division #7 are probing a fatal shooting that unfolded during a high-risk joint service operation at Quartzstone

Backdam, Region Seven, on Thursday, leaving one suspected accomplicedead.

The dead man has been identified as Shemar Latif, of Onderneeming Sandpit, Essequibo Coast.Hisagewasnotimmediately available.

According to police, the operationwaslaunchedtocapturea wanted fugitive and his alleged accomplices linked to serious crimes within the division. During the exercise, ranks came upon Latif, who was suspected to be amongthoseaidingthefugitive.

Policesaidattemptsweremade to engage him, but the situation quickly escalated when Latif, reportedly armed with a handgun, opened fire on the ranks while trying to escape Officers took evasive action and returned fire, during which Latif was shot A 9mm pistol, six live rounds of ammunition and several spent shells were recovered at the scene. Latif was rushed to the Bartica Regional Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. His body is currently at the hospital’s mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination as investigations continue into the incident and the wideroperation.

SATURDAY

MohamedripsintoBudget …demandstougher oversightofoilfund …slamsfallingbirthrate, soaringcostofliving …flagschronicpoweroutages …warnsfishingindustryin sharpdecline

Newly-elected Leader of the OppositionAzruddin Mohamed in hismaidenbudgetdebatespeechon Friday evening launched a blistering critique of the 2026 National Budget, outlining that its recordsizeof$1.558trillionmasks weak oversight of oil revenues, worsening living conditions, persistent power outages and a sharp decline in the fishing industry, while failing to address criticalissues.

He argued that a bigger budget does not automatically translate into better lives “These are impressive numbers, they look goodonpaper,buttheydonothelp a mother who stands in the market andfindsthatthesalarysheearned thismonthbuyslessthanitdidlast month,”Mohamedasserted.

OilandGas

Turning to oil and gas sector, the opposition leader cited that Guyana’s oil production has surpassed 900,000 barrels per day, reachingrecordnumbersbutalarge section of society still lives in poverty

leakingoutofourbankingsystem, causing a heavy rate…if you go to any of the banks, you can’t get U.S…”hesaid,notingthatbecause of his business not being in operation, the exchange rate has skyrocketed.

“Weneedthesmallminers,the gold price is US$5,000 an ounce, youcheckif$2billioncomeinback to the system, y’all withdraw US$2.4 billion from the NRF, just imagine US$2 billion leaking out the system and you guys turning a blindeye…”heoutlined.

Fisheries

Opening his speech, Mohamed the leader of We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), outlined the party’s rapid rise in Guyana’s political arena. “Despite the name calling, calling me sanction man, gold smuggler, international fugitive, despite the delay, resistance,andeveryefforttokeep me out, I stand as the youngest Leader of the Opposition because over 109,000 voters chose hope overfearandgaveWINachance,” hesaid.

He accused government speakers of focusing on political attacks rather than substance, cautioning that the size of the $1.558trillionbudgetshouldnotbe mistaken for success. Pointing to government parliamentarians, Mohamed said, “…size is not a measure of success This year’s budget represents a 12.7 per cent increase from last year’s budget and is five times larger than the PPP’sfirstnationalbudgetin2021. Everyyeartheycometothishouse with historic groundbreaking numbers, but where is this money goingandwhoreallybenefits.”

The opposition leader who is currently before the local court battling an extradition request made by the United States governmentandisalsosanctioned, made his contributions during the budgetdebatesamidhecklingfrom government parliamentarians, at timesexchangingwordsacrossthe floor as he pressed on with his presentation.

During Mohamed’s more than one-hour contribution, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira rose more than five times to cite Standing Order 38(6), which bars members from reading speeches instead of debating, outlining that Mohamed has been reading rather thandebating.

Pressing ahead with his presentation, he acknowledged projected growth figures outlined bythegovernmentinrelationtothe economy, but stressed that those figures meant little to households grapplingwithrisingprices.

Mohamed challenged the government’s claims of strong oversight of the Natural Resources Fund(NRF).Infact,heinsistedthat parliamentary approval under a government majority does not amounttoindependentscrutiny

Mohamed insisted that, “Real oversight requires transparent audits done by internationally recognised firms, not reports filtered through the same government withdrawing and spendingthemoney.”

Headded,“Atpresent,thesame executive that requests the money controlsthevote,theagencies,and the reporting system. That is not accountability That is selfsupervision. You can’t put a cat to watchmilk.”

He contended that government is treating Guyana’s oil wealth as routine income rather than a oncein-a-generation opportunity, arguing that outcomes on the groundtelladifferentstory

Further, he questioned transparency in the sector, demandinganswersonoutstanding audits and project costs, including the gas-to-energy project and ExxonMobil Guyana Limited expense reviews. He rejected claims that reports need not be public, insisting citizens have a righttounderstandhowbillionsare spent.

GoldMining

On mining, Mohamed accused the government of failing smallscaleoperators,whomhedescribed asthebackboneofthesector

“Honorable Vickram (Bharrat) I would like you to make land available for small miners, viable lands Ensure you focus on the smallminers,”Mohamedurgedthe naturalresourcesminister

He further stated that gun men are terrorising small miners in the mining regions, and he urged MinisterofHomeAffairs,Oneidge Walrondtoensurethatsystemsare in place to ensure security for the smallminers.

Mohamed, noted that declarations from licensed dealerships declined by 21 5 percentto121,883ouncesin2025, adding, “But when I was in the business the declarations were higher Whereisthegoldgoing?’

“An average of US$2 billion

“The honorable minister of Agriculture wants us to believe all is fine and dandy over there. But oursugar-workers,ourfarmersand our fisherfolk are crying out,” Mohamed said as he shifted his attentiontotheagriculturesector

Inrelationtothefishingsector, he outlined that for decades there were three fishing companies operatinginGuyana:NobleHouse Sea Foods, Pritipaul Singh InvestmentsandRupee.

“Tenyearsago,seabobshrimp catches were about 45 million pounds per year Now in 2026, the catch is only three million pounds, why?” he questioned. To this end, he highlighted that Noble House and Rupee are now closed with onlyPritipaulSinghinoperation.

“This company (Prittipaul) has been the largest seafood company inGuyanaandtheCaribbean,with catchesreachingamaximumof28 million pounds in 2013. In 2025, catches are down to three million poundsannually,”henoted.

GPL

Mohamed also criticised the long-standing problems in the utilities sector, particularly electricity supply, despite billions allocatedtotheenergysectoryearafter-year

“Afteralmost30yearsinoffice, the PPP has failed to effectively addressourelectricitysupplywoes. Two power ships later and we are still struggling with inadequate electricitysupply,”hesaid.

Hepointedoutthatinthe2026 budget the sum of $119.4 billion has been allocated to enhance the country’s electricity supply and energy infrastructure.However, he argued that the PPPadministration isunabletofindrealsolutionstothe country’selectricitywoes.

PublicServants

The opposition leader was particularly critical of the budget’s treatment of public servants Mohamed stated, “Our nearly 70,000 hardworking public servantsgotnothinginthisbudget. Not even a small salary increase, not a bonus, nothing planned for them in the year’s biggest budget, nothingatall.”

He continued, “Our public servants carry this nation on their backs.Butthisbudgetturnsitsback onthem.Theycomehereandpraise Continued on page 35

Frompage34 them with words. Sell big dreams on the campaign platform; in turn, they pay themwithcrumbs.”

CostofLiving

He also raised concern about Guyana’s declining birthrate,notingthatdespite cash grants, many women are choosing not to have children due to economic pressures.

Mohamed underscored thatunderstandingtheplight aregularcitizenfaceswould show what is needed to put people first. He insisted that increasingsalariesforpublic servants,decreasingcost-ofliving by implementing measures even if temporary likeacrosstheboardsubsidy orfoodbanks.

“What we need to do, is to invest directly in people, not just projects Many people still cannot afford food, rent, transport, and utilitieswithsalariesalone,” hestated.

Mohamed asserted, “There is little evidence that the 2025 social services measures provided any transformational relief to citizens, especially when you pay a visit to the palms, or the Amerindian hostel. I visited,soIknow.”

To this end, he called on the government to address the declining birthrate, contending that fewer womenaremakingbabiesin Guyana, with 2025 recording the lowest birth rateinyears.

Mohamednotedthatthis has happened despite the introduction of a $100,000

newborn grant by the administration “I asked a few women, why The same sound reverberates; the cost of living is too high. You can’t raise children

Attorney General and Minister of LegalAffairs,Anil Nandlall, SC

comfortably in this economy,” the opposition leaderstated.

He outlined that budget 2026 expanded spending in some areas, but social servicesbarelyincreased.He shunned the $5,000 increase for pensioners, $3,000 increase in public assistance and the $85,000 children’s grant which he noted is less than the $200,000 that the PPP government promised onthecampaigntrail.

T h r o u g h o u t h i s presentation, the opposition leadermaintainedthatwhile the opposition does not oppose development, the spending must be tied to tangible benefits for ordinary citizens and for the improvementoftheirlivesat a time when the country has tremendous oil and other resources.

ICJtobeginoralhearings onGuyana–Venezuela bordercaseonMay4

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, has announced that oral a r g u m e n t s i n t h e Guyana–Venezuela border controversy before the International Court of

Justice(ICJ)willcommence onMay4,2026.

The announcement was made on Friday during his contribution to the National Budget debates Attorney General Nandlall disclosed thatGuyanahasalreadyfiled twowrittenpleadingsonthe merits of the case, while Venezuela has also submittedtwopleadings,the most recent of which was filedinAugust2025.

While outlining developments within the legalsystem,Nandlallstated that the Attorney General’s Chambers, in coordination with the Office of the PresidentandtheMinistryof Foreign Affairs, is actively preparing Guyana’s legal team and materials for the upcoming ICJ hearing concerningthe1899Arbitral Award.

