As drilling goes deeper and hitting massive gold potential
Former APNU MPs, sitting
–Dr.VincentAdams
‘We import our own trucks due to poor work drain list ahead of Appeal Court confused guarantee with …casehasstrongchanceatCCJ councillors cross over to PPP ...praiseparty’sleadershipaftermeetingwithJagdeo
Cops now probe murder after stab wounds found on -Jagdeo crisis-hit nations
oil spill insurance
wider, Canadian mining company culture in Guyana’ -ChineseAssociation unlimited parent
taxi driver pulled from trench …claimsGuyanesetruckersrefuse weekendandholidaywork
No agreement signed for Guyana to buy gas from ExxonMobil
...asGas-to-Energydocumentsstillhiddenfrompublic
After spending $235M on Reg. 10 to pump another $65M into fence, hut and trestle RDC building, Govt. Guyana tops brain - UNDP 2026 Report
(From left to right) Former APNU Member of Parliament Rickly Ramsaroop, current Regional Councillor Sheik Yaseen and Ravoldo Birbal, VP Bharrat Jagdeo, Shurwayne Holder along with Prince Holder, Gangadai Lloyd and Dinesh Jaiprashad
…as
Gas-to-Energy documents still hidden from public
No agreement signed for Guyana to buy gas from ExxonMobil -Jagdeo
Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo has denied reports that Guyana has inked an agreement with ExxonMobil to purchase gas from the Stabroek Block to support the Wales Gas-to-Energy (GTE) project
During a Public Day event, hosted at the Arthur Chung Conference Center, Lilliendaal, East Coast Demerara, this newspaper asked the VP whether Guyanahasagreedtobuythe country’sgasfromExxon.
To this end, he clearly stated, “No, the gas to the power plant is free.You can quote me on that. Gas to the power plant is free We negotiated that a long time. We’ve been in the public domainassayingthatthegas to come in - the 50 million cubicfeetperdaycomingin to the power plant - is free. Nothinghaschangedsince.”
TheformerPresidentdid not allow further questions, turninghisattentiontoother membersofthepublicatthe venue.
InApril,reliablesources close to the GTE project indicated that government has agreed to a Gas Sales
Agreement with the company
WhiletheVPhasdenied the existence of such a contract between Guyana and Exxon, the government has refused to publish all documents relative to the project, a move that continuestosparkconcern.
Since 2022 members of the opposition parties have been calling on the GoG to release the contracts signed withExxon.
Last month, former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan in an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News raised a number of questions following a report indicating that Guyana has
signed an agreement with ExxonMobil to purchase its own gas from the Stabroek Block.
Jordansaidthatwhilehe has not seen the secret contract between the GoG and Exxon, he firmly believes that Guyana should not have to pay for its own gas.“Jagdeohadsaidthegas wouldbefreeandallwewill be paying for is the pipeline,”herecalled.
In fact, Jordan pointed outthatthisnotionwasused to push the project as feasible, which therefore raises serious questions abouttheeconomicsofGTE.
G i v e n t h i s n e w development, the former minister urged that a study should be conducted to determine whether continuing with the project would be cheaper than continuing the use of HFOs withimprovedefficiency
“The government of Guyana now has to come clean. They have to tell us clearly whether there is a contract between the GoG and Exxon to purchase gas that originally Jagdeo said will be made available for free. That is what was made the project economically
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo
feasible. If you now have to payforgasatthecommercial price, what are the implications for the GTE in termsofthetariffs?Willthey still be able to cut tariffs by 50% and if they go ahead withthat,howmuchwillthe government be subsidizing electricity and whether that subsidy would be bigger than the actual subsidy they are giving right now to the
consumers,” the former ministerquestioned. He said it would be interesting to know what circumstances led to the changeinpositionregarding thefreegas.
Moreover,Jordanargued that if the information publishedwasincorrect,itis the responsibility of the government to not only reject, but respond with
concreteevidence.
“We have not seen a single document in relation to this project and so we keep speculating and they can end all the speculation by putting the document in the public domain or come outandrefutewithevidence what we have said You have to show the evidence that this is not so and they can withhold whatever proprietary information fromthecontracts,”hesaid Promisestorelease GTEdocuments
In December 2022, the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat informed the National Assembly that although agreements were inked with ExxonfortheprojectinJune 2022, the time was not right topublishthedocuments.
He however noted,
“Thereareotheragreements on supply, buyer’s a g r e e m e n t , f i e l d development, licensing conditions, onshore works, and land matters that are currently being drafted. The respective agreements and policy documents will be presentedtothisHonourable House when they have been agreed upon and executed. All agreements are being done in a timely manner to meet the Final Investment Decision which will allow for the project to be completedbyourcommitted deadline of December 2024.”
Subsequently,theproject shifted to the Prime Minister’s office which holds responsibility for the energy sector He too made several commitments in Parliament to publish the documents but has not done sotodate.
“Mr Speaker, the Government of Guyana has signed a Heads of Agreement (HOA) with the Stabroek Co-ventures 30th June 2022. This agreement sets out the principles and conditions for the commercial and technical arrangements of the Gas-toEnergy Project,” Bharrat said.
ItwasSeniorMinisterintheOfficeofthePresidentwith Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, who first informedthenationofworld-classforeigngoldcompanies being partnered with, to explore Guyana’s gold sector Since then, a number of Canadian firms have entered Guyana’smineralrichregionsinthehuntforgold. Fortuna Mining Corp (FMC) is the latest venturing into local goldfields. It does so with a splash, and a different arrangement.
FMCpaidUS$5Mforastakeinalocalgoldoperationin thegreenstonebeltoftheGuyanaShield. FMCcouldgrab as much as a 70% interest in a 73,143-acre gold project, should the relationship and benefits follow a progressive arc. AGuyanesecompany,QstoneInc.,hassealedthisdeal withthisnewCanadianminingpresence,andaformidable th onefromitsrecord. ThisdealwassignedonApril20,and announced in the international media, including Bloomberg,inthedayssince. Onewouldthinkthat,though an arrangement negotiated and struck between private parties,thenationwouldhavebeengivensomeinformation onadevelopmentthislarge. Itwouldbeinterestingtohear from the PPPC Government, either Dr Singh, or the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharat, for their reactiontothisnews.
On our part, we have issues with how sections of Guyana’s gold sector are parceled out to local and foreign entities, and how these entities then either swap them out, flip them, or alter them, in some form, to other deeppocketed partners. Does the government not have some concern over this? Is there provision in the documents allocating large tracks of promising gold lands that precludes companies from, for all intents and purposes, passingfromhandtohand,Guyana’srichmineralassets? A vigilant government that is keen about managing the nation’sprecious,nonrenewableassetswouldbeconcerned. Itwouldtakestepstopreventsecondarydealsthatmaynot beintheinterestsofthiscountry,andtosafeguardcitizens whostruggletogetintogoldoperations,butfindthepower ofthecompetitionoverwhelming.
We appreciate that the kind of funding needed for largescale gold operations could be a severe handicap for Guyanesecompanieswhositonthousandsofacresofgold lands that are rich with promise. Therefore,as a matter of survival and remaining a player in the gold sector, by sharpening their prospects, it is understandable that Guyanese may move to seal agreements with partners, usuallyforeign. Theybringmoney,otherresources,andthe weightoftheirskillsandexperience,whichcouldmakethe differencebetweenaprofitablegoldpartnership,oralosing one. Havingsaidthis,wemustrecordourdispleasureand objection that a bargain of this magnitude could be made between private parties, one that involves so much of the mineral resources of this nation. How can this huge percentage interest in a local company that offers so much natural resource upside could be left to the ambitions of private entities? Millions of US dollars are involved, and thatisbeingbartered,passedfromoneandtothenext,like cardsinadeck.
It was Dr Ashni Singh who had assured the nation of world-class companies that his government was preparing towelcometoexploreourrichbounties. Whenthevastness of Guyana’s riches is considered, there is a need for those investors. Oneoftheconditions,however,isthattheremust be world-class rules and standards that help Guyana to get the most out of its various patrimonies. There should be limits on these sharing agreements, even when they represent Guyanese-to-Guyanese engagements One should be a minimum holding period for the concession granted, with no less than five years seen as appropriate. Another would be that the percentage foreign interest in gold sharing arrangements should not exceed a certain
Protecting Citizens from Identity Theft and Unauthorized Use of Personal Data in a Digital Guyana
DEAREDITOR,
The government’s push toward digitizing public
services, including healthcare, social services, and policing, has the potential to improve efficiency, access, and service delivery across Guyana.
A few months ago, duringaconversationwitha close friend and former Presidential Advisor to DonaldRamotar,Iremarked thatoneofthebestthingsthe current administration could do would be to modernize selected public systems throughdigitization.
Shortly after the elections, President Ali began advancing similar ideas.Iwasimpressedbythe speed and direction of that shift. Coincidence, perhaps, but a step in the right
directionnonetheless. However, digitization should not move ahead
without strong legal safeguards, system protections, and public education.Many people still do not fully understand how digital systems change the way personal information is collected,stored,shared,and used.When citizens register for services, information such as addresses, phone numbers, employment
r e c o r d s , m e d i c a l information, family details, and identification numbers may be stored in databases and shared across agencies or even with third-party companies.
The issue is not digitization itself, but who has access to this information, how securely it is stored, whether
systemsareencrypted,how longdataiskept,andwhat protections exist against a b u s e , l e a k s , o r cyberattacks.
Withoutstrongprivacy and data protection laws, digitization can create serious risks. Personal information can be stolen, sold, leaked, or used for identity theft and financial fraud. Data can also be used to target or profile persons politically, commercially, or otherwise In the wrong hands, digital information c
’s
circumstances, employment h
cal associations.
These are not imaginary concerns.Acrosstheworld, governments and private companiescontinuetoface major data breaches, misuse of personal information, and growing concernsoversurveillance, artificial intelligence, and algorithmic decisionmaking.
Digitization can absolutely help Guyana m o d e r n i z e , b u t modernization without legal protections and system guardrails creates new vulnerabilities. Technology should not move ahead of accountability, public understanding,andthelaw I knowthatthegovernmentis serious about Guyana becoming a modern digital society, therefore privacy and data protection laws must become part of that process now, not after problemsemerge.
Regards, RawleA.Small
Name Essequibo’s Stadium After Our Cricket Heroes
DEAREDITOR,
History will be made
with the imminent commissioning of the multipurpose stadium in Anna Regina, Region 2 This modern facility, the first of its kind in Essequibo will becometheprideandjoyfor allofus;butmoregratifying f o r o u r s p o r t i n g personalities, both past and
present.
As I reflect on our rich history, three cricketers stood out as the beacon and brandofEssequibo’scricket. ThetrioarethelateCourtney Gonsalves, Alfred Maycock and John Floyd; combining theartistryofrelentlesspace, all-round magic and brute force in that sequence. They have left an indelible legacy
and has inspired many to chase their dreams even to thisday It will be an honour thereforetohaveaCourtney Gonsalves bowling end,a stand named after Alfred Maycock and the John Floyd’s scoreboard as a fitting tribute to our cricketing heroes and symbols of Essequibo’s
enduringsportingidentity
The late Dave Martin’s verse of ‘where are our heroes, show them to me’ still echoes in the wind, but can be filled in our hearts should the names of the trio inkedatthestadium. Yoursfaithfully, ElroyStephney
Former Esse
Captain
The public deserves systems that work not grand announcements and carefully staged optics
DEAREDITOR,
Inrecenttimes,muchhas been said about government efficiency, modernization, and the transformation of public service delivery in Guyana. Yet, beneath the speeches, ribbon cuttings, and public relations campaigns lies a troubling reality that many citizens confront daily, a system that appears increasingly unable to efficiently serve the very people it was designed to protectandsupport.
One of the clearest indicatorsofthisdysfunction was the recent public outreachinitiativeledbythe VicePresident,wherescores of citizens came forward
with unresolved matters, many of which had reportedly been pending for months, years, and in some cases, decades. While the event may have been intended to show case
responsiveness and accessibility,itinadvertently exposed a deeper and more uncomfortable truth: if senior political leaders must personally intervene to r e s o l v e r o u t i n e administrative issues, then serious questions must be askedabouttheeffectiveness of the ministries, agencies, and systems operating beneaththem.
While FMC is putting up US$5M to open new opportunitiesinitspartnershipwithQstoneInc.,weobjectto that70%interestasbeingtoohigh. Naturalresourcesbelong toallGuyanese. Theyarenotgovernmentorprivateproperty tobeplayedwithlikechipsinacasino.
extraordinary intervention for ordinary citizens to receive results. Governance cannotbecomedependenton public “problem-solving days” while institutions tasked with delivering services remain plagued by delays, inefficiency, and poor accountability What was intended as a demonstration of leadership instead became a public display of institutional failure.
Equallyconcerningwere remarks suggesting ministers’ involvement in contracts and procurement matters, comments that only intensifiedpublicskepticism about where efficiency truly existswithinthesystem.Too often, there appears to be remarkable speed when contractsareawarded,funds are allocated, or projects are announced,butunacceptable delays when citizens seek basic services, project
c o m p l e t i o n , o r administrativejustice.
