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Saturday Edition Iran details AIETEUR NEWS plans to hit Gulf undersea cables if war resumes, officials say October 24, 2026 - Vol. 21 No. 42

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FOUR DEAD

...three critical after car slams into fuel truck on Linden Highway

Dead: Tevin Thompson

Scenes of the accident.

Barima families Murdered six-year- MVface barriers old laid to rest presenting ...father charged, remanded to prison evidence to COI

Six-year-old, Orlando Jaikarran

Tributes poured in on Friday during the funeral service of six-year-old Orlando Jaikarran, whose partially decomposed body was discovered early Tuesday morning.

U.S. financing for Amaila hydro-project may require updated environmental, feasibility studies - Ambassador

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Saturday October 24, 2026

FOUR DEAD ...three critical after car slams into fuel truck on Linden Highway The mangled vehicle as persons tried to pry the persons out of the wreck.

Dead: Tevin Thompson

F

our people have been killed after a car slammed into a truck at Long Creek on the Linden highway late Friday night. Among the deceased are Tevin Thompson and Doneel Darrell, the only two persons that were identified at the time of this report. Three other people were injured in the accident and are said to be in a critical condition. The tragic accident occurred in the vicinity of Long Creek, involving a motorcar carrying seven occupants and a heavy-duty fuel truck. According to preliminary information, the motorcar was travelling at a high rate of speed along the highway when it collided violently with the rear of the

fuel truck.The impact reduced the car to a mangled heap of metal, killing four of the occupants, two of whom have been identified as Thompson and Darrell, on the spot. Firefighters from the Guyana Fire Service and police ranks rushed to the scene shortly after the crash to cut open the wreckage and extract the trapped victims. The three surviving passengers, who suffered severe injuries, were rushed by emergency personnel to the nearest medical facility for treatment. Police officers and Fire Service ranks remain on the scene conducting investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.

A scene from the crash.

Father charged with murdering six-year-old son, remanded to prison On Friday, the very day six-yearold Orlando Jaikarran was laid to rest, his father, Bharrat Jaikarran, appeared in court charged with his murder and was remanded to prison. Jaikarran, a cane harvester, appeared before Magistrate Shareefah Parks at the Weldaad Magistrate’s Court, where he was not required to plead to the indictable offence. Police Sergeant Edwards, who led the prosecution, told the court that the file had been completed and legal advice sought. He disclosed that investigations involving another accused in the matter were ongoing and requested that the case be transferred to the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court. Jaikarran insisted on addressing the court, but the prosecutor objected, suggesting that he awaits the appropriate court process before speaking. Magistrate Parks informed him that he could not be granted bail and ordered that he be remanded to prison. The matter was transferred to the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court for November 12, 2026. Orlando was reported missing last Thursday after his father claimed that he had been awakened by two of his other children, who told him that the six-year-old was missing from the house. The case has triggered nationwide shock, sorrow and condemnation, particularly after Jaikarran initially maintained that he was incapable of harming any of his children before reportedly admitting to police that he had killed Orlando, a pupil of Bath Primary School.

Remanded to prison: Bharrat Jaikarran

He subsequently directed investigators to the Sea Canal Dam, aback Bath Settlement, where the child’s body had allegedly been dumped. Police discovered Orlando’s decomposing remains on Tuesday morning. His head and portions of his limbs had been severed. Investigators also recovered cutlasses and other items believed to be relevant to the investigation. Jaikarran’s 65-year-old mother, Dhankumarie Gowkarran, who

attended Friday’s court hearing, became so emotionally overwhelmed that she had to be escorted from the courtroom. Following her grandson’s disappearance, Gowkarran had reportedly confronted her son directly, questioning whether he had harmed the child. He allegedly told her that he had gone to bed in his room while the children slept in another room. Gowkarran has since publicly disowned her son and declared her unequivocal desire to see him face the consequences of his actions. After breaking down in court, she was later seen joining Orlando’s mother and other relatives to bid farewell to her grandson at his funeral. Orlando’s mother, Navita Ramnarine, Jaikarran’s former partner, also expressed her anguish over the killing and her determination to see the accused face the full force of the law. Meanwhile, Jaikarran, who reportedly confessed to killing his son, appeared to distance himself from the alleged confession when he spoke outside the Weldaad Magistrate’s Court, suggesting that he was not solely responsible for the child’s death. Asked who was involved in carrying out the crime, he responded, “pujari,” before police whisked him away. The pujari, Ravi Ishwar Srikhnu, of Bath Settlement, remains in police custody. Police have disclosed that several cutlasses were recovered and lodged as evidence as investigations continue.

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Saturday October 24, 2026

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MV Barima families face barriers presenting evidence to COI Frustration and disappointment mounted on Friday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) as relatives of victims and survivors of the MV Barima maritime disaster left the Commission of Inquiry (COI) Secretariat without clear answers on how to submit critical evidence and secure permission to testify before the commission. Several family members, including Jasmin Cort and Royston Frank, visited the Secretariat carrying envelopes containing formal applications for standing to appear before the commission. However, they said they received no clear guidance on the next steps, d e s p i t e t h e i n q u i r y ’s significance and the urgent need for affected families to have their voices heard. Speaking to the media after the visit, Cort condemned what she said was the lack of preparation, communication and publicly accessible information, noting that families should not have to travel to Georgetown simply to find out how to participate in an inquiry into a tragedy that has devastated their lives. “We came here together to submit our applications for standing to go before the Commission of Inquiry,” Cort explained. “We also came here to seek clarity on how that will be done, the process, because so far, we h a v e g o t t e n n o communication from the secretariat concerning how we would move forward if we are to go before the commission. We do not know the process. There is

Families going into the Secretariat.

no trace of it online.” She said there was no operational website or readily accessible public repository explaining how statements would be taken, how testimony would be transcribed or what witnesses should expect when appearing before the commissioners. “There is no clarity on the process, on the procedure for us, family members, for s u r v i v o r s . We a r e l e f t assuming; we are left guessing,” Cort said. According to Cort, the only direction provided to affected relatives so far has been that their contact numbers were recorded and that they would receive a telephone call. Cort disclosed that she had previously submitted an application for her mother to

testify. The application was accepted more than a month ago by Javed Shadick, secretary to the commission, but no formal receipt or written acknowledgement was issued, and the family has received no subsequent guidance on the next steps. “It’s been weeks. It’s been over a month since this application was submitted, and we still have no further guidance on what are the next steps,” she stated. Cort questioned how an inquiry involving more than 100 victims, survivors and missing persons, and upwards of 200 immediate relatives, could depend on uncoordinated telephone calls rather than a t r a n s p a r e n t , o rg a n i s e d process accessible to everyone affected. She insisted that the

secretariat should establish a central platform where families could obtain information on applying for standing, submitting evidence and requesting to testify. “This information should be made public. There should be a website that persons can access where we can see a clear step-by-step procedure on how we can go about submitting evidence, how we can go about submitting our application for standing, or just to say, we would like to take the stand,” she urged. “We have damning and critical evidence that needs to be submitted.” The absence of clear communication is also placing an additional burden on families living outside Demerara, many of whom must undertake lengthy journeys to Georgetown to seek answers. Some travelled to the ACCC on Friday only to leave without the information they needed, facing the prospect of another trip to the capital. Cort said relatives in Berbice and other rural and outlying communities were equally eager to give evidence on behalf of their missing and deceased loved ones, but were being left uncertain about how to proceed. “Persons should not have

Jasmin Cort to come down to the Secretariat to demand information, to demand clarity on this process,” she told reporters. She further criticised what she described as a pattern of reactive administration, saying that basic procedures should have been established and communicated before families were required to navigate the process. “Again, I keep saying this, I feel as though I am living in a country where every system, instead of being proactive, instead of having planned preparation and procedures, it is reactive. They are making things up as they go along.” Cort described the experience as deeply insulting to families already grappling with the consequences of the maritime disaster. “The system is flawed; the system is broken. This COI lacks preparation, it lacks planning, and it’s

insulting to families who have to take time out of their day and drive hours to Georgetown just to get a little bit of information, just to find out, ‘How can I go about submitting evidence? How can I go about requesting to take the stand?” As of Friday afternoon, three families that submitted written notices expressing their intention to testify, confirmed that they were still awaiting formal acknowledgement and structured guidance from the secretariat. Meanwhile, the secretariat has gazetted procedures outlining the steps required to take the stand. However, Kaieteur News understands from affected families that the procedures are not being implemented in practice, leaving relatives uncertain about how to advance their applications and present potentially critical evidence to the commission.

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Saturday October 24, 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: NIGEL WILLIAMS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

A child betrayed There are tragedies that leave a nation speechless, and then there are those that force us to confront the darkest corners of our humanity. The death of six-year-old Orlando Jaikarran is one such tragedy. A little boy who should have been filling his days with laughter, play and the innocent dreams of childhood is instead at the centre of a horror that has broken hearts, shaken families and left Guyana searching for answers. The reported circumstances of his death are almost too painful to contemplate. That the person accused of taking his life is his own father makes this tragedy even more devastating. Orlando was only six. At that tender age, a child should know nothing of betrayal, cruelty or the terror of losing his life. A child should know the warmth of a parent's embrace, the security of a home and the reassurance that the adults around him will protect him from harm. For Orlando, that fundamental promise of childhood has been shattered in the most heartbreaking way imaginable. His mother, Navita Ramnarine, is left to confront a grief no parent should ever have to endure. The pain of losing a child is difficult enough to comprehend. To learn that the child's own father is accused of causing his death adds another layer of anguish that words can scarcely capture. Her plea for justice is not merely the cry of a grieving mother. It is the cry of a parent demanding that her child's life must matter, that his death must not be forgotten and that those responsible must answer before the law. Equally painful is the reported anguish of Orlando's paternal grandmother, Dhankumarie Gowkarran. She had hoped that her grandson would be found alive. Instead, she was confronted with the devastating news of his death and the reported confession of her own son. Her description of her legs giving way upon hearing the news speaks to a grief that has overwhelmed her physically and emotionally. She is mourning her grandson while struggling to comprehend the allegations against her child. No family should have to endure such a cruel collision of grief, disbelief and shame. But beyond the immediate family lies a society that must reflect deeply on what this tragedy means. Children are among the most vulnerable members of our communities. They depend on adults to provide food, shelter, guidance, love and protection. When a child allegedly suffers violence at the hands of the very person entrusted with his care, the tragedy raises painful questions about parental responsibility, child protection and whether our systems are doing enough to identify and respond to risks faced by vulnerable children. President Irfaan Ali has spoken about considering harsher punishment, including the death penalty, in response to crimes of this nature. The public anger is understandable. When confronted with the brutal death of an innocent child, many will demand the harshest possible consequences. Yet, while the justice system must pursue accountability, the national conversation cannot end with punishment alone. Capital punishment, however forcefully demanded, cannot restore Orlando's life or erase the suffering of those he has left behind. The authorities must ensure a thorough investigation, a fair legal process and justice in accordance with the law. Equally important, the nation must examine how children can be better protected, how warning signs can be recognised and how families experiencing abuse or distress can receive meaningful intervention before tragedy strikes. Orlando deserved the chance to grow up, attend school, discover his talents and build a future. He deserved the simple privilege of being a child. That future has been taken from him, and no verdict can give it back. Justice must be served. But our sorrow must also become a determination to protect the living, especially those children who cannot protect themselves.

Vapes are no more, what about cigarettes? Dear Editor, I applaud the government's stance on banning the import and sale of vapes in Guyana, Nicotine addiction has long been a challenge for many nations to overcome. But banning vapes does not entirely solve the issue. Ciagrettes are still more dangerous than vaping, Burning tobacco releases over 7,000 chemicals, including hundreds of toxic substances and at least 70 known carcinogens, plus the deadly carbon monoxide, it causes hundreds of thousands of deaths each year, leading directly to the vast majority of lung cancer cases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stroke, and severe heart disease, vaping exposes users to fewer total toxins and lacks carbon monoxide and tar because there is no

combustion. Aerosol from ecigarettes, however, still delivers nicotine, heavy metals (like nickel, lead, and cadmium), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and flavouring chemicals like diacetyl. Vaping causes lung inflammation raises heart rate and blood pressure and is linked to severe conditions like EVALI (often tied to THC and vitamin E acetate) and potential long-term cardiovascular damage, Ecigarettes and modern disposables can deliver high amounts of nicotine very smoothly, leading to intense addiction. We can all agree that Both cigarettes and disposable vapes poses serious risks for human health, so why not ban the sale of cigarettes as well? Or imposing higher tariffs on its

importation to reduce local consumption? The argument of banning vapes alone does not solve the wider problem of nicotine addiction and with vapes now out of the picture younger generation that are already nicotine addicted may switch to alternatives like cigarettes to experience the same effects, the local guyanese markets are flooded with options that range from mint to strawberry double click cigarettes, the price for contraband cigarettes sold are far cheaper than vapes and there is no adherence to restrictions on how it is being sold. S t u d i e s f r o m organisations like the University of Bristol and Yorkshire Cancer Research indicate that a portion of young vape users (roughly 14% to 18% in specific

regional or demographic surveys) may transition to traditional cigarettes or dualuse habits when disposable vapes are prohibited. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) When disposable vapes are removed or priced out, some users face a choice between withdrawal, buying expensive reusable starter kits, or opting for cheaper, more accessible packs of conventional cigarettes. The other Major concern for the Guyanese Government is the “BlackMarket Growth” for vapes; how will they tackle this? Because contraband items are still being sold in supermarkets and other retail/ wholesale vendors, who's to say they won't start selling vapes “Under the table”? Kind Regards, Dev Harry