“I am pleased to inform this house that on January 27, 2026, all parties to the case were notified by the court that the hearing on the meritswillopenonMonday, May 4, 2026 A detailed schedule for the hearings will be communicated shortly,”Nandlallsaid.

Guyana instituted the case in March 2018, followingadeterminationby

United Nations SecretaryGeneral António Guterres that the International Court of Justice was the appropriate mechanism for resolving the longstanding controversybetweenthetwo countries.

Guyana is seeking the court’sconfirmationthatthe 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the international boundary between Guyana and Venezuela, is legally validandremainsbindingon b o t h s t a t e s u n d e r internationallaw

Although Venezuela recognisedthevalidityofthe Award and accepted the established boundary for more than 60 years, it

reversed its position on the e v e o f G u y a n a ’ s independence, rejected the Award, and asserted a claim to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, encompassingtheEssequibo Region.

Venezuela previously sought to have the case dismissed, filing two objections to the court’s jurisdiction in 2019 and 2022, respectively Both objections were rejected by the Court by overwhelming majorities.

In December 2023, following Guyana’s request prompted by Venezuela’s threats to seize and annex Guyana’s territory, the ICJ

ordered both parties to refrainfromanyactionsthat could disturb Guyana’s administrationandcontrolof the disputed territory while thecaseremainspending. I n a s u b s e q u e n t statement, the Government of Guyana expressed full confidence that it has demonstrated in its Reply that Venezuela’s challenges totheArbitralAwardandthe i n t e r n a t i o n a l boundary outlined in its Counter-Memorial are entirely without merit, and thattheCourtwillultimately affirm the validity, finality, andlegallybindingnatureof both the Award and the establishedboundary

It was Valentine's Day morning, and Room 7 buzzed with excitement. Pinkandredpaperheartscovered the walls A banner above the chalkboard read HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! Emily carefullyplacedhersmallstackof Valentinecardsintoherdesk.She hadworkedhardonthem,adding glittery hearts and smiling stickers.

Just as Ms. Rose clapped her hands to begin the day, Daniel pointedtowardthefronttable.

“Um what'sthat?”heasked. Everyoneturned.Sittingright in the middle of the table was a heart-shaped box. It was bright red,tiedwithasoftpinkribbon.It lookedfancy—likeitbelongedin agiftshop.Buttherewassomethingstrange aboutit.Therewasnonameonit.Ms.Rose raised her eyebrows. “That wasn't here yesterday,”shesaidgently.“Let'stakealook together.”

(Friend-Perfect!)

Supplies

child take one note. Emily unfolded hers carefully

Youareagoodlistener

Her cheeks warmed. She smiled without evenrealizingit.Danielopenedhis.

She lifted the lid slowly. Inside the box were dozens of small paper hearts, neatly folded.Ms.Rosepickedoneupandunfolded it.Shesmiled.“Thisonesays,You'rebrave,” shereadaloud.

Oooohs filled the room. Emily leaned forward.“Who'sitfor?”shewhispered.Ms. Rose reached into the box again and read anothernote.You'rekind.Thenanother You make people smile. The room grew quiet. Everyonelookedaround,tryingtoguess.

“It must be for someone special,” said Mia.

“Maybe it's for the best student,” whisperedNoah.

“Ortheteacher!”someoneelsegiggled.

Ms Rose chuckled but shook her head. “Let'snotguessyet.”

She passed the box around, letting each

Helping Out

Youtryevenwhenthingsarehard.

He blinked “Hey that's nice ” All around the room, kids were reading their notes.Somesmiledquietly Somelaughed.A fewsatverystill,holdingtheirheartsclose.

ButthenLeofrowned.“Wait,”hesaid.“If weallgotone…whoisthisreallyfor?”

Everyone froze. Ms. Rose paused and looked at the box again. Then she noticed something on the bottom, written in tiny lettersthatwereeasytomiss.Sheturnedthe boxaroundsoeveryonecouldsee.Itsaid:

“ForEveryone.”

Theroomwentsilent.

“Foreveryone?”Emilyrepeatedsoftly

Ms Rose nodded. “I think that's exactly right.”

“Butwhomadeit?”Danielasked.

Ms Rose smiled. “Sometimes, the most importantgiftsaren'taboutwhogivesthem.”

by Uncle Roy

It makes me feel so good When I make people happy, That I always try to do something To help someone daily

I help my Mommy clean the house, And even wash the dishes, I help my brother with his homework, And brush my father's shoes.

I sometimes help the old folks next door To shop and clean their place, I share my lunch with one of my friends, It puts such a smile on her face

So try this out and you will find People will see you as a treasure, But most of all the feeling you get Will make you want to help forever

Shesatontheedgeofherdesk. “Valentine's Day isn't only about getting cards or candy It's about noticing good things in others—and reminding them that theymatter.”

Emily looked around the room. She saw Leo sitting up a

little straighter Mia was rereadinghernotewithabiggrin. Noah carefully folded his heart andslippeditintohispocket.

Suddenly, Emily had an idea.

“Whatifweaddtoit?”sheasked. Ms.Rose'seyessparkled.“Ithink that's a wonderful idea.” Soon, everyone was busy again but this time, with pencils and paper hearts Kids wrote kind notes, folded them, and gently placed thembackintothebox.

Youshareyourcrayons.

You'rereallyfunny

You help when someone is sad.

Theheart-shapedboxfilledup evenmorethanbefore.Attheend of the day, Ms. Rose placed the boxonasmallshelfnearthedoor “This box will stay here,” she said.“Wheneversomeoneneedsa reminderthatthey'reappreciated, they can take a heart or add one.”

As Emily packed her backpack, she glanced at the box one last time It didn't have a name. But somehow, it belonged to everyone. And as she walked out of the classroom, she felt warm inside like she had receivedthebestValentineofall. The End!

Clear plastic cups or coloured plastic cups (pink/red)

Valentinestickersorfoamhearts

Markersorpaintpens

Ribbonoryarn

Smalltreats(cereal,pretzels,candy)

Instructions

1 Decorate the outside of the cup with stickersorfoamhearts

2 Make cute valentine phrases on the

3 Fill the cup with treats of your choice Chocolates,preferably

4 Coverwithplasticwraporacutenapkin

5 Add a small note: “Happy Valentine's Day!”

6 Tieribbonaroundthetop

7 Attachastringwithpaperasagifttagif youaregiftingthetreat

All human beings have been born with an internal quality that enables them to determine what is right from wrong in every situation which they encounter in their lives. This is our God-given trait to keep us on the right pathinlife,evenwithouttheteachings andadvicefromothers.

Youmaynotalwaysseeimmediate results when you push yourself to act right, but be sure that whenever you follow your conscience good will followatsometime.

It is also true that, as we keep on using this ability to guide our actions, wewillatthesametimebeincreasingit, which is effected by our intuition, the inner quality that always obeys our sincereintentions.

The unfortunate thing is that the reverse is also true When we

FOLLOW YOUR CONSCIENCE IN ALL YOU DO

continuously ignore the inner promptings that tell us what is right from wrong, then we will be reducing this power, and becoming less able to utilisethisguide.

This must account for the outrageous actions which we continually observe beingperpetrated

The effort to keep using your conscience to guide you in your choices will be rewarded by keeping you on the right track in all situations.

bysome,especiallycriminals,whofeel that the evils they do are justified, as selfishness,greedandviolencebecome apartoftheirlives.

Try to do the right thing always, even though it may mean some cost to you. Knowingyoutakepainstofollow your conscience will make you feel worthy, and inspire you to do the same always.

Wheneveryouarefacedwithsome situation for which you cannot readily determine what is the good and proper course of action, search deeply and sincerely within your mind and spirit, and you will be guided by this most valuablequality

thatTheThings Limit us

byRoyPaul (UncleRoy)

Man was born to be free to enjoy the things of this earth, But indulging in excess will only cause grief and hurt; We continuously seek pleasure as our life's main aim, But we soon realize that the cost of this is usually endless pain; We toil and struggle to reap praise for all we are doing, And move to deflect any blame for any of our failings; Fame we most crave,and will sell our souls for it, Which in turn often results in disgrace and regret; The gain of worldly possessions is all some choose, But the more they try to grasp,the more they really lose; Many fill their hearts with hatred,the worst of our sins, That hurts the hater more than its intended victims; So do not make these attachments dictate who you are, Clearly get to know them and use them to get wiser; The more you allow them to keep you in their trap, The less you will enjoy life,the less clear your life's map; So keep body and soul free to gather the pure and permanent, And you will fulfil the true purpose for which you were sent.

I would like to inform our readers that the Uncle Roy email address is temporarily unavailable. So please send any contributions you would like to make to this page to roypaul2002@yahoo.com

PART1-BehaviorIsNotRandom: Understanding the Caribbean Mind

ByDr.EonAndre George,PhD,EdD

LookingBeyondLabels

Why do people behave the way they do? This is a question parents ask about their children, teachers ask about their students, and communities quietly ask aboutthemselves.InGuyana andacrosstheCaribbean,we often answer this question

quickly Someone is describedashardears,hardheaded, jealous, hot-

tempered, too emotional, or tooproud.

These la

re culturally familiar, but psychologyinvitesustolook deeper Labels are conclusions; they rarely explain anything. When we stop at labels, we stop short ofunderstanding. From both professional trainingandlivedCaribbean experience, one truth stands out: behavior is rarely random and almost never born in isolation. It grows

outofcontext.Itisshapedby

, economic realities, social

experiences Decades of psychologicalresearchshow that behavior develops within environment and social context (Bandura, 1977). When we look at Guyana, with its layered history, ethnic diversity, and migration stories, behavior

gins to look less mysterious and more meaningful. These are not

excuses for behavior; they are explanations, and explanations are where changebegins.

BehaviorIsLearned BeforeItIsJudged Social Learning Theory tells us that people learn by observing others (Bandura, 1977). Children do not only listentowhatadultssay;they absorb what adults do.They learn how adults argue, how they handle stress, how they show affection, and how theyhidepain.

