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Saturday Edition June 27, 2026 - Vol. 21 No. 25

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Contractor tells Jamaica PM:

Wales plant to deliver electricity

by December 2026 Mother of slain teen motorcyclist cries out for justice

Arrested: Hemat Mohamed

From right: Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar and other technical officers visited the GTE project on Thursday.

Husband confesses to killing wife whose body was found floating in Uitvlugt Canal

Jamaica joins other nations for a bite in Guyana’s energy, other sectors - MoU signed

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Saturday June 27, 2026

Kaieteur News

Wales plant to deliver electricity

by December 2026 - Contractor tells Jamaica PM

From right: Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar and other technical officers visited the GTE project on Thursday.

Lindsayca Guyana Inc., the contractor hired to deliver phase one of the Gasto-Energy (GTE) project, on Thursday informed Jamaican Prime Minister, Andrew Holness that construction activities are ongoing round-the-clock to ensure power generation by the end of 2026.

The project was initially intended to startup at the end of 2024 but has faced significant delays due to the soil at Wales, West Bank Demerara.

Prime Minister Holness was on an official state visit to Guyana between June 25 and June 26, Guyana’s Office of the Prime Minister reported.

Holness and his team, accompanied by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat and other technical officers visited the GTE project on Thursday.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) reported that engineers are now preparing to introduce natural gas into the system and are working around the clock to deliver electricity to the national grid by December 2026.

Lindsayca’s Project M a n a g e r, L u i s P i r e l a detailed the components of the project, highlighting that the facility is designed to receive natural gas and separate it into different components to maximise value for Guyana.

Methane is the primary gas component that will be used to fuel power generation and supply electricity to homes and businesses.

Pirela explained, “The facility separates the molecules and extracts methane, which is then sent to the power generation system as fuel”.

Beyond power generation, the GTE project will also position Guyana as an exporter of cooking gas, with other by-products such as plastic and glass being explored.

The project manager pointed to the collaboration between Guyana and at least 20 countries across Europe,

Asia and the Americas for the importation of key equipment and expertise to develop the flagship project.

“This facility is the result of integrating engineering and equipment from around the world,” he noted.

Pirela said that the international collaboration allowed the engineering teams to deliver the project within an accelerated timeframe.

DPI said he further revealed that the current construction works represent the second phase of development.

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

The second phase of construction activities is expected to conclude within the next three months, after which the turbines will be fully assembled. To this end, Pirela emphasised that, “The target is to start power generation in December 2026.”

The project manager told the visiting delegation that the contractor is working around the clock to ensure it meets the year-end deadline.

“We’re working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays, to make sure this is achievable and to deliver power generation for Guyana,” he assured.

The gas processing facility is initially designed to handle 50 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, with infrastructure already installed to expand capacity to 120 million standard cubic feet daily in the future.

“Pirela said the site is now technically prepared for gas introduction, with commissioning activities advancing,” according to the DPI. The project manager said, “We’re ready for introducing gas and s u p p o r t i n g t h e commissioning teams, with the hope of introducing gas later this year”. The GTE project aims to s las h electricity bills by a generous 50% once completed.

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 27, 2026

Jamaica joins other nations for a bite in Guyana’s energy, - MoU other sectors signed Jamaica and Guyana on Friday signed four agreements to advance collaboration between the two countries in the areas of energy, finance, defence and agriculture.

The first agreement relates to the amending of the 1995 agreement on economic, technical and cultural cooperation. The protocol widens areas for collaboration between the two sides in energy, defense and security, development of financial services and capital markets, disaster response and recovery, climate resilient housing and infrastructure and science, technology and innovation.

The three Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) relates to agriculture, defence and security and financial services.

In agriculture, the agreement paves the way for strengthened cooperation in food security through the development of a strategic partnership for the mutual benefit of the two states and the wider Caribbean. It will focus on institutional and human resource development; resource innovation, education and extension, trade facilitation and advancing the implementation of CARICOM’s 25 by 2025 plus initiative.

The Defence and Security Cooperation MoU provides the framework for developing bilateral cooperation between the two countries, building capacity on existing partnerships and identifying new areas for mutual benefit. It aims to explore participation in multinational operations in support of international stability, peace and security; develop and enhance a mechanism for the exchange of information between the two sides; establish standing arrangements for bilateral discussions between officials and pursue consultations on defense and security policy and coordinate representation.

Meanwhile, the financial services MoU seeks to promote cooperation in the enhancement of financial infrastructure and systems.

The two countries have agreed to collaborate in the development and modernisation of financial

services, institutional strengthening and capacity building in the financial services sector.

Signing on behalf of Guyana was the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd while his Jamaica’s counterpart, Senator, Camina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade signed for the visiting nation.

In remarks President Irfaan Ali lauded the CARICOM nation for its achievements in various sectors including the orange economy and tourism as well as the financial sector.

The visit by the Jamaican PM has highlighted the shared priorities between the two countries, paving the way for greater areas of partnership. Ali said both countries share the goal of efficient governance as well as implementation and delivery of services to benefit citizens.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, w i t h Guyana hoping to enter the stock exchange business, Ali said Jamaica offers key lessons. Beyond the areas mentioned, the President noted that the two sides also discussed healthcare and housing with the local private sector eager to partner with Jamaica in that regard.

On energy, President Ali explained, “In energy, the opportunities are enormous.

We have to scope our comparative advantage, your infrastructure and our infrastructure and to find a way in which we can have a common vehicle through which both of us benefit but also the region benefits.”

Guyana and Jamaica are committed to examining the opportunities and drafting recommendations for future collaboration in the sector.

Furthermore, he noted, “We are particularly very pleased that we are able to sign this MoU on financial services given the fact that we are now proceeding on the junior stock exchange.

The expertise of Jamaica, having our insurance companies more integrated, our financial systems more integrated, our banking system more integrated, our means of settlement more Continued on page 7

PAGE 03

Front row: Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd and Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Camina Johnson Smith signs one of the MoU while President Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Andrew Holness watch on.

Kaieteur News

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Saturday June 27, 2026

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

Publisher: GLENN LALL - Tel: 624-6456 Editor-in-Chief: Nigel Williams Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

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

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

Unavailable for what? Certainly not unavailable to collect salaries and benefits paid by the very citizens they are refusing to serve.

The PAC is Parliament’s principal watchdog over public spending. It is the body responsible for examining whether billions of taxpayers’ dollars have been spent lawfully, properly and efficiently. It is one of the few parliamentary mechanisms that gives citizens an opportunity to see how governments account for the people’s money. Yet the very Government that endlessly boasts about transparency and accountability cannot find enough members to attend meetings and allow the committee to function.

This is not an accident. It is not bad luck. It is the predictable outcome of deliberate political engineering.

In a statement on Thursday PAC member, MP, Ganesh Mahipaul outlined how every reasonable effort was made to convene the committee. Notices were issued well within the Standing Orders. Parliament’s Office initially confirmed that a quorum existed. Then, on the very day of the meeting, Government members withdrew, collapsing the quorum. He said the chairman attempted to accommodate them by offering meetings on every remaining weekday. Every proposed date was rejected.

The inevitable result is paralysis.

Government cannot now pretend that circumstances are beyond its control. It has shown scant regard for the work of one of Parliament’s most important oversight bodies and, in doing so, is making a mockery of the Guyanese people.

Even more disturbing is that this paralysis was years in the making. In 2021, the PPP/C amended the quorum rules governing the PAC. At the time, critics warned that requiring Government participation for meetings to proceed would effectively hand the Executive a veto over parliamentary scrutiny. Those warnings were dismissed. Today they have been fully vindicated.

The Government has discovered that the easiest way to avoid uncomfortable questions is simply not to show up.

Accountability delayed is accountability denied.

Every cancelled meeting pushes the examination of Government spending further into the future. The backlog already stretches back to 2019. Billions of dollars have flowed through the Treasury during Guyana’s oil boom, yet the committee responsible for examining that expenditure remains crippled. At the current pace, much of the spending that has occurred under this administration may never receive meaningful parliamentary scrutiny before the next general elections.

That is not merely an administrative inconvenience. It is a direct assault on democratic accountability.

This situation becomes even more troubling when viewed against the Government’s earlier refusal to increase PAC meetings from one day each week to two. The justification then was that members had other responsibilities. The practical consequence, however, was obvious: slow the committee’s work, preserve the backlog and ensure that scrutiny of current Government spending remained perpetually out of reach.

Then the second layer of protection, the altered quorum requirement, which allows Government members simply to stay away whenever scrutiny becomes inconvenient.

One does not have to accept every allegation of corruption to recognise what is happening. A Government confident in its stewardship of public funds should welcome scrutiny. Honest administrations do not fear auditors, investigators or parliamentary oversight. They facilitate them because transparency strengthens public trust.

Instead, Guyanese are witnessing the opposite.

Oversight is frustrated. Meetings are cancelled. Excuses

Govt. is responsible for there being no PAC DEAR EDITOR, The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has made every reasonable effort to convene a meeting so that the unfinished work of the 12th Parliament can continue in the 13th Parliament. Based on the information available to me, he complied with all the Standing Orders by issuing the notice more than three working days in advance and circulating the agenda.

The first notice was sent on Monday, 15 June 2026, for a meeting scheduled for Monday, 22 June 2026. We were initially informed by the Parliament Office that the quorum requirement had been satisfied. The Chairman, two Government members and two Opposition members. However, on the very day of the meeting, we were

advised that the Government members had withdrawn, causing the meeting to lose its quorum.

In an effort to accommodate everyone, the Chairman proposed that the meeting be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, whichever day best suited members.

Unfortunately, the Government rejected every proposed date. As things now stand, no one knows when the PAC will meet.

This situation goes to the very heart of the controversial decision taken by the PPP/C in April 2021 during the 12th Parliament to change the PAC’s quorum requirements. At the time, I argued that the amendment was designed to give the Government effective control over when the PAC meets and, by extension, how quickly or slowly it performs its

oversight role. Everything we warned about in 2021 is now unfolding before our eyes.