King Charles III's Impending Visit to Guyana Dear Editor, His Majesty King Charles III is scheduled to arrive in Guyana on 29thOctober, 2026. There will undoubtedly be elaborate security arrangements, carefully coordinated movements, intelligence assessments, police escorts, and the usual grand display of state hospitality. But before we roll out the proverbial red carpet and congratulate ourselves on hosting British royalty, perhaps we should consider a rather inconvenient question. What exactly will the King's security team make of a country where the elected Leader of the Opposition alleges that the Head of Special Branch attempted to assassinate him? Not a random criminal. Not an unidentified gunman lurking in some dark alley. Although, given Guyana's history of controversial police shootings, including the 2018 seawall killings of three men that an eyewitness described as executions, perhaps the imagery is not entirely misplaced. The police disputed that eyewitness account. The deaths prompted an investigation and a recommendation for a coroner's inquest. Eight years later, we are confronting another deeply controversial police shooting. This time, the elected Leader of the Opposition was inside the vehicle. And

the officer at the centre of the allegations? The senior police officer entrusted with intelligence and national security responsibilities. On 12 th October, 2026, Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and two members of his staff were travelling through Kitty when Senior Superintendent Prem Narine discharged several rounds from his service firearm in the direction of their vehicle. T h a t m u c h i s acknowledged in the police account. The disagreement concerns WHY. Narine claims he heard what appeared to be a gunshot and responded. Mohamed maintains that he and his employees were subjected to a calculated assassination attempt. The defence has also raised serious questions about the subsequent discovery of an alleged firearm beneath the accelerator pedal, following an earlier search that reportedly yielded nothing. An extraordinary sequence of events, whichever account one accepts. And the public is still entitled to ask what the forensic evidence, CCTV recordings, ballistic examinations and complete chain of custody actually establish. N o w, c o n s i d e r t h e implications. The same national security establishment expected to coordinate with British royal protection personnel is facing serious

questions about the conduct of one of its most senior intelligence officers. This is not some trivial political disagreement about who said what at a press conference. A constitutional officeholder was inside a vehicle at which a senior police officer admittedly fired his weapon. There are reported bullet holes. There are competing accounts. There are allegations of evidence tampering. There are questions about the handling of the vehicle and the firearm allegedly recovered from it. And somewhere in this remarkable situation, Guyana must prepare to assure the representatives of the British Crown that its security arrangements are dependable, professional and beyond reproach. One would imagine that the people responsible for protecting a monarch are rather particular about these things. There is also the controversy surrounding reports that an elected Member of Parliament travelled through Cheddi Jagan International Airport with more than 40 rounds of ammunition. The allegation was publicly denied by the parliamentarian concerned, and the circumstances have not been independently established. Nevertheless, the controversy illustrates why serious claims about aviation security require verifiable facts rather than sensational

headlines. Was there an actual security breach? Were screening procedures followed? What evidence supports the original report? And have the relevant authorities provided a sufficiently clear account? Airport security is not a decorative feature of an international terminal. It is an essential component of national and international aviation safety. Perhaps the more important issue is not whether King Charles will be adequately protected. His Majesty will benefit from a sophisticated royal protection operation, supported by British expertise and coordinated arrangements with Guyanese authorities. The question is what happens when the royal aircraft departs. Will the same urgency surrounding intelligence gathering, threat assessments, protective escorts and public safety extend to the ordinary Guyanese who must continue living here? Will there be comparable seriousness about investigating allegations against senior police officers? Will the public finally receive the so far unreleased CCTV footage and a comprehensive explanation of the 12th October shooting at the Leader of the Opposition? And will the fundamental (Continued on page 5)

Saturday October 24, 2026

Kaieteur News

Let us unite and dig deep to eradicate the weeds Dear Editor, Recently, I was most pleased to observe the rare sight of men clearing the trench in our street - one that is habitually overrun with weeds and green vegetation. The grass and weeds were cut by men standing waist deep in slush, placed at the side of the road, and then picked up and carried away by trucks. We do appreciate this effort, but now, a few months later, one would hardly guess that anything had been done! After all of that effort, the grass has returned, lush, green, taller and thicker, covering the trench! Obviously, roots had not been eradicated, for, had this been done ( by whatever means) we would have been enjoying a better scenario...and I draw

a parallel with our society at large. Situations arise, and instead of dealing with the problems from the roots, we make a show of "problem solving" as the issues fester beneath the surface! The word "corruption" may be banned in Parliament, but until and unless it is rooted out of homes, offices, and the hearts of men, Guyana will continue to see its fruit of inequity, injustice and lack of accountability, permeating the land. We must get back to basics. We can surely count on the Creator's Manual to guide us as we unite to eradicate the 'weeds' that continue to spring up, decimating our dear land. Regards Claudia Heywood

King Charles III's... From page 4 right to personal security be treated as a constitutional obligation rather than a privilege determined by political standing? The Government of Guyana must know that security is not merely the ability to assemble a convincing motorcade for an internationally important visitor. The Guyanese people must have the confidence that the institutions entrusted with protecting them will exercise their authority lawfully, impartially and accountably. That is security. A police officer's rank does not place his conduct beyond scrutiny. A government institution does not become credible merely because its officials insist that it is. Guyana is preparing to showcase its biodiversity, development, international partnerships and growing economic importance. There will be speeches. There will be photographs. There will be carefully choreographed engagements and enthusiastic declarations about the country's progress. And there is nothing inherently wrong with any of that.But international prestige is not a substitute for domestic accountability. A

country can welcome royalty, host international conferences, construct large buildings and announce billions in development expenditure all while still confronting serious questions about the conduct of its public institutions and of course, while the people starve and struggle to survive These realities are not mutually exclusive. The protection of King Charles III should be treated with the utmost seriousness. But the life of the elected Leader of the Opposition is not worth less because he does not wear a crown. Neither is the life of the ordinary Guyanese citizen.And that, Editor, is the point.The measure of a country's security institutions is not simply how effectively they protect the powerful when the world is watching. It is how lawfully, consistently and impartially they protect E V E RY O N E w h e n t h e cameras are gone. King Charles will spend a short time in Guyana. The rest of us have to live here.The royal motorcade will eventually leave. The unanswered questions about our national security institutions will not. Yours, royally concerned Hana Mohamed

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Modi's Policy has strengthened India ties with Guyanese & other Diasporas Dear Editor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is commended for his profound, historic commitment to honoring the global Girmitiya (descendants of indentureship) community, Guyanese and others, lauding their enormous contributions to their respective territories (countries like Guyana) and to India and for retention of their cultural roots. Modi's profound and visionary leadership has been instrumental in definitively restoring the global Girmitiya diaspora community to its rightful place of honor within India's civilizational narrative, national consciousness, history, and development of the (older original) diaspora that was established from 1828 onwards first in Reunion Island, then Mauritius (1834), British Guiana (1838, Trinidad (1845) and other colonies in later years. No Indian government or leader has given such prominence to girmitiyas or diaspora or overseas Indian communities the way Modi has. By passionately highlighting the resilience, perseverance, grit, tenacity, fortitude, and cultural preservation of these indentured labourers during his several landmark addresses in Guyana,

Trinidad, Fiji, Mauritius, Seychelles, Kenya, Uganda, among others. (Modi never visited Suriname or Jamaica and other small islands in the Caribbean but the current and preceding President (Dropaudi Murmu ji and Ram Nath Kovind ji ) visited Suriname on his behalf. Modi ji also addressed and or engaged the girmitiya diaspor, including Guyanese, in the developed countries such as Holland, USA, UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, among others. With two Presidential visits (by Murmu ji and Ram Nath Kovind ji) in Suriname, and his personal visits to so many countries, PM Modi has successfully given a voice to a pivotal historical narrative that was overlooked by previous Indian administrations for decades. In every girmitiya country, including Guyana, that the PM visited, he spoke of the significance and importance of the girmitiyas not only to their homeland but to India (matri bhoomi) as well. And every girmitiya country has been a recipient of increased aid, including scholarships, training of bureaucrats, soft loans and non-repayable grants, and Know India Program for youths and seniors. PM Modi has single-

handedly elevated a longneglected chapter of Indian history and colonial legacy (indentured servitude) into a cornerstone of India's cultural diplomacy. More than just offering eloquent praise, Prime Minister Modi has backed his words with u n p r e c e d e n t e d transformative actions: suggesting a global mapping database to connect descendants of the girmitiya pioneers with their ancestral villages, extending OCI card eligibility to sixth and seventh generations; several Guyanese have obtained the OCI passport. Modi encourages organising girmitiya conferences and preservation of vital heritage landmarks or sites (Apravasi Ghat in Mauritius, for example, and others in Fiji, Guyana, Suriname), and other monuments linked to Girmitiyas. (I would like to add the PM's consideration of requests to assist with digitisation of documents including Guyana's pertaining to the pioneering girmitiyas and early descendants including those records scattered at different locations in India; and also for the PM to give consideration of erecting a monument in tribute to the girmitiyas at PBD 2027 in Kolkota which will be a first for a BJP led government

and PM. It is also suggested be established a virtual museum (if not also a building) or digital library of materials relating to the girmitiyas and their descendants). Through his visionary policies and pioneering initiatives, Modi ji has not only validated the immense sacrifices of the present diaspora's ancestors (indentured labourers) but has also beautifully reanchored the millions (estimated at around 13 million) of Girmitiya descendants back to their civilizational roots, transforming a painful colonial legacy into a powerful bond of shared heritage and pride and connection with India. Inevitably, the PM's interest in the girmitiyas and initiatives will help to draw the diaspora closer to India into an enduring, unbreakable bridge, strengthening ties with Bharrat. U n d e r t h e transformative governance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the last twelve years, India has positively altered how it historically viewed the girmitiya (PIO) diaspora as well as the NRI diaspora. Modi-ji has radically re-engineered its geopolitical framework to embrace the global Girmitiya diaspora. (Continued on page 6)

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Saturday October 24, 2026

Brother Valentino's funeral Dominica police to send remains linked to teen's death to set for October 29 Jamaica for DNA testing (CNC3) The funeral service for veteran calypsonian Brother Valentino will take place on Thursday, October 29, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Independence Square, Port-of-Spain. The service is scheduled to begin at 10 am, according to an announcement issued following the death of the celebrated singer, whose music championed equality, Black identity and social justice. Valentino, whose birth name was Emrold Anthony Phillip, died on Thursday at the age of 85.Born in Cherry Hill, Grenada, on July 7, 1941, he moved to Trinidad and Tobago as a young man and became one of the country's most respected social commentators through calypso.His music addressed racial inequality, poverty, political authority and the

(CNW) Dominica police have received approval to send samples of human remains found in the northern community of Capuchin to Jamaica for DNA testing to determine whether they belong to 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul. Commissioner of Police Veteran calypsonian Brother Valentino Lincoln Corbett said the remains were discovered at the bottom of a precipice struggles of ordinary people. His 1971 song north of Roseau on August “No Revolution” established him as a 12, months after Paul was prominent voice of the Black Power era, reported missing. (Continued on page 22) Paul was last seen at her home on July 24 and was reported missing the following day. Corbett said investigators believe the remains are those of the teenager, but DNA analysis is necessary to establish her identity conclusively for evidentiary purposes. “We are waiting to send the officer to Jamaica. It's a process, you have to make a request to the lab in Jamaica or Barbados or elsewhere to get a permit,” Corbett said.

“Now that we have received the permit, he can now travel with samples,” he added, explaining that the police had completed the necessary paperwork and were arranging a flight for an officer to deliver the samples personally to the analyst. The commissioner said investigators had opted against sending the samples by courier, choosing instead to have an officer transport them by hand. Police conducted an autopsy and collected samples from the remains. Corbett said dental records could also be used to establish identity, but investigators did not have the records needed for that method, leaving DNA analysis as their chosen option. “Although we suspect and we believe that the remains that were recovered is that of the young lady, Jerbiah Paul, but for evidential purposes we must confirm it and we will do that

Jerbiah Paul, 16 is by DNA analysis,” he said. Corbett said confirming the identity of the remains was critical to strengthening the prosecution's case. Four people, including serving police officers, have been charged in connection with Paul's death. Meanwhile, Corbett reported a decline in homicides in Dominica compared with the previous year. Of the 10 murders recorded so far in 2026, seven have been solved, he said.

Modi's Policy has strengthened... From page 5 Supporters of the BJP and Modi and nationalists like myself as well as countless Indians welcome the PM's fresh perspective and policy on the girmitiyas , a policy framework that is very different and distinct from his predecessors. It is a profound paradigm shift — transitioning from 'a policy of relative abandonment' by Nehru at independence to policy indifferences from others until PM Vajpayee's Prime Ministership in the late 1990s when government

began to court the diaspora. Vajpayee conceived the PBD that began in January 2003 after Singhvi report that was developed from visits by a team from India that engaged the diaspora in several countries.Unlike his predecessors, with the exception of Vajpayee, Modi reasserts India's standing and status as the civilizational home, sentinel, and protector of the girmitiya diaspora's enduring culture, identity, and dignity. By introducing comprehensive institutional measures, such as extending Overseas Citizenship of

India (OCI Passport) benefits to the seventh generation of girmitiya descendants (many living in the developed world) and executing a massive global mapping database project, Prime Minister Modi has dismantled decades of bureaucratic isolation of the girmitiyas. Currently, it is very difficult for girmitiyas to trace roots. The proposed database project, when completed, will help to connect the diaspora with ancestral relatives. Modi's policy and approach towards the girmitiyas seamlessly synthesizes diplomatic outreach with deep cultural pride, elevating the longignored legacy of indentured labourers into a core component of India's international standing and policy towards them. Through his vision, the modern Indian state has firmly reaffirmed to some thirteen million Girmitiya families worldwide that they are not mere footnotes of history, but vital, inseparable partners in the country's collective civilizational destiny and also has a role in its development. Modi's Prime Ministership policy towards the girmitiya is saluted by Indo Guyanese residing in USA and Canada. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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Finance Minister credits private sector, workers for Guyana’s economic performance Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, has credited private sector investment and the productivity of Guyanese workers for G u y a n a ’s c o n t i n u e d economic expansion, as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recognises the country’s strong oil and nonoil activity. In a statement published on his official Facebook page on Friday, Dr. Singh acknowledged businesses that continue to invest confidently in Guyana and expand the production of goods and services. “I want to acknowledge the role that was played by the private sector by continuing to invest so confidently and boldly in Guyana and by continuing to expand their production of goods and services, which is really what underlies this economic growth,” the minister stated. He also recognised workers across the country, noting that their contributions remain central to national development and future opportunities. The IMF noted that prudent macroeconomic

Dr. Ashni Singh recently participated in the Human Capital Ministerial Conclave during the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group in Bangkok, Thailand. policies, rising oil revenues and strong public and private investment underpin the country’s performance. “Guyana’s economy continues to grow rapidly, driven by strong oil and nonoil activity, with the outlook remaining highly favourable,” the institution stated, while calling for continued diversification and inclusive development. Dr. Singh also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to human capital development during the Human Capital

Ministerial Conclave in Bangkok, Thailand, held as part of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the IMF and World Bank Group. The conclave, led by World Bank Vice President for People (Human Development) Mamta Murthi, focused on investing in people and expanding economic opportunities. Dr. Singh reported that 156,000 jobs had been created over the past five years, contributing to a 50 per cent reduction in unemployment.