If shouting settles disputesinahome,shouting becomes normal. If silence protects the family from embarrassment, silence becomesacopingstrategy If adults constantly worry about money, migration, or safety, children learn watchfulness Over time, these patterns feel natural because they are familiar These are not personality defects;theyareadaptations toenvironment.

TheCostofQuick Judgments

Quick labels often close the door on deeper understanding.Achildcalled hard ears maybereactingto stress or inconsistency A t e e n a g e r l a b e l e d disrespectful may be struggling with identity or emotion.An adult described as difficult may be carrying pressuresinvisibletoothers.

A psychologically informed society asks better questions. What shaped this behavior? What pressures are present? What is this person coping with? Accountability still matters, but accountability works best when guided by insight ratherthanassumption.

WhenEnvironment ShapesBehavior

People do not behave separately from their surroundings; they respond to them Psychology consistently shows that environment influences emotional climate and decision-making.

Economicpressureisnot only financial; it is psychological. Research on the“scarcitymindset”shows that constant financial strain narrows mental bandwidth and shifts attention toward i m m e d i a t e n e e d s (Mullainathan & Shafir, 2013) This is not

carelessness; it is the brain adapting to pressure A Guyanese parent worried about bills, school costs, or job security does not make decisions with the same mental freedom as someone whose needs are secure Contextmatters.

Exposuretoinstabilityor violence can also normalize hyper-vigilance. In parts of Georgetown that have historically experienced higher levels of crime or community tension, such as areas like Tiger Bay, certain parts of the North East, residents often learn to read their environment carefully, t o n o t i c e w h o i s approaching, and to stay alert to tone and movement. Psychologydescribesthisas adaptivevigilance.

Trauma research shows that repeated exposure to threat can sensitize the stress-response system, leading to quicker reactions andguardedbehavior(Perry, 2006).

Over time, what may be interpreted as hostility or overreaction is often a learnedsurvivalresponse.In manycases,whatappearsto be temperament is actually adaptation.

HistoryLeaves

EmotionalEchoes

Guyana and the

Caribbean share histories of colonization, slavery, indentureship, migration, and political tension. These are not just historical facts; they are psychological inheritances. Families pass down coping styles, fears, andexpectationsabouttrust. For example, a grandparent who lived through political unrest or economic instability may teach children to always “have a

backup plan,” to distrust institutions, or to rely only on family Thoselessons are protective, but they also s h a p e h o w f u t u r e generations view risk, trust, andopportunity Whatbegan as survival wisdom can quietlybecomeaworldview Communities shaped by instability often develop guardedness or skepticism. Psychologists describe this as intergenerational transmission of stress (Danieli,1998).

CulturalRulesAbout Emotions

Many Caribbean households value strength and endurance Children often hear phrases like “be strong”or“handleit.”While resilience is valuable, emotional suppression has consequences.

Unexpressedsadnesscan appear as irritability. Unprocessed grief can show up as detachment. Ignored anxiety can become tension or control. Emotions do not disappear when buried; they changeform.

APathTowardChange

The hopeful truth is that if behavior is learned, it can also be relearned Communities can promote emotional regulation in schools, encourage calm conflict resolution at home, normalize counseling, and create safe spaces for young people to express emotions. Guyana and the Caribbean already possess strong family networks, faith communities, and social bonds. When paired with psychological awareness, thesebecomepowerfultools forpositivechange.

Behavior is not random; it is a message. Behavior is communication. It tells us what people have experienced and what they are trying to manage. When we listen instead of only judging, we move from blame to solutions And solutions open the door to growth.

A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR HEALTHY LIVING IN GUYANA Understanding Diabetes:

ByLiYanyu (The 21st China Medical Team)

Diabetes is a highly prevalent chronic disorder in Guyana, primarily linked to diets high in carbohydrates, sedentary lifestyles, and excess body weight. While Type 2 diabetes accounts for over 95% of cases, its early symptomsareoftensilent.Manypeopleonly discover they have high blood sugar when seeking care for recurrent infections, slowhealingwounds,orblurredvision.

Left uncontrolled, diabetes can damage the heart, kidneys, and eyes, leading to complications like stroke or “diabetic foot.” However, the message from the 21st China MedicalTeamisclear:Diabetesisnotadeath sentence.Throughearlyinterventionandthe “FivePillars”ofmanagement,youcanlivea full,activelife.

TheFoundation:ManagingYourPlate Diet is the cornerstone of control. In Guyana, we are blessed with fresh produce, butwemustchoosewisely:

Control the Staples: Local staples like rice, cassava, plantains, and corn are high in carbohydrates. Limit these to 1–2 fist-sized servings per meal. Try adding brown rice, oats,orbeanstoincreasefiber

ProteinPower:Chooselocalleanproteins liketilapia,seafish,chickenbreast,andeggs. Thesehelpyoufeelfullandslowdownsugar absorption.Limitfriedandprocessedmeats.

FillUponGreens:Prioritizenon-starchy vegetableslikespinach,lettuce,andpakchoi. Be careful with “starchy” vegetables like pumpkin and eddoes—if they are on your plate,eatlessriceorcassava.

Smart Fruit Choices: Enjoy guava, grapefruit, and oranges. Limit high-sugar fruits like mangoes. Aim for 1–2 medium fruits a day, preferably as a snack between mealsratherthanrightafterdinner

CookingMethods:Switchfromfryingto steaming, boiling, or stewing Limit vegetableoilto2teaspoonsperdayandavoid sugarysodasandjuices.

StayActiveandBeMindful

Move More: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly think brisk walking along the seawall, cycling, or even vigorousyardwork.

MuscleMatters:Simplestrengthtraining (like using water bottles as weights) twice a weekimprovesinsulinsensitivity.

Safety First:Always carry a small sweet orbiscuitduringexercisetotreatsuddenlow bloodsugarifitoccurs.

MedicalCareandDailySelf-Check If diagnosed, take your medication or insulin exactly as prescribed. Never skip doses without consulting your doctor A glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test every three months is essential to see the “big picture”ofyourcontrol.

In Guyana’s hot and humid climate, foot careiscritical.Checkyourfeetdailyforsmall

Bringing New Life for Guyana’s iconic 99 Windows House A VISION FOR RESTORATION…

The99WindowsHouseisarare

gem of tropical colonial architecture located in the ancient county of Berbice, Region Six NestledinGuyana’srichculturalsetting,it isknownforitsdistinctivefeature99(100) precisely crafted wooden windows; this house is an iconic, lesser-known treasure ofGuyana’sarchitecturallandscape

This 130-year-old mansion was designed by a French architect and built byaDutchfamily.Builtinthe1800s,the 99 Windows House served as the residence of a prominent plantation family It reflects a fusion of Dutch and British colonial influences, featuring wide 360-degree towers, high ceilings, ornate eaves, and excellent crossventilation.

The building stands as a striking symbol of traditional wooden architecture, climate-responsive design, and community heritage and of craftsmanship.The house reflects a time when craftsmanship, ventilation, and aesthetic detail were central to building design A true colonial masterpiece constructed in Guyana’s early 20thcenturyarchitecture.

It has been an ideal focal point for heritage tourism and cultural preservation initiatives Now, the historic landmark is in need for significantrestoration. Andfordecades, ithasremainedapointofpride,curiosity, and storytelling for locals and visitors alike. Visitors of the site often taken on guidedtoursthroughtheproperty Many became captivated by the old yet enchantingedificehostingweekendvisit and photo shoots. The property is more than just a historical treasure, this iconic landmark is alive with biodiversity and friendly faces waiting to greet you, feathered,furry,andhumanalike.

In August 2025, the significance of historic site’s restoration was further elevatedwiththeofficiallaunchofthe99 WindowsHeritageTour,incollaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) The launch marked a major step towardrepositioningthehouseasaliving heritage site, one that educates, inspires, and contributes to sustainable local development. The Waterfalls recently caught up with, Guyanese marine conservationist, Maria Fraser whose family owns the property She explained that plans are underway to have the buildingrestored.

AVISIONFORRESTORATION ANDSUSTAINABILITY

According to Fraser, the restoration initiative is being spearheaded by LothianGreenGuardians,acommunitybased environmental and heritage NGO dedicatedtoconservation,sustainability, andgreeneconomicopportunities.

The organization’s mandate includes the protection of natural and cultural heritage, environmental education, and thepromotionofresponsibletourismthat benefits local communities She explained that the restoration of the 99 WindowHouseisdesignedtopreserveits historical integrity while ensuring structural safety, longevity, and functionality for public engagement and tourismuse.

She noted that “following itsAugust 2025 launch, the 99 Windows Heritage Tour is now part of a broader plan to develop heritage and agro-tourism experiences. These tours aim to connect visitorswithGuyana’shistory,traditional architecture, local agriculture, and environmental practices, while creating income opportunities for residents, tour guides,farmers,andartisans.”

Fraser said to support ongoing restoration efforts; Lothian Green Guardians has introduced a “Sponsor a Window” Programme, welcoming both in-kindandmonetarycontributionsfrom individuals, corporate partners, and community stakeholders Under this initiative, support is being sought for: restoration of individual windows, heritage-appropriate building materials andskilledlabourandtechnicalservices.

The organisation is also specifically inviting contractors, carpenters, masons, and restoration specialists to partner on this initiative through donated services, discountedrates,orsponsorshipsupport.

The restoration of the 99 Window House represents a shared responsibility to protect Guyana’s heritage while fostering sustainable tourism and community development Through collaboration with national agencies, private partners, and the wider public, this iconic building can continue to educateandinspirefuturegenerations.