The recurring cycle of rehabilitation works on recently completed infrastructure projects further deepens public frustration Roads are repaired repeatedly Drainage systems continue to fail Flood mitigation efforts often appear reactive rather than preventative When the President himself must conduct after-midnight flood assessments, it raises another uncomfortable question: why are systems failing to identify and address these issues before they become national emergencies?
These are not isolated incidents They point to b
accountability, management competence,andthe Continued on page 5
A
country serious about emotional wellness cannot normalize environmental degradation
DEAREDITOR,
As Guyana observes Mental Health Awareness
Month, our national conversation must move beyond clinics, diagnoses, and individual coping mechanisms to confront a deeper and often ignored reality: the condition of our environment is directly shaping the condition of our minds.
One of the clearest and most neglected examples of thisconnectionissolidwaste management.
For years, discussions about garbage disposal in Guyana have focused primarily on drainage, flooding, sanitation, and aesthetics. Rarely have we asked a more profound question:Whatdoeslivingin proximity to unmanaged waste do to the human psyche?
T h e a n s w e r i s uncomfortable.
A society surrounded by litter, illegal dumping, clogged canals, burning garbageheaps,anddecaying public spaces unconsciously
absorbs disorder as normalcy Environmental neglect slowly conditions
emotional neglect Communities begin to internalize the message that they are unworthy of care, investment, or dignity Over time, this creates emotional fatigue, hopelessness, irritability, and civic detachment.
Mental health does not deteriorateonlyfromtrauma inside the home. It also erodes from trauma in the environment.
A classic and deeply troubling example can be foundinthesanitarylandfill facility at Haags Bosch, Eccles. While the facility serves an important national waste disposal function, the odours and gases emitted from the landfill have become more than an e n v i r o n m e n t a l inconvenience for nearby residents and commuters They represent a persistent assault on both physical and
psychologicalwellbeing.
When communities are continuouslyexposedtofoul odours, methane emissions, smoke, and airborne pollutants, the body remains in a prolonged state of physiological stress The brain interprets persistent noxious smells as signals of danger This activates stress responsesthatcancontribute to anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbances, headaches, emotional exhaustion, and reduced overall mental wellness.
The linkage between respiratory distress and mental health is especially important Individuals struggling with breathing difficulties, chronic coughing,sinusirritation,or fear of long-term exposure often experience heightened anxiety and psychological distress The inability to escape environmental discomfort creates feelings of helplessness and entrapment. Families begin to live not in comfort, but in anticipation; anticipation of the next unbearable odour, the next flare-up of smoke, the next night of interrupted sleep.
This is chronic environmentalstress.
Stilltheissueextendsfar beyond one landfill site
Across Guyana, there remains a troubling lack of modern and adequate solid waste m
s
ucture Many communities still lack sufficientgarbagecollection systems, transfer stations, recycling facilities, composting plants, engineeredsanitarylandfills, hazardous waste disposal systems, public waste bins, and waste separation mechanisms In several areas, waste disposal continues to rely heavily on open dumping,roadside accumulation, trench disposal, and the burning of garbage in residential communities.
Solidwastemanagement infrastructure is not simply about trucks collecting
garbage.Itincludesproperly engineeredlandfillswithgas and leachate management systems, recycling and material recovery facilities, composting centres for organicwaste,wastetransfer stations, drainage protection systems, public litter receptacles,hazardouswaste treatment facilities, and public education systems that encourage responsible disposalpractices.Theseare essential components of a healthy and psychologically safesociety
T
h infrastructure creates a constant visual and sensory reminder of disorder
Citizens are forced to navigate overflowing bins, polluted waterways, smoke from burning refuse, and neglected public spaces as part of daily life. Over time, t h i s n o r m a l i s e s environmental dysfunction andcontributestoemotional exhaustion and social
frustration.
Research globally has increasingly shown that polluted and neglected environments contribute to
withdrawal, and chronic stress-related illnesses. But Guyana’s reality presents an e
dimension.
The Haags Bosch situation demonstrates how environmental conditions can quietly erode emotional stability and community morale. Residents who feel unheard or unprotected by systems responsible for safeguarding public health often develop frustration, distrust, and emotional fatigue Over time, this weakenssocialcohesionand civicconfidence.
Again, Poor waste managementfracturessocial trust. People lose faith in s y s t e m s w h e n environmental hazards
persist without adequate m i t i g a t i o n , w h e n communities repeatedly complain about odours and air quality concerns, and when public health fears are normalized rather than urgently addressed This gradual
of environmental order creates emotional alienation from community life itself Citizens stop believing collective action matters Apathyreplacesownership. This may explain why environmental neglect and social aggression often coexist Communities overwhelmedbyunmanaged waste frequently experience
d
n, frustration, noise conflict, and reduced neighbourly cooperation. Environmental disordersilentlydestabilizes emotional order Children raised in neglected s u r r o u n d i n g s m a y unconsciously develop diminished expectations of public care and civic
responsibility, while adults living under constant environmental stress may experience heightened anger, hopelessness, and emotionalburnout.
There is also a spiritual dimensionthatwedeserveto discusshonestly Human beings are psychologically shaped by the spaces they inhabit Cleanliness, greenery, order, and beauty create emotional regulation and calm. Decay, pollution, foul odours, and disorder produce mental ove
stimulat
nd emotional exhaustion. The environment becomes an external mirror of internal wellbeing.
In this way, waste is not only physical material discarded from society It becomes symbolic of what society itself has chosen to neglect.
Mental health awareness therefore cannot exist separatelyfrom
Continued on page 6
The public deserves systems that work not grand...
Frompage4 possible misuse of public funds Whether the root
cause is corruption, n e g l i g e n c e , w e a k supervision, political patronage, or bureaucratic incompetence, the consequences are ultimately bornebytaxpayers.
And that cost is not insignificant.
Every delayed project, every failed drainage system, every repeated rehabilitation contract, and every unresolved citizen
complaint represents millions of dollars in public
resources being lost through inefficiency In a rapidly developing country with growing revenues and expanding ambitions, this shouldconcerneverycitizen regardless of political affiliation.
Development is not measured solely by the number of projects announced or the scale of national spending True developmentismeasuredby the strength of institutions, the reliability of systems, and the ability of ordinary citizens to access services fairly, efficiently, and
w i t h o u t p o l i t i c a l intervention.
Guyana stands at a criticalmomentinitshistory
With unprecedented opportunitiesforgrowthand transformationbeforeus,the country cannot afford a culturewhereinefficiencyis n o r m a l i z e d a n d accountability is selective. Transparency, competent management, stronger oversight mechanisms, and genuine institutional reform are no longer optional, they areessential.
The public deserves m o r e t h a n g r a n d
announcements and carefullystagedoptics.They deserve systems that work, ministries that function efficiently, projects that are properly supervised, and leadership that prioritizes accountability as much as publicity
Because in the end, the true measure of governance is not how quickly leaders canrespondtopubliccrises, but how effectively the system prevents those crises from occurring in the first place.
Regards,
ClayonF.Halley
Akash Singh recounts being threatened, forced to help chop boys
Akash Singh, a key witness in the ongoing trial for the murdered Henry cousins, took the stand on Tuesday, giving the court a grim account of September 5,2020,whenIsaiahandJoel Henry met their gruesome deaths.
State prosecutor Marisa Edwards sought Singh’s testimony against the two accused, Anil Sanchara 39, called‘Magga’ofD’Edward Village,WestCoastBerbice, and Vinood Gopaul, 35, called ‘Dan Pole’ and ‘Rasta’, of Yakasari, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, whoarebeingrepresentedby attorney Dexter Todd and Associates.
Singh himself, now 26, was apprehended for the murder which sent ripples across the country back in 2020, and remains in police custody. Upon examination by the prosecutor, he stated that Sanchara is his brother, and that he became acquainted with Gopaul through his brother, as they usedto“plantweed.”
which further angered Gopaul, who then chopped thetallestofthetwocousins tohisneckwitha“22cutlass. Sanchara, he said, followed Gopaul and chopped the other cousin. “It was nuff chops,”Singhstated.
As he was a witness, Singhsaidhewasorderedto take a cutlass and etch an x mark on one of the boys’ faces.
Describing what seemed asscenesfromahorrorfilm, Singh told the court that the twomenthentiedtheboysto horses and dragged them fromthefarm.
men, under threats that the same fate of the Henry boys would be his should he refuse.
On January 9, 2021, Singhdisclosedthathealong with Gopaul was arrested. He noted that he cooperated with the police and took them to the scene of the crime, where he confessed whattranspired.
Undercrossexamination by the defense, Singh confirmedbeingchargedfor murder, and his six-year imprisonment Attorney Dexter Todd sought responses to several critical questions, but Singh would mainly state his inability to recall.
completedtheirplanting,the trio left, and would return three weeks later to find the plants destroyed by gramoxone. This infuriated Gopaul and Sanchara, who vowedthat“somebodygotto pay for it,” according to Singh.
He then told the court
HenotedthatGopauland Sanchara back then had informed him of plans to tend to their weed farm located at Cotton Tree, and invitedhimtobepartoftheir operation. In August, 2020, Singh said that he and the two men journeyed to the location and set up camp. Having successfully
that on September 5, 2020, he had awakened to the two men having an exchange with the Henry cousins on what had transpired on the farm. Singh said that Isaiah and Joel were laughing,
After the ordeal, the accused and Singh washed themselves and discarded their bloodstained clothing. Singh told the court that upon returning home at Yakasari, he informed his sister of what happened, but was not taken seriously.
Shortlyafter,Hesaidhewas forced to leave with the two
Singh’s chilling testimony was given on day fourofwitnesshearingatthe Berbice High Court, in the high-profile case presided over by Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall. The matter continuesonWednesday
A country serious about emotional...
Frompage5 environmental responsibility A country serious about emotional wellness cannot normalizeenvironmentaldegradation.
If Guyana genuinely seeks healthier citizens,wemustrethinkwastemanagement asapublicmentalhealthpriority Thismeans modernizing waste collection and landfill m
environmental regulations, investing in recyclinginfrastructure,constructingtransfer stationsandcompostingfacilities,improving drainage and anti-dumping systems, expanding environmental education, protecting community spaces, and treating
‘We import our own trucks due to poor work culture in Guyana’– Chinese Association
…claims Guyanese truckers refuse weekend and holiday work
The Association of Chinese Enterprises in Guyana on Tuesday dismissed claims that Chinese are taking away jobs from Guyanese. TheAssociation, in a statement, refuted the allegationstatingthatlocalshaveonlythemselvestoblameas they refuse to work on weekends and holidays and that this affectsprojectschedulesforChinesecompanies.
The statement comes following protests last week by truckers who called for an even playing field in the trucking sector AboutadozentruckerstoldKaieteurNewsthatforeign companies, especially Chinese, are “eating-up everything” leaving them without work and forcing them into economic hardships.
Thelocaltruckersareallegingthatgovernmentincentives granted to the foreigners such as duty-free concessions are givingthemanunfairadvantageinthelocalmarket.
However, the Chinese association made it clear that its membershavealwaysoperatedincompliancewithlocallaws andregulations.
“In the transportation of construction materials for relevant infrastructure projects, Chinese initially cooperated smoothly with local transport providers”, the Association statedbeforeadding“However,asprojectdemandincreased, local transportation capacity became insufficient for large volume and continuous delivery, while some providers experienced frequent delays or suspended services on weekends and public holidays causing interruptions and affectingprojectschedules.”
Further, the Chinese organization said that to avoid the delays the Chinese companies invested in vehicles and establishedtheirownfleettoensureprojectdeliveryandfulfil commitmentstothegovernmentandnottotakeoverthelocal market.
“These transport fleets continue to prioritize hiring hundredsofthelocaldrivers,whomakeupavastmajorityof drivers,whileprovidingstablejobs,lawfulpayandtraining,” theassociationfurtherclaimed.
TheAssociationcalledonallpartiesinthesectortoview the“matter’objectivelyandtostrengthencommunicationand work together in supporting Guyana’s development while enhancingChina-GuyanaFriendship.
The truck drivers and owners who protested at the roundaboutoftheBharratJagdeoDemeraraRiverBridgetold KaieteurNewsthatforeigncompanies,enteringGuyanatodo roadworksbutarealsousingtheirtruckstoprivatework.
“…Killing the market price for us, as for instance, they goingtilltoOglewherethepriceislike$60,000peraloadof sand,theycarryingitfor$50,000,somedoingitfor$45,000,” S.Ahmedoneofthetruckerstoldreporters.
Last week’s protest was not the first-time truckers have protested due to an uneven playing field in the trucking industry
InMaylastyear,truckdriversstagedtwodaysofprotests in the mining town of Linden, Region Ten over an alleged foreigntakeoverofthetruckingandbusinessesinGuyanaand localsbeingunabletoget‘abite’.
In response to that protest action, Minister of Public Works,JuanEdghillassuredthatChinesearenotgettingany duty-freeconcessionsfortheirtrucks.
“The only thing that was duty-free was the mill which is operatinginsidethequarry(Chinese-ownedquarry),soifthe Chineseboughttrucksandareoperatingit,theyarebuyingit justlikeyou,”theministertoldthetruckers.
