plans to target cocaine facilities inside Venezuela, officials say
Justice Yonette
…JusticesRoxaneGeorge,NavindraSingh toactasChancellor,ChiefJustice
5 arrested after cocaine found in South Ruimveldt house
…saysnon-lethal methodsshouldbeused Norton condemns U.S. military strikes on suspected drug traffickers in Trinidad on Sunday
Ram calls for dismissal of inaccurate profit reporting
Exxon Guyana President over
U.S. to escalate military presence in South America with aircraft carrier group
The world’s largest warship, U.S. aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is seen in this file photo, on its way out of the Oslofjord at Nesodden and Bygdoy, Norway, September 17, 2025. NTB/Lise Aserud via REUTERS/File Photo
WASHINGTON, Oct 24 (Reuters)
- President
D o n a l d T r u m p ’ s administration escalated a U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean on Friday by announcing the deployment of the Gerald Ford aircraft carrier group to Latin America — a show of force farbeyondanypastcounter-
narcotics effort and Washington’s most assertive moveintheregionyet.
The deployment, which addstotheeightwarships,a nuclear submarine and F-35 aircraftalreadyintheregion,
marks a significant escalation amid heightened tensions with Venezuela, whose government
Washington has long accused of harboring drug traffickers and undermining democraticinstitutions.
“The enhanced U S force presence in the USSOUTHCOM AOR will bolster U S capacity to detect, monitor, and disrupt illicit actors and activities that compromise the safety
and prosperity of the United States homeland and our security in the Western Hemisphere,” Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell postedonX.
He did not specify when the carrier would be moving totheregion,butasofafew days ago, the carrier was traveling via the Strait of GibraltarandinEurope.
The Ford, which was commissionedin2017,isthe United States’ newest aircraft carrier and the world’s largest, with more than5,000sailorsaboard.
The U.S. military has carriedout10strikesagainst alleged drug vessels, mostly intheCaribbean,sinceearly September, killing about 40 people. While the Pentagon has not given much information,ithassaidsome of those killed were Venezuelan.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has repeatedly alleged that the U.S. is hoping to drive him frompower
On Thursday, Maduro warned that if the U.S. ever intervened in the country, “the working class would rise and a general insurrectional strike would be declared in the streets until power is regained,” addingthat“millionsofmen andwomenwithrifleswould marchacrossthecountry.”
Washington in August doubled its reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million, accusing him of links to drug trafficking and criminalgroupsthatMaduro denies.
Tensions between the United States and Venezuela’s neighbor, Colombia, have also spiked in recent days, with Trump accusing Colombian President Gustavo Petro of being an “illegal drug leader” and a “bad guy”l a n g u a g e P e t r o ’s government says is offensive.
“These forces will enhance and augment existing capabilities to disrupt narcotics trafficking and degrade and dismantle (transnational criminal organizations),” Parnell said.
Trumphasauthorizedthe Central Intelligence Agency toconductcovertoperations inVenezuela.
Just hours after U S Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the carrier deployment, the Trump administration announced that it was imposingsanctionsonPetro, citingallegedillicitdrugs.
INCREASING MILITARYBUILDUP
Trump has said that his Republican administration plans to brief the U S Congress on operations against drug cartels and that even though he did not need a declaration of war, operationsagainstcartelson landwouldbenext.
On Friday, Hegseth announced that the latest strikeagainstanallegeddrug vessel killed six suspected “narco-terrorists” in the Caribbean.
The strikes have raised alarms among some legal experts and Democratic lawmakers, who question whether they adhere to the lawsofwar
Some Republican lawmakers cheered the carrierdeployment.
“President Trump is not messing around when it comestoprotectingtheU.S. andourWesternHemisphere neighborhood, ” U S Representative Rick Crawford of Arkansas postedonX.
Last week, Reuters was first to report that two alleged drug traffickers survived a U S military strikeintheCaribbean.They were rescued and taken to a U.S. Navy warship before being repatriated to their homecountriesofColombia
Continued on page 3
Ram calls for dismissal of Exxon Guyana
President over inaccurate profit reporting
Attorney-at-Law and chartered accountant, Christopher Ram has called for the dismissal of the president of ExxonMobil Guyana
d (EMGL), A
misrepresentations to the media and lack of transparency under his tenure.
Ram in his weekly column, published on Friday by Stabroek News, exposed Routledge’s attemptatmisleadingthenationon thecompany’searningsinGuyana.
At a recent press conference, Routledge claimed, “ prior to 2023, we were not making profits here in Guyana, so there were no taxcreditsfromthat.”
The chartered accountant however demonstrated, using Exxon’s audited financial statement, that Routledge manufactured those inaccurate remarks Ram pointed out, “In truth, Exxon recorded profits of G$132 billion (2021) and G$637 billion(2022).”Heevenattacheda screenshot of the company’s income statement to support his argument.
Consequently, the lawyer
reasoned, “For his serial misrepresentations to the Fourth
Attorney-at-Law and CharteredAccountant, Christopher Ram
Estate, Mr Routledge has lost the confidenceandrespectofhishosts.
Under his watch, ExxonMobil Guyana has resisted transparency, delayed relinquishment, and overseentheimproperreductionof US $214 million in disallowed auditcosts.”
Ram was keen to note that an executive with such a pattern of mistrustintheUnitedStates(U.S.) wouldhavebeensummonedbefore Congress or shown the door, whereas in Guyana, he remains a
“guest of honour”. Ram therefore madeitclearthatRoutledgeshould be dismissed for his inexplicable behaviourinGuyana.
The lawyer also fired at Exxon’s Vice President and Business Services Manager, John Colling for what he described as repeated distortions and evasions, especially on the company’s financialreporting.
Only on Friday it was reported that the Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN) demanded an apology and correction to the misleading statements made by Routledge with regard to the company’sprofits.
Inalettertothisnewspaper,Dr Kenrick Hunte and other OGGN members highlighted, using the company’s financial statements, that Exxon recorded profits during theperiodRoutledgeclaimeditdid not.
OGGN pointed out, “Financial filings in Guyana by ESSO Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (now EMGL) show income of GY$132 billion (US$681 million) and GY$578 billion (US$2.98 billion) for fiscal years2021and2022,respectively.”
The body therefore called on Routledgetocorrecthiscomments
President, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Alistair Routledge
and clarify these discrepancies in the profit reporting and sharing.
“TheGuyanesepeoplemustnotbe misled,”theNetworkargued.
The President of ExxonMobil Guyana made the inaccurate statements while explaining that the company did not seek any tax credits in the U.S., since it did not registeraprofitduringthatspecific period.
He explained, “Exxon Mobil Corporationinits23,24taxfilings, therewerenoGuyanesetaxcredits
thatwereincludedineitherofthose filingsandyouwillrecallthat,prior to2023,wewerenotmakingprofits here in Guyana, so there were no tax credits from that. So, from this pointupuntilthispoint,therehave been no Guyana tax credits that havebeenusedbyExxon.”
ItwasreportedthatDr Kenrick HunteandMikePersaudofOGGN met with Senators in the U S earlier this year to highlight the questionable tax practices the companyisengagedinlocally The 2016 Production Sharing Agreement(PSA)statesthatExxon and its Co-Venturers shall not pay taxes to the country. Guyana nonetheless issues a tax receipt, indicating that those obligations weremetlocally
TheU.S.wasthereforealarmed over the possibility of Exxon seeking huge tax credits, resulting in Americans subsidizing the company’s operations. Three U.S. Senatorsthereforerequestedclarity on Exxon’s Stabroek Block tax arrangementswiththeGoG. ExxonMobil was given an October 23, 2025 deadline to respond to several questions EMGL did not respond to this newspaper’s request for an update onthatmatter.
Primus chides GPF, Home Affairs minister for being mum on shooting death of cop by businessman
…calls for greater evaluation before issuance of firearms
General Secretary of the We InvestinNationhood(WIN)Party, Odessa Primus on Friday scolded the Guyana Police Force, headed by Clifton Hicken and Minister of HomeAffairsOneidgeWalrondfor theirsilenceontherecentshooting deathofapolicebyabusinessman.
Thirty-five-year-old Lance CorporalRichardMarvinHayesof Lot 13 School Street, Vreed-enHoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD)wasshotdeadbya37-yearold businessman at Vreed-enHoop,WCD.
The businessman of Crane Housing Scheme, who operates a cellular phone stall at the Stelling, has since been arrested. He is a licensed firearm holder of a .32 Taurus pistol. According to police reports,Hayeswhowasattachedto theImpactBaseatBrickdamPolice Station, had visited the suspect’s shop on Wednesday to enquire about purchasing cellphones and leftshortlyafter
However, around 09:00hrs on Thursday, Hayes reportedly returned to the stall, indicating he
U.S.toescalatemilitary...
Frompage2 andEcuador Withonly11aircraft carriers in the U.S. military’s arsenal, they are a scarce resource andtheirschedulesareusuallyset wellinadvance.Lastyear,theUSS George Washington deployed to South America, but that was scheduledwellinadvanceandwas partofanexercise.
The Ford carrier, which includesanuclearreactor,canhold more than 75 military aircraft, including fighter aircraft like the F-18SuperHornetjetsandtheE-2 Hawkeye, which can act as an earlywarningsystem.
It has an arsenal of missiles, like the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile,amedium-range,surfaceto-air missile used to counter dronesandaircraft.
The Ford also includes sophisticated radars that can help controlairtrafficandnavigation.
The supporting ships, such as the Ticonderoga-class guided missilecruiserNormandy,Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers Thomas Hudner, Ramage, Carney, and Roosevelt, include surface-to-air, surface-tosurface, and anti-submarine warfarecapabilities.
had come to buy a phone. The suspect told police that while he was packing boxes, Hayes became “hostile”,promptinghimtoaskthe officer to leave. The businessman alleged that Hayes instead picked upacellphoneheatergunfromthe displaycounterandthrewitathim, striking him in the chest In response, the suspect reportedly drew his firearm and discharged oneround,hittingHayesinhisright chest.