The pattern is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Instead of facilitating parliamentary oversight, the Government appears intent on delaying scrutiny and frustrating accountability. A Government that is confident in its stewardship of public funds should welcome the work of the Public Accounts Committee, not repeatedly obstruct it. The Guyanese p e o p l e d e s e r v e t r a n s p a r e n c y, accountability, and a Government that is prepared to answer for its management of the nation’s resources not one that continually avoids scrutiny.

Regards, Ganesh Mahipaul.

Members of Parliament

Wismar Massacre: Genocide or Holocaust?

DEAR EDITOR, Dr. Baytoram Ramharack authored and published a book entitled the ‘Wismar Massacre.’

The book was first launched in New York City, however, with the announcement of a second launch in Georgetown, a wave of criticisms was leveled on both book and author by Guyanese politicians, political activists and commentators at home and abroad.

The PNC was in the political opposition at the time of the occurrence in May, 1964, however, the domestic geo-political situation and ethnic tensions prevailing in British Guiana in the mid-1960’s was transmitted thereafter by elements who sought since then, to use the occurrence to deepen the racial divide amongst Guyanese, promote indo-Afro Guyanese centrism, to weaponize and to maintain the occurrence as a permanent feature of our country’s historiography. And as if that was not enough, others sought to advance the spurious, unsubstantiated claim that the PPP is responsible for maintaining a shroud of silence over the incident ever since that time.

To those who appear to be entrapped by any of these mindsets, or held captive by a single picture they should be reminded of Descartes, who, in his ‘The Passions of the Soul’ (1649) wrote; ‘When you grow out of something, you grow into something else.’ That probably explains why the ethnocentric narrative peddled by wellknown elements prevail to this day.

There are two ways of understanding what happened at

Wismar; either as a spontaneous occurrence or as an intentional project.

Either way gives rise to two fundamental questions; in what way should the occurrence be understood and what is the truth behind the occurrence, bearing in mind that a truth told with bad intent beats all the lies one can invent.

To d e t e r m i n e w h e t h e r t h e occurrence was spontaneous or intentional and to find the truth about ‘Wismar 1964’, we must seek to connect concepts to actions. This imposes on us the need to give account of the meaning of ‘massacre’ (Cheddi Jagan, The West on Trial pps 311-12). A ‘planned genocide’ (Janet Jagan, Statement in the Senate - Notice of Resignation : 1st June, 1964), or ‘a reaction that may snowball into a ‘holocaust’ (Forbes Burnham, June 9, 1964; Legislative Council).

In other words, we need to ask ourselves which of the three scenarios was applicable at that time, but more importantly, in retrospect, which of the three would be correct in today’s context.

As regards massacre, clearly, insofar as the occurrence at Wismar is concerned it resembles a caricature of the ‘Massacre Of The Innocents’ carried out by King Herod who ordered the killing of all boys under the age of two born in the Bethlehem area. A further resemblance of massacre is reflected in a report compiled by an independent commission of three senior international jurists who investigated

replace accountability. The institution entrusted with protecting taxpayers has been reduced to a political football.

The consequences extend beyond Parliament. Investors watch governance. International partners watch governance.

Citizens watch governance. Every cancelled PAC meeting reinforces the perception that accountability exists only as a campaign slogan while transparency remains conditional upon political convenience.

The Government cannot continue speaking about good governance while simultaneously rendering the PAC ineffective. Those two positions cannot coexist.

The people deserve answers. Why are Government members repeatedly unavailable? Why reject every alternative meeting date? Why create rules that allow one side to shut down parliamentary oversight simply by refusing to attend? If there is nothing to hide, why is there such

the violence in Gaza and concluded that “The high number of boys killed by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), reflects a policy of targeting boys due to their perceived threat as terrorists and ‘future terrorists.’”

As regards ‘planned genocide’ it is interesting to know that the word ‘genocide’ was considered applicable to the occurrence at Wismar long before it’s popular usage and in the case before the CCJ concerning Israel’s genocide against the Palestinian people.

Massacre implies an intent to kill a number of usually helpless or unresisting human beings. Experts claim that the killing of Palestinians is part of an Israeli strategy to destroy the future of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

The words ‘massacre,’ ‘genocide’ and ‘holocaust’ appears to be readymade or catch-all phrases to frame peculiar narratives used at the time by political leaders to describe the events that took place at Wismar.

On the one hand, ‘massacre’ used by Ramharrack is aimed at projecting the events at Wismar, through the prism of ethno- centrism as distinct from Cheddi Jagan’s support for Janet Jagan, who in her Statement in the Senate described the events as a ‘planned genocide.’ As the sitting Minister of Home Affairs in a country still under colonial rule, Mrs Jagan’s account was that the events were not spontaneous, they were ‘planned.’ The ‘planned genocide’ as she described it, can be considered a project executed and supported by Continued on page 5

determined resistance to scrutiny?

The PAC was never intended to function as a ceremonial committee that meets only when politically convenient. It was established to protect taxpayers by holding governments accountable for every dollar entrusted to them. That constitutional responsibility is far too important to be sacrificed on the altar of partisan politics.

The Government should immediately ensure that its members attend meetings, allow the committee to resume its work without obstruction, and demonstrate that its commitment to accountability extends beyond speeches and press releases.

Until then, every cancelled PAC meeting sends the same unmistakable message: this Government fears scrutiny more than it values transparency. And that should concern every Guyanese taxpayer.

Saturday June 27, 2026

Kaieteur News

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Husband confesses to killing wife whose I urge our Govt. to put in place mechanisms for body was found floating in Uitvlugt Canal humanitarian aid to the valiant people of Cuba DEAR EDITOR, I believe that every Guyanese should, as I do, share the lofty sentiments expressed in the statement published on June 25, by the AFC. The statement requires humanitarian aid for the people of Venezuela affected by an earthquake this week.

In like fashion and with similar urgency, I urge our government to put in place mechanisms for humanitarian aid to the valiant people of Cuba. In addition to the State coming forward post-haste with appropriate humanitarian assistance, I suggest that all those Guyanese who have benefitted over the years from medical treatment and training, that they, where ever they are, make a personal contribution to a humanitarian fund, as a sign of gratitude to a country and leadership that have over several decades assisted to save lives, improve the quality of lives and provided them with skills and training that is enduring, and given them professional and technical competence.

Dear editor in collaboration with the Cuban Embassy in Guyana we can settle the modalities.

Sincerely, Elder Hamilton Green

Wismar Massacre...

From page 4 forces under a colonial system.

Small wonder why she resigned as Minister of Home Affairs.

The picture painted by Ramharrack and Norton about Wismar is misleading, while images of the event have not changed, the world within which it has meaning has changed significantly. In other words, the picture they offer of the event misleads rather than clarifies.

Both men try to make us think differently about the occurrences at Wismar. They found words and then assigned them to the event to suit their respective political and ethnocentric perspectives.

Norton on the one hand, attacks Ramharrack’s use of the word ‘massacre’ claiming it is a gross misrepresentation of the events while Ramharrack on the other hand, used the word ‘massacre’ to introduce language more suitable to ‘knowing what’ rather than ‘knowing how.’

The discussion as to whether Wismar represented ‘a massacre;’ ‘a planned genocide’ or ‘a holocaust’ should not be viewed as a matter of semantics nor as polemical. On the contrary, these are serious political, if not ideological issues that, as we read and heard, have serious socio-psychological implications for the way we Guyanese interpret important historical antecedents.

Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee

A man has confessed to murdering his wife after her body was discovered floating in a canal on the West Coast Demerara, police have confirmed.

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

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

A preliminary examination of the body revealed injuries to her neck and other parts of her body, raising immediate suspicions of foul play and

prompting investigators to widen their inquiry.

Investigators moved swiftly, and Mohamed was taken into custody. He

subsequently confessed to the killing.

According to sources close to the investigation, Mohamed told detectives that a heated argument between the couple turned fatal — claiming he stabbed Hanoman before pushing her body into a canal located a short distance from their home.

The Crime Chief declined to elaborate further on the details of the confession, stating only that the matter remains under active investigation.

The discovery of Hanoman’s body and the subsequent arrest of her own husband has cast a shadow over the Uitvlugt community. Her death is the latest in a troubling pattern of domestic violence cases to make headlines in recent months, renewing urgent calls for greater intervention and support for victims of abuse.

Investigations are ongoing, and formal charges are expected to follow.

Kaieteur News

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Saturday June 27, 2026

Berbice man acquitted in Three Brazilians fined child rape retrial $150k each for trespassing on Lethem Aerodrome

Krishna Tulapersaud, who had been accused of engaging in sexual activity with a child, was on Friday freed after one charge was dismissed for lack of evidence and a jury found him not guilty on the other.

The Plegt Anker, East Bank Berbice resident was retried before Justice Simone Morris at the Berbice High Court, where he pleaded not guilty to both indictments.

Tulapersaud was first tried and convicted in 2018, when he was sentenced to life imprisonment. However, the Court of Appeal later overturned the conviction and ordered a retrial.

He had been indicted on two counts of sexual activity with a child family member.

The first offence was alleged to have occurred in February 2013, while the second was said to have taken place in February 2014.

Before the retrial, Tulapersaud had spent eight years in prison.

The retrial began on June 10, 2026. State Counsel Marisa Edwards prosecuted the case and called six witnesses. Tulapersaud was represented by attorney Arudranauth Gossai.

At the close of the prosecution’s case, Justice Morris upheld a no-case submission on one of the counts, ruling that there was insufficient evidence for the matter to proceed. The 12member jury was then directed to return a formal

Freed: Krishna Tulapersaud verdict of not guilty on that charge.

The remaining count was left to the jury, which also returned a verdict of not guilty.

Wi t h b o t h c h a r g e s resolved in his favour, Tulapersaud was acquitted and released from custody.

Three Brazilian nationals have been convicted and fined after illegally entering the Lethem Airstrip in the Central Rupununi — a restricted aviation facility — in a case that highlights growing concerns about s e c u r i t y a t G u y a n a ’s hinterland aerodromes.

