‘I drink couple Guinness, can’t remember what happened’
‘Opposition GECOM commissioners should do the honorable thing and resign’ ...Norton says no law in place to remove them ...manaccusedofchoppingminer todeathinRegion7tellspolice
Int'lmediabodyto Aliadministration:
President Ali appoints four permanent secretaries -Mohamed
…says:refrainfrompersonallyberatingorinsulting journalists,orincitingsupporters to do the same
David Hinds
NimaNatachaFlue-Bess RiazZakeerRupnarain
SherodAveryDuncan Dr. Dexter Todd Sharma Solomon SaikuAndrews Vinceroy Jordan
‘Opposition GECOM commissioners should do the honorable thing and resign’-Mohamed
...Norton says no law in place to remove them
Leader of the We Invest in Nation (WIN) party AzruddinMohamedhassaid that the oppositionnominated commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) should do the honorable thingandresign.
On Friday, Mohamed told Kaieteur News that he planstospeakwithleaderof A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Aubrey Nortononthematter
EarlierFriday,atapress conference Norton told reporters that he has no intention of asking the opposition-nominated commissioners to resign to allow WIN's representative tositonthecommission.
WIN won 16 seats, APNU 12, Forward Guyana Movement(FGM)1andthe People's Progressive Party Civic(PPP/C)36seats.
Mohamed said, “ of course…We expect them to do the honorable thing and resign,andwewillapproach him because, of course, we are the opposition not Norton, so we're expecting themtoresign.”
Asked if he expects the opposition commissioners: Vincent Alexander, Charles
Leader of APNU, Aubrey Norton
Corbin and Desmond Trotman to resign with alacrity, Mohamed said he expects them “to resign, ASAP.”
Nortontoldreportersthat theGECOMcommissioners – three representing the opposition and three government - are permanent andthereisnolawinplaceto havethemremoved.
Commissioners Vincent Alexander and Charles
Corbinarerepresentativesof the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) while Desmond Trotman is affiliated with the Working Peoples Alliance (WPA) The PPP/C nominated commissioners are Clement Rohee, Sase Gunraj and ManojNarayan. At the press conference hosted by Norton, he was asked about the existing composition of the
CommissiongiventhatWIN secured 16 seats, thereby making it the main opposition party following theSeptember1,generaland regionalelections.
“[Doyoubelieve]anyor a l l t h r e e o f t h e commissioners who were nominatedbytheopposition previouslyshouldnowmake wayfornewnomineesgiven the new configuration arisingoutoftheelections?”
Inresponse,Nortonsaid: “As far as I'm aware, there's nobodywiththeauthorityto move anybody from the Commission except the person on the Commission decides that, that person is going. There is no law to movethem.”
Pressed further on whether he would persuade any of the commissioners to resign and make way for representation from WIN, Norton said, “Well, I don't
know that I want to do that…BecauseIdon'tthinkit isthebestthingformetodo at this stage,” he told reporters.
L o n g s t a n d i n g commissioner, Vincent Alexander when asked to comment on Norton's position told Kaieteur News that“Nortoniscorrect”.
Calls to leader of
The Laws of Guyana notes that Chairman or any other member of the Elections Commission may only be replaced if they resign, is incapable of discharging their functions duetoillnessordeath.
The returning PPPC Government has standards to aspire to, then maintain. Relative to the government’s relations and treatment of the press, it hasn’t conducted itself wisely, managed the partnership brightly There is sometruthinassertingthatthegovernmenthasdonepoorly initsinteractionswiththepress. ThesectionoftheGuyana media that falls within the category of the independent mediacanpointtodifferenttimesanddifferentsituations, and hold those out as evidence of just how poor the governmenthasbeenindealingwiththeindependentpress. Wedon’tknowwhatisdrivingtheleadersofthegovernment uptheproverbialwall TheydelightinsayingthatGuyanaisnot NorthKorea,onlyforthatclaimtomockthemduetotheirown actions WhythePPPCGovernmentissoanxiousaroundthe independentsectionofthelocalmediaisbeyondus. Anxious peoplearethosewithsecretstohide. Nervousleadersinshaky governmentswhogoontheattackmusthavemuchmoretohide, thesecretsthatbecomeamatteroflifeanddeath. So, anyone who comes too close with probing questions, or too much persistence, has to be putdown and put into a pigeonhole ‘Opposition journalist’ serves as the government’s newest brandingiron,awaytoscarajournalist,bringintodisrepute
The PPPC Government went from a thin one-seat majorityinparliamenttoacomfortablemajority Despite thelowvoterturnout,therulingpartydidn’tsimplyscrape out a victory, it overpowered the opposition, old and new Hence,wheneitherthepresidentorthevicepresidentloses his cool and goes after independent minded media professionals,itisasourceofbafflement. Whatisthepoint of all the leadership hostility? How can the naked aggression of the government against other Guyanese tryingtodoanhonestjobhaveanyutility? Itcannotbethat PresidentAliorVicePresidentJagdeowantstobeaskedonly whattheyarecomfortablewith,whattheyprefertoanswer There is nothing healthy about that for either leaders who prioritizecleangovernance,ortheethicsoftheFourthEstate The setup questions, the prearranged traps, do more than embarrasstheobjectsofleadershipkindnesses Theymake leaders who thrive on such friendly circumstances and the farces that support those looking lesser than they are And they give the independent media professionals more openings,morebases,tocontinuetodig,sinceanythingcould beunearthed
Becausethetruejournalistoperateswith anideaatthe backofhisorherhead:wherethereissmoke,thereisfire. Moreover,ifthere’snothingtoaquestionoraposition,then itbackfirestomakeabigproductionoutofanencounter In other words, the more that the president or the vice presidentoraministerdevelopsomefireintheireyes,the lesstheyintimidatetheirmedianemeses. Whattheydois introduce a thick swath of suspicion that something is amiss, something is being covered up. It is covered up throughuncalledforabuse.
Weatthispublicationaresurprisedbythelatestincidentof politicalleadershipabuse Wearemistakeninthinkingthatthe PPPCGovernmentanditsnowseasonedcohortofleadership would have grown into maturity after five years on top and virtuallyunchallengedinoneofthebestnationalstoriesinthe world Thethickerskinthatwasexpectedisnotthere The presenceofsomeleveloftolerancefordifferentthinkingand differentpostures,wefeltwouldhelpthisgovernmenttobreak away from where it has trapped itself It is forever on the defensive, always seeing enemies inside of every nook and crannyacrossGuyana Thebiggestenemyofthiscountryis Venezuela’s President Maduro. Yet he is treated with the equivalent of kid’s gloves when the president’s and vice president’streatmentofmembersoftheindependentpress iscompared. Oneoftheforeignobservermissionsduring the elections had cause to remark on this shabby standard now the norm in government-media relations. The PPPC Governmenthadfiveyearstorefineitsrelationshipwiththe independent media. Apparently, it dismisses civilizing itself,prefersthewaysofbarbariansandbutchers.
Time for new politics of GovtOpposition-Society Cooperation
DEAREDITOR, Elections are over Closure came when the election was over, and a declaration was made Electionchoosesawinneror ruling party and public concession of the defeated puts a formal end to an election, but in Guyana the country never had a public concession. And it seemed thatanelectionalmostnever ends.
Challenges of previous elections are still in court.
Thisisthefirstelectionsince the 1960s (under colonial rule) when the country did not have acrimony, antipathy, deep animosity, and persistent dispute, but still no formal concession although two small parties (AFC and FGM) did congratulatePresidentIrfaan Ali and the PPP The voters spoke, and they did so clearly, giving a clear, decisive mandate to the PPP to govern, and the result must be respected, regardless of how one in the opposition feels. Azruddin Mohamed’sWINperformed honorably, outstandingly. Never in the history of
Guyana, perhaps of any Caribbean or developing or Commonwealthcountry,has a new party performed so wellinsoshortatimespanof a mere three months A defeat is nothing to be ashamed about; only one sidecanwin,andthePPPhas thistimearound.
Usually,afteranelection, theleader(s)ofthedefeated party makes a concession speech congratulating the winnerandofferingsupport.
A concession helps supporters of defeated parties to accept they lost, andithealspoliticalwounds while bringing about peace. The loser must convert defeatintoanhonorthatthey put up a very good fight; WIN did put up an extraordinary fight A concessionisacourtesythat theprocessisoverandthatit istimetogovern!Ittellsthe public that the process is completed until (say) the nextelectioninayearortwo (local) and five (general). It is not hard to say: congratulations best wishes forsuccess.
Aconcession ushers in a newkindofpoliticsinwhich
winners and the defeated pledge to work together for the betterment of the country,notfortheirparty It does not mean that the defeated gives up what the partystandsfor Onecantry to convince the ruling the party of the positives of a party’s policy, like for example appointing an anticorruption czar, signing a trade treaty with USA, Canada, European Union, establishing a human rights commission, appointing a civic advisory board for governance, encouraging democratic process of lobbying,etc.
The defeated can also advocate in parliament or in t h e m e d i a f o r implementation of certain programs or propose legislation. Government is onlyaboutthedominationof the winner but also those who sit in parliament in opposition and the public at large. Once the opposition stretches out its hand, the ruling party will (should) respondaccordingly
Everyone — people all races,classes,unions,faiths, and party loyalty — should
unite behind the newly elected President and offer support until such time that he errs (if he does). The people should speak, offer opinionsonpolicies,andthe President must listen and give consideration to ideas from the public, the voters. Objective media and civic voice(notattacks)mustalso berespected.
Theacrimonyofthepast five years, in which the opposition leader refused to shake the hand of the President and Ministers, mustcometoanend.Andthe opposition (as well as civic society)mustbeinvitedtoall governmentevents.Itisafter all a government of the all thepeople.AndthePresident stated he will govern for all irrespective of how they voted.
And it is not too late for APNU and WIN to congratulatePresidentIrfaan AliandthePPPonhis(their) re-electionpledgingtowork for agreed solutions to problems, proposing ideas, andtobeginanewpoliticsin thecountry.
Yourstruly, VishnuBisram
Learning fromASEAN: Building a digital financial future for Guyana
DEAREDITOR, As Guyana’s leadership urges the financial sector to p r e s e n t p l a n s f o r modernization via digitalization, it is timely to reflect not only on the benefits frequently cited: speed of transaction, security, reduced cash handling, but also on what real, working digitized financialsystemslooklikein practice.ObservingASEAN countries, especially Thailand, offers useful models but also cautions, which Guyana should take seriously in crafting its strategy
In Thailand, the widespreaduseofQR-codes andbankapplicationslinked tofastpaymentrails(suchas the PromptPay system) allowspeopletopayforboth formal and informal purchases: in shops, on sidewalks, at markets, and between individuals, often by scanning a QR code and enteringminimaldetails. Such systems have several virtues. They reduce the risk and cost of carrying cash (for individuals, for
merchants, for the State), improve the speed of transaction clearance, reduce informal leakages, assisttraceability(important for tax compliance), and provide data for better governance and credit scoring.
Theyalso helpfinancial inclusion: those in rural or marginal areas who previously had little access to banks can participate via mobile applications or digitalwallets.Furthermore, linking fast-payment systems across borders (as Thailand has done with Singapore via PromptPayPayNow) reduces foreign exchange/transfer fees and delays, aiding cross-border tradeandremittances.
But what lessons should Guyana heed so that digitalizationisnotsimplya slogan,butworksasfullyas inThailand?