He had promised that the government will intervene to stop local truckers from being side-lined when it comes to lifting stones from a Chinese owned quarry at Arisaru Mountain,RegionTen–anissuethatlocaltruckershadraised withKaieteurNewsbackinFebruary2025.
Despite the minister’s assurances, the local truck drivers weredissatisfiedandcalledonthegovernmenttoclampdown on the number of trucks, which the Chinese are allowed to import. The minister had acknowledged that there is competitiononthemarketoverratesbutdeclinedtocomment furthernotingthat“Guyanaisopenforbusiness”.
Local truckers protesting last Wednesday against a foreign takeover of the Guyanese trucking industry
JustwhatisgoingoninGuyana?
There was a time when the average Guyanese scandal involved a man stealingtwoplantainsfroma neighbour’s kitchen garden and then attending the same neighbour’s wake three weeks later pretending to be grief-stricken. We were a manageable people
Dysfunction arrived in small,charmingdoses.Now, however, one opens social media with the same dread that medieval peasants reserved for the arrival of locusts.Justwhatisgoingon inGuyana?
The latest evidence that our nation is wobbling on loose hinges comes in the form of two videos circulating online. The first issodisturbingthatevenmy neuroses developed a nervouscondition.Itshowsa childbeingbrutallywhipped by an adult—reportedly a parent or guardian—while other people stand around cheering with the enthusiasmofspectatorsata prizefight One almost expected someone to begin selling snow cones and peanutsinthebackground.
This was not discipline. Thiswasviolenceperformed asentertainment.
By now, the authorities should have intervened with the urgency of the GRAand
the police going after the Mohammeds.Theidentityof the child and the aggressor should already have been established.Thechildshould havebeenremovedfromthat environment immediately because no human being, much less a child, should have to live among people who think brutality is a legitimatepartofparenting.
And the person administering that beating should have been arrested andplacedbeforethecourts. Tell me this is happening. Please Lie to me if necessary Ihavereachedthe agewherecomfortingfiction hasmedicinalvalue. What unsettles one most is not simply the violence itself but the attitude surrounding it The unbridled joy of those looking on at seeing a child terrified. The laughter The approval. It is one thing for society to produce cruel people. History has always managed that with depressing efficiency But when cruelty becomes a spectator sport, civilisation beginstoresembleabuswith nobrakes.
Psychologists,ofcourse, have long argued that adult behaviour is often rooted in childhood experiences. An entire profession has been
Dem Boys Seh...
built around helping grown men understand why they become anxious whenever they see a leather belt Childhoodshapesemotional responses, conflict resolution, self-worth and attitudes toward violence. A child repeatedly exposed to brutality may grow up believing that violence is normal, deserved or even necessary
And then society acts surprised twenty years later when somebody settles an argument over a parking spacewithacutlass.
Youcannotplantcassava andexpectmangoes.Achild raised in terror does not magically emerge into adulthood quoting Gandhi and Martin Luther King. Trauma has consequences. Violence reproduces itself with the efficiency of photocopymachines.
The second video is less horrifying but equally revealing in its own way It shows a family dumping garbage onto a neighbour’s parapetwhiletheneighbour, outoftheviewofthecamera, protests. Th
s breathtaking. Not content with producing garbage, they apparently decided to exportitaswell,likeasmall d
Four-lane road nah suited for Guyana
Demboyssehdehnewfour-laneAubrey Barker Public Road done claim it first life, andeverybodynowwalkingaroundshaking demheadandsaying,“Whatatragedy.”And itisatragedy Onelifelostisonetoomany But dem boys seh sometimes tragedy does come wid warning sign bigger than a billboard and still nobody ain’t paying attention.
Because in Guyana, we building fourlaneroadslikeifweisDubai,butoperating demlikeifitisBourdaMarketonChristmas Eve.
Dem boys seh a proper four-lane road supposed to move traffic smooth and fast. ButinGuyana,dehouterlanedoesturninto parking lot, vending arcade, minibus terminal, mechanic shop and sometimes barbecuestandallatonetime.Onesidegot mansellingplantainchips,dehnextsidegot somebody parking a truck “just fuh two minutes,”andbeforeyuhknowit,dehfourlane road narrow down to two lanes and a prayer Then yuh got deh crossing problem. Whoever planning these roads seem to believepeopleinGuyanadoesteleportfrom one side to deh next. But people living all along these roadways. Granny got to cross fuh buy bread. Schoolchildren got to cross fuh catch transport. A man got to cross
international waste trafficking.Thisisarrogance elevatedtoanartform.
The neighbour objects, naturally, because most people are strangely oldfashionedabouthavingpiles ofgarbagedepositedinfront of their homes Yet the dumpers proceed with the confidence of people convinced that the laws of sanitationapplyonlytoother citizens.
Onehopestheauthorities move swiftly to compel the offenders to clean the area and dispose of the waste properly, and to institute legal action as a deterrent to this form of indiscriminate dumping becoming a fad. Becauseifwereachthepoint wherepeoplefeelentitledto convert a neighbour’s parapet into a municipal landfill,thenwemayaswell abandon urban planning altogether
What links these two
incidents is not simply bad behaviour It is a deeper socialdisease:theerosionof boundaries.Peoplenolonger seem to recognise limits—limits on violence, limits on selfishness, limits on what one human being shouldinflictuponanother
We are becoming a society where some people believethatbecausetheycan dosomething,theytherefore should Beat a child mercilessly? Why not Dumpgarbageonsomebody else’s property? Certainly Next week perhaps we shall see a man parking a truck in his neighbour’s living room because“spacedehdeh.”
And this is why laws alone are never enough. A country survives not merely because of regulations but because of shared standards of decency The police cannot stand in every yard. Courts cannot supervise every household quarrel
Society depends upon citizens possessing an internal alarm system that says:“Thisiswrong.Thisis shameful.Thismuststop.”
The frightening thing is that in these videos, that alarm system appears to be malfunctioning.
So again, one asks: just whatisgoingoninGuyana? Because if cruelty becomes amusement and selfishness becomes entitlement, then the problem is no longer merely legal. It becomes a way of life. And lifestyles are far harder to clean up than garbageonaparapet.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
because he remember he left he phone charger home. Yet authorities designing these roads like human beings is optional accessories.
Dem boys seh some of these planners does sit in air-condition office studying foreign blueprint while never once standing by deh roadside to see how Guyanese actuallybehave.Theydrawingstraightlines pon paper while drivers zig-zagging in real lifelikecockroachwhenkitchenlightswitch on.
Anddiscipline?Lehwenaevenstart.In other countries, outer lanes clear. Here, authorities see illegal parking, roadside vending and minibuses stopping every six feetanddoesbehavelikedemstudyingdeh situationfuhaPhDthesisbeforeacting.
Dem boys seh government should stop this obsession wid building four-lane roads through populated areas and instead focus pon proper two-lane bypass roads outside communities. Build roads where traffic can flow without turning pedestrians into contestants on a game show called “Run AcrossIfYuhBrave.”
Because right now, some of these fancy roads looking less like transportation planningandmorelikeexpensiveconfusion widlanemarkings. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
AnandPersaudcallsout,castigates,thePPPGovt.
Governments govern Leaderslead. Mediareports on governance, leadership. People pronounce on the qualityofboth. Ido.Anand Persauddid.
As the former editor-inchief of the much-praised, much-missed, Stabroek News,hewouldknowabout governance, leadership, press freedom, and the elements riven through all three.
He was afire. Pres. Ali should feel the heat on his brow. Ifhestillhassuch,is capable of differentiating heat from cool. The inspiring and upright from the ingratiating and groveling.
“Squander-mania” may beheavyforExcellencyAli. I simplify: government wastage, thoughtless (some say foolishness) leadership. Mr Alihaschoices. Topick and choose. To project standards. To appreciate how he now appears globally Mr Persaud used
a” to describe the actions of the Ali government Try
d Megalomaniacal. Consisting largely of shadows and the shadowy fearing their reflections. A government teetering on insolvency’sedge,unableto pay GY$86-87 million, I couldseekpardon. Butwhy plead when a government is awash in coinage and bullion, and refuses to honour its obligations? I think that government is a prime candidate for moral bankruptcy. May Prime Minister Mark Phillips’ peopleconveymyregardsto hishonour.
Ideliverthesamefavour to the peerless Mohamed Irfaan Ali who’s all volume
a n d v i g o u r a b o u t accountability Then, pathetically, there is the indecency of GY$86-87 million owed, dangled, withheld and weaponized to detonate Stabroek News
Still,Aliforeverplaysatnot understanding why damnations dog his tracks andhisgovernment(govt.). The PPP Govt. can rush
to advance a portion of US$102 million to Lindsayca-CH4 But is unable, unwilling, and unscrupulous enough to withhold less than that amount in Guyana millions toStabroekNews.
Whoever in Guyana is offended, I regret having to employ words that dark and d i r t y t i m e s m a k e compulsory Like I have said many times before, just to write about these sisters and brothers, sometimes identify them, stains me immeasurably, wounds deeply.
For transparency’s purposes: what was the objective of withholding GY$86-87millionfromSN, if not to hasten its end? Takeaway oxygen, refuse available transfusions, and I think that the objective is to create a corpse. Perhaps, PM Phillips stands differently If so, he should be man enough to share. After all, he’s a soldier Should the ever-voluble Pres. Ali wish to break his uncharacteristic
silence, that too would be well-received. Alimayalso seehimselfasasoldier My concernisinservicetowhat cause.
The man from SN, Citizen Persaud, warned of ‘pressfreedomunderthreat.’ When has it not been in Guyana? Burnham Jagdeo Now there is Phillips, Ali. To hear them tell it, they are God’s gift to pressfreedominGuyana.
What ‘govt. overreach’ couldAnandPersaudhavein mind, when PM Phillips spoke in Guyana’s most hallowed house of the PPP being a government that honoursitdebts.
Whenamancansaythat in the holy of holies, then crumble,theremustbelesser gods dictating his thinking, actions. Whenthepresident
e x p o u n d s o n transparency, accountability, unity, but prompts thinking of a shaky citizen, Stabroek News’fallwasinevitable.
When secrets abound: Wales GTE. Silica City Information accessibility Cost-of-livingcontingencies (slush funds) Where’s transparency, honesty, accountability, democracy, leadership integrity? No ad money. Noventilation.
WhydoesthePPPGovt., leaders,andcabalsfearlight so much? What have they done? Why are media professionals so tentative around layered secrets, so friendly with those who mangle in
dent thought,freeexpression?
inundates.
W
t mediacollapsesonitself,it’s an invitation for tinpot dictators, sawdust Caesars, and sleazy Hitlers to reign unchecked. In strangling SN,thePPPGovt.mayhave created the beast that devoursit.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthis newspaper
Might as well that they choke-and-rob unsuspecting Guyanese to feed their children. Mr Persaudspoke of the ‘totalitarian’ slipping in whe
MinisterofHealth,Dr.FrankAnthonyon Mondayhandedoveranumberofvehiclesto regional health officials of Regions One, Seven,EightandNineaspartoftheeffortsto strengthen healthcare delivery in communities.
The ministry said 13 all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), four utility vehicles (XUVs), and seven motorcycles were handed over by the minister.
Dr. Anthony said that the vehicles will support health centres and hospitals in conducting outreach services as well as improving the ability of healthcare workers toreachremotevillagesandcommunities.
He said too that the transportation will also make it easier for patients to access healthcare facilities and receive timely medicalattention.
TheMinistryofHealthinformedthatthe initiative forms part of the its ongoing commitment to improve healthcare access, emergency response, and medical services acrossGuyana’shinterlandregions.
Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony and other officials at the handing over ceremony.
The vehicles that were handed over
Appeal Court confused unlimited parent company guarantee with oil spill insurance –Dr.VincentAdams
F
D i r e c t o r o f t h e Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr Vincent Adams believes that the recent decision of Court Appealregardingtherequest
for Parent Company Guarantee (PCG) from US oilmajorExxonMobilinthe eventofanoilspillindrilling operationsoffshoreGuyana, is due to the court’s misunderstanding of the issue.
The appeal court had unanimously overturned a ruling by high court judge SandilKissoonfortheparent company guarantee to be provided by the American company The decision is rooted in a legal challenge mounted by two citizens for the EPA to require the company to provide the guarantee.
In an invited comment with Kaieteur News, Dr
…case has strong chance at CCJ
Adamssaiditisclearthatthe Appeal Court confused the call for ‘unlimited,’ PCG with the issue of an oil spill insurance.Heexplainedthat the two are “entirely differentthings.”
He noted that PCG is a separatedocument;awritten commitment by Exxon Mobil, the parent company of the oil subsidiaries operating in the oilfields offshore Guyana that offers the country a guarantee that they take full responsibility andfootthecostofthecleanup in the case of a catastrophicoilspill.
“Thereisnowaythatthe cost to clean up an oil spill can measure or anticipated byacost.Oilspillsbynature are catastrophic, it could
destroy environmental ecosystems not only in Guyana and other nearby territories and it can cost hundreds of billions of dollars and take yearstoclear,hencetheterm unlimited is being used to describe the PCG, whereas oilspillinsuranceisdifferent by nature and definition mustbecappedbyacost…” heexplained.