Primustold Kaieteur News that such an incident requires the immediate condemnation by those inauthority
“Imean,howcouldyoubepart of …the Police Force, let’s say, quote, unquote, is a family How could you be part of a family and there’s a fatal shooting in said family, and there isn’t a single solitary voice that was broken by the Guyana Police Force to say, at thebareminimum,acondemnation of the actions of this citizen,” she explained.
The WIN General Secretary saidwhenthepoliceareaccusedof killing civilians, their actions are quickly condemned even by the government noting that it is unfair that similar condemnation has not occurredinHayes’case.
Primus called on the Guyana
Dead: Lance Corporal, Richard Marvin Hayes
Police Force “to operate as though they have some degree of care for people’s families that are joining these entities, joining these organisations.”
“Because this young man has parents,hehasauntsandunclesand Idon’tknow,possiblychildrenora girlfriend or wife who cares about him. What are you saying to those persons? When you put an advertisement out there in the public,itsaystocomeandjointhe police force It’s a prestigious organisation and you know, we
General Secretary of the We Invest in Nationhood Party, Odessa Primus
offer so many things, and we’re heretoprotectandserveandsoon. Who is protecting and serving the members of the Guyana Police Force, or their lives don’t matter?” sheelaborated.
Meanwhile, the WIN representative questioned the procedureemployedinthegranting of firearm licences. She said those methods ought to be revised given thenumberofguncrimes,“because clearly, there isn’t sufficient things putinplace.”“Theselicences
Continued on page 6
PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.
Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456
Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Jobs, poverty, and the drug trade
In a previous editorial, we examined the PPP/C
Government's obsession with trumpeting “jobs, jobs,andmorejobs.”PresidentIrfaanAlilightsup whenhespeaksaboutthejobshisadministrationclaimsto have created Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo does the same, brimming with self-congratulation at every opportunity
But as we noted before, and now again, there is a difference between jobs created and livelihoods improved And into this conversation stepped the United States Government, whose 2025 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report released earlier this year cut straighttothebone:
“The economic appeal of the drug trade in Guyana, with its high poverty rate and low paying public sector jobs, leads individuals to become involved in illicit activitiesandhinderseffortstocurbtrafficking ”
That statement didn't come from this newspaper, it camefromWashington
Thetruthisthatyes,morejobshavebeencreated But the uncomfortable fact remains: they are largely lowlevel,low-paying,andmenial Aday'sworkfor$3,000to $5,000cannotliftafamilyoutofpoverty,especiallyinan economyinflatedbyoilwealth Meanwhile,thenarcotics trade offers easy money — fast, risky, and far more lucrative than honest labour The arithmetic is brutally simple: one can grind for survival or gamble for fortune. Toomanyarechoosingthelatter
TheU S report'sreferencetohighpovertyasadriver of the drug trade is another painful truth the government prefers not to hear The PPP/C's public narrative focuses on buildings rising across Georgetown, highways stretching to the horizon, and “transformational” infrastructure projects. Yet, behind the gleaming skyline, there'sashadowthatgrowsdarker—persistentpovertyina landofnewoilwealth.
Prosperity has come, but not for all It has pooled in the pockets of the well-connected, the insiders, and the loyal few For too many others, poverty has become the unspoken condition of Guyana's “growth story” That is theuglysecretthegovernmentwisheswouldstayburied, butitcannotbepavedoverwithconcreteordrownedoutby pressconferences.
The U S report went even further, highlighting “nepotism in the public sector and political entities” as major obstacles in the fight against drug trafficking Those words; political entities cut deep The implication isunmistakable:corruptionisn'tasymptom;it'sasystem
The PPP/C leadership boasts of transparency and accountability
Yet corruption continues to stain the institutions tasked with upholding the law From law enforcement to licensing, too many hands are compromised, and too many eyes look the other way It is a “pay and play” environmentwhereeveryonefromthesmallhustlertothe bigofficialknowsthegoingrate.
The result is the same: poverty drives desperation, desperationfuelsthedrugtrade,andcorruptionensuresit continuesunchecked
The government can protest all it wants, but the math doesn't lie, the reality doesn't fade, and the world is watching The U S has said aloud what Guyanese whisper every day, that beneath the rhetoric of jobs and growthliesanationstrugglingtoreconcileitswealthwith itswideninginequality
ThePPP/Cnowhasitsworkcutoutforit Thetimefor foot-stomping and finger-pointing is long past What Guyana needs is not another announcement about job numbers,butagenuineefforttoliftthequalityoflifeand thequalityofgovernanceinthisso-called“OneGuyana ”
Has the meaning and the struggle for peace evolved?
DearEditor,
A rather interesting debatehasarisenconsequent to the massive U.S. military presence and actions in the Caribbean, the position of the government of Trinidad and Tobago and the U.S. requesttotheGovernmentof Grenada to station U S militaryassetsontheisland.
The debate has swung from us being told that 'the Caribbean is not a zone of peace because of narcoterrorism and illegal immigration'; to a statement by CARICOM Heads of Governmentreiteratingtheir position that the region remain a zone of peace, to a letter writer who recently wrote saying 'the Zone of peace is a lofty ideal not the stark reality; that 'Zone of peaceisgoalthatispursued;' and ultimately, to a plea in a statement by ten former CARICOM Heads of Government that the region to be a zone of peace where theruleoflawprevails.'
Asfarasthestrugglefor peace is concerned, Guyanese are more likely to view it through the prism of the controversy with Venezuela Others more attuned to the wider internationalsituationwould recognize peace as an imperativefortheCaribbean and further afield, in respect to the Israeli-Hamas and the Russia-Ukrainewars.
Contextually, it would
not be out of place to make referenceatthispointintime to China's President Xi Jinping proposed Three Global Initiatives; the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative All three initiatives are interrelated and are inextricably linked. And from a narrower perspective, they are relevant to hotbeds of tension wherever they may be Under present day conditions, a fundamental question that must be answered is: what does it trulymeantopromoteandto fight for peace in an age whensovereignty,theruleof law, and democracy themselvesarecontested?
From all indications, the conceptofpeacehasevolved with the times, after a centurydefinedlessbyopen warfare and more by border tensions,fightagainstnarcoterrorism, human trafficking and human rights abuses, peace may no longer mean theabsenceofarmedconflict alone.
If the struggle for peace is redefined as the fight against narco-terrorism, human trafficking and human rights abuses, then theremaybejustificationfor thoseinvolvedtoclaimtobe fighters for peace, but if it remains a commitment to fraternity, disarmament, and
reconciliation then that's anothermatter
Thequestionthereforeis; should we celebrate those who genuinely work for and build peace through reconciliation, forgiveness, and healing or those whose politicalnarrativeshappento align with the strategic interests of a powerful nation?
Nowadays, the language of peace has been appropriated, politicized, and redefined in a world where moral capital is increasingly leveraged for politicalgain.
But the perennial question still remains; is peace merely the absence of war, or should it, say in a Guyanese context, include thepursuitofsocialjusticein the face of attempts to rig elections, to dismantle the guardrailsofdemocracyand attempts to foist an undemocratic regime on people?
Again, in a Guyanese context, can political opposition, however justified,beequatedwiththe pursuit of peace? Should opposition political personalities be recognized asfightersforpeacewhenat the same time they tenaciously cling to a receding paradigm known for its divisiveness in a politicallypolarizedsociety?
Or, should those who have tangibly contributed to
the prevention of conflict, t h e f o s t e r i n g o f reconciliation, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence among peoples andnationsbetheonestobe recognized as the true fightersforpeace?Theseare searchingquestionsweneed toponder
Peaceisnotawordtobe used lightly, nor a banner to be waved for political convenience. It is a moral covenant that demands honesty, empathy, and humility from all who claim toactinitsname.
In the light of the complexities of this modern era, the fight for peace may require new forms of resistance, and while a decision, in the case of GrenadaVstheUS,oneway oranothermaybeviewedas bold or weak, if not controversial, only history, with the clarity of distance, canrenderthatjudgment
The art of reconciliation a n d t h e c l a s s i c a l understanding of peace as the resolution of disputes through dialogue, diplomacy, and mutual recognition, compels us to reexamine the meaning of peaceitselfintoday'sworld. Peace, like democracy evenwhenfragile,remainsa lofty aspiration for people aroundtheworld.
Yoursfaithfully, ClementJ.Rohee GuyanaPeaceCouncil
Respect Justice Roxane George!
DearEditor,
The current impasse in the judiciary is not a mere " q u a n d a r y " o r a n administrative oversight; it is a brazen subversion of established protocols. Mr Singh's refusal to vacate the office of the Acting Chief Justice is a profound ethical breach for a member of the judiciary What Mr Singh has done is an affront to the very rule of law he is sworn touphold. Tohercreditand quiteareflectionofherhigh ethics, Madam Roxane George-Wiltshire has vacated the Office of Chancelloruponthereturnto the position of that long standingofficeholder
The principle is, and has always been, unequivocally clear: when a senior judicial officerreturnsfromleave,all temporary appointments revert.Thisisnotamatterof custom; it is the bedrock of stability and predictability withinthejudiciary Thefact thatMr Singhremainsinthe
Chief Justice's chambers while the rightfully restored Acting Chief Justice, Roxane George SC, is displaced to a conference room is a shocking visual representation of the law being trampled by raw and nakedpoliticalpower
There can be no legitimate justification for this breach. The arguments being whispered in legal circles are as flimsy as they aredisingenuous.