Jose Carlos Casto Bibeiro, 28, a mechanic from Terezina; Clebson Raoni, 37, a carpenter from São Paulo; and Lucis Silva Marth, 35, an operator from Boa Vista, appeared before Magistrate Omadatt Chandan at the Lethem Magistrates’ Court on Friday to answer charges of trespassing on an

Jose Carlos Casto Bibeiro aerodrome — an offence under Section 83(1) of the Civil Aviation Act 2018.

The trio had been found on the grounds of the Lethem Airstrip on Wednesday without authorisation. Upon their court appearance, the charges were read and translated to the men by a court-appointed translator, given that all three are Portuguese speakers. Each entered a guilty plea.

Magistrate Chandan imposed a fine of G$150,000 on each defendant — bringing the total penalties to G$450,000 across the three men.

The case raises questions about the adequacy of perimeter security at the Lethem Airstrip, which serves as a critical gateway for both domestic and crossborder air travel in the region. Aerodromes are classified as controlled and restricted zones under

Lucis Silva Marth

Clebson Raoni G u y a n e s e l a w, a n d unauthorised entry poses potential risks to aviation safety and national security.

It remains unclear what prompted the three men — who hail from different Brazilian cities — to enter the restricted facility, and whether the matter has been referred to immigration authorities given their foreign national status.

Rupununi farmer fined $65,000 for multiple Traffic Offences A 26-year-old farmer from Potarinau Village in the Central Rupununi has been handed a total fine of $65,000 after pleading guilty to a string of traffic violations before the Lethem Magistrates’ Court.

Abel Mandook appeared on Thursday before Magistrate Omadatt Chandan, where he admitted to four separate offences committed the previous day on the St. Ignatius Public Road, Central Rupununi, while operating motorcycle CR 548.

Mandook’s guilty pleas covered the following offences: - Driving without a

Fined: Abel Mandook licence — fined $25,000- or two-weeks’ imprisonment in default - Breach of Insurance — fined $25,000- or twoContinued on page 7

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 27, 2026

PAGE 07

Govt. awaiting more details from Ratio on Kaieteur Block work programme – Bharrat Map showing location of Kaieteur Block offshore Guyana

The Government of Guyana is now awaiting additional information from Ratio Guyana Limited (RGL), the operator of the Kaieteur Block, after the company submitted

indicative plans for its work programme following a government request.

On 12th June, Ratio Petroleum, RGL’s Israelbased parent company received a letter from

G u y a n a ’s M i n i s t r y o f Natural Resources stating that it is required, within seven days, to address the work programme and timetable relating to the next two years of the second

extension period for the oil block, including the execution of an additional well in the Block area.

When contacted on Friday, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat told Kaieteur News that discussions with the company are ongoing. “We are currently engaging the Operator on the status of its work programme. They have provided some indicative plans for which we sought additional clarity and so we are now awaiting more information,” the minister said.

After receiving the letter, Ratio had stated that it intends to approach Minister Bharrat to request an additional extension for providing its response while continuing negotiations regarding the update of the work programme and drilling schedule.

Ratio Guyana serves as operator of the Block and has been at crossroads in relation to the 3.3-million-acre offshore block.

In December 2025, the ministry had asked Ratio and its partner Cataleya Energy Limited (CEL) to indicate whether they intend to make an additional investment or abandon the acreage. Prior to the aforementioned disclosure, Ratio Guyana had notified the government of the portion of the block it is prepared to relinquish while continuing its search

Petronas eyes final investment decision in Suriname after 8 discoveries totalling over 1 billion barrels Suriname is moving closer to joining Guyana as a major oil-producing nation, with Malaysian state energy giant Petronas expected to make its Final Investment Decision (FID) for offshore Block 52 this year — a milestone that could unlock one of the most significant energy developments in the Caribbean basin in recent years.

The announcement was made by Surinamese President Jennifer Simons on Tuesday, while a Petronas executive revealed that eight discoveries across Block 52 collectively hold more than one billion barrels of oil equivalent — a figure that underscores the enormous potential lying beneath Suriname’s offshore waters.

The latest catalyst for optimism came in the form of a new gas discovery at Block 52, adding to a growing portfolio of finds that have steadily built the case for full-scale development. With the FID now on the horizon, Petronas is poised to transition from exploration to production — a shift that could dramatically reshape Suriname’s economic landscape.

Reinforcing the momentum, a consortium led by French energy major TotalEnergies has already confirmed that first oil from Suriname is targeted for 2028, according to Oil Minister Patrick Brunings, who spoke to Reuters on the sidelines of a recent conference.

Suriname is making no secret of its ambitions. The country’s state-owned oil company, Staatsolie, is currently running an open-door licensing round spanning more than 70,000 square kilometres across five offshore sectors.

The initiative allows international companies to propose work programmes and secure productionsharing contracts or joint study agreements aimed at improving available seismic data — a move designed to attract further investment and accelerate exploration activity.

Minister Brunings struck a strong tone when speaking about the country’s prospects, hinting that the best may still be ahead. “There are a few more surprises in store,” he said. “If we find a lot of gas, we can establish various industries, such as the bauxite industry and the

petrochemical industry.”

Beyond crude oil, Suriname is increasingly positioning itself as a future gas exporter — a prospect that carries significant strategic weight in a world scrambling for reliable energy supplies.

“We can also focus on gas exports,” Brunings said. “The whole world is now looking for reliable gas suppliers, and we believe we can play that role very well.”

Suriname’s energy ambitions are firmly anchored in the example set by Guyana, which has rapidly emerged as one of the world’s most exciting oil frontiers. Guyana currently produces over 900,000 barrels per day — a transformation driven by offshore developments led by international energy majors — and Suriname is openly pursuing a similar trajectory.

With billions of barrels potentially within reach, a Final Investment Decision from Petronas this year would mark a turning point for a country long overshadowed by its more celebrated neighbour — and signal to the world that Suriname’s offshore wealth is ready to flow.

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

to bring in a new partner.

For some time now, Ratio has been conducting discussions with the Ministry of Natural Resources, in order to postpone the deadline for notifying whether it intends to carry out an additional drilling operation in the Block, and to update the work programme and drilling schedule, including extending the term of the agreement with the state.

Kaieteur News had reported that after

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), the former operator, and its partner Hess withdrew from the Kaieteur Block, Ratio submitted a request for an extension of the exploration period, citing similar grounds previously used by EMGL – the Coronavirus pandemic.

Under the Kaieteur Petroleum Agreement, when applying to enter the second extension period, RGL and Cataleya Energy were required to commit to Continued on page 18

Rupununi farmer fined $65,000...

From page 6 weeks’ imprisonment in default - Carrying a pillion rider without a safety helmet — fined $5,000- or one-week’s imprisonment in default - Operating an unlicensed motor vehicle — fined $10,000or one-week’s imprisonment in default Should Mandook fail to pay the combined $65,000 in fines, he faces a total of six weeks behind bars.

The case serves as a timely reminder to motorists — particularly in hinterland communities where traffic enforcement may be less frequent — that the laws governing licensing, insurance, and road safety apply equally across all regions of Guyana. Riding without a valid licence or insurance not only carries legal consequences but puts both the rider and others on the road at serious risk.

The offences were committed on Wednesday, 24th June, 2026.

Jamaica joins other nations...

From page 3 integrated - this is what that opens up the opportunity for.”

President Ali added that Jamaica’s effort in the security sector is nothing short of a model with Guyana also striving to reduce crime. He said Guyana is constructing a world-class academy where training is being prioritized. The President stressed the importance of cyber security and data sovereignty.

Meanwhile, PM Holness in remarks noted that while a number of agreements were signed with Guyana, the partnership between the two states is not limited to those areas.

“That should not be interpreted as the entirety of the engagement. Those are just what we could formalize within the time. The breadth of our exchanges and the potential of our collaboration and cooperation is extensive,” Holness said.

He added, “It is very much clear that Jamaica and Guyana are very much aligned and we have a similar outlook on the world, similar understanding of the changing dynamics and the new nature of global politics but we also share a very positive outlook on our economic prospects.”

Kaieteur News

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Saturday June 27, 2026

Pres. Ali challenges Caribbean Accountants to evolve or risk irrelevance in age of AI and climate change President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has issued a bold challenge to accountants across the Caribbean — adapt to a world being reshaped by artificial intelligence, climate change, and shifting markets, or risk being left behind.

Delivering the feature address at the opening of the 43rd Annual Conference of the Inter-American Accounting Association (ICAC) on Friday, President Ali welcomed more than 300 delegates from across the

region to Guyana and called for a fundamental reimagining of the accounting profession — one built on innovation, strategic thinking, and realworld problem-solving.

At the heart of the president’s address was a pointed warning about the double-edged nature of artificial intelligence. While acknowledging AI as a p o w e r f u l e n a b l e r, h e cautioned against passive dependence on it.

“AI is a tool to help us,

but if we allow AI to be the tool that directs us, then we will have challenges,” he told participants, urging the profession to move decisively beyond traditional bookkeeping and number-crunching into the realms of policy analysis, strategic planning, and datadriven decision-making.

He noted that AIpowered dashboards now provide government executives with instant summaries of delayed projects and cost overruns —

work that once fell squarely within the accountant’s domain.

“If a system can generate all the numbers, then what becomes the role of the accountant? The accountant of the future must use the data — not simply generate it,” President Ali declared.

His broader message was equally direct: “Professions around the world are changing because of systems. We have to decide whether people drive systems or the system is

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali addressing the accountants at the 43rd Annual Conference of the Inter-American Accounting Association (ICAC)

driving people.”

President Ali also pressed Caribbean accounting professionals to take the lead in developing market-based frameworks for valuing the environment — a matter of existential urgency for the region.

“We are definitely the most impacted and affected when it comes to climate change,” he said. “A body like this must be able to develop a monetised, market-based model that can be shared across the region.”