AccordingtoAdams,the two terms were being used interchangeably in the court making it difficult for anyonewho does nothavea clear understanding of the issue to make a sound judgment However, the former EPA head believes there is still hope and likely betteroutcomeatthelevelof the Caribbean Court of
Justice(CCJ).
In a letter to the editor published on Tuesday, Dr Adams explained that as the EPA head who created the PCG policy as the only necessary means to protect Guyana’s interest, he totally disagreeswiththedecision.
He said “Guyanese and Caribbean citizens must be worriedsickabouttheAppeal Court’s devastating overturn of Justice Sandil Kissoon’s May 3, 2023 sage landmark decision requiring Stabroek Block operator, EMGL to provideaPCGfromitsparent companyExxonandaffiliates CNOOC and HESS to cover all costs related to an oil spill”
The former EPA head noted that while Exxon unconscionably corrals 86% of Guyana’s God given oil patrimony, the court still chose to exonerate “this filthy rich oil giant from all liabilities.”
He asserted that, “EMGL, and not Exxon, is the sole contractor party to the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) and all permits; and so, own all of the liabilities despite not havingassets tocoveranoil spill.”
Consequently, Dr Adams noted that “in the event of a spill, EMGL declares bankruptcy and Exxon goes scot-free,
leaving Guyana holding the bag of financial bankruptcy
and environmental catastrophe-unquestionably the trickery behind Exxon creating EMGL to insulate itself from liability; hence, the necessity for originating thePCGtosaveGuyana.”
He asserted “Exxon would never get away with such a scheme in its home country of the USA; but, as JudgeKissoonwiselyputsit “EMGL is engaged in a course of action made permissible only by the omissions of a derelict, pliant and submissive EPA putting this nation and its people in grave potential danger of calamitousdisaster.”
Unfortunately, Dr Adams explained that it appears that the Appeal
Court accepted the nonsensical ghost defence arguments that the word ‘unlimited’ is not in the permits; and that the guarantee should be capped
withanestimate.
To support his point, the environmental advocate alluded to the EPA permit clauses 14:1 and 14:10 to support his contention. In summary, Dr Adams noted that clause 14.1 mandates that EMGL as the permit holder is responsible for all costs.
“However, if EMGLhas inadequate resources to coverallcosts“failtodoso”, then 14.10 orders that deep pocketparentExxonandCoVenturers are liable for all costs over what EMGL can cover It is therefore unfathomable how such “unambiguous language” Judge Kissoon’s words could mean anything but an “unlimitedguarantee”,since all means no limit. Yes, the term “unlimited” is not mentionedinthepermit,but that is ghost argument if the words mentioned mean the sameas“unlimited”.
Hesaid“confusingly,the
Continuedonpage22
Former Executive Director of EPA, Dr. Vincent Adams
After spending $235M to build Reg. 10 RDC building, Govt. to pump another $65M into fence, hut and trestle
A f t e r s p e n d i n g approximately $235 million to construct the new administrative office for the Regional Democratic Council(RDC)ofRegion10 in 2025, the government plans to spend an additional $65millionontheprojectfor externalworks.
According to a recent invitation for bids issued by theRDC,bidsfortheproject areexpectedtoopenonMay 20, 2026 at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB)office.
When asked about the external works, Regional Chairman, Deron Adams informed this publication thatitisfortheconstruction of fence and landscaping, a water trestle and guard hut fortheadminbuilding.
K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that a $235 million contract was awarded in 2025 for the construction of a new regional administrative building.
Regarding this project, the regional chairman said “The building is currently under construction. It’s just about 50% (complete) and we hope that by the end of
this year the contractor can havesamecompleted.”
It was reported that the new Regional Democratic Council office will be located at Speightland, Mackenzie,andthedecision for a new building emerged from the lack of space to properly accommodate the staff,allthedepartmentsthat fall within the Regional Democratic Council and the
deplorable state of the building.
K a i e t e u r N e w s previouslyreportedthatata Parl
AccountsCommittee(PAC) meetinginFebruary2024,it was disclosed that after a contract for the building was initiated in 2017, the projectwaslaterterminated in2021 It was explained during
Govt. signs US$11.2M contract with Dutch company to dredge Demerara River
A representative of Boskalis CPG Inc and Director General of MARAD, Stephen Thomas (right) signing the contract.
The Maritime Administration Department(MARAD)onTuesdaysigneda US$11.2millioncontractwithBoskalisCPG Inc.,acompanyfromtheNetherlandsforthe dredging of the Demerara River, from Houston to Golden Grove on the East Bank ofDemerara.
AccordingtoareleasefromtheMinistry of Public Utilities and Aviation, Minister
Deodat Indar along with senior representativesfrom MARAD and Boskalis CPGInc.witnessedthecontractsigning.
At the signing ceremony, Minister Indar stated that the project marks a significant milestone following consultations with
representatives from the shipping industry, who underscored the need for additional dredgingoftheDemeraraRiver
“The project, which will be executed over the course of two months, will span a lengthof9kmalongthenavigationalchannel atawidthof100metres,andadepthoffive metres,”theministryreported.
Once completed, shipping vessels will have improved access to the Demerara channel,whichwillfacilitatethesustainable movementofgoodsandservices,alongwith increased port efficiency, among other benefitsforthemaritimesector,theministry informed.
construction of the regional administrationbuilding.The project was given a 24month completion timeframe which should have seen the project completing in December 2019.
However,theprojectwas delayed and given a temporary cease order in March 2018. The project recommenced in January 2019.
An engineer from the RDC, Gavin Clarke had clarified at the meeting that when the temporary cease work order was made in 2018, a recommencement order was given to the contractor for the project to berestarted.
PACthatinDecember2017, the region awarded a contractvalued$256million to Chungs Global for the
ThisoccurredonJanuary 31,2019.Havingbeengiven a new commencement date, Clarke said the revised completion date was set for January 18, 2021. Clarke went on to state that with
January 31, 2021 being the revised completion date, the letter of termination was issued to the contractor in April2021.
He explained that in April 2021, only 12 percent oftheworkswasdone.
ThecurrentREODwight John, in his explanation at thetimesaidthatthecontract was terminated due to poor
completedatthetime.
It was reported too that after the termination of the contract in 2021, no other contract was awarded to completethebuilding.
JohntoldthePACthathe made proposals for funds to be set aside to complete the building in the 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 budgets but the government did not approvetheproposals.Inthe 2025budgethowever,funds were allocated for the project.
The current administrative building of the Regional Democratic Council (RCD) of Region 10.
Despite oil boom and govt. development claims...
Guyana tops brain drain list ahead of crisis-hit nations – UNDP 2026 Report
ByKhadidjaBa
Despite its status as a burgeoningeconomicpowerhouse, Guyana has recorded in 2023 a human flight index that rivals, and in some cases surpasses, nations currently gripped by active conflict, systemic violence, and totalstatecollapse.
While the global community oftenassociatesmassdisplacement with the visible chaos of a humanitarian emergency, the 2026 UNDP “Democracy and DevelopmentReport”hasemerged revealing that Guyana’s silent exodusofskilledprofessionalshas placedit12thintheworldforbrain drain, and 4th in the LAC region trailing just a single rank behind Haiti, a nation currently facing an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.
Guyana, as at 2023 under the Irfaan Ali led administration, has the highest human capital loss in South America with a score of 8 2/10, significantly outpacing neighboring countries like Venezuela (6.5/10) and Suriname (5.7/10). When compared to the Caribbean region, Guyana’s emigration indicator is higher than almost all listed nations except for Jamaica(9.5/10)andHaiti(8.3/10).
For Guyana, the crisis is uniquely characterized by the departure of its most qualified citizens; data suggests nearly 90 percentofGuyanesewithatertiary educationeventuallyrelocatetothe GlobalNorth.Thisrateofdeparture for the intellectual engine of the countryissignificantlyhigherthan that seen in many war-torn territories, where physical and logisticalbarriersoftenpreventthe middleclassfromleaving.
In Guyana’s case, the relative stability of the state actually facilitates this drain, as professionals use their credentials toaccesslegalmigrationpathways into the OECD, effectively hollowingoutthenation’sdomestic capacityevenasitsGDPcontinues to climb. This phenomenon is further complicated by a stark disparity in quality-of-life indicatorsthatareusuallyreserved forfailingstates.
The report further states, “The Brain Drain and Human Capital Emigration Indicator considers, on a scale of 1 to 10, the economic impactofhumandisplacement(for economic or political reasons) and theconsequencesthiscanhaveona country’s development. It includes the voluntary emigration of the middle class and economically productive segments of the population, as well as the forced displacement of professionals or intellectuals fleeing their country duetorealorfearedpersecutionor repression.”
In June 2024, Kaieteur News
Guyana has the highest rate of brain drain in South America as at 2023
reported that The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) called on thegovernmentofGuyanato“Stop the brain drain, put people over profits,” by prioritizing its growth and modernization agendas to include adequate accommodation forpublicservants. Previously, in November 2022, KN reported that Guyana “experiences high emigration and
Guyana and Haiti have the lowest life expectancy ratings in the Caribbean
brain drain, with 39 percent of all Guyanese citizens currently residingabroadandroughlyhalfof all Guyanese with a tertiary education have migrated to the United States” according to the Fact Sheet on Guyana, published bytheWorldBank.
The UNDP findings point out that according to PAHO data of 2025 that Guyana and Haiti share
the shortest life expectancy in the Caribbean, with averages ranging between 66 and 76 years, well belowtheregionalaverageof77.8.
This health gap serves as a primary driver for the exodus, as the country’s nurses and doctors
environmentsabroad.
The report suggests that for many Guyanese, the decision to
leave is not a flight from violence, but a rational response to a domestic environment that has yet to convert its immense natural resource wealth into the basic social protections and healthcare standards found elsewhere in the hemisphere.
Furthermore, the report identifiesa“revolvingdoor” Continued on page 23
Dr. Ashi Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance
A new international fiscal report says Guyana’sexplosiveoilproductionisnotonly transforming the economy, but also fundamentallychanginghowtheGovernment earnsrevenue
According to the recently released Revenue Statistics in Latin America and the Caribbean2026report,jointlyproducedbythe Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Inter-American DevelopmentBank(IDB),theUnitedNations EconomicCommissionforLatinAmericaand the Caribbean (ECLAC), and the InterAmerican Center of Tax Administrations (CIAT), Guyanahasbecomeamajordriver behind declining tax-to-GDP trends in the Caribbeanbecausethecountry’seconomyis expanding much faster than its tax collections.
According to the report non-tax revenues inGuyanahavesurgedsharplybetween2019 and2024asoilproductionaccelerated
“Guyana drove the overall decline in tax revenues as a share of GDPin the Caribbean between 2019 and 2024,” the report stated It
added that “non-tax revenues increased stronglyinGuyanabetween2019and2024,” partiallyoffsettingthedeclineintaxrevenues asashareofGDP
According to the report, traditionally, governments rely heavily on taxes such as Value Added Tax (VAT), corporate taxes, income taxes and import duties to finance public spending However, Guyana’s oil productionboomisrapidlyalteringthatmodel
ThereportexplainedthatGuyana’stax-toGDPratiofellby24percentagepointsin2024 because economic growth far outpaced increases in tax revenue Oil-related GDP reportedly expanded by 58% in 2024, while non-oilGDPgrewby13%
ThismeansthatalthoughGuyanamaystill
becollectingmoretaxesinabsoluteterms,the economy is growing so quickly due to oil productionthattaxesnowrepresentasmaller share of overall national output, the report noted
At the same time, the report suggests that revenuesflowingdirectlyfromthepetroleum sector,includingroyalties,profitoilandother state earnings classified outside traditional taxation are becoming increasingly important tothecountry’sfinances
The report noted that the Caribbean region’saveragetax-to-GDPratiodeclinedto 223%in2024,duelargelytofallingrevenues in Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana’s rapid economicexpansion
The report also warned that commoditydependent economies remain vulnerable to swingsininternationalenergyprices Itnoted that hydrocarbon revenues across major producingcountriesareprojectedtodeclinein 2025becauseoffallingoilandgasprices
Meanwhile, the publication pointed out that countries across Latin America and the Caribbeancontinuetoloseenormoussumsdue to tax evasion and aggressive tax planning According to ECLAC estimates cited in the report,theregionlostUS$433billionin2023 equivalentto67%ofGDPbecauseoftax evasionandavoidance
The One Guyana Floating Production Storage offloading (FPSO)
As drilling goes deeper and wider, Canadian mining company hitting massive gold potential
Canadian miner G2
Goldfields Inc has announced that as it pushes itseightdrillrigsatitsgold project in Guyana, results
have shown strong mineralisation potential at width and at depth for the Oko-GhanieProject.
G2 is currently in the process of being acquired by fellow Canadian firm G Mining Ventures Corp (GMIN), which owns the adjacent gold property in Region Seven for some US$2 2 billion (C$3 billion).
G2’s in its latest update saidthatithaseightdrillrigs active at the Oko project focusedoninfill,expansion anddiscoverydrilling.