1.Thesuggestionthatthe acting Chancellor's instrument for Justice Cummingswas"revoked"to facilitate Justice George's appointment is a legal fantasy designed to create confusionwherenoneexists. The President's power to makeactingappointmentsis precisely for such contingencies. The return of the principal officer automatically terminates the actingappointment.Toargue otherwiseistoadvocatefora perpetual and chaotic power
grab, where no acting appointmentiseversafe.
2. Thisactionreeksofa pettypoliticalgrudge.Itisan open secret that the government was displeased with Justice Cummings' rulings during the 2020 election impasse. So what?
The Caribbean Court of Justice has previously overturned these elections ruling made by Justice Cummings,whichhasledto significant public scrutiny and thus justice was served.
B y b l o c k i n g h e r confirmation and now orchestratingthiscrisisupon her return to her original role, the administration has exposed itself for engaging in a transparent campaign to punish the judiciary and tighten its control over the supposedly independent establishment.
Theconsequencesofthis standoff are catastrophic as theentireCaribbeanwatches on.Itcreatesa"majorcrisis" of leadership, as legal sourcesrightlyfear Howcan the judiciary function when it is unclear who holds ultimateauthority?Howcan thepublichaveconfidencein a system where the rules are arbitrarily suspended to servetheexecutive'swhims, whentheyhavenoroleinthe controlofthejudiciary?
This nation must demandthatMr.Navindra Singh immediately vacate the office of the Chief Justice and revert to his originalpost.
Ifurthercallupon
3. Mr Singh's continued occupation of the post now exhibits a serious level of immaturity, is in defiance of protocol. Theconclusionall arenowarrivingat,confirms past fears that his appointment was based on considerations other than seniority and experience, raising concerns about his capacity to command authority in such a complex role.
(Continuedonpage6)
42 years after U.S. military invasion of Grenada
DeadEditor, Today,October25,2025 marksthe42ndAnniversary since the U S military invasion of Grenada on October 25, 1983. Six days earlier Maurice Bishop and sevenofhiscolleaguesofthe Revolutionary People's Government were brutally murdered which resulted in the destruction of the GrenadianRevolution.
It set the stage for the U.S. military invasion of Grenada in complicity with six Eastern Caribbean countries headed by Eugene Charles of Dominica. The People's Revolutionary government lasted for four andahalfyears.Itemployed bold initiatives to revitalize, reform the sta
made tremendous progress in its agricultural and literacy drive Its GDP of 5% was higher than any other Caribbeancountry
In1982,theWorldBank endorsed its policies and f o r e c a s t f u r t h e r advancement. The building of the Point SalinesAirport, was designed to replace the obsoletePearlsAirportatthe Northsideoftheisland.The 9,000 ft. runway was cited by U.S. President Ronald Reagan as evidence that the Grenadian Government intended to use it for Soviet andCubanmilitaryaircrafts.
B i s h o p a n d h i s government contended that thePointSalinesAirportwas intended to make the island moreaccessibletoEuropean andNorthAmericantourists.
Commemorating the 42nd Anniversary of the U.S. Military Invasion of Grenada
Ronald Reagan, age 69 was inaugurated America's 40th President in January 1981. He came to office pledging to restore America's Glory and was looking for a place toflexthecountry'smilitary muscles. He sent marines to intervene in the Lebanon civil war He wanted a victory,anyvictory!
Barbados was the
launchingpad for Operation UrgentFuryasitwascalled. Reagan and his aides justified the Invasion of Grenada with three arguments First, they depictedtheGrenadaregime as murderous, antiAmerican, supported by Cuba.Second,theysaidthat theyneededtoprotectthe
(Continuedonpage6)
Urgent call to address the escalating suicide crisis among youths in Guyana
DearEditor,
It is with profound concern that this missive presents the stark reality
behind a seemingly paradoxical crisis unfolding in our nation Despite Guyana'sstatusasoneofthe fastest-growing economies intheCaribbean,wefacean unprecedented surge in suicides among our youth a g e d 1 9 t o 2 5 years—according to sources linked to State Pathology Dept.therewere11reported deaths in just one week this year
This figure aligns tragically with research showing that Guyana holds one of the highest youth suicide rates globally, surpassing 44 per 100,000 p o p u l a t i o n , disproportionately affecting our Indo-Guyanese young adults and predominantly males.
Recent psychological autopsy studies reveal three predominant pathways leadingtosuicideamongour childrenandyouth:
Hard life adversities (46%) including economic hardships and domestic violence
U n t r e a t e d o r undiagnosed mental illness (20%) with none of the affected accessing mental healthsupport
Acute and protracted interpersonal stresses (20%) suchasfamilyrejection,peer
Senseless killing of police officer raises many questions
DearEditor,
Thesenselesskillingofa police officer by a businessman must be condemned. It seems sense hastakenleaveinourmidst.
conflicts, and romantic disappointments
Alarmingly, there exists a profound stigma and lack of mental health literacy compounded by limited access to timely mental health services and crisis support Many of those affected neither sought nor receivedhelpduetosocietal shame, fear, and systemic barriers. The challenge is further compounded by the cultural dynamics intrinsic to our communities, where mental health discussions remaintaboo.
Urgent collective action isessentialtopreventfurther loss of precious lives and securethefutureofGuyana. It is respectfully urged that administrators tasked with the mandate; champion a nationwide, multi-sectoral campaignaimedat:
Elevating mental health andsuicideliteracyacrossall regions, especially targeted atyouthandfamilies
Expanding funding and outreach for mental health services, including mobile and community-based programs
Strengthening and widely promoting the National Suicide Prevention Helpline 915 to ensure 24/7 crisissupport
Enacting and enforcing policies limiting access to common means of suicide suchaspesticides C o l l a b o
g transpa
ly with stakeholders to destigmatize mental illness through
engagement
Incorporating schools, staffed with adequately trained counselors, religious institutions, and community leaders to serve as active partnersinpreventionefforts
Given Guyana's small population, each young life lost to suicide represents a national tragedy with irreversible social and economicconsequences. By focusing attention and resources on this invisible epidemic now, we can lead Guyana in reclaiming hope, healing, and resilience among our youth.
Thenationlooksforward to bold, decisive leadership from those tasked with the mandatetobreakthesilence on mental health, dismantle stigma,andprioritizesuicide preventionasacriticalpillar of our holistic national development.
This urgent matter demandsactioninformedby data and compassion to protect our country's future generations. Our collective immediateconsiderationand public call to arms in this fight will be crucial for lasting and meaning-ful change.
Respectfully, HemduttKumar Concerned Citizen / SocialAdvocate
References: WHO Data, Psychological Autopsy Studies, National Mental Health Action Plan 20242030
The use of a firearm raises the question, was any dangerous threat or perceivedthreatobservedor present? Was due diligence on the licensee done before issuingthelicence?Wasany investigation conducted on the licensee to determine suitability, mental state and otherwise,beforethelicence was issued? Now a senseless, irrational act has lefttwofamiliesindistress.
drivers on the roadways, whoitisperceived,isnotfit for purpose and should not be driving or operating a vehicle, also needs addressing.
This matter of how this person came to be issued a gun licence demands a thorough investigation and answers. Similarly, the number of
The statement by the educator and MP select on the killing of the policeman by the businessman circulating on social media, is inflammatory, laced with innuendoes of a certain ilk and must be condemned. Theremarkscanonlyfuelan already highly charged situation.
Public officials are expected to be more measured in comments and remarks to diffuse rather thaninflameandinfluencea certain narrative. This can lead to undesirable consequences.
ShamshunMohamed
Respect Justice Roxane George!
Frompage4
President Irfaan Ali and Attorney General Anil Nandlall SC, to end their silence. Their muteness in the face of this crisis is a deafening endorsement of this lawlessness The "separationofpowers"isnot a shield for the executive to hide behind while it
manipulatesthejudiciary
Thisisnotanegotiation. It is a simple matter of adhering to judicial ethics. Theprotocolisclear
The path is clear Mr Singh must go back to his original position until M a d a m Yo n n e t t e Cummings-Edwards decides to retire. To do
otherwise is to confirm that inGuyana,theruleoflawis subordinatetotheruleofthe People's Progressive Party (PPP) The disrespect shown to the honourable Madam Roxane GeorgeWiltshire through this displacement is a shameful episodeforourjudiciary
VishnuPrashad
42 years after U.S. military invasion...
Frompage5 lives of the American medical students. After the Invasionitwasfoundthatthe studentswerenotindanger.
Third, they produced a lettersignedbythegovernor general of Grenada Paul Scoon, requestingAmerican intervention. It later turned out that the letter had been written in Washington and delivered to Scoon to sign aftertheInvasionbegan.
A senior British officer who had watched the Invasion from nearby Barbados, major Mark Adkin, wrote afterward that it was launched because of "the intense desire of the Presidentandhisadvisersto raise US prestige, particularly at home and in the armed forces, where morale and self-respect had fallen substantially since Vietnam".
A total of 8,612 medals were awarded to the participants Reagan showeredpraisesonthem.In a s p e e c h t o t h e Congressional Medal of HonorSocietyinNewYork, he said "Our military are back on their feet and are standingtall".
The casualties in the US militaryInvasionofGrenada amongst U S troops 19 killed, 116 wounded, 24 Cuban construction workers werekilledand59wounded.
Frompage3 granted by the police force and in the granting of these licences, I think it is important for us to consider mentalhealthevaluationsfor suchpersons,andevenifit’s done whenever they have to renew these licences and so on that there should be, a follow up in terms of checking one’s mental health.”
Primusopinedthatmany persons appear to be mentally stable but are battling psychological problems.
“It therefore means that enough is not being done to ensure that we fully
29 members of the
Grenadian army killed in action while civilian casualtiesnumbered24dead and337wounded.