He called on accountants to help design systems that place concrete economic value on biodiversity and environmental preservation, arguing that the Caribbean’s vulnerability to climate change demands that its professionals be at the forefront of building financial tools that reflect ecological realities.

On the question of financing sustainable development, President Ali urged Caribbean nations to find creative ways to mobilise liquidity and pension resources. He p o i n t e d t o G u y a n a ’s exploration of diaspora bonds and citizen investment vehicles as models that could allow ordinary people to participate meaningfully in large-scale economic ventures — and encouraged the broader region to develop similar instruments.

The president also turned his attention to the pipeline of future talent, praising the partnership between the University of Guyana and ACCA, which provides students with pathways to internationally recognised qualifications.

He urged regional universities to align

academic programmes with the evolving demands of the industry, warning against insular thinking in curriculum design. “You can’t be inward looking — education must prepare students for absorption into the economy,” he said.

The future accountant, he argued, must be a hybrid professional — one who combines technical financial expertise with market intelligence, strategic foresight, and policy awareness.

Amid the push for transformation, President Ali reminded delegates that the profession’s greatest asset remains its credibility.

He called on accountants to fiercely guard their ethical standards and ensure that professional integrity is never compromised by political interests.

With Guyana undergoing one of the most rapid economic transformations in the hemisphere — driven by infrastructure expansion, foreign investment, and emerging industries — President Ali said demand for high-calibre accounting and advisory services will only intensify.

He challenged the ICAC conference to move beyond structured dialogue and deliver practical, actionable outcomes that strengthen Caribbean competitiveness, deepen financial inclusion, and cement the accounting profession as a genuine driver of regional development.

“We have to produce not simply more accountants,” he said, “but the right accountants.”

The 43rd ICAC Annual Conference continues in Georgetown, Guyana.

(Modified from DPI)

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 27, 2026

PAGE 09

Compliance not flight I am not discussing the specifics of the incident of Thursday night when a teenager died following him being pursued by the police and him ending up crashing and dying. It is for an investigation to establish what exactly happened and who were at fault.

Unfortunately, much of public debate relating to this incident has been clouded by emotion and, in some cases, a misunderstanding of what the law actually permits the police to do. It is important to separate legitimate concern about police conduct from the basic principle that lawful authority cannot be selectively obeyed based on age or convenience.

In this column, I propose to deal with the general principles and not the specific incident itself, of which I do not have the full details at this time.

There is no legal exemption that allows a person to disregard a lawful police order simply because that person is a teenager.

Once a lawful instruction is given—whether to stop, present documents, or submit to questioning—it applies equally to all persons regardless of age.

The police, in turn, are mandated to enforce the law and maintain public order. If individuals could simply ignore lawful instructions without consequence, the

entire framework of road safety and criminal enforcement would collapse into voluntary compliance.

When a person chooses to flee from police, they are actively escalating a situation. That decision introduces uncertainty, heightens risk, and often forces officers to make rapid operational judgments under pressure.

The argument that police should simply “take the number plate and let it go” may sound reasonable in hindsight, but it misunderstands the immediate purpose of enforcement. A number plate identifies a vehicle, not necessarily the driver, and does not guarantee accountability or recovery of evidence.

More fundamentally, abandoning pursuit in every instance would create a predictable loophole. Any offender would quickly learn that escape guarantees immunity in the moment, provided they can outrun or evade initial interception.

That said, the authority to pursue is not a licence for recklessness. Police officers are bound by operational protocols that require them to balance enforcement with public safety, including the safety of suspects, and themselves.

High-speed pursuits are among the most dangerous

aspects of policing precisely because they unfold in real time and can quickly affect uninvolved road users. This is why officers are expected to assess proportionality and necessity at every stage of an engagement.

It is also important to recognise that the primary responsibility for initiating a dangerous chain of events often lies with the decision to flee. A driver who complies with a lawful stop eliminates the need for pursuit altogether.

Historical incidents, including those where young drivers have lost their lives after attempting to evade police, underscore the tragic consequences that can follow split-second decisions to disregard lawful instructions. These outcomes are precisely why compliance is not merely a legal duty but a safety imperative.

Some years ago, a youngster who had borrowed a car was stopped by the police and asked for his documents. He decided to drive away. The police ended up chasing him and he crashed onto the Mahaica Bridge and died. There were persons then, as now, who were saying that the police should have taken the number of the vehicle and not pursue the fleeing motorist. But if the police does this, they will find that

Dem Boys Seh...

Earthquake, Hurricane and other things we like to brag about One thing about Guyanese, we like to boast about things that ain’t necessarily true.

Ask some people what special about Guyana and one of de first things dem gan tell yuh is, “We don’t get hurricane and we don’t get earthquake.”

Now dem boys ain’t sure if people does believe that because dem hear it from dem grandparents or because somebody tell dem so in school. But de truth is that Guyana does get earthquakes. Is just that we don’t normally get de big, destructive ones that does make international headlines.

Every now and then, a hurricane passing through de Caribbean does brush we with strong winds and heavy rain. Sometimes people wake up and find zinc in one village and de roof in another village. But because de storm centre usually far away, we escape de worst. Same thing with earthquakes.

Guyana sits on a relatively stable part of de continent, but tremors does happen from time to time. Plenty people remember feeling de bed shake or seeing de cupboard rattle and wondering whether dem drink one extra cup of coffee before bedtime.

So when people say Guyana does not get earthquakes, dem boys seh that is like saying Guyana does not get rain because we never see a monsoon. We get them. Just not on de same scale as some other countries.

And that brings dem boys to a more serious point today.

Across de border in Venezuela, families are mourning after a powerful earthquake caused destruction and loss of life. Homes have been damaged, and many people left frightened and grieving.

Today is not a day for jokes about whose country safer than whose. Today is a reminder that nature does not care about borders, politics or nationality. In one moment, lives can change forever.

Dem boys seh that while Guyana may be fortunate to avoid de worst of these disasters most of de time, we should never take that good fortune for granted.

And we should spare a thought and a prayer for de people of Venezuela who are now facing hardship and heartbreak because of a tragedy beyond their control.

Talk half. Leff half.

more and more persons will end up fleeing after being asked to stop or comply with some other lawful instruction.

At the same time, every such incident must be subject to thorough investigation.

The question is not whether police have the right to pursue, but whether the manner of pursuit adhered to established standards.

The police must be able to enforce the law effectively, and that they must do so responsibly.

Either principle taken alone leads to imbalance.

There is often confusion in public discourse between accountability and restriction. Holding police to standards of care does not mean disabling them from performing their duties; it means ensuring those duties are carried out within clearly defined legal and ethical boundaries.

Equally, age cannot become a shield against lawful enforcement. While youth may be a factor in how officers exercise discretion, it does not nullify responsibility or the consequences of attempting

to evade lawful authority.

Ultimately, road users must understand that the safest course of action when signalled by the police is compliance, not flight.

Running from the police is not a neutral act, it is a deliberate choice that sometimes carries severe risks.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Saturday June 27, 2026

AT TIMES LIKE THESE It’s at times like these that the frailty of humanity registers poignantly. The m o n u m e n t s o f m a n ’s advance, the towers of his achievements crash down. A devastating earthquake in Venezuela, two in fact.

Right next door. Just beyond the fence. A picket mark that partitions Venezuelans from Guyanese.

Despite the sharp differences, the hard disagreements, there must still be something inside to empathize with our fellow human beings in Venezuela.

I so do. But for the mystery of geology, there could Guyana be. I humbly exhort

Pres Ali to share a word of sympathy on behalf of the Guyanese people to his counterpart, President Rodrigues, in this time of her people’s loss and suffering.

May PPP General Secretary, Dr. Jagdeo, do the same for the ruling party. I think that both men can find it in themselves to offer heartfelt words, and any hand that Guyana can extend.

Whether thousands are dead, or that harrowing fourdigit mark is not breached, the toll of destruction ranges far and deep. Lives lost.

Homes gone.

Families disappeared.

Livelihood snatched. In an instant. Leads me to wonder often what all the reciprocal arguing and assaulting are all about. What’s the point of it all?

An earthquake, a hurricane, a volcano, or a tsunami can change everything in a hurry.

Shocking devastation that tosses humankind off their feet, swat away men and mice. Set back hopes of progress, dreams of rising, by years, maybe even decades.

In that such earthquakes occur right in Guyana’s yard almost; they bring home all for which the people of this country should be thankful.

From leaders to the lowest of the little ones.

But for circumstances, the luck of the draw, the position of the plates, there Guyana could be. I settle for something simpler: grace. May not be profound for some. It is for me. We are busy talking about the future.

But tomorrow is promised to no one.

Thousands, from the first reports, biting the dust.

Literally. Fatally. May those numbers be scaled back considerably. When the dust clears, the shocks fade.

We are excited to be planning for the next century (and we should). But let there be recognition of in whose hands, delivery and destiny are controlled.

Venezuelans have been trapped and wounded, sent scattering and left despairing.

When some small rays of first light came into their darkened world, earthquakes sent them tumbling back to the bottom.

May they rise from the ashes.

How does a man stay angry

at those who don’t hold him in the best light, have been hurtful, at a time like this? I don’t.

So, I write and share. So, I urge my fellow Guyanese to put their fears and anxieties behind them. Just be a good neighbor. Those who are around, those who can find it in themselves to be caring in times of distress.

There is pain across the border. So, let us dig deep and forget our own pain.

From past wrongs. From heavy dreads. From the hard load of present circumstances and think of how a Venezuelan can be helped.

Yes, I know.

Those pieces of steel found and seized. Almost two dozen such pieces. So many. So deadly.

So, anxietyintensifying. It takes an exceptional kind of people to shrug those off, the potential threats that they represent away. But try we must. For the peaceful, helpful, Venezuelans in the midst.

For those they may have left

behind, and who may have been in harm’s way.

For those pummeled by grief and battered with heartbreak in a neighboring country that’s only a stone throw away. For stricken neighbors, with whom there will have to be conversing at some time or the other. To find a way out of the wreckages.