It noted that the infill holes return high-grade intercepts, highlighting the length, grade and depth of theholesdrilled.G2saidthe deepest hole drilled to date intersected 84.5 metres at 3.0 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 915 metres, extendingmineralisationby some 140 metres vertically toadepthofonekilometre.
The results were
announcedfromtheGhanie deposit,whereassayresults were reported for 22 new diamonddrillholestotalling 10,828 metres. G2 said that the latest
ling successfullyextendedhighgrade ‘down-plunge’ at the Ghanie deposit, upgraded and confirmed central infill
d mineralisation south of the existing Ghanie resource alongthe“BorderZone.”
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)ofG2,DanielNoone stated, “These results continuetodemonstratethe strong growth potential at the Oko Project, with mineralisation remaining open both along strike and atdepth.Witheightdrillrigs active, we remain focused on expanding and upgrading resources while advancing additional nearmine and district-scale targets across the greater Oko project area, which currently hosts 7 million ounces indicated and 2.3 million ounces inferred acrosstwoadjacent
Continuedonpage22
An aerial view of G2’s Oko-Ghanie gold project site
Linden economy suffering since Govt. scrapped bridge toll–Mayor
…sayspromisedalternativefundingnevercame
The economic hardship in the mining town of Linden has increased significantly following the government’s removal of tolls from the Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge in August 2025, Linden MayorDominiqueBlair
The town’s mayor has since written to President Irfaan Ali informing him of the town’s financial struggles. In the letter penned one year after the government promised to meet the Linden Town Council to discuss alternative compensation for the bridge toll loss. That promise, whichwasmadebyVicePresident Bharrat Jagdeo in March 2025, nevermaterialized.
“Wewillhavetomeetwiththe Town Council in Linden,” Jagdeo told reporters during one of his weeklypressbriefings.
Blair, in his letter to the president dated May 12, 2026, wrote,“Thedecisiontoremovethe toll,withoutpriorconsultationwith the Council and without the establishment of an alternative compensatoryfundingmechanism, has placed the municipality in a position of undue economic hardship.”
“At present, the Council is struggling to meet its operational expenses and satisfy outstanding obligations,includingthepayment of essential bills and the continuation of municipal services to the residents of Linden,” Blair detailed.
The mayor said that the situation has been further compounded by ongoing challenges faced by the Council in accessing adequate revenue through the collection of rates and taxes. Henotedthateffortsinthis regard have not received the necessarysupportorapprovalfrom
centralgovernmentauthorities.
Blair in his letter, seen by Kaieteur News, said while the Linden Town Council appreciates the importance of the removal measuresintendedtobringreliefto citizensitisequallyimportantthat local democratic organs are not rendered financially incapacitated
intheprocess.
“The sustainability of the municipalityanditsabilitytoserve the people of Linden depend heavily on stable and predictable revenuestreams,”Blairstatedashe requested a meeting with between the Linden Town Council and the headofstatetoresolvethesituation forthebenefitofallstakeholders.
KaieteurNewsunderstandsthat the Wismar/McKenzie Bridge toll generated approximately $6 million monthly and was a vital source of revenue for the town, contributingtoitsannualbudget.
Previous mayor Sharma Solomon in a statement last year also raised concerns over the Council not being informed by the government before the announcementwasmade.Healso Continued on page 22
FormerAPNUMPs,sittingcouncillorscrossovertoPPP
ByKhadidjaBa
AgroupofformerAPartnership for National Unity (APNU) MembersofParliamentandcurrent Regional Councillors have officially aligned themselves with thegoverningPeople’sProgressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). The move was solidified during a meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, between the defectors and PPP General SecretaryBharratJagdeo.
According to a press statement released by the PPP, the meeting was held at the request of the oppositionmembers.
ThegroupincludesformerMPs Ricky Ramsaroop, Shurwayne Holder, and Dinesh Jaiprashad, as well as current Regional Councillors Ravoldo Birbal, Sheik Yaseen, Prince Holder, and GangadaiLloyd.
Thecrossovercomeslessthana year after several members of the group launched blistering attacks against the PPP/C administration duringthe2025electioncampaign.
Ricky Ramsaroop, who once labeled the PPP the “most corrupt governmentintheCaribbean,”told this newspaper yesterday that his previous stint with APNU was merely a partnership following his expulsion from the Alliance For Change (AFC). “There was no written agreement... that period is over,” Ramsaroop stated He praised President Irfaan Ali’s vision,adding,“WhenIlookatthe
...praise party’s leadership after meeting with Jagdeo
other political parties, there’s nothingtheretooffer There’sonly criticism... they have more selfinterest.”
Similarly,RavoldoBirbal,who stood at the Square of the RevolutioninJuly2025toendorse Aubrey Norton and decry “victimization” and “fear” under the PPP, posted on Facebook yesterday that “the work starts
now”withhisnewparty
During the meeting, the group reportedly praised the PPP’s “inclusive approach to governance” and technical expertise in managing Guyana’s economic transformation. Jagdeo welcomed the group, reaffirming that the PPP is a “party of inclusion” focused on national cohesion.
However, the leadership of the APNU and the People’s National Congress(PNC)offeredadifferent post-mortemofthedefection.
Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton told KN it was “obvious” the members were leaving, suggestingthemovewasfueledby resentment. “A lot of them were dissatisfied they didn’t become MPs,”Nortonremarked.
APNU General Secretary Sherwin Benjamin echoed these sentiments,describingthemoveas a matter of “personal aggrandizement” rather than conviction.“Theharshrealityiswe got 12 seats and you had 100 and something candidates,” Benjamin said, addressing the fallout from seatallocations.“Youcan’tcuss Continued on page 22
From left: Former APNU Member of Parliament Rickly Ramsaroop, current Regional Councillor Sheik Yaseen and Ravoldo Birbal, VP Bharrat Jagdeo, Shurwayne Holder along with Prince Holder, Gangadai Lloyd and Dinesh Jaiprashad
Linden’s Mayor, Dominique Blair
Aerial view of the progress on the construction of the NMWB (DPI)
Cops now probe murder after stab wounds found on taxi driver pulled from trench
A man has been arrested for the alleged murderof42-year-oldOswainLawson,ataxi driver of Lot 46 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam Berbice, which occurred on TuesdaymorningatEdinburghVillage,East BankBerbice. Lawson, a father of two, resided at 46 Stanleytown,NewAmsterdam.
InastatementonTuesday,policereported thatLawsonwasinvolvedinafatalaccident, butthevisiblewoundsonhisbodyconflicted that preliminary summary Ranks later revisited the scene, and following further investigation, apprehended a 21-year-old contractorofEdinburgh,EastBankBerbice.
Earlier police reports stated that the incident occurred around 01:30hrs on the Edinburgh Public Road Lawson was reportedlyatasocialgatheringatashopinthe area, when he had an argument with the suspectbeforehewasattacked.
He reportedly fled the location, crashing hisvehicleintoatrenchalongthesaidpublic roadintheprocess.
Lawson’sbodywasremovedfromhiscar, with multiple gapping stab wounds seen on him.
His sister, who spoke to this publication on Tuesday said the visible wounds on his body,provesthathedidnotdiebyvehicular accident.
“Oswain did not die by no accident. Oswain has some stab wounds on him, and those are some big stab wounds,” Cheryl Mentorestated.
don’t know exactly what happened, but somebody said that the person stabbed him and he jump in his car to drive away,” she added.
The man’s aunt, Claire, said she was sleeping,whenhersistercalledherat5:00am stating she had some “bad news.” She was thentoldthatOswinhaddied.
An Edinburgh resident told this publicationthathewasinbedwhenheheard an impact from the direction of the public road.
“AfterIheardthenoise,Icomeandpeep frommywindowatthefrontthere,andIsee thecarknocktheshed,andgointhecornerat the back. The car went in the trench,” the residentstated.
He said he was familiar with Lawson, who would frequent the popular hangout spotstopartywithfriends.
WANTED
Stores Man/Bond Clerk responsiblefortrackinginventory & loss prevention. Call 644-7088/624-7248.Location Triumph.
From page 18 out the PPP, claiming it is the mostautocraticgovernment... and after an election, you ain’tgotaparticularseat,you cross over. It is really paradoxical.”Benjaminfurtheralleged that some members werecoercedintojoiningthe governing party to secure theirlivelihoods.Heclaimed that in the case of Dinesh Jaiprashad, “his job was threatened, and therefore a man had to make a decision tofeedafamily.”
“The culture the PPP has
brought is that people are beaten, and then they have tojoin...togetcrumbs,toget contracts,”Benjaminalleged. Despite the departures, Benjamin maintained that the APNU executive remains “full” and “resolute,” stating that the party would regroup and allow “time to heal wounds.”
UNDISTRACTED
Meanwhile,inastatement APNUsaiditnotestherecent decision to cross over to the PPPCby“certainformercandidates and members associ-
ated with theAPNU.”
“Everyindividualinademocracy has the right to choose their political path, and we see it as their right,” the statement read.
“Anyonewhowaspaying attentionwillnotbesurprised by the individuals who chose to switch party allegiance, since they telegraphed it by their statements and actions.
The next act they must takeistoresignfromtheCouncils, since they occupy those seats because of votes from APNU supporters. Anything
elseisanexplicitdeclaration of the self-serving nature of their current pursuit,” the statement added. The APNU said it is “resoluteinitsdefenseofthe Guyanese people. We will continue to fight for the interests of the people of this nation, undistracted by their departure because they were not selected to go to Parliament.Wewishthemthebest. Our struggle has never been about positions. It has always been about people, principle, and country.”
Linden economy suffering since Govt. scrapped bridge...
From page 18 questionedthepotentialalternativesthegovernmentmight offer to compensate for the loss of toll revenue, which is essential for funding the Council’soperations,particularlysalarypayments.
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“(Demerara River (Mackenzie)BridgeAct),has historically contributed approximately $6 million per month to the Council’s budget,whichtotalsmorethan$70 millionannually Todate,the government has not engaged the Council in discussions nor provided any alternative funding solutions to address the substantial budget shortfall that will result from this tollremoval,”Solomonstated. He explained that during
a special meeting on February6,2025,theCouncilunanimously approved a 26% salary increase for workers, retroactive to cover the period from2019to2022.However, with the removal of the toll revenue, Solomon emphasizedthattheCouncilmaybe forced to reconsider both the approved salary increase and the planned salary adjustments for 2022-2024, which were set to take effect in the firstquarterof2025.
“These salary adjustments are dependent on the toll revenue, and without it, our ability to proceed is uncertain,” he said.
The then mayor also expressed concerns regarding the new Wismar McKenzie
Bridge, which is expected to be completed within the next two years. He noted that the Councilhasnotyetbeenconsulted by the government about its responsibilities for thebridge’smaintenanceand managementonceitisoperational. He had also called for a meeting between the governmentandtheLindenTown Councilregardingthematters.
“It is essential to explore viable alternative funding sources or measures to mitigatethepotentialnegativeimpact on both the Council’s financial health and the wellbeing of the town.”
Inregardstotheconstruction and maintenance of the NewBridge,hesaid,“WerequestclarityontheCouncil’s
roleandresponsibilitiesinthe bridge’s ongoing management,aswellastheallocation of adequate funding for its future maintenance and operations.”
“Weremaincommittedto working with government to resolve these challenges in thebestinterestsofthetown. The Council’s priority is to ensure that essential services are maintained despite these financial hurdles,” he stated.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the Ministry of PublicWorks said that the Wismar/ MackenzieBridgeisontrack to become fully operational by June as construction is progressing steadily, with worksnow95.4percentcomplete.
From page 12 court also found that “while Exxonremainsliableforpollution related damages, that liability does not automaticallyrequireunlimitedfinancial assurance”, completely ignoring the key operative words “all costs” at Clause 14.10whichcouldonlymean “liability for all pollution related damages”. It begs the question, why were key words “all costs” so visibly omitted from this most consequential finding?”
Further,theformerexecu-
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tive director stated that instead of “unlimited guarantee”, the ruling required an estimate of the damage as financial assurance, hinting that the court may have been terribly misled that such an estimate is possible or ever done. Whosoever could do such an estimate has to be a fortune teller and should immediately purchase a lottery ticket.”
Dr Adamsnotedtoowith Guyana at its tender age of policyandlawmakingforthis criticaloilsector,consequentialdecisionssuchasthisruling must be informed by the numerous bad lessons learnedfromothercountries.
He said, “A case in point is the litigation in the British Courts involving Nigerians suing Shell Oil Co. for costs coveringoilspillsinNigeria; but, because of the absence
ofaPCG,Shell’sdefencewas that the spills occurred under their subsidiary company as their operator, making Shell notliable…”
He continued “Repsol which operates in Guyana, was responsible for a small 12,000barrelsoilspillinPeru; andabsenttightliabilitylaws, thegovernmentwasforcedto seize the passports of Repsol’sExecutivesandsued thecompanyforUS$billions for cleanup and other liabilities, in addition to urgently establishingnewlawstoprotect Peru from recurrences of this kind.”