For sponsorship, contractor

gmail.com, +44 7454400485 (Annalisa WhatsApp) and +592 705 8715 (Ms. Ramdeo)

$298Mnewprimary schoolcomingfor St.Cuthbert'sMission

The Amerindian community of St. Cuthbert's Mission, also known as PakuriVillage,RegionFour, issettobenefitfroma$298.8 million state-of-the-art

primary school, as Government moves to address overcrowding and improve learning conditions inthevillage.

The project which is being executed through the Ministry of Education is scheduled to begin within a weekandhasadurationof12 months. The project will be executedbycontractorMSR International Enterprise According to information

provided on the St Cuthbert's Mission/ Pakuri Village Council Facebook pagerecently,lastyear,atthe National Toshaos Council Conference, representation was made for the extension of, or the construction of a newPrimarySchoolfortheir community, due to overcrowdingattheexisting facility

“In August 2025, followingameetingwithHis Excellency, this matter was

With his return to the local entertainmen

t scene Guyanese born soca artiste Marlon 'MALO' Webster has been creating waves with a new single calledCarryonAllDay.The soca song has been gaining traction daily with airplays on 94.1, 96.1, 97.5 just to mentionafew

MALO told the WaterFalls that the song is

again raised, and a commitment was given for the construction of a new Primary School Today

(Wednesday), after consultations between the Village Council, teachers, and the Parent-Teacher Association(PTA),asitehas been identified for the construction of a brand-new Primary School,” the Councilannounced.

The Village Council expressed that this marks an important step toward improving the learning environmentforthechildren of the community and addressingthelong-standing needsofitspeople.

Inarecentinterviewwith this publication, Toshao Alvoro Simon noted of the significantimportanceofthe newbuildingandhowitwill comfortably accommodate learners.

“Our numbers in the primary school is fairly goingupandthesearebased on factors from persons wanting to come back in the village to live, they are moving back to the

community So the numbers attheschoolhaveconstantly been on the rise, just over 120 students right now The current space is jam packed rightnow,”heexplained.

The new school building which will be located in the centerofthevillagewillbea two-storeystructureandwill feature several classrooms andnewamenitieslikeanIT lab which the current school doesnothave.

“Residents are pretty excited.It'sbeenawhilethat the kids have been under limited space and not just that,theweatherconditionin the village and the heat and the circulation is causing a lotofdiscomfortforteachers as well as students,” he informed.

This publication had reportedthatthegovernment in its 2026 budget has allocated a sum of $183.6 billion to support the education sector Out of that amount, some $24.3 billion is earmarked to construct, rehabilitate and maintain school facilities across the country

GTU condemns Parag for disclosing teacher's personal info

TheGuyanaTeachers'Union(GTU)has slammedMinisterofEducation,SoniaParag fordisclosingthepersonalattendancerecord of Member of Parliament, Gordon Barker who is also a teacher during her budget debatepresentationlastweek.

RespondingtocriticismsbyBarkerwhen he spoke about the education sector during his budget presentation last week, Parag spoke about him reporting for duty late on severaloccasionsasshetriedtorebuthim.

Barker would later disclose that on the dayshereportedlateforschoolasindictedby Paragwaswhenhehadtoassisthiswifewho had just delivered their baby He also said thatduringthatperiodhehadtoattendtohis other children all below age six, which includetakingthemtoschool.Hesaidhewas not habitually late for school as was presentedbytheministeranthattherecordof hisperformanceasaheadofdepartmentcan attesttohisdedicationasateacher

TheGTUinastatementexpressedwhatit described as its deep concern and condemnationregardingtherecentbreachof confidential information by Parag. “It is unacceptable that sensitive information relating to Hon. Member of Parliament Gordon Barker was disclosed in such a manner No teacher, regardless of political persuasion or affiliation, should ever be subjected to vile, disrespectful, and politically motivated attacks. Such actions undermine the dignity of the teaching profession and erode the principles of fairness and respect that must guide our

Guyanese Soca artiste 'MALO’is back with a new single

justhisfirstfortheyearand it will be entered this year's (road march) competition onMashday

With Guyana carnival just around the corner, he saidasecondsongshouldbe released in the next coming weeks.

MALO who have been recordingunder(DPrecords for years) with well known producer ( Darell Pougley) who is no stranger to the public.

The artiste told this

publication he has a (fan base) he wishes to keep entertained with his high energy performances and songs.

Since2007,MALOhas been on the scene after winning the Carib soca monarch title and he continues to entertain around the world with (PRINCESSCUISES).

The name MALO as also became an household name with the company MALO's love for music is

noticeable On and OFF stageandanyonethatcomes into contact can contest to this.

MALO has opened shows for both locals and international artistes over the years with likes of AKON, and NEYO just to mention a few When ask what's next? The artiste responded “sweet music andgreatperformances.”

Hesaidtoo“Ifyoudon't know him MALO by now, it'stime.”

national discourse,” the GTU said. “The GTU strongly condemns this behaviour and calls upon the Honorable Minister of Education to issue a formal apology to Mr. Barker. We emphasise that these practices must never be condoned, as they set a dangerous precedent and compromise the integrity of parliamentary proceedings Teachers are the backbone of our nation's development, and their professional and personal lives must be safeguarded from political exploitation. The GTU remains steadfastindefendingtherights,dignity,and respectofalleducators.”

Meanwhile,inastatementinresponseto the GTU the Minister Parag said that no breach of confidential or sensitive informationoccurredatanypointduringher contribution to the parliamentary budget debate. “It is also important to underscore thattheHonourableGordonBarkerisnowa sitting Member of Parliament. As with all elected officials, his public conduct and professional record are subject to legitimate scrutiny within the National Assembly Parliamentarydebate,byitsnature,involves accountabilityandtransparency,particularly wherepublicservicedeliveryisconcerned. Icategoricallyrejectanysuggestionthat any remarks were politically motivated or intended to undermine the dignity of the teaching profession. On the contrary, my comments were made in the context of advocating for accountability, improved standardsandthebestpossibleoutcomesfor ourchildren,”Paragsaid.

‘Non-negotiable’: Iran says missiles off the table in talks with the US

(ALJAZEERA) Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sayshehopestalkswiththeUnited States will resume soon, while US President Donald Trump pledged another round of negotiations next week following mediated discussionsinOman.

Araghchi told Al Jazeera on Saturday that Iran's missile programme was “never negotiable” in Friday's talks, and warned Tehran would target US militarybasesintheMiddleEastif theUSattacksIranianterritory He addedthatdespitethenegotiations in Muscat being indirect, “an opportunity arose to shake hands with the American delegation”. The talks were “a good start“, but he insisted “there is a long way to gotobuildtrust”.

Iranians in the capital, Tehran, however,seemedlesspositive.“In my opinion, like previous times, negotiations will end without results because both sides are stickingtotheirownpositionsand not willing to back down,” a woman who asked to remain anonymoustoldAlJazeera.

Abdullah al-Shayji, a US foreign policy expert at Kuwait University,saidhehopesforanew dealbetweenthetwofoesbutisnot feeling optimistic. “There is a strong position” from the US and “being provoked by” Israel to “clamp down on the Iranians because they feel that Iran is at its weakest point” so that it will be easytoextractconcessionsfromit, especially after last month's antigovernment demonstrations,

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln transiting the Arabian Sea

in 2012 [File: AFP]

al-Shayji said from theAl Jazeera ForuminQatar'scapitalDoha. 'Inalienableright'

Despite calling the talks “very good” on Friday,Trump signed an executive order effective from Saturday that called for the “impositionoftariffs”oncountries still doing business with Iran. The US also announced new sanctions againstnumerousshippingentities andvesselsaimedatcurbingIran's oil exports. More than one-quarter of Iran's trade is with China, including $18bn in imports and $14 5bn in exports in 2024, according to World Trade Organisationdata.

Nuclear enrichment is Iran's “inalienable right and must

continue”, Araghchi said, adding, “Wearereadytoreachareassuring agreement on enrichment The Iranian nuclear case will only be resolved through negotiations ” Iran's missile programme is nonnegotiable because it relates to a “defence issue”, he said Washington has sought to address Iran's ballistic missile programme anditssupportforarmedgroupsin the region – issues that Israel has pushed to include in the talks, accordingtomediareports.Tehran has repeatedly rejected expanding the scope of the negotiations beyondthenuclearissue.

“The Iranians are vehemently opposed to any concessions,” said al-Shayji, as is the US, which

makes it extremely hard for countriesleadingmediationefforts to“getthemclosertogether”.

Friday's negotiations were the first since nuclear talks between IranandtheUScollapsedlastyear following Israel's unprecedented bombing campaign against Iran, which triggered a 12-day war Following widespread antigovernmentprotestsinIranlast month, Trump ramped up threats against the country, deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln to the MiddleEast.

'Peacethroughstrength' Trump's lead negotiators in Oman,specialenvoySteveWitkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner,visitedtheaircraftcarrier

stationed in the Arabian Sea on Saturday In a social media post, Witkoffsaidtheaircraftcarrierand itsstrikegroupare“keepingussafe and upholding President Trump's message of peace through strength.”

Witkoffsaidhespokewiththe pilotwhodownedanIraniandrone that approached the carrier “withoutclearintent”onTuesday

“Proud to stand with the men and women who defend our interests,deterouradversaries,and show the world what American readinessandresolvelooklike,on watch every day,” said Witkoff. WhileTrumphassoughttousethe aircraft carrier's deployment as a meanstoexertpressureonIran,alShayji said this cannot be a longtermstrategy

“He [Trump] can't keep his forces at alert stage for too long. ThiswouldreallydiscreditTrump's administration regarding being veryharshandhard-linersonIran,” hesaid.

Israeli Prime Minister BenjaminNetanyahuissettomeet Trump on Wednesday to discuss the Iran talks, his office said in a statement Netanyahu “believes any negotiations must include limitationsonballisticmissilesand a halting of the support for the Iranian axis”, it said, referring to Iran's allies in the region. During the 12-day war, US warplanes bombed Iranian nuclear sites Araghchi expressed hope that Washington would refrain from “threatsandpressure”so“thetalks cancontinue”.

