Guyana Times - Thursday, June 4, 2026

Excessive rainfall strains drainage systems –

Govt to reverse APNU/AFC’s restrictions on past Presidents’ benefits

…Granger receiving benefits under 2009 legislation, not law his Administration introduced

“What we did was simply capture what they were entitled to and what former Presidents were being paid up to that time, including [former Presidents] Arthur Chung and Mr Desmond Hoyte, but it was never in writing. So, what we sought to do in [2009] was to put it in writing.”

However, Nandlall recalled at the time there was pushback from the minority parliamentary opposition over the provisions of the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act, saying that they scandalised the legislation and used it as a political football.

The Guyana Government is moving to reverse restrictions imposed by the previous A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) on the benefits that are enjoyed by past Presidents.

According to the Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall the amendments will be tabled via the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Bill 2026 at the upcoming sitting of the National Assembly on Friday. He reminded that back in 2009, the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act was successfully piloted by the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration.

Consequently, when the APNU+AFC Coalition took office in 2015 after securing the parliamentary majority, they amended the Act and added a series of restrictions.

“What the intention was then was simply to codify into law and make certain what benefits a former President ought to receive upon retirement,” the Attorney General explained during his weekly programme – Issues in the News – on Tuesday evening.

This new bill, according to the AG, now seeks to repeal those amendments and largely reinstate the framework established under the 2009 Act. Nandlall contended the PPP/C Government’s position is that all former Presidents should receive the same standard package of benefits and facilities

upon retirement.

In fact, he disclosed that former President under the APNU+AFC Coalition, David Granger, is currently receiving benefits under the 2009 legislation and not the amended law his administration introduced.

Nandlall pointed out that the 2015 amendments by the Coalition regime sought to restrict the benefits that the former Presidents at the time – Samuel Hinds, Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar – were receiving. However, he noted that the Act does not operate retro-

spectively.

“The Act operates prospectively, so what they intended to do, they did not achieve… In any event, President Granger is benefiting from the [2009] legislation. The 2015 legislation never applied to him. He gets everything that the... legislation spoke about… All the facilities that are in that [2009] legislation is what he enjoys.”

“So, to bring normalcy to the situation, we have decided to repeal the 2015…APNU/AFC law and to bring back into

force the [2009] Former PresidentS (Benefits and Other Facilities) Bill. We made minor changes because that, we believe, is the standard that all Presidents should receive… President Granger received it, President Hoyte received it, President Arthur Chung received it, President Ramotar is receiving it, President Jagdeo is receiving it, President Sam Hinds is receiving it. Why should future Presidents not get the same package?” AG Nandlall emphasised.

BRIDGE OPENING

JUNE

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, June 4 –06:15h–07:45h and Friday, June 5 – 07:00h–08:30h

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers are expected during the day, easing to light showers in the evening. Cloudy skies are expected at night. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East-North-Easterly to Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 06:33h and 19:07h reaching maximum heights of 2.48 metres and 2.31 metres.

Low Tide: 12:39h reaching a minimum height of 0.75 metre.

Excessive rainfall strains drainage systems – Pres Ali

resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday visited Mahaicony Creek and communities along Branch Road, East Coast Demerara, where he met with residents and farmers affected by flooding triggered by intense and prolonged rainfall.

During the visit, the President assessed affected areas, engaged stakeholders on the ground, and received updates on ongoing drainage and irrigation responses. He said the country has experienced sustained rainfall across coastal, savannah and wetland regions, contributing to rising water levels in several areas.

“We’ve had excessive rainfall, not only on the coastline but for a long period in the deep savannas and in the wetlands. As a result, we are now seeing the water coming down,”

reports

President Ali said.

He noted that existing investments in drainage infrastructure are beginning to show results, while acknowledging that additional works are still underway to strengthen flood resilience. He pointed to the Hope-like Canal project as a key long-term intervention that would improve water storage and discharge capacity during periods of heavy rainfall.

According to the President, once completed, the system is expected to help manage high water volumes in a similar way to existing drainage solutions on the East Coast.

“We are definitely seeing some of the results… when that Hope-like Canal is completed, we will have the same scenario as we are having on the East Coast, where excessive storage and discharge of water will be accommodated,” he said.

Head of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Lionel Wordsworth, said the President had directed immediate interventions fol-

He said the NDIA has deployed excavators to assist farmers in strengthening embankments, clearing drainage pathways, and supporting pumping operations. He also noted that several farmers have been using their own tractor-driven pumps to remove floodwaters, with technical support from the agency.

“In addition, a request was made to relocate a pump from Garden Table to the outlet that drains into Mahaicony Creek, and that will be done today,” Wordsworth said.

He added that another pump will be deployed to New Providence, while works are also being carried out along the Jagdeo Canal to strengthen embankments and improve drainage across approximately 15,000 acres of agricultural land.

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Long-overdue stronger littering fines

The intensification of enforcement against littering by the Guyana Police Force and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), backed by penalties reaching $50,000 for individuals and $100,000 for businesses, is a long overdue correction in public environmental governance. The renewed focus on compliance under the AntiLittering Regulations signals a decisive shift from tolerance of negligent behaviour toward accountability, public discipline, and environmental responsibility.

For years, improper waste disposal has persisted as a widespread public nuisance, undermining drainage systems, degrading public spaces, and contributing directly to recurring urban and community flooding. In a country increasingly confronted with periods of excessive rainfall, the consequences of indiscriminate dumping are no longer abstract environmental concerns but immediate economic and social burdens. Blocked drains, clogged canals, and obstructed waterways amplify flood risks, resulting in avoidable damage to property, disruption of livelihoods, and repeated demands on state resources for emergency response and clean-up operations.

The imposition of fines under the Anti-Littering Regulations is therefore both punitive and corrective in intent. A maximum penalty of $50,000 for individuals and $100,000 for businesses reflects the scale of harm caused when waste is irresponsibly discarded into drains, roadways, and public spaces. Such penalties are designed to recalibrate public behaviour by making the cost of non-compliance significantly higher than the convenience of improper disposal. The principle underlying this approach is clear: environmental negligence carries a tangible public cost, and that cost must be borne by the offender rather than the wider society.

The regulatory framework, in force since 2013, defines litter broadly to include materials such as plastic, paper, sand, dirt, and water when improperly disposed of. This expansive definition underscores a critical point: the issue is not the nature of the material but the act of depositing it in an inappropriate location. Despite the clarity of these provisions, enforcement gaps and cultural laxity have allowed violations to persist with limited consequence. The current escalation in enforcement signals an attempt to close that gap and restore the integrity of environmental law.

Central to this effort is the recognition that enforcement alone cannot succeed without behavioural change. Public education and sustained awareness remain essential components of the strategy. However, education without consequence has historically proven insufficient. As articulated by environmental authorities, behavioural transformation requires both understanding and enforcement. The combination of awareness campaigns and penalty structures is intended to establish new social norms in which littering is neither acceptable nor consequence-free.

The integration of community-based enforcement mechanisms further strengthens this approach. Training Neighbourhood Democratic Councils to function as honorary litter wardens extends regulatory reach beyond central enforcement bodies. This decentralised model enhances surveillance capacity while embedding environmental responsibility within local governance structures. In parallel, collaboration among the EPA, Police force, and local authorities creates a multi-layered enforcement network capable of responding more effectively to violations.

The introduction of the “Clean 592” reporting application adds a modern technological dimension to enforcement. By enabling members of the public to submit photographic and video evidence of littering in real time, the system facilitates rapid investigation and action. This form of participatory enforcement transforms environmental protection from a solely institutional responsibility into a shared civic duty, increasing the likelihood of detection and accountability.

Consideration is also being given to legislative strengthening, with proposed amendments aimed at increasing penalties and enhancing enforcement mechanisms. Such reforms reflect growing recognition that existing deterrents may be insufficient in the face of persistent non-compliance. Stronger penalties and more consistent prosecution would reinforce the seriousness of environmental offences and further discourage habitual offenders.

The consequences of unchecked littering extend beyond aesthetics or inconvenience, as environmental degradation contributes directly to public health risks, infrastructure strain, and fiscal pressure on Government services. Flood response, drainage maintenance, and waste removal impose recurring costs on the state, costs ultimately borne by taxpayers. In periods of heavy rainfall, these costs escalate significantly, exposing the systemic impact of avoidable human behaviour.

The justification for stricter fines rests firmly on this intersection between individual conduct and collective consequence. Environmental irresponsibility, when widespread, becomes a structural problem affecting entire communities. Effective deterrence through financial penalties serves both as punishment and prevention, ensuring that public spaces are preserved and infrastructure systems function as intended.

AI and humanity

By Paul GoldinG, dBa

Pope Leo XIV, on Monday May 25, 2026, published his first encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, or Magnificent Humanity. The Pope argued that “AI [artificial intelligence] can be a valuable tool”; however, the technology “tends to amplify the power of those who already possess economic resources, expertise, and access to data”. Without adequate oversight and transparency, he warned, “Those who control AI will impose their own moral vision, which will become the invisible infrastructure of these systems.”

Let us first deconstruct what Pope Leo XIV is talking about. The specific technology is a branch of artificial intelligence called generative AI (GenAI). This enables users to quickly generate new content based on a variety of inputs. Inputs and outputs to these models can include text, images, sounds, animation, 3D models, or other types of data. These include ChatGPT, Claude, and Copilot.

Because of the generalised nature of these models, they have no boundaries, which is what worries most people working on these systems. The possible applications are restricted only by your imagination. The technology, therefore, impacts a wide range of professions – health care, education, religion, creative industry, business and finance, legal, computing, architecture and engineering, among others. The expectations are that the technology will automate or eliminate some of the jobs in these professions, and others will augment – coexist with humans. We estimate that approximately 60,000 could be eliminated in the Jamaican labour force.

The tech industry proposes that people who no longer have a job should receive a universal basic income – regular unconditional payments to all adult citizens to support economic stability and alleviate poverty. The Pope’s view runs counter to the tech industry. He wrote that “the pursuit of greater profits cannot justify choices that systematically sacrifice jobs.” He made practical recommendations that Governments should consider, including protection and retraining for workers whose jobs are threatened and education to help students think critically about the technology.

It should be noted that China’s approach to GenAI is different from the

West. A Chinese court recently ruled in a case in which a tech company laid off a worker after replacing him with AI software: “The development of artificial intelligence technology should be applied to liberating labour, promoting employment, and improving people’s livelihood.”

The Pope spoke about those who control AI and was polite not to name anyone. However, he implicitly referred to Sam Altman (OpenAI); Dario Amodei (Anthropic); Bill Gates (Microsoft); Demis Hassabis (DeepMind); Elon Musk (xAI); Peter Thiel (DeepMind); Mark Zuckerberg (Meta); and their peers. These are the richest men in the world. Oligarch status does not adequately describe their wealth. To put their wealth in perspective: The World Inequality Report 2026 indicates that globally wealth is extremely concentrated and at an all-time high. The top 10 per cent own three-quarters of global wealth, while the bottom half holds only two per cent.

In the US, wealth is even more concentrated. Data from the Federal Reserve indicate that, collectively, the wealthiest one per cent held about US$55 trillion in assets in the third quarter of 2025 –roughly equal to the wealth held by the bottom 90 per cent of Americans combined. Zeroing in on the tech sector, particularly AI, and software companies account for roughly one-third of the total value of the S&P 500 – approximately US$21 trillion. These tech oligarchs exert disproportionate political influence through campaign finance and media ownership, making a farce of the democratic principle of equal representation. What is the “moral vision” to which the Pope refers? Leading technology companies are hyperactively trying to develop artificial general intelligence (AGI). These are GenAI systems which would have general, human-level (or beyond) ability to learn, reason, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks and domains. The idea is that human beings would no longer be the exclusive centre of intelligence but would co-exist with AI – a post-human society. The moral vision is to use current and upcoming technologies to bring about societal change. The vision is that society would be transformed based on three messianic-type pillars:

1) Super longevity: The current life cycle of birth, development, ageing, and death can be changed by developing tech-

nologies to combat ageing, so people can live for as long as they want.