In Guyana’s case, Dr Adams noted that the whole crux of the matter flies in the faceofGuyana’ssovereignty at this time of the nation’s momentous 60th independence anniversary celebration.
“Exxon is being enabled by authorities to evade its moralandfinancialobligation to bear all costs of spill damages occurring from operations earning it $trillions, while cold bloodedly exposing to financial and environmental ruins, the povertystricken country that generously furnishes its wealth.”
He noted however that it must not go unnoticed that Exxonhadwillinglyagreedto sign and honor the PCG language first enshrined in the yellowtail exploration well permit in 2019 and repeated in all of the subsequent permitsthereafter
“It only became an issue when the PPPC took office and sided with Exxon to negate it, resulting in the lawsuit by the two patriotic citizens that has brought us to this point.”
Canadian mining company reports massive gold...
From page 16 deposits. This round of drilling clearly suggests this tier 1 gold camp has significant roomtogrow.”
On April 9, G2 entered into a definitive agreementwherebyneighbouringGMINwill acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of G2. G2 and GMIN transaction will consolidate the two adjacent gold projects in Guyana: G2’s Oko-Ghanie Project and GMIN’s fully permitted and fully financed Oko West Project.
Acquiring G2 will bring the Combined Measured&IndicatedMineralResourcesof
7.0millionouncesandInferredMineralResources of 2.3 million ounces.
The deal is expected to close in June 2026, subject to shareholder and court approvals. InDecember2025,G2releasedkey findings from an independent Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) outlining a combined open pit and underground operationwitha14-yearminelifeandestimatetotal production of 3.2 million ounces gold at all-in sustaining costs (AISC) of US$1,191 per ounce. Annual production is projected to average 298,000 ounces during years 3 through 10.
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Trump says stopping Iran’s nuclear program outweighs Americans’ economic pain
(Reuters) - U S
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that
Americans’ financial struggles are not a factor in his decision-making as he seeks to negotiate an end to the Iran war, saying that preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon ishistoppriority
Asked by a reporter what extent Americans’ financial situations were motivating him to strike a deal,Trumpsaid:“Noteven alittlebit ”
“The only thing that matters, when I’m talking aboutIran,theycan’thavea nuclear weapon,” Trump said before departing the White House for a trip to China. “I don’t think about
Americans’ financial situation.Idon’tthinkabout
anybody I think about one thing: We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon `That’s all. That’s the only thingthatmotivatesme.”
Trump’s remarks are likely to draw scrutiny from critics who argue the administration should balance geopolitical objectives with the econ
on Americans, particularly as cost-of-living concerns remainatopissueforvoters ahead of the November midtermelections.
Askedtoelaborateonthe president’s comments, W h i t e H o u s e Communications Director Steven Cheung said that Trump’s “ultimate responsibility is the safety and security of Americans. Iran cannot have a nuclear
China. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
weapon,andifactionwasn’t taken, they’d have one, which threatens all Americans.”
Trump is under growing pressure from fellow Republicans who fear economicpaincausedbythe
war could spark a backlash against the party and ‘it control of the House of Representatives and possibly the Senate in November
Rising energy costs linked to the Iran conflict have pushed up gasoline prices and contributed to inflation.
U.S. consumer inflation in April posted its largest gain in three years, accordingtodatareleasedon Tuesday
Trump
his approach as a matter of national and global security, sugg
nce assessments, however, indicate that the time Iran
Guyana tops brain drain list ahead of
Frompage14 migration pattern that creates a unique demographic tension within Guyaneseborders.Whilethenation’s own skilled workforce departs for NorthAmerica and Europe, Guyana has simultaneously become a critical landing point for thousands fleeing the Venezuelan humanitariancrisis.
Although the government has utilized MERCOSUR frameworks and temporary permits to regularize these arrivals, the UNDP notes that many of these immigrants report persistentdifficultiesinaccessingthe same essential services that are failingthelocalpopulation.
This creates a precarious cycle wherethecountryislosingitshighly trained citizens while struggling to integrate a new, vulnerable populationintoasocialinfrastructure thatthereportclassifiesasbeingina stateof“fragility.”
Ultimately, the 2026 UNDP report issues a stern warning regarding the sustainability of Guyana’scurrenttrajectory
While the country has shown significant progress since the 1990s, the “setbacks” recorded between 2022and2024,alsoduringPresident IrfaanAli’sfirstterm,ininstitutional andelectoralqualitysuggestthatthe brain drain is both a cause and a symptom of a deeper democratic malaise.
Theexodusoftheeducatedclass leaves behind a vacuum in public oversight and administrative expertise, further weakening the institutions needed to manage the nation’snewfoundwealth.
Without a radical reimagining of how to retain and reinvest in its human capital, the report concludes thatGuyanarisksmaintainingahighgrowth economy that lacks the human architecture required to support a fully functioning, longtermdemocracy
wouldneedtobuildanuclear weapon has not changed since last summer, when analysts estimated that a U S -Israeli attack had increasedthetimelinetonine monthstoa‘year,according tothreesourcesfamiliarwith thematter
The assessments of Tehran’s nuclear program remain broadly unchanged even after two months of a war
Trump’s allies have echoedhisargumentthatthe risks posed by a ‘nucleararmed Iran outweigh shorttermeconomichardships. Iran denies seeking nuclearweaponsandsaysits program is for peaceful purposes, though Western powers suspect it aims to develop the capability to buildabomb.
crisis-hit...
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the press, ahead of departing the White House for Joint Base Andrews en route to Beijing,
Trump says ‘not long’ before Iran war ends as U.S. inflation hits 3-year high
(BBC News) Under domestic pressure over soaring inflation linked to the war, Trump has promised that fuel prices will rapidly decrease once the conflict ends. “As soon as this war is over, which will not be long, you’re going to see oil prices drop and you’re going to see a stock market go through the roof,” he told reporters.
“You have hundreds of ships thatareloadedupwithoilthatwant tocomeout.Assoonastheycome out,we’regoingtohaveagusherof oil, and you’re going to have inflationthatgoeswaydown.”
As we’ve been reporting, Trumpisfacingmountingpolitical pressureoverhisdecisiontolaunch the war on Iran, which has roiled global energy markets and destabilised the US and world economies.USpricesroseinApril attheirfastestratesinceMay2023 astheimpactofthewarinIranwas increasinglyfeltbyconsumers.
A jump in the cost of gasoline andgroceriespushedtheconsumer priceindex(CPI),showingtherate pricesrosebyinthepast12months, to3.8%.
It is the highest level since inflationhit4%threeyearsago.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) said almost half of the rise wasdrivenbysurgingenergycosts, while housing and food costs also contributed.
The US-Israel war in Iran, and theresultingeffectiveclosureofthe keyStraitofHormuzshippinglane, has led to a jump in oil prices and this has caused a surge in the price ofgasintheUS.
Thenationalaveragepricefora gallon of unleaded is at its highest level since July 2022, at $4.50 (£3.33),accordingtodatafromthe AAAmotoringgroup.
The rise in April’s inflation figure,from3.3%inMarch,makes itincreasinglyunlikelytheFederal Reserve will cut interest rates this year Isaac Stell, investment manager at the Wealth Club, said the inflation increase even left possible interest rate hikes “firmly onthetable”.
It comes days before US President Donald Trump’s appointee Kevin Warsh is set to take over from Jerome Powell as chairoftheUScentralbank.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before departing the White House for Joint Base Andrews enroute to Beijing, China. [Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters]
Stell said the incoming chair would enter the role with “little room for manoeuvre” and may be forced to take a more conservative approach.
TrumphadclashedwithPowell overhisreluctancetocutthecentral bank’s interest rate, which the president hoped would spur on the USeconomy,andhasmadeitclear heexpectsWarshtopushforcuts.
It also poses a challenge for Trump and the Republicans ahead of November’s midterm elections, after Trump’s 2024 re-election campaign focused largely on his planstocutinflation.
Trump on Tuesday described the increase as “short-term” and said Americans would understand his priority, keeping Iran from developinganuclearweapon.
He also said inflation was less than during his predecessor Joe Biden’s term.The measure peaked at 9.1% under the Democratic presidentinJune2022.
AJ Bell’s head of financial analysis Danni Hewson said:
“Americans are supremely
sensitive to the price of gasoline. TheyalsoelectedDonaldTrumpon the promise he would bring down prices.
“With the mid-terms hurtling towardsusthefactthattheweekly shop is getting more expensive could once again be political kryptonite to the governing party, only this time that party has changedcolour.”
Air fares and clothing also increasedintheyeartoApril,while thepriceofnewcarsfellslightly
The closure of the Strait of Hormuzhascausedthepriceofjet fueltospike,withUSairlines,who do not currently hedge their fuel costs,quicklypassingonincreases to customers. The average airfare rose by 20.7% in April, Tuesday’s figuresshowed.
April’s inflation figure also markedthefirsttimeinthreeyears thatAmericans’paypacketsareno longer growing faster than prices arerising.
While prices rose by 3.8% for the year to April, average paychecksgrewbyjust3.6%.
USstockmarketsopenedlower on the news with the S&P 500 falling 0.6% and the Dow Jones IndustrialAveragedown0.7%.
Cuba to set new, variable fuel prices as U.S. blockade squeezes supply
(Reuters) - Cubawillannounce new, variable fuel prices at the pumpfromMay15tobetterreflect the “actual” costs of importing gas and diesel amid an ongoing U.S. fuel blockade, the Ministry of FinanceandPricessaidonTuesday.
Theannouncementfollowstwo straightweeks inwhichfuelhasall but disappeared from state-run gas stationsinthecapitalHavanaasthe U.S.blockadehaslargelystrangled supplyandledtostrictrationing.
Theshortageshaveforcedmost ‘Cubanstoparkthefewremaining gas-poweredvehicles,fourmonths afterU.S.PresidentDonaldTrump threatened to slap tariffs on any nation exporting fuel to Cuba, effectivelylayingsiegetoHavana.
Cuba’s government said some avenues for importing fuel still exist despite the Trump measures but new prices would vary dependingonthesupplier,shipping costs, routes, insurance, related risks and fluctuations on the internationalmarkets.
Prices will be posted publicly and could vary from gas station to gasstation,thestatementsaid.
“The gradual process of social
Venezuela, once top suppliers of oil to Cuba, have sent fuel to the island since Trump’s January 2026 executive orderimposingtheblockade.
U.S.suppliers,asoflateMarch, had shipped more than 30,000 barrelsoffuelincontainershipsto the ‘island’s private businesses, Reutersreportedexclusively,under anexceptioncarvedoutbytheU.S. aimed at giving private enterprise an advantage over Cuba’s communist-runstatesector
But that fuel is strictly earmarked for use by private business, according to the U.S. StateDepartment.
Thepricefora‘literofpremium gasolinehadpreviouslybeensetat $1.30, while a liter of diesel was sold at $1.10. Both have been available only in small and strictly rationedquantitiessinceJanuary Black market prices, meanwhile,havesoaredtobetween $8and$10a‘literforgasoline,far out of reach of most Cubans and many times above global market levels.
The United Nations last week called Trump’s fuel blockade unlawful, saying it had obstructed “Cuban people’s right to development while undermining their rights to food, education, health,andwaterandsanitation.”
Everyone wants a piece of Nahid Rana after his five-for and Bangladesh’s win. (AFP/Getty Images)
DHAKA, (Reuters)SeamerNahidRanaclaimed 5-40onaneventfulfinalday tobowlBangladeshtoa104run victory in the opening test against Pakistan in MirpuronTuesday
The hosts set Pakistan a victory target 268 and then bundled them out for 163, prising out seven wickets in thefinalsessiontogo1-0up inthetwo-testseries.
their attack with an inspired display of fast bowling to fashion Bangladesh’s first victory against Pakistan on homesoil.
Abdullah Fazal made a gutsy 66 but Pakistan kept losing wickets at regular intervals and could bat ‘out thefinalday
Rana dismissed Shaheen Afridi, caught at forward short leg, to seal the win.
Wednesday May 13, 2026
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
The topic of the day is knowledge and learning, Aries.Didyoustudythefield you dreamed of? Do you feel ashamed of not having attended such-and-such a schoolorprogram?
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
An important aspect has passed, and you are in the process of reaping the benefit fromit Itwasonlyamatterof becomingawareofandsettling certain matters related to your needforsocialrecognition
GEMINI(May21–June20)
Youmayfeelhemmedinbythe role models that society currently offers. As you struggle to find your own definition of the truly modern human being, the people aroundyousometimescriticize yourliberatedattitude
CANCER(June21–July22)
Today'saspectsaresuggesting thatyoutakeagoodhardlook at the state of your ego, Cancer.Are you too proud or too humble? Buddhists say that the path to spiritual fulfillment lies in knowing howtobuildahealthyego.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
A small crisis is still a crisis, isn't it, Leo? Expect one in yourpersonallifetoday Since you aren't one to let issues go unresolved,youwon'tbeable to put off dealing with your problemsanylonger
VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)
Something has to change, Virgo.You knew it as soon as you woke up this morning. Your mirror provides the impetus for some important resolutions.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
The only good thing about being on an emotional roller coaster is that you never feel the same way for long, Libra. One moment you're up, the next you're down. You can't figure out what it is you want today
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
You might want to check your alarm clock to be sure it really woke you up this morning, Scorpio.Yourtendencywillbe to stay in the cocoon of your ownlittledreamworld,deepin yourownthoughts.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
There is something in the air today pushing you toward changeorrenewal,Sagittarius. Is it time to change your wardrobe or redecorate your home?Ifso,thisistheday
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
The good news is it can only get better For today, however, theremaybesometryingtimes in store, Capricorn. If you're a parent,thechildrenwillbegfor something every five minutes. At work, you'll feel pressure fromallsides.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)
Today is the day to rethink all those social values that you take at face value, Aquarius. Liketherestofus,youlearned them at a young age and unthinkinglyacceptedthem.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Today is an ideal day to shop for a new wardrobe. You may findyourusualstyleeithertoo conventionaloruncomfortably trendy Often when you're out shopping, you'll reject an item you really like for fear that it's toosuggestiveoroldfashioned.