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UG can become a world-class university

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he ambition to transform the University of Guyana (UG) into a worldclass institution must begin with an honest recognition of what such a transformation requires. It is not enough to construct new buildings, expand enrollment, introduce additional degree programmes or invest in digital technology. These are important, but they do not, in themselves, make a university worldclass. T h e d e f i n i n g characteristics of a great university are the quality of its students, the competence of its academic staff, the rigour of its examinations, the integrity of its qualifications and the international recognition of its academic standards. If UG is serious about competing with leading universities in the Caribbean and beyond, it must confront two fundamental questions: Are its entry requirements sufficiently demanding, and are its systems for assessing students rigorous enough to guarantee that a degree awarded by the university represents a consistently high standard of academic achievement? University education should be accessible to talented students from every social and economic

background. A university must ensure that students admitted to its degree programmes possess the foundational knowledge, analytical ability, literacy and intellectual discipline necessary to undertake university-level work. UG should therefore undertake a comprehensive review of its entry requirements, with the objective of establishing more demanding and consistent academic thresholds for admission to its degree programmes. Where appropriate, these should reflect the standards expected of applicants to reputable universities internationally. Alternative routes into higher education should be scrapped. Those who wish to enter, regardless of age and experience, must go out and equip themselves with the entry-level passes that are required at Ivy Leage universities. The University of the West Indies demands, for most standard bachelor's degree programmes, a minimum of 5 CSEC (CXC) or GCE O-Level subjects (including English Language and Mathematics) plus at least 2 to 3 GCE A-Level passes (or CAPE 2-units). There is little merit in admitting students who have not acquired the necessary foundations, only to see them

struggle with universitylevel work or graduate without mastering the competencies their degrees are supposed to certify. Employers have complained about many university graduates being unable to write properly. Ye t m a n y o f t h e s e graduates are flaunting their degrees as if they are gold bars. Raising admission standards, however, is only half the equation. The university must also demonstrate that its graduates have met the standards it claims to uphold. One of the most important reforms UG should consider is the systematic external moderation and marking of examination papers. Independent academics from reputable universities should be engaged to review examination questions, assess marking schemes, moderate samples of marked scripts and evaluate whether the academic standards being applied are comparable with those expected elsewhere. Where appropriate, external examiners should also review coursework, dissertations, research projects and the criteria used to determine whether students have satisfied programme requirements. Such arrangements would provide an

independent check on the fairness, consistency and academic rigour of assessment. They would help identify cases in which examination papers are insufficiently challenging, marking is excessively generous, or the content of a course fails to reflect the knowledge and competencies expected of a graduate in that discipline. External examination should not be regarded as an insult to the competence of UG's lecturers. On the contrary, it is an established mechanism of academic accountability that can strengthen confidence in their work. A university that is confident in the quality of its teaching and assessment should welcome independent scrutiny. The objective must not be

to fail more students for the sake of appearing rigorous. It must be to ensure that every student who passes has genuinely demonstrated the knowledge, critical thinking, technical proficiency and intellectual independence required by the qualification. The value of a degree depends not simply on the name of the institution printed on the certificate, but on the confidence employers, professional bodies, postgraduate institutions and other universities place in the qualification. If UG wishes its graduates to compete internationally, its degrees must be demonstrably comparable in academic substance with those awarded by respected institutions elsewhere. That requires clear learning outcomes,

demanding assessments, transparent marking criteria, properly qualified academic staff and regular independent programme reviews. It also requires the university to be prepared to act on the findings of external reviewers. Quality assurance becomes an empty exercise if recommendations are commissioned, reports are submitted and deficiencies remain uncorrected. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

DEM BOYS SEH

Lifetime awards means yuh past yuh best De years does fly by fast. When yuh young, yuh does believe dat yuh gat all de time in de world. But as yuh get older, time seems to move faster. And one day yuh gat to face de fact dat yuh gat to retire. But dem gat some men who don't feel dem age. No matter how much wrinkle dem gat pon dem face, dem still feel dem young enough fuh wuk. And because of dat, dem don't contemplate retirement. Dem does continue to work even long after de retirement age. And no matter how much dem friends and boss try to give dem hints about calling it a day, dem does don't get de message. When yuh old, people does seh yuh does get cold. When yuh young, yuh does be fresh but and yuh does be de center of attraction.

But when yuh get old, people does look pass yuh. Yuh does get put out to pasture. And deh gat many ways in which people does signal dat yuh past yuh best. One of de ways is when yuh getting old and people start to give yuh awards. When yuh start get long service and lifetime awards, yuh know de people trying fuh send yuh a message. Is like dem telling yuh dat dis is a farewell party. Dem wishing yuh good riddance. But deh gat some ole people, dem don't get de message. Dem still feel dem relevant and dem does want hold on till de last breath. But de world don't stop and wait fuh no one. When yuh time come fuh move on and move aside, yuh does gat to do so…so. Talk half. Leff half.

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Saturday 2026 MondayOctober May 02,24, 2022

BY GHK LALL

Prem Narine - a fascinating, chilling, portrait The name Prem Narine registered slowly; then like a tsunami. A detective with a difference. Results. A profile that expanded before the eyes, grew on the consciousness. This was of a man earmarked for special graces, one going places. I lost track of Mr. Narine for a while. Whenever a reminder came of his continued existence, he had a new rank; higher on the

police ladder. The initial belief was that here was a rising star. Guyana needs as many as it can get, but with this qualifier: their sparkle must be genuine, their light pure. Being a reader, there’s knowledge of different types of stars. Some are different in a dubious way; they still float higher. There’s no recollection of Mr. Narine’s rank when I returned to Guyana. But this

fact can’t be challenged: he has risen like a rocket. His people, the commission, must have seen a man of considerable potential (and usefulness). One day. elevated to inspector, which brought a nod of approval. Next day, there’s Senior Supt Prem Narine. He didn’t just breeze through promotions; he blew through them like a tornado. There’s something circular about those, I

understand. But that’s only the beginning. Try chief of detectives alongside G u y a n a ’s N u m b e r O n e S p y m a s t e r. W h a t a combination! Which one is the night job, that’s my challenge? For some reason, the well-named James Jesus Angleton, a legendary CIA chief spook, flashed across the screen of my mind. It’s wide. Was he a defender of the American Way! Now, this raises a question. What about the Guyana Way? Then another question. The people behind Snr S u p t N a r i n e ’s g r a n d ascension, must have great expectations of him. What are those? There’s the remarkable, and it staggers. By his own mouth, six execution-style murders taken in stride, only to let them slide into oblivion. Whatever else Mr. Narine did or didn’t do in his body of work, there’s the evidence of those murders that pointed to one man. Yet nothing resulted. Either he forgot, or he filed away for later use. Like today. There’s regard for someone so resourceful, and more. Skepticism. Consternation. The chill of concern. What else is still unrevealed, hence unknown? What else will Snr. Supt Narine, now a shoo-in for Dep Comm (even Top Cop), not do in the interests of some consideration? I wouldn’t say political. Not when an officer of Narine’s caliber is

involved. But bureaucracies can be flexible, and law enforcement ones are prone to being manipulated more than most. They are most flexible. Consider those, fellow Guyanese (and Americans). Here’s the fascinating and repelling part of all this, with Snr. Supt Narine, as Oscar winning performer. Six execution-style murders with evidence pointing to one citizen didn’t raise alarms, unleash fears, of a rampaging serial killer. Recently, however, anxieties arise about ‘national security threat.’ Mr. Narine is wasted as a policeman. He is a natural poet. Now this officer and gentleman is the head of the national spy machinery. Holy Mackerel! Hallucinating time. The symmetry is compelling. From evidence of six execution-style murders made to disappear to ‘national security threat’ made to appear. What gives every indication of being untouchable before (like witness protection, or confidential asset) is now exposed in broad daylight before an international audience. What am I doing in this damned and doomed town? I proceed. Mr. Narine as chief sleuth is worrying. There can still be coexisting with that title, despite all the magic it can produce, when

necessary. Mr. Narine as Guyana’s Special Branch headman is a different story. The recommendation is that his superiors rethink and reassign the Special Branch chieftainship. Universally, Special Branches are notorious. Regardless of their official names. Their heads are untouchable. America had and has them. Stalin had them. The PNC had them. The PPP have them. Guyana had one that was on the payroll of people that are of interest to other countries. They have incomparable reach and clout here. This is the seat that Snr. Supt Narine occupies. Loads of trust vested. Potential, I think. Superiors must be pleased by his past and present output. Guyanese, meanwhile deal in great uncertainty. When National Spymasters are too good at that game, the people are in trouble. The Constitution gets scrambled. Democracy’s ideals suffer. How will Guyana’s Chief S p y m a s t e r , M r. P r e m Narine, be tomorrow? Recall Faulkner: the past is prelude…. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Stewartville man killed by speeding car - police A 56-year-old pedestrian died on Thursday night after he was struck by a motorcar on Groenveldt Public Road, West Coast Demerara. The deceased has been identified as Bharrat Bisnauth, a resident of Stewartville, West Coast Demerara. According to police, the accident occurred around 21:10hrs and involved motorcar PNN 585, driven by a 29-year-old resident of Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara. Initial investigations revealed that the car was proceeding west along the southern side of Groenveldt Public Road, allegedly at a fast rate of speed, when its front portion struck Bisnauth, who was crossing

the road from north to south. Bisnauth sustained injuries to his head and other parts of his body. He was picked up in an unconscious condition and transported to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he died while receiving medical treatment. His body is at Ezekiel Funeral Parlour Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination. Police reported that a breathalyser test conducted on the driver returned a reading of 0.024%. Investigators also identified CCTV cameras in the vicinity and obtained footage as part of the ongoing probe. Investigations are continuing.

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ExxonMobil silent on cost of GTE pipeline repairs as final price tag remains unknown

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xxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) has not responded to questions regarding the cost of its scheduled repairs to the Gasto-Energy (GTE) pipeline, following a defect that was observed. Over a week ago questions were sent to the company’s public relations department which merely acknowledged but provided no official response to the enquiries. ExxonMobil has been extremely secretive regarding the price tag of the pipeline that it constructed to transport gas from the Liza Fields in the Stabroek Block to the Wales development site on the West Bank of Demerara where the resources will be used to generate electricity and Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) for export and local use. On numerous occasions this newspaper has questioned the oil giant on the final cost of the structure but has merely been provided with an “estimated US$1B” figure. ExxonMobil completed the pipeline since December 2024 but is yet to state the cost that must be repaid by Guyana. In fact, even financing arrangements for the pipeline remain sketchy.

Image of water bubbling in the vicinity of the pipeline.

Guyanese were previously told that the cost of the pipeline would be repaid over a 20-year period once the facility becomes operational; however, recent public documents seem to indicate that the structure was added to the cost bank and was financed using oil revenue. Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat up to the time of this report also did not respond to questions on the cost of the repairs to be conducted by the oil company. In a media statement on 7th October, ExxonMobil announced the scheduled

repairs to the 220-kilometer pipeline. The company said it will soon undertake work to address “a finding” on a near-shore section of the pipeline, offshore of Crane, West Coast Demerara, as it maintains its commitment to the safety, integrity and reliability of the infrastructure. It noted that the finding was identified through inspection activities earlier this year. Responding to a media query on what the finding was, EMGL’s media advisor Kwesi Isles said further testing and evaluation will be conducted to confirm the

“exact nature of the issue” with the pipeline. The maintenance activities are scheduled to commence on 14th October, 2026, and are expected to continue until around 1st December, 2026, as Exxon

aims to complete the work before the start-up of GTE operations, “to minimise potential for maintenance interruptions in the future.” Exxon further noted, “The pipeline is currently pressurised with inert gas (nitrogen) and is not yet in operation. As a result, it does not pose a risk to the public or the environment.” I n J u l y, O p p o s i t i o n Leader Azruddin Mohamed posted video and photographic evidence to Facebook showing water bubbling to the ocean surface directly above the pipeline’s path, filmed just feet from marking buoys. “Imagine you have the evidence where the pipeline is ruptured, you can see the water is bubbling up… and yet, they will come out and lie to the country,” Mohamed said, alleging the pipeline sits less than 10 feet deep at

low tide — within a major shipping channel — without proper feasibility studies. “This is something that will continue to happen over and over,” he warned. A joint statement was later issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and MARAD rejecting claims that the pipeline had ruptured. The agencies stressed that the pipeline was not active and that no gas was flowing through it. “As there is no gas passing through the line, there can be no leak or damage of the nature suggested in these reports,” it was stated. In that statement, it was noted that since May 2026, ExxonMobil had been conducting a scheduled inspection of the subsea pipeline, an exercise expected to span approximately three months.

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Saturday October 24, 2026

Iran details plans to hit Gulf undersea cables if war resumes, officials say (Reuters) - Tehran has drawn up detailed plans to target undersea communications cables in the Gulf if the United States and Israel attack Iran again, two senior Iranian security officials told Reuters. Their comments followed warnings by Iranian officials that undersea cables in the region could become targets in any renewed conflict if diplomacy with Washington collapses. The two Iranian security officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, gave few details and did not say how or where exactly Tehran would carry out such attacks. But one of them said Iran would aim to prevent repairs after any attacks to prolong disruptions to communications, including internet connections. “If Iran is attacked, there

Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, October 23, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer will be no more red lines ... from undersea cables to military bases, including covert ones,” one of the officials said. The official warned Washington not to “play with fire”, and said Iran had full access to the undersea cables and could easily destroy them. Yadollah Javani, the deputy head of political affairs for Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), said on Wednesday that Iran could target seven major internet cables

beneath ‘the Strait of Hormuz if Iranian infrastructure came under attack. Undersea cables carry around 99% of global internet traffic, according to the International Telecommunication Union, a UN agency. But the global impact of such attacks by Iran could be limited as less than 1% of international bandwidth passes through the Strait of Hormuz, said Alan Mauldin, research d i r e c t o r a t telecommunications

r e s e a r c h f i r m TeleGeography. The strait separates Iran and Oman, linking the Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. The US Department of State and Iran’s Foreign Ministry did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment on the Iranian security officials’ remarks. There was no immediate comment from Gulf states. ‘ S T R O N G E R RESPONSE’ The plans for possible attacks on undersea cables

reflect a conviction in Iran’s leadership that a renewed US military campaign would have to be met with a stronger response than before. Top security official Mohsen Rezaei warned this month that US-linked digital infrastructure across the Gulf, including data centres and AI facilities, could be targeted in a renewed conflict. Washington’s Gulf allies have invested heavily in such infrastructure and they “should hold Washington,

not Tehran, responsible for any damage to undersea cables,” the second Iranian security official `said. Alex Vatanka, director of the Iran program at the Middle East Institute in Washington, said such threats were intended to deter renewed conflict and put pressure on Washington by making Gulf governments and US companies fear for their investments in the region. “Tehran wants Gulf states and corporate Continued on page 23