2) Superintelligence: a future in which there is a symbiotic relationship with AI, or integrating ourselves with AI, propelling the human race into a period of AGI.

3) Super well-being: The idea is to phase out suffering by gene modification to avoid depression, anger, jealousy, and other negative states – no sadness, only happiness.

This moral vision is messianic in nature and completely divergent from orthodoxy relating to society, economics, and religion. Some in the industry have remarked that the race for AGI is to make god and be gods. Pope Leo XIV diplomatically didn’t mention the explicit threat of GenAI to religious orthodoxy; however, the technology is already encroaching with popular chatbots like Text With Jesus and bible.ai, which offer spiritual guidance to users who are looking to connect with a higher power. Premium users of Text With Jesus can also converse with Satan.

It is important to note that GenAI platforms are owned by a few major technology companies, and so it is the cloud infrastructure that provides the computational power. These platforms have a culture embedded in the software based on the values, choices, and assumptions of the creators. Pope Leo’s concern is that just a small group is making these decisions that will affect the entire world. The future envisioned by the purveyors of AGI is not democratic but of oligarchs with god-like powers controlling legacy media, social media, social and economic conditions, and armies – as they continue to incorporate AI.

Throughout this article I have been putting words in Pope Leo XIV’s mouth. So let me close with his words: “Work is more than a way of earning income; it is a requirement for the human condition, a normal path towards maturity, development and personal fulfilment.” He called for “the protection of employment opportunities and the irreplaceable role of the individual”.

Pope Leo XIV’s message should not be ignored by Governments or the general public. (Jamaican Observer)

(Paul Golding, DBA, is a professor of management information systems at the University of Technology, Jamaica)

Trio killed in Corentyne smash-up

“He wanted to work at ExxonMobil” – grandmother of 16-year-old

…“I have to prove myself so I can be a better person” – father recalls son’s final words

Adream of one day working with ExxonMobil. A determination to become a better person and return home. Those are among the hopes and aspirations now left unfulfilled after a horrific road accident claimed the lives of three young men on Tuesday afternoon along the Maida Farm Public Road, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

delivered the devastating news.

“They said, ‘Aunty, your son is in an accident.’ I said, ‘Are you sure?’ They said, ‘I’m not joking.’”

The distraught mother said she rushed to the Port Mourant Public Hospital, only to be confronted with a nightmare no parent should ever have to endure.

ing father, those words suggested his son was hoping to make positive changes in his life.

“That’s all he told me. Those are the last words I heard from him.”

The father described Priyas as a good and friendly young man whose sudden death has left a void in the family.

Ameer’s death has also plunged his family and community into mourning.

The issue of who was driving the vehicle has also become a source of discussion among relatives. Relatives of Ameer Khan have reportedly suggested

The three young men died when the car in which they were travelling became involved in a collision with a Toyota Harrier along the Maida Farm Public Road.

Investigators believe the vehicle was attempting to overtake anoth-

where they were pronounced dead.

Meanwhile, the driver of the Toyota Harrier, a 44-year-old from Miss Phoebe, Corentyne, was treated for injuries and later discharged. He was temporarily detained; a breath-

Among the dead is 16-year-old Porshatam Hoolasia of Haswell, Port Mourant, a Grade 10 student of JC Chandisingh Secondary School, whose family says he dreamed of one day working with ExxonMobil.

Also killed were 23-yearold Priyas Mursalin of Chesney Front and 19-yearold Ameer Khan of John Village, Corentyne.

As relatives gathered on Tuesday, family members spoke of three young lives cut short and futures that will now never be realised.

For Porshatam’s grandmother, Oma Devi Hoolasie, the pain remains almost unbearable.

Describing her grandson as loving, caring and always willing to help others, she said the teenager dreamed of one day working with ExxonMobil.

“He was a good child, a jolly child, a happy child. He was willing to do anything, helping his mother and everything… He wanted to work with ExxonMobil; he already filled out the form,” the grieving grandmother related.

She said the teenager was still attending school and had plans for the future.

Porshatam’s mother, Shivani Subramani, said she initially refused to believe reports that her son had been involved in the accident.

She recalled being at

Speaking through tears, she remembered their final conversation.

According to Subramani, she had cautioned her son against leaving home that day.

‘“Mommy, I’m just going to help them; I am coming back by 4:30,”’ she recalled him saying.

“Anybody comes to help you, he always does it. He’s willing.”

Subramani said her son had left home with friends to assist in holding a motorcycle that was being repaired.

She said those words continue to replay in her mind as she struggles to accept that her son will never return home.

Porshatam died two days after his 16th birthday.

Positive changes in his life

The tragedy has also left the family of Priyas searching for answers and comfort.

His father, Safraz Mursalin, said the last conversation he shared with his son now carries a heartbreaking significance.

“I asked him if you wouldn’t come back home and live; he said, ‘I have to prove myself so I can be a better person,” the father recalled.

The elder Mursalin explained that his son had moved out of the family home and had been staying with his friend, Ameer Khan, at John Village.

According to the griev-

Only days before the accident, he said, his son had visited and spent time with relatives.

Mursalin said relatives were informed that his son had been seated in the rear passenger seat and maintained that he was not the driver.

The loss has been compounded by the close friendship shared by the young men.

that Mursalin was behind the wheel at the time of the crash. However, Mursalin’s father strongly rejected that assertion, insisting that his son had been seated in the rear passenger seat.

Police have identified Ameer as the driver of the vehicle, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash remain ongoing.

er vehicle when it collided head-on with the oncoming Harrier before crashing into a Guyana Power and Light utility pole.

The impact left the car mangled.

Ameer, who Police say was driving, as well as Priyas and Porshatam, sustained severe injuries and were taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital,

alyser test was conducted on him, and the reading was zero. Investigations are continuing.

On Wednesday, post-mortem examinations were performed on the bodies. Government pathologist Dr Vivekanand Bridgemohan gave the cause of death for all three as multiple injuries due to a motor vehicle accident.

THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026

00:00 Sign Off 06:00 TVG Devotional Hour 07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 HGTV 10:00 Stop Suffering 11:30 TVG Music Break 12:00 Movie - The Nut Job (2014) 13:30 The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie (2024) 15:00 Cartoons

16:00 Indian Soaps

17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 Documentary: Nat Geo Animals

19:00 The Evening News

20:00 Stop Suffering

20:30 TVG Music Break

21:00 Grey’s Anatomy

22:00 The Rookie

23:00 Modern Family

23:30 Modern Family

Page Foundation

Fractions

What are fractions?

Fractions are parts of a whole.

They are written as two numbers, one above the other, separated by a line. The top number is the numerator and the bottom number is the denominator

A fraction visually displays a division. The numerator represents the dividend and the denominator represents the divisor

To divide a circle in two would look like this:

Each section is one out of two, written as , meaning “one divided by two”. This is called a “half” of the whole.

If you were to divide the circle in 4 equal parts, it would look like this:

Each equal part is one of four parts, written as , meaning “one divided by four”.

Each part is “one-fourths”, or a “quarter” of the whole.

Here are some common fractions and how they look as parts of a whole:

A proper fraction is one where the numerator is less than the denominator.

For example, , , and are all proper fractions.

A unit fraction is a type of fraction with a numerator of 1.

For example, , and are unit fractions. If the numerator of a fraction is greater than the denominator of the fraction, the fraction is called an improper fraction

For example, is an improper fraction. Improper fractions can be converted to mixed numbers.

Growing Gummies

Materials:

• Gummy candy

• Bowl

• Water • Scale

• Paper • Writing tool Instructions:

1. Using your scale, weigh your gummy candy and record its weight.

2. Place your gummy candy in a bowl. Pour enough water into the bowl to completely cover the candy.

3. Let the candy sit in the water. Check on it every couple of hours. What do you notice?

4. Take the gummy out of the bowl, then weigh it again and record the new weight. Compare the before and after weights. Is there a difference?

What’s happening?

The gummy candy grows because it absorbs water.

This happens through a process called osmosis. Osmosis is when water moves from an area with more water to an area with less water. When you put your gummy into the bowl of water, there is more water outside the candy than inside it. Because of this, water moves into the gummy candy.

As the water moves in, the candy swells and gets bigger.

(Adapted from childsci.org)

By Stephen DoBynS

The clouds moved in another hundred feet during the night, just as they have done each night for the past two weeks. Now they hang barely beyond the range of thrown stones. The sun is someone else’s story, the rich relation of a slight acquaintance. Bending over us, the clouds have the texture of faces seen through smoke. Thoughts in a confused mind look like that. Tell me again that they are not hostile, that they have come merely out of curiosity to see again if we are possible. If so, then why are doors more difficult to open as if some sadness were leaning against them? Why do windows darken and trees bend when there is no wind? You call that occasional roar the roar of a plane and I imagine a time when I might have believed that. But now the darkness has been going on for too long, and I have accustomed myself to the pleasure of thinking that soon there will be no reason to hold on in this place where rocks are like water and it’s so difficult to find something solid to hold on to.

(Source: Poetry [March 1972])

Write a story from the point of view of a sidekick, or someone who is happy to stay away from the spotlight.

WORD SEARCH

Amid US extradition case US-sanctioned Opposition Leader using politics for “self-preservation” – PNCR’s Norton

…“If we are talking about corruption, we have to oppose corruption”

Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Aubrey Norton, on Tuesday said that the United Statessanctioned and indicted Opposition Leader, who heads the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, Azruddin Mohamed, was pursuing politics primarily to protect his personal interests, particularly in his fight against being extradited to the United States, where he is currently indicted on 11 charges.

Speaking during an interview on a social media programme Tuesday, Norton argued that the WIN party is driven by Mohamed’s self-preservation efforts rather than national development and alluded that Mohamed’s “philanthropic” pursuits are nothing more than a smoke screen.

“Mohamed’s interest

here is to ensure that he isn’t extradited. We don’t have an interest in that. We have an interest in promoting the development of the people of Guyana. And where we believe that is being promoted, we will, but we will not be part of a personal fight to protect somebody who allegedly robbed this country of resources,” Norton declared as he faced questions about a combined opposition.

According to Norton, his party has no interest in becoming involved in what he described as a personal legal battle.

“Unity is just a word. Unity comes when there is unity of purpose,” Norton noted.

“I am very clear in my mind that the focus here is not on making Guyanese society get a better life… It is doing the thing that will allow you to protect your in-

terests. And therefore, in many regards the approach of the WIN… is one in which there is self-protection and the people happen to get some crumbs in the process of self-protection.”

Norton emphasised that any unity must be based on shared principles and a commitment to national development rather than individual interests.

“I believe the opposition needs to work together,” he said. “I am well prepared to unite, to be in a united opposition that pursues the interest of the people of Guyana…”

Mohamed, who launched the WIN party in May 2025, currently serves as Leader of the Opposition (LOO) after his party secured 16 seats in the 65-member National Assembly at the September 1, 2025 General and Regional Elections (GRE). His run for office

Excessive rainfall strains...

FROM PAGE 3

Wordsworth said areas between the river and flood embankments, particularly from High Park to Forest Savanna, have been significantly affected, although some sections continue to benefit from existing flood protection structures.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Sonia Parag, who also visited the area with the Head of State, said the Government’s response reflects coordinated national-level attention to the flooding situation.

She noted that Cabinet-

level engagement ensured officials were deployed across affected regions to assess conditions and support residents.

Parag said comparisons between earlier flooding events and current conditions show improvements in infrastructure and response capacity, while acknowledging ongoing challenges in some communities.

The President said short-term measures under consideration include increased pumping support and canal maintenance,

alongside longer-term drainage expansion works.

“It’s a difficult situation, but I can see some of the investments we made after 2021 would have helped a bit. There is still a lot more work that is ongoing,” he said.

He added that continued development of drainage infrastructure, including embankments in the backlands and expanded canal systems, remains central to reducing future flood impacts in vulnerable communities.

came after he, his business and his father, Nazar Mohamed, were sanctioned by the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control in 2024, and shortly after, the US requested the extradition of him and his father in October 2025.