First, regulatory and infrastructural readiness is essential. It is not enough to issue mandates; there must be broadband internet reaching rural and underserved areas, mobile
penetrationmustbereliable, and strong frameworks for consumer protection, data privacy, and cybersecurity must be in place. ASEAN case studies show that gaps hereslowadoptionandopen risksoffraudorexclusion.
Second, interoperability andstandardsmattergreatly Standardised QR codes allowanywalletorbankapp toworkwithanymerchant’s QR rather than requiring many different ones Thailand, Indonesia, and MalaysiamovedtowardQRstandardisation so that users ofdifferentbankscanusethe same system. This kind of harmonisation reduces friction and accelerates uptake.
Third, costs and incentives must be aligned.
For ordinary people, transactionfeesmustbelow or zero; for merchants, especially small ones, registering and using the system must be affordable and simple Thailand’s experience shows that lowering fees and providing support for small vendors waskey
Fourth, financial inclusionandequitymustbe central Digitization risks leavingbehindthosewithout smartphones or digital literacy ASEAN countries are now focusing on ensuring rural areas, elderly citizens, and informal vendors are supported. This is not just about fairness but aboutmaximizingthesizeof thedigitaleconomy
Fifth, trust, security, and governance are crucial Citizens must feel confident that payments are safe and that they have remedies if fraud occurs ASEAN nations have learned that public trust is easily shaken if security is breached or redressisslow Sixth, sequencing and pilotingmakessuccessmore likely Thailand did not simply flip a switch nationwide Instead, they piloted, refined, and then expanded. Guyana should a d o p t a s i m i l a r approach—test in selected regionsorsectors,learn,and then scale. Seventh, crossborder
(Continuedonpage06)
Acall for mandatory fire sprinklers: Protecting Guyana from future tragedies
DEAREDITOR, In the wake of the devastatingfirethatrecently ravaged the community of Albouystown, my heart aches alongside my fellow Guyanese. To the victims who have lost their homes, their livelihoods, and their sense of security, I extend my deepest and most
heartfelt sorrow As someone who has also enduredthetraumaofbeing a fire victim, I know all too well the profound pain and
disruption such a catastrophe brings. It is a pain no family should have tobear
Inthemidstofthisgrief, however, we must find the
resolve to act. We must channel our collective sorrow into a determined effort to prevent such tragedies from repeating themselves. In this spirit, I must first commend His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali, and the Government of Guyana for their ongoing efforts in national development and disaster response.Your leadership is crucial.
Now, I wish to humbly urge our President and government to take a transformative step forward in national fire safety I propose the serious consideration of making automatic fire sprinkler
systems mandatory for all new and significantly renovated commercial buildings and apartment complexes three stories and higher This is not a far-fetched or exorbitantly expensive idea.Moderninnovationhas made this life-saving technology more accessible than ever. Specifically, systemscanbeinstalledina highlycost-effectivemanner usingCPVCpiping,whichis notonlymoreaffordablebut isalsofullyapprovedbyfire safety standards in the United States and internationally for both commercial and residential use.
This material is lightweight, easy to install, and incredibly effective at containing fires at their source, often before the fire serviceevenarrives.
The benefits are undeniable:
·SavesLives:Sprinklers dramatically increase the chances of survival by controlling fires and providing precious time for escape.
·ProtectsProperty:They minimize fire damage, protecting both business assets and personal belongings, ultimately saving millions in potential losses. Supports our Fire
Service: They act as a first lineofdefense,reducingthe immense risk to our brave firefighters and allowing them to operate more effectively
As a patriot deeply invested in the safety and development of our nation, and as the head of Fire
Sprinklers & Safety Equipment Services, I hereby offer my company’s expertise. We would be honoured to assist the relevant Ministries and the Guyana Fire Service in developing practical, cost-effective
s t r a t e g i e s f o r implementation We are ready to provide guidance,
demonstrations,andsupport to make this vital safety standardareality
Letushonourthevictims ofAlbouystown and all past fire tragedies not just with words, but with decisive action.
Letusbuildasafer,more resilient Guyana for generations to come I implore our leaders to consider this proposal and allow me to fulfill my patriotic duty to protect and develop our beautiful country
are the bedrock in democratic societies The process allows citizens to choose their representatives in government. It confers legitimacy on the winner, while at the same time it allowsvoterstoexpresstheir preferences on key issues.
The 2025 Elections are now behindus.Theactivitiesthat preceded the elections will not.
The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) hasreportedontheelectionsas theysawit–“theGHRAsaid that the observer missions highlightedtherulingPeople’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) abuse of incumbency, citing the use of state media, stateowned property, government
vehicles, and personnel to advancetheparty’scampaign”
What the International ObserversandGHRAfailedto mentionisthewantonabuseof the Representation of the PeopleAct (ROPA) in respect tofinancingofthecampaignby politicalparties
TheActisveryclear Part XII of the Act specifically deals with expenses incurred during an election Section 104 (1) of theAct authorizes the election agent of a political party to make payment on behalf of any candidateoftheparty
Section106(1)(a)states that the amount of expense that can be spent on candidatesfortheelectionis G $ 5 0 , 0 0 0 x 5 3 = G$2,650,000. Section 106 (1) (b) establishes the
expensesthatareauthorized foranycandidate.
Section106(3)establishes that any payment by a party agentinexcessofSection106 (1) (a) is illegal and shall be guilty of an illegal practice Similarly, any candidate who pays any election expenses other than through the electionagentshallbeguilty of an illegal practiceSection 106 (4). Section116 states, “Any person who knowingly provides money –(a) for any payment which is contrarytotheAct;(b)forany expenses in excess of the maximumallowedbythisAct; shall be guilty of illegal payment Section 119 states, “Nopersonshalllet,lendor employ for the purposes of conveyance of electors to or fromthepoll andanyperson
who contravenes this subsection knowing the purposeoftheletting,lending or hiring shall be guilty of illegalhiring”
The incumbent has also been allowed to flout our laws with the erection of billboardsacrossourcountry Not only were the cost excessive and beyond the sumspermittedbylawforthe election, Section 125 establishedthatthenamesand addresses of the printer and publishermustbestated This was not seen on any of the billboards. The Act also stipulatesthepunishmentfor these illegal practices in our elections.Section135ofthe Act establishes that every personwhoisconvictedofa corrupt practice shall, in addition to any other
punishment, be incapable duringaperiodoffiveyears from the date of conviction(a) of being registered as an elector; (b) of being elected asaMemberoftheNational Assembly The Chairman and commissioners of GECOM have a fiduciary responsibility to ensure that the electorate are protected from the excessive of any politicalpartyintheconductof an election THEY HAVE FAILED THE NATION They should all resign in shame They must be held
accountabletothenation
I am calling on all decent Guyanese and the International observers to speakoutagainsttheatrocities we have witnessed in these elections and that GECOM have the backbone to seek remedyfromourCourts Our electionsMUSTbeFREEand FAIR It was neither and GECOM Chairwoman and commissioners MUST be held accountable. You have failedthenation.
Sincerely, CharlesSugrim
Aman on a mission and with a plan to rebuild the PNCR/APNU
DEAREDITOR, Therecanbenonebetter than Dr Terrence Campbell who can swiftly fulfill the task of rebuilding the PNCR/APNU and we must laud PNCR leader, Aubrey Norton for recognising that. We must also recognise the positive move of theAPNU in its selection of an inspiring list of outstanding menandwomenthatwillbe seatedinParliament.
The PPP is already uncomfortablewiththebold steps theAPNU is taking to fortify its standing in the NationalAssembly ThePPP understands that the APNU has taken a political blow that has momentarily stunned it but it has quickly shakenofftheimpactandis solidlyperchedtoreclaimits rightful place in Guyana politics.
Guyanese Critic and RuelJohnsonetal,mustnote a revitalisedAPNU will not begoingitaloneonanyfront m o v i n g f o r w a r d Parliament, social media, the streets, hills and valleys and the ghettos of Guyana
will feel its daily presence. The fight is set to be valiantlyfought. Campbell’s leadership will not linger on the recent defeatbecauseheisabuilder of unshakable forts. He is a skilled negotiator, an o p t i m i s t a n d a n extraordinarystrategist.The PPPshuddersatthefactthat Campbell is capable and competent to fulfill the task ahead Campbell has integrity
He is a people’s person with a moral grounding that Guyana needs not only in politics but in every aspect ofsociety
We are witnessing the rebirth of a movement of magnificence. We are about t o e x p e r i e n c e a n unstoppable force that will realign our nation’s politics for better over the next five years. We all must stand ready to be part of the political renaissance of this country
Sincerely
NormanBrowne SocialandPolitical Activist
Bids open for supply of transformers for GPL
TheGuyanaPower and Light (GPL) Inc. has received 17 bids at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office for the supply and delivery of a
numberoftransformers.
According to the bids submitted to NPTAB, firms bid between $1 billion and $9 billion to supply and deliver the transformers The project is divided into threelots.
…says: refrain from personally berating or insulting journalists, or inciting supporters to do the same
Reporters without
Borders (RSF), an international non-profit organisation has called on
the Irfaan Ali-led administration to end political hostility towards localjournalists.
InastatementonFriday, RSF noted Guyana's recently concluded 2025 General and Regional
Elections, where the People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) emerged victorious – granting Ali a secondterminoffice.
“ U n f o r t u n a t e l y, President Ali's tenure in officehasbeenmarredbyhis government's hostility towards the news media.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls on President Ali'sadministrationtomake press freedom a priority during his fiv
ar mandate. RSF has issued t h
p o l i c y recommendationstohelpthe g
its relationshipwiththemedia,” itwasstated.
Guyanaranks73rdinthe 2025 RSF World Press Freedom Index but its political indicator stands at 111th, largely due to the oversized influence the government exerts on the media,RSFsaid. RSF cited the European Union Election Observation Mission's (EU EOM)
preliminary report on the election, noting “The undue advantages of incumbency contributed to an uneven playing field. The media landscape was strongly politicised, giving voters feweropportunitiestoaccess diverse perspectives The digital space was dynamic but often hostile, with manipulative content spread bypartisanactors.” F u r th e
, it w as highlighted that Guyana's president directly appoints members of the Guyana N
Authority (GNBA), which RSF said affects the
country's media outlets, as
these allies of the president have the power to revoke broadcastmedialicenses.
“Journalists in Guyana say they feel it in their jobs,
interviews and advertising opportunities to favoured media outlets Public officials,includingPresident Ali, insult journalists, and
defamation lawsuits to silence members of the media,”thebodystated.
RSF highlighted that journalistLeroySmithofthe Big Smith News Watch was threatened with sedition charges and targeted by a
President
Irfaan Ali
defamation lawsuit in October 2024 filed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police and Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit due to his report on his allegedmisconduct.
government supporters is commonly reported by the Guyanese journalists that
(Continuedonpage10)
‘Idrinkcouplewell Guinness,can'tremember whatexactlyhappened’ ...man accused of chopping miner to death in Region 7
A 41-year-old excavator operator, who is in custody forallegedlychoppingagold miner to death on Thursday in Region Seven, told police that he drank 'couple well Guinness' and could not rememberwhathappened.
The excavator operator from Bartica is accused of killing 38-year-old Mark Benn of Lot 218 Blueberry Hill,Linden,Region10.
Accordingtoastatement from the police, the incident occurredaround23:00hrson Thursday at a shop in Big MaraMaraBackdam,Puruni River,RegionSeven.