One is manmade. The other is a m y s t e r y.

Likely of otherworldly origins.

Venezuelans will rise.

Guyanese must help them to rise. For in doing so, we rise, too. The only winners when horrors take hold are those who will increase their rebuilding bills. Get better Venezuela!

Get off the ground, rebound.

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

Saturday June 27, 2026

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Mother of slain teen motorcyclist cries out for justice The grief-stricken mother of 16-yearold Altaf King is pleading for justice following the controversial death of her only son, as relatives, friends, and community members demand a thorough and impartial investigation into what many are calling a case of police brutality.

King, a former student of Skeldon Line Path Secondary School and a young mason learning his trade, lost his life on Thursday evening under circumstances that have sharply divided official accounts from eyewitness testimony, igniting public outrage across the Corentyne region.

According to the Guyana Police Force, King, of Eliza Mary Race Course, Corentyne, was riding his motorcycle and attempted to flee officers pursuing him in a force-assigned vehicle. Police say he struck a utility pole and sustained fatal injuries. He was transported to the No. 75 Village Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

However, scores of eyewitnesses who gathered at the scene tell a starkly different story. They allege that it was the A distraught mother, Padmini Megnauth pursuing police vehicle that struck King’s motorcycle, sending him crashing interview with Kaieteur News. “I told her no, into the pole — and that officers did little and I asked her when, where. She said she to help him afterward.

For Padmini Megnauth, Thursday began don’t know, and she don’t know if he is like any other day. Before leaving for work, alive.”

Her husband rushed her to the No. 75 she reminded her son to be careful on the Village Hospital, where a security guard roads. Hours later, her phone rang.

“I get a phone call from his aunt; she was directed them to the emergency section.

“When I go in, I see my son lying asking me if I know that my son get knock down,” Megnauth recounted in a tearful motionless on the bed. He foot bruk, he neck

Dead: 16-year-old Altaf King bruk, blood was all over his head. I asked the doctor if he is alive, he said no. I started to scream,” she recounted.

Megnauth said multiple witnesses corroborated her belief that the police deliberately drove into her son. “The eyewitness saying that my son was riding going up the street, and the police chase him with speed and lash him into the post, and the

post crack in two,” she said. “They come out the car that they lash he with, peep, and they go back in the car and drive and go at the station. They come back with another vehicle and they pick he up and they throw he in the van like some dead dog.”

She believes her son fled out of fear of being caught riding without a licence — a moment of panic that, by her account and those of witnesses, cost him his life.

As news of King’s death spread rapidly through the community, anger boiled over. Residents converged on the scene, setting materials ablaze to block the Princetown Public Road in Corriverton, bringing traffic to a standstill in a raw expression of grief and fury.

Several opposition political parties joined the chorus of condemnation, calling for an immediate and transparent investigation and expressing deep concern over the conduct of the officers involved.

The Guyana Police Force has confirmed that its Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has launched a formal investigation into the incident.

Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Waldron in a statement Thursday evening, assured that a thorough probe would be conducted. She urged citizens to await the findings and refrain from further disruptive activity.

For Megnauth, however, official assurances ring hollow without accountability. She wants answers — and justice.

PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 27, 2026

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 27, 2026

PAGE 13

Minister of Education, Sonia Parag and Region Five officials during a visit to the fire victims on Friday

Minister Parag, Regional officials rally to aid West Coast Berbice family left homeless by fire A Plantation Hope, West Coast Berbice family of five is picking up the pieces after a devastating fire reduced their home to rubble and government officials were among the first to answer their call for help.

Just one day after the blaze, Minister of Education Sonia Parag led a delegation to the gutted property on Friday, accompanied by Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) Mary Samaroo and Regional ViceChairman Kleon Lindey, to personally assess the damage and pledge assistance to the shaken family.

Thursday’s fire broke out at approximately 10:00 AM, tearing through the twostorey wooden and concrete structure in a matter of minutes. The home, which had stood for roughly 20

years, belonged to Jasoda (only name), the mother of resident Dhanraj Arnold, 32.

At the time of the blaze, Jasoda was working with her husband at Mahaicony Creek when she received the devastating call from her daughter informing her that her home was on fire.

Inside the house was 20year-old housewife Bibi Fareena Wahab and her twoy e a r - o l d s o n . Wa h a b recounted the terrifying moments that unfolded while she was in the shower.

“My son was outside playing with his toys. When he called out to me, I came out just in time, the smoke and flames were already taking over,” she said.

Grabbing her toddler, she managed to escape with their lives, but little else.

While the family was unable to place a total figure on their losses, the financial

toll is significant. Arnold told Kaieteur News that three electric generators valued at over $130,000 were damaged, along with a motorcycle worth more than $270,000 and an assortment of work tools.

Multiple household appliances were also destroyed. Only a handful of important documents were salvaged from the debris.

The family, now without shelter, is appealing to the public for any assistance that would help them rebuild.

Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald stated, based on preliminary investigations, that the fire was started by a child playing with matches.

However, the family firmly disputes this conclusion, maintaining that no matches were present in or around the home at the time. The cause

of the fire remains a point of contention as investigations continue.

Minister Parag, who serves as the geographic parliamentary representative for the Mahaica-Berbice region, assured the family that help was on the way.

According to a release from

the Ministry of Education, local community activists are already mobilising resources on the family’s behalf, and a fundraiser is being planned to aid in the construction of a new home.

REO Mary Samaroo added her own pledge of support from the Regional

Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Five, signalling a coordinated effort between government and community to help the family get back on their feet.

Members of the public wishing to assist the family may contact them at 6486498.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Saturday June 27, 2026

Govt. moving ahead with new Tuschen to Ruimzeight Bypass Road The Ministry of Housing’s Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is seeking bids for the construction of an alternative bypass road linking Tuschen to Ruimzeight on the West Coast of Demerara, Region Three.

According to an invitation for bids issued in Friday’s Kaieteur News, works on the alternative bypass route for the West Coast of Demerara traffic will be done in 13 lots.

The tender notice states that the delivery / construction period for lots 1 to 13 is eight months.

Bids are expected to open on July 13, 2026 at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office.

The ministry in its notice explained that “(a) Contracts will be awarded to the lowest evaluated qualified bidder and only one lot will be awarded to any bidder in a project area. (b) In the event that one bidder is adjudged the

lowest qualified bidder for more than one Lot, then the evaluation committee will recommend to the benefit of the client, which lot the bidder is recommended for.”

The ministry noted also that a pre-bid meeting will be held on July 8 for the purpose of site visit.

During his recent public outreach in Region Three at the Leonora Stadium, Vice President (VP) Bharrat Jagdeo stated that the bypass road is to address the severe traffic congestion affecting residents of Region Three on a daily basis.

He stated that the government will construct the bypass road as a temporary measure while work will be done on the new four-lane from the Demerara River Bridge to Parika. “ We h a v e a l r e a d y awarded the four-lane road from the bridge to Parika. So within two years, by the time you have built and stuff like that, there will be a four-lane road all the way at the back there from Parika to the

President Irfaan Ali and the Ministry of Housing team back in May inspecting the alignment for the bypass road from Ruimzeight to Tuschen. (DPI photo)

Harbour Bridge. And we are now doing a bypass road because of the congestion of the traffic from Windsor Forest all the way to Tuschen. We can’t even wait on the four-lane road we are going to try to do a bypass immediately, starting soon

so that we can improve the traffic situation until we complete the four-lane road,” he said.

The VP stated that the situation is as a result of many vehicles on the roadway.

“Every three months 10,000 vehicles come in the country because a whole series is changed. Just imagine 40,000 new vehicles per year coming into the country and so it is becoming a problem,” he told residents at the outreach.

Back in May, President Irfaan Ali and a team from the housing ministry had conducted site visits for the planned secondary bypass road.

The Department of Public Information had reported that the during the inspection, the president said the government was advancing plans to expand and interconnect existing roads from La Jalousie to Tuschen as part of a broader strategy to ease severe traffic bottlenecks currently affecting commuters between Ruimzeight and Tuschen.

The president had explained that the initiative complements the ongoing four-lane highway project from Crane to Parika and is intended to divert light traffic away from the congested West Demerara Public Road.

“We have a massive traffic bottleneck now from La Jalousie. Heavy traffic is causing two to three hours of delay every single day,” President Ali said.

He noted that the proposed alignment will pass through existing and expanding housing communities, linking Tuschen to several villages before connecting to other areas through upgraded roadways and bridges.

According to the president, the project will require the construction and rehabilitation of approximately 36 bridges, some of which already exist but will need widening and upgrading.

Saturday June 27, 2026

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

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LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, D I V O R C E - A N D MAT R I M O N I A L JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION 2026/300-FDPET-DEM Petition No. FD300 BETWEEN: (FORDE) SIMEON VIBERT Petitioner/Applicant -and(FORDE) SAMONA AMANDA nee JONES Respondent TO: SAMONA AMANDA FORDE nee JONES Address: 1792 South Ruimveldt Entrance, Georgetown, Guyana [Last Known Address] TAKE NOTICE that on the 10th day of June, 2026, an Amended Petition for Divorce with Affidavit in Support was filed against you by SIMEON VIBERT FORDE, the Petitioner/Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 11th day of June, 2026 the Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of Guyana Kaieteur News, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Notice of Application together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Application, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Notice of Application, you must file a Reply and/or Affidavit in Answer, via the online portal, (https:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy) within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the second and final publication of this Notice. TAKE NOTICE that the Application is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday, the 21st day of September, 2026 at 10:15 a.m. before the Honourable Mr. Justice Gino Persaud at the Family Division of the

High Court at Georgetown. IN DEFAULT of you filing a Reply and/or Affidavit in Answer, the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Application. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts, Georgetown, Demerara. The office is open to the public between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Fridays, except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 18th day of June, 2026

LEGAL LEGALNOTICE NOTICE THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, D I V O R C E - A N D MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION 2026/400-FDPET-DEM Petition No. FD400,BETWEEN: (AMSTERDAM) KESHEBA ALECIA nee McALLISTER Petitioner-and(AMSTERDAM) KWESI EUCLID Respondent TO: KWESI EUCLID AMSTERDAM Formerly of Lot 7 Adams Road Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara Guyana TAKE NOTICE that on the 15th day of April, 2026 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by KESHEBA ALECIA AMSTERDAM nee McALLISTER,the Petitioner/Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 28th day of May, 2026, the Petitioner/Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in Guyana and on the worldwide web (online). AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the

New Onderneeming Fire Station to cost $155 million The new fire station the Ministry of Home Affairs plans to construct at Onderneeming, Region Two is estimated to cost $155,843,500.