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U.S. financing for Amaila hydro-project may require updated environmental, feasibility studies - Ambassador U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot

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he Amaila Falls Hydropower Project could require updated environmental and feasibility studies before financing is secured, United States Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot has indicated, raising fresh questions about the g o v e r n m e n t ’s p u s h t o advance the long-delayed project. The government has frequently faced criticism over its handling of environmental and feasibility assessments for major infrastructure projects. The potential need to revisit studies for Amaila Falls could add another layer of scrutiny to the proposed hydropower facility, which has been the subject of debate over its design, environmental implications and ability to deliver reliable electricity. Last month, the

Department of Public Information (DPI) reported that the United States Export-Import Bank (US EXIM) was willing to provide financing for the project. In a recent interview with this newspaper, Ambassador Theriot explained that the financial institution operates under regulations associated with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which require feasibility and environmental studies to be conducted. “They do not lend a dime to anyone until those have been done and satisfied,” she said. Regarding the longawaited Amaila Falls project, she said that an American firm has previously conducted an EIA; however that assessment was done more than a decade ago. The original EIA was completed in 2002. Further

studies were ensued and an ESIA was produced in 2011 with a series of addendums and specialist studies recorded up to 2013 according to Norconsult, a consultancy firm headquartered in Norway that conducted a review of the project in 2016. As such, the Ambassador reasoned, “...things change, and the environment changes, and the climate changes so my guess is they’ll have to do an update. They may not have to do an entire new study, but they’ll definitely have to do some updating.” Cognisant that the Guyana-government is eager to finally commence construction activities, she noted that updating the current study will not be as expensive or timeconsuming. At the same time, she said, “But that is not up to me. Whatever company, and we’re hoping it’s a U.S. company, that wins that bid, and DFC is able to help finance it, they’ll be the ones making that decision.” The Amaila project has faced its share of criticisms over the design proposed by government. Stakeholders

American Airlines flight to Guyana returns to Miami after passenger allegedly threatens crew

(CBS News) An American Airlines flight bound for Guyana diverted back to Miami International Airport on Thursday evening after a passenger allegedly threatened a flight attendant during the aircraft’s ascent. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff aboard a Boeing 737 MAX 8. “While we were climbing out, he rushed the flight attendants in the back of the aircraft,” a crew member told air traffic control, according to radio transmissions. The flight turned around minutes after departure and flew a figure-eight pattern before landing safely back at Miami International Airport. Air traffic control audio indicated that the

passenger allegedly made a verbal threat toward a crew member. “I guess the exact words were, ‘I will take care of you when we land in Guyana,’ but in a very threatening manner,” a crew member reported. The Miami-Dade Sheriff ’s Office responded to the scene after receiving an initial report that a passenger had assaulted a flight attendant. However, investigators later determined that the situation involved a verbal dispute rather than a physical assault. After the aircraft returned to the gate, the passenger exited without incident. Authorities said the traveller was rebooked on a different flight.

Aerial view of the Amaila Falls during dry seasons.

had raised concerns over the project’s ability to deliver stable electricity to the nation amid dry seasons since the facility would be

dependent on water supply from the Amaila Falls which usually dries up during certain periods. This was particularly concerning

since documents showed that Guyana would be required to pay for the facility whether or not power Continued on page 20

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Saturday October 24, 2026

Murdered six-year-old laid to rest Three days after his badly decomposed remains were discovered, six-yearold Orlando Jaikarran of Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, was laid to rest on Friday. The funeral was held at the Bath Settlement Community Ground, where Orlando’s mother, siblings, grandparents, schoolmates, regional officials and members of the community gathered to bid farewell to the young boy whose brutal death has left the nation in mourning. The moving ceremony featured heartfelt tributes from representatives of Bath Primary School, regional officials and members of the c o m m u n i t y, a l l reflecting on the life and promise of a child whose future was tragically cut short. The case has remained prominent in local media since authorities announced that Orlando’s body had been found after he went missing for more than a week. O r l a n d o ’s m o t h e r, Navita Ramnarine, was too grief-stricken to deliver her own eulogy. Instead, her tribute was read by a member of the Sunday School Department of Miracle Touch Assembly of God Church, where the child was a member. Born on July 14, 2020, Orlando was the youngest of four children, all boys. He attended Waterloo Nursery

The mother, siblings, grandparents and other relatives tearfully surround the casket bearing the six-year-old, Orlando Jaikarran.

School in the community. In her tribute, his mother recalled a playful, helpful and loving child whose presence brought joy to those around him. “He loved the Spiderman character, cars and trucks. His favourite food was chicken fried rice. You would always find him running in the yard and playing with his siblings and cousins. Everyone in Bath knew his voice,” the tribute

Residents of Bath Settlement poured into the community ground to pay final respects to Orlando Jaikarran.

read. “In his final two years, Orlando became a real little man… he loved to ride bicycle, play cricket and fly kites with his brothers, cousins and friends. He was also helpful around the home.” Reflecting on his personality, Ramnarine described her son as helpful, kind and friendly, with a smile capable of brightening even the worst day. “He had a smile that could fix any bad day… six years was not enough for us, but it was enough for him to show us what pure love is. Rest well, our baby.” Headteacher of Bath Primary School, Susan Hemerding, led the tributes

to Orlando, recalling the vibrancy and promise of the young pupil. She said the tragedy had profoundly shaken the school community. “Today, we gather with heavy hearts and profound sadness to honour the memory of one of our beloved Grade One pupils of Bath Primary School, Orlando Jaikarran, whose young life was tragically taken from us. It is difficult to find the words to express the pain and disbelief felt by the school community,” Hemerding said. Regional Chairman of Region Five, Recardo Phillips, also paid tribute, pledging that the regional Continued on page 20

Saturday October 24, 2026

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Saturday October 24, 2026

Regions 5, 6 recorded 393 fires between January-October this year …71 unoccupied houses deliberately torched An unoccupied house at First Street, Swap Section, Rose Hall which was destroyed by fire in August this year. (Photos: Guyana Fire Service)

Divisional Fire Officer, Clive McDonald

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he Guyana Fire Service (GFS) has recorded an increase in fires across Regions Five and Six, with 393 incidents reported between January and October 2026, including 71 unoccupied houses which were reportedly maliciously set alight by unidentified persons. In a statement on Thursday, the GFS said the increase in fire incidents highlights the need for greater public vigilance and responsible fire-prevention practices among residents in both regions. Divisional Fire Officer Clive McDonald, who

oversees Regions Five and Six, said B Division recorded 393 fires during the 10-month period, compared with 371 for the corresponding period in 2025, representing an increase of 22 incidents. McDonald identified several areas where fires occur frequently, including Belladrum, No. 11 Village, Rising Sun, Onderneeming, Proffit, Canje/Palmyra, Budhan Scheme, Chesney/Gibraltar, Bloomfield, Hampshire, Brighton/Alness, Nos. 47–48 Villages, Nos. 50–61 Villages and Line Path, Corentyne. He identified grass fires

as a persistent challenge, noting that the extensive grasslands across the two regions, particularly during dry conditions, allow flames to spread rapidly and threaten neighbouring properties. McDonald said firefighters remain on high alert to respond to such incidents before they escalate into larger emergencies. However, the fire officer noted that many of these incidents stem from human a c t i v i t y, i n c l u d i n g t h e burning of rubbish, leaving fires unattended and setting dry vegetation alight during land-clearing exercises. McDonald appealed to

residents to desist from setting fires, warning that unsafe burning practices can endanger entire communities. The GFS said the consequences of a fire often extend beyond the property where it originates, putting neighbouring homes and residents at risk. Alongside grass fires, the burning of unoccupied houses has emerged as another serious concern for the fire service. According to the GFS, McDonald reported that 71 unoccupied houses had been affected by fires which were determined to have been maliciously set by

unidentified persons. The cases have been referred to the Guyana Police Force for further investigation. The Fire Service is urging homeowners who travel or leave their properties vacant to arrange for a trusted person to conduct regular checks. Residents living near abandoned or unoccupied buildings are also being encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities. The GFS stressed that community involvement is critical to preventing fires, urging residents to look out for their neighbours’ properties, report fires promptly and avoid unsafe burning practices. “As B Division

continues its response efforts, Divisional Officer McDonald is calling on residents to support the G u y a n a F i r e S e r v i c e ’s mandate to protect life and property from destruction by fire,” the release stated. The increase in fires comes amid a year in which at least one person has died in a fire-related incident. Kaieteur News recently reported that 62-year-old Bibi Ramprashad, a wheelchair-bound pensioner, died in an earlymorning fire on June 2 that destroyed her home at Blairmont Village, West Bank Berbice. Ramprashad remains the only recorded fire-related fatality for 2026, compared with no deaths recorded in 2025, according to the figures provided.

Govt. to spend $545.7M to rehabilitate National Cultural Centre …project to address structural cracks, upgrade exterior The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport is seeking bids for a $545.7 million project to rehabilitate the exterior of the National Cultural Centre and address structural cracks at the facility.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson (white shirt) and Minister within the ministry Steven Jacobs (green shirt) and their team visiting the facility back in May earlier this year.

According to an invitation for bids issued by the ministry on Thursday, the engineer’s estimated cost for the project is $545.7 million. The tender notice states that bids are scheduled to be opened on

November 10, 2026, at the National P r o c u r e m e n t a n d Te n d e r Administration Board. Kaieteur News understands that in May, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson and Minister within the ministry Steven Jacobs, accompanied by project consultants Continued on page 22

The National Cultural Centre.

Saturday ThursdayOctober November 24, 2026 24, 2022

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U.S. financing for Amaila hydro-project may require updated... From page 15 was generated there. Government however pushed back against critics of the project, insisting that a reservoir will be constructed to ensure constant supply to generate the much-needed power. In September, President Irfaan Ali said that the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) received a number of bids from reputable companies, again interested in building the hydro-power facility at the Amaila Falls in Region Eight. He said, “It’s at the evaluation stage now so as soon as that evaluation is complete, I have instructed that we move to negotiate with the best ranked bidders who give us the best possibility.” In May this year, five bids were opened at NPTAB for the hydropower project. It was reported that three Chinese firms submitted proposals to the government while the other two were headquartered in the United States of America and India. Ali noted, “They have to agree to the terms, the terms that make economic sense for us and would meet the energy cost that we want to deliver to the people of this country.” The government, in its revised Request for Proposals (RFP) which was

issued earlier this year, stated that the hydro project will be done under a Build-OwnOperate-Transfer (BOOT) model, with a minimum installed capacity of 165 Mega Watt (MW). In a summary of the scope of work, the RFP detailed that the project includes a 165 MW installed hydro dam, plant, and substation at Amaila site, and related works. The project involves the creation of a 23 square KM storage reservoir consistent with the environmental reports and studies and prior permitting. Also interested parties would have to assume all geo-technical risks including guarantees relating to the structure of the reservoir and dam. The government also stated that the transmission network will be built separately. Under the BOOT arrangement, the Government of Guyana (GoG) will purchase the electricity from the private developer. As such, the RFP explained that government will select a suitable partner based on (i) lowest Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) price, Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) price, operating cost and capital amortisation; (ii) timeframes to complete and (iii) ability to finance the project on a PPA basis.

Murdered six-year-old... From page 16 administration would pursue measures to safeguard children across communities. He condemned violence against children, saying such acts had no place in a decent society. “The development and transformation of this region hinges on the youth, our children, and as such, we must protect them. Violence against children has no place in our society, in our communities, in our region, in our country as a whole,” Phillips said. The chairman urged members of the public to speak up whenever they become aware that a child’s welfare is being compromised. Orlando’s death has sent shockwaves across Guyana. The child, who had been missing for more than a week, was allegedly killed by his father, who is accused

of butchering him and dumping his body in an alligator-infested canal at Bath Settlement. His father, Bharrat Jaikarran, was charged with murder on Friday and remanded to prison. Meanwhile, a Hindu temple priest, locally referred to as a pujari, is reportedly in police custody. The tragedy also left O r l a n d o ’s p a t e r n a l grandmother, Dhankumarie G ow karran, facing an unimaginable double ordeal on Friday. Earlier that morning, she attended court for her son’s first appearance after he was charged with murdering the child. She then had to attend her grandson’s funeral. Gowkarran had reportedly been told by her son that he had not harmed the child, only to be confronted hours later with the devastating reality of burying her grandson.

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European, Middle East ministers urge US-Iran diplomacy, not new attacks (AL-JAZEERA) Foreign ministers from eight countries are cautioning the United States against further attacks on Iran after meeting in Turkiye to discuss the Strait of Hormuz and other regional developments. Ministers from the United Kingdom, France and Germany, known as the E3, convened with counterparts from the R4 group of Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Egypt on Friday, along with Italy. Speaking after the meeting in Istanbul, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that none of the countries participating in the meeting approved of another military intervention or attack on Iran. Such a move would only exacerbate tensions and further expand the conflict,

he said, adding that diplomacy and dialogue were the only way to end the war. A further escalation between Iran and the US “would create nothing but losers and would undoubtedly have very serious consequences for hydrocarbon prices,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told reporters. “And so the first thing this group of eight countries … will do is call on both sides to exercise the utmost restraint, because we cannot afford another escalation in the region,” he added. Italy's Antonio Tajani said the aim was to work for “de-escalation to guarantee freedom of navigation”. “I do not believe the problem can be solved from a purely military

standpoint,” he said, noting that “we must promote dialogue” in order to reopen Hormuz. The warnings came as the US Ambassador to Turkiye, Tom Barrack, said Wa s h i n g t o n c o u l d “absolutely” strike Iran this weekend. Speaking to X podcast host Mario Nawfal, Barrack said that although Trump is “open and available and accessible to a deal … he's also been very clear about what he wants”. Barrack claimed that any potential US military action against Iran would not be aimed at regime change, saying Trump is “interested in rebalancing so that there's no hostages, no threats, and the world can calm down”. Reporting from Istanbul, Al Jazeera's Sinem Koseoglu

Oil prices jump $3 on Houthi attacks, oil spill, highest settlement since April

Crude oil storage tanks are seen in an aerial photograph at the Cushing oil hub in Cushing, Oklahoma, U.S. April 21, 2020. REUTERS/Drone Base/File Photo (Reuters) - Oil prices s​ ettled more than $3 higher on Friday, their highest in nearly six months after Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia stoked concerns over further disruption to energy supplies from the Middle East, where UAE authorities also reported an oil spill. Brent crude futures settled at $116.72 a barrel, up $3.55 or 3.14%, their highest since April 29. US West Texas Intermediate crude closed at $103.27 a barrel, up $3.80 or 3.8%. "Fears of supply

disruptions drove the advance after Iranianbacked Houthi rebels carried out a series ​of attacks across Saudi Arabia, including on energy infrastructure," said Adam Turnquist, chief crossasset strategist for LPL Financial. On Thursday, Saudi Aramco (2222.SE), opens new tab ordered the evacuation of its headquarters ​in Dhahran on the Gulf near Bahrain, Reuters reported. Fighting intensified between Saudi Arabia, the world's largest

crude exporter and Yemenbased ⁠Houthis. An oil spill from a tanker was detected off the UAE coast of Umm Al Quwain, the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Climate Change and Environment said. It ​did not say what caused the spill and authorities have not identified the tanker involved. ATTACKS ON VESSELS Shipping sources said on October 9 that the Gem No. 2 supertanker was struck ​by an unidentified projectile 13 (Continued on page 23)

Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Britain's Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband and Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani during their meeting in Istanbul on Friday [Murad Sezer/Reuters] said the eight-nation summit was a “first-of-its-kind” attempt to discuss the parameters of regional conflicts and possible solutions. Although participating countries “all have different national interests, especially when it comes to the crisis in the Gulf”, the Turkish foreign minister “underlined that what is happening in the Gulf … is affecting the other parts of the world”, Koseoglu added. The eight ministers discussed Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, escalating fighting in Yemen and prospects for ending the Russia-Ukraine war.