Policesaidinvestigations so far revealed that Benn arrived on Thursday at Big Mara Mara Backdam from PuruniLandingandwenttoa shopownedbyFloydPaul,a 28-year-old dredge owner There he met a female Venezuelan national by the nameofFabianaGarcia.
The police further detailedthatthesuspectlater visited the shop at about 19:00 hrs, where he met Benn with Garcia, and another female Venezuelan sexworker
“The suspect purchased severalGuinnessforhimself, Benn, and the two Venezuelan women, while theyplayedmusic,drankand danced together At about 23:00 hours, Benn asked Fabiana to have sexual intercoursewithhim,andshe toldhim'no'becausehewas drunk. This annoyed Benn, who disconnected Fabiana's cellphone, which was
playing music at the time. The suspect then intervened andgrabbedBennaroundhis waist,pullinghimawayfrom theshop.Bennrebukedhim, stating,“Wegood,butnever again you hug me like that, because thief men does hold people like that,” the police reported.
It was reported to investigators that without saying anything further, the suspect,whowasarmedwith a sharp 13-inch-long knife, pulled it from his waist and chopped Benn behind his head, causing him to fall to theground,faceup.
The suspect reportedly then went over Benn and dealthimanotherchoptohis neck,almostseveringit.
Police learned that the suspect then walked away from the scene and went to his camp Following the ordeal, the shop owner reported the matter to the police. Investigators disclosed that the suspect was contacted, told of the allegation, and cautioned According to the police, he replied in his own words, “Sir, I drink couple well Guinness and I can't remember exactly what happened ” He was then arrested and taken into custody
Police have confirmed that the weapon allegedly used to commit the offence was retrieved and examined and found to be a doubleedgedknifemeasuringabout 13inches.
A comedy in reverse
There’s a certain absurdity in the President summoning the commercial banking sector to a grand meeting,thethemeofwhich was, apparently, “What do you need to modernize your operations?”
It’s like me inviting Albert Einstein over to explaintohimthemysteries of long division. Or like consulting Netflix about whether it has considered digitizing movies The banks,blessthem,havebeen living in the twenty-first century for some time now. The government, on the otherhand,isstillstruggling to get past the handwritten ledgers.
Ifyouthinkcloselyabout it,thecommercialbanksare probably the most modernized sector in
Guyana They’re sleek, digitized, and irritatingly efficient. You can pay bills online,transferfundstoyour cousin in Essequibo electronically while sitting in your hammock, check balanceswithouteverseeing a tel
e withdrawals at an ATM Today you can deposit cash without a human being present—just slip it into a machine, and voilà! Your accountmagicallyfattens. M e a n w h
, t h e government still operates as if it is in the 20th century. Passport renewal. Forget it. You can’t apply online.You can’t even download a proper editable form. You must print it out, find a functioning pen, and then dragyourselftothePassport Office,wherethelinebegins
in2025andendsin2030. And yet, there was the P
y discussing with the banks about modernization. As if the Ministry of Finance has
pointers.Without the banks, l
’s
government would still be paying its employees by
Remember those? They’re the StoneAge equivalent of electronictransfer,complete with ink smudges and the possibility of bouncing.The only reason public servants
electronically is because the banks long ago decided the quill pen had served its purpose.
It’s amusing and tragic,
Learning from ASEAN: Building a digital...
Frompage04
potential is significant. ASEAN’s move to link payment systems across countries has slashed remittance and transfer costs Guyana,withitsdiasporaandregionaltrade, could gain much from planning ahead for regionaldigitalconnections.
Finally, public education and habit change are vital. People must see the benefits, learn how to use digital payments, and trust them. Only then will both formal andinformalsectorsembracethechange.
In light of these lessons, it is important that Guyana not proceed in isolation. I strongly suggest that a dedicated team of financial regulators, policymakers, and private-sector representatives undertake a
Seeing thesesystemsinaction,engaging withtheirregulatorsandbanks,andlearning how obstacles were overcome will give Guyana’s leaders a clearer, practical understanding of what effective digitization lookslikeinreallife.
Digitalization offers tremendous promise:safertransactions,broaderfinancial inclusion, faster commerce, and more efficient governance. But for Guyana to capturethesebenefits,itmustnotonlydesign carefullyathomebutalsolearnfromproven experienceabroad.
Sincerely, Dr WalterHPersaud
DEM BOYS SEH
Dem man scratching dem head at Freedumb House
De President start roll out Permanent Secretaries like how de lil man at de corner shop does sell sweetie one, two at a time. He seh he appoint four, but one was already a Permanent Secretary But with three new appointees, it could mean that three incumbents gan lose dem wuk. Unless we creating moreministries.
Demboyssehifyuhgot ten Permanent Secretaries to appoint, why yuh don’t just call one big press conference, tek a deep breath, and name de whole set one time? Instead, we gettingpiecemealdelivery And is de timing that really sweet Imagine appointing Permanent Secretariesbeforeyuheven knowwhodeMinistersgon be. Is like hiring de driver
before yuh buy de car. Or like picking out de in-laws beforeyuhevendecidewho yuh gon marry Ministers gon walk in and find Permanent Secretaries already warming de chair, sipping coffee, and waiting to tell dem how tings gon run.
Back in de old days, PermanentSecretaryusedto be a proper career civil servant, gray hair, stiff back, andplentyyearsindesystem
Nowadays, is contract this and political dat Some Permanent Secretaries looking more like
“Temporary Secretaries ” Dem boys seh some of dem contractsshorterthanaboxhand. And when political breeze change, Permanent Secretaries does disappear fasterthaniceinahotsun. But de piecemeal
that the Prime Minister of India once visited Guyana and generously offered his country’shelpinsettingupa systemthatwould seeevery citizenbegivenanelectronic account. This was financial inclusion at the click of a mouse.Thatwasafewyears ago The government nodded politely, clapped, and promptly filed the suggestion in that dusty drawer marked “Brilliant Ideas We Will Never Implement.”
Instead, we still have thousands of Guyanese who have never used an ATM card, who struggle to sign their own names, and who view technology with the same suspicion that medieval villagers reserved forwitchcraft.
This is why bank lines are still so long. People prefertostandinaqueuefor three hours, sweating profusely, just to withdraw $10,000, rather than touch a screen that might, heaven forbid, talk back. And no matter how many times the banks advertise their “easy online transfer services,” you still see folks clutching paperbankbooks.
So really, if there’s any institution in need of modernization, it isn’t the banking sector It’s the government itself The public service, in particular, could use a thorough
scrubbing Electronic document management? Please. Half the ministries don’t even answer emails. Onlineapplications?Onlyif by “online” you mean “downloadthisPDF,printit, fill it out in triplicate, and bringittotheministrywhere you’ll be told to get it notarized by your second cousin.”
What the President shouldhavedone,ifhewere serious about financial modernization, is to pass a law mandating that all businesses accept electronic payments. Debit cards,
Imagine the boost in efficiency,theeliminationof cash-handling headaches, the reduction in petty theft.
Butofcourse,ifhedares,the bourgeois class—the same respectable gentlemen who bankroll his party—would be the first to rebel. They love cash. Cash is flexible, cash is discreet, and cash doesn’tleaveanaudittrail.
So instead, we get the President calling in the banks for a boardroom chat about modernization, as though he’s the benevolent father teaching them how to walk. Meanwhile, the banks are already running marathons,sprintingpastthe government’s snail-paced bureaucracy
Idon’twanttobeunkind,
butthespectacleremindsme ofamanstandingatthefoot of a skyscraper, instructing the architects on how to use bricks. “Have you considered concrete?” he asks, while holding a hammer and chisel. The architects, too polite to laugh,nodsolemnlyandsay, “Thankyou,Sir We’lltakeit underadvisement.”
The problem is not that the banks are behind. The problem is that too many Guyanese are unwilling or unabletokeepup.Financial literacy is still low, trust in technology is even lower, and the government, instead of leading, is panting breathlessly behind, calling onthebankstowaitup.
So, the next time the President feels the urge to holdsuchameeting,perhaps he might consider the alternative:askingthebanks how they could help modernize the public service. Because if we’re honest, that’s where modernization is still desperately waiting to happen.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
something: big people still scratching dem head, can’t decide who to put where. Yuhcouldjustimaginewah happening at Freedumb House. Is like a card game going on in there. “Put dis oneinHealth?Nah,hefraid hospital Put she in Finance? Nah, she still struggling to balance she chequebook.”
DemboyssehindeTV series Yes, Prime Minister, SirHumphreyonceexplain de role of a Permanent Secretary: “He’s the man who really runs the Department.”Ifthatistrue, then we appointing de people who gon run de show before we even cast de actors. And den we wonder why de play does turnintopurecomedy Talkhalf.Leffhalf.a
Region Six driver contemplates next move after sudden transfer -
Regional Health Services driver, Stanley Jacobs, of Fort Ordinance, Canje, Berbice is assessing his dilemma of having to eithersidestepordersforhis transfer to another location, or accept and endure the inconveniences.
The43-year-oldfatherof five was left confused after he received an official letter from Regional Health Officer of Region Six, Dr Vinashri Khirodhar, informinghimofhistransfer to another health institution along the Corentyne. The bodyoftheletterseenbythis newspaperreads.
"This serves to inform you that you are hereby assigned to Port Mourant Hospital effective 8th September, 2025 Kindly report to hospital administrator (ag) Ms. S. Nabi who will assign you yourduties."
Jacobs told Kaieteur
News that in all his years of commitment to the regional facility, he has never been confronted with such a situation, one which he reasoned has political bearings.
He began his stint as a driverbackin2010,andisa member of the recently formed Simona BroomesledAssemblyforLibertyand Prosperity(ALP).
Weighing in on his circumstances, Jacobs summed up his dedication and dutifulness as well as respect for superiors as beyondquestion.Hesaidthe only possible reason for his transfer is political vindictiveness.
"That's the only other thing I can say Me and she ain'thadnovibes,nothing.I ain't know if it's because I went with my family - Ms. Broomes,theALP Butthat's my constitutional right. It's notlikeIeverabscondfrom
work."
Frustrated, Jacobs is using the final few days of his annual leave as a temporary delay while he attemptstoplothisnextstep. Hisannualleavecomestoan endonSeptember14.
Assuming duties at the PortMouranthospitalwould beamajorimpedimenttohis domestic responsibilities, which include ensuring that allofhisfivechildrenareset for school, Jacobs told KaieteurNews.
Asked if he sought to engage Dr Khirodhar, Jacobsrecalledherdismissal ofhisplightandherfirmness on the decision. Jacobs said he was informed by Khirodhar that she has another driver traveling all the way fromAlness, which is beyond Port Mourant Jacobsrelatedtoherthatthe situationisnotthesame.
"I told her that will be hard for me. I don't have no
alleges political victimisation
family up that side.... I don't know if she wants to pressure me to leave the workorwhat,Idon'tknow."
A better suggestion, according to the frustrated driver, would have been to assign him to the New Amsterdam hospital which is currently experiencing a shortage of drivers He believes that her refusal to arrange that relief to the institutionlocatedjustafew steps away, indicates her intenttopunishhim.
Being familiar with the network of official drivers within the region, Jacobs confirmedthatPortMourant currently has four, an amount he believes is sufficient.
Multiple attempts to contact Dr Khirodhar directly were unsuccessful, butveryshortlyafterJacobs' story began making rounds onsocialmedia,theregional health services sought to
dispute the claims of victimisation, characterising the RHO's decision as nothingoutoftheordinary "We wish to clarify that thetransferofdriversacross health institutions within RegionSixisastandardand customary practice Such transfers are carried out whenever there is a need to fill gaps and ensure the efficient delivery of health services.ThetransferofMr StanleyJacobisnodifferent.