40yearsaftercontinuous demand by the Grenadian people, October 19th has been declared a National Holiday and Point Salines Airport renamed Maurice Bishop InternationalAirport in remembrance of Maurice Bishop, his colleagues and t h e G r e n a d i a n REVOLUTION.
Bishop had a vision that embraced all Nations of the world. He was dedicated to Non-Alignment He did not believe in America's backyard politics He believed that Grenadians, andallpeopleshavetheright to self-determination, the right to pursue their own destiny Maurice Bishop was a man of the people, lovedbyhispeople.
Grenada is an island of 344km,withapopulationat that time, less than 100,000.
The Grenadian Revolution was an experience that brought Grenadians together, it revitalized their lives and pride that they are Grenadians.
I t a r o u s e d t h e revolutionary spirit of the people, whose ancestors foughttheFrenchcolonialist years before the Haitian Revolution.Itisalessonthat
understand that the persons who are granted a licence is capable of making logical decisionswhenevertheyfeel as though they are under pressureorthreatenedorany such thing, because there is need for impulsive decision making sometimes,” she said.
Former Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Slowe who has been vocal on a number of issues related to the management and operation of the police force said when a fatal shootingoccursbyalicensed firearm owner, the investigation should also include how that individual
anynationcanlearnfrom... Guyana, a non-aligned country at that time, did not participate in the invasion nordidTrinidad.Asamatter of fact, the late Guyanese President Linden Forbes BurnhamcondemnedtheUS display of aggression and those Caribbean countries that orchestrated the invasionofGrenada. Inconclusion,onthefirst Anniversary of the US military
on of Grenada, I submitted a sculpture made out of Mora wood, a hard wood of Guyana, for the Annual National Visual Arts Competition (NVAC) 1984. The sculpture titled Architects US military invasionofGrenadawonthe prestigious Judges Award. The sculpture was acquired by the Department of Culture for the National Collection. In 1995 it was selected from among a number of pieces in the National Collection to represent Guyana at the U n
H
n Washington.
This year I have done a painting in remembrance of theU.S.militaryinvasionof Grenada 42 years after OperationUrgentFury Yoursfaithfully Desmond Alli (Senior GuyaneseArtist)
acquiredhisorherlicence.
“I have commented repeatedly on the issue of firearms in Guyana, both legalandillegal.Itisevident thatmanypersonswhohave beenabletoacquirefirearms legallyareclearlyunfittobe entrusted with such a lethal instrument.
When there is a fatal shooting by a licensed firearm owner, the investigation should also include how that individual acquired the licence for the firearm.
The findings of such an investigation might be very revealing,”Slowesaidonhis Facebookpage.
Terrence Campbell now a
member of PNCR – Norton
Leader of the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR),AubreyNorton,has confirmed that businessman Dr Terrence Campbell, who was selected to lead the A Partnership for National Unity's (APNU) 12-member team in the National Assembly, is now a member ofthePNCR
Norton made the disclosure during a press conference on Friday, clarifying that 11 of the 12 APNU parliamentarians are PNCR members, with the exceptionofDr DavidHinds, who is a member of the Working People's Alliance (WPA)
However, Norton declined to say when Dr Campbell officially joined thePNCR
“WhydoIhavetosayto youwhendidhejoin,youcan engage Dr Campbell and he willtellyoubutIdon'tthinkit is my task to go out there to tellyouwhenhejoined that don't make sense to me,” he stated The13thParliamentof Guyana is expected to convene on Monday
November 3 APNU's performance at the 2025 General and Regional Electionsresultedintheparty securing only 12 seats in the National Assembly, while newcomer We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) secured 16, making it the opposition party with the most seats in the House Forward Movement Guyana (FMG) secured one seat, while the ruling People's Progressive Party/Civic(PPP/C)got36.
Responding to criticism that Dr Campbell, who is relatively new to the party waschosentoleadtheteam ahead of long-standing members, Norton laughed and said, “When you are making political decisions, you have to look at a numberofvariablesandthe persons who are in the parliamentary group are comfortable with the leadershipofMr Campbell andwebelieveatthisstage thatasabusinessman,heis one of the best persons to choose at this point in time hehasshowncommitmentto thecauseovertheperiodthat
Dr. Terrence
hehasbeenthere…”
He further noted that while some believe Dr Campbell only recently joinedtheparty,thatisnotthe case Norton explained that Dr Campbell has been in discussions with the PNCR forovertwoyears Campbell will lead returning MPs Juretha Fernandes, Coretta McDonald, A A , Ganesh Mahipaul, Nima Flue-Bess, Sherod Duncan, and VinceroyJordan
The other MPs are Dr David Hinds, Riaz Zakeer Rupnarain, Linden Mayor
Chairman Sharma Raheem Solomon,attorneyandpeace ambassadorDr DexterTodd, and gospel artiste and entrepreneurSaikuAndrews According to Norton, APNU's12-memberteamisa balanced combination of six newcomers and six experienced MPs “I'm well awarethatyoucannotsatisfy people,” he added He also addressedquestionsaboutthe exclusion of former
OppositionChiefWhipChris JonesandSherwayneHolder, explaining that the decisions made were as rational as
possible.
Notably, Dr Campbell is not entirely new to the politicalscene
In an interview with this publication a few months ago, he clarified that he had neverbeenaffiliatedwithany political party and had not shiftedallegiancefromoneto another Althoughpreviously suspected of being linked to the Alliance For Change (AFC) during coalition negotiations with APNU, Campbell appeared on the APNU'slist.
Campbell stressed that while he has maintained
friendships across political lines, including with President Irfaan Ali and membersoftheAFC,hewas neverofficiallyaffiliatedwith anypoliticalparty
“I want to clear the air
Over the years, I've heard peoplesayI'vebeenPPP,I've been AFC maybe because I'vebeenfriendswithpeople in those groups I was told that the Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo said that I jump ship I can't jump from whereIneverwas,I'venever been a member of any political party,” he had explained
$52 million new Regional Housing Office commissioned in Region 5
TheMinistryofHousing on Friday commissioned a new Regional Housing Office at Catherina's Lust, RegionFive.Thenewoffice is located in the same compound with the Guyana WaterIncorporated(GWI).
The modern facility which was built at a cost of $52 million is designed to enhanceservicedeliveryand better meet the housing needs of residents The operations of the new office have since moved from the Regional Democratic Council(RDC)office.
Minister of Housing, Collin Croal said that with his ministry's increasing mandate, it was important that the services are offered in a larger and more equipped facility This he said, coupled with adequate humanresources,willensure the ministry's mandate is achieved.
He disclosed that the backlog of housing applications in Region Five
employedatthenewoffice.
Housing in itself, we are growing in every region in termsofthecapacityandthe work that is required ahead.
Here in Region 5, for example, we still have a number of p
ing applicants.So,we'retakinga decision to be able to strengthen the offices at the regionallevel,”Croalsaidon Friday
He disclosed that his ministry is seeking private lands to address the current demand. Meanwhile, Regional Chairman, Recardo Phillips lauded the investment, emphasizing that it aligns with the government's national development agenda, where housing remainsatoppriority
Campbell
The new $52 million Regional Housing Office which is located at Catherina's Lust in Region Five.
Minister of Housing, Collin Croal joined Regional Officials and staff in commissioning the new Regional Housing Office on Friday.
The gas that got away
There are few things as elusiveascontrol,especially whenitcomestooilandgas. Once you sign it away, it tends to stay gone, as stubbornly as a ship that’s already slipped its moorings andsailedouttosea.
Guyana, in its youthful excitement at having struck oil, once inked a deal with ExxonMobil that was supposed to herald a new dawn of prosperity Instead, what it really did was hand overthekeystothekingdom and, apparently, the gas fieldsaswell.
The Production Sharing Agreement(PSA),signedby t h e A P N U + A F C government,waskeptsecret foralongtime.Butfromthe moment it was made public, the critics whispered—then screamed—that it was, in fact, an instrument of surrender
It gave Exxon and its partners more control than any sensible nation would part with, particularly over thenaturalgasthatlayinthe same reservoirs as the oil. ThePSAwassupposedtobe a sharing agreement. It turned out to be more of a givingagreement.
When in Opposition, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPPC) promised to fix this Renegotiation was the word of the day, word meant to comfort those who knew they’d been shortchanged. The PPPC declared that the old deal was lopsided and wasasellout.Andso,itsaid, when it got back into office, it would make it right. And some persons actually believedthat!
Thatwasthen.
N o w, t h e s a m e governmentthatpromisedto
wrest control back from ExxonMobil is declaring, somewhat indignantly, that the oil majors should not be the ones to decide when and how Guyana’s natural gas is developed.
Itisafinesentiment,rich inrhetoricalbravado.Butas every fisherman knows, there is little point shouting at a fish after it’s slipped off thehook.
By failing to renegotiate the contract, the PPPC has left effective control right where it was. It has left it in ExxonMobil’s capable, profit-driven hands The government may issue requests for proposals, expressions of interest, or even impassioned press statements,butnoneofthese things can compel the oil companies to act. The PSA, in its present form, gives ExxonMobil the right to determine the pace, timing, a n d s c o p e o f g a s development. Guyana, the nominal owner of the resource, must wait politely inlineforitsowninvitation. It is a peculiar form of sovereignty. One in which the government can hold conferences, call tenders, and make stirring speeches about national destiny, but cannot make a single cubic footofgasmovewithoutthe company’snod.Theironyis almostelegant.
If ExxonMobil decides that the development of naturalgasisnotapriority,if it prefers to focus on oil, which,afterall,iswherethe money flows most freely, thenGuyanamustwait.And wait. And wait some more. The government may fume; the General Secretary may huffandpuffbutthegaswill stayrightwhereitisbeneath
Dem Boys Seh...
theoceanfloor
In its zeal to win power, thePPPChaddrawnamoral line between itself and its predecessor The old governmenthadsignedabad deal; the new one would fix it. That was the story But politics, like petroleum, is full of viscosity Promises, once made, tend to congeal intoexcuses.ThePPPCnow finds itself in the curious position of complaining abouttheverystateofaffairs itoncevowedtochange.