The Mohameds are presently challenging extradition proceedings in court.

Mohamed has been fighting his extradition on the grounds that it is politically motivated and orchestrated as part of political persecution against him by the

People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C). However, Norton says he does not believe that is the case and noted that he believes Mohamed may even be in store for further charges if he is extradited to the US.

“I do not believe the United States Government wants Azruddin for any gold or anything like that in Guyana. There are other things that they are interested in. Let us not forget that some of the indictments are disclosed. Some are undisclosed. Probably some of the undisclosed might be more important than the disclosed,” Norton hinted.

Money without fight

However, Norton, whose party has 12 seats in Parliament, argued that while financial resources are important in politics, money alone cannot sustain a political struggle.

The APNU leader also questioned WIN’s broader policy agenda, saying the party has yet to clearly articulate its positions on major national issues.

“What is the philosophy that we are supporting? What is his approach to the oil and gas sector? What is the approach to our national and natural resources? Those are the critical issues,” Norton said.

Norton further argued that many of the governance and corruption concerns now being highlighted by WIN had long been raised by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) representatives. He also maintained that corruption should be opposed regardless of political affiliation.

“If we are talking about corruption, we have to oppose corruption, regardless of who is corrupt,” Norton declared.

“Money without fight creates transaction and opportunism. To fight, you need a moral commitment to fight. You need to have few or no skeletons in your closet. The fight requires a commitment to people,” Norton noted.

Govt to reverse APNU/AFC’s...

Guyana Development Bank Bill

Meanwhile, this Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Bill 2026 is among six important pieces of legislation that are slated to be tabled in the National Assembly and read for the first time during Friday’s sitting.

Key among these is the Guyana Development Bank Bill, which would establish a specialised financial institution to improve access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Nandlall explained that the Development Bank will target groups that previously encountered difficulties in securing loans and finances from traditional lenders such as commercial banks due to the collateral requirements, high interest rates and other conditions.

“This Development Bank is intended to address that class of persons and those issues that those persons confront, which have prevented them from accessing easy finances. This Development Bank is specifically designed to target the small and me-

dium-sized businesses or intended businesses – the small furniture manufacturer, the small poultry farmer or cash crop farmer, the person who wants to start a small restaurant, a person who may wish to start a small daycare facility, a person who may wish to start a small fabricating business or start a small contracting firm. These are the categories and this is not an exhaustive list, obviously, but these are the small businesses that this initiative is intended to assist,” he explained.

The proposed state-run institution will offer loans of up to $3 million, interest-free and without collateral. It will also provide technical support, including help with business plans, loan applications and project proposals.

Moreover, the Development Bank will also operate as a bridge to give beneficiaries who expand their businesses access to a second loan from commercial banks of up to $10 million dollars. This initiative will fulfill

a key PPP/C 2025 manifesto promise and is intended to support small businesses in agriculture, manufacturing, services, transportation and retail.

The other legislation to be tabled include: the Hire Purchase (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to remove uncertainty over whether disputes should be heard in the High Court or Magistrates’ Courts; and the Depreciating Property Sale Order Bill, which would allow authorities to seek court approval to sell assets seized during criminal investigations or proceedings before they lose significant value.

Additionally, the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill is seeking to update Guyana’s sexual offences laws more than a decade after the principal act was enacted to include new provisions such as the establishment of a Sex Offenders Registry for the first time; while the Security Interests in Movable Property (Amendment and Validation) Bill will improve commercial transactions and legal certainty.

Son slapped with murder charge after allegedly beheading mother

A24-year-old mason from Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara (WCD), has been charged with the murder of his mother and remanded to prison following his appearance at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

Greedesh Ramkissoon of Lot 80 Block Y, Cornelia Ida, was charged with murder, contrary to common law, in connection with the death of 55-year-old Surujdai Kahrui, also known as “Sharda”.

Police said Ramkissoon was arrested on May 29, as investigations intensified into the killing, which occurred the previous day at the family’s residence. The woman was found beheaded in her home.

He appeared before Magistrate Rabindra Singh

at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court, where the indictable charge was read to him. The

court remanded Ramkissoon to prison and adjourned the matter to August 7.

Kahrui’s body was discovered at her Cornelia Ida home on May 28. Initial investigations revealed that she lived at the residence with her two sons. According to Police, one of the sons returned home and found the woman motionless.

The other son was seen at the house before the discovery.

Police reported observing while processing the scene marks of violence on the woman’s body, and her head was next to her right hand. Her remains were later transported to the Ezekiel Funeral Home pending a post-mortem examination.

Investigators also retrieved Closed-Circuit

Cocaine, ganja, cash seized in Police raids

Police in Regional Division 4C are investigating the discovery of cocaine and cannabis during separate operations conducted on the East Coast of Demerara on Tuesday.

In the first operation, Police conducted a search at the home of a 34-yearold unemployed man in Newtown, Enmore. During the search, ranks discovered several whitish rocklike substances suspected to be cocaine in the washroom area of the residence.

A further search led to the discovery of a quantity of cash believed to be proceeds from the sale of narcotics.

The 34-year-old man and a 29-year-old man, both of the same address, were arrested and taken to the Cove and John Police Station along with the suspected cocaine and cash.

Police said the suspected cocaine was counted and amounted to 26 pieces. The substance was weighed in the presence of the suspects and was found to be 10 grams before being lodged as evidence.

Both suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, in a separate operation at Britton Street, Plaisance, Police discovered a quantity of suspected cannabis.

According to investigators, ranks searched the area and found a black plastic bag containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis among vegetation on the northern parapet.

The cannabis was taken to the Sparendaam Police Station, where it was weighed and amounted to 86g before being lodged.

No arrests have been made in connection with that discovery, but investigations are ongoing.

Checking…

…bona fides

Last December 7, when your Eyewitness heard a Ghanaian investor showed interest in one of our shallow-water oil blocks being re-auctioned, he wrote: “Your Eyewitness has a soft spot for Ghana and, as such, was quite chuffed that a Ghanaian company will be signing along the dotted line this Tuesday to develop one of the oilfields – Block S7 – that had been auctioned off in 2022!! Cybele Energy, headquartered in Accra, the capital of Ghana, was founded in 2012 by the US-educated Beatrice Mensah Tayui, whose bio says she specialises in acquiring “marginal O&G fields”!! She appears to be more of a speculator and had originally made the bid along with an American company, Liberty, which seems to’ve dropped out.

“Your Eyewitness hopes that – since all of the contract’s terms gonna match those of the recent one with Total Energies – a royalty rate of 10 per cent, up from two per cent; a cost recovery ceiling reduced from 75 per cent to 65 per cent; a 10 per cent corporate tax; and a 50-50 profit share –the BONUS is also gonna also match Total’s US$15M bonus!! The last your Eyewitness had heard about Cybele’s bid was that the Ministry of Natural Resources was conducting due diligence checks on the source of funding, etc. The bonus payment should be a good indicator, since it doesn’t appear Cybele’s got a particularly stellar record in actual O&G exploration!!... We gotta be careful with speculators!!”

Your Eyewitness’s signalling of the bonus payment as a test of the company’s bona fides was repeated a few days later in a piece captioned “…oil hype??” when the bonus commitment was made. He wrote: “Your Eyewitness is intrigued that the female-led Ghanaian company Cybele committed to a US$17M bonus for their oil block – when just US$10M was required!! This was for the bid to “be noticed”. Clearly, the company’s record didn’t do that!! Still in doubt, a couple of days before Christmas he followed up once again in “...towards equitable PSAs?? – The TotalQatar-Petronas consortium deposited its US$15M bonus for the PSA it signed for a shallow-water oil drilling concession. Your Eyewitness had expressed concerns about the second concession signed with Cybele Energies – with a US$17M bonus!! He’s waiting for THAT deposit!!”

Well, his questions were finally answered yesterday when he read the article “Pay or lose licence – Government gives Ghanaian company ultimatum over US$17M oil block bonus”!! “Government on Tuesday announced that after nearly six months of Ghanaian company Cybele Energy promising to pay the US$17 million signing bonus on the awarded Oil Block S7 and racking up nearly US$4 million in default interest, a warning has been issued to the company to pay up or forfeit its licence.”

When it sounds too good to be true…!!

…Inflation??

Your Eyewitness noted with interest Pressie’s announcement of a 25 per cent reduction of electricity rates in Bartica. They now join Mahdia, Linden and the rest of Region 10 in having lower electricity rates than the rest of the country. In the case of Linden last year – responding to PNC leader Norton telling folks there that the PPP was gonna remove its massive subsidy of the electricity rates – PM Phillips, with responsibility for electricity, stoutly rejected that.

He said, “Linden has the cheapest electricity rates in Guyana and perhaps in the whole of the Western Hemisphere for obvious reasons and historical reasons that I wouldn’t go into. And as a government, we are committed to maintaining those rates; we will not increase it… What we will do is find ways of bringing the cost of delivering electricity to the people of Linden downwards”!!

It’s possible that since goods in these interior towns are a tad more expensive – due to logistical costs – the Government’s helping out.

But the rest of the country’s waiting…

…on Iran

Who woulda thought that Iran would not only survive the Yanks’ and Israelis’ attacks – but actually come out strategically ahead – by showing that their control of the Strait of Hormuz is actually more powerful than an atomic bomb?!!

Guyana in high-level talks with US on energy, defence

Guyana and the United States have been engaged in a series of high-level talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations across key areas, including energy, defence, diplomacy, and economic cooperation.

Earlier this week, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd and Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud were in Washington, DC, where they held a series of meetings on June 1 and 2.

Among the officials they engaged are United States Secretary of Energy Chris Wright; Acting Assistant Secretary of War for Homeland Defence and Hemispheric Affairs Joseph Humire; and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. It was noted that the discussions during these engagements focused on energy security, border security cooperation, irregular migration, illicit trafficking, and regional stability. Throughout the engage-

ments, the US reaffirmed its strong and unwavering support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Following the meeting on Tuesday, the US State Department said in a statement that Deputy Secretary of State Landau discussed the growing partnership between the two nations with the Guyanese foreign minister.

During the meeting, Landau highlighted the importance of increasing US private sector engagement

in Guyana and expanding commercial ties between the two countries.

According to the State Department, the discussions focused on shared economic priorities and opportunities for American companies to contribute to Guyana’s development through sustainable in-

vestment and commercial partnerships. The two officials also examined ways to deepen economic cooperation as Guyana continues to attract international interest and investment.

The State Department added that the meeting reaffirmed the strong and expanding partnership be-

tween Georgetown and Washington. Todd and Foreign Secretary Persaud were joined during these engagements by Guyana’s Ambassador to the US, Samuel Hinds, Advisor Wazim Mowla, and Minister Counsellor Keishanna Sullivan.

“Now

is the time to invest in Guyana” – Bharrat tells local, foreign investors

Declaring that “now is the time to invest in Guyana”, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat on Tuesday urged both local and foreign investors to continue to seize the opportunities emerging from the country’s rapidly expanding economy as he addressed the opening of the fourth annual Local Content Summit 2026. Held at the Four Points by Sheraton, the summit was themed “From Policy

to Prosperity: Unlocking Opportunities through Collaboration” and brought together Government officials, industry leaders, investors and stakeholders to examine the role of local content in Guyana’s economic transformation.

“We say to investors, both local and foreign, now is the time to invest in Guyana. If you don’t invest now, you’ll probably miss the opportunity,” Bharrat noted during his remarks.

Describing the current period as a defining moment in the nation’s history, the Minister added:

“This period, this juncture in our history, is probably the most exciting period there will ever be in the history of Guyana, and all of us here have a front seat to that. We are going to see the building out of a new modern Guyana. We are building out the modern Guyana that our ancestors, that our fore parents, toiled and lost their lives to build for us.”

Those also delivering remarks at the opening ceremony included the Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; Director of the Local Content Secretariat, Michael Munroe and Chief Executive Officer of Prestige Management Consultants Anita Ramprashad, among others.

Addressing participants, Bharrat emphasised that Guyana’s success is rooted not only in its oil wealth but in deliberate policy decisions, strong governance and effective management of the sector.