7 men chop victim over $1,000 debt

Trinidad express-A 20-year-old man was hospitalised with critical injuries after being attacked by a group of men in Pine SettlementonThursdaynight.

Police reported that the victim was approached by seven men around 9:30 p.m. The group reportedly sought repayment of $1,000 related to a jointly sold refrigerator transaction with a man from Five Rivers, Arouca.

According to investigators, the victim told the men he would settle the debt by the

weekend.Thegroupthenallegedlyassaulted him, inflicting multiple chop wounds to his headandglutearea.Thevictimfledandwas assistedbyapasserby,whotransportedhimto the Sangre Grande Hospital.Medical staff performed a CT scan and described Snaggs' headinjuryasserious,whilehisglutewound wasminor Hewasstabilisedandtransferred to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences ComplexatMt.Hopeforfurthertreatment. Crime Scene Investigators found a black buckethatatthebloodysceneoftheattack.

Frompage13

subsidies to those who legitimately qualify “Incasessuchaspensioners,thegovernment mustmakeclear,objectivecriteriaforpeople toqualifyforpublicassistance.Homeswith special needs children should also receive help through subsidies on water and electricity Adoption of this suggestion will suggestputtingpeoplefirst,”hesaid.

This year's budget, themed 'Putting People First', includes a $5,000 increase to Old Age Pension and a $3,000 increase for

persons receiving public assistance. These measures were announced by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh during the presentation of the $1.558 trillion national budget.

Other measures aimed at benefiting citizensincludethepromised$100,000cash grant for every adult Guyanese aged 18 and over, along with several new initiatives designed to support home and vehicle ownership, encourage the startup of new businesses,anddiversifytheeconomy ‘$25,000 a

CARICOM private sector backs sugar refineries in

Guyana, Belize ...citespotentialtoreducefoodimportbill

The CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) has thrown its full support behind major sugar refinery investments underway in Guyana and Belize, describing the projects as a strategic boost to regionalfoodsecurityandacritical step toward reducing CARICOM's heavy dependence on extraregionalsugarimports.

The investments, led by joint

ventures involving Sucro Limited, Santander Sugar Limited and GAICO Construction & General Services Inc., are expected to significantly expand the Region's supply of refined sugar within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy(CSME).

CARICOMcurrentlysourcesa significantamountofrefinedsugar from extra-regional sources

According to CPSO estimates, in 2024, the Region imported just over USD150 million in refined sugar.TheBelizeandGuyanasugar refinery investments will therefore add regional refining capacity and reducetheRegion'sdependenceon external sources by allowing more of the Region's raw sugar to be processedwithintheCommunity

The Belize project, under

CaribbeanSugarRefineryLimited, willbelocatedwithintheSantander complexintheValleyofPeaceand is expected to commence operations before June 2026. In Guyana, Demerara Sugar Refinery Inc., located at the former Wales Estate, will utilise proven refinery assets and technology being relocated from Canada, alongside raw sugar produced by Guyana

Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), to support a quick commencement of operations.

The CPSO commended His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and the Honourable John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize, for their leadership and commitment in (Continuedonpage46)

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Ruling party in Trinidad denies involvement in Barbados elections

NationNews(Barbados)Trinidad and Tobago Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath Friday said that the ruling United National Congress(UNC)isplayingnorole in the February 11 general elections in Barbados. His comments follow statements by the Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley that the leader of the main opposition Democratic Labour Party (DLP), Ralph Thorne had appeared on the state-owned Trinidad and Tobago Television (TTT) indicating that “yellow is the code”areferencetotheUNC campaign slogan during the April 28 general election last year. “I tell you yellow is the curse about here,” Mottley told supporters of her ruling BarbadosLabourParty(BLP) which is seeking an unprec-

edented third consecutive cleansweepofthe30member Parliament.

“Andwhatisthatreallya codefor?Isitacodeforcampaign financing? Is it a code for who is supporting your party financially, because of that is the case the (former primeminister)ErrolWalton barrowshouldnowberolling in a watery grave to believe that anybody leading the Democratic Labour Party couldwanttomakethatparty subsidiary of another political entity in the Caribbean.”

Mottley said that Barrow also stood “shoulder to shoulder with the late Trinidad and Tobago prime ministerDr.EricWilliamsand thatovertheyears,otherBarbadian leaders had done the same with regards to their Trinidad and Tobago

counterparts.“I have stood shoulder to shoulder with (former prime minister) Dr Keith Rowley and the same Kamla,”shesaidinreference to the incumbent Trinidad and Tobago Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar

Mottley said the labour partieswouldnotbe“subservient” to any of the parties in Trinidad and Tobago, dismissing also that her ruling BLP had been taking advice from the ruling Jamaica LabourParty.“Firstofall,anybody who knows anything aboutsknowsoursisterparty inJamaicaisthePeople’sNational Party and even though theyarenotingovernmentwe arenotfair-weatherfriends,” she said, adding she has beentoJamaicaonnumerous occasions addressing the PNP conventions.

But Padarath speaking to reporters outside the Parliamentbuildinghere,soughtto distance the UNC from any involvementinthecampaign fornextWednesday’sgeneral election in the sister Caribbean Community (CARICOM)country

CARICOMprivate sectorbacks...

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From page 45 championing the refinery investment and for their supportfortheCARICOMsugar industry. Noting that this policycommitmentwaspublicly reaffirmed before the BelizeNationalAssemblyon February 2, 2026, the CPSO emphasised that the clear policysignaltransmittedfrom the highest political level would further bolster private sector confidence to increase investments in the agri-food sector and position CARICOM as a stable and secure market for regionally produced goods.

Dr.PatrickAntoine,Chief ExecutiveOfficerandTechnicalDirectoroftheCPSO,described the refinery investments as strategic for the rebuildingofCARICOM'ssugarcane production capacity Henotedthattheprojectsare closely aligned with both the region's agri-food policy and strategy,underthe25by2025 plus5(2030)agenda,andthe Community's Industrial Policy.

Dr Antoine further noted that the immediate priority mustbetomeetintra-regional demand with regionally processed output. By securing the CARICOM market first, the CSME will provide the opportunityfortherefineries, supported by expanding sugar production, to achieve the scale and competitiveness required for long-term sustainability. He added that strong regional policy coordination will be essential to support investments of this scale, making the point that “Private capital can only transformregionalagriculture into agro- industry, where market certainty and policy coherence exist across CARICOM.

For these investments to achievetheirfullregionalimpact, they must be supported bycoordinatedtrade,agriculture, and industrial policies.”

The refinery projects, together with expanded sugar cane production, represent a criticalshiftfortheCaribbean sugar and sweetener value chain.

Theexpansionofregional refining capacity is fully alignedwiththeCommunity's objective of reducing the extra-regional food import bill anddeepeningregionalvalue chains under the 25 by 2025 plus5(2030)agenda.

Lewis Hamilton & Kim Kardashian

spark dating rumors

Lewis Hamilton and Kim Kardashian havebecomethefirst big crossover relationship storylineof2026,withfresh sightings in Europe and renewed chatter about how long the two have known each other The buzz intensified after the pair were seen arriving at the samehotelinParisinrecent days, triggering a wave of “are they official” speculation and a parallel question from casual fans: who exactly is Lewis Hamilton beyond the headlines.

What'sclearsofaristhat the public narrative is moving faster than confirmed detail. The most widely circulated framing is that the connection is real but casual, with neither side publicly labeling it as an exclusiverelationship.

Hamilton is one of the most decorated drivers in modern motorsport history, a multiple-time world champion whose career has spanned eras of rule changes,teamswitches,and intense title battles. He is alsoaculturalfigurebeyond racing, known for highprofile fashion presence, activism, and an ability to draw attention far outside thesport'susualaudience.

In 2026, Hamilton's on-

track storyline is already massive on its own: he is preparing for the newgeneration car rules and the pressure that comes with tryingtowinatthetoplevel while adapting to a fresh technical landscape That mattersbecauseitshapesthe incentives around any personal-life spotlight: he is entering a season where focus and optics are especiallysensitive.

The latest flare-up centers on public appearances and travel overlap. Photos and video circulating from Paris have pushed the story from “internet guessing” into “this is at least a real-world connection,” even if the nature of it remains undefined.

The storyline has also been amplified by the Kardashian family's prior proximity to the racing world. Kris Jenner has been seen around race-weekend settings in the past, and Hamiltonhashadoccasional crossover moments with the broader celebrity ecosystem foryears.

That history makes the current rumors feel less random and more like a relationship that could plausibly build quietly behind the scenes before b e c o m i n g

19 contractors bid for asphaltic overlay works on Heroes Highway

The Central Housing & Planning Authority

(CH&PA) has received 19 proposals from local and overseas contractors for the execution of asphaltic overlay works on the Heroes Highway, East Bank Demerara.

ThisisaccordingtoinformationprovidedbytheNational Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) whichstatedthatthebidswereopenedonTuesday Among the 19 bidders are BK International Inc., K.P Thomas & Sons Contracting Inc., Avinash Contracting & Scrap Metal Inc., China Railway First Group CO., Ltd., Ashoka Buildcon Limited, and NAMALCO International Inc.

Kaieteur News reported that the US$65 million Heroes

Highwaywascommissionedin2023.

The Heroes Highway, which links Mandela Avenue to EcclesandthenewDemeraraRivercrossing,isfastbecoming one of the country's most expensive infrastructure arteries with this new multi-billion-dollar investment adding to the growingpricetagofGuyana'sconcretetransformation.

Last year, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo stated that the government already had plans to have an asphaltic overlay placed on the highway – his comments followed criticisms from United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Following a visit to Guyana in March 2025, Rubio made reference to the bumpy nature of one of the roads he was drivenon,notingthat“wealmosthadconcussions.”