Thequestion,then,isnot whether ExxonMobil is actinginitsowninterest.Of courseitis.
Corporations are not charities;theyareorganisms builtforthepursuitofprofit. The question is why the government,havinghadfive fullyearstoalterthetermsof engagement,failedtodoso.
The PPPC’s failure to renegotiate the PSAwas not apassiveomission;itwasan activechoice.
Renegotiation might have been messy But it would have also rebalanced the relationship, restored some measure of control, andgiventheStateagenuine voice in the destiny of its ownresources.
Instead, Guyana finds itselfgovernedbyaparadox: a sovereign state that must askpermissiontouseitsown gas.
And so, the government canissueasmanyinvitations as it likes—open tenders, public appeals, requests for participation but ExxonMobil will answer only when it suits ExxonMobil to do so. Until then, the gas will remain untapped.
The PPPC’s current indignation is convenient,
Wake up early!
Dem boys seh early bird does catch de worm, but in Guyana, it look like we still waitingfuhdewormtowakeup.
Whenyuhwakeupearly,yuhgetahead start.Yuhbeatdetraffic.Yuhmissdenoise. De world still quiet, like it ain’t realize it’s supposed to start spinning yet. Dem who sleep late miss out. All dem opportunities gonebeforedemeyeevenopen.
Demboyssehwakingupearlydoesgive yuh a different kinda energy Is like de sun chargeyuhbattery Debreezecool,debirds singing,anddemindfresh.Butsomepeople like dem phone—always on snooze mode. Demgetuplate,andthencomplaindewhole day too short.Yuh know why? Becauseyuh spendhalfdedaydreaming.
But early risers know better Dem done know dat yuh get more done in de first two hoursofmorningthanyuhdoesallday Yuh
but the facts are not on its side The control it complains of was not taken byExxon;itwasgiven.And once given, it is hard to take back.
The General Secretary can therefore blow as hot as he likes; the gas, alas, will notfollow
(The views expressed in this article are those of the
necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
mind clear Yuh thoughts sharp. Dem who wake up at 10, de mind still blurry Dem walkingaroundlikezombies.
Dem boys seh de best deals get sign beforelunch.Debiggestdecisionsgetmade when de sun just come up. And de people who own big companies and making big money? Dem already up before de rooster even start making noise. De ones who sleep inlate?Demstillworkingfuhdemwhowake upearly
But here in Guyana, plenty people think morning start at 9. By de time dem reach to work,demanwhowakeupearlyalreadyget decontract.Yuhlate.Yuhmissout.
So wake up early, bai. Or stay sleeping andletsomebodyelsecatchyuhworm.Dem boys seh, it ain’t too hard. Just set yuh alarm—justdon’tsetitfuh10o’clock! Talkhalf.Leffhalf
H@RD TRUTHS
Guyana as playground, aka devil's playground
Guyana as playground for investors has just been beamed across the planet. An investor playground is sure to have an appealing ring to many Guyanese. I, however, beg to differ ever so slightly. Playground invokes many images, rangingfromcompetitionto afairfieldofplay,tohowthe field often gets dug up and scarred, to how the lifestyle oftherichandfamoustaunts and haunts those who host them In real life a p l a y g r o u n d h a s groundskeepers, people to cleanupthemessleftbehind after those who came to sample the home team's delights have had their fun and frolic. Think of any Guyanese post-holiday garbage.
The man from Saipem Guyana Inc., Senor Diego Vicke meant well, and was
on the right track when he launched his commercial about Guyana being a playground His words inspires romance. “Go a little bit further than Georgetown, 15, 20 minutes, going to the other side, to the east bank. Go and take a look at the roads, bigroads,nicetrafficlights. So, the government is reinvesting in all the infrastructure needed for you guys to come and make thisyourplayground.”
Playground may be a distinguishing feature (“come and make this your playground”) that Senor Vicke may wish to walk back Bless his true capitalist heart. I leave out rapacious, and focus on playground Guyana as playground is Guyana as a sitting duck, open to any kindofruthlessexploitation.
Thepreferredtermwouldbe investment. Comeandgrab apieceoftherichaction. It's all on the table, and come and be ready for the freest road to enhancing and enrich
Because I promised not to c
P P P G
December,unlessjusthasto be dealt with head-on (gold smuggling deflections for distractions via deceptions), there is no revisiting what Pres.Ali himself had touted on each occasion that was available. Recallsomething totheeffectof'Guyanaisthe place to be'. I am thankful that ExcellencyAli was less irrationally exuberant than Senor Vicke and avoided speaking in the language of the crew of international jetsetters. Forwherethereis a playground, there are sure to be playboys, playgirls.
More often than not, they have a depravedly indifferent streak in their makeup. Except in the context of Guyana's oil and gassector,andthedelectable opportunities overflowing fromit,playboyandjetsetter are not the terms employed but innovators and explorers.
Guyanese have grown red in the face from hearing abouttheirviscoustreasures under the sea. They have alsogrowngreenaroundthe liver from the gnawing hunger pains in their belly, despite being the owners of those luscious, viscous marine treasures. There is goldinthestreetsofGuyana.
C o m e a n d g r a b a wheelbarrow Orashipping container Aye, a playground for foreigners; but a devil's playground for short-of-food,short-of-cash,
and short-of-hope
Guyanese Naturally, it would be burdening Senor DiegoVickeofSaipem,Inc., togettoohotunderthecollar about such Guyanese tragedies. As he himself said, a playground Guyana is,andtheonlyobjectiveitto score big. Let the clear be said right here: I reserve a special place for investors. ButIworshipbeforeabigger altar when Guyanese are entangled in the swirl of developments that leave worsethantheywerebefore.
manspokesolushly Relief isinsightwithcitydrainage targeted, and other improvementspromised.
Saipem's Supply Chain skipper had on his navigational lights. 'Go 15, 20 minutes out of Georgetown' and another world smiles Yessir!
Modern roads; stagnant, overflow
ng drains nonexistent; piles of rotting garbage the capital city's reality; while sewage stays underground. To put more sweetly,outsideofGT,there is modernization, sophistication, and vision. Whereas, inside of GT, there's filth and squalor of a country on top of the world, sotheexcrementfromabove falls on those below Georgetown is the dumping ground; but 15, 20 minutes away from it, there's the playground of which the
Finally, a little reminder of those “big roads, nice traffic lights” of which Senor Vicke spoke so prettily, better than many Guyanese. Guess who is footing the bill for them (locals)? Guess who is b r u k k i n g d e m u p (investors)? Guess who is borrowing more to rebuild broken ones, and build new ones (the natives)? It is the price of progress. Nothing put in, nothing coming out. Myproblemishowisitthat all this lavishness can be celebrated so riotously by the beneficiaries of Guyanese economic hospitality, while Guyanese themselves, and by the millions, are so down in the gutter Timesaresobad,that the Cash Grant watch is on. Thanks to Senor Vicke a little light pierced the darkness.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Five arrested after cocaine found in South Ruimveldt house
The cocaine seized by CANU
Five persons were on Wednesday arrested after officersoftheCustomsAntinarcotics Unity (CANU) found several parcels of cocaine at a residence located in Home Place, South Ruimveldt Park, Georgetown.
According to CANU, ranks acting on information conducted an operation at the Sou
ey discoveredtheparcelswitha “whitish powdery substance suspectedtobecocaine.”
“Five (5) suspects were arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters, along with the suspected narcotic, which tested positive for cocaine and weighed a total of5.970kilograms,”CANU said Investigations are ongoing.
FGM concerned over Reg. 10’s REO’s failure to reconvene RDC elections
Forward Movement
Guyana (FGM) has expressed concerns over the failure of Region 10’s Regional Executive Officer (REO) Dwight John to reconvenethemeetingofthe Regional Democratic Council (RDC) some 14 days after the meeting was adjourned. R
elections for Regional ChairmanheldsinceOctober 10, ended in a tie with nine votes each for theWe Invest in Nationhood (WIN) nominee, Mark Goring, and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) nominee Dominique Blair REO John had suspended the proceedingsandreferredthe matter to the Minister of
Cocaine, weed found aboard vessel at Port Kaituma
…five arrested
Five persons were arrested on Friday after ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) discovered 22.2 pounds of cannabisand1.25poundsofcocaineconcealedinavesselat PortKaituma,RegionOne.
The discovery was made during an intelligence-led operationatthePortKaitumaWaterfront,Region#1during whichavesselwassearchedforillegalsubstances.
Thenarcoticswereweighed,sealedandlodgedatthePort KaitumaPoliceStationinthepresenceofthesuspects,police said.
Investigationsareongoing.
The seized narcotics.
Local Government, Priya Manickchand.
WIN on October 12, issued a 48-hour ultimatum, through attorney Siand Dhurjon demanding that the REO reconvenes the RDC and completes the election process or face legal action. The party contends that the law provides for second and thirdroundofvotingtobreak a tie, leaving no discretion for the Clerk to suspend the proceedings.
However, John has not acted or called for the
meeting to reconvene. In a statement on Friday, FGM said, “The people of Region 10 cannot wait any longer Officialsmustreconvenethe meeting immediately and carry out their duties faithfully, putting aside all delay and obstruction, and servingthepeopleofRegion 10 as the law and their mandaterequire.”
The party noted that this failure is not only unacceptable but also contrarytolaw FGMcited
Continued on page 16
Region 10’s Regional
Executive Officer (REO), Dwight John Leader of FGM, Amanza Walton-Desir
Shiri farmer arrested for threatening councillors, gun, ammo possession
A 54-year-old farmer of Shiri Village, South Central Rupununi, Region Nine was arrestedonFridayforallegedlythreateningto shoot several village councillors over a domesticissueaswellaspossessionofagun andammunition.