Drawing a comparison with neighbouring Venezuela, Bharrat argued that natural resources alone do not guarantee economic success.

“Just next door to us, there’s a country that is claiming two-thirds of our territory with almost 300 billion barrels of oil in reserve and has been producing oil for decades, which happens to be one of the worst-managed economies in this part of the world today,” he said.

“I have no

for,”

The prosecution has closed its case in the trial of Anil Sancharra and Vinod Gopaul, who are accused of the September 2020 murders of West Coast Berbice cousins Isaiah and Joel Henry.

The development came after the state called its final witness before Sancharra took the stand in his own defence.

On Wednesday the prosecution formally closed its case in the trial of Anil Sancharra, known as “Dan Pole” or “Rasta”, and Vinod Gopaul, called “Magga”, who are accused of murdering cousins Isaiah and Joel Henry.

Before resting its case, State Counsel Marisa Edwards called the prosecution’s final witness, Winston Henry.

Henry told the court that he was on the Essequibo Coast, reading a newspaper carrying photographs of the two slain cousins, when he was approached by key prosecution witness Akash Singh, who told him something.

The testimony mirrored evidence given earlier by Singh, who told the court that after the murders became public, he recognised the boys in a newspaper and told a man reading it that he

Henry cousins murder trial

idea what I am in jail

accused tells Judge, jury

was involved in the incident.

During his testimony, Singh had also told the court that after returning to Black Bush Polder, he informed his sister that he and others had killed two people. Singh’s testimony is a major part of the prosecution’s case.

The witness previously stated that he accompanied the accused into the backlands where marijuana plants were being cultivated and claimed the cousins were attacked after damage was discovered to crops in the area.

He further testified that the bodies were later moved from the scene.

Throughout the proceedings, defence attorneys Dexter Todd and Chandra

Sohan challenged Singh’s credibility and version of events during extensive cross-examination.

Meanwhile, following Winston Henry’s testimony on Wednesday, the state formally closed its case after calling sixteen witnesses.

The defence then opened its case.

After being advised of his options, Sancharra elected to take the witness stand and was led by attorney Todd.

Giving evidence before Justice Simone Morris and the 12-member jury, Sancharra told the court that between September 1 and 6, 2020, he was living at Tain Village, Corentyne, with a Spanish woman.

He said during that pe-

riod he worked as a labourer in the Black Bush Polder backlands, sewing paddy and cleaning trenches.

Sancharra further testified that on September 5, the day before the bodies of the two cousins were discovered, he was working with two men identified as Ransom and Joe and was not with Akash Singh.

Rejecting the allegations against him, Sancharra told the court, “I have no idea what I am in jail for,” he replied when questioned.

He said investigators brought Akash Singh to him at CID Headquarters and that he denied the story Singh told.

According to Sancharra, he informed Police that he could not provide a statement about something he knew nothing about.

He also maintained that he did not know Cotton Tree Backdam or Number Seven Village Backdam at the time.

Under cross-examination by State Counsel Marisa Edwards, Sancharra acknowledged that Akash Singh is his brother.

He also agreed that an interaction between him and Singh was video recorded.

“But he did not look me in the eye when he was talking; he bent his head… Is the Police telling him to say so?”

Sancharra responded. He further told the court that while he, Singh and Gopaul worked together from time to time, they did not socialise together. He denied ever travelling with Singh and Gopaul to a marijuana farm and denied any knowledge of allegations that the bodies of the two teenagers were placed on horses and removed from the scene.

The trial continues today before Justice Simone Morris and a 12-member jury at the Berbice High Court, when Sancharra is expected to continue his testimony under cross-examination.

President Dr Irfaan Ali engages residents and farmers in Mahaicony Creek and by intense and unusual rainfall. During the visit, the Head of State listened to several immediate interventions aimed at providing relief, supporting recovery

and along Branch Road on Wednesday, assessing the impact of flooding caused concerns, evaluated challenges facing affected communities, and announced recovery efforts, and protecting livelihoods (President Dr Irfaan Ali/Facebook)

BIT trainees’ practical exhibition

Trainees of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) displayed projects and portfolios during a practical exhibition at the Beterverwagting Practical Instruction Centre last week. Participants from the Buxton and Beterverwagting centres showcased skills acquired in programmes including commercial food preparation, furniture making, electrical installation, information technology, air conditioning and refrigeration, plumbing, agro-processing, and joinery (Board of Industrial Training Guyana/Facebook)

Caribbean Airlines expands career caravan to 4 Guyana schools

Caribbean Airlines has expanded its education outreach efforts in Guyana through its Career Caravan programme, engaging students from four secondary schools as the airline marks the third anniversary of its sustainability programme.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the airline said it partnered with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) to host the initiative at Annandale Secondary

School, President’s College, Soesdyke Secondary School, and Diamond Secondary School between May 28 and 29.

The programme targeted students in Forms Three to Five and introduced them to career opportunities within the aviation and tourism sectors through presentations delivered by Caribbean Airlines representatives and tourism professionals.

The outreach activity was held short-

ly after Guyana’s 60th Independence Diamond Jubilee celebrations and formed part of the airline’s ongoing commitment to youth development across the region.

Caribbean Airlines country manager for Guyana and Suriname, Renatha Marshall, said young people remain an important demographic for the airline and that the Career Caravan provides a platform to engage future leaders.

also thanked the Guyana Tourism Authority for partnering on the initiative and acknowledged the Ministry of Education for facilitating the team’s engagement with students.

The Career Caravan is one of the flagship projects under the Education Pillar of Caribbean Airlines’

Sustainability Programme. Since its launch, the initiative has reached more than 137,000 students across the Caribbean.

According to the airline, the collaboration with the GTA demonstrates the value of partnerships, volunteerism and community engagement, which have been central to its sustainability

programme since its introduction on June 3, 2023. As the airline commemorates three years of sustainability initiatives throughout June, it said it remains focused on creating opportunities, strengthening communities and supporting future generations across the region.

“Your contributions save lives” – Lieutenant Colonel tells GDF’s warrant officers

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has launched its Warrant Officers’ Development Programme, aimed at strengthening the leadership and management capabilities of senior non-commissioned officers within the military.

Ten members of the Warrant Officer cadre have enrolled in the three-week programme, which is part of the GDF’s ongoing efforts to develop profession-

al and adaptive leaders across the organisation.

According to the GDF in a social media post, the initiative is designed to enhance the competencies of some of its most experienced senior leaders, recognising the critical role warrant officers play as mentors, advisors, and custodians of military standards. Their responsibilities include maintaining discipline, supporting operational readiness, and con-

tributing to the overall effectiveness of the force.

Training will be facilitated by a team of retired warrant officers, including former force sergeant majors and warrant officers class one Raul Rodney and William Richmond.

At the opening of the programme, Commanding Officer (ag) of the Training Corps, Lieutenant Colonel Drumson McCaulay, underscored the importance of continuous learning and

professional development in military leadership.

He told participants that modern military leaders are required to possess not only technical expertise but also critical thinking skills, sound judgement, and the ability to adapt to changing operational demands.

Lt Col McCaulay also highlighted the influence of warrant officers on organisational culture and standards, noting that their contributions extend beyond their formal appointments and play a direct

role in maintaining operational readiness.

“Your efforts count; your contributions save lives and maintain the standards of this organisation,” he said.

Participants were encouraged to use the programme as an opportunity to strengthen their leadership abilities and improve their capacity to mentor and guide junior ranks.

Over the next three weeks, the officers will participate in training covering leadership, management, accountability,

military systems, policies, procedures, and protocol. The curriculum includes facilitated discussions, practical exercises, case studies, and collaborative learning activities.

The GDF said the programme reflects its commitment to professional military education and leadership development, with continued investment in senior non-commissioned leaders expected to support the Force’s operational effectiveness and future leadership needs.

National consultation on social media’s impact on children launched

The Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Ministry on Tuesday launched a national consultation on the impact of social media on children, bringing together Government officials, religious organisations and other stakeholders to examine how Guyana can better protect young people in the digital age.

The consultation, held at the World Trade Center Guyana in Kingston, Georgetown, focused on assessing the effects of digital platforms on children and developing strategies to address emerging risks associated with online activity.

Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira said the consultation is intended to encourage stakeholders to contribute ideas and recommendations that can help shape policies suited to Guyana’s circumstances.

“We will ask you, the stakeholder, to go back to

your organisations, discuss these issues, and we will meet back in two weeks’ time to hear now what you are proposing, what you agreed to, what you don’t agree to, and what you think can work in Guyana and what you think can’t work in Guyana,” Teixeira told participants.

She stressed that the initiative is not designed to discourage the use of technology, but rather to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect children from harmful online content and experiences. Participants included representatives from several Government Ministries and organisations involved in youth development, child protection and policymaking. Among those attending were Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud, Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, Education Minister Sonia Parag,

Labour and Manpower Planning Minister Keoma Griffith, and Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond, along with other members of the Cabinet.

During the consultation, Dr Persaud highlighted the important role parents play in supervising their children’s online activities and device usage. She underscored the need for families to remain vigilant as children increasingly engage with digital platforms.

The consultation comes

amid growing international concern over the impact of social media on children and adolescents. Governments in several countries have introduced or are considering measures aimed at addressing issues such as cyberbullying, mental health challenges, online exploitation and exposure to inappropriate content.

Australia has moved to restrict access to certain social media platforms for users under the age of 16, while a number of European countries are exploring stronger age-verification requirements and additional protections for young users. Policymakers in those jurisdictions have also called on technology companies to take greater responsibility for child safety on their platforms.

Addressing the issue, AG Nandlall acknowledged the educational opportunities provided by the internet and social media but warned of the risks associated with unrestricted access.

He said that while digital platforms can serve as valuable learning tools, children can also be exposed to harmful content and experiences that may have serious social and developmental conse-

quences.

Nandlall said the Government is examining measures to regulate children’s access to the internet and social media in an effort to safeguard their best interests.

“The consultations started yesterday and will continue in due course across the country with the engagement of all important stakeholders,” he said.

According to Nandlall, the initiative was launched by President Dr Irfaan Ali and is being led by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance in collaboration with other Government Ministries.

Tuesday’s consultation was held primarily with representatives of religious organisations, with additional engagements expected as the Government expands discussions nationwide.

“Now is the time to invest...

“So it shows you clearly; it is not oil and gas that have propelled Guyana to be the fastest-growing economy in the world. Because if it was oil and gas, then Venezuela would have been the best economy in the world if it was only oil and gas.”

Instead, Bharrat credited what he described as “sound leadership; brave, decisive leadership, good management, [and] making bold decisions” for Guyana’s rapid economic growth.

The Minister highlighted several policy initiatives implemented since 2020, including the establishment of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), the enactment of local content legislation and the modernisation of petroleum laws.

He noted that more than 7000 Guyanese are now directly employed in the oil and gas sector and pointed to the development of a worldclass training centre at Port Mourant aimed at preparing workers for opportunities within the industry.

According to Bharrat, the Local Content Act has been instrumental in creating opportunities across multiple sectors beyond oil and gas.

“It all comes back to the

local content legislation because the local content legislation provides the opportunity for the expansion of those sectors,” he noted.

“Whether they are in Black Bush Polder or Ebini, or wherever they are cultivating their crops, they now have an opportunity to expand their farm from one acre to ten acres, from two acres to twenty acres, because the market is being provided for them.”

The Minister also pointed to growth in housing, transportation and medical services as examples of how local content policies have generated broader economic benefits.

Referencing a local entrepreneur who expanded a vehicle fleet from four cars in 2021 to 120 vehicles by 2025, Bharrat said the growth continues to create ripple effects throughout the economy.

“Now that translates to opportunities, not only for himself, but rather than employing four drivers, he now needs more than 120 drivers because they work on shifts,” he said.

Bharrat also underscored the importance of balancing petroleum development with environmental stewardship,

noting that Guyana remains one of the world’s most heavily forested nations while expanding oil production.