On Monday, September 8, 2025, Mr Jacob was
Regional Health Services Department to the Port Mourant Hospital to cover a critical shift. This became necessary as one of the hospital'sdriversiscurrently onleave,andMr Jacobwas the only available driver on duty,"theagencystatedinits release.
The reassignment of Jacobs was for the sole purpose of maintaining the process of emergency patient transfer, as the medical oversight body of theregionalsoheldthatany other suggested motive is a misrepresentationoffacts.
In its own statement condemning the treatment metedouttoitsmember,the ALP through its leader Simona Broomes regarded the development as
Stanley Jacobs
y motivated. The party leader sounded the ALP's unequivocal calls for an annulment of the transfer orders, which, according to the politician, amounts to spitefulpoliticalconduct.
"This is political persecution, an intimidation tacticandanabuseofpublic office that directly contradicts the president's recent inaugural call for unity The ALP condemns this in the strongest terms. We demand an immediate reversal of the transfer, an independent investigation, andthatthoseresponsiblebe held accountable," Broomes expressedinanofficialALP releaseonsocialmedia.
The party, she affirmed, ALPwill not allow political bullying, adding that "we stand with Mr Jacobs and every citizen punished for exercising their democratic rights."
End hostility towards...
Frompage8
RSF surveys each year as part of its data collection for the World Press Freedom Index,”itwasfurtherstated.
Notably, RSF also pointed to part of President Ali inauguration speech, wherehesaid,“Werecognise and respect the essential watchdog role of the media, and we will ensure greater transparency by instituting mechanisms in every ministryanddepartmentthat provide the facts in a timely way.” RSF said that these positive words must be followedupwithaction.
RSF recommended that Guyanese politicians refrain from personally berating or insulting journalists, or incitingtheirsupporterstodo the same. It was stated that clear signals that the harassment of journalists is unacceptable must come from the very top. Another recommendation is to have codified rules to ensure the impartiality of government advertisingtopreventitfrom beingusedtoplayfavourites withthemedia.Additionally, RSF also suggested government provide
transparentandtimelyaccess to the entire press corps. “Leaders must regularly offer availability to a plurality of voices in the media without giving favour to specific outlets, including statemedia,”itsaid. Additionally, Clayton Weimers, Executive Director,RSFNorthAmerica said, “Open hostility from the government towards the media has become a regrettable norm in Guyana. Thiscultureofantagonismis directly holding Guyana back on the World Press Freedom Index. It doesn't need to be this way This election is an excellent opportunityforareset.”
Headded,“RSFcallsfor P r e s i d e n t A l i ' s administration to help foster a more pluralistic media landscape, provide transparentandtimelyaccess to the entire press corps and treatjournalistswithrespect. The free press must always be an essential part of Guyana's democracy, and RSF stands ready to help facilitate a healthier relationship between the governmentandthemedia.”
Govt. to assist Albouystown fire victims with three months' rent
Residents of James Street, Albouystown,wholosttheirhomes in an afternoon fire on August 11,
are now seeking rental
accommodation, as the
Government of Guyana has promised to assist them with three months'rent.
Thirty-two-year-old Alisha Farnun,asinglemotheroftwowho lived in one of the apartment buildings that was destroyed, said she is currently searching for a placetorent.
“Theytoldustogetsomewhere to rent and they will assist us with threemonths'rent,”sheexplained.
Kaieteur News was able to confirm that the commitment was made by the government According to a reliable source, every displaced person will be assisted. The owner of the gutted
The aftermath of the fire at James Street, Albouystown
building has since provided the governmentwithalistoftenantsto guidethedistributionofassistance.
Farnun, who lost all of her belongingsintheblaze,saidsheis now struggling to rebuild her life.
Herchildren,agessixand10,who attend Ketley Primary School, are at a shelter established at the Six Head Lewis Gym to assist the fire victims.Allofthechildren'sschool supplieshavebeendestroyed.
TheCivilDefenceCommission (CDC) activated the shelter to house the displaced, providing temporary accommodation and personalsupplies.
InanupdateonFridaymorning,
Divisional OfficerAndrew Holder of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) said, “We are on the ground this morning to do many things, one, assessthedamagesthatwouldhave occurred as a result of yesterday's fire and secondly, to assist in clearingdebris.”Holderaddedthat rubble will also be removed from thesite.
This publication had reported that five houses between Hill and Albouys Streets were destroyed, leavingabout30personsdisplaced.
The blaze started shortly after 14:30 hrs. By the time Kaieteur News arrived on the scene, three houses were already engulfed and the fire was spreading. Residents complained bitterly about the Guyana Fire Service's (GFS) late response, arguing that the losses couldhavebeenprevented.
One of the displaced tenants, Nekita told Kaieteur that residents firsttriedusingbucketsofwaterto douse the flames. She said she managed to alert a woman and her soninsideoneofthebuildings,who escapedunhurt.
“It had a set of rubbish in front of the yard and the rubbish catch and started the fire. Everything burn up. Everything burn up,” she said, blaming the fire service for not arriving sooner The fire is believed to have started in a yard where garbage was being burnt, reportedly occupied by persons residents described as “junkies.” From there, it spread to nearby homes.
Meanwhile, representatives of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) provided supplies to the affectedpersons.
Pres. Ali appoints four permanent secretaries
Mrs. Sharon Roopchand-Edwards –Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
PMr. Roger Rogers –PermanentSecretary, Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce
resident IrfaanAli on Friday appointed four permanent secretaries The quartet members are Mrs. Sharon RoopchandEdwards – Permanent Secretary, Ministry of ForeignAffairs, Mr. Roger Rogers–PermanentSecretary,Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Ms. Duan Ellis – Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Dr Erica Forte – Permanent Secretary,MinistryofHumanServices
a n d S o c i a l S e c u r i t y Roopchand-Edwards previously served as the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism, Rogers as
Ms. Duan Ellis –PermanentSecretary, Ministry of Agriculture
Chief Planning Officer of the Ministry ofLocalGovernmentwhileEllisserved as the Acting Permanent Secretary of theMinistryofHumanServicesandDr Forte as Regional Health Officer.
The permanent secretaries were appointedaspartofthefirstphaseofthe president'stransitiontohissecondterm. Additional announcements relative to permanent secretaries and other senior governmentofficialswillbemadeinthe
Meanwhile,Alimetwithpermanent secretaries and deputy permanent secretaries to share his government's vision and set clear expectations for
Dr. Erica Forte –PermanentSecretary, Ministry of Human Services and Social
their roles in advancing national d
According to a government s
emphasized that “his administration will move swiftly to modernize the delivery of government services through a fully digitized framework, withastrongfocusoncustomerservice, efficiency, transparency, and resultsd
transformation must remain “peoplecentered, with reliability, efficiency, and timely delivery as the guiding p
The late Teekadai Atiya Solomon with her son who is recovering well from a gun-shot wound
Ten-year-old Jeremiah Solomon, who was shot by his father in a tragic murdersuicide that claimed his mother's life, has been d
Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and is recoveringwell.
On August 26, 36-yearold TeekadaiAtiya Solomon wasexecutedbyher36-yearold husband Alroy Solomon andlatershottheirsoninhis abdomen. The husband had openedfireonthemotherand son at Teekadai's Charlotte and Bourda Streets home, before turning the gun on himself.
Previous police report stated that the 10-year-old was picked up by publicspirited persons and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he received medical attention His condition during that time waslistedasstable.
Just last week, the young Solomon was discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital.Thiswasconfirmed onFridaybyactingRegional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Simon McBean, and GPHC Public Relations Officer Stacy Peters, during an interview withKaieteurNews.
“Theyoungmanhasbeen discharged. He is out of the hospital,” McBean stated Petersalsoconfirmedthatthe discharge took place last week.Additionally,arelative ofthelateTeekadaiSolomon reported that Jeremiah is recoveringwell.
According to police,
Teekadai and Alroy once resided at North East La Penitence along with their son However, due to domestic issues, the woman movedoutabouttwomonths agoandwaslivingatLot199 CharlotteandBourdaStreets, Georgetown, with her son. On Tuesday August 26, at around 11:50hrs, the victim wasatherapartmentwithher son, when the suspect showed up in the area in a black motor vehicle bearing registration number GUY94 and parked in front of the apartmentbuilding.
According to reports, Alroy exited the vehicle and ran into the compound, after which the woman was heard screaming, followed by several suspected gunshots. Teekadai ran out of the yard and was followed by the suspect, who discharged severalroundsather,causing hertofalltotheground.
Thesuspectsubsequently returnedtotheyardwherehe dischargedaroundathis10year-old son, hitting him in his left lower chest. Alroy then used the same firearm andshothimselfinthehead.
Police relayed that the woman'sbodywasexamined and several gunshot injuries were seen Teekadai was reportedly shot twice in her right abdomen, once on her right index finger, once on her left arm, twice in her chest, twice in her forehead, onceinherrighthipandonce onherrightleg.
Alroywasfoundinapool of blood with a gunshot woundtohistemplearea.
‘Now there are
12’...several new faces in lineup ...APNUunveilsMPsforhigh-stakeParliament
The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has officially announced the 12 individualswhowillserveas Members of Parliament (MPs) in the 13th Parliament, representing the party over the next five years.
The announcement was made by APNU leader
Aubrey Norton, who confirmed that businessman TerrenceCampbellwilllead the parliamentary team Notably,Nortonhimselfwill not be returning to parliament, though he will remain as the leader of the party
In a release, the party described the parliamentary line-up as a mix of "experience, activism, and professional expertise " Returning MPs include Coretta McDonald, A A , GaneshMahipaul,andNima Natasha Flue-Bess They will be joined by prominent figures such as political commentator, Dr David Hinds, Riaz Zakeer Rupnarain, and Sherod
Avery Duncan Also included are Linden Mayor
and former Regional Chairman Sharma Raheem
Solo mon; attorney and peace ambassador Dr. Dexter Todd; gospel artiste and entrepreneur Saiku Andrews; and PNCR ViceChairman Vinceroy H Jordan, who represents RegionFive.
Dr Terrence Campbell, founder of the Camex Group, will serve as the parliamentary leader Though new to the national assembly, APNU stated that Campbell brings decades of
experiencei n finance, l o g i s t i c s , a n d entrepreneurship.
In an invited comment with Kaieteur News, he stated,“Parliamentisnewto me, but leadership is not. I hope to use my leadership experiencetoensurethatthe APNUteamprovidesproper representation for the citizensofGuyana.”
notablyabsentfromthelist. When contacted for comment, Jones declined to speakonthematter
AccordingtoNorton,the selectedMPsareunitedbya shared commitment to accountability, governance reform,education,economic empowerment, and grassroots advocacy “This team will represent the interests of ordinary Guyanese while advancing policies to ensure fairness,
‘Lola Doll’ names her shooter
...suspectinBrick'sabductionturnsselfin
Kaieteur News has been able to confirm that Lolita Callender better known as Lola Doll has named her shooter in a cell-phonerecordedvideo widely circulated on social media platforms.
The local artiste, businesswoman and social media personality recorded the video from her hospital bed. She identifiedtheshooterbyanalias.
“Isawthepersonthattrytotakemy life, yes I saw him” she said before adding“Iamhappythatnobulletwent tomyheadtokillme.”