“The intent of this project is to improve ride quality,

safety, durability and overall structural performance of the roadway Heroes Highway is a strategic transportation corridor serving the emerging housing developments and critical regionalinfrastructure,”CHPAstatedinitstenderdocument.

The RFP stated that the highway comprises of approximately 12 5 kilometer of existing concrete pavement, inclusive of 13 bridges and three roundabouts

According to the project description, the works involve therehabilitation and strengthening the existing concrete pavement through a combination of pavement repairs, reinforcement interlayers and asphaltic overlay works in accordancewithinternationallyrecognisedstandards.

Dr.

Hidar finds the purest of joy in working medical...

Frompage28

medivaconeofmyAmerindian patients, who had a terminal illness,backtoRegionOneafter she had spent over a month in the hospital. The goal was to ensureshecouldspendherfinal days with her family The thankfulness in her eyes said it all. That moment reminded me that sometimes, healing isn't about curing, it's about providing dignity and compassioninthemomentsthat mattermost.”

Another endearing experience, he shared, was that of a young patient who, after

deliveringababynotlongprior, beingdiagnosedwithaterminal illness. The young mother was convincedthathertimewasup, but the doctor and his team medically maneuvered the situationandwereabletobring herbacktostability

“I will never forget the tight hugshegavemeortheheartfelt blessings she prayed over my life. It was so genuine and deeply emotional. That day, I was able to reunite a mother with her baby and her family She moved me to tears, something that had never happened to me in the

workplacebefore.”

IFNOTMEDICINE…

Dr Hidar's knack for public presentation makes a fairly compelling argument in his favor even if it was on that premise only that he sought to be an educator If the avenues forbeingamedicaldoctorwere barricaded, his very next alternative was to enter the teachingprofession,orevenstir things quite capably up in the cateringbusiness.

“ItrulybelieveIwascreated to teach or cook. I grew up writing on the blackboard at home and assisting my mother

and uncle with teaching afterschoollessons.Itneverfelt tedious It made me feel accomplished to be helping to moldyoungmindsevenwhileI was a youngling myself.As for the chef bit, cooking brings me so much joy and a sense of euphoria. That would've been a careerthatIwouldperformwith a smile in my heart every day!

The versatility it offers when you can bring your twist on a meal contrasts the stern, fixed, routine protocols and procedures required to save a life when you work in healthcare,”hesaid.

Irrespective of the path he could'vetaken,beitpitchinghis voiceinfrontofaclassroom,or masterfully chopping onions in a kitchen, the undeniable outcome would have been a translation of success for him, having displayed on many occasions that he can ably hold his own in either In the end, it was themedicalprofession that reeled him in, and six years on, the lives of hundreds, if not thousands of citizens walking thestreetsofGuyanahavebeen inonewayoranotherredeemed by the medical benevolence of Dr.AndreHidar.

...govt. boosts renewable capacity sevenfold in five years ‘$25.4B for green power’

Between2020and 2 0 2 5 , t h e

Government of Guyana invested $25 4 billion in renewable energy projects, expanding national installed capacity from 5.35 megawatts (MW) to 37.23

MW, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips disclosed on Friday night.

Phillips who has some

37.23 MW, while more than 4,500 jobs were created across con

, installation, operations and maintenance,”thePMsaid.

Henotedthatakeypillar of this effort has been household electrification, with 37,230 solar home energy systems distributed

oversight of the energy sector provided a list of achievements under the portfolio,whilesharingbrief plansforthisyear

In this year's $1 558 trillion budget, government has set aside $119.4 billion tocontinueimplementingits energystrategy

Highlightingsomeofthe notable achievements of the sector, the Prime Minister said that over the past five years, the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) has played a central role in advancing government's commitment to affordable, reliable and renewable energy, particularly for hinterland andriveraincommunities.

“Between 2020 and 2025, Government invested G$25.4 billion in renewable energyinterventions.

Over this period, installedrenewablecapacity increased from 5.35 MW to

through a G$2.17 billion investment.

Additionally, he noted that utility-scale renewable generation also expanded.

“Solar PV farms were commissioned in Lethem, Bartica,MahdiaandLeguan, alongside hydropower facilities at Kumu and MocoMoco,” the PM said. Collectively, these projects generated more than 17,164

MWh

electricity, saving over 29,919 drums of diesel and approximately 13,247 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

Another achievement highlighted by the PM was the expansion in the solar mini-grids.

According to him, 36 solar mini-grids now supply renewable electricity to 518 public and community buildings across multiple regions, including schools,

health centres and village offices.

In the meantime, 21 additional mini-grids are under construction which will power 240 buildings

more by the end of 2026. Additionally,75government facilitieshavebeenequipped with solar PV systems totalling 208 kW, while 6 agro-processing facilities

were outfitted with 167.75 kW of solar PV and battery storage to support local production.

Shifting his attention to this year's objectives, PM

Phillips informed the House that the

is poised to benefit from a 3 MW solar PV farm,

willbeconstructedthisyear

HetmyerputshishanduptofillPooran-sizedholeatNo.3

(Cricinfo) - Shimron Hetmyer landed in Kolkata less than 24 hours before WestIndiesopenedtheirT20 World Cup 2026 campaign. Bythen,therestofthesquad had already trained together and played a warm-up in Bengaluru, while Hetmyer was delayed by what the team described as a “minor visaissue”.

Unconfirmed reports suggested the delay was because the passport he

carried to South Africa did not contain his India visa.

Formost,itwouldhavebeen a small logistical issue, but for Hetmyer, it reopened an oldchapter

In 2022, Hetmyer was droppedfromtheT20World Cup squad after he missed twoflightstoAustraliaahead of a bilateral series that prec

tournament Cricket West Indies at the time said that “

consequences”. The episode haslingeredsince,colouring perceptions of his commitment,particularlyfor a player whose T20 value stretches across leagues worldwide.

So when Hetmyer walked in at No. 3 against Scotland at Eden Gardens, with West Indies sliding from54fornolossto58for2 intheninthover,theinnings carried added significance. Therunratehoveredaround

six, the middle overs were threatening to drift, and Scotlandhadtheopportunity to take the upper hand with justonemorewicket.

He was welcomed with spin, and why not? Across 2023and2024,Hetmyerhad been slowed down by spin, averaging 19.92 at a strike rateof121.3againstit,butin 2025, he addressed that weaknesshead-on.Hisstrike rate against spin jumped to 162.44 and his average to 39.94, effectively removing the most obvious tactic teams had used against him. The plan simply did not work.

Sunday February 08, 2026

ARIES(Mar 21–Apr 19)

Anopportunitytotravelcould comeyourwaytoday,perhaps in the company of friends or colleagues Thismightinvolve education in some way What youlearnonthistripislikelyto alter your life somehow, as it couldopennewdoorsforyou

TAURUS(Apr 20–May20)

Anumberofnewpeoplecould come your way, Taurus, perhaps through projects of some kind with which you're involved. Some of them may appear to be trustworthy and somemaynot.Today,

GEMINI(May21–June20)

The opportunity to attend one or more huge social gatherings, such as balls or banquets, might come your waytoday,Gemini.Youmight wanttoattendinthecompany ofasmallgroupoffriends.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Expect a strong boost to your egoandself-confidencetoday, Cancer Your physical and mentalenergiesareveryhigh, and you're apt to feel that you're capable of moving mountains.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Today you should feel more energetic, enthusiastic, and motivated than you have in a long time You feel very optimistic about your future, thanks to recent support from thoseclosesttoyou.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Anincreasedlevelofphysical andmentalenergycouldhave you feeling especially determined and highly motivatedtomoveaheadwith whatever means the most to youatthistime.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

New opportunities, perhaps involving modern technology in some way, might present themselves to you in such a way as to transform your workinglife,Libra.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

Changes in your working environment could result in a rise in your income, Scorpio. You'vebeenworkingveryhard inordertoadvanceyourselfin thisregard,andyou’relikelyto continuetodosoindefinitely

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Today you're likely to complete a creative project of some kind that you’ve been working on for some time, Sagittarius.You might want to consult with friends, get their feedbackonwhatyou'redoing, andlistentotheiradvice.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Some revealing conversations with friends or relatives could bring up old traumatic memories from the past that youmayhavebeenrepressing. Thiscouldshedlightonalotof obstacles you've been encounteringlately

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Today you can expect some noticeable changes in your neighborhood,Aquarius.Some new neighbors who might become your friends could be movingin.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Efforts to advance your career that have led to past successes might actually put you in the public eye today You could find yourself the center of attention,perhapssharingyour methodswithothersorleading adiscussiongroup.

H e t m y e r b e g a n decisively, as he often does when playing as a finisher, taking on debutant left-arm spinnerOliverDavidson.He stepped into the line and drilled Davidson straight over long-off Michael Leask followed, his parttime offspin sent flat and hardoverwidelong-on.

WhenScotlandturnedto Mark Watt, their most reliable spinner, Hetmyer

struck consecutive sixesfirst over midwicket, then over deep-backward square.

Safyaan Sharif brought his pace to try to cramp him for room; he was swivel-pulled over deep square leg. When Sharif pushed it wider, Hetmyer extended his arms and drove him cleanly over covers.Davidsonreturnedin the 14th over and tried to keeptheballaway.Hetmyer

waited and lifted him over extracovertobringupa22ball fifty, the fastest by a West Indian in men’s T20 WorldCups.

By the time Brandon McMullen produced a fullstretch catch at deep midwicket to dismiss Hetmyerinthe19thover,he had ensured West Indies would finish north of 180. Only two fours came off Hetmyer’s bat, but he pumped six sixes in his 36ball64.

The innings also underlined why West Indies have returned to Hetmyer at No.3,apositionthatneeded filling with a high-impact cricketer in the last 12 months.