“Not many countries in this world can boast of producing almost a million barrels of oil while at the same time saying that they’re the second most forested country in the world, with the lowest deforestation rate,” he said.

Bharrat stressed that collaboration and partnerships have been essential to Guyana’s success, acknowledging the role played by international energy companies in developing the country’s petroleum resources.

“There is no way that Guyana could have developed this resource on its own… Without Exxon and without CNOOC and without Hess and the other players here, we could have never gotten to the point where we are right now. And that is why collaboration and partnership are important,” he noted.

The Minister also reminded that the Government is still considering amendments to Schedule One of the Local Content Act to reflect the increased capacity of local businesses.

ERC issues 151 warnings, racial slurs remain top social media offence

…intensifies national outreach, education programmes

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) intensified its nationwide outreach and public education efforts throughout May 2026, rolling out a series of youth-focused programmes, cultural initiatives, and public awareness campaigns anchored in Guyana’s 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations and the broader goal of strengthening social cohesion across the country.

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has issued 151 cautionary statements so far in 2026 in response to social media violations, with racial slurs remaining the most frequently recorded offence, according to data released by the commission up to May 22.

The Commission’s Media Monitoring Unit (MMU) continued its active monitoring of traditional and social media platforms to identify and address statements capable of inciting racial hostility, intolerance, or social division.

For the year thus far, up to May 22, 2026, the MMU issued 151 cautionary statements on behalf of the Commission to social media violators for varying levels and types of infractions.

The highest recorded category of infractions remained stand-alone racial and ethnic slurs, accounting for 41 recorded incidents, while intolerant, prejudicial, and insensitive statements collectively accounted for 35 infractions.

Specifically, for the period April 24 to May 22, 2026: eight racial slurs were recorded; eight racially insensitive or prejudicial statements were identified; five xenophobic statements were addressed; one racially stereotypical statement was recorded; two statements were

deemed racially divisive; and three racially derogatory comments were identified and addressed.

The Commission continues to urge citizens to exercise responsibility, respect, and restraint when engaging on social media and other public platforms.

Investigative unit

During the current reporting cycle, the Investigative Unit’s consolidated statistical register reflects a total caseload of 83 matters spanning the period 2022–2026. This comprises three matters from 2022–2023, 14 matters brought forward from 2024, 49 matters brought forward from 2025, and 17 matters recorded for 2026 to date, of which three were received during the reporting period.

In status terms, the consolidated docket comprises 83 matters and remains materially concentrated within governance and active-processing stages. 23 matters, representing approximately 27.7 per cent, are listed as pending sub-committee review, while 17 matters, or 20.5 per cent, are classified as investigation in progress. A further five matters, or 6.0 per cent, are recorded as pending, three matters,

or 3.6 per cent, are pending legal advice, and two matters, or 2.4 per cent, are at the conciliation stage.

Finalised or closure-orientated outcomes account for 33 matters, representing approximately 39.8 per cent of the consolidated register. Of these, 24 matters, or 28.9 per cent, have been closed by the ERC; six matters, or 7.2 per cent, are recorded as completed; and three matters, or 3.6 per cent, have been withdrawn. No matters are presently recorded as Referred to External Agency, Transferred to External Agency, or Pending Statutory Decision within the statistical summaries reviewed.

Public education

Through its Public Education and Awareness Unit (PEAU), the Commission intensified public engagement via youth programmes, national competitions, cultural participation, social media campaigns, and strategic stakeholder collaboration.

The month’s standout event was the ERC Awards Ceremony for its National Poetry, Song, and Social Media Competitions, held on May 23, 2026, at the Seawall Bandstand under

LittleRock TV General Manager before court for assaulting staff

...denies charge stemming from alleged workplace altercation

Forty-year-old Phillip Rose, the General Manager of Little Rock Television Station (LRTVS), appeared before the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court on Monday, charged with assaulting a staff member. Rose, of Adelphi Village, East Canje, Berbice, appeared before Magistrate Michelle Matthias, where the charge was read to him. It is alleged that on January 8, he assaulted Marisa Brutus at the television station’s premises. Rose, who was not rep-

resented by an attorney, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecution did not object to bail, and Magistrate Matthias released him on $20,000 bail.

The matter was adjourned to June 8.

It is alleged that a dispute involving a wages book at the television station led to the assault. Brutus serves as the station’s marketing manager.

A video recording of the incident subsequently surfaced and was widely circulated on social media.

the theme “Celebrating 60 Years of Heritage, Reflection and Respect.”

The initiative formed part of the Commission’s contribution to Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee observances, providing a national platform for students and young Guyanese to give creative voice to themes of patriotism, unity, diversity, and national identity through poetry, music, and digital storytelling.

The Commission was also represented at the Guyana Festival Expo 2026, held from May 15 to 17 at the

Guyana National Stadium, Providence, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce. Over the threeday event, the ERC maintained a dedicated engagement booth where staff interacted with hundreds of patrons, distributed information materials, and raised public awareness of the Commission’s constitutional mandate.

ERC short films championing unity, tolerance, diversity, and mutual respect were screened throughout the festival, while Jingle

Competition winner Mr. Roger Hinds delivered a live performance of his winning entry before a capacity audience at the “Night of Legends” concert.

On May 12, 2026, the ERC facilitated a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) training session for the management team of Excel Guyana Inc, covering inclusive workplace practices, respectful engagement, unconscious bias, and the Commission’s constitutional role in advancing harmony and mutual respect among all Guyanese.

Deadly Blairmont fire

Burnt cash found in ashes –family says part of over $2.5M to be

deposited at bank

Relatives searching through the ruins of the Blairmont, Berbice, home that was destroyed by fire on Tuesday have discovered charred remnants of cash on Wednesday morning.

The burnt currency is believed to be part of more than $2.5 million, which homeowner Looknauth Ramprashad said had been stored inside the house and was due to be deposited at a bank on the day of the fire.

“We had over two and a half million dollars in cash – cash money – what we were supposed to carry to the bank this morning,” Ramprasad had explained following the tragedy on Tuesday.

The fire claimed the life of his wife, Bibi Shafroon Ramprashad, called “Zina”, who was wheelchair-bound and alone at home when the blaze erupted during the early morning hours. The 62-year-old woman was unable to escape.

Ramprasad said the family had postponed a planned trip to the bank the previous day and intended to deposit the money on Tuesday morning.

In addition to the cash, the fire destroyed identification documents, pension records, household appliances

and other personal belongings accumulated over decades.

The discovery of the burnt notes adds to the family’s heartbreak as they continue to mourn the loss of Balgobin and come to terms with the destruction of their home.

Based on reports, Ramprashad, 65, was at work when the fire started.

He told reporters that he ensured his wife was comfortable before leaving home around 19:00h on Monday.

“I make sure she gets she tea, she biscuit, she food, whatever she want. She can’t move about much because she in a wheelchair, but she does watch television and then go to bed,” the emotional man recalled while speaking with reporters at the scene on Tuesday, adding that he spoke to the woman just before she retired to bed.

“I just call she and ask if everything alright. She said yes; she in bed. I tell she relax, and if anything happen, call me on the phone.”

However, sometime between 04:00h and 04:30h, he received a devastating call from his daughter-in-law, who related that “your house burn down with Mommy inside.”

The man broke down

as he recounted returning home to find the building reduced to mere burnt wood. Ramprashad said he and his wife had been together for about 42 years and had worked hard to build the home they shared.

“When I come home, this is it. Nothing more. The children there, but I start crying and thinking, ‘She done gone.’ The neighbours tell me they hear she hollering, but they couldn’t get in because the fire done take over the whole place.”

The couple’s 32-year-old son, Kevon Rampershad, said after receiving the news, he rushed to the house, but by that time, “everything had already gone”, and he only managed to save a car.

According to him, firefighters arrived a few minutes later and battled the blaze for more than an hour before bringing it under control. Rampershad said his mother’s body was discovered in what was once the hall of the home. “It look like she was trying to get out through the side door, but the sofa kind of blocked she.” She didn’t get to reach the door. Right there she remain.”

T&T wins seat on UN Security Council

For the second time in this nation’s history, Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) will have a seat at the United Nations Security Council.

Today at the UN Headquarters in New York, T&T was elected as a non-permanent member for the 2027-2028 term.

The country ran unopposed for the single available seat allocated to the Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC), positioned to succeed Panama.

T&T received 181 votes out of 191 countries. Nine countries abstained. T&T only needed 122 votes to secure victory.

To secure a non-permanent seat, a country must win a two-thirds majority of

the Member States present and voting via a secret ballot in the General Assembly.

T&T had previously served a two-year term as a non-permanent member 40

years ago, spanning 1985 to 1986.

The vote was done by secret ballot in the General Assembly Hall. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

8 bagged bodies found with note in narco-trafficking hotspot in Ecuador

Eight bodies have been found in plastic bags in a southwestern narco-trafficking hotspot, where eight persons went missing on Sunday, Ecuadoran Police said Wednesday.

“It has been confirmed that there are eight bodies found on the outskirts of the town of Babahoyo,” Col. Galo Munoz, the area’s Police Chief, told reporters.

The discovery comes in the midst of a US-backed military crackdown on the organised crime gangs that have transformed Ecuador from one of South America’s safest countries into one of its deadliest.

Eight persons, some of whom were related, disappeared on Sunday while travelling from Daule to Milagro, about 30 miles south of Babahoyo.

Interior Minister John Reimberg said a note found at the scene suggested the victims, who had yet to be identified, were targeted by the Los Lobos (The Wolves) gang as part of its war with

the rival Los Choneros (after the city of Chone) outfit.

Los Lobos and Los Choneros are among Ecuador’s main drug trafficking and extortion gangs, with ties to international cartels. In September, Los Lobos was designated a terrorist organisation by the US.

Modesto Freire, the state prosecutor in Milagro, said two of the people reported missing were minors and, according to their families, they were farmers from

Daule, a rice-growing region.

Ecuador serves as a gateway to international markets for 70 per cent of the cocaine from neighbouring Colombia and Peru, the world’s leading producers of the drug.

The fight for control of the drug trade has led to an explosion of violence, particularly around the port cities of Guayaquil and Manta, through which much of the drugs are smuggled.

(Excerpt from CBS News)

Cuba to suspend Visa, Mastercard transactions; cites US sanctions

Cuba will suspend Visa and Mastercard transactions starting June 6, its central bank said on Wednesday, citing sanctions imposed by the US that in recent days have led a swath of foreign businesses to sever ties with the Caribbean island.

Cuba’s central bank said a foreign partner that had previously processed credit card transactions for Cuba had decided to limit operations following a US executive order on May 1 that vastly broadened sanctions on commerce

with Cuba.

The order is another blow to Cuba’s economy and already decimated tourism industry, as the Trump Administration ratchets up sanctions in a bid to upend the island’s Communist-run Government.

Credit card transactions have historically been handled by a foreign bank and Fincimex SA, a financial arm of GAESA, a military-run conglomerate targeted with sanctions by the Administration of US President Donald Trump.

The US accuses GAESA of secretly hoarding profits from the country’s most valuable industries – including tourism, financial transactions, remittances and logistics – and using them for the benefit of the military and Cuban elite.

Cuba denies those claims and says GAESA has contributed openly to the nation’s economic and social development.

Neither Visa nor Mastercard immediately responded to a request for comment. (Excerpt from Reuters)

1-tonne cocaine bust reveals secret US-Mexico tunnel

Federal prosecutors have charged four suspects with trafficking more than one tonne of cocaine for the Jalisco New Generation cartel using a fake retail store in San Diego as a front for a sophisticated tunnel that ran across the border to Tijuana, Mexico.

The suspects, who range in age from 18 to 32, all face sentences that could put them in prison for life. One of them, Gregorio Epifanio Hernandez Lopez, also faces the charge of “constructing, financing or using unauthorised tunnels”.

Agents from Homeland Security Investigations first began surveilling a San Diego shop called “Buy 4 Less” located near the Otay Mesa border crossing in December of last year.

There, the agents observed behaviour that “did not appear to be consistent with a normal retail location”, the complaint reads. For example, the store didn’t seem to have customers. Several men entered and exited carrying suitcases, which often appeared empty. Sometimes they walked the suitcases across the border into Mexico.