She then pleaded for justice from the Guyana Police Force after identifyinghershooter
Hours after the video surfaced, a FacebookpostnamedWayneBarkeras apossiblesuspect.
Wayne Barker is a defendant in a court case for the abduction of Joshua David, also known as “Bricks” last September.
Although police have not issued a wantedbulletinforhim,KaieteurNews has confirmed that he had turned himself in to police in the company of his lawyer after seeing his photo
SuspectinBrick'sabduction case, Wayne Barker
published on social media platforms linkinghimtotheLoladollshooting. Lola Doll was shot several times last Saturday, while sitting in her car parked infront of her East Ruimveldt home.
FootagefromCCTVcamerashave revealed the shooter to be a man on a motorcycle.
Hospitalised, Lolita Callender better known as ‘Lola Doll’
Policehavearrestedtwopersonsso far in their investigations. Both have sincebeenreleasedonstationbailafter the 72 hours of them being in custody expired.
Thefirstsuspectwasarrestedhours after the shooting Police never identified the individual but reported thathewasreleasedon$500,000bail. Awantedbulletinwasissuedforthe secondsuspectarrestedinthecase.
He was identified as U.S. sanctioned businessman Paul Daby Jr better known as “Randell”. Daby was releasedona$1millionstationbail.
opportunity, and d evelopmentforall,”hesaid. The announcement f o l l o w s A P N U ' s disappointing performance in the September 1 general and regional elections, where the party lost its position as the main opposition The newly formed We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), led by businessman Azruddin Mohamed, captured 16 parliamentaryseats,pushing APNU to third place. The ruling People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), led by PresidentIrfaanAli,secured 36 seats, granting Ali a secondterminoffice.
Calls had mounted for Norton to not return to Parliamentandtostepdown as PNCR leader in light of the election outcome. While he has opted to stay on as party leader, his absence from Parliament may signal a possible shift in APNU's strategymovingforward.
Meanwhile, PNCR's General Secretary, Sherwin Benjamin, extended congratulationstothenewly appointedAPNU-nominated MPs, commending their "integrity, dedication, and steadfast commitment to the welfareofallGuyanese."
In his statement, Benjamin emphasised the significance of public service,urgingthenewMPs to uphold high ethical standardsintheirroles.
“It is imperative that we remember the fundamental duty of public service: to serve the people selflessly and tirelessly Your role is vital in shaping policies and
decisions thatw i l limpact our nation's future, and I encourageyoutoupholdthe highest standards of professionalism and dedication in this noble pursuit,”hestated.
Benjamin also took the opportunity to commend partyleaderNortonforwhat he described as “exemplary leadership and a selfless approach” during this new phaseintheparty'sjourney
“Hisunwaveringsupport and guidance continue to inspire us all as we work together with our coalition partners to build a better Guyana,”Benjaminadded.
Despite the coalition's lossintherecentGeneraland Regional Elections, Benjamin reaffirmed the party's commitment to its politicalmission.
“Our primary focus remains on removing the PPPC from office through electoral means. This goal can only be achieved t h r o u g h u n i t y , determination, a concerted effort, and an all-hands-ondeckapproach.Together,we will continue to fight for democracy,justice,andgood governance for every Guyanese,”hesaid.
Heconcludedwithacall forresilienceandunity:
“Thank you for your continued support and dedication The journey ahead demands our resilience and resolve, and I am confident that, together, we will realise our shared visionforGuyana.Longlive the PNCR! Long live Guyana!”
David Hinds
NimaNatachaFlue-Bess RiazZakeerRupnarain
SherodAvery Duncan Dr. Dexter Todd Sharma Solomon Saiku Andrews Vinceroy Jordan
Govt. commissions $4 billion in police, fire stations in last three months
The government of Guyana has spent approximately $4B to construct police and firestations,allofwhichwerecommissioned overthelastthreemonths,acrossthecountry
During the months of June, July and August, Minister of HomeAffairs Robeson Benn and his team commissioned 26 police stationsandfivefirestationsacrossGuyana.
In July, four new fire stations were commissioned. They are the Diamond Fire Station ($107 6 million), Leonora Fire Station($159,270,235),CharityFireStation ($144.8 million), and the Ogle Fire Station ($128 million). In August, the ministry commissionedthe$138millionWisrocFire StationinRegion10.
Meanwhile,fortheGuyanaPoliceForce (GPF), in June, the minister commissioned the brand-new Regional Division headquartersforRegionOnevaluedat$213 million.
Notably in July, the following stations and divisional headquarters were officially opened: Charity Police Station ($62 7 million), Regional Division headquarters at Anna Regina ($215.1 million), San Souci Police Station ($130,756,925), Vreed-enHoop Police Station ($118,735,490), Tuschen Police Station ($82,995,706), Den Amstel Police Station ($170,948,990), Regional Police Division headquarters at Diamond ($195 8 million), Providence Police Station ($65.2 million), and the Herstelling/ Farm Police Station ($82.47 million).
The $191,907,925 Kitty Police Station, $112millionSparendaamPoliceStationand the $143 million Mahaica Police Station werealsocommissionedinJuly
Meanwhile, in August, the ministry commissionedtheRegionalPoliceDivision (Continuedonpage15)
The recently commissioned Regional Police Division headquarters at Bartica, Region Seven.
Guyana reaffirms commitment to deepening ties with Mexico
DPI - The government of GuyanaonThursdaycommittedto strengthening its 51 years of diplomatic relations with the United Mexican States at that th country's observance of its 215 independenceanniversary.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd), Mark Phillips joined AmbassadoroftheUnitedMexican States to Guyana, HE Mauricio Vizcaíno Crespo at a reception in commemoration of Mexico's independence.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Guyana'scontinuedcommitmentto expanding its relationship with the country
During his remarks, the Prime Minister recognised the resilience, sacrifices,andachievementsofthe Mexicanpeopleinshapingaproud andenduringnation.
He offered greetings to the President of Mexico, Her Excellency Claudia Sheinbaum, and shared best wishes for the country's continued progress and prosperity
He also commended Mexico's cultural richness and thanked Ambassador Vizcaíno Crespo for curating performances that reflectedthevibrancyanddiversity ofMexicanartsandtraditions.
Reflecting on 51 years of diplomatic engagement between Guyana and Mexico, Prime Minister Phillips spoke of longstanding collaboration across bilateral, regional, and multilateral platforms.
the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) was described as vitaltomaintainingtheregionasa zoneofpeace.
The Prime Minister welcomed t h e f o r t h c o m i n g CARICOM–Mexico Summit and emphasised Guyana's priorities in food, energy, and climate security These areas, he said, are central to the advancement of Guyanese society and to global development efforts.
and Mexico's support through technicalcooperationandcapacitybuilding programmes has played a valuablerole.
On economic collaboration, PrimeMinisterPhillipshighlighted the launch of the Mexico–Guyana Chamber of Commerce during the Guyana Energy Conference & Supply Chain Expo earlier this year
Henotedthatbothcountriesare guided by the principles of the
He highlighted shared values suchasmutualrespect,sustainable development, peace, stability, sovereignty, and a commitment to internationallaw
United Nations Charter and continue to work together to promotedemocracy,humanrights, fundamental freedoms, and citizen security.Their cooperation through
He also spoke of Guyana's ongoing transformation, noting thattheGovernmenthadreceiveda renewed mandate to improve the economy and enhance the wellbeingofallcitizens.
Achieving these goals, he said, depends on strong partnerships,
Hedescribeditasameaningful step towards expanding trade, investment, and commercial opportunities.Overall, the Prime Ministerexpressedconfidencethat the relationship between Guyana and Mexico will continue to grow, supported by mutual respect and activecooperation.
Mrs Mignon Bowen-Phillips accompanied her husband to the event.
The $159 million Leonora Fire Station in Region Three.
The brand new $111 million Mahaicony Police Station.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips shares a toast with Mexican Ambassador to Guyana, Mauricio Vizcaíno Crespo on the occasion of Mexico's 215th Independence Anniversary.
Caribbean healthcare professionals to attend HIV training in Miami
ThePan-Caribbean
Partnership Against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP), in collaboration with the University of Miami Miller SchoolofMedicineandwith support from the PanA m e r i c a n H e a l t h Organization (PAHO) and TheGlobalFund,willhosta high-impact Strengthening
HIV Prevention and TreatmentServicesTraining
P r o g r a m m e , f r o m September 17–19, 2025, at the University of Miami MillerSchoolofMedicinein Miami,Florida.
Accordingtoastatement issued by PANCAP, the organization would be b u i l d i n g o n t h e groundbreaking PANCAP Learning Journey held
earlier this year at Amsterdam's renowned PublicHealthService(GGD Amsterdam).
“This Miami training will further equip regional
frontline healthcare providers with advanced skills in motivational interviewing (MI) and other
cutting-edge clinical strategies. The Amsterdam
session demonstrated remarkable success in enhancing providers' ability
to engage high-risk
populations in PrEP programmes and re-engage people living with HIVwho havefallenoutofcare.”
The training will assemble clinical leaders from several Caribbean nations, including Antigua and Barbuda,The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Commonwealth of Dominica,Guyana,Jamaica, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, St VincentandtheGrenadines, Anguilla,The BritishVirgin Islands, and the Dominican Republic.
Participants will include physicians, nurses, and community health specialistsrepresentingboth public health systems and civil society organisations, ensuring comprehensive knowledge transfer across alllevelsofcare.
PANCAP said that the intensive capacity-building initiative comes at a critical junctureastheregionworks assiduously to overcome persistent challenges in reaching UNAIDS' ambitious 95-95-95 preventiontargetsby2030.
"This isn't just another training, it's a strategic intervention to change the trajectory of HIV in our region," emphasised Dr Wendy Telgt Emanuelson, Director of the PANCAP CoordinationUnit.
" B y m a s t e r i n g motivational interviewing techniques and applying the latest evidence-based
Govt. commissions $4 billion in...
Frompage14 headquarters of Region
S e v e n i n B a r t i c a ( $ 2 2 5 , 8 2 4 , 9 4 3 ) , Eteringbang Police Station ($140 million), Imbaimadai Police Station ($140 million), Kamarang Police Station ($31,705,852), Regional Division headquartersforRegionSix ($228,192,300), Rose Hall
P o l i c e S t a t i o n ($70,788,160), Mahaicony
P o l i c e S t a t i o n ($111,820,000) and the Timehri Police Station ($125million).
Additionally,duringthat month, the $55,632,913 Ruimveldt Police Station, $123,800,0 00 North Ruimveldt Police Station, $99,949,058 Annai Police
Station, $35,476,160 Karasabai Police Station and the $171,411,810 Lethem Police Station were commissioned.
MinisterBenn,atoneof the commissioning ceremonies, said that the governmentwillcontinueto prioritize investments in smart infrastructure to ensurethatlawenforcement agencies are equipped with the tools and environment
approaches, our regional clinicians will become powerful change agents in th
c
mmun
s, particularly in reaching marginalised populations most in need of these services,"shesaid. Dr Shanti Singh Anthony, Knowledge Management Coordinator at
the PCU, underscored that, “The Amsterdam Learning Journey proved that when clinicians adopt patientc
e dramatically This training o
interviewingwillallowfora differentiated and clientcentred approach to recruit,
initiateandretainpersonson HIV
treatment services, helping usclosegapsintheHIVcare continuum and achieve the globaltargets.”
Further, PANCAP noted that with Caribbean nations facing uneven progress toward HIV targets, the training addresses critical
gaps in the regional HIV response.