Turkiye's regional efforts The meeting at an Istanbul hotel came as Turkiye seeks to bolster its role in the region, including through the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, the trilateral pact launched with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in August.Turkiye has said that the pact is not aimed at any specific country and remains open to others joining, including Egypt. Fidan told reporters the pact has “several advantages, particularly because it is informal and flexible and focuses specifically on the issues we face.” “We are not aware of any

other platform that brings together countries with such different geographical and political backgrounds,” he said, noting that Ankara “is well placed to play a constructive role in this process”. Cairo has yet to decide whether to join the agreement. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi recently said that Egypt would “carry out any measure to protect” Saudi Arabia. The Iran-backed Houthis are fighting Yemen's Saudibacked internationally recognised government forces and have launched a series of deadly attacks on Saudi Arabia.

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VACANCY For Hire - Car drivers and Dispatchers. Apply R&T taxi Service during business hours Monday to Friday. Tele #218-2184 WANTED Domestic (Live in option available), female cook and male & female workers for the interior :660-9093 / 674-9999 / 661-5992. One (1) store clerk/yard manager; must have at least 5 years' experience and will be required to work 12 hours. Location:Triumph, Agriculture Rd, ECD. Call 6447088 or 617-8740

Supervisor - 40 years and older Must have excellent written and communication skills.Send application to E m a i l : agriparts2013@yahoo.com

NOTICE

One cook preferable form the Childcare & Protection East Bank.Contact #616-5700 Agency Ministry of Human or 748-0359 Services & Social Security Lot One kitchen assistant. Must 7 Broad & Charles Streets, be able to take orders, pack Charlestown, Georgetown lunches and assist in other Telephone: 227-7542, 225kitchen duties. Call #660- 7450, 225-1257 Surujdai 4904/223-5021 between the Khan, whose last known address is Perseverance, hours 10am- 3pm Essequibo Coast, is asked to contact the Childcare and Protection Agency at the above address. Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Surujdai Khan is asked to bring this Notice to their attention. SERVICES Visa Application:U.S.A, Canada & UK:Graphics design, advertisements, wedding arch rentals.Tel:6267040. Servicing hydraulic accumulators for concrete pump etc.Friendship Oxygen Limited. Location:Friendship EBD.Call/WhatsApp: 6343430

FOR SALE TRUCK TIRES 295/75R22.5 $40K EACH. CALL/ WHATSAPP +592-688-3201.

FOR RENT For Rent - Vreed-En-Hoop junction: place to rent for office storage, bond, lessons, or other. Call # 603-6400 3 Bedroom Apartment for rent in Diamond. For more info call #603-9165/749-3812 3 Bedroom Apartment for rent in Republic Park area. For more info call #603-9165/7493812

LEGAL LEGALNOTICE NOTICE 2026/218-FD-APN-DEM IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION Application No. FD-218 BETWEEN: JENNIFER DEOCHAND Applicant -and- DAMION SHERIFF Respondent TO: DAMION SHERIFF (Address Unknown) TAKE NOTICE that on the 10th day of September, 2026 an Application Relating to Child was filed against you by JENNIFER DEOCHAND 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 September, 2026, the Petitioner/Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of Kaieteur Newspaper a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated throughout 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 Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the 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 Petition, you must file a Reply, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/ or Cross Petition through the E-Litigation Portal https:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy‘ within 28 (twenty-eight) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. Your Access Code is X7ie7J. TAKE NOTICE that the Divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Friday, 27th day of November, 2026 at 9:00 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Simone Morris virtually. Meeting ID: 461 884 5616 and Passcode: court6 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 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 8th day of October, 2026.

LEGAL LEGALNOTICE NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF GUYANA REGULAR JURISDICTION 2025/597 – HC – FDA – DEM – CIV In the matter of the Immovable Property (Sale of Interest) Act, Chapter 60:01 of the Laws of Guyana. BETWEEN: RIAZ ALLY Applicant - and - SHERI ANN JOHNSON Respondent - and - In the matter of an application pursuant to the Supreme Court of Guyana, CIVIL PROCEDURE RULES 2016, PART 7, RULE 7:05. NOTICE: TO: SHERI ANN JOHNSON United States of America. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND the hearing in the matter of 2025/597-HC-FDA-DEMCIV, RIAZ ALLY V SHERI ANN JOHNSON. This

proceeding is fixed for hearing on the 30TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2026 AT 10:30 AM before THE HONOURABLE MADAM JUSTICE JACQUELINE JOSIAH-GRAHAM AT COURT 10 AND TO APPEAR UNTIL YOUR ATTENDANCE IS NO LONGER REQUIRED. The respondent can appear virtually on the Zoom details below: Meeting ID: 4203494360 Passcode: Court10 Nakita Gale (Ms.) Registrar to Justice JosiahGraham,Dated: SEPTEMBER 16, 2026

LEGAL LEGALNOTICE NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF GUYANA REGULAR JURISDICTION 2026/327-HC-FDA-DEMCIV BETWEEN: RESHAWN BECKLES Applicant -andDELON REECE Respondent NOTICE TO: DELON REECE Lot 3510 Latchmon Singh Street South Ruimveldt Georgetown Guyana TAKE NOTICE that the Fixed Date Application-With Notice was filed on the 17th day of April, 2026 in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana at Georgetown, Demerara by RESHAWN BECKLES in which the Applicant seeks the following orders: a) Declaration that the Respondent made material misrepresentations as to the condition of the motor vehicle, bearing registration number PPP 6587, sold to the Applicant. b) An Order that the Respondent refund to the Applicant the sum of five hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($550,000) paid as a deposit toward the purchase of the said motor vehicle, bearing registration number PPP 6587. c) An Order that the Respondent reimburse to the Applicant the sum of thirty-five thousand dollars ($35,000), being the cost of the replacement battery purchased by the Applicant. d) Interest on the sum of $585,000 (five hundred and eighty-five thousand dollars) pursuant to Section 12 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act Cap. 6:02, at the rate of 6% per annum from the date of filing to the date of judgement and thereafter at the rate of 4% per annum until fully paid; e) Costs to the Applicant; and f) Such further or other Order(s) as this Honourable Court deems just in the circumstances. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 16th day of October, 2026, the Applicant is directed to effect

Saturday October 24, 2026

Govt. to spend... From page 18 and other technical personnel, conducted a comprehensive walkthrough of the National Cultural Centre as plans advanced for its rehabilitation and enhancement. In June, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported that the facility was expected to undergo restoration and modernisation this year, as the government advanced the design and procurement phases for the country’s premier performing arts venue. Jacobs had confirmed to DPI that technical consultants were finalising the design phase, which was intended to address both the building’s exterior appearance and its internal infrastructure. “We recognise and understand that His Excellency has made it very clear that the National Cultural Centre is important to us, and we want to ensure that it is fully restored,” Jacobs stated. He said the modernisation was intended to provide a service of this application on you by way of the publication of an advertisement in 2 (two) consecutive Saturday editions of the Kaieteur News, a daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to defend this Application, you must forthwith, after the second and final publication, enter an Appearance thereto, and serve an Affidavit in Defence on the Applicant’s Attorneyat-Law, Ms. Phileisha Douglas of Guyana Legal Aid Clinic, whose address for service and place of business is at Lot 185 Charlotte & King Streets, Georgetown, and file same to this cause in the Registry of the High Court at Georgetown via the High Court’s eLitigation online platform with the use of the authorisation code: cXwvMD not later than 4 (four) days before the date fixed for hearing of the application, and you or your Attorney-at-Law must appear at the hearing. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you fail to file an Affidavit in Defence and/ or if you fail to appear at the hearing, final judgment may be given against you notwithstanding your absence. AND TAKE NOTICE that the Fixed Date Application is fixed for hearing on Monday the 4th day of January, 2027, at 9:30 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Deborah Kumar-Chetty via Teams. Meeting ID: 299 264 457 901 701 Passcode: FK9dM9rw.

venue that could meet the diverse needs of local artists and organisations while remaining a source of national pride. According to the DPI report, the planned works would also target critical internal amenities, including comprehensive upgrades to performers’ dressing rooms and public washroom facilities. The procurement process was expected to begin following the completion of the design phase, with Jacobs indicating that physical construction was on track to commence before the end of 2026. The rehabilitation is expected to strengthen the country’s cultural infrastructure and provide a more functional environment for artists and other cultural practitioners. Located on Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown, the National Cultural Centre officially opened on May 16, 1976, and has since served as Guyana’s premier venue for cultural performances and theatrical entertainment. The historic auditorium accommodates approximately 2,000 patrons. Its stage is 48 feet (15 metres) deep, with an integrated orchestra pit, a 72foot (22-metre) wide opening and a 20-foot (6.1-metre) high proscenium arch.

Brother Valentino's... From page 6 while other notable works included “Life Is a Stage”, “Barking Dogs” and “Dis Place Nice”. His 1979 anti-apartheid anthem “Stay Up Zimbabwe” carried his message of resistance and solidarity across the Caribbean. Despite never winning Trinidad and Tobago's national Calypso Monarch title, Valentino earned the enduring distinction of being called “The People's Calypsonian”. His achievements included the 2005 Veterans Calypso Monarch title for “Where Kaiso Went”, a Sunshine Award and the Hummingbird Medal, Gold. The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians' Organisation (TUCO), in a statement following his death, said the calypso fraternity was mourning the loss of a fearless voice whose powerful social commentary reflected generations of struggles, hopes and experiences. The organisation extended condolences to his family, loved ones, fellow artistes and all those touched by his music, noting that his contribution would remain part of Trinidad and Tobago's cultural legacy.

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Construction of new Bush Lot Oil prices jump $3... Market estimated to cost $1.7B The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development is preparing to spend approximately $1.7 billion for the construction of a new Bush Lot Market in Region Two. Bids for the project were recently opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). The project is divided into three lots. Based on information provided by NPTAB, Lot 1 is estimated to cost $869,266,358; Lot 2 is $596,460,964; and Lot3 is estimated at $290,786,679, bringing the total amount for the project to $1,756,514,001. Some 28 contractors have submitted bids for the contract. Kaieteur News understands that the planned upgrade for the Bush Lot Market follows a visit by Subject Minister, Priya Manickchand and her team back in march this year, where she committed to addressing the many challenges facing vendors. Back in March, Minister Manickchand visited several markets across Region Two, including the Charity, Suddie, Anna Regina, and Bush Lot markets, as part of the government's ongoing efforts to modernise and strengthen public market facilities throughout Guyana. The ministry had reported that through these engagements, it is working towards improved and standardised market facilities that prioritise cleanliness, safety, accessibility, and proper infrastructure. Planned upgrades across markets nationwide include improvements to Ministry of Local Government Construction of Bush Lot Market, Region Two Lots 1-3 Bidder

Amount Tendered

Sheriff Construction Inc.

Lot1 $1,151,826,300 Lot2 $1,039,113,240 Lot3 $991,247,085 Lot1 $802,936,454 Lot2 $543,735,467 Lot3 $258,335,021 Lot1 $1,152,600,836 Lot2 $1,032,951,986 Lot3 $477,151,388 Lot1 $951,594,618 Lot2 $738,797,345 Lot1 $944,526,728 Lot2 $731,817,845 Lot1 $1,168,964,336 Lot2 $1,059,914,680 Lot3 $1,000,384,210 Lot1 $1,178,863,872 Lot2 $106,438,240 Lot3 $1,017,755,585 Lot1 $796,444,606 Lot2 $541,249,170 Lot3 $284,463,146 Lot1 $940,380,754 Lot2 $659,610,567 Lot1 $921,860,868 Lot2 $701,680,980 Lot1 $1,031,599,684 Lot2 $759,426,470 Lot3 $380,134,825 Lot1 $735,764,816 Lot2 $505,318,099 Lot3 $283,305,656 Lot1 $897,320,429 Lot2 $680,752,182 Lot3 $516,290,165 Lot1 $803,218,954 Lot2 $544,010,467 Lot3 $260,609,699 Lot1 $1,019,700,118 Lot2 $838,840,420 Lot3 $707,862,383 Lot1 $795,677,189 Lot2 $537,894,544 Lot3 $254,360,372 Lot1 $660,346,144

Excel Builders Engineering & General Supplies

Dijiris Engineering & Construction Inc

Singh & Son Construction Amaya's Trading Blue Print Builders Inc.

Urban Edge Builders Inc

R & N Contracting & Supplies Services

Kaizen Industries MMA Global Partners

Crown Road & Drainage Contractors I.Khan Contracting Service

Reliable Construction & Supplies Inc.

Gurdev Mahadeo Contracting Services

D. Chowkai & Sons Construction

Triple P Construction & General Supplies

Builders Hardware, General Supplies & Construction JK Enterprise Inc. Industrial Fabrications Inc.