Captain Shai Hope explained the thinking, alluding to the absence of a batter of Nicholas Pooran’s repute from international cricket, without directly naminghim.Healsosaidthe boys in the dressing room challenged Hetmyer to own that role, given his decadelongexperience.

“Hetmyerhasjusthithis fourth consecutive 40-plus score,soheishittingformat the right time,” Hope said. “Good to see him playing free, in his way, and scoring runsfortheteam.Thereality is that we had a very destructive left-hander at No. 3 last time. I won’t necessarily call it like-forlike - they’re different players - but we just wanted s o m e o n e t o t a k e responsibility up top, more soasaleft-hander

“A lot of these teams have a left-arm spinner or a leggie in the powerplay or just outside. Having him there makes us more dangerous as a batting lineup.He’sagamechanger He canimpactthegameinmany ways.”

KMTC Phagwah Horse race meet set for March 8

The Kennard Memorial Turf Club has announcedplanstostagetheannualPhagwah HorseracemeetonSunday,March8,2026. Seven races have been penciled for the day, which has incentives of over $8M in cash,trophiesandotherprizesatstake.

Thefeatureeventontheday’scardisthe PhagwahCup,whichisopentoallhorsesin Guyanaover9Furlongsforawinner’smoney of$2,000,000andatrophy Thereisaracefor H Class horses which will see the winner getting $ 450,000 and a trophy, over 7 furlongs. The three-year-old Guyana-bred Maiden event will see the winner taking home$350,000andatrophyinthe6-furlong event.The J Class 7-Furlong race has a pole

positionof$350,000andatrophy

TheracefortheKClassandLowerhorses carries a winning purse of $350,000, over 6 Furlongs. There is also an event for L Class maiden horses, which will see the animals racing for a top purse of $350,000 and a trophy over 6 furlongs Outstanding performances such as the Champion Jockey, trainer and stables among other categories, will receive accolades, compliments of RameshSunichoftheTrophyStall.

The event will be held using the rules of theKennardMemorialTurfClub.

Interested persons can contact any executiveoftheclubforfurtherdetails.

Bugletimeis12:30hrs.

2026 Concacaf Men’s U-17 Qualifiers… Guyana one win away from World Cup history

ThepathtoqualifyfortheFIFAUnder-17 WorldCupgotclearerfortheGuyanaMen’s Under-17 Football Team when they opened their campaign at the 2026 Concacaf Men’s Under-17 Qualifiers with a victory over Bermuda.

TheJuniorGoldenJaguarsnowhavethe Honduras threat to address in a battle to be played at the General Francisco Morazán Stadium in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. The matchisscheduledtokickoffat20:00hrs(10 pmECT).

A win for Guyana would mean a major upset for the high ranking home team, but more importantly, Guyana wins the Group andgainsautomaticqualificationtothe2026 FIFAUnder-17WorldCup.Onlytheeight(8) groupwinners(A,B,C,D,E,F,GandH)will advancetotheprestigiousevent.

OnFriday,Guyanadidwelltosecurea1–0 win over a very composed and attacking Bermudaunit.Theyappliedearlypressureto the Guyanese defense, testing the custodian, Nyall Kendall, with multiple shots on goal. Guyana did well to keep them at bay while release a few threatening counterattacks of theirown.

After a goalless first half, the trading of shotscontinueduntilGuyanadrewfirstblood inthe66’,complimentsofMatthewStewart. That goal was the decider but Kendall’s stellar performance between the uprights mustbecommendedsincehekeptGuyanain thegamesomebeautifulsaves.

With the win, Guyana has acquired the lead in Group H, which only has Bermuda and Honduras as the other teams. Suriname was the other team drawn in the Group but

wasexcludedfromthetournamentduetoan “administrative error”, according to a statement from the Suriname Football Association(SVB).

After tonight’s match, the final Group H encounter unfolds on February 11 between HondurasandBermuda.

In the previous edition of the Concacaf Under-17Qualifiers,Canada,CostaRica,El Salvador,Haiti,Honduras,Mexico,Panama, andtheUnitedStatestoppedtheirrespective groupstosecurequalificationfortheFIFAU17WorldCupQatar2025.

This year’s qualifiers began on February 3andwillculminateonFebruary12.

The Guyana Boys Under-17 team: Zack Brief (Fulham F.C. Academy, England), Nyall Kendall (Charlton Athletic Academy, England),FlavioLarose(PeleF.C.,Guyana), Tyrell Walcott (Pele F.C., Guyana), Nyron Barrow (Timehri United F.C., Guyana), Tamer Unver (Unattached), Malachi Patrick (Bromley F.C., England), Maximus Cato (Downtown United Soccer Club, USA), Joshua Morris (Rush Canada F.C., Canada), Levi Stephens, Micaiah Defreitas (U.W.I Pelicans, Trinidad and Tobago), Trayvon Smith (Golden Stars F.C., Guyana), Aaden Arthur (WNY Flash ECNL, USA), Jaden Tasher (Genesis F.C., Guyana), Jeremiah Welcome (Guyana Defense Force, Guyana), Matthew Stewart (Blau Weiss Gottschee Academy, USA), Qushon Lewis (Eagles United, Guyana), David Williams (Eagles F.C., Guyana), Darius Chester, (Chase Academy Foundation, Guyana), Jaden Nelson(YMCA,Guyana)andMarkGlasgow (B.V.UnitedF.C.). …battles Honduras tonight

Suryakumar rescues India from all-time shock by USA

(BBC Sport) - Suryakumar Yadav rescued India from an almightyscareandensuredtheT20 World Cup co-hosts opened their tournament with a 29-run victory overtheUnitedStatesinMumbai.

After being put into bat the defending champions and overwhelming favourites slumped to 77-6, putting them at risk of the biggest shock in cricket history –andoneofthebiggestupsetsinany sport.

But the US crucially dropped Suryakumar on 15 Bowler Shubham Ranjane, one of five India-born players in USA’s XI, was the guilty party low in his follow-through.

The India captain punished the misswithabrilliant84notoutfrom 49 balls, countering the situation perfectly by starting slowly before unfurlingthrillingscoopsandflicks todragthehoststo161-9.

That denied the underdogs any momentum and India seamers Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj took three wickets in the first fouroversofthechasetoreducethe USto13-3.Astherequiredrun-rate climbed, the expectant locals grew more comfortable and the US scrappedto132-8intheir20overs without ever threatening to completethechase.

Pakistanstartwithjitterywin

Faheem Ashraf made a blistering unbeaten 29 off 11 balls as Pakistan were given a major scare by the Netherlands in a thrilling opening game at the T20 WorldCup.

Much of the build-up to Pakistan’s participation in the t o u r n a m e n t h a s b e e n overshadowed by the spectre of a boycott following Bangladesh’s decision to withdraw over safety concerns.

Any hope that matters on the pitch would be smoother were erasedwhenPakistanslippedfrom 98-2 to 114-7 in pursuit of 148 during a chaotic few overs in Colombo.

TheNetherlandsthensqueezed therunsandPakistan’sjitterychase lurched towards the prospect of an upset with 29 runs required off the final two overs, only for Ashraf’s bighittingtogetthemovertheline withthreeballstospare.

Earlier, Salman Mirza was the pickofthePakistanbowlerswith324astheNetherlandswerebowled outfor147.CaptainScottEdwards top-scoredwithabattling37.

The Netherlands made a positivestarttotheirinningsatthe Sinhalese Sports Club after they were asked to bat first as opener Michael Levitt thumped 24 off 15 balls. Bas de Leede continued the momentum with a composed 25-

win

…Pakistan start with jittery

ball30and,at105-3withDeLeede and Edwards at the crease, the Netherlands looked set to post a competitivetotal.

But the Associate nation lost theirlastsixwicketsfor20runsas Mohammad Nawaz,AbrarAhmed and Saim Ayub picked up two wicketsapiece.

Sahibzada Farhan’s classy 47 off31ballsguidedPakistanto98-2 before he slapped Aryan Dutt to covertostartaPakistancollapseas

Suryakumar Yadav used the sweep against spin. (Getty Images)

RoelofvanderMerweandPaulvan Meekerenbowledtightly Ashraf spared their blushes, though, when he hammered three sixesandafouroffthepenultimate over from Logan van Beek, the Netherlands missing a chance to dismiss him on seven when Max O’Dowdshelledacatchatlong-off. Withfiveneededfromthefinal over Ashraf got himself on strike then thrashed De Leede through coverforfourtopreventashock.

2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup…

Hetmyer heroics, Shepherd hat-trick headline

(Cricinfo) - Shimron Hetmyer’s explosive halfcentury carried West Indies

to respectability and ultimately victory after a sluggish start to their T20 World Cup opener against Scotland, iced by Romario Shepherd’s stunning fivewickethaulwhichincludeda hat-trick.

Head Coach Darren Sammy’s master plan to use Hetmyer’s experience and power up the order at No. 3 continues to pay off. In his three most recent innings in the position, Hemyer had scored48,75and48notout against South Africa in the lead-up to this tournament andhesavedhisbestforthe bigstage.

SmotheredbyScotland’s

Windies’

opening win

spinners, West Indies had managed just 33 runs in the Powerplay But Hetmyer negated a slow pitch to lift his side from 58 for 2 in the 10th over to set Scotland a target of 183 with his 64 off 36 balls, 44 of those runs cominginboundaries.

Handy cameos from RovmanPowell,whoshared an 81-run stand with Hetmyerforthethirdwicket off just 37 balls, and Sherfane Rutherford helped push West Indies’ total up. Their dismissals amid some tightbowlingatthedeathby Brad Currie limited the damageforScotland. Hetmyer couldn’t steer clear of the action, his brilliant catch reducing Scotland to 37 for 3. But it

was Shepherd’s five-for, whichincludedfourwickets in five balls in the 17th over that stole the limelight in Scotland’s run chase as the tournament’s late ring-ins fellshort.