On May 29, the agents observed the suspects gather in three vehicles and saw them load up a truck with deep freezers they filled with packages.

San Diego County sheriffs conducted a traffic stop on the truck, where drug-sniffing dogs flagged the packages. Searches of the other two vehicles also yielded illicit drugs.

The officers confiscated a combined total of more than 2250 lbs of cocaine, according to the US attorney’s office for the Southern District of California.

After the arrests, federal agents searched the San Diego Buy 4 Less, where they found a 55-foot-deep tunnel “accessed using a

sophisticated hydraulic lift”, according to the complaint. The tunnel extended more than 1000 ft to the US-Mexico border. Officials suspect that it continued for 800ft into the Mexican city of Tijuana.

The tunnel was about 4.5 ft tall and operated using a rail and cart system. It was equipped with electricity and ventilation. It was the first cross-border tunnel discovered in southern California since 2022. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

J’ca: Current, ex-JPs granted bail in Manchester forgery case

Two men, one said to be a decommissioned Justice of the Peace (JP) and the other a current JP, charged with a string of charges including uttering forged documents, were granted bail in the Manchester Parish Court on Wednesday.

Dean, 46, a decommissioned justice of the peace (JP), was offered bail in the sum of $600,000, while Powell, 64, a current JP, was granted bail in the sum of $400,000 when they both appeared before Judge

Monique Harrison.

The men were charged last Thursday and Friday after they were held by cops in an operation at the Island Traffic Authority’s Mandeville Service Hub (depot) on May 18.

They are accused of purporting to be medical doctors and signing driver’s licence application forms.

Detectives last Thursday charged Dean with 12 offences, namely, impersonating a doctor; cheating the public revenue; uttering forged documents; pos-

session of false documents; forgery, forging a government seal; uttering forged seal; obtaining money by means of false pretence; conspiracy; forging the seal of a notary public; attempted bribery; and possession of forged stamp.

Last Friday detectives charged Powell with four offences: cheating the public revenue; conspiracy; using an official seal for fraudulent or unlawful purpose; and misconduct in a public office. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Lula says Brazil cannot “accept treatment” after new US tariffs proposed

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has decried newly proposed United States tariffs, saying he could “not accept the treatment” his country had received.

The rebuke on Wednesday came a day after the Administration of US President Donald Trump announced the 25 per cent tariff on certain Brazilian imports, appearing to roll back an emerging detente between the two countries.

Lula said he had left a May meeting at the White House with Trump optimistic that relations were improving.

On Wednesday, however, Lula said he was surprised by the newly proposed tariffs, adding that US-Brazil trade talks were still ongoing. He added that Brazil still wanted to build institutional relations with the US but would seek other trade partners if needed.

The latest round of tar-

iffs against Brazil will be subject to a public comment period, which ends in early July.

Several key Brazilian products are exempt from the new tariffs, including beef, coffee, rare earths, other metals, energy and aircraft parts.

The latest tariff proposal comes as Lula is facing a tight race for re-election in November against Bolsonaro’s eldest son, Senator Flavio Bolsonaro. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Around the World

OIL NEWS

Oil rises, stocks slip on fragile Mideast peace hopes

Oil prices rose on Wednesday, edging closer to US$100 a barrel while stocks fell as further attacks between the United States and Iran dented hopes of an imminent peace deal.

Wall Street indexes tumbled and European stocks were mostly in the red, following a mixed showing in Asia.

The dollar firmed as oil prices flared amid the Middle East escalations despite a supposed ceasefire, with a drone strike on a passenger terminal in Kuwait’s international airport killing one person and wounding dozens of others.

”Oil prices continue to make headway after the overnight strikes on Kuwait, and once more it is hitting most markets save for technology,” said IG chief market analyst Chris Beauchamp.

He said the situation was shifting from a delicate ceasefire towards something more like a low-intensity conflict.

On Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said ”no tangible progress” had been made in talks to end the war.

”This simply leaves the vital issue of oil supplies unresolved, and the clock continues to tick down towards doomsday for oil inventories and the global economy,” Beauchamp added.

The war has hit economic growth prospects worldwide, with a more severe shock likely should no effective ceasefire be agreed before 2027, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) warned Wednesday.

Global economic growth is forecast to slip to 2.8 per cent this year even if Gulf energy exports return to pre-conflict levels in the third quarter, the group of 38 industrialised countries said in its quarterly update.

”The longer the disruptions last, the larger the economic and social costs become,” said OECD chief economist Stefano Scarpetta.

Many countries would risk falling into recession, he noted, and a drop in investment spending – ”including in energy-intensive AI” – would likely push up unemployment.

AI enthusiasm has in general sustained investor sentiment, helping drive Wall Street indexes to repeated record highs in recent months.

Tuesday was no exception, with US chipmaker Marvell Technology soaring 32 per cent after Nvidia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jensen Huang hailed it as the next trilliondollar firm.

However, there was a bit of profit-taking on Wednesday.

Tom Cahill of Ventura Wealth Management said it was natural for the market, which has done well in the past month or so, to ”consolidate or move sideways a little bit to digest some of those gains”.

But geopolitical angst was likely weighing on stocks, he added.

Two pieces of data helped keep risk sentiment from souring: activity in the US services sector expanded in May and Private Sector employment grew more than expected. (Excerpt from AFP)

US House votes to halt Iran war, in rebuke to Trump

The US House of Representatives passed a measure that seeks to halt President Donald Trump from taking further military action in Iran. The 215-208 vote was successful after four Republicans joined Democrats in a rare public show of disapproval of the war, which began in February. This is the fourth attempt by the House to rein in Trump’s war powers, which critics say lack congressional approval.

Israel, Lebanon agree to implement ceasefire, boosting hopes for Iran deal

Israel and Lebanon agreed to implement a ceasefire to end hostilities, the Trump Administration said on Wednesday, in a boost to hopes for a broader deal to end the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Tehran, which had conditioned any deal with the US in part on an end to fighting between Israel and Lebanon, earlier struck Kuwait, damaging its airport and injuring dozens while the US military carried out strikes near the Strait of Hormuz.

The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire is contingent on a complete cessation of fire from the Iran-aligned Hezbollah militia and the evacuation of all its operatives from the South Litani Sector, a joint statement released by the US State Department said following negotiations in Washington.

The two sides had agreed last month to a ceasefire, but hostilities had continued. Israel invaded Lebanon in March in pur-

suit of Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which fired across the border in support of Tehran.

The attacks on Kuwait and in the Strait are the latest to test a shaky ceasefire between the US, Israel and Iran, sending oil prices up nearly two per cent, as the Strait remains largely closed more than three months after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran.

Flights at Kuwait International Airport were suspended after an Iranian drone and missile attack damaged airport facilities and diplomatic missions, killing one person and injuring more than 60 others, Kuwaiti authorities and State media said.

Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways later resumed flights after taking safety measures, the civil avia-

tion authority said.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Israeli drone strikes killed at least six persons in southern Lebanon and targeted a car just south of Beirut, Lebanese security sources said, while Israel said it intercepted a hostile aircraft likely fired by Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump acknowledged having called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ”crazy” during a reportedly expletive-filled phone exchange over the fighting in Lebanon as he sought a deal over the wider war.

”At some point I said, Bibi, we got to stop this. We got to stop it,” Trump said, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname.

Netanyahu told CNBC in an interview that he and Trump sometimes had ”tactical disagreements”, but that they agreed on the main issues concerning Iran. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Grammy award-winning singer Peabo Bryson

dies at age 75

Legendary R&B singer Peabo Bryson, known for songs including the Grammy-winning “A Whole New World” from Aladdin and “Beauty and the Beast”, passed away on Tuesday, according to a statement shared by his family.

“He transitioned peacefully at 5:00 pm ET on the evening of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and those closest to him,” the statement indicated.

Born Robert Peapo Bryson in Greenville, South Carolina, USA, the singer died less than a month after his 75th birthday. His death follows news on Sunday that the singer had suffered a stroke. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Bryson’s career spanned decades from his start in group Moses Dillard and the Tex-Town Display in the 1970s and his solo career not long after, which produced hits including

“Beauty and the Beast” alongside Celine Dion, for the animated Disney film of the same name, and for which he won a Grammy.

He also voiced ballads “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love”; “You’re Looking Like Love to Me”; and “As Long as There’s Christmas”.

Across his music career, he released over 20 albums.

His family expressed their thanks for the outpouring of well wishes shared by fans.

“For more than five de -

cades, Peabo’s extraordinary voice served as the soundtrack to some of life’s most cherished moments. His music carried generations through joyful celebrations, great love stories and enduring moments of comfort and inspiration, creating a legacy that will forever live in the hearts of those who loved him and the countless lives he touched through song,” the statement said.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Ukrainian drones hit St Petersburg as Putin’s flagship economic forum opens

Ukraine has carried out a strike on the outskirts of Russia’s St Petersburg, hours before the opening of a major economic forum designed to attract foreign investment into the country.

The House resolution still needs approval from the Republican-controlled US Senate. Even if it were successful in the Senate, the measure is unlikely to fully curb military action against Iran.

Trump could veto the measure, which would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers to nullify.

The Senate advanced a similar resolution in May, after seven previous failed attempts, but it has yet to reach a full floor vote.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

As dawn broke black plumes of smoke rose over Russia’s second city, where President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to address the financial event on Friday. Thousands of guests from 130 countries are due to attend, including a low-key US delegation.

Local authorities said air defences shot down 59 drones overnight and that three different districts of St Petersburg had been hit, although no one was killed.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow would respond to the strikes. ”Our responses

will be systemic in nature,” he said on Wednesday.

Mobile internet was disrupted and St Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport was temporarily closed, while some regions of nearby Latvia and Estonia also issued air raid alerts.

Hours later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Ukrainian drones had hit several locations in Russia, including the oil terminal and a naval base in the nearby town of Kronstadt.

”The Ukrainian plan of long-range sanctions is being implemented exactly as it is needed to bring peace closer,” Zelenskyy wrote on social media, using a euphemism for long-distance strikes on Russia. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Foreign nationals among at least 21 killed in Delhi fire

At least 21 persons have been killed and dozens injured after a fire tore through a multi-storey building in south Delhi, Police in India’s capital say.

Many of the victims were foreigners – including people from South Asian and African countries – who had travelled to India for medical treatment or to accompany relatives under-

going care, local media reported.

The building in the Malviya Nagar area allegedly operated as a bedand-breakfast catering to patients and relatives of those receiving treatment at a nearby private hospital.

More than 40 persons were rescued and taken to hospital. It remains unclear how many were inside the building when fire bro-

ke out. Its cause is not yet known.

The blaze at the Flourish Stay B&B is one of the deadliest in recent years in the Indian capital.

”The fire was brought under control quite early on – it was contained very quickly. We have now cleared the building and opened it up for the Police,” fire officer AK Malik said.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

SUDOKU

HOROSCOPES

Don’t let confusion set in. Take a step back, ask questions and evaluate what’s necessary. When in doubt, take a pass and don’t look back. Focus on how you earn your living.

Pump it up; work those muscles. Implement exercise into your routine or drum up entertaining activities you can do with friends. Participating in group activities will broaden your vision.

Change the dialogue to reflect your needs. Ask questions, show interest and charm your way forward. Your input, dedication and creativity will help you outshine anyone who wants to challenge you.

Be honest with yourself and others. It’s easy to dwell on the negative, but it’s far more productive to let go of what isn’t working for you and embrace something that is.

Put a plan together and participate in something that addresses issues of concern. A change to how you think and what you are willing to do will commence once you get your head wrapped around what’s happening.

Don’t feel pressured to make a move or decision prematurely. Concentrate on how to help yourself first and then parlay your findings into helping those less fortunate.

You’ll have decisions to make that conflict with your time, schedule and what you want to do. Don’t commit to something to avoid opposition. Offer what’s doable, affordable and within your capabilities.