K&J Persaud Contracting Services

Lot2 $657,029,560 Lot1 $991,741,875 Lot2 $798,744,452 Lot1 $982,883,961 Lot2 $668,003,784 Lot3 $570,856,736 Lot1 $797,672,189 Lot2 $540,699,544

roofing, drainage systems, lighting, sanitation facilities, and waste management infrastructure, as well as the creation of more organised vending spaces. It was reported that with approximately 30 public markets across Guyana, the ministry has been working to implement a standardised model for market infrastructure and management. Priority areas include cleanliness and sanitation, clear walkways, effective waste management, reliable roofing, lighting, water access, and washroom facilities. The model also calls for stronger security and fire safety measures, timely repairs, improved vendor-council relations, support for small businesses, and a more welcoming environment for the community. Below are the companies and their bids: Rishal's Construction & Maintenance Service

Lot1 $820,796,784 Lot2 $554,943,664 Lot3 $271,516,879 Parijan Construction Lot1 $1,031,715,184 Lot2 $760,416,470 Lot3 $381,786,825 Metal & Fabrication Ink Lot1 $748,547,173 Lot2 $491,782,514 Lot3 $453,169,206 Permaul Trading & Distribution Lot1 $963,108,627 Lot2 $727,589,599 Holistic Contracting & Procurement Inc. Lot1 $1,022,253,895 Lot2 $845,616,420 Lot3 $734,112,383 Kal Investments Inc. Lot1 $932,769,766 Lot2 $759,181,082 Lot3 $314,850,949 United Builders Engineering & General Supplies Lot1 $799,491,454 Lot2 $546,265,467 Lot3 $258,608,021 Puran Bros Disposal Inc. Lot1 $953,835,146 Lot2 $790,584,300 Lot3 $326,144,753 Engineer’s Estimate Lot1 $869,266,358 Lot2 $596,460,964 Lot3 $290,786,679

Iran details plans to hit... From page 14 executives to press (US President Donald) Trump over the risks his policies pose to their investment plans,” said Vatanka. Multiple cable cuts could slow internet services and disrupt financial transactions, e-commerce and cloud computing, analysts said. The impact would depend on how operators rerouted traffic and the capacity available on alternative connections, Mauldin said. Restoring connections during wartime could be difficult, ‘experts said, and higher insurance costs and delays in obtaining permits to enter territorial waters could further complicate repairs. The Red Sea could offer a more significant target than the Strait of Hormuz, particularly if Iran had support from its Houthi allies in Yemen, though Tehran has made no public statement indicating it plans to target cables there. The Red Sea carries data between Europe, East Africa and Asia, with capacity routed ‘through it accounting for about 3% of global international demand and around 10% of traffic travelling between regions, Mauldin said. Gulf governments have been investing heavily in technology to diversify beyond oil and become global artificial intelligence hubs, deepening ties with US technology firms. Iranian strikes directly hit two Amazon Web Services facilities in the UAE in March and damaged infrastructure near one of its ‘facilities in Bahrain. The IRGC named US tech companies including Microsoft, Google, Apple and Nvidia as legitimate targets at the height of the war in March. Land-based connections can provide alternative routes for internet traffic, and Gulf states and US technology companies are investing in additional infrastructure to improve resilience. Microsoft plans to invest more than $400 million in subsea and terrestrial connectivity across the Middle East by 2030.

From page 21 nautical miles (24 km) west of Al Jazeera in the UAE. "The market is concerned about these continued Iranian attacks on tankers that we've seen increase over the last week," s a i d A n d r e w L i p o w, president of Lipow Oil Associates. "While there has been an increase in oil transiting out of the Strait of Hormuz, that could change at any minute." Clashes between the Houthis ​and a Saudi-led coalition that backs Yemen's internationally recognised government have raged since the Iran-aligned Houthis pushed towards Bab el-Mandeb Strait last month, a shipping chokepoint at the ​mouth of the Red Sea. October has been the worst month for attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waterways, according to data compiled by a Washington-based think tank that has ⁠ t racked maritime security incidents worldwide since

2017. STRATEGIC RESERVE RELEASES The US Department of Energy said it had authorized an emergency exchange of up to 400,000 barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to address a supply disruption affecting Phillips 66's Lake Charles refinery in Louisiana. The SPR is already at the lowest level since 1982 after President Donald Trump tapped it as ​the US war on Iran disrupted supply ​lines. Tr u m p ' s p r e d e c e s s o r, President Joe Biden, ⁠also tapped the SPR following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Elsewhere, Germany's national oil stockpiling agency EBV circulated a tender to sell diesel, heating oil and crude oil volumes from strategic reserves. This marks Germany's first oil releases from strategic reserves since G7 countries, under pressure ​from Trump, agreed to do so at the start of October.

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Saturday October 24, 2026

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T N U L B . . . T B N U T L N T B . U . L . L T B . N . U . N U T L N B . U . T . L N T U N B . N U . L U L LUNT. B . T . . T T N N B U B . U . L . L T B . B . . N . . . T U T L N N T U U L N Not being bullied L B U . B . . L . . . T B T . . N . N T U L N LU B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . NT LUNT...B NT...BLU N U L B . . B . U . . T L . N T B . . U N . L N T B U N . . L . U T L B . . N B . . . T U . L N T B U . . L . UN T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L B U UN .BLUNT. . . L . T B . . N . T U . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B . . L LU ...BLUN . T B . . N . T U L N T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U . . L N . T B U BBL T...BLUN BLUNT... ...BLU . T . N . N T T U L U N L B U T...BLU U B . L . N . B T . . . N T U N N N L U U U B L . L B T LUNT.. UNT...B BL B Saturday October 24, 2026

Kaieteur News

Irfaan Ali’s assurance that the United States is not bullying or controlling Guyana is comforting, but assurances alone cannot protect a nation’s sovereignty. Guyana must judge its partnerships by their outcomes, not diplomatic declarations. The president also acknowledged that he could not speak for Washington’s agenda. While American investment and security cooperation may benefit Guyana, our leaders must remain vigilant against arrangements that place foreign interests above national priorities.

Former President Donald Ramotar’s warnings about possible American domination may be contested, but they raise questions that cannot simply be dismissed. Who ultimately benefits from our resources, contracts and strategic alliances? Guyana needs partners, not masters. Our sovereignty must mean more than a constitutional declaration; it must be reflected in every decision affecting our resources, development and future.

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Stage set for Pee Wee finale as Waramuri battle GIA for U11 crown The ultimate Schools Under-11 showdown takes place today at the Ministry of Education ground, when Region One's Waramuri Primary meets Georgetown International Academy (GIA). The two powerhouses will compete for the Courts Optical Pee Wee Football crown. Defending champions Leonora Primary bowed out early, leaving the door open for a new champion. Waramuri and GIA 'First team' will meet for the first time in the competition, with both sides determined to claim primary school supremacy. Equal success has carried the finalists to this stage. GIA relied on the accuracy of top striker Yoseph Rivers and as well as a strong

midfield, while Waramuri will hope their defensive capability holds firm. Looking in, GIA will not have an easy time against Waramuri's destructive frontline, led by Lemar Matthias, which has scored at will throughout the tournament. Yesterday, the Petra Organisation hosted the two teams ahead of today's showdown. Co-director Troy Mendonca and Courts Brand Manager Richard Simpson were present at the face-off, as both captains remained locked in for the challenge ahead. Today is an important challenge for both sides. Either way it goes, the 13th A n n u a l S c h o o l s ' U 11 Football Tournament is set for a fantastic finish.

Waramuri coach Roland Lewis believes his team's success has been largely due to the players' understanding of each other on the field, particularly their communication, movement and ability to make the right decisions in important moments. According to Lewis, the players have developed a strong awareness of when and where to pass, allowing them to create goalscoring opportunities and maintain their attacking threat. Their performances in the knockout stages have strengthened that confidence. Lewis believes his team possesses the talent, skill and determination required to win the championship. He also recognises the challenge

Saturday October 24, 2026 LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19 This could be a confusing day If you've been planning a for you, Aries. Financial long trip by air, today you issues might be complicated might doubt whether you by computer glitches or should continue with your failures in communication. plans. Money or safety might be the issues. Be aware that your TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) fears may run away with you. Financial issues might have you and your partner a bit more on edge than you need to be. Perhaps money is tighter than usual right now, and you have to put off purchases you want to make.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today your intellect is flying high. A number of new ideas, perhaps about political or social issues, might excite your curiosity and cause you to want to spend hours in the library or on the Internet.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)

Your imagination is working overtime today and you might spend hours at a computer writing or in front of an easel or piano creating your own brand of painting or music.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) A conflict between your responsibilities to family and obligations to friends could rear its ugly head today. You might want to attend an event but need to deal with emotional issues in the home immediately.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today you might feel too overwrought to concentrate on whatever goals you're trying to reach, particularly if they're financial. Past issues might crop up at inopportune times but will still need to be released. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) You tend to be pretty selfassured, but self-esteem issues dating from long ago could surface today. You might feel like a schoolchild called on to recite. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today you might feel a bit bloated and slow, which could interfere with your daily routine. You could also feel unmotivated about work. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Today your job or another activity could require your artistic skills for a particular project. You may not be used to this, so it could throw you into a bit of a panic.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22)

Dissatisfaction with certain job conditions might come to a head today. A discussion with colleagues might be necessary to defuse a potentially explosive situation. Clear, honest communication is necessary in order to avoid misunderstandings.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A subject of interest that you've been pursuing could bring up some deeply buried emotions today. You might want to retreat into your mind and try to make sense of it.

that awaits, especially given GIA's pace and ability to perform under pressure. At the face-off, he congratulated GIA on reaching the final and said he expects a competitive and entertaining encounter. GIA, on the other hand, have folded every opponent that has come their way so far. As record suggests, their campaign proves that goals win matches, and with an obviously low goal difference heading into the final. This just might be the edge they need to cap-off an astonishing run, especially after entering the tournament as underdogs and now standing on the verge of their first Pee Wee title. According to GIA's coaching staff, the team's

progress has been driven by the players' belief in themselves and their willingness to challenge expectations. The coaches believe the players have been breaking boundaries throughout the competition, with their confidence and desire to enjoy football playing an important role in their success. Heading into the final, GIA's approach will remain unchanged. The players are encouraged to play their normal game, believe in their abilities and enjoy the occasion. The coaching staff also views reaching the final as an important step in the team's development, stressing that, regardless of

the result, the experience represents a new beginning for the young footballers. F o r Wa r a m u r i , t h e significance of the encounter extends well beyond the football field. A championship victory would provide renewed motivation for football and other extracurricular activities in the community. With both teams one victory away from the championship, today's final promises an interesting contest between Waramuri and GIA. The competition, organised by the Petra Organisation, will also feature individual awards recognising outstanding performers, including the leading goalscorer, most valuable player and best goalkeeper.

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Saturday October 24, 2026

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Tucber Park whips Port Mourant in latest 50-over encounter Nigel Deodat

Kwesi Mickle

Tucber Park Cricket Club (TPCC) of New Amsterdam continues their outstanding performance this season with a crushing win over Port Mourant CC in their Semi final encounter. Led by two outstanding performances by Berbice Senior allrounders, Kwesi Mickle and Nigel Deodat, TPCC produced a commanding all-round performance to win by 135 runs in the 50-over encounter. In the match which was played at the Port Mourant Community Center

Ground, Tucber batted first and compiled a commanding 304 all out in their allotment of overs. The onslaught was led by Deodat with an attacking 69 off 40 deliveries. Mickle was just as impressive with a well compiled 63 off 62 deliveries. They received valuable support from fellow all-rounders, Joemal La Fleur (35), Kevin Kisten (34) and Garfield Benjamin (34) as the visitors' batsmen went on a rampage against the home team.Bowling for Port Mourant, Joshua Ramsammy, Salim Khan and Romeo

Deonarine claimed three wickets each. In reply, they could not handle the TPCC bowling attack and were rattled for 169 in 36.2 overs. Their batting was led by Rampersaud Ramnauth with 44, with support from Romeo Deonarine (34) and Demetri Cameron made 14. Mickle returned with the ball to mesmerize the batsmen and crown a fine all round performance with figures of 5-30 runs, while Deodat and National all-rounder Zeynul Ramsammy supported with 2 wickets each. (Samuel Whyte)

Kompany taken to hospital after collapsing at training (BBC Sport) - Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany was taken to hospital after collapsing as he watched the club's second team train on Friday. The 40-year-old had been unwell with a virus and missed the pre-match news conference on Tuesday prior to Bayern's Champions League game against Arsenal. The former Manchester City and Belgium defender was subsequently on the touchline for the match on Wednesday. Reports in Germany say Kompany is in a stable condition in hospital. " Vi n c e n t K o m p a n y required medical attention after collapsing during an FC Bayern reserve team training session on Friday," said a statement from the Bundesliga club., external "The first-team head coach was watching the

second string's session. " K o m p a n y i s undergoing thorough examinations in hospital and will remain under medical care."His coaching staff will oversee training and match activities until further notice."Bayern's next game is against Freiburg in the German top flight on Sunday. "Vincent Kompany's health is our top priority. We at FC Bayern will do everything we can to ensure his speedy recovery," said Bayern sporting director M a x E b e r l . ” Vi n n i e i s receiving all the necessary medical care and support, and all the time he needs. "His coaching team, in whom we have complete confidence, will take over his duties. All of us at FC Bayern wish Vinnie a speedy recovery." Aaron Danks, one of Kompany's assistants, took

Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany (Getty Images) the pre-match news conference for Bayern before the Arsenal game. German football journalist Taufig Khalil told BBC Radio 5 Live that Kompany had been "suffering with the virus for about a week". He added: "The thing started last weekend on Saturday against Leipzig, and that's the first time we saw Vincent Kompany [when] he didn't look very well. "He didn't do the press conference after, and Max Eberl told us that he's suffering with a virus. "Everybody was really surprised that Vincent

Kompany was standing there with his black jacket in the pouring rain of Munich on Wednesday night against Arsenal. Everybody expected Aaron Danks to be there. "The problem was that maybe you couldn't bench Vincent Kompany, the game was too important for him. "Bayern Munich just told us that he's in stable conditions. There was a helicopter involved in the whole thing, which landed on the training ground at Bayern Munich, but he was not brought into the hospital by helicopter. They brought him with a medical car and he will be now there."

Peres Jepchirchir won the 2026 Sydney marathon by three minutes and 40 seconds (Getty Images)

World champion Jepchirchir fails drugs test

(BBC Sport) - Olympic and World Championships marathon gold medallist Peres Jepchirchir has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit after an out-of-competition sample tested positive for EPO.Kenyan Jepchirchir provided the sample prior to winning the Sydney Marathon on 30 August 2026. The 33-year-old clocked a time of two hours, 18 minutes and 31 seconds to win in Sydney. EPO, or erythropoietin, is a natural substance produced within the kidneys that stimulates the creation of new red blood cells. If injected, it is only detectable in the urine or blood for a short window of time, and increases the amount of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the

muscles, in the blood stream. Jepchirchir became the Olympic women's marathon champion at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and returned to the Japanese capital to win the World Championships in September 2025. She broke the women's half-marathon world record in 2017 and on three occasions in 2020. In addition to Sydney, her other major wins came at the New York Marathon in 2021, the Boston Marathon in 2022 and the London Marathon in 2024. Jepchirchir won the Sydney race, which became the seventh world major in 2025, by more than three minutes from compatriot Irene Chepet Cheptai. She provided the sample which tested positive for EPO while in Kenya prior to the race.