Bangladesh had posted 413intheirfirstinningsand Pakistanrespondedwith386 tostayinthehunt.
Withsignificanttimelost to rain on third ‘and fourth days of the contest, Bangladesh declared their second innings on 240-9. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto followed his firstinningshundredwith87and MominulHaque(56)scored his second half-century of thematch.
The onus was on their bowlers to script a memorablewinandRanaled
Fellow seamer Taskin
Ahmed and spinner Taijul Islam claimed two wickets apiece.
“Veryhappy Proudofall theguysthewayweplayed,” Bangladesh captain Shanto said after collecting his playerofthematchaward.
“Wedeclaredbecausewe haveaqualitybowlingattack andintheseconditionsRana, Taskin, Taijul bowled really well and that’s what I want `fromthem.”
Pakistan captain Shan Masood said they failed to exploit the seam-friendly
conditions at the Shere BanglaNationalStadium.
“We couldn’t make the mostofitwith`bothbatand ball.Ithoughtwecouldhave pushed ahead and scored more runs (in the first innings),”hesaid.
The final test is scheduled in Sylhet from Saturday
Scores: Bangladesh 413 and240for9dec(Shanto87, Mominul 56, Hasan 3-52) beat Pakistan 386 and 163 (Fazal 66, Salman 26, Rana 5-40)by104runs.
BCB launches KSM Investment fifty overs
First Division Tournament
The Berbice Cricket Board on Thursday last launched one of several cricket tournaments it intends to host for first division teams in the ancient county during the current year At a simple presentation ceremony at the Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, head office of KSM Investment Inc, the board launchedafiftyoversfirstdivision tournament.
BCB President Dr Cecil Beharry led a delegation which includedJuniorSelectionchairman BalramSamarooandAdministrator Angela Haniff, while Chief Executive Officer of the sponsor, Mahadeo Panchu represented his company
TheBCBPresidentinremarks, statedthathisadministrationwould be hosting several first division tournamentsin2026includingtwo fifty overs, one 20/20, one Patron 10/10 and a two days for clubs in thecounty.
The KSM Investment tournament would involve twelve teams divided into four sub zones with the top two advancing to the
quarter finals. The teams expected toparticipateareBlairmont,Police, TucberPark,YoungWarriors,Rose Hall Canje, Albion, Port Mourant, Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt, Upper Corentyne, Skeldon and Berbice River The tournament is expected to be of a high standard as players like Romario Shepherd, Shamar Joseph, Nial Smith, Zeymul
Ramsammy, Isai Thorne, Veersammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Kevin Sinclair, Kelvon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Slyus Tyndall and Rampertab Ramnauth areexpectedtobeplayingfortheir differentteams.
The BCB President also announcedthatemphasiswouldbe placed on coaching among the younger players across Berbice. Special clinics would be held for batsmen,fastbowlers,spinnersand wicketkeepers.Themainobjective of the clinics would be to improve the cricketing talent of the county mostpromisingplayers.
The BCB boss, who is also the President of the Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club, expressed gratitude
to the management and staff of KSMInvestmentIncespeciallyMr Mahadeo Panchu. Former national youthplayerBalramSamaroo,who serves on the BCB competition committee,assuredthesponsorthat the tournament would be well organisedandcompletedbeforethe endofthethirdquarterof2026.The national junior selector urged the youth players in the county to take advantage of the hard work of the BCB by putting in outstanding performances with both bat and ball.
Henotedthattheboardin2026 would be hosting tournaments at theunder12,14,16,17,19,21,23,
intermediate and first division levels.
CEO of KSM Investment, MahadeoPanchustatedthathewas extra delighted to be associated withBerbiceCricket.Henotedthat thecountyhasproducednumerous cricketing legends like John Trim, Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher, Joe Soloman,RoyFredricksandAlvin Kallicharran. Panchu also stated thatBerbiceispresentlyproducing
a high percentage of the senior
congratulated the BCB on the outstanding work it is doing and urged them to uphold their high standards.
The KSM sponsorship covers the cost of cash incentives for the
top two teams, trophies, expenses for the grand finale and umpiring for the tournament among others. KSMInvestmentisawinnerofthe President Award and produces top quality concrete products such as pavers,concreteblocksandisalsoa majordistributorofcement.
Plans moving apace for One Guyana Independence Softball Cup & Family Funday
Plans are moving smoothly for the
second annual “One Guyana Independence Softball Cup & Family Funday”, which is scheduled for Sunday, May 24th from 9:00hrs at the Rose HallCanjeWelfareGroundinBerbice.
According to the organisers, this year’s event is expected to be bigger and better as they have expanded the activity into a full family fun day with several side attractions geared towards entertaining both young and oldpatronsoffthefield.
Among the activities planned are tug-awar, 100m sprint, cycle race, buns eating competition, match de bottles, dancing competition and several other fun-filled gameswherepatronswillhaveopportunities towinprizes.
Apart from the games and competitions, patrons will also be treated to cultural performances including tassa drumming, African drumming and dancing, along with other entertaining attractions throughout the dayandnightaffair
However,themajorattractionwillbethe softball cricket competition where teams from across Guyana will battle for championship honours in the Independence SoftballCuptournament.
The organisers disclosed that this year’s tournamentwillfeaturetheintroductionofa
Several teams from various parts of Guyana have already indicated their interest in participating in the limited overs open competition.
Cash incentives and trophies will be awarded to the top teams and outstanding individual performers including MVPs, Player of the Finals, Best Bowlers and Best Battersinaninnings.
Additionally, organisers noted that trophieswillalsobepresentedtoeachPlayer oftheMatchthroughoutthecompetition.
Patrons will also be able to enjoy barbecue on sale along with a well-stocked beverage bar, while entertainment will be provided by Earth Rock Sounds.Admission tothevenueisabsolutelyfree.
Supporting the event so far are Optical Works, VN Constracting Svs, Danzie’s Fashion and Auto Sales, Chattergoon 592 Sports Store, KT Fabrication and Construction,AshiekandSonsMotorSpares, Z’S Enterprise, Six S General Construction, A Adam’s Enterprise, and J&G Supermarket.
Interested softball teams can register by submitting their information via WhatsApp 726-1386.
RegistrationclosesonMay22nd.
KSM CEO Mahadeo Panchu hands over sponsorship cheque to BCB President Dr. Cecil Beharry.
Optical Works representative Ms. Dolly (right) handing over sponsorship to Ms. Tanuja.
Powerlifting Federation receives laptop from Pele FC Alumni Corp.
The Guyana Amateur
Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF)hasreceiveda timely boost of one laptop complimentsofthePeleFCAlumni Corp. The donation will further boosttheadministrativecapacityof thefederationduringthehostingof competitions.
Making the presentation to GAPLFPresident,FranklinWilson was representative of the Pele FC Alumni Adrian Murray who reminded that the Pele group has
always been supportive of powerliftingovertheyears.
”We been very supportive of your sport over the years so when you approached us to assist in this regard, we had no hesitation. The sport has been doing very well for the nation and administrative soundness is one of the pillars that leads to success, thus our desire to assist.”
Wilson in response, thanked Murray for their continued confidence in the sport whilst
promisingthatthedesiretoevendo betteristhere.
”Thisnewexecutivewhichwas given the mandate a few months ago to lead the sport again, will ensure that we do so in a very progressive way When I was told that we need to upscale our equipment to ensure efficiency, I had no hesitation in approaching PeleFCAlumniforassistance,and youhaveonceagaindelivered.We saythankyou.”
Following the hosting of a
successfulNovicechampionshipin March, the federation is now planning for their next, Intermediate and Masters which is set for June 28th at a venue to be confirmed. A fund-raising activity isalsobeingplannedforthisdate.
The federation is also pursuing plans in keeping with the mandate of the International Powerlifting Federation to have accredited coachestravelwithnationalteams; which is now compulsory, and to also have trained female assigned
tofemaleathleteswhentravelling.
The federation is also working onamorerobustplantore-energise the sport, engagements with athletes and gyms in various regionstoreinvigoratethesport.
Amongst the regional and international competitions on the radar this year, are the South American Bench Press and Powerlifting Championships in Chile in September, and the Commonwealth Championships setforCanadaalsoinSeptember
2026/27
(133) specials, power
Eagles into pilot’s seat following Day 3 runsfest
ByCliftonRoss
Guyana
Harpy Eagles opener
Matthew Nandu served up a special treat yesterday, with a career-best knock of 237 which was backed by Johnathan Van Lange’sfiery133,swungthe pendulum in favour of the champs who flew to a 170runleadovertheWestIndies Academy (WIA) following Day 3’s runs-spree at the AntiguaRecreationGround.
More than 1000 runs werescoredbetweenthetwo teams after just 3 days of action, a testament to the immense talent and determinationbybothteams to play 4-Day cricket at the highestlevel.
W I A p o s t e d a humongous 485 all out batting first after skipper RivaldoClarkeheadlinedthe matchwithamajesticknock of 180, before being bested byNandu’sdoubleton.
Academy all-rounder
Amari Goodridge (123) also
had his knock eclipsed by Eagles all-rounder Van Lange, who made a huge impression on 4-Day debut with a career-best 133 off 165balls.
Guyana racked up 655-8 in reply after Nandu converted his century into one of the best innings by a Guyanese at this level, battingforalmost2days.
All-rounder Richie Looknauth (71*) could also go onto make some history today Gudakesh Motie made48.
Nandu and Van Lange didthemajorityofGuyana’s heavy lifting yesterday, piling on a whopping 255run partnership which spun the heads of the struggling WIA bowling attack, which was survived by leg-spinner Zishan Motara (5-199), who although was utterly expensive; single-handedly removed the key batting pieces within the Harpy Eaglesteam.
Guyanaresumedon2483 after 68 overs with Nandu
restarting his innings on 110 not out alongside Zeynul Ramsammy (14), who was 12 not out when play ended onMonday
After the latter was trapped LBW by Motara, Van Lange and Nandu then dropped the hammer on the WIAbowlers.
Nandu looked better thanhedidonday2,picking his shots and putting away the bad balls as he eventually converted to his first 150 score in 1st class cricket
Van Lange provided the shot in the arm with his pugnacious approach, imposing himself onto the bowlingattackashebreezed to a maiden fifty before motoring onwards to reach hismaidentonondebut.
The West Indies U19 vice-captain clapped 20 fours and a six at a healthy strike-rateupwardsof80.00, before Motara struck again to remove the burly allrounder
Nandu crossed the 200-
mark, the Eagles highest score of the season, one of the best by a Guyanese in regional1stclasscricket.
But after going into the 230’s, a bad shot off Clarke (1-82) sailed into the gloves of wicket-keeper Carlon
Bowen-Tuckett who completed a good catch to bring, arguably one of the best innings of the season to anend.
Looknauth took full advantage of the shaken WIAbowling unit, reaching his 50 during the final session of the day, as he and Gudakesh Motie continued to add more runs onto the board.
Over at Coolidge, Cephas Cooper’s second innings ton gave the Red Force(333allout&209-7)a 246 run lead over the BarbadosPride(296allout).
Actionscontinuestoday.
- Guyana 1st innings (655-8) lead WIA by 170 runs
Matthew Nandu (Left) and Johnathan Van Lange piled on centuries yesterday as Guyana racked up over 600 runs in their first innings.
Dooley resigns as Golden Jaguars Head Coach
ByRawleToney
Thomas Dooley has resigned as Head Coach of Guyana’s senior men’s national football team, the Golden Jaguars, bringing anabruptendtohistenurejusteightmonths aftertakingchargeoftheprogramme.
Dooley, who arrived in Guyana in September2025,succeededJamaalShabazz, who had overseen the national programme before returning to club football with SlingerzFCandguidingtheteamtotheGFF EliteLeaguetitleinhisfirstseason.
The 65-year-old tactician reportedly informed players and staff of his decision yesterday,coincidingwithhisbirthday,while offering no further explanation behind his resignation.
It is understood that the management of the Guyana Football Federation has already beenmadeawareofhisdecision.Inafarewell message shared with players and team staff, Dooley expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Golden Jaguars and encouraged the squad to remain focused on futuresuccess.
“Dearplayers,dearstaff,Iwanttoletyou know personally that I have made the decision to resign from my position as Head Coach of the Guyana National Team, effectiveimmediately,”Dooleywrote.