Let your questions and responses be your ticket to a brighter future. Send out resumes, sign up for courses to update your qualifications and connect with people who can help you make your way forward.

Keep the momentum flowing, and you’ll do great. Fixing up your space, vying for a new position and higher pay or participating in something that intrigues you will all lead to changes in how you do things and who you associate with.

When opportunity knocks, open the door. A chance encounter will make your heart skip a beat. Focus on home, family, love and romance, and less on outside influences trying to lead you astray.

Put the past behind you, and structure your schedule to enhance your chance to use your talents for something lucrative and constructive. An opportunity to express yourself will lead to new beginnings.

Hold on to what you have, and make sure you are doing what’s best for you. Someone will lead you astray if you are gullible. Put more thought into making positive changes to your space.

Guyana’s National Men’s Rugby team, the Green Machine, will be aiming to secure its first victory of the 2026 Rugby Americas North (RAN) Tier Two campaign when it faces Barbados on Saturday at the Garrison Savannah in Bridgetown.

The encounter also presents an opportunity for Guyana to avenge a heavy 43-5 defeat suffered against the same opponents one year ago as the team looks to revive its regional campaign following a narrow 9-5 loss to Bermuda in its opening match on April 25 at the National Park in Georgetown.

The Guyanese squad began its journey to Barbados on Wednesday, with part of the team arriving in Bridgetown during the morning while the remainder was scheduled to travel later in the evening.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport ahead of the fixture, Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) President Ryan Gonsalves expressed confidence in the team’s chances despite a disrupted preparation period.

Gonsalves revealed that injuries forced several changes to the original squad, including the loss of scrum half Osei McKenzie, who suffered a hamstring injury. However, he believes the return of experienced campaigners Tyrese Prescod

and Kevin Braithwaite has strengthened the side.

“We had a few changes due to injuries, but we have some experienced guys coming back on board.

Tyrese Prescod and Kevin Braithwaite have played for Guyana regularly, so we are happy to have them onboard for this important game,” Gonsalves said.

Preparations were hampered by persistent rainfall and lighting issues at the national rugby field in the National Park, limiting the team’s ability to conduct full evening training sessions.

According to Gonsalves, the rugby field remained waterlogged for much of the past three weeks, forcing players and coaches to adapt their programme. Training sessions were shifted to higher ground, including the athletics track, to ensure the squad maintained its fitness and conditioning.

Despite the challenges, Gonsalves said the players remain focused and confident heading into the match.

“We put in the work, the coaches put in the work, and the players just have to stick to the game plan. Once they stick to the structure, I don’t see why we can’t win. I am 100 per cent confident that we are going to Barbados and win this game,” he stated.

While optimistic, the GRFU President acknowledged that Barbados will

TGreen Machine target Barbados upset in crucial RAN Tier 2 showdown

provide a stern test, noting the hosts have enjoyed strong performances in both the fifteens and sevens formats over the past two years.

“Barbados is no walkover. They have had a good year or two in both fifteens and sevens, so we are not taking that for granted. It is about putting everything together, taking opportuni-

ties and winning this game. For us, it is very important,” Gonsalves added.

Leading Guyana’s challenge will be Captain Rondel McArthur, supported by Makaya Smith, Osbert Robinson, Christian Klass, James Osbourne, Shawn David, Lionel Holder, Phibian Joseph, Vallon Adams, Jamal Junor, Godfrey Broomes,

Tyrese Prescod, Owen Adonis, Godfrey Pollydore, Rickford Cummings, Gavin McPherson, Michael Edwards, Akino James, Odida Douglas, Sebastian Manifile, Renaldo Niles, Kevin Braithwaite, and Julius Jardim.

Suhkai elated with “fulfilling” Independence title

Stepping onto the senior stage can sometimes be daunting for youth athletes, but Samara Sukhai rose to the occasion over the weekend to pull off a Women’s Singles win in the Guyana Table Tennis Association’s (GTTA) 60th Independence Jubilee tournament.

Sukhai began her campaign with a win against Angel Robinson in the semi-finals, while her eventual final opponent, Nevaeh Clarkston, overcame Fabianna John in the semis.

In the final, Sukhai was cruising with two wins when Clarkston levelled the scores 2-2, leaving the game up to the final set.

While Sukhai went on to prevail, she later told Guyana Times Sport that

a bit of revenge went into her motivation.

Sukhai shared, “First of all, I feel really proud of myself; I feel happy. My opponent played an incredible game but the last tournament and the same category, I lost to her. So, this tournament, I really wanted to defeat her and, you know, win this title because it’s important to me.”

She continued, “I try to win every title that I play, and basically coming up to the tournament was just intense practice sessions and learning from my mistakes, and learning to better myself so that I can play better.”

Quizzed about those tense moments in the final, Sukhai explained how she was able to cross that

hurdle.

“I would say, definitely, I wasn’t supposed to let her come back because I was ahead, and she did come back fighting. So, I had to remind myself to stay calm, and my coach was reminding me to follow the tactics that I followed earlier on. So, I just had to stay calm and believe in myself to the end,”

“A reflection of the commitment shown by athletes and administrators”

– Seignolle praises GBA’s strides

ing in the country.

“I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to your athletes, coaches, and officials on the bronze medal achieved during the competition,”

Seignolle stated.

She noted that Guyana’s accomplishment was a reflection of the commitment shown by both the athletes and the administrators who continue to invest in the sport.

She further thanked Ninvalle for his continued collaboration and support of boxing initiatives across the region.

Seignolle added that she is looking forward to working together to create further opportunities for young athletes and to continue strengthening boxing throughout the Americas.

he Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has received high praise from the President of the Pan American Boxing Confederation, Elise Seignolle, following the country’s participation at the recently concluded South American Youth Games in Panama City, Panama.

Guyana returned from the prestigious competition with a bronze medal, courtesy of young boxer Ken Harvey, in a performance that earned recognition from the continental governing body and further highlighted the progress being made by the GBA in developing the sport.

In a letter sent directly to GBA President Steve Ninvalle, Seignolle congratulated Guyana on its achievement and acknowledged the work being done to advance box-

According to Seignolle, boxing at the South American Youth Games and Guyana’s accomplishment “reflects the dedication and hard work of the athletes and the continued efforts of your Federation to support the development of boxing in Guyana.”

The Pan American Boxing Confederation President also commended the conduct of the Guyanese delegation throughout the event and stressed the positive impression they left on the regional boxing community.

“In addition, I would like to recognise the professionalism, discipline, and sportsmanship demonstrated by your delegation throughout the event. These qualities contribute positively to the growth of our sport and serve as an example for the next generation of athletes across the continent,” Seignolle noted.

Beyond Harvey’s bronze-medal performance, Guyana was well represented at the championships, in what Ninvalle described as another important step in proving that the nation can compete against some of the strongest boxing countries outside of the Caribbean region.

she related to this publication.

The young athlete went on to describe her triumph as fulfilling.

Sukhai expressed, “I feel really proud of myself because I’ve been playing for so long, so to win this title feels really fulfilling, and I hope too, as the tournaments come, to keep my titles and go on.”

Ninvalle welcomed the commendation from the Pan American Boxing Confederation and reaffirmed the GBA’s commitment to athlete development and international exposure.

The GBA President said the association remains focused on creating opportunities for young boxers to gain valuable experience against higher levels of competition, noting that such exposure is essential for long-term growth and success.

Ninvalle highlighted that the continued work being done by the GBA in grassroots and youth development will allow more Guyanese boxers to compete at regional,

continental and international tournaments, helping to bridge the gap between local talent and elite-level competition.

Meanwhile, Ninvalle said he welcomes any collaboration with the PanAm Boxing Confederation, particularly through competition, while thanking them for allowing boxing to be part of the South American Youth Games.

The latest recognition from the continental body serves as further validation of the strides being made by the GBA as it continues its efforts to develop the next generation of Guyanese boxing talent and strengthen the country’s presence on the international stage.

Rain has final say in Windies Women - Pakistan clash

Rain played spoil-sport in Dublin, Ireland, on Wednesday, washing out the West Indies Women’s final game in the Tri-Nation series against hosts Ireland and Pakistan.

The 11:00h start to Wednesday’s match between the Maroon Women and Pakistan was pushed back due to an initial rain delay prior to the toss. When things finally got underway over an hour later, the West Indies had won the toss, electing to bowl first.

Zaida James struck ear-

ly, removing Muneeba Ali for four in the very first over. In the following over, Chinelle Henry sent Gull Feroza back to the dugout for 10, setting

the tone for the remainder of the innings.

The Pakistan women never really found their footing, as the Windies

bowlers ensured a constant flow of wickets, preventing Pakistan’s small partnerships from blossoming. However, rain would rear its ugly head again with Pakistan on 111-7 in 16.5 overs, and after persisting for over another hour, the no-result conclusion was eventually forced.

Aliya Riaz top-scored with 24 from 23 deliveries, finding the boundary thrice, while Captain Fatima Sana was the next best batter with a run-a-ball 21. Henry snared 2-13 from two overs, and Guyana’s Ashmini Munisar also had tidy figures, claiming 2-15 from three overs.

The West Indies Women will have to await the result of today’s clash between Ireland and Pakistan to de-

termine the Tri-Nation series winner. The West Indies Women racked up back-toback wins against Ireland (by eight wickets) and Pakistan (by 25 runs) over the weekend, before suffering a one-run loss to Ireland (DLS method) on Monday.

With Ireland defeating

Pakistan by seven wickets on Sunday, the hosts can wrap up the series win with a victory over the same opposition today. On the other hand, the West Indies’ women will be hoping that Pakistan triumphs today in order to walk away with the series win.

SCOREBOARD

Hard work, preparation bring reward for West Ruimveldt Primary

There is a distinct, raw beauty in grassroots tapeball cricket, where the margins are razor-thin, and the emotions run unchecked.

On Sunday at the National Stadium in Providence, those emotions spilt over into tears of jubilation as West Ruimveldt Primary clinched the Demerara zone title in the Future Warriors Tapeball tournament, powered by ExxonMobil Guyana.

For West Ruimveldt, this was not just a weekend tournament victory; it was a redemption arc.

Having reached the final four in the previous editions only to fall agonisingly short of lifting the trophy, the team returned this year with a meticulous blueprint for success.

“We have put in extensive preparation into this year’s campaign,” Andre Webber, a teacher attached to the school’s cricket team, reflected proudly after the final.

The heartbreak of the past served as the fuel for their current triumph,

though the sheer weight of the achievement caught the young squad by surprise when the final wicket fell.

“Let me be honest with you, [looking at them now] they are crying. It came out successfully.”

The final pitted West Ruimveldt against Chateau Margot Primary, an East Coast Demerara outfit that had rightfully earned a reputation as the tournament’s preeminent “chase masters”. Armed with data and discipline, West Ruimveldt chose to bat first and immediately threw a wrench into Chateau Margot’s plans by posting a formidable 66 for four – the highest total of the entire competition.

The foundational bricks of that championship-winning total were laid by Bryan Hunter, who smashed a brisk, 12-ball 23, punctuated by three boundaries and a solitary, towering six.

Skipper Steven Orie provided the perfect foil with a crucial, stabilising 18, ensuring the run rate never dipped despite a probing, high-quality spell from Chateau Margot’s

Mahendra Chunilall, who picked up two for 10.

Chateau Margot’s pursuit, usually so calculated, never found its rhythm against a relentless and hostile West Ruimveldt attack.

Rohit Shama top-scored with just five as Vincent Farley (two for five) and the ubiquitous Orie (two for eight) triggered a steady procession of wickets.

The clinical bowling display choked Chateau Margot to 40 for seven, sealing a comprehensive victory.

Orie capped off a sensational individual campaign as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 49 runs, alongside a crucial three-wicket haul across the tournament that rightfully earned him the Most Valuable Player award. Farley finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with five scalps.

West Ruimveldt’s passage to the final was forged on defensive bowling excellence. In their semi-final clash, a combined bowling effort from Farley (two for three), Hunter (two for seven), and Zyron Austin

(two for 12) restricted Rama Krishna Primary to 36 for eight. Orie’s steady, unbeaten 10 then steered them safely across the line.