Guyana launch IGG futsal.... From page 31 give Guyana the breathing room they needed and ultimately secure a hard-fought 6-4 victory.The late double proved decisive, allowing the defending champions to withstand French Guiana's resistance and take an important first step towards retaining their crown.Speaking after the match, Richardson expressed pride in the way his players responded to adversity, particularly against what he described as a very good French Guiana team.Richardson also expressed confidence ahead of the team's anticipated showdown with hosts Suriname on Sunday evening, backing his players to deliver another strong performance as they pursue a successful title defence. Having won the futsal competition when Guyana hosted the Games last year, the coach believes his squad possesses the quality and determination required to repeat that achievement on foreign soil.Guyana's futsal contingent: Quaency Fraser, Jamal Fraser, Darius Chester, Shaquan David, Isaiah Ifill, Malcolm Hendricks, Luke Langevine, Caedon Whyte, Seon Grant, Ranny Yaw, Mark Glasgow, Michael Joseph, Randy King, Jermine Junor, Gregory Richardson, Deshane Garnett, Colin Abel and Otis Williams. Coach: Gregory Richardson and Jermain Junor, Manager: Randy King

GFF U17 Youth Ensemble... From page 31 FC's Damani Hardy was named Most Valuable Player, while Pele FC's Ryan Sobers earned the Top Scorer award and Shaune Luke was recognised as Best Goalkeeper. The regional competitions form part of the wider Youth Ensemble Programme, a landmark investment by the GFF designed to expand access to organised football, strengthen grassroots development and create more opportunities for young players to progress through the national football pathway. As the regional competitions continue, the GFF remains committed to providing structured competition, strengthening its Regional Associations and creating an environment where young footballers can develop their abilities, build confidence and pursue their ambitions in the sport.

Saturday October 24, 2026

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Ninvalle eyes new era for IGG …Guyana reaffirms commitment to preserving and expanding historic three-Guianas sporting event The Inter Guiana Games (IGG) officially opened at the Anthony Nesty Stadium in Paramaribo, Suriname, with a modest but meaningful ceremony that celebrated the longevity of the regional sporting event and renewed calls for greater collaboration in youth development, including a pathway towards the establishment of the CARICOM Games. With the Games approaching six decades of existence since being conceptualised in 1967, Guyana's Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, used the occasion to reflect on the competition's historical significance while signalling the need to expand its reach and impact beyond the three Guianas. Sports officials from Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana echoed the importance of preserving the Games' legacy, recognising

its enduring role in strengthening diplomatic relationships and providing student-athletes with opportunities to compete, develop and represent their respective territories. N i n v a l l e r e a ff i r m e d Guyana's longstanding commitment to the event, pointing to the country's involvement in its establishment and its continued willingness to host or otherwise contribute to ensuring the Games are staged annually. He also commended his counterparts in Suriname and French Guiana for consistently responding to the call to sustain the competition, stressing that the IGG represents far more than a sporting exchange or a diplomatic gesture. For the Guyanese Director of Sport, the event remains a vital platform for developing young athletes,

Eagles United poised to win UDFA U-17 League Top of the table, Eagles United, is poised to take the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) U17 League title. The Christianburg based team, with an unassailable lead twelve points from 4 games - plays its final game on Saturday against lowly placed Dainty's Academy. Eagles United's captain, Pharez Noble #10, netted in the dying moments of an evenly contested match last Saturday, in his team's1-0 defeat of second placed PDey Stars. The Amelia's Ward based, PDey Stars with 7 points from 4 games, also plays its final game on Saturday, the first of a double header, against third placed Mileroc that has 6 points from 4 games with two losses – one by walk-over. Net Rockers lies at the bottom of the table, which it shared with Dainty's Academy that fortuitously gained three points afterveteran referee instructor and former FIFA assistant referee, Abdulla Hamid blew off the second game of last Saturday's double-header within five minutes of the start because the coach of TopXX, Selwyn “Ouchie” Isaacs, refused to leave the touchline after he was ordered to the pavilion by the referee. Isaacs, had received a red card for dissent on the previousSaturday but his team managed to eke out a one all draw with PDey Stars.Meanwhile, the UDFA's ten-week collaboration with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) on the Concacaf Bigger Game Academy enters its third week on Saturday.Over thirty children, including three girls, between the ages of six and thirteen are participating in the programme, which is being held on Saturdays between 9 and 10.30 a.m., at the Silvertown Community Ground. Coaches Dexter Harris, Olston Thorman, and James Trotman are pleased with the turn out and positive responses of the juveniles to the programme, so far. They are urging parents and guardians in Linden and its environs to enroll their children in the programme, which is designed to engender wholesome and practical appreciation for the game of football from a tender age. Interested parents can contact Olston Thorman, telephone # 6968688 or James Trotman telephone# 6476764.

fostering camaraderie and strengthening the sporting bonds between the neighbouring territories. H o w e v e r, N i n v a l l e believes the time has come to build on that foundation and pursue a broader regional sporting framework. He disclosed that he and Suriname's Director of Sport, Enrique Ralim, have been engaged in collaborative discussions aimed at developing the CARICOM Games, an initiative that could widen the competitive opportunities available to athletes across the Caribbean while building on the cooperation established through the IGG. Ninvalle described the d i s c u s s i o n s a s t i m e l y, particularly following French Guiana's official admission as CARICOM's eighth Associate Member in July 2026. That development, he suggested, provides further impetus for exploring

opportunities to strengthen sporting integration and expand the reach of regional competitions. T h e p r o p o s e d CARICOM Games, Ninvalle suggest, would represent a significant step towards broadening the scope of athletic exchanges beyond Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana, potentially creating additional pathways for student-athletes to test themselves against wider regional opposition. IGG EVOLUTION Ninvalle also used the occasion to highlight the remarkable evolution of the IGG since its inception. Football was the first sport contested, in 1967, when Guyana and Suriname competed against each other, while basketball was introduced in 1972. The competition has since expanded considerably and now features eight sporting disciplines; athletics, swimming,

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle

basketball, futsal, volleyball, chess, boxing and judo. The latter two disciplines are making their debut in Suriname at this year's edition.For Ninvalle, that expansion demonstrates what sustained cooperation can achieve, even when participating territories face their own challenges in sports development, infrastructure and resources. He maintained that the three Guianas have shown the value of working collectively to develop athletes and promote the sustainability of sport, with the Games providing a longstanding mechanism for exchanging knowledge,

building relationships and exposing young competitors to international-style competition. Ninvalle further emphasised that the IGG continues to enjoy the support of the Government of Guyana, which recognises its significance beyond the formalities of diplomacy and goodwill. According to Ninvalle, the Government has consistently expressed its desire to preserve the historic competition while supporting efforts to expand the disciplines contested, ensuring that more young athletes benefit from the opportunities it provides.

Bangladesh batters dominate, WI post firm reply West Indies made a decent reply to Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) XI opening day total to end the two-day warm up match with some confident, prior to the first Test match which is scheduled to commence on October 28. An unbeaten half century from Kevin Wickham (67*) and John Campbell (65 retired out), highlighted most of the second day.

John Campbell and Tagenarine Chanderpaul had impressive scores at the top of the order. Amir Jango The West Indians got to 336-6 in response to 371 for 7 made by the home team. Roston Chase's 46 not out, Amir Jangoo (44) and Brandon King (40) also made useful contributions. MD Hossain was the pick of the 11 Bangladesh bowlers with 4 – 55 from 12.2 overs. On the opening day, Kalam Siddiki scored a century, while Jishan Alam and Chowdhury Rizwan struck halfcenturies as a Bangladesh Cricket Board XI dominated the opening day of their two-day warm-up match against

the West Indies yesterday. Siddiki's 135 helped his side pile on 371 for seven from 90 overs at the Anvir Cricket Stadium after being sent in to bat.Alam made 86, while Rizwan made a patient 59 to ensure that the hosts claimed opening-day honours. Kavem Hodge was the pick of the West Indies bowlers with 2-34, while Bishop finished with 2-87. The West Indian team has a rest/recovery session on Saturday before training at the match venue on Sunday and Monday ahead of Wednesday's opening test.

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Saturday October 24, 2026

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Guyana launch IGG futsal title defence with thrilling win Guyana's contingent at this year's Inter Guiana Games

…Jamal Fraser, Darius Chester brace seals 6-4 victory over French Guiana Guyana made a successful start to their defence of the Inter Guiana Games (IGG) futsal title, overcoming a spirited French Guiana side 6-4 in an intense encounter at the Anthony Nesty Stadium in Paramaribo, Suriname, last evening. In a contest marked by attacking intent, momentum swings and a gripping battle for supremacy, the defending champions demonstrated their resilience, recovering from a second-half equaliser to produce a decisive late surge and begin their title defence on a winning note. Guyana wasted little time announcing their intentions, with Quaency Fraser neatly slotting home in the opening seconds to give his side an early advantage and immediately put French Guiana on the back foot. However, French Guiana responded positively, finding the equaliser to ensure the contest remained finely balanced. Darius Chester subsequently restored Guyana's lead, giving the defending champions renewed momentum in an increasingly physical and competitive encounter. Mark Glasgow also got on the scoresheet just before halftime, but French Guiana

continued to find answers in the attacking third, scoring three goals in the opening period to leave the teams level at 3-3 at the interval. With the defending champions facing a stern examination of their credentials, head coach Gregory 'Jackie Chan' Richardson and assistant coach Jermain Junor drew on their considerable experience as former formidable futsal players to rally the team during the halftime break. Richardson challenged his players to remember their status as champions and the responsibility that came with representing Guyana, reinforcing the objective of returning home with the trophy. The message appeared to resonate as Guyana returned with renewed determination, although French Guiana remained relentless in their pursuit of victory.Chester completed his brace in the 36th minute, putting Guyana back in front, but the French Guianese side refused to surrender, responding with another goal to restore parity at 4-4 and set up a tense finish.With the contest hanging in the balance, Jamal Fraser stepped forward at a crucial moment, striking twice in quick succession to (Continued on page 29)

Guyana's Goal scorers (L-R) Quaency Fraser, Darius Chester, Mark Glasgow and Jamal Fraser

GFF U17 Youth Ensemble continues across Regional Associations The Guyana Football Federation's (GFF) Under-17 Youth Ensemble Regional Competitions continue to provide young footballers across the country with valuable opportunities to compete, develop their skills and showcase their potential, as clubs battle for regional honours. Recent fixtures have produced impressive scorelines and competitive performances across several Regional Football Associations, reflecting the growing reach of GFF's youth development programme. In the East Bank Football Association (EBFA), Swan FC secured a 3–1 victory over Pro Elevate Sports Academy on Friday, October 16. After Pro Elevate took the lead through Daniel Samroo in the 12th minute, Swan responded with goals from Troy Practor in the 32nd minute, Devin Charles in the 74th and Zion Simon in the 79th to complete the comeback. Still on the East Bank, Herstelling Raiders FC secured a 2–1 victory over Swan FC. Ethan Pablo opened the scoring for Herstelling Raiders in the

28th minute, followed by Hemraj Seonanan's goal in the 32nd minute. Swan FC responded through Omesh Charles in the 55 t h minute, but Herstelling Raiders held on to claim the win.The Berbice Football Association (BFA) has also witnessed strong attacking performances. Paradise Invaders FC recorded an emphatic 8–0 victory over Ithaca FC, while Monedderlust FC defeated Ithaca FC 5–0. Young Strikers FC also delivered a commanding performance, defeating Ithaca FC 7–0, with A. Campbell scoring four goals and D. Park adding a brace. Meanwhile, the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) concluded its U17 competition on Saturday, October 10, at the Parade Ground. Beacon FC secured the championship with a 1–0 victory over Pele FC, courtesy of a goal from Trevor Gordon. Riddim Squad FC was awarded a walkover victory against Eastveldt FC, while Black Pearl FC also received a walkover against Vengy FC. Beacon (Continued on page 29)

Paradise FC Under-17 Team

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Saturday October 24, 2026

Everest Masters off to play Farnum to lead WI in Essequibo's leg of IMC T20 series in Colombia Everest Masters Cricket Club will depart Guyana for Colombia this weekend for a four-match T20 series against the Colombia National team and Colombia A.Matches will be played on Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at Los Pinos Polo Club in Bogota. The Georgetown-based club, which has built a reputation for regular overseas tours, will field a blend of youth and experience for the Spanishspeaking nation assignment. At a send-off ceremony held Wednesday night at the Everest Cricket Club pavilion, Captain Rajesh Singh said his side is prepared for competitive cricket. "The guys are ready to play competitive cricket and return home with four victories," Singh said. He expressed gratitude to Everest Cricket Club President, Hon. Manzoor Nadir, M.P., Speaker of the National Assembly, along with the club's executive, members, and sponsors for making the tour possible. According to Singh, the touring party consists of

O40s World Cup

Members of the Everest Masters with the club's President Mr. Manzoor Nadir prior to their departure approximately 50 persons, the largest group the club has taken on tour to date. Everest Squad: Rajesh Singh (Captain), Rohan Sarjoo (Vice-Captain), Fazal Khan, Hemraj Garbarran, Robert Pereira, Raj Nagpaul, Freddy Ameer, Anil Beharry, Sudesh Persaud, Ariel Tilku, Aaron Beharry, Prakash Balgobin, Usherdeva Balgobin, Anand Persaud, Veru Singh, Steven Alick, Troy Gonsalves, Derwin Christian, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Ryan

Ramdass, Bheemraj Ramkellawan and Imtiaz Sadik.President Nadir, in wishing the team well, said the tour will further promote the club and strengthen cricket ties. The tour is supported by Superior Woods, Triple R Auto Sales, Thompson's Supplies, Nickam Pharmaceutical Agency, Triple R Car & Apartment Rentals, Anil Beharry Real Estate, Construction and General Business Services, Trophy Stall - Bourda

Market, General Marine C o m p a n y, R e a d y m i x Concrete Ltd, Rajace Auto Plus, Little Angel's Mining, The New Doctor's Clinic, Islander's Investments, Techlify, Blue Spring Waters, L. Mahabeer & Son Cambio, Dynamics Construction & Real Estate Inc, V Net Communications, M&L Distributors, Excel Guyana Inc., MSR International Enterprise, Rockaway Group of Companies and 2M Onshore Inc.