According to the information provided by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), 19 contractors have bid to execute the project. Out of the 19 bids, 10 bid less than the engineer’s $155 million to do the works.

Those vying for the contract are: Andrect Engineering & Construction Inc. $194,042,050, B.M Property Investments Inc. - $198,776,220, Permaul Khiemraj Construction Services $99,000,046 M&J General Services & Supplies - $141,150,590, ECS Construction & General Supplies - $159,870,330, K&J Persaud Contracting Service - $145,513,900, N. Kaimrajh & Son Contracting & General Supplies $132,614,550, Builders Engineering & certified copy of the Petition and Application, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/ or Cross Petition via the elitigation Platform (online) h t t p s : / / ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice.

Your access code is J8z9CL. TAKE NOTICE that the Divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 17th of August, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. before the Honourable Madam Justice Gino Persaud, via Zoom. Meeting ID: 733 558 9086 Passcode: Court3 IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition, the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts,Georgetown, Demerara. The office is open to the public between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Fridays, except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 9th day of June, 2026.

Architectural Consultancy $148,297,650, K&P Project Management Inc. - $221,887,340, Surujpaul Balkaran & Sons Construction $152,316,300, Gurdev Mahadeo Contracting Services $137,592,250, Naran Construction $180,141,860, Truck Smart $172,570,500, KV Contracting Services 203,245,800, Triple ‘P’ Construction & General Supplies $145,213,900, D. Chowkai & Sons Construction - $310,636,800, Faldhari Singh & Son Contracting Services $149,999,990, R.A.P.S Investments $145,186,000, Holistic Contracting & Procurement Inc. $313,746,800 When completed, the fire station will be the third of its kind located in the Region.

Previously, the Anna Regina Fire Station was the sole fire station on the Essequibo Coast, shouldering the full weight of the region’s emergency response needs. In July 2025, the former Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn and his team had commissioned a second facility, the $144 million Charity Fire Station.

The home affairs ministry reported that the new fire stations feature a waiting area, offices for the station officer and subordinate staff, an EMS office and storage room, IT and finance offices, a fire prevention officer’s office, conference and control rooms, and both senior and junior living quarters, to name a few.

Located in strategic areas to improve response time, enhance coordination, and ensure that firefighters can operate efficiently, the new fire stations form part of a broader national effort to modernise the Guyana Fire Service, strengthen preparedness, and support community resilience.

The ministry received a budgetary allocation of $52.1 billion this year, and out of that sum, $6.3 billion has been allocated for the Guyana Fire Service’s programme.

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 27, 2026

PAGE 17

World aids rescue effort as Venezuela quake death toll hits 920 (AL-JAZEERA) International rescue teams have joined an urgent search for survivors in Venezuela, where people remain trapped under collapsed buildings after two devastating earthquakes on Wednesday.

Countries from across the Americas – including Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, Cuba and the United States – as well as the United Nations, continued on Friday to send search and rescue teams and humanitarian aid in the aftermath of the quakes. Authorities have raised their estimate of the death toll to 589 people.

“To the Venezuelan people, to those whose loved ones are under the rubble, know that we are determined that help gets to you,” said the UN’s aid chief, Tom Fletcher.

The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5, were among the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century and were felt across the region.

The official death toll from the twin earthquakes rose to 920, lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez, president of the national assembly, said on

Rescuers work at the scene in an earthquake-affected area of Caracas, Venezuela, on June 25 [Ronald Pena R/EPA] Friday. Some 3,000 other people are wounded.

The hospitals are “full of patients,” according to Venezuela’s Health Minister Carlos . Hundreds more are believed to be trapped under rubble.

‘We lost everything’ Some of the worst damage is in the coastal state of La Guaira, north of the capital, Caracas.

More than 100 buildings in the state have collapsed, and at least 70,000 families

have been affected, said Ve n e z u e l a ’ s I n t e r i o r Minister Diosdado Cabello.

The region is also home t o Ve n e z u e l a ’s m a i n international airport, which has been closed due to damage.

I n L a G u a i r a c i t y, volunteers dug through wreckage with their bare hands as families waited for news of missing relatives.

Along the Caracas-La Guaira highway, streams of civilians headed towards the

coast carrying water, food and medicine, stepping in as the scale of the disaster overwhelmed initial rescue efforts.

“We lost everything. We have no food or medicines …

We hope help arrives quickly,” said Pedro Perez, 64, an upholstery workshop owner who said he had lost both his home and business and was sleeping on the street with his wife and children.

Scenes of panic and

destruction also played out in Caracas, where many spent the night sleeping on the streets or in their cars due to fear of more buildings collapsing.

“People are afraid to go back into their houses,” journalist Maria Emilia Miro Quesada told Al Jazeera from Caracas. “They are very uncertain … about the structures, the damages.”

Venezuela’s recovery from the disaster is being hampered by years of economic collapse and strained infrastructure.

“Venezuela was already in a very difficult situation” before the quakes, with frequent power outages and public services in “shambles”, said Al J a z e e r a ’s A l e s s a n d r o Rampietti, reporting from Bogota in neighbouring Colombia.

“Many hospitals were already operating under capacity… They simply don’t have all of the engineers and doctors that are needed.”

Response from Americas ‘crucial’ The US, which in January carried out a military operation culminating in the

abduction of Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, has pledged what it called a “whole-of-government response,” which includes plans to deploy warships, transport planes and helicopters, as well as to mobilise $150m in aid.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the response would be “big… fast and… effective”.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced the dispatch of a field hospital, as well as dozens of firefighters and other support personnel.

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele said he had readied 300 rescuers and paramedics, and 50 tonnes of equipment, medicines and basic supplies.

Cuban health workers were already “fully mobilised and providing medical services to the affected population,” said Havana’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her country was dispatching a military team of rescuers and medical personnel and would send further assistance if necessary.

Trump accuses Iran of ceasefire breach after Strait of Hormuz attack (BBC) US President Donald Trump has accused Iran of a “foolish violation” of its truce with Washington after a cargo ship passing through the Strait of Hormuz was attacked.

No casualties were reported after the ship was struck by a projectile on Thursday. In response, the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) paused its planned evacuation of more than 11,000 sailors stranded in the key shipping lane.

Trump took to Truth Social on Friday to accuse Iran of shooting at least four drones at traversing ships, with one hitting.

“Obviously, this is a foolish violation of our Ceasefire Agreement,” he wrote.

Tehran has not responded directly, but Iranian state

media is reporting his remarks.

The attack came after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that attempts to cross the strait along a route designated by the IMO would be “unacceptable and completely dangerous” and vessels should coordinate with Iran.

Iranian state media is also reporting on Friday fresh assertions from the IRGC that the strait is Iran’s territory.

Trump said while “we knocked down” three drones, one hit the upper deck of a “large and very expensive Cargo Carrying Ship”.

“Damage was done, but the Ship was able to proceed on its way,” he said.

His remarks reflect the ship’s owner’s report that

limited damage had been caused and that the vessel had since safely transited the strait.

According to British maritime security agency UKMTO, the ship was struck 7.5 nautical miles southeast of Oman’s port of Dahit by “an unknown projectile”.

The Ever Lovely, a Singapore-flagged ship, had been following the UKMTO’s recommended route through the strait when it was struck, the ship’s owner, Evergreen, said.

“All crew members remain safe as does the vessel itself and all cargo,” it added.

The vessel followed a southern route identified by the IMO on Thursday morning, data from the shiptracking website MarineTraffic reviewed by BBC Verify shows.

The UN maritime body’s evacuation of vessels from the strait has been placed on hold

IMO chief Dominguez said in a statement on Thursday the ship “did not t r a n s i t u n d e r I M O ’s evacuation framework”, without going into further detail.

After announcing the pause of the evacuation plan on Thursday, Dominguez on Friday said he was working with parties, including the US, Iran and Oman, to obtain guarantees vessels would not be targeted.

“As soon as I get further confirmations of that, we’re ready to re-initiate the

process of evacuation,” he said.

The IMO said some 115 vessels and 2,500 seafarers had been able to cross the strait before the evacuation was paused.

The strait was reopened as a result of a ceasefire deal between the US and Iran earlier this month.

After US and Israeli attacks against Iran began at the end of February, Tehran effectively closed the strait a critical waterway for oil and gas shipments - causing a spike in global oil prices

and choking off shipments of other crucial commodities such as fertiliser.

The US and Iran agreed to end hostilities under a 14point memorandum of understanding - which also called for Iran to use its “best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days”.

However, Tehran has repeatedly said it plans to charge what it calls maritime service fees for crossing the strait, as opposed to tolls, in a plan fiercely opposed by the US.

Kaieteur News

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Saturday June 27, 2026

Oil price falls back to pre-Iran war levels (BBC) The price of oil has fallen to levels not seen since before the Iran war as traffic through the key Strait of Hormuz shipping route gradually resumes.

Global benchmark Brent crude briefly fell below $72.48 (£55) a barrel, the price it was at the day before the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on 28 February, before edging up to $73.23.

Energy prices have been on a wild ride since Iran responded to the strikes by effectively closing the strait, a critical waterway for oil and gas shipments.

The cost of crude has been moving sharply lower since the US and Iran signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 17 June which set out a 60-day period for negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear programme and other measures to end the war.