Theprogramme'sunique value lies in its "train-thetrainer" approach, ensuring participants can share their new skills with their colleagues back home. This creates sustainable capacity that will continue benefiting health systems throughout the region long after the Miamisessionconcludes.
The training programme is a critical step toward revitalising HIV prevention and treatment efforts in the Caribbean. By empowering clinicians with evidencebasedtools,PANCAPandits partners aim to reduce new infections, improve retention in care, and accelerate progress toward ending AIDS as a regional publichealththreatby2030.
“PANCAP graciously thanks The Global Fund, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and PAHO for making this pivotaltrainingexperiencea reality,”thestatementsaid.
proactive,andconnected.
The Home Affairs Ministry said that the new police stations feature modern amenities designed to enhance operational efficiency and promote commun
red policing.
Someofthekeyfeatures of the stations includes male, female, and juvenile Lockups; a witness and ID paraderoom;anarmoryand evidence room; a childfriendly interview area; a ded
c violence interview and waiting area; enquiries section; an Officer-inCharge (O C ) Office; a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Office; Traffic Department Office; and Senior and Junior Ranks' Living Quarters just tonameafew
Meanwhile,theministry notedthattheestablishment ofnewfirestationsispartof a nati
d
ve to decentralize emergency servicesandtakelife-saving response capabilities closer to citizens throughout Guyana.
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
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Vacancy for Hotel & Restaurant Manager and Accountant. Apply in person Lot 29 Sussex Street, Georgetown. Tele : 757-8231.
Vacancy for Elderly Caregiver @ Republic Park. Please Call or WhatsApp: 656-1875/ 233-5160/6096952.
1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, spoiler, low mileage PTT Series (first owner). Call: 649-0956.
FOR SALE 2014 Toyota Noah - PXX series 2012 Mercedes Benz- PSS series. Contact: 613-1893.
VISA Application for USA, Canada, UK, ETA, ETC. Natrualisation guidance + application filling, ECT. Tel: 626-7040.
LEGAL NOTICE
IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRI
MONIAL JURISDICTION
FAMILY DIVISION
Application No. FD-153
BETWEEN: SHAVANIE BASDEO Applicant -V- CHRISTOPHER
BAICHU
Respondent TO: CHRISTOPHER BAICHU
Address Unknown.
TAKE NOTICE that on the 10th day of June, 2025 an Application Relating to Child was filed against you by SHAVANIE BASDEO, the Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in George town, Demerara. AND FURTHER TAKE
NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 10th day of June, 2025, the Applicant was directed to effect service of her Application on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Guyana Kaieteur News, a daily Newspaper printed, publi d around Guyana and on the World wide web. FURTHER TAKE
The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Friday except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closedDated the 4 day of September, 2025.
LEGAL NOTICE
IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE ANDMATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY
Service , Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), an Answer and/ or Cross Petition via the online portal, https:// ejudiciary.supremecourt.gy within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the final publication of this Notice. Your access code qgqAq3 TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Tuesday the 9th day of September, 2025 at 9:15 am before the 2025/08/26 18:00 Honourable Madam Justice Jacqueline JosiahGraham. Court 16, Georgetown High Court, Guyana IN DEFAULT of you filing an Acknow ledgernent of Service/ Notice of Intention to Defend, an Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceeding 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 LawCourts [Georgetown, Demerara].
AND FURTHER TAKE
For more information Call: 619-0007, 629-5526.
NOT ICE 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 Divi sion 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 Application, you must file a Form 10: Reply to Application Relating to Child via the E-ligation portal https://ejudiciary. supremecourt.gy/guyana/ login within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the Second and final publication of this Notice. Your access code is 42kawD.TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Thursday the 25th day of September, 2025 at 1:30 pm before the Honourable Madam Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln via Zoom Meeting ID: 882 1097 6231 and Passcode: Court12.IN DEFAULT of your filing a Notice of Intention to Defend, an/or a Form 10: Reply to Application Relating to Child the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Application Relating to Child.
LEGAL NOTICE
DIVISION Application No. FD-255 BETWEEN: (RAMESH) KAREN nee PERSAUD Petitioner/ Applicant -and(RAMESH) DIANAN Respondent TO: DIANAN RAMESH Formerly of Lot 112 Railway View, Meten Meer Zorg East bank Essequibo TAKE NOTICE that on the 4th day of February, 2025 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by KAREN RAMESH nee PERSAUD, 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 23rd day of July, 2025 the Petitioner/Applicant was directed to effect service of this Petition on you by publication of this Notice in we (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur News, a newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of
The office is open to the public between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.
Dated the 26th day of August, 2025
LEGAL NOTICE
2025/782-FD-PET-DEM IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURIS DICTION FAMILY
DIVISION Petition No. FD782 BETWEEN: (FRASER) ODESSA ELIZABETH nee JUNOR Petitioner/Applicant -and- (FRASER) DEON SHAWN PATRICK
Respondent TO: DEON SHAWN PATRICK FRASER Formerly of Heaven Hill Matthew’s Ridge, Region 1, Guyana. TAKE NOTICE that on the 15th day of July, 2025 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by ODESSA ELIZABETH FRASER nee JUNOR, the Petitioner/Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.
NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 15th day of July, 2025, 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 the Guyana Kaieteur News, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and aroAund Guyana and on the Worldwide WebAND 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 Petition together with related documents. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition via the E-ligation portal https://ejudiciary .supremecourt.gy/guyana/ login within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the Second and final publication of this Notice. Your access code is AsDd5z. TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Tuesday the 11th day of November, 2025 at 9:20 am before the Honourable Madam Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln via Zoom Meeting ID: 882 1097 6231 and Passcode: Court12. IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend, Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce. The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.
Dated the 3rd day of September, 2025.
Haiti’s Govt. says it is regaining control of the capital
(CNC3) The Haitian government has sought to assure citizens that the state ismobilisingallitsresources to regain full control of the occupied territories and that life is gradually resuming in thecapital,Port-au-Prince.
“The government is takingstepstorestorethecity center to what it once was,” said Prime Minister Alix DidierFils-Aimé.“TheState callsontheentirepopulation to cooperate with the authorities together, we canensuresecurity,freedom, anddignityforeverycitizen,” he said. The Haitian PM reiteratedthatthesafetyofthe population is “a nonnegotiableissue”andthatthe State“willneverabandonitin themiddleoftheroad”
On Thursday evening, the Office of the Prime Ministerreleasedavideoon socialmediashowingwhatit said was the progress being made in regaining territory that had been seized by criminal gangs—who have
been seeking to overthrow the provisional government ever since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise onJuly7,2021.
“The government, in collaboration with the Haitian National Police (PNH) and the Haitian Armed Forces (FAd’H), is conducting large-scale and relentless operations in downtown Port-au-Prince with the aim of regaining controloftheareasoccupied by criminal bandits,” the OfficeofthePrimeMinister said It added: “These operations will continue withoutinterruptionuntilthe State regains full control of thecitycentre.”
The near three-minute video shows major cleanup work is progressing rapidly to allow free and clean movement of people and vehicles. The government said that to date, more than 1,000 cubic meters of waste and more than 200 wrecked vehicleshavebeenremoved
fromtheroads.
ItsaidthattheMinistryof PublicWorks,withamassive deployment of equipment, in collaboration with several other state institutions, continues to clean up, repair roads, and
ore infrastructure so that life can resume normally. Earlier this week, President of the Transitional Presidential Council(CPT),LaurentSaintCyr, and Prime Minister FilsAiméheldtalkswithaUnited Nations delegation, led by TomFletcher,theUNUnderSecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergen
Coordinator(OCHA)
The discussions focused on immediate national prioritiesincludingrestoring security, providing humanitarian support to displaced populations, orga
, economic recovery, and resumingairtravel.
President Saint-Cyr said that security remains the
essential condition for the resumption of national life and the organization of free and credible elections. He reiterated the determination of the Haitian authorities to combatarmedgangs,restore State authority, and restore confidence in the population. “Haiti needs increased support from the international community to emerge from this crisis.
Gangs will not dictate the future of the country,” he asserted.
Prime Minister FilsAimé recalled that millions of Haitians are living in a situation of extreme vulnerability, exacerbated by insecurity. He emphasized the need to channel aid through the Haitian government to ensurebettercoordination.
He said with regards to elections, 87 per cent of polling centres already have been identified, 70 per cent of electoral staff have been mobilized, and that national funding of US$65 million hasbeensecuredthroughthe common fund managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). PORT-AUPRINCE,Haiti(CMC).
Israeli attacks on Gaza kill 59, including 14 members of the same family
Aljazeera - Israeli air and artillery fire continue to bombard Gaza, killing at least 59 people on Friday, including14membersofthe samefamily
Among those, 42 people werekilledinGazaCityand the north of the besieged territory, according to medicalsources.
Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Gaza City, said it was another “sleepless night” in thearea.
“Israeli forces are using remotelyoperatedexplosive devices in neighbourhoods, coupled with heavy air and artillery attacks covering much of the eastern part of GazaCity,”hereported.
“The Israeli military is also using the intimidating tactic of illuminating the skies above Gaza City For the second night in a row, they used flare bombs, creating fear among displaced people already forced to seek shelter anywheretheycanfindit.”
The 14 members of the same family – the Sultan family,whowerekilled,also diedinGazaCityinasingle Israeli attack on their home intheat-Twamarea.
PalestiniangroupHamas condemned Friday’s air raids and the strike on the Sultans, accusing Israel of waging a campaign of “terror and organised war crimes” through the destruction of residential towers and targeting of civilians, saying such actions are in violation of internationallaw
Italsodecriedcontinued global “inaction and complicity”,sayingitisonly emboldening Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to intensify genocide and forced displacement against Palestinians.
In Gaza City’s Daraj neighbourhood, Israeli drone fire killed a child and wounded others, a source at the nearby al-Ahli Hospital toldAlJazeera.
Elsewhere, Israeli attacks destroyed a school located in the Shati refugee campinnorthernGaza.
“Many people had taken refuge in it, but have now been forced back into the
Smoke rises as a building is hit by an Israeli strike, in Gaza City [File: Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters]
streets one more time,” Al Jazeera’sMahmoudadded.
Meanwhile, in western Gaza City, an Israeli attack targeted a cluster of residences, including a residential tower across the street from a UNRWA medical facility, Mahmoud reported.
“As far as we know, the tower is still standing, though it sustained a great dealofdamage.
But the cluster of homes wascompletelydestroyed.”
In a statement on X on Friday, the Israeli military said it struck 500 targets in Gaza City this week, as it advances an assault to forcibly displace about one million residents and seize controlofthearea.
Israel’s security cabinet inAugustapprovedaplanby Netanyahu for the military occupation of Gaza City, which has displaced tens of thousandsofpeople.
However, Gaza’s Government Media Office onFridaysaidmorethan1.3 million Palestinians, including 350,000 children, remain in Gaza City and the north, despite Israel’s relentless bombardment and forcedevacuationthreats.
‘Thisisnotlife’ As Israel pushes to displace residents of Gaza City to the south of the enclave, Palestinians have been saying that nowhere is safeintheterritory
Hundreds of thousands
of people are crammed into makeshift tents in the alMawasi area in Khan Younis, designated by Israel asaso-called“humanitarian zone”, which lacks water accessandsanitation,among otheramenities.
“This is not life,” Shade al-Wawi, a displaced Palestinian, told Al Jazeera fromal-Mawasi.“Wecannot doitanymore.”