Former Senior Essequibo Inter-County batsman Lawrence Farnum has replaced Denesh Ramdin for the Essequibo's leg of the ongoing International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over40s World Cup. West Indies are set to play two matches in Region 2 at Anna Regina National Stadium and Joe Jagmohan Hampton Court ground. Farnum, an ex-Guyana youth selectee, captained the West Indies Over-40s T20 side earlier this year in Pakistan. Regular skipper Ramdin is unavailable for these two matches due to personal reasons. West Indies won one of their three games so far. They will clash with Canada tomorrow at Joe Jagmohan venue from 9:30 am while the boys in maroon will take on Wales at Anna Regina the next day but in a day/night fixture commencing at 2pm. The left-handed batter Farnum hails from the Region 2 area and expressed elation of his new role. He is upbeat that West Indies will be dominant over

Lawrence Farnum

the next two days and leave the Cinderalla County with back-to-back victories as the top four teams will advance to the semifinal stage. In West Indies first three matches, they were beaten by Australia and defending champions South Africa before defeating Namibia.

Saturday October 24, 2026

Kaieteur News

LA Olympics qualifiers to take place in January-February 2028

In 2028, cricket will be part of the Summer Olympics for the first time since 1904 (Getty Images)

(Cricinfo) - The men's and women's qualifiers for the Los Angeles Olympics are scheduled to take place in January and February 2028. The 2029 World Test Championship final, meanwhile, is scheduled to be played in England from June 8 to 12. The dates for these tournaments and the women's and men's T20 World Cups in 2028 feature in a global events list that the ICC shared with its member boards after meetings in October in Dubai. Overall, there are 12 men's, seven women's and five Under-19 events (including qualifiers) currently scheduled between the 2027 and the 2031 ODI World Cups. While several marquee events were already finalised by the ICC in 2021, multiple tournaments have now been assigned dates even as some dots remain to be connected. The ICC had originally pencilled in 2027 to host the Olympics qualifiers, but those events have been shifted to early 2028, less than six months before the start of the LA28 Games, the first Olympics since 1904 to feature cricket. While the schedule and tournament structure for the six teams participating in the Olympics had been put out in June, the ICC has now updated the qualification criteria for direct entry for hosts USA in the women's category. While Australia, India, South Africa and Great Britain have qualified as the highestranked eligible teams (based on their performance at the T20 World Cup earlier this year) from their respective continents in the women's category, the top four teams on the ICC T20I rankings as on December 31, 2026, will secure slots as the top teams eligible from Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania in the men's category. Out of the remaining two slots, the ICC said in June that USA, as hosts, were eligible to participate in both men's and women's events subject to their finishing in the top 15 of the respective T20I rankings at any time during the qualification period from June 30, 2026 to December 31, 2026. The USA men's

team are currently ranked 13th, assuring them of direct entry to the Olympics, but the women's team are in danger of missing out as per the ICC's updated qualification norms. In June the ICC had said in case USA Women, currently ranked 19th, failed to satisfy the criteria to qualify as hosts for the Olympics, a fifth automatic qualification spot would be awarded to the highest-placed nonqualified nation in the T20I rankings from any continent as of March 1, 2027. However, the ICC has updated that criteria stating that the fifth slot will be awarded based on the standings in the inaugural Women's Champions Trophy, to be played in India in February 2027. "If the host (USA) does not meet the ranking criteria by 31 Dec 2026, that spot is reallocated based on the ICC Women's Champions Trophy 2027 standings (cut-off 1 March 2027)," the ICC noted in the communication to member countries in October. The ICC has not yet finalised the venues for the men's and women's Olympics qualifiers, which will each feature eight nations to be finalised by ICC based on the international rankings. The eight teams will include the seven highest-ranked teams (outside automatic qualifiers), plus the winner of the Caribbean Regional Qualifier. Back-to-back T20 World Cups in 2028 The women's and men's T20 World Cups in 2028, scheduled to be played in Pakistan and Australia/New Zealand respectively, will be played back-to-back with just an 11-day gap between them. While the Women's T20 World Cup, comprising 12 teams, is scheduled to be played from September 7 to October 1, the 20-team men's tournament is slotted from October 12 to November 12. The ICC has also moved the window for the 2030 Men's T20 World Cup to JulyAugust from June, which had been the original plan when the 20-team tournament had been allotted to England, Ireland and Scotland.

Vista Services Inc. Golf Tournament... From page 34 tournament highlights the importance of corporate partnerships in supporting Guyana's sporting landscape, creating opportunities for players to compete while fostering camaraderie within the golfing community. Through this initiative, Vista Services Inc. is helping to sustain an active golfing calendar and contribute to the continued development of the sport. Golfers are invited to bring their competitive spirit to Lusignan on Sunday as Vista Services Inc. and the Lusignan Golf

Club prepare to welcome participants for an exciting day on the greens. Vista Holding Inc. is a forward-thinking company committed to delivering excellence through its diverse portfolio of services. As the parent company of Vista Construction Inc. and Vista Services Inc., the company specialises in high-quality construction projects and innovative business solutions. With a focus on quality, integrity and sustainability, Vista Holding Inc. is dedicated to shaping a better future for its clients and communities.

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Saturday October 24, 2026

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MBBF T20 fourth round matches rescheduled to Sunday By Samuel Whyte Due to unforeseen circumstances, fourth round matches of the Marcus Bisram Foundation (MBBF) T20 Cricket Competition have been rescheduled to Sunday at the various venues in the Upper Corentyne and Black Bush Polder areas. The competition which is being played under the theme “One team, one family, one dream” is sponsored by overseas based Guyanese Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, Marcus Brian Bisram, through his MBBF Foundation. It is being sponsored to the tune of US$50,000.The matches will see No 69 Red Rose take on Crabwood Creek All Family at the No Red Rose Ground, Skeldon Back Centre Titans will be battling with Yakusari Caribs at Black Bush Polder, No 72 All Stars comes up against No 72 Cut and Load at the No 72 All Stars Ground, No 73 Young Warriors takes on No 69 Vikings at the No 73 Young Warriors ground and

Yakusari Horizon comes up against No 70 Spartans at the No 70 Spartans ground. In other matches, Skeldon Jaguars will battle with CWC Bomb Squad at the CWC Bomb Squad Ground, CWC Sports Club and Line Path Raptors will be played at the CWC Sports Club Venue, No 71 Sports Club Ground will see a battle between No 69 Fighting Marines and No 71 Sports Club, Grill Masters Avengers and No 72 Hong Kong collide at No 72 Cut and Load Ground and Molsen Creek Wolf Warriors and No 68 Turn Team will square off at the No 68 School ground. The teams have been divided into four zones or groups with the top two

advancing to the quarter finals. The four winners will progress to the semi-finals, with the victorious teams contesting the grand final on a date to be announced. The winner will receive more than $1 million in cash, trophies and other incentives, while the runners-up will collect $500,000. The third and fourthplace finishers, along with outstanding individual performers, will all receive significant cash prizes and other rewards. The sponsor will additionally cover several tournament-related expenses, including the provision of cricket balls. Live streaming of the competition will be handled by Pixel Perfect Productions Group. According to Bisram, sideshow activities and an after party and show are being planned for the day of the final, featuring top artists. He added that arrangements are proceeding satisfactorily.

Vista Services Inc. Golf Tournament tees of Sunday at Lusignan

Vista Services Inc. Managing Director Orson Ferguson hands over the sponsorship cheque to LGC PRO Dr. Joaan Deo Golf enthusiasts are gearing up for an exciting day on the fairways as Vista Services Inc. partners with the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) to host a golf tournament on Sunday, October 25, 2026, beginning at 8:00 a.m. The tournament is expected to attract a competitive field of golfers eager to showcase their skills, precision and consistency in the medal play format, with several prizes up for grabs across multiple categories.Adding to the significance of the event, the tournament comes just one week before the Brava Guyana Open, scheduled for October 31 and November 1, providing players with a timely opportunity to sharpen their games, assess their form and build confidence ahead of one of the highlights of Guyana's golfing calendar. The Vista Services Inc. tournament is therefore expected to generate considerable interest

among golfers looking to make the most of the competitive opportunity. Competitors will vie for first-, secondand third-place honours, while additional awards will recognise outstanding performances in the Best Gross, Nearest to the Pin and Longest Drive categories. These prizes are expected to add another layer of excitement, rewarding both overall performance and individual moments of excellence on the course.Players are encouraged to register early to secure their participation in what promises to be an enjoyable and competitive day at one of Guyana's premier golfing venues. Registration closes on Saturday, October 24, at 4:00 p.m. Interested golfers can contact Malika on 620-0093 or 220-5660 for registration and further information. The (Continued on page 33)

Saturday October 24, 2026

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Guyana basketball teams stumble …boys falter late against French Guiana in IGG openers as girls suffer heavy defeat to Suriname

Guyana's boys' and girls' basketball teams endured a difficult opening day at the 2026 Inter Guiana Games (IGG) in Suriname yesterday, with both sides suffering defeats against their regional rivals at the Anthony Nesty Stadium. The girls went down 6725 to hosts Suriname in the opening game of the doubleheader, before the boys suffered a 92-67 defeat to French Guiana after a promising third-quarter resurgence failed to withstand a decisive lategame offensive surge. For the boys, the defeat was particularly disappointing, given their ability to compete for extended periods before careless ball handling and defensive lapses in the final quarter allowed French Guiana to pull away. French Guiana established their intentions early, building a 33-20 lead at the end of the opening q u a r t e r, w i t h C h o u i n o BeDout spearheading the offensive charge. BeDout finished with a game-high 24 points, consistently putting pressure on Guyana's defence. The French Guianese side maintained its offensive momentum in the second

quarter, extending the advantage to 56-35 at halftime despite Guyana showing improved defensive commitment. H o w e v e r, w h a t e v e r adjustments head coach Warren Wilson and his assistant, Kwesi Thompson, made during the halftime interval appeared to have an immediate impact, as Guyana returned to the court with renewed energy and greater urgency on both ends of the floor. Avion Kesney led the way, finishing with a teamhigh 15 points, while Josiah Cumberbatch added 14 and Tyreek Sampson contributed 13 as the Guyanese mounted their strongest spell of the contest.Guyana outscored French Guiana 23-13 in the third quarter, combining more purposeful offensive execution with improved defensive pressure to cut the deficit to 11 points at 69-58 heading into the final period. Stephan Duke, who contributed nine points, Leon Simon (four) and their teammates played important roles in tightening the defensive effort, restricting a previously free-scoring French Guiana unit to just 13 points for the quarter. With momentum seemingly shifting, Guyana

Guyana's IGG boys team ahead of their clash with French Guiana

had an opportunity to make the contest considerably closer. Instead, the final quarter proved costly. French Guiana capitalised on Guyana's sloppy ball handling, forcing mistakes and converting them into scoring opportunities. Guyana managed just nine points in the final period, while French Guiana poured in 23 to close out a 92-67 victory. The girls' team,

meanwhile, faced a considerably tougher challenge against Suriname, who controlled much of the contest on their way to a commanding 67-25 victory. Guyana made a respectable start, trailing 1610 at the end of the first quarter, with Junelly Paddy leading the offensive effort. Paddy finished with a team-high 10 points, while Breanna Benjamin added six to help keep the Guyanese

within reach during the opening exchanges. H o w e v e r, S u r i n a m e gradually tightened its grip on the game, using a decisive 20-point scoring run to create separation and leave head coach Osafa Johnson and assistant coach Ann Gordon searching for answers from the sidelines. The hosts' sustained offensive pressure proved too much for Guyana, whose scoring output was unable to

keep pace as the deficit widened. Despite the disappointing result, the opening game provides the Guyanese girls with an opportunity to identify areas requiring improvement before their next assignment. Crucial tests await; both teams will return to action today, with the boys facing defending champions Suriname, while the girls take on French Guiana.

IPF World Masters Powerlifting – Equipped…

Tucker adds 4 more silver medals, Singh cops 2 bronze medals Guyana closed off its campaign at the 2026 International Powerlifting Federation World Masters Championships in Reno, Nevada, USA on Thursday in fine style with 74 year-old Frank Tucker and 83 yearold Naranjan collectively capturing six medals taking the Nation's overall tally to 10-medals. Tucker (93kg M4), who also competed in the classic s e g m e n t o f t h e championships on October 15th and won 3 silver medals and one bronze, completed a dream debut at this level by taking 4 more silver medals. He achieved a best squat of 115.0kg similar to his classic achievement as was his 80.0kg in the benchpress. His best deadlift was 145.0kg, 12.5kg less than his 157.5kg in the classic, but it

was still good enough to land him the silver medal again as was his total 340.0kg. William Clayton of the USA won the gold medals in each lift and total. Continuing to fly the Golden Arrowhead with pride was Naranjan Singh (83kg M4), two days after celebrating his 83rd birth anniversary. The USA based Singh, despite not being able to get any of his opening three squat attempts after the referees felt that he did not go deep enough, still rebounded win style to capture bronze medals in the benchpress and deadlift. His best benchpress was 70.0kg and deadlift, 110.0kg. Enduring a tough challenge was Gordon Spencer in the 93kg M3 category, ending fifth of five athletes. His best squat was

Naranjan Singh is flanked by Frank Tucker (right) and Gordon Spencer. 150.0kg, benchpress85.0kg, deadlift 157.5kg for a total of 392.5.

Roger Rogers was the other athlete to participate at this year's worlds as Guyana

ended overall with a total of 10 medals (7-silver, 3bronze).

Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) President Franklin Wi l s o n c o n g r a t u l a t e d Tucker, Singh and the team including Coach Kerma Singh for their achievements noting that age is indeed, just a number. “We'd like to recognise your sterling achievements for yourself and Guyana in the platform and on a stage that does not get bigger than t h i s . Yo u r d i s c i p l i n e , commitment and desire will certainly inspire the next generation of lifters, and we trust that they will learn from what you continue to do.” Attention will now turn to the Federation's final local competition and its marquee championships, senior nationals set for November 29 at a venue to be confirmed.

Guyana basketball teams stumble in IGG openers …boys falter late against French Guiana as girls suffer heavy defeat to Suriname Women's IGG team before facing Suriname

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IPF World Masters Powerlifting – Equipped… From right, Frank Tucker, Naranjan Singh, Gordon Spencer and Kerma Singh.

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Stage set for Pee Wee finale as Waramuri battle GIA for U11 crown An intense showdown is anticipated to bring the curtains down on the tournament

Tucker adds 4 more silver medals, Singh cops 2 bronze medals Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.