H o w e v e r, P r a t i b h a Thaker, regional director of Middle East and Africa at the Economist Intelligence Unit, said though oil prices have fallen back to preconflict levels, risks still remain.

The Dallas Morning News via Getty Images “Markets are still watching the region closely, and any renewed tensions could quickly send oil higher again,” she said.

More ships crossing the strait Representatives from the two sides met in Switzerland last weekend for talks to end the war, which resulted in the US partially lifting sanctions on Iranian oil exports.

The number of vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz has risen significantly since the MOU was signed, according to maritime intelligence firm

Kpler.

Its latest data suggests 284 vessels have made the transit from 18 June, the day after the deal was signed, although that is is still well below the pre-conflict average of some 138 crossings each day.

The ships passing through the waterway in recent days include those carrying crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), fertiliser and other goods, Kpler told the BBC. The US and Iran had also formed a “communication line” to prevent

misunderstandings “with the aim of safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz”, mediators Qatar and Pakistan said in a joint statement on Monday.

There has been a “tremendous shift” with far more ships using the strait in recent days, said Dimitris Maniatis, the chief executive of Marisks, a maritime risk advisory firm working with ships stuck in the region.

A limited number of ships can cross a northern passageway with the permission of Iranian

authorities, he said.

The US navy has also provided guidance for vessels to travel through a southern route that is safe from mines and other obstacles that have been laid out since the war, Maniatis said.

But the number of ships crossing the strait is still below levels seen before the war, when it was used by more than 100 ships a day.

Fuel prices at the pump rose sharply when the Iran war began, and now the focus is on how quickly they will fall.

“On the back of the lowest oil price since before the Iran war started, drivers should see the average price of petrol fall below 150p [a litre] in the next week or so,” said Simon Williams, head of policy at UK motoring group the RAC. He added the

price of diesel “ought to go back under 160p.

Petrol peaked at 159.53p a litre on 28 May, according to the RAC, while diesel has fallen from a high of 191.54p on 15 April.

The average price of regular gasoline in the US has dropped to around $3.93 a gallon after reaching $4 a gallon in April, its highest since 2022, but is still well above pre-war levels.

US President Donald Tr u m p o n We d n e s d a y ordered an investigation into major energy companies, accusing Shell, ExxonMobil and other firms of “gouging” drivers by not reducing fuel prices even as oil costs fell.

“Oil prices have come down so much and we are not seeing anything at the pump by comparison the way they should be,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

Govt. awaiting more details...

From page 7 drilling a well before relinquishing 20 per cent of the block, or, if preferred, the entire contracted area. Ratio had been seeking to bring in another partner or several, with the intention of one becoming operator and leading future drilling.

Since Exxon's and Hess exit from the block, Ratio has been looking for a new partner. The company had disclosed that it contacted numerous energy companies, and while several expressed initial interest and reviewed data, all ultimately declined because of geological risks and challenges related to achieving a commercial discovery. Ratio also previously stated that if no partner is found who can serve as an operator and conduct drilling in the block, and if no further extension is granted for the decision deadline, it will find it difficult to make a decision to proceed and commit to drilling.

The agreement for the Kaieteur Block was signed in 2017, under the condition that the oil companies were only allowed to conduct oil exploration in 40 per cent of the block, to steer clear of aggressive tactics from Venezuela. A 3D seismic survey acquired for the southern portion of the block covered 5,750 square kilometer (km2) and provided the foundation for a significant prospect inventory on the block.

Saturday June 27, 2026

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Saturday June 27, 2026

Kaieteur News

Saturday ThursdayJune November 27, 2026 24, 2022

PAGE 21 19

NSC backs young Karateka Miah Sampson for ISKF World Shoto Cup

Ten-year-old karate prodigy Miah Sampson (centre) and her mother recently met with the Director of Sport

Saturday June 27, 2026 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) To d a y y o u m i g h t f e e l especially intellectually and creatively inspired, and you could discuss your ideas with others. The process of communication could open new doors in your mind.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) A close friend or member of your household could be having money problems, and want to draw on your good business sense in order to understand the situation and find ways to put it right.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Heightened intuition and ESP could lead to some interesting conversations with others who are blown away by your insights into their thoughts and desires.

You could also be feeling more expressive than usual.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) A higher level of intuition and inspiration than is usual for you could enhance your artistic talents, Cancer. A powerful drive to express the stories, pictures, or music that may be flooding your mind could result in your spending.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) An increased understanding of distant cultures as well as curiosity about the people who live there could spur you on to further learning about those places, Libra.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) The opportunity to increase your income could spur you to channel more energy and inspiration into career and business matters, Scorpio.

Some vivid, intense dreams might reveal a lot about you and your motivations.

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) The desire for travel might hit you today, perhaps to visit a friend who lives far away, and you could set the wheels in motion to make it happen at some point in the future.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today you might hear about opportunities to increase your income, either through your current employment, a new job, or perhaps a project of your own. You're likely to channel a great deal of energy and inspiration to this end.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Moving ahead is today's key phrase. You should be feeling very optimistic and excited about goals that you've set for yourself. You're probably confident that you'll reach them, and all will go well.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) All your relationships could be enhanced today by your increased sensitivity to the needs and feelings of others, Aquarius. You may provide a sympathetic ear to melancholy friends, help someone resolve problems, or both.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Inspiration is the keyword for the day. You may be feeling highly motivated to do complete impossible dreams.

"Impossible" has never stopped you before, and you aren't likely to let it stop you now.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Expect to find yourself ministering to the needs of colleagues and family members today, Pisces. People around you might need to draw upon your insights into human nature in order to understand themselves and others.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has thrown its support behind 10-year-old karate prodigy Miah Sampson as she prepares to represent Guyana at the prestigious International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) World Shoto Cup, set for October 2026 in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.

Sampson, one of Guyana’s promising young martial artists, recently received financial assistance from the NSC during a simple presentation ceremony conducted by Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle. The presentation was made to Sampson and her mother, Angeline Cristie, as the young athlete intensifies preparations for what will be one of the biggest competitions of her budding career.

The ISKF World Shoto Cup is expected to attract some of the world’s finest Shotokan karate practitioners for four days of competition, learning, and

cultural exchange.

The event will be held under the leadership of renowned karate master Shihan Hiroyoshi Okazaki and will bring together athletes from across the globe in a celebration of excellence, discipline, and friendship.

During the presentation, Ninvalle commended Sampson’s dedication to the sport and expressed confidence in her ability to represent Guyana with distinction on the international stage.

“Miah has shown tremendous promise, and we wish her every success as she embarks on this important journey,” Ninvalle said.

Ninvalle also highlighted the longstanding relationship between the NSC and ISKFGuyana, noting that the Commission has consistently supported the o r g a n i z a t i o n ’s a n n u a l Independence Karate Tournament, which was staged earlier this month at the Cliff Anderson Sports

Hall.

Sampson, who will be among Guyana’s representatives at the World Shoto Cup, expressed gratitude for the assistance received, noting that the support will go a long way in helping her prepare for the competition.

“I am very thankful to the NSC for believing in me and supporting my journey to Mexico,” Sampson said. “I am training hard every day and will do my best to make Guyana proud.”

Mother, Angeline Cristie, also thanked the Commission for its contribution and encouragement.

Sampson now turns her attention to the months ahead as she pursues success against some of the world’s best young Shotokan karate competitors in Mexico.

Ming leads Briggs Heavy...

From page 22 come away with the win. As our team at MPG continues to grow, it’s exciting to see more of our drivers running at the front, with Khalil Rickford being one of the first drivers to join us from the beginning and now consistently fighting near the front. A huge thank you to Lawson Motors and CS55 for providing me with a Tony Kart that was absolutely on rails all weekend. I’d also like to thank all of my sponsors—MPS, FMC, M Depot, Babecave, Interstate B a t t e r i e s a n d Te r r a c r e t e — f o r t h e i r continued support.”

The championship leader secured victory in the final to claim the maximum 25 points and extend his advantage over the chasing pack. His clean sweep of the weekend - pole, heat, prefinal and final – cemented his standing atop the order.

Steven Nobrega is second with 40 points after a competitive performance, w h i l e J u s t i n Te n p o w occupies third place with 35 points. Zachary Persaud follows in fourth with 31 points after collecting valuable points, including a strong result in the final race.

Khalil Rickford completes the top five with 24 points, while Matthew Phang sits sixth with 18 points. The next round is billed for September 13 at the Leonora stadium.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 22

Saturday June 27, 2026

Ming leads Briggs Heavy, Light categories after solid performances Need for Speed Karting C/ship…

Calvin Ming has taken early control of the Need for S p e e d K a r t i n g Championship, leading both the Briggs Senior Heavy and Briggs Senior Light categories after a dominant performance in the latest round of competition last weekend.

Driving kart number 4, Ming produced a strong showing in the Briggs Senior Heavy category, earning 55 points to sit at the top of the standings during round one of the competition at the 555 Speedway in Georgetown.

M i n g ’s r a c e d a y w a s highlighted by a victory in the final.

He started on pole in qualifying, followed by a win in the heat and second in

the pre-final. He then delivered a commanding performance in the final to collect the maximum 25 points. Mikhail Persaud, driving kart number 34, currently holds second place in the Briggs Senior Heavy standings with 41 points.

Persaud had a consistent outing, finishing second in the heat and the final and third in the pre-final but trails Ming by 14 points.

Jeremy Tenpow remains in contention with 38 points after a strong performance that included a win in the pre-final and a third-place finish in the final. “I’m really happy to come away with the win because Mikhail gave me a great run all day and Jeremy also drove

Calvin Ming and his team.

phenomenally. None of the guys put a foot wrong, and the racing was incredibly competitive from start to

finish. What makes it even more satisfying is seeing the level of driving in the Briggs Senior Heavy class continue to improve. The racing was tight but always fair, with great sportsmanship throughout, and I think that’s a credit to everyone involved. The talent in Guyana is steadily increasing, and I’m confident it won’t be long before we see even more new drivers coming through and fighting for race wins.” Ming said.