The accused has been identified as Tony Joseph.
Policeinastatementsaidthatranksacting on reports from the councillors, visited Shiri Village, where Joseph and his 33-year-old girlfriend, were found at his cousin’shome.
“During a search of the premises, the ranks found an unloaded single-barrel shotgun withoutaserialnumber
The suspect was subsequently escortedtohishome,locatedashort distance away, where a further searchwasconducted.There,ranks found a plastic bag containing five livecartridges,fivespentshells,and two plastic tubes containing gunpowder,”policesaid.
Josephwasarrestedandtakento the Lethem Police Station along with the seized firearm, ammunition,andgunpowder,which were photographed, marked, and lodged as exhibits.
The gun and ammunition found by police
“Duringaninterviewwithdetectives,the suspectclaimedthattheshotgunbelongedto his cousin, but claimed that the cartridges
werehis.Hefurtherstatedthathepurchased thecartridgesfromBrazilandwouldusually sellthemtootherfarmers,”policesaidwhile noting that efforts are being made to locate theJoseph’scousin. Investigationsareongoing.
Officials of the Ministry of Public Works testing the new weigh-in-motion scales along High Street, Georgetown on Thursday.
Weigh-in-motiontruckscales tested as Govt. moves to enforce newroadregulations-Edghill
The Ministry of
Public Works has started testing its weigh-in-motion truck scales as the government pushes forward with enforcing new road regulationsaimedatcurbing overloadedtruckstraversing thecountry’sroadways.
Subject minister Juan
Edghill on Thursday overlookedthetestingscales which would be used to monitor the weight of the trucks, which was done on HighStreet,Georgetown.
Earlier this month, Kaieteur News reported that Cabinetgaveitsapprovalfor new regulations to be implemented with the standard weight per truck is 15tonnesperaxel.
“So yes, government, through the Ministry of Public Works has started enforcement regulations of 15tonnesperaxleanduseof weigh-in-motion scales to
determine the weight of trucks and to ensure we safeguardourhighways,our roads and our bridges,” the minister said at a press conference.
Stressing the importance of this new approach, Edghill said, “We cannot, as a country, continue to build infrastructure, roads and bridges, and shortly after, havethemdamagedbecause oftheindiscriminateuseand carrying of excessive loads by trucks and articulated vehicles.”
On Thursday, the ministry’s team began testing the scales and this is expectedtocontinueoverthe next 48 hours at various locations including the East CoastofDemerara,alongthe Linden/ Soesdyke Highway, theHeroesHighwayandthe Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara RiverBridge.
“I like to inform the nationthatmobileteamswill
be dispatched at our various roadways. Inthenextcouple ofdays,everytrucker,every transportation provider whetheritissand,aggregate, cement,steelwhateveristhe merchandise or materials that you are using, we’ll be testing and enforcing on the weightlimit,”heinformed.
Once the 48-hour trial is c o m p l e t e d , s t r i c t enforcement will begin on the roadways across the country
Minister Edghill said once a truck driver is found overload, the truck will be parkedandtheexcessweight will be removed. The truck driver may also be prosecuted.
“If persons believe that this is a joke, we will clamp the trucks, we will impound the trucks, and we will use every available mechanism undertheregulationsandthe laws to enforce it,” he declared.
Tony Joseph
Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards on early retirement
…Justices Roxane George, Navindra Singh to act as Chancellor, Chief Justice
A
mid reports of confusion in the judiciary following the return of Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards CCH, OR, from annual leave, President Irfaan Ali on Friday announced that she will be proceeding on early retirement and that Justices Roxane George-Wiltshire and Navindra Singh will continue to perform the duties of Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary and Acting ChiefJustice,respectively
During a live broadcast, President Ali said that Justice Cummings-Edwards has requested to proceed on pre-retirement leave beginning Monday, October 27, 2025 “I take this opportunitytothankMadam Justice Cummings-Edwards for her long service to the judiciary and the people of Guyana I express my personalappreciationforher many years of public service,”PresidentAlisaid.
The president also disclosed via a Facebook postthatheadministeredthe oath of office to Justice Singh as a member of the J u d i c i a l S e r v i c e
Commission (JSC) at State House. Justice Singh will serve a three-year term on the Commission, which was reconstituted in July 2023 afterasix-yearhiatus.
On Friday afternoon, News Source Guyana reportedthatpresidentIrfaan Ali has written to outgoing Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton seeking his consensusonthesubstantive appointment of Justice George as Chancellor and Justice Singh as Chief Justice.
“Mr Nortonreceivedthe letter from the Government
this afternoon,” the news agencysaid.However,when Kaieteur News contacted Norton, he said he is traveling to Kwakwani and he would check when he receivesinternetconnection. Itisimportanttonotethat in2022Nortonhadinformed President Ali that he agreed totheconfirmationofJustice Cummings-Edwards and JusticeGeorgeasChancellor and Chief Justice, respectively
Kaieteur News reported thenthatNortonthroughthe People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) member
and attorney-at-law, Roysdale Forde, presented a letter to Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, informingthegovernmentof the Opposition’s support for the appointment of the Chancellor and Chief Justice.
IntheletterdatedJune7, 2022,FordetoldtheMinister that: “This serves to inform you that the Leader of the Opposition Mr Aubrey C. Norton is in agreement that Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards be appointed Chancellor of the Judiciary and Justice Roxane GeorgeWiltshirebeappointedChief Justice in keeping with Article 127 (1) of the Constitution which states that‘TheChancellorandthe Chief Justice shall each be appointed by the President, acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of theOpposition’.”
To this end, Norton told members of the media that since the Opposition Leader has already fulfilled his constitutional responsibility, thePresidentisnowcharged w i t h m a k i n g t h e appointment.
However, no action was takenbythepresident.
Notwithstanding, Kaieteur News reported in Friday’s publication that when Justice CummingsEdwardsresumeddutiesand returned to her chambers, Justice George-Wiltshire had reportedly been unable to access her office, which was occupied by Justice of AppealNavindraSingh,who substitutedforherwhileshe performed the functions of ActingChancellor
Request to proceed on early retirement, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards
Earlier on Friday, before t h e p r e s i d e n t ’ s announcement, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton had addressed the matter at a press conference Norton said he expected Justice Cummings-Edwards to resume her duties as Acting Chancellor based on the president’s earlier correspondence Quoting fromPresidentAli’sJuly10, 2025 letter, Norton noted that the president had granted Justice CummingsEdwardsthreemonths’leave until October 15, 2025, and appointed Justice GeorgeWiltshire to act as Chancellor during that period.
“Consequently, it follows that on the resumption of duty by Justice Cummings, she will betheactingChancellorand that Justice George will revert to being the acting Chief Justice. This is the APNU understanding of the present situation,” Norton said.
However, by Friday evening, President Ali announced that Justice Cummings-Edwards had opted for pre-retirement leave, clearing the way for Justice George-Wiltshire andJusticeSinghtocontinue intheiractingroles.
Justices GeorgeWiltshire and Singh were sworninbyPresidentAlion August 4th, when Justice Cummings-Edwards commenced her vacation leave. Justice George was appointed acting chancellor, while Justice Singh was elevated to act as chief justice.
Despite this move, the top two spots in Guyana’s judiciary have substantively remained vacant, due to the requirement in the constitution that both the leader of the opposition and the president must agree on the persons before they can beappointed.Althoughthere havebeennumerouscallsby a number of political parties and organisations to substantively appoint the acting persons to the posts, the spots have remained substantivelyvacantforover 20 years, with attempts to breakthe‘deadlock’goingto noavail.
In May of this year, PresidentAlisaidthathewas still examining the issue of appointing the substantive holders to the office of chancellorandchiefjustice.
During the acting appointments in August, PresidentAli had stated that the decisions were made in the interest of maintaining continuity and ensuring the efficient functioning of the judiciary in the offices of chancellor and chief justice. The president also said the temporary filling of the chancellor’s post in the absence of Justice Cummings-Edwards, “reflectstheadministration’s commitment to justice, fairness and the rule of law, which are essential to the country’s democratic framework.”
President Irfaan Ali
Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh
Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Roxane George-Wiltshire
NIStobuild$134MpensionbuildingatBrickdam
The National Insurance Scheme(NIS)ispreparingto spend approximately
$134,836,735 for the construction of a Pension Building on Brickdam, Georgetown. At the recent opening of tenders, it was revealed that only Construct It bid for the project for a cost of $226 million
Below are the companies and their bids:
NationalInsuranceScheme(NIS) ConstructionofPensionBuildingBrickdam.
Bidder AmountTendered
ConstructITInc.
Engineer’sEstimate
$226,167,040
$134,836,735
MinistryofHumanServicesandSocialSecurity SupplyanddeliveryofAssistiveAids.
Bidder AmountTendered
MeditronInc
NationwideImports
SupremeDistributors
Jalex
WeCarePharmacy&Pet Shop
SouthwindHealthand Defence
$9,100,050
$4,257,406
$12,044,000
$12,120,000
$17,183,000
$2,929,860
Supplyandinstallationofonenew125KVAdiesel generatorwithautomaticchangeoverswitch-Anna ReginaMagistrate'sCourtandLivingQuarters.
Bidder
AkamaiInc
FarmSuppliesLtd
GeneralEquipmentGuyanaLtd
AllianceInvestments
ASPGlobal
StandbyPowerEngineeringCompany (SPECOM)
MachineryCorporationofGuyanaLtd
JumboJetAutoSales
NewLevelEngineeringandSupplies
AmountTendered
$13,630,185
$12,957,295
$17,426,858
$12,732,392
$31,684,090
$13,548,513
$12,734,044
$10,750,000
$33,336,600
Supplyanddeliveryofonenew4WD/AWDFireTruck. Bidder
MinistryofHealth Preventativemaintenance serviceforlaboratoryequipment.