“Thiswasnotaneasydecision,becauseI have great respect for you as players and as people. I appreciate the commitment, effort, and trust you have shown during our time together.”
The former defender, who captained the United States at the international level and represented the country at the 1998 FIFA
World Cup, also praised the team’s commitmentduringhisshortspellincharge.
“Iwanttothankeachofyouforyourhard work, your professionalism, and the pride you have shown in representing Guyana. It hasbeenanhonortoworkwithyouandtobe part of your journey,” the statement continued.“Yourjourneyisnotover;itisjust the beginning. Believe in you individually and as a team. Soon you will be back in Nation’s LeagueAand back fighting for the GoldCup.”
Dooley concluded by extending best wishestotheplayersandsupportstaffasthe programmemovesforward.
“I wish you, the staff, and the team nothing but success moving forward. Keep believing in yourselves, keep pushing each other, and continue to represent the country withpride.Thankyouagainforeverything.”
HisdeparturenowleavestheGFFfacing another major decision regarding the direction of the senior men’s national programme, particularly with regional and international competitions looming on the horizon.
Dooley’s appointment last year had generated considerable interest, given his pedigreeasaformerinternationalplayerand hiscoachingexperienceacrossAsia.
His arrival was viewed as part of the federation’scontinuedefforttostrengthenthe Golden Jaguars programme and restore Guyana’sstandingwithinregionalfootball.
However, after only eight months at the helm, his unexpected resignation leaves uncertaintysurroundingtheimmediatefuture ofthenationalteamandthefederation’snext moveinidentifyinghissuccessor
Exclusive: Neymar World Cup call based on fitness and form, not sentiment, Ancelotti tells Reuters
RIO DE JANEIRO,
(Reuters) - Carlo Ancelotti will walk into Monday’s Brazil squad announcement with a nation peering over hisshoulderandoneburning question hanging in the Rio deJaneiroair:Neymarorno Neymar?
The 34-year-old forward is Brazil’s all-time leading , but his place at the 2026
titles in all of Europe’s big five leagues and has lifted a record five Champions League trophies as a manager, in addition to two asaplayer
‘MUCH
LOVED’
Yet few selection decisions will be picked apart quite like this one. Teammates have publicly lobbied for Neymar’s
Brazil’s Neymar before the match in the South American Qualifiers - Uruguay v Brazil. (REUTERS/ Andres Cuenca)
World Cup, which kicks off next month, hangs in the balance after years of injury
t r o u b l e a n d a n underwhelming return to Santos.
That leaves Ancelotti weighing romance against the cold, practical demands of fitness as he lays out his high-intensity blueprint for the record five-times champions.
“When you have to choose,youhavetoconsider many things,”Ancelotti told Reuters in an exclusive interviewonTuesday
“Neymarisanimportant player for this country because of the talent he has always shown. But he has hadproblemsandisworking hard to recover He has improved a lot recently and is playing regularly It is, obviously, not `such an easy decision for me. We have to weigh up the pros and cons carefully.”
Ancelotti hosted Reuters at the Brazilian Football
C o n f e d e r a t i o n ’ s headquarters in Rio, overlookingBarradaTijuca, andspokeaboutthedelicate selection call with the calm that has defined one of football’s most decorated managerialcareers.
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The Italian is the only coach to have won league
no matter which player is in the squad, it will remain positiveandcleanrighttothe end,”Ancelottisaid.
“But I can’t control the external atmosphere and whatthemediasays.”
‘HIS FITNESS HAS IMPROVED’
Thebiggerquestionmay be whether Neymar still fits the football.Ancelotti wants
four forwards who can run, press and track back, a demanding template for a ‘playerwhohasstruggledto string together a sustained runofmatches.
The Italian, however, said Neymar had shown signsofprogress.
“He has improved his fitness a lot in recent matches,”Ancelottisaid.
“He has played some very good matches lately Hisfitnesshasimproved.He canmaintainahighintensity in a match. But there are matchesandmatches...”
Ancelotti said ‘the decision whether or not to select Neymar would be his alone.
“Ihaven’tbeenpressured byanyonetocallupNeymar
I have complete autonomy,” he said. “The decision will be 100% professional. I will only take into account how he is performing as a footballer Nothingelse.
“Can I draw up a perfect squad?Impossible!ButIcan draw up a squad with fewer mistakes than others who might do so. Of that I am certain.”
inclusion, while supporters remain split between affection and anxiety over whether his body can still keep pace with his imagination.
“I know full well that Neymar is much loved, not onlybythepublicbutalsoby theplayers,”Ancelottisaid.
“This is also a factor, becausewehavetoconsider the atmosphere that will surround Neymar’s call-up. It’s not as if I’m going to drop a bombshell in the dressing room. He’s very well-liked, ‘s very `much loved.
“I think it’s normal for the players to express their opinion I’m grateful to everyone who has given me advice; I thank you all. But ultimately, the right person to make this decision, the one best placed to do so, is me.”
Asked whether the players’ appeals had influenced him, Ancelotti said they mattered only in one respect: they underlined that Neymar would not disruptthegroup.
For Ancelotti, the dressing room is not the concern. The circus outside itmaybe.
“ T h e i n t e r n a l atmosphere, I don’t think it will affect the team at all. The atmosphere is a `very positive,verycleanone,and
BCB launches 9th Edition of Ivan Madray T20 Tournament for Berbice Clubs
“Ivan Madray was not onlymyunclebuthewasmy cricketingidolandmentor It is a special privilege for me to honour his memory with this tournament and also to open opportunities for the youngergenerationtofollow inhisfootsteps.”Thosewere the words of General Manager of Muneshwar’s Mr Chandradat Chintamani
ass he launched the 9th Edition of the annual Ivan Madray T20 cricket Tournament in partnership with the Berbice Cricket Board.
Thesimplerenewaltook place last Thursday at Mr Chintamani’sofficeinWater Street and was attended by BCB President Dr Cecil Beharry and Officials
BalramSamarooandAngela Haniff Mr Chintamani stated that he was very pleased with the BCB organising skills of the last eight tournaments and the highstandardofplay,hehas witnessed every final over theyears.
BCB President Dr Cecil Beharry hailed the renewal ofthesponsorshipasanother red-letterdayintheongoing development of cricket in Berbice The Tournament wouldbeplayedonaKnock out basis with twelve teams participating.
The teams that would be involved are West Berbice, Blairmont, Police, Tucber Park, Rose Hall Canje, Berbice River, Rose Hall TownNamilcoThunderbolt,
Albion Community Centre, Port Mourant, Skeldon and UpperCorentyne.
The BCB President stated that the winner would be decided in a grand finale andthewinningprizewould take home $100,000 (one hundred thousand dollars) andatrophy Matcheswould be set across Berbice with venues like the Canje Welfare Centre Ground, Albion Community Centre Ground, Area “H” Ground, Port Mourant Ground and No.69 Ground slated to host matches. The final would eitherbeplayedattheNo.69 or the Albion Community CentreGrounddependingon whoarethefinalists.
BCB Competitions Committee Member Balram
Samaroo disclosed that the board was totally dedicated to playing the game at all levels.
Samaroo noted that financial sponsorship has been secured for every level ofcricketforbothjuniorand seniorsincludingfemales.
The board expects West Indies players Shamar Joseph, Romario Shepherd, G
Shimron Hetmyer, Kevin Sinclair,KevlonAndersonto be a part of the tournament. Additionally, national players like Jonathan
Mr. Chandradat Chintamani hands over sponsorship cheque to Angela Haniff while BCB President Dr. Cecil Beharry looks on.
Ramsammy, Sylus Tyndall, Junior Sinclair, Isai Thorne, Adrian Sukwah, Anthony Bramble, Jonathan Foo, Rampertab Ramnauth and NialSmith.Promisingyouth playerslikeRomeshBharrat, Rampersaud Ramnauth, Azral Budhoo, Richardo R
Ramdeholl,AdrianHetmyer, Nathaniel Ramsammy and Rafell Mc Kenzie would all be seeking to impress the senior Berbice selectors duringtheTournament.
B C B O f f i c e
AdministratorAngelaHaniff assured the sponsor that the tournament would be well organised and completed by theendofAugust,2026.Ivan Madray was the third BerbiciantoplayTestcricket for the West Indies, followinginthefootstepsof hisPortMourantClubmates JohnTrimandthelegendary Rohan Kanhai. He died in 2009attheageof74.
Yebrgual Melese won the Shanghai Marathon in 2018. (Getty Images)
Ethiopian marathon runner
Melese dies aged 36
BBC Sport - Ethiopian long-distance runner Yebrgual Melese has died at the age of 36 after falling ill during a routine training session on Tuesday, the country’s athletics federationhasannounced.
“The Ethiopian Athletics Federation expresses its deep sorrow over the sudden passing of this heroic athlete and offers condolences to her family, friends and fans,” the governingbodysaidinastatement.
Melese’s most recent competitive outing came in a marathon in Beijing, which she failed to finish, in May last year
Her best result in one of the seven World Marathon Majors came in 2015 - the same year as her victories in Houston and Prague - when she finished second in the ChicagoMarathon.
RHTYSC Pepsi and Namilco Thunderbolt teams host annual Tribute to Medical Workers programme
- Honors hundreds of mothers
ElevenoutstandingemployeesofthePortMourantPublic HospitalwerehonouredlastThursdaybytheRoseHallTown YouthandSportsClub,MSandtwoofitscricketteamsunder theirannualTributetoMedicalWorkersprogramme.Thetwo teamshonouringtheworkersweretheRoseHallTownPepsi Under19 andThe NamilcoThunderbolt Flour First Division team. The simple presentation ceremony took place in the boardroomofthehospitalandwasattendedbyClubSecretary Hilbert Foster, Cricket Manager Robby Kissoonlall, Organising Secretary Tyrone Pottaya and players representative Nicholas Cameron. Also present were Head Doctor Ghanshaam Sukhdeo and Administrator Shaneeza Nabiofthehospital.
Fosteringivingareviewoftheaward,disclosedthatthe firstpresentationwasdonein2015afterhewasapatientatthe publicinstitutionforafewdays.Duringthatperiodoftime,he observedthehardworkanddedicationofthestaffdespitethe constraints they faced on a daily basis. Over the years since then, over sixty employees have been honored after been recommendedbytheadministrationoftheHospital.
TheformerPresidentoftheBerbiceCricketBoardstated that awardees are selected based on their attendance rate, discipline, dedication, relationship with fellow staff and willingnesstogotheextradistancetoservethegeneralpublic. Foster congratulated the eleven awardees and urged them to upholdtheirhighstandards.
Kissoonlall,theRHTYSCCricketManagernotedthatthe players of both teams were privileged to honour the outstandingemployees.PlayerslikeWestIndiestestbatsmen Kevin Sinclair and Kelvon Anderson along with Junior Sinclair, Slyus Tyndall, Clinton Pestano, Jonathan Rampersaud, Javed Karim, Jason Sinclair, Eon Hooper, Romesh Bharrat, Rafeal Mckenzie, Keith Simpson, Ramzan Koobeer, Matthew Pottaya, Tameshwar Deonanan, Leon ReddyandJaydenGanpataresomeoftheplayersassociated withoneorbothofthetwoteams.
The eleven awardees were Ameer Kadir, Annette Gonsalves, Shebecka DeCunha, Shonnel King, Dhanmatti Narain, Shelley Halley, Arifa Khan, Dr Dayana Rohaman, Latchmi Myers, Delano Lyte and Ezekeil DAndrade. D’Andrade was named worker of the year Each awardee received a medal of excellence, a framed certificate of excellence,atrophyandaspecialgift.TheWorkeroftheyear carriedhometwospecialgiftsfromthetwocricketteams.
Dr Sukhdeo expressed thanks to the management and members of the club for their cooperation with the public institution. Henotedthattheawardwouldinspirethestaffas it was a reward for their hard work to the general public. Dr Sukhdeo also stated that apart from hosting the award annually,theRHTYSChasmadeseveralcontributionstothe hospital.
Thetherapyunithasbenefittednumeroustimesfromthe kindness of the two teams. Foster, also announced to loud applause that the club would shortly honour all the doctors attachedtothehospital.
Meanwhile,thetwoteamsalongwiththeircounterpartsof the Poonai Pharmacy under 11 and 1, Farfan and Mendes under 15, Metro, Females and Bakewell Under 17 prepared anddistributedhundredsoffoodhamperstolessfortunateand elderly mothers. The hampers worth five thousand dollars each were shared out in honour of Mother’s Day 2026, The hampers consisted of sixteen different grocery items includingflour,sugar,butter,soappowder,saltamongothers. Thehampersweresharedoutbytheyouthcricketersofthe club accompanied by their respective managers on Mother’s Day The RHTYSC was founded in 1990 and over the years haswon132differentcrickettournamentsatalllevelswhile producing 133 Berbice players,78 national players and ten internationals.
The eleven awardees pose with Cricket Manager Robby Kissoonlall and senior Hospital staff.
Thomas Dooley. Thomas Dooley during his short stint with the Golden Jaguars.