Steven Nobrega and Salim Azeez are tied on 24 points, with Nobrega holding fourth position.

Nobrega secured a fourthplace finish in the final, while Azeez continues to i m p r o v e a s t h e championship progresses.

John Mohamed sits sixth with 13 points, followed by Leonardo Jienarine on 12 points and Alfred Madray on four points. Ming has also established himself as the leader in the Briggs Senior Light category. He tops the

standings with 58 points after another impressive race day.

“This one was just as hard-fought. I managed to get about a half-second lead at the start of the final, and that turned out to be crucial because for the rest of the race the guys were chasing me down and I couldn’t afford to make a single mistake. I don’t think any of my laps varied by more than a tenth of a second, which just shows how focused I had to be.”

“Had I not built that early gap, I’m sure they would have been all over me until the finish. I think I was only the fourth-fastest driver in the final on outright lap time, which says everything about the level of competition. At the end of the day, it all comes down to qualifying and executing the race because it can go either way.”

“I’m really proud of everyone at Ming Performance Group—every member of the team stepped up and played their role perfectly, allowing us to Continued on page 21

Saturday June 27, 2026

Kaieteur News

PAGE 23

Former Essequibo Cricketer and Coach Forbes Daniels dies at 65

F

ormer Essequibo Inter-County cricketer and respected coach Forbes Daniels passed away on Thursday following an illness. He was 65.

Daniels was widely regarded as one of Region Two’s most dedicated cricket coaches, playing a pivotal role in the development of young cricketers across the Essequibo Coast. For many years, he operated a cricket academy for Under-13, Under-15 and Under-19 players, with most of the training sessions held at the Suddie Sports Club Ground in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

A name synonymous with cricket in the Cinderella County, Daniels served as head coach of several Essequibo Inter-County teams at various levels. Before embarking on his coaching career, he represented Essequibo in Guyana Cricket Board tournaments and was a prominent player for the Suddie Cricket Club in domestic cricket.

Daniels began coaching in the mid-1980s at his home village of Zorg and later expanded his work to the nearby Suddie Sports Club Ground. Through his commitment and passion for nurturing young talent, he helped shape the careers of several players who went on to represent Guyana.

Among them were Devon Ramnauth, Dillon Heyliger, Anthony Adams, the late Shivnandan Madholall, Dinesh Joseph, brothers Norman and Norwaye Fredericks, Rayon Thomas and Bheesham Seepersaud. Freelance sports journalist and cricket coach and umpire Zaheer Mohamed paid tribute to Daniels, describing him as a coach who worked tirelessly to develop young cricketers.

“Coach Daniels dedicated countless hours to helping youngsters improve their game. He was approachable, humble and admired for his strong work ethic,” Mohamed said. Sports reporter Ravendra Madholall also reflected on Daniels’ immense contribution to cricket in the county.

According to Madholall, Daniels possessed an unwavering passion for working with young, talented cricketers on the Essequibo Coast and remained committed to the sport throughout his life.

Forbes Daniels leaves behind three children, along with countless former players, colleagues and members of the cricketing fraternity who will remember him for his invaluable contribution to the development of cricket in Essequibo.

GCB Tribute The Guyana Cricket Board extends its sincere condolences to the family, relatives, friends and the wider cricket fraternity on the passing of the late Coach Forbes Daniels.

Coach Daniels’ sudden departure has left an irreplaceable void in cricket, not only in Guyana, but more especially in Essequibo, where his dedication, leadership, and selfless service helped to shape the development of the game.

His contribution to cricket was remarkable, and his unwavering commitment to the advancement of young players and the sport as a whole has left an indelible mark on the history of Essequibo cricket. He will be

remembered among the distinguished Guyanese who gave generously of their time, knowledge, and passion in service to national development through sport.

On behalf of President Bissoondyal

Singh, the Executives, and Staff of the Guyana Cricket Board, we extend our deepest sympathies to all who mourn his passing. May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Saturday June 27, 2026

Sri Lanka Tour of West Indies 2026…

Jangoo, Chase’s defiant stand takes WI close to parity (Cricinfo) - Amir Jangoo may not have even featured in the opening Test for West Indies had Shai Hope not suffered an injury during training. But with a chance handed out, he made full use

of it to rescue the hosts from a precarious position to leave them only 37 behind Sri Lanka’s first-innings 308.

Jangoo, playing his second Test, walked in at 97 for 2 in the afternoon, and

showed off an obdurate batting style, taking 174 balls for his unbeaten 78. His maiden Test half-century took West Indies to 271 for 5 at stumps.

At the other end, a man

with something else to prove batted on from No. 7 Roston Chase, the West Indies captain who has averaged 15.50 in the 15 innings he has batted since July 2025.

Watchful in dead-batting and playing the long game, he joined Jangoo in the middle at 168 for 5, took 105 balls to score 42, and contributed to an unbeaten sixth-wicket partnership of 103 to leave the hosts the happier side after day two.

Their stand was crucial because it came after a middle-session where West Indies lost 4 for 79, losing the gains they had achieved in the morning session, with the openers helping them reach 89 for 1 at lunch.

John Campbell (39) and Brandon King (31) saw off the new ball and enjoyed a half-century stand in the morning.

The runs came West Indies’ way right from the start of the day when Lahiru Kumara sprayed the ball wide in his only over of the session, conceding two fourbyes, before leaving the field for the rest of the day with a hamstring niggle. Asitha Fernando and Kasun Rajitha operated close to the corridor of uncertainty but the openers saw them out successfully against the new ball.

Boundaries from Campbell and King came the

classical way - on-drives past the non-striker or crisp shots square on either side - but the occasional mistimed slash also found the fence. The Sri Lanka seamers occasionally got sideways movement off the pitch and in the air, and regularly beat the batters’ edge.

The opening stand ended in the 14th over, shortly after the day’s first drinks break.

King miscued a drive off Milan Rathnayaka to short cover.

But in the second session, Sri Lanka’s bowlers were right on top with their consistency, and chipped away at West Indies’ batting line-up.

Campbell was out right after lunch when left-arm spinner Sonal Dinusha tempted him with a full ball outside off. Thinking of lofting Dinusha over his head, all he did was hole out to Nishan Madushka.

Next over, Rathnayaka added a second wicket to his name - after King’s dismissal in the morning - by being rewarded for some tidy bowling in the corridor of uncertainty. After zeroing in on a steady line and length through the 26th over, he got a good-length ball to generate some extra bounce, leaving Hodge (16) insideedging a defensive shot onto his stumps.

Joshua Da Silva (20) and Jangoo began a repair job

with West Indies at 102 for 3, and were comfortable absorbing the pressure with run-scoring drying up.

Jangoo shuffled around his crease, moving to the legside often to access punches and drives through the off side while Da Silva was more watchful.

But after 18 overs of rebuilding with a 52-run partnership for the fourth wicket, Da Silva struck Asitha to cover, reminiscent of the King dismissal earlier in the day. Asitha once again delivered by getting a nagging delivery to nip away. Greaves was in two minds whether to play or leave, and the eventual edge was pounced by a diving Kusal Mendis with a onehanded special.

It was under these circumstances that Chase and Jangoo got together, and batted 33.5 overs till stumps without any further damage.

Sri Lanka’s lack of incision late in the back-third of the day was not for lack of trying, but they were a bowler short with Lahiru’s absence.

The batting pair were unhurried against the setting sun in the background, and ground out Sri Lanka till stumps. It was the kind of stand that can be the difference between yet another WTC defeat or a first win of the new cycle for West Indies.

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 27, 2026

PAGE 25

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup...

Saturday triple-header: West Indies, New Zealand chase semi-final spot Who’s playing whom?

The final triple-header day of the T20 World Cup begins with Netherlands taking on Pakistan at 10.30am local time (9.30am GMT) in Manchester. With both sides already out of semi-final contention and still searching for their first win of the tournament, this match offers one final opportunity to end their campaigns on a positive note.

These two teams have met just once in the format, in the final of a Quadrangular series in Sri Lanka in 2011, which Pakistan won by 12 runs.

West Indies then face Ireland in Bristol at 2.30pm local time (1.30pm GMT) in a match with semi-final implications. A West Indies win will secure qualification for them, while a loss would mean they need to wait for England to beat New Zealand. On the other hand, Ireland - despite being winless at the tournament will take confidence from their historic first T20I win over West Indies during the tri-series earlier this month.

In the tournament’s final Group 2 fixture, hosts England face defending champions New Zealand at The Oval. While England have qualified by winning four in four so far, New

Zealand’s semi-final hopes are no longer entirely in their own hands. Should Ireland beat West Indies, a win over England would be enough to send them through. That however will be no easy task as England have dominated this rivalry, winning 34 of 43 T20Is against New Zealand, while New Zealand have beaten them only twice in 13 meetings since the start of 2024.

Team News Stafanie Taylor walked off the field during the match against England with a respiratory illness, and it’s unclear whether she is fit to play.

Hayley Matthews has starred with the ball, picking up eight wickets in four matches at an economy rate of 6.06. Her batting, however, is yet to reach the same heights, with 93 runs in the tournament. West Indies will hope their captain can deliver with the bat as well in a must-win encounter, and with the semi-finals in sight.

Pitch and conditions Three out of the four games in Bristol have been won by the chasing team, w i t h S o u t h A f r i c a ’s successful defense against Scotland the lone exception.

South Africa put up a total of 208 in that match, while Scotland too in turn got a good start. The weather is

The West Indies captain, Hayley Matthews (right) has picked up 8 wickets in four matches. (Getty Images)

expected to be clear, with a maximum temperature of 29 degrees Celcius.

The Oval hosts its first match of the tournament.

Conditions are expected to be very hot during the day before cooling off by the evening when England and New Zealand take the field.

(Cricinfo)

Afy Fletcher of West Indies celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Sarah Bryce of Scotland during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. (Getty Images)

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup...

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Roston Chase (left) and Amir Jangoo revived West Indies’ first innings with an unbeaten 103-run partnership. (AFP/Getty Images)

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