Bidder Amount Tendered
Caribbean Medical Supplies Inc
Western Scientific Company Limited
$13,774,736
US$85,400
Supplyanddeliveryofofficefurniture.
Bidder AmountTendered
StarcommOfficeFurniture(Guyana)
KOJAC
$1,771,149
$1,999,400
SupremeCourtofJudicature
Supplyandinstallationofonenew80 KVAdieselgeneratorwithautomatic changeoverswitch-CharityMagistrate'sCourt.
Bidder AmountTendered
StandbyPowerEngineeringCompany (SPECOM)
SupremeDistributors
$10,835,304
$14,50 0,167 AllianceInvestments
AkamaiInc
A&PLogistics&TransportationService
JumboJetAutoSales
LionHeartContractingandSupplies
NewLevelEngineeringandSupplies
ASPGlobal
MachineryCorporationofGuyanaLtd
GeneralEquipmentGuyanaLtd
FHComputerandGeneralMechanic
FarmSuppliesLtd
$11,837,265
$9,712,298
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ColombianPlaywrightMarilynBiscaino MillerBrings
RaizalTheatretoGuyana
- as Embassy of Colombia launches “Sounds and Stages of Origin” cultural exchange initiative
Colombia is proud to
Colombian playwright and actress Marilyn Biscaino Miller to Guyana as part of its cultural initiative, “Sounds and Stages of Origin: Weaving Cultural Networks between ColombiaandGuyana.”
In a press release the embassy said Miller's visit aims to strengthen artistic collaboration between the two countries through theatreandstorytelling.The Embassy is partnering with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the University of Guyana to
facilitate her engagements
professionalsandstudents. Arriving in Guyana on Sunday, October 26, Miller wi
wo major workshops during her visit. On Monday, she will lead a two-hour intensive session for theatre professionals at the World Trade Centre's Conference Room The following day, Tuesday, she will conduct a “Collective Creation of Theatrical Workshop” at the Theatre Guild, focusing on the d e v e l o p m e n t a n d performance of original monologues.Hervisitwill (Continuedonpage17)
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Maduro says US ‘fabricating war’ as it deploys world’s largest warship
BBC - Venezuela’sPresident Nicolás Maduro has accused the US of “fabricating awar”,afteritsenttheworld’s largest warship towards the Caribbean in a major escalationofitsmilitarybuild-upin the region.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the USS GeraldRFordaircraftcarrier, which can carry up to 90 aircraft,tomovefromtheMediterranean on Friday
“They are fabricating a neweternalwar,”Madurotold state media. “They promised they would never again get involved in a war, and they arefabricatingawar.”
The US has been increasingitsmilitarypresenceinthe Caribbean,sendingwarships, anuclearsubmarineandF-35 aircraft in what it says is a campaign to target drug traffickers.
It has also carried out ten airstrikes on boats it says belong to traffickers, including one on Friday when Hegseth said “six male narco-terrorists” had been killed.
Thatoperationtookplace in the Caribbean Sea, against a ship Hegseth said belonged to the Tren de Aragua criminal organisation. The strikes have drawn
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condemnation in the region and experts have questioned theirlegality.
The Trump administration says it is conducting a warondrugtrafficking,butit has also been accused by both experts and members of Congress of launching an intimidationcampaigninaneffort to destabilise Maduro’s government.
Maduro is a longtime foe of Trump, and the US president has accused him of being the leader of a drug-traffickingorganisationwhichhe denies.
“This is about regime change.They’reprobablynot going to invade, the hope is this is about signalling,” Dr ChristopherSabatini,asenior fellowforLatinAmericaatthe Chatham House think tank, toldtheBBC.
He argued the military build-upisintendedto“strike fear”intheheartsoftheVenezuelan military and Maduro’s inner circle so that they move against him.
In its Friday announcement, the Pentagon said the USS Gerald R Ford carrier would deploy to the US Southern Command area of responsibility,whichincludes
Central America and South AmericaaswellastheCaribbean.
The additional forces “will enhance and augment existingcapabilitiestodisrupt narcotics trafficking and degrade and dismantle TCOs”, or transnational criminal organisations, spokesman SeanParnellsaid.
The carrier’s deployment would provide the resources to start conducting strikes againsttargetsontheground. Trump has repeatedly raised the possibility of what he called “land action” in Venezuela.
“Wearecertainlylooking at land now, because we’ve got the sea very well under control,” he said earlier this week.
It comes as CNN reports Trump is considering targetingcocainefacilitiesanddrug traffickingroutesinsideVenezuela, but is yet to make a finaldecision.
The aircraft carrier last publicly transmitted its location three days ago off the coast of Croatia, in the AdriaticSea.
Its deployment marks a significant escalation in the USmilitarybuildupinthere-
gion. It is also likely to increase tensions withVenezuela,whosegovernmentWashington has long accused of harbouringdrugtraffickers.
Thecarrier’slargeaircraft load can include jets and planes for transport and reconnaissance. Its first longtermdeploymentwasin2023.
Itisunclearwhichvessels will accompany it when it movestotheregion,butitcan operate as part of a strike group that includes destroyers carrying missiles and other equipment.
The US has carried out a series of strikes on boats in recent weeks, in what President Donald Trump has described as an effort to curtail drugtrafficking.
The US said it had destroyed a drug trafficking boatearlieronFriday
The strike announced on Friday was the tenth the Trumpadministrationhascarried out against alleged drug traffickerssinceearlySeptember.Mosthavetakenplaceoff ofSouthAmerica,intheCaribbean, but on 21 and 22 October it carried out strikes in thePacificOcean.
MembersofUSCongress, both Democrats and Repub-
licans, have raised concerns about the legality of the strikes and the president’s authority to order them.
On 10 September, 25 Democratic US senators wrotetotheWhiteHouseand alleged the administration had struck a vessel days earlier“withoutevidencethatthe individuals on the vessel and the vessel’s cargo posed a threat to the United States”.
SenatorRandPaulofKentucky, a Republican, has arguedthatsuchstrikesrequire congressional approval.
Trump said he has the legal authority to order the strikes, and has designated Tren de Aragua a terrorist organisation.
“We’reallowedtodothat, and if we do [it] by land, we may go back to Congress,” Trump told White House reporters on Wednesday.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that “if people want to stop seeing drug boats blow up, stop sending drugs to the United States”.
The six deaths in the operation Hegseth announced on Friday brings the total peoplekilledintheUSstrikes to at least 43.
FGM concerned over Region 10’s REO’s failure to...
From page 11
Section 20(6)(a)–(g) of the LocalDemocraticOrgansAct (Cap. 28:09), as amended by the Local Authorities (Elec-
Contact:265-3095/696-1994.
tions)(Amendment)Act2018, where there is a statutory mandate governing how the electionoftheRDCChairman must proceed.
“The law explicitly removesanyrolefortheMinister of Local Government and setsoutaclear, step-by-step process including addi-
tional rounds of voting, numerical computation of councillor seat values, and, if all else fails, a public drawing by lot. The law is unambiguous: ministerial interference is neither required nor permitted. Yet here we are: a public official ignoring this law, and a government that claimsto respect rules and process, while blatantly subverting both,” the party said.
FGM questioned the government’s silence on the matter and underscored that the people of Region 10 are left without lawful representation and the protection of thelaw
The party contended that the REO’s failure to reconvene the RDC meeting is a stark reminder that democracy must be actively safeguarded.
“Guyanese must understand that we cannot outsource the struggle for a just and equitable Guyana, this fight is ours and ours alone. We cannot wait for others to defend our rights; they too are busy trying to preserve theirs! And most importantly, we cannot assumethatbecauseapartywe support is in power, greed, lawlessness, and impunity will respect party lines, colours, or convenience. They never have and they never will,” it was further stated.
U.S. warship to dock in Trinidad on Sunday
Trinidad Express - A United States warship—the USS Gravely (DDG107)—will dock in Port of SpainonSunday
The guided missile destroyer will be accompanied by the 22nd US Marine Expeditionary Unit, which has more than 2,000Marines.
Prime Minister Kamla
Persad-Bissessar, in response to questions from the Express last night, warned mischief-makers fromcreatinghysteriaasshe notedtheUSNavypresence in Trinidad is to conduct training exercises with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) and upgrade facilities and technologies.
The Prime Minister warned those seeking to politicise this matter and create panic in the country, especially the Opposition People's National Movement(PNM).
Shesaid:“ThePNMand their minions have been trying to create panic and hysteria through lies, with thehopeofcreatingchaos.If ever there is cause for concern, I will let the population know However, my Government and I will not waste time every day to respond to the PNM's fake hysteria.”
Asked how she would respond to the perception that a US military presence onT&T'sshoresispartofthe United States' show of force againstVenezuela,thePrime
Minister said: “There will always be mischief-makers who will try to create hysteria. The US Navy are here to assist with training and upgrading some of our facilitiesandtechnologies.
“This will help us in the fightagainstdrugtrafficking andviolentcrime.Theywill also demonstrate some new capabilities to protect our borders.”
ShesaidtheTrinidadand Tobago Regiment works with the Police Service, so any updated technological andoperationaltrainingwill be of benefit in the fight againstviolentcrimelocally
Persad-Bissessar said she was grateful for the United States' assistance to T&Tinitscrimefight.
She said: “I am thankful forthesupport.Over10,000 citizenshavebeenmurdered inthelast20years.Weneed thehelp.”
In a release earlier last evening, the Ministry of ForeignandCaricomAffairs saidtheUSSGravely(DDG107) will visit T&T from October26to30,mooringin PortofSpain,whilethe22nd U.S. Marine Expeditionary Unit will conduct joint training with the TTDF duringthesameperiod.