Chateau Margot’s route to the final was far more dramatic and true to their moniker. They pulled off yet another signature, ice-cool chase against former champions Stella Maris, hunting down a target of 52 with five wickets and seven balls to spare.

Ezekiel Thomas’ unbeaten 18 and Clevon Jacobs’ 16 had originally lifted Stella Maris to a competitive 51 for two, but Wazim Khan’s nerveless, five-ball cameo of 10* sealed an emphatic win for Chateau Margot.

Stella Maris eventually found consolation in the third-place playoff, bossing a 51-run chase against Rama Krishna to win by seven wickets inside just 5.3 overs. Jeremiah Scott’s blistering 24 off 13 balls and Joshua Horatio’s cameo of 14 off seven rendered

Michail Nelson’s earlier, valiant 12 for Rama Krishna obsolete.

The highly competitive Demerara leg featured 16 schools, showcasing the deep well of schoolboys’ talent across the region, with the likes of Grove Primary, Supply Primary, La Grange Primary, Meten-Meer-Zorg Primary, St Pius Primary, Winfer Gardens Primary, Enterprise Primary, Comenius Primary, Redeemer Primary, Camille’s Primary, ISA Islamic School, and School of the Nations all testing their mettle.

In a massive boost for grassroots development, all four top schools received a bag of cricket equipment, an electronic tablet for digital scoring, and specialised agility kits to support their continued development in the sport, alongside their hardearned medals and trophies.

While West Ruimveldt celebrates, the grassroots caravan shows no signs of slowing down.

The tournament now shifts to the Berbice zone at the Albion Sports Complex on June 13-14, followed by the Essequibo zone at the Anna Regina National Stadium on June 20-21.

The three regional champions will ultimately collide in the “Champion of Champions” tournament slated for August/ September, where West Ruimveldt will look to translate their Demerara dominance into national glory.

Kusal Mendis hit 72 off 62 to energise Sri Lanka after a slow start, while Pathum Nissanka, Janith Liyanage, and Charith Asalanka produced important innings in Sri Lanka’s advance to 303 for 7. On a Sabina Park surface that took some turn, their total turned out to be 41 too many for West Indies, who began solidly enough, but were ultimately reined in by Sri Lanka’s spinners.

Maheesh Theekshana returned outstanding figures of 2 for 26 as West Indies’ batters frequently failed to to pick his variations, while Wanindu Hasaranga took 1 for 43. The only West Indies batter to cross fifty was captain Shai Hope, who hit 56 from 66 balls. But although there were other contributions, West Indies never managed to put a long partnership together. While Sri Lanka’s spinners squeezed West Indies, Dushmantha Chameera was the strike bowler, claiming 4 for 67 from his 10 overs.

After the teams exited briefly for bad light when

Kusal, Nissanka, bowlers put Sri Lanka 1-0 up

West Indies were nine down in the 49th over, they returned to finish the match, the last wicket going down with four balls to spare. Sri Lanka now go 1-0 up in a three-match series.

Having won the toss in a day game, on a surface that had a green tinge to it, West Indies chose to bowl first and appeared at first to be prospering. Jayden Seales dismissed Sri Lanka’s new opener Kamindu Mendis in the the seventh over, and conceded no more than 32 in the powerplay, as Nissanka played with uncharacteristic caution.

Kusal ramped up the scoring soon after arriving at the crease, however. He took an immediate liking to Gudakesh Motie, hitting four sixes down the ground off him in the space of three overs. In the last of those overs - the 20th of the innings - Kusal hit two sixes and a four, as Sri Lanka plundered 18 in total. Motie never bowled again in the innings, with Roston Chase delivering ten tidy overs for two wickets instead. Kusal

motored to a 42-ball half century, and had looked good to push on when he attempted to swipe a Matthew Forde full toss to leg, and

somehow top-edged it to short fine leg. The 136-run second-wicket stand with Nissanka had put Sri Lanka firmly on track for a score in

aaa SCOREBOARD

Sri Lanka (50 ovs maximum)

Pathum Nissanka c †Hope

b Chase 79 Kamindu Mendis c †Hope

b Seales 12

Kusal Mendis (c)† c AS Joseph

b Forde 72

Pavan Rathnayake c Seales

b Chase 24

Charith Asalanka c Seales

b Forde 45

Janith Liyanage not out 44

Wanindu Hasaranga c Rutherford

b Seales 7

Milan Rathnayaka run out

(†Hope/Seales) 0

Maheesh Theekshana not out 0

Extras (lb 2, nb 2, w 16) 20

Total: 50 Ov (RR: 6.06) 303/7

Did not bat: Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando Fall of wickets: 1-22 (Kamindu

Mendis, 6.5 ov), 2-158 (Kusal

Mendis, 27.6 ov), 3-177 (Pathum

Nissanka, 34.1 ov), 4-221 (Pavan

Rathnayake, 40.3 ov), 5-285 (Charith

Asalanka, 48.3 ov), 6-295 (Wanindu Hasaranga, 49.3 ov), 7-295 (Milan Rathnayaka, 49.4 ov)

Bowling O-M-R-W

Jayden Seales 10-3-67-2

Matthew Forde 9-1-44-2

Shamar Joseph 8-0-38-0

Alzarri Joseph 9-0-65-0

Gudakesh Motie 4-0-40-0

Roston Chase 10-1-47-2

17

Justin Greaves b Theekshana 45

Keacy Carty c PHKD Mendis

b Fernando 27

Shai Hope (c)† c RMMP

Rathnayake b Chameera 56

Sherfane Rutherford lbw

b Hasaranga 5

Roston Chase b Chameera 33

Gudakesh Motie c RMMP

Rathnayake b Theekshana 22

Matthew Forde b Chameera 15

Alzarri Joseph b Chameera 0

Shamar Joseph not out 23

Jayden Seales c Liyanage

b Asalanka 2

Extras (b 5, lb 2, nb 3, w 7) 17

Total: 49.2 Ov (RR: 5.31) 262

Fall of wickets: 1-50 (John Campbell, 6.1 ov), 2-73 (Justin Greaves, 9.4 ov), 3-125 (Keacy Carty, 20.6 ov), 4-134 (Sherfane Rutherford, 24.1 ov), 5-167 (Shai Hope, 30.5 ov), 6-214 (Gudakesh Motie, 39.5 ov), 7-216 (Roston Chase, 40.3 ov), 8-216 (Alzarri Joseph, 40.5 ov), 9-258 (Matthew Forde, 48.1 ov), 10-262 (Jayden Seales, 49.2 ov)

Bowling O-M-R-W

Dushmantha Chameera 10-0-67-4

Asitha Fernando 8-0-59-1

Maheesh Theekshana 10-1-26-2

Milan Rathnayaka 10-0-54-0

Wanindu Hasaranga 10-0-43-1

Charith Asalanka 1.2-0-6-1

excess of 300.

Nissanka seemed to struggle by comparison. He was timing the ball poorly by his own standards, as West Indies’ bowlers discovered the Kingston track rewarded slower bowling. But although he had been dropped first ball at cover by Keacy Carty off the bowling of Seales, Nissanka played a largely sensible innings, running hard between the wickets, and finding what boundaries he could, particularly behind square on the leg side. It took him 71 balls to get to his half century, and he was striking at less than 80 when he was dismissed by Chase (via an unusual pad-bat catch to wicketkeeper Hope) for 79.

The hard-running Asalanka and the innovative Liyanage were then on hand to provide some heft and urgency to the final third of Sri Lanka’s innings. Liyanage produced the better of these knocks, hitting 44 not out off 29. Asalanka made 45 off 44. The two put on 64 for the fifth wicket.

West Indies gave themselves a shot of chasing down 304, though it would have been a ground record if they had. They openers had them rocketing to 50 for no loss after six overs, before an excellent pick up and throw from Liyanage ended John Campbell’s innings. West Indies’ other opener Justin Greaves would be out before the powerplay ended too, bowled by Theekshana who pinged his leg stump after Greaves had backed away. And still, while Hope was at the crease, there was a chance West Indies could make a charge at the total.

Ultimately they just lost too many wickets through the middle overs period that Sri Lanka’s batters had dominated. Keacy Carty was caught brilliantly at short midwicket by a diving Kamindu. Hope himself

was fooled by a Chameera slower ball and spooned up a simple catch to backward point. From 167 for 5, and the required rate pushing seven, West Indies were always going to struggle. Though there were moments of resistance from the lower order, they folded eventually.

But it is their bowling that will worry West Indies most after this match. They lacked penetration in the middle overs, and the seamers were also too indisciplined, bowling 12 wides, while also straying too frequently into the pads. Although West Indies had four specialist bowlers, allrounder Chase was likely their best bowler on the day. (ESPNcricinfo)

Guyana Horse Racing awards set for next month, Dataman set to sweep awards

Ahistoric day is on the cards for Guyana’s horse racing on Sunday, July 5, at the Port Mourant Turf Club.

For the first time ever in the Republic of Guyana, the 2026 Guyana Horse Racing Awards will take place at the track in a monumental day of exciting live racing.

It will be a great spectacle as a packed Port Mourant turf club will witness the crowning achievements of the 2025 season.

Master Z Gem of a Horse, Dataman is expected to sweep the top awards after his unbeaten run in Guyana. Dataman defied all odds, after winning the 2025 Guyana Cup, to secure the President’s Cup and Banks Classic race wins.

Dataman remained special as he dominated in different racing conditions at different phases of the day and even conquered the former champion on various occasions.

The 2026 Guyana Horse Racing Awards honouring our equine athletes as well as our divisional champions of 2025.

Awards to be distributed on July 5 are:

Horse of the Year

Champion Imported Sprinter

Champion two-year-old Guyana-bred Champion three-year-old Guyana-bred Champion three-year-old West Indiesbred

Champion four-year-old & over Guyanabred

Champion four-year-old & over West Indies-bred Upset Win of the Year

Race of the Year

Champion Owner Champion Trainer Champion Jockey

Kishawn Pereira Future Star Jockey Award

The Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) have assembled a formidable squad featuring a blend of regional stars, experienced internationals, and emerging talent as they prepare to defend their ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) title from July 23 to August 1 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Leading the Warriors’ charge will be a host of

Motie back with GAW

...in formidable squad for ExxonMobil GSL title defence

wealth of T20 experience has made him one of the most successful bowlers in franchise cricket around the

New Zealand star Glenn Phillips adds international quality and versatility, while Pakistan batsman Muhammad Haris is expected to bring an aggressive approach at the top of

Trinidad and Tobago wicketkeeper-batsman Amir Jangoo and Guyanese talent Quentin Sampson

Keemo Paul, Matthew Forde and South Africa’s Dwaine Pretorius, providing the team with depth and flexibility in both batting and bowling departments.

In the spin department, the Warriors will rely heavily on West Indies leftarm spinner Gudakesh Motie, the experience of Afghanistan off-spinner Mohammad Nabi, and former South Africa leg-spinner Imran Tahir, whose

As defending champions, GAW will enter the tournament with high expectations as they seek to retain the title on home soil. The carefully selected squad combines power, experience and match-winning ability, giving the franchise a strong platform to challenge for back-to-back championships.

The Warriors will face a challenging group of opponents during the tournament, coming up against Pakistan franchise Lahore

Qalandars, UAE-based Desert Vipers, Australia’s Perth Scorchers XI and US representatives San Francisco Unicorns. The line-up of competing teams promises a high standard of cricket and several intriguing matchups throughout the competition.

All matches in the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League will be played at the Guyana National

Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), where local fans will have the opportunity to witness some of the world’s leading T20 players in action.

With a roster packed with international stars and regional standouts, the Warriors will once again be among the favourites when the tournament bowls off on July 23 as they pursue a

successful defence of their GSL crown.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors Squad reads: Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Rovman Powell, Gudakesh Motie, Glenn Phillips, Imran Tahir, Dwaine Pretorius, Mohammad Nabi, Muhammad Haris, Johnson Charles, Amir Jangoo, Quentin Sampson, Keemo Paul, and Matthew Forde.