Just a fortnight after being called into the World Cup as replacements for Bangladesh, Scotland skipper Richie Berrington and New Zealand recruit Tom Bruce produced a 78run union for the fourth wicket.Withthemoutofthe way though, Shepherd tore throughtheremainderofthe line-up as West Indies launched their campaign in style.

Hetmyershruggedoffhis latearrivalinIndia-heonly landed on Friday afternoon

duetoavisaissue-tolaunch a full-blooded assault from the outset. With his side desperatelyneedingtobreak the shackles, he sent the second ball he faced, off debutant spinner Oliver Davidson, over long-off for six, the first of six maximums in total for Hetmyer’sinnings.

Hehelpedhimselftotwo more in three balls off Michael Leask in the next over and from that point it felt like West Indies could finallybreathe.ButHetmyer didn’t ease up on Scotland’s spinners,heavingMarkWatt into the stands over deep midwicket and producing a devastating slog-sweep for consecutivesixesinthenext over,whichwentfor17runs.

A return to seam didn’t provide any respite for Scotland as Safyaan Sharif leaked another 17 runs off the next. Hetmeyer brought up his half-century off just 22 balls in wonderful style withasixoffDavidsonover deep cover, the fastest fifty by a West Indian at a T20 WorldCup.Ittookastunner of a catch from Brandon McMullen to remove him, running round to wide long on and diving at full stretch togatheraskiedfulltossoff Sharifinhisfingertips.

Stillintheaction

AkealHosein’stheatrical bow to his team-mate summed up Hetmyer’s day after he clung onto a spectacular catch to remove GeorgeMunseyandupstage McMullen’s effort which hadremovedhim.Runninga

Romario Shepherd picked up a five-wicket haul

(ICC/Getty Images)

long way round from fine leg, Hetmyer launched himself to his right and pluckedtheballfromtheair to collect Munsey’s pull off the bowling of Shamar Joseph. It reduced Scotland to 37 for 3 inside the powerplay

JasonHolderhadalready removed Michael Jones for just1inthesecondoverand the in-form McMullen, who had slammed a 39-ball 95 against Namibia in their warm-up game, managed just14beforeheshovelleda Shepherd delivery onto his stumpsinabotchedscoop.

ShepherdingWIto victory

Having removed the threat posed by McMullen, thenconceded15runsoffhis second over, Shepherd returned for his third and all but ended the match with fourwicketsinfiveballs.His wide yorker to Matthew Cross found Rutherford at point and he had Leask caught by Powell for a firstball duck. With the 21-yearoldDavidsonlefttofacethe hat-trick ball, Shepherd beat the inside edge and pinged thetopofoffstump, ItwasShepherd’ssecond T20Ihat-trickafterhiseffort against Bangladesh in Octoberandthoughtsturned to whether he could match Jason Holder’s four wickets in four deliveries against England in their bilateral series in 2022 but Sharif guided the next ball safely into the off side. No matter for Shepherd though when Sharif tried in vain to send

the following ball over midoffbutmanagedonlytopick outHolder Fittingly,Holder and Shepherd combined for the last wicket when Mark Wattadvancedtotheformer and Shepherd dived backwards at short third to takethecatch.

Scotland’searlysqueeze

After Brandon King carved the first ball of the match, a McMullen loosener, authoritatively through the covers for four, WestIndiesmadeatentative start in the face of some otherwise disciplined Scotlandbowling.Attheend of the powerplay, West Indies were 33 without loss and in need of some acceleration King duly advanced down the pitch to Sharif and muscled the first ball after the drinks break down the ground for six and back-to-back fours followed asWestIndiestook17offthe over Berringtonturnedtoleftarm spinner Davidson in the eighthoverandheconceded justfouroffit.Hewasjoined next over by experienced off-spinner Leask, who struck with his second ball which skidded on from its leg-stump line to take out ShaiHope’soffstump.With oneODItohisname,against UAE in 2022, Davidson claimed his maiden international wicket in the next, removing King as Munseyswallowedacatchat backward point. But with Hetmyer at the crease, Scotland’selationwasshortlived.

2026 DCB U15 Inter-Association 50-over finals…

GCAcompletesdominantruntocapturetitle

Georgetown surged to an easy

8-wicket win and this year’s title after a dominant run in the recently concluded DCB InterAssociationU-1550-Overtournament.

After losing the toss and being sent into bat, the Select XI crumbled for a measly66in28.5overs.

Resistancecamefromthepairoftopscorers in Noel Madramootoo (10) and Savir Narine (9*not out), as the remainderoftheteamfailedtogetoutthe

blocks.

Georgetown bowling was led by Mario Singh who snared 4-12 with inform spinner Afraz Khan bagging impressivefiguresof3-19.

GCAthen romped to 67-2 in a mere 5.3oversafteropenerLomarSeecharran andmiddle-orderbatsmanMakaiDowlin hit24apiecetohelpsteertheirteamtothe title.

For their efforts, West Demerara CricketAssociation(WDCA)finishedas

runners-up.

Georgetown’s Seecharran ended as the leading run- scorer with 264 runs includingacenturyandahalf-century

Most wickets went to Shane Dewa who bagged wickets 15 including a matchbestof5-22.

Forhisall-roundperformances,Ishan Harricharran was adjudicated the tournament’s MVP with 84 runs and 8 wickets including best of 3-6. (Clifton Ross)

Petra-Modec

Tertiary Football tournament kicks off today at QC ground

The inaugural Tertiary E

ona

Football Tournament kicks off today at the Queen’s College Ground, as fourteen higher education institutions battle forsupremacyintheModecsponsored tournament, which runs from February 8 toMarch8.

P

customary March Past at 13:00 hrs, setting the stage for the official opening matches.

Organised by Petra

O rg a n i s a t i o n , t h e tournament opens the 2026 football calendar with an exciting double-header beginning at 13:30 hrs. The University of Guyana TurkeyenCampuswillclash with the Guyana Industrial TrainingCentre,followedby Government Technical Institutesquaringoffagainst Texila American University inthesecondencounter

The Modec Tertiary E

Tournament has attracted strong corporate backing, including support from MACORP, D

Mutual Group, Banks Powerade,amongothers.

Chasing the historic inauguraltitleareEssequibo Technical Institute (ETI), University of Guyana T

, Government Technical Institute (GTI), Leonora Technical and Vocational Training Centre (LTVTC), Maha

y Technical Institute (MTI), New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI), Port Mourant Technical Institute

(PMTI),CyrilPotterCollege ofEducation(CPCE),Texila A

Agriculture (GSA) and Upper Corentyne Industrial TrainingCentre(UCITC).

continues on Tuesday, February 10, with another double-header in Berbice at the Scotts Ground The University of Guyana Tain Campus will take on Texila AmericanUniversity,before NATIfacesUCITCinmatch fourofthetournament.

Harvey blasts first-round...

Frompage59

differentkindasheedgedQuintinVenturebysplitdecision in an all–Pace and Power showdown. The evenly matched contestwasfoughtatafuriouspace,withbothboxerstrading leather for all three rounds. Sandiford’s slightly heavier punchesprovedjustenoughtoswaythejudgesafteranepic back-and-forththatthrilledthemodestcrowd.

Earlier on the card, Divius Vanderstoop of theAndrew LewisBoxingGymmadeshortworkofKelonPere,forcing a referee stoppage at 1:35 of the opening round. Nathan Sugrimclaimedawell-earnedRSCvictoryoverRichardDa Silvaintheirschoolboy’sclash,whileOmarDarkerofHarpy Eagles outpointed Emmanuel Nelson. In the Junior ranks, JoshChester(AndrewLewis)controlledallthreeroundsto defeat Derrick Springer of Pace and Power and secure the gold.

TheHarpyEaglesBoxingGymemergedasthedominant force on the day, capturing Best Gym honours with four victories. Coach James Walcott also of Harpy Eagles was namedBestCoach.

Best Boxer awards were shared among Imhotep Vanderstoop (Schoolboys), Divius Vanderstoop (Junior), and the night’s headline act, Ken Harvey, who once again proved that when he steps into the ring, the ending rarely takeslong.

The Pepsi/Mike Parris U16 Boxing Championship continues to provide a vital platform for young boxers to demonstrate their talent while gaining valuable experience aheadofregionalcompetitions.

Theeventreflectsthededicationandhardworkofboth the athletes and their coaches, whose efforts have played a key role in developing and refining the skills of these emerging champions. It also underscores the GBA’s commitment to creating pathways for boxers to succeed beyond Guyana, supporting their progression toward the professionalranks.

Harvey blasts first-round victory as Pepsi Mike ParrisYouth C/ship Ignites

Emerging youth standout Ken Harvey continued his ruthless rise through the ranks with another emphatic first-round victory as the Guyana Boxing Association launched its flagship youth event,

P

M

ng Tournament, yesterday at the Pace and Power Boxing Gym in Castello,Georgetown.

Harvey wasted no time asserting dominance against gym mateSizoVanderstoop,unleashing apunishingbodyattackthatended the contest almost as soon as it began. Sharp jabs set up cannonlike punches to the midsection, repeatedly driving Vanderstoop back into the ropes. The damage was decisive—Vanderstoop failed to answer the bell for the second

The Guyana BoxingAssociation wrapped up it first Pepsi/Mike Parris Boxing Championship yesterday inside the Pace and Power Boxing Gym. Several pugilists flanked the ring for a photo-op, marking the conclusion of the GBA’s first Under-16 championship of the 2026 season.

round, handing Harvey the victory and yet another Best Boxer accoladeintheYouthdivision.

The win marked Harvey’s

secondtriumphofthe2026season, both coming via early abandonment, underlining his reputationasoneofthemostfeared

youngpunchersonthelocalcircuit. In a previous bout, Emmanuel Sandiforddelivereddramaofa Continued on page 58

Men’s U-17 Qualifiers… Guyana one win away from World Cup history