“We are smelling dust, and with it, smelling grief anddeath,”hesaid.
In less than a month, more than 70,000 people have made the arduous
journey from northern to southern Gaza following Israel’s move to forcibly evacuate Palestinians from “combat zones”, according to UNICEF spokesperson TessIngram.
“This is already an incredibly crowded area, with hundreds of thousands of people here, with not enough services or supplies to meet their needs – let alone the influx of people coming from the north,” he saidofal-Mawasi.
Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum, reporting from alMawasi, said Palestinians
there were facing a “desperatereality”.
“Families are told to come here, but are turning back because there are no spacesleftforthemtoensure a dignified life, which has been stripped away by Israel’s repeated evacuation orders and mass bombing,” hereported.
Israel’s war on Gaza has killed more than 64,000 people, according to local health authorities, caused a hunger crisis and wider humanitarian disaster, and reducedmuchoftheenclave torubble.
Israel releases Gaza prisoners
Separately on Friday, 13 Palestinian prisoners from GazawerereleasedbyIsrael after months of detention under what medical and local sources described as harsh and degrading conditions, Anadolu news agencyreported.
Thedetaineeswerefreed attheKissufimcrossingeast of central Gaza and immediately transferred by International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) vehiclestoAl-AqsaMartyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah due to their deteriorating health.
Medical personnel said the men arrived in frail condition, suffering from malnutrition and physical injuries consistent with
Palestinians sit near the site of Israeli air strikes on houses, at al-Shati refugeecamp, in Gaza City, September 12, 2025 [Ebrahim Hajjaj/Reuters]
abuseduringcaptivity
The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society, a nongovernmentalgroup,has said thousands of Palestinians in Gaza have been swept up in mass arrests since Israel’s offensive began on October 7, 2023, many subjected to forced disappearances and prolonged incommunicado detention.
Qatari PM to meet Trump
Asconditionsdeteriorate on the ground, the UN GeneralAssemblyonFriday voted overwhelmingly to endorse a declaration on a two-state solution for Israel andthePalestinians.
Separately,QatariPrime M i n i s t e r S h e i k h M o h a m m e d b i n AbdulrahmanbinJassimAl Thani is in New York meeting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and possibly President Donald Trump, days after US ally Israel attacked and killed HamasmembersinDoha.
The attack on Tuesday was widely condemned in the Middle East and by the UN Security Council as an act that could escalate tensions in a region already onedge,andderaileffortsto brokeratruceinGaza.
Qatar has been a main mediator in long-running negotiations for a ceasefire betweenIsraelandHamas.
Canadian company to spin out 79,000 acres of Guyana gold properties into new company to unlock benefits for shareholders
C a n a d i a n g o l d exploration company G2 GoldfieldsInc.onWednesday announced plans to spin out 79,000 acres of its non-core Guyanagoldpropertiesintoa new company, G3 Goldfields Inc.,inamovetounlockvalue
f o r s h a r e h o l d e r s
The assets earmarked for transfer include the Tiger Creek Property (3,685 acres) and Peters Mine Property (8,316 acres) in the Puruni District,alongwiththeAremu Mine Property (8,811 acres) and the Aremu Partnership, including the historic Wariri Mine (32,340 acres), in the Cuyuni District Two additional Region Seven properties, covering 5,457 acres and 20,739 acres, will a l s o b e i n c l u d e d G2 said the spin-out will allowittofocusonadvancing itsflagshipOkoproject,while G3 develops the transferred assets. “G2 believes that its current share price does not fully recognize the value of theNon-CoreAssets,andthat by completing the Spin-Out, shareholderswillbenefitfrom unlocking the value… Additionally, the Spin-Out will allow the Company to concentrate its efforts on its OkoprojectinGuyana,while G3 focuses on the advancementoftheNon-Core Assets,” the company stated.
In May, this publication reported that G2 had secured
60,000 acres for the spin-off c o m p a n y
Lastyear,G2alsoentered intoanexplorationagreement with a prominent Guyanese mining family for a 30,000acre land package in the Aremu-Oko gold district, further expanding its control i n t h e a r e a
Under the arrangement, G2 shareholders will receive oneG3shareforeverytwoG2 shares held at the close of businessontheeffectivedate. Notably, the transaction is subject to shareholder approval at a meeting expectedNovember27,2025, along with regulatory, court, and Toronto Stock Exchange clearance G3 shares are expected to list on the Canadian Securities Exchange, pending approval.
In March, G2 announced anUpdatedMineralResource Estimate (MRE) for the Oko property: Oko Main Zone (OMZ): 808,000 ounces indicatedand513,500ounces inferred gold (open pit + underground); G h a n i e Zone: 663,400 ounces indicated and 1,024,500 ouncesinferredgoldandOko NW Zone: 97,200 ounces inferred (open pit)
The MRE, prepared by Micon International Limited, highlights the Oko district's potential, which has been a prolific alluvial goldfield s i n c e t h e 1 8 7 0 s
G2 Goldfields' Oko Main gold project in Guyana. Credit: G2 Goldfields
Berbice concluded recently, with over 150 Young and
participating
The sessions catered to participants between the ages of 10-19 years
circumstances,afewyounger and older participants attended the sessions The BCB has divided the county into four different zones. Eachzonehadsessionswhich were held over two days on different dates at a venue in therespectivezone
Saturday September 13, 2025
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
People may be tired of your harsh attitude, Aries. This doesn't mean you should necessarilychangeyourways or who you are. Just be more aware of how your words affectothers.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
You may feel the need to act aggressively regarding this climactic period in your life, thanks to long-term trends. There's expansive energy todayencouragingyoutotake action,Taurus.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
Try not to be harsh and judgmental today, Gemini. You don't understand others' perspectives and the codes they live by. Differences are no reason to find fault with people.
CANCER(June21–July22)
Long-termtrendsarecoming to a favorable point for you, Cancer This is a good day to examinethemandmakesome moves forward in pursuit of yourgoals.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
This isn't a day to sit around and wait for good fortune to come to you, Leo. It's time to make it happen. Get off the couch and get moving. Now that you've internalized, contemplated,
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
Get ready for action, Virgo, becausetodaycouldbeafastpaced adventure sure to keep you on your toes.Your desire to fight and conquer is probably much stronger than usual,
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
It may seem like people are trying to pick fights with you today, Libra. Any opposition youencountermayhavealoud roar,butinreality,there'svery littlebitetofear
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
Kick up your heels and get moving, Scorpio. The fastpacedenergyofthedayisjust what you need to get things done. You're ready to take action. You have power and strengthbehindyou.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
Itmayseemlikeeveryoneelse has a purpose and project except you, Sagittarius.While everyoneischargingoutofthe gate, you may still be unsure thatthisistheraceyouwantto run.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
This is a great day for you, Capricorn You'll find that long-term trends are coming together harmoniously Connections are being made when you share good times andlaughterwithclosefriends andotherpeople.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Don't let others push you around today, Aquarius People may talk themselves up,butthere'slittlebehindthe words. Be careful that you don't misfire. This is a day to careaboutyouandyourneeds.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Stay positive and radiant today, Pisces. This is a great day for you to take control. Connect with others on group projects and feel free to offer creative input. Let the artist withintakethespotlight.
The zones are Upper Corentyne,CentralandLower Corentyne, New Amsterdam/ Canje/East Bank Berbice and WestBerbice Thesessions werecoordinatedbytheBCB Head Coach Winston Smith He was assisted by senior coaches Floyd Benjamin and Leslie Solomon, along with other coaches throughout the countryatthevarioussessions Their collaborative approach guided participants through fundamental techniques and drills The attendees were taken through both practical andtheoreticalsessions
Allaspectsofthegamewere taught, which included batting, bowling, fielding, throwing, catching, wicketkeeping, running,etc.Withtheongoing skill development, fitness work and game awareness integratedintothecurriculum. According to Smith, the Academyaimstodeveloplocal talent and promote discipline and sportsmanship He stated that the attendees left with a clear understanding of the fundamentals of the game. The coaching sessions were heldfrom09:00to15:00hrs. (SamuelWhyte)
Coaches Floyd Benjamin, Winston Smith and Leslie Solomon prepare for a session with some of team
Saints Hockey Club Juniors dominate Day One One at Paragon International Hockey Tournament Tournament
For the first time in its history, Saints Hockey Club (SHC) is competing in an international junior hockey tournament, making their debut at the Paragon InternationalIndoorHockey Tournament in Trinidad & Tobago. Competing in the Under17andUnder21boys and girls categories, the opening day proved to be successful for the club, with all teams securing victories and maintaining clean sheets.
In the Under 17 Girls division, SHC faced off against Checkers and emerged4-0winners.Rising starMakaylahPooleopened thescoringinthe3rdminute with a field goal before doubling her tally just four minutes later from a penalty corner
Carenza Copeland then announced herself on the international stage with her
first-ever goals for SHC, striking in the 8th and 10th minutes to complete the commandingwin.
The Under 17 Boys also began their campaign in style with a 2-0 win over Fatima Ezekiel Moses found the back of the net in the5thminutefromapenalty corner, before Fayed Mohamed doubled the lead withacomposedfieldgoalin the9thminute,bothmarking theirfirstinternationalgoals.
Later in the evening, the Under 21 Boys produced another strong performance againstFatima,alsowinning 2-0. Captain Jabari Lovell, bringing valuable international experience from SHC’s participation at the Ventures Tournament earlier this year, led by example. He converted two penaltycornersinthe5thand 9th minutes, securing victory for his side and reinforcing his role as a key
figureinguidingtheyounger players.
In an invited comment, SHC coach Tivesarid Garnett said, “The Saints HockeyClubhadagreatfirst day All three of our teams did well, working together and staying focused on their
Springer leads Guyana’s charge at Pan Am U20 Championships
The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) hasnamedastrongteamfor theupcomingPanAmerican U 2 0 A t h l e t i c s Championships, set for O c t o b e r 3 – 5 i n Villavicencio, Colombia, with the spotlight firmly on risingstarTiannaSpringer Springer, the reigning Commonwealth Youth Games 400m champion and two-time CARIFTA Games goldmedalist,willmakeher debut at the Championship andentersasoneofthemost exciting young athletes in herevent.
Currentlyranked18thin the Pan Am U20 list with a season’s best of 53.07s, the 17-year-old will carry Guyana’shopesofreturning to the podium for the first timeinoveradecade.
Guyana’s journey at the PanAm U20s dates back to 1993, when the then fiveyear-old championship was stagedinCanada.
That year, Najuma Fletcher etched her name in history, becoming the first Guyanese athlete to win a medal at the event. She captured bronze in the
women’s heptathlon, setting the tone for future generations.
Fourteen years later, at the 2007 edition in São Paulo, Brazil, sprinter Dax Danns blazed to 21.20s in the men’s 200m, racing his way to another bronze for Guyana.
The medal tally grew again in 2011, when long jumper Rolyce Boston soared 7 35m to secure bronze in the men’s long jump, marking Guyana’s mostrecentpodiumfinishat theChampionships.
Joining Springer in Colombia will be a talented squad spanning sprints, middle distance, and field events Rodel Greene, ranked 24th in the triple jump with a best mark of 15.50m,willlooktomakean impressioninthesandpit.
The Saints Hockey Club Male and Female Teams
In the sprints, Tishawn Easton and Skylar Charles will double in the 100m (10.54s, ranked 110) and 200m (21.04s, ranked 51), adding speed to the team’s roster OnesiDunnalsolines upinthemen’s100mwitha season’sbestof10.54s.
Over two laps, middledistance duo Javon Roberts (1:52.39, ranked 128) and Kaidon Persaud (1:52.56, ranked 138) will carry the national colors in the men’s 800m.
With Springer leading the charge and a crop of determined young athletes ready to test themselves against the best from the Americas, the AAG will be hoping Colombia becomes the stage where Guyana’s long wait for Pan Am U20 glory finally comes to an end.
game plan. Three wins and threecleansheetsmadefora greatfirstday
There were some early nerves but the payers overcame them with a great team spirit, and we hope to keep it up for the rest of the tournament.”
This marks an important milestone in the club’s history marking its first internationaltourwithjunior teams, and its inaugural participation at the Paragon Tournament.
The Saints Hockey Club gratefully acknowledges the support of its sponsors: Umami Incorporated, MVP Sports, Sterling Products Limited, Demerara Mutual AssuranceSociety,andJohn LewisStyles. Their contributions have made this historic opportunitypossible.
Archibald carries Guyana’s hopes at World Athletics Championships in Tokyo
Guyana’s lone competitoratthe World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Emanuel Archibald, will takeflightinthemen’sLong Jump, carrying the nation’s hopes on the global stage. Archibald, one of the c o u n t r y ’ s m o s t accomplished athletes, entersthecompetitionwitha personalbestof8.22metres, amarkthatnotonlystandsas the Guyanese national record but also ranks as the 16th best jump in the world thisseason.
The 31-year-old
Lindenerhassteadilycarved his place in Guyana’s athleticshistory In2019,he shattered another Lindener, MarkMason’slong-standing national record of 8.07m, which had been set in 1993, pushingitto8.12m.
Earlier this year, Archibaldwentevenfurther, soaring to 8 22m and solidifying his status as Guyana’spremierjumper Known for his explosive speed on the runway and consistency on the board, Archibald will now test himself against the world’s elite as the championships got underway yesterday in
Emanuel Archibald will compete in the Men’s Long Jump in Japan
the Japanese capital Archibald carries Guyana’s hopes at World Athletics ChampionshipsinTokyo
G u y a n a ’ s l o n e competitor at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Emanuel Archibald, will take flight in the men’s Long Jump, carrying the nation’s hopes on the global stage.
Archibald, one of the c o u n t r y ’ s m o s t accomplished athletes, entersthecompetitionwitha personalbestof8.22metres, amarkthatnotonlystandsas the Guyanese national record but also ranks as the 16th best jump in the world thisseason.
Lindenerhassteadilycarved his place in Guyana’s athleticshistory In2019,he shattered another Lindener, MarkMason’slong-standing national record of 8.07m, which had been set in 1993, pushingitto8.12m.
Earlier this year, Archibaldwentevenfurther, soaring to 8 22m and solidifying his status as Guyana’spremierjumper Known for his explosive speed on the runway and consistency on the board, Archibald will now test himself against the world’s elite as the championships got underway yesterday in theJapanesecapital.
Tianna Springer
Countdown begins for the 12th Courts Optical Pee Wee Under-11 Football Tournament
It’s that time of year again when aspiring young footballers taketothefield,eachhoping tobecrownedchampionsof thenation’spremierprimary schoolfootballtournament.
On Friday, the Petra Organisation officially launched its marquee event, the 12th edition of the Pee Wee Under-11 Schools Football Tournament at the CourtsMainStreetlocation. Thetournamentisscheduled to kick off on September 27 attheMinistryofEducation Ground.
Courts Optical, once again, reaffirmed its commitment as the title sponsor of this vital youth development initiative The launch marked the beginning ofanotherexcitingjourneyfor young primary school players to showcase their talentonanationalstage.
The Courts Optical Pee Wee Tournament builds on Unicomer’s decade-long legacy of community support andyouthempowerment
For over ten years, the Unicomer Group has been instrumentalin helping Petra provide opportunities for
children to grow through sport.
In attendance at the launch ceremony were AssistantDirectorofSports, Melissa Dow-Richardson, HeadoftheAlliedArtsUnit within the Ministry of Education, Nicholas Fraser, andCo-DirectorofthePetra Organisation, Troy Mendonca, among other stakeholders.
While 39 school teams have been drafted for the tournament, logistical constraints and the cost of travel to Georgetown have limited this year’s participationto32teams.An eliminatorroundwillbeheld to determine the final teams that will compete when the tournamentbegins.
Over the years, the partnership between Courts Unicomer and the Petra Organisation has proven invaluable Many past participantshavegoneonto represent Guyana at various levels, underscoring the tournament’s role as a developmental stepping stoneinlocalfootball.
Speaking at the launch, Petra Co-Director Troy
Courts Optical Chain Manager, Richard Simpson speaking at yesterday’s launch
Mendonca expressed his appreciation for the longstandingsponsorship.“Over theyears,thetournamenthas seen several small but significant improvements,” he noted. “I’ve personally witnessed kids enter the tournament unfamiliar with the basics of football and leaveasstarsoftheirschool teams ” Mendonca also extended heartfelt gratitude to Courts Optical for its unwaveringsupport.
celebrate the 12th year of Under-11football.”
Courts Unicomer has indeed been the bedrock of thePetra-organisedPeeWee Tournament. Courts Optical Chain Manager, Richard Simpson, also shared his enthusiasm: “Courts Optical,aproudbrandunder the Unicomer family, is honoured to once again partner with the Petra Organisationastitlesponsor of the country’s most exciting Under-11 football tournament This year’s event is particularly special as we celebrate 10 years of serviceinGuyana.”
“Without their steadfast c o m m i t m e n t , t h i s tournament would not have beensustainable,”hestated. “Logisticsandfundinghave alwaysposedchallenges,but thanks to Courts’ generous sponsorship,weareproudto
Simpson added: “Our journey has always been aboutmorethaneyecare;it’s about investing in the lives of our people and building communities This tournament is a platform to nurture young talent, promote discipline, and create opportunities far
beyond the football field. Forus,sportsreflectthebest of what community stands for teamwork, resilience, sportsmanship,andjoy These lessons help shape stronger, more confident young people.” The Ministry of Education continues to be a key partner in the tournament’s success Speaking at the ceremony, Nicholas Fraser, Head of the Allied Arts Unit, highlighted the broader developmental value of the event “This tournament doesn’t just enhance football skills,” he noted,“itbuildsthesoftskills thatarecrucialfortheholistic developmentofouryouth” With the launch complete, the road to the 2025 PeeWee U11 Football Final is officially underway The tournament will run from September 27 to November 1, promising weeks of excitement, talent, andsportingspirit.
Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League... Warriors to face ailing Knights Riders
Ch a n c e s o f qualifying for a playoff spot are dwindling for the Trinbago Knight Riders, who have gone winless so far in this edition of the Massy Women’sCaribbeanPremier League.
Today, they face a familiar opponent in the Guyana Amazon Warriors, buthavealreadyconcededto the home side in their opening match at the Providence National Stadium.
While their match againstWarriorswasaclose shave, the battle against Barbados Royals that
followed was a one-sided affair in favour of the defendingchampion.
TKR are in the cellar aftertwoconsecutivelosses, GAW sit second with two points from a win and a loss whiletheundefeatedBRare ontopwithfourpointsfrom twowins.
However,TKRstillhave an opportunity to enter the playoffs if they manage to flip their fortune to be victorious today and against Barbados next Tuesday along with hoping Sunday’s resultbetweenGAWandBR favoursthem.
But, in the meanwhile, TKR have a psychological
hurdle to clear of losing to theothertwoteamsfromthe inception and clawing their waybackintocontention.
Their opponents today areunderpressurebutnotas immense.Warriorswillhave tostaveoffadesperateTKR sideinordertosolidifytheir chance of advancing to the playoff.
Match time today is 16:00hrs.
G
Warriors squad: Stafanie
C
Fraser, Chedean Nation,
Britney Cooper, Kaysia
Ramharack,NyiaLatchman, Realeanna Grimmond, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Shabnim Ismail, Laura HarrisandMadelinePenna.
Trinbago Knight
Riders squad: Deandra
Crafton, Jahzara Claxton, Zaida James, Jannillea Glasgow, Keila Elliott, Abigail Bryce, Samara Ramnath, Jess Jonassen, L
Dangore
Remainingfixtures Sunday, September 14: Barbados Royals vs Guyana AmazonWarriors,14:00h Tuesday, September 16: Barbados Royals vs Trinbago Knight Riders, 15:00h Wednesday, September 17: FINAL 1st Placevs2ndPlace,14:00h
GAW celebrate the wicket of Jess Jonassen of TKR during the opening match of the Women’s 2025 Massy Caribbean Premier League. (Getty Images)
ByCliftonRoss
G
uyana Amazon
Warriors will square off against table-leaders St Lucia Kings, in a do-or-die situation as they cling to the final bits of their season, beginning today when the first of two crucial battles getsunderwayattheGuyana
National Stadium, Providence.
Thehometeamhasbeen on a Yo-Yo string since bowling off their run at home, winning some but losing the important games which have put them in a grimy position, as they look to claw themselves out of a ditch with the finals around thecorner
With12points,theKings have done well to maintain thenumberonepositionand despite losing their last game, they could likely use such a harrowing defeat to further boost their aggressionagainstanout-ofsortsWarriors.
The key will be Aussie big-man Tim David, who is arguably the engine of the batting alongside touch
players like Ackeem AugusteandRostonChase.
Openers Tim Seifert and JohnsonCharleswillneedto tap into their aggressive nature and lay a strong foundation for the likes of David and company down theorder
Captain David Wiese
w i l l h a v e t r i p l e responsibility, as leader, a key power-hitter and their
mostseasonedstrikeseamer
With Alzarri Joseph backinghiscaptainupinthe pace department and the world-class leg-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and Khary Pierre holding the spin unit together with Chase; the Warriorswillbeinforadogfight.
TheWarriorsrunathome has been plagued by wins and losses, with today’s battle being the most important to date, as they looktoaddasignificanttally totheir8points.
Should they look to get past the Kings, a possible Shimron Hetmyer/Shai Hope opening combination could be the remedy to their biggestissue.
MooenAli should likely bat three, while the classy Shamarh Brooks should easily make his debut this season to help keep the middle-ordertogether
Pinch-hitter Quentin Sampson has shown his readiness for the CPL level should be elevated up the order, with Romario Shepherd’s ability to fire from the first ball being a huge reserve for tough positions.
Warriors should also sit out Ben McDermott and utilize his spot to play another batsman, possibly KevlonAndersonorwicketkeeperKemolSavory
Skipper Imran Tahir has been the best spinner this season and will have his work cut out in a do or die
Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League… FireworksexpectedatProvidence,asWarriors face
do-or-diesituationversus
game. Ali made up for his lack of batting form with some exceptional spin bowling which will be crucial today against some aggressive oppositionbatsmen.
The X-factor Dwaine
Pretorius, with a quick halfcenturyafewnightsago,and will be keen on going up against his countryman Wiese; as both players will have similar roles for their respectiveteams.
ThiswillbetheWarriors
table-leaders
firstDaygamesincecoming to Guyana, with all their stakes on the line against a teamwhostillhavetowatch their backs, but can still flirt withalossatthisstage.
Action bowls off from 11:00h.
Jediah Blades (R) of GAW celebrates the dismissal of Johnson Charles of SLK in Match 13 of this season (Getty Images)