“The US military services' presence in Trinidad and Tobago highlights the US commitment to regional security and co-operative efforts in the Caribbean,” saidtheministry It continued, “The visit
strengthensUS-Trinidadand Tobago military-to-military co-operation through expert exchanges focused on core infantrytactics,maintenance procedures, and advanced medical capabilities, leveraging the TTDF's facilities to enhance tactical proficiency and enhance mutualtrust.”
The ministry said that these efforts strengthen interoperability, reinforce long-term defence cooperation, and improve operationalreadinessamong partnerforces.
ThePortofPortofSpain (PPOS) late yesterday advised users of the facility that several berths will be unavailable for container operations from October 26 to 30, 2025, as the port had
en route: The guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) is scheduled to visit Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday where it will dock at the Port of Port of Spain.
been requested to berth a UnitedStatesnavalvessel.
A memo from the port advised that container operationsonBerths6E,6W and Beth 7 will not be allowedduringtheperiod.
“Youarekindlyaskedto review you berth plans and vessel operations for this period and make alternative arrangements The PPOS will keep you informed if there are adjustments to this planning.”
Equippedwith variousweapons
TheUSSGravely(DDG107) is an Arleigh Burkeclass guided- missile destroyer in the United States Navy, commissioned in2010.
It is named after ViceAdmiral Samuel L Gravely,
Jr,thefirstAfricanAmerican tocommandawarshipandto achieveflagrank.
It is equipped with various weapons, including standardmissile(SM-2MR), Vertical Launch ASROC (VLA),Tomahawkmissiles, andafive-inchMK45gun.
It can carry and operate two LAMPS MK III MH60R/Shelicopters.
The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU) is one of seven such units currently in existence in the United States Marine Corps.
ItisaMarineAirGround TaskForcewithastrengthof about2,200personnel.
TheUSSGravely(DDG107) and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit are part of the US military battalion
Frompage15
thathasbeendeployedtothe Caribbean region on US President Donald Trump's mission to frontally deal withnarco-trafficking.
The US fleet comprises destroyer ships packed with missiles to ships carrying Marinesandaircraft.
Some of the other U.S. shipsintheregioninclude:
the USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer
USSIwoJima(LHD-7), an Ingalls-built Wasp-class amphibious assault vessel and helicopter landing deck thatservesastheflagshipof the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, was also operating in the region as of October14
USSSanAntonio(LPD17)
t h e I w o J i m a Amphibious Ready Group, the USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28) is an Ingalls-built San Antonio- class amphibious transport dock ship with capabilities in aiding troop landing operations,amongothers theUSSMinneapolis-St Paul, a Freedom-class littoralcombatship
USSLakeErie(CG-70), a Ticonderoga-class guided missilecruiser
USS Sampson (DDG102) the Arleigh Burke-class (Flight IIA) guided missile destroyer
USS Stockdale (DDG106),anArleighBurke-class guidedmissiledestroyer
Iwokrama Forest recognised by FAO for sustainable forest management Colombian Playwright...
T h e I w o k r a m a InternationalCentreforRain Forest Conservation and Development ( )Iwokrama on Friday said that it has beenrecognizedbytheFood
a n d A g r i c u l t u r a l
Organisation's (FAO)
G l o b a l Te c h n i c a l Recognition awards for its work in sustainable forest
m a n a g e m e n t a n d biodiversity conservation researchandpractices.
I w o k r a m a w a s recognised at the FAO awards ceremony in Rome, ItalyonOctober15,2025.
“This is testament to the Centre's 35 + years of work
in sustainable forest management covering areas
such as sustainable livelihoods, research and science, forest business
d e v e l o p m e n t a n d
Iwokrama's CEO, Dane Gobin, noted that “the Centre is proud to have received this accolade for Guyana for its work in s u s t a i n a b l e f o r e s t management practices and I thank the FAO for this recognition” He continued that “the Centre is considered as one of the leading institutions of its kind in the countries of the Commonwealth where theory and practice of s u s t a i n a b l e f o r e s t management activities can beexploredinonelocation–the Iwokrama Forest”
“The Centre's work aligns a n d s u p p o r t s t h e Government of Guyana's innovative Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030”.
c o n s e r v a t i o n a n d monitoring,” the centre said inastatement.
Therecognitionistimely as the centre is currently undergoing its Annual Forest Certification Surveillance Audit of the IwokramaForest.
Dr. Raquel Thomas, Director of Resource Management and Training also emphasised that “this achievement celebrates decades of impactful capacity building in practical protected area management which includes therecognitionoftraditional ecological knowledge working together with western styled science to produce the best results for s u c c e s s f u l f o r e s t management”
Anne-Marie Ford, Head of the Certification team
stated, “This award celebrates not just our achievements, but our
dedication to sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation and the collective efforts of our partners including communities who make it all possible”.
Kenneth Rodney, Iwokrama's Forest Manager stated, “This award recognizes the diligent work oftheIwokramateam. Itisa f a n t a s t i c t e a m achievement”.
Iwokrama thanked the Government of Guyana for its valuable support “Specialthanksareextended to FAO for this recognition and our local community p
culminate with a special performance of her acclaimed production, “Comback…Comback – A R a i z a l T h e a t r i c a l Monologue,”onWednesday, October 29, at the National Cultural Centre. Miller will be available for interviews, and media are invited to coverTuesday'sworkshop. AboutthePlay “Comback Comback” ( f r o m C r e o l e : “Return Return”) is a
powerful and poetic theatrical monologue that honours the memory and cultural heritage of the RaizalwomenofSanAndrés Island.
Performed by Marilyn BiscainoMilleranddirected by Juan Carlos Moyano, the piece fuses myths, legends, songs, and ancestral memories, offering an intimate journey through Afro-Caribbean identity, s p i r i t u a l i t y, a n d womanhood.
statementconcluded.
Trump considering plans to target cocaine facilities inside Venezuela, officials say
CNN - President Donald Trump is considering plans to target cocaine facilities and drug trafficking routes inside Venezuela, though he has not yet made a decision onwhethertomoveforward withthem,threeUSofficials toldCNN.
OutwardsignsonFriday pointed toward a major potentialmilitaryescalation, with Defense Secretary Pete HegsethorderingtheNavy’s most advanced aircraft carrierstrikegroupcurrently stationed in Europe to the Caribbean region amid a massive buildup of US forces there.Trump has also authorized the CIA to conductcovertoperationsin Venezuela.
The president has not ruledouttakingadiplomatic
approach with Venezuela to stem the flow of drugs into the US, two officials said, evenaftertheadministration cut off active talks with Venezuelan President
Nicolas Maduro in recent weeks Venezuela is not known to be a major source of cocaine, but the Trump administration has been aggressively trying to link Madurotothedrugtrade.
“There are plans on the table that the president is considering” regarding operations on targets inside Ve n e z u e l a n , o n e administration official told CNN,addingthat“hehasn’t ruledoutdiplomacy.”
A second official, who hasbeendirectlyinvolvedin some of the discussions, argued that there are many
proposals that have been suggestedtothepresident.A third official said the planningishappeningacross the government, but the focus at the highest levels is currently going after the drugsinsideVenezuela.
Trump has escalated his rhetoric on potential land strikes inside Venezuela in recent days, while the US militarysteadilycarriesout strikesonallegeddrugboats in international waters. The latestwasanovernightstrike against a boat allegedly smuggling narcotics in the Caribbean, killing six and bringing the total number known of targeted boats to 10andthenumberofpeople killed to 43 since the US began its campaign last month, according to
Hegseth.
CNN has previously reported Trump has also been weighing strikes inside Venezuela itself as part of a broader strategy aimedatweakeningMaduro, and Trump himself has mused publicly about operations on land The president, however, has not yet made clear what that would entail, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested drug “routes” mightbetargeted.
Some administration officials are pushing for regime change and say that the drug campaign could leadtotheousterofMaduro. That could happen by putting pressure on people around the Venezuelan leader who have benefitted from the cartels’ illicit revenue streams, potentially squeezingthemsomuchthat they consider ways to oust the Venezuelan leader, sources told CNN. Newly released video shows Maduro, in English, pleadingforpeace.
According to the United NationsOfficeonDrugsand Crime(UNODC),Venezuela is not a cocaine-producing country
Almost all coca crops –the main ingredient of cocaine–areconcentratedin Colombia,PeruandBolivia. An annual report from the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) published in March did not mention Venezuela in the four pages dedicated to cocaine trafficking, citing instead Ecuador, Central AmericaandMexico.
But administration officials still say some drug trafficking does go through
Venezuelaandpointoutthat Madurowasindictedin2020 on federal charges of narcoterrorism and conspiracy to importcocaine.
“Nicolás Maduro, is an indicteddrugtraffickerinthe United States, and he’s a fugitive of American justice,”Rubiosaidonatrip toEcuadorinSeptember
Trump administration officials cautioned that the presidentis“notinarush”— as one official put it — to make a decision, given his focushiscurrentlytrainedon his trip to Asia and negotiations with Russia and Ukraine on ending theirwar
While officials said Trumpwasopentofindinga diplomatic solution, he also called off efforts earlier this month to engage in negotiations with Maduro and topVenezuelan officials thathadbeenledbyRichard Grenell, a special presidentialenvoy US officials also acknowledged that an aggressive operation on a target inside Venezuela would likely require congressionalapproval,orat least congressional briefings, before the administration could move forward.
OnThursday,Trumptold CNN he could continue to launch strikes against alleged drug traffickers abroad without Congress first passing an official declaration of war And whilehesaidhewouldnotify Congress about any operations on land, he contendedhewouldnotface anypushback.
“I’m not going to necessarily ask for a
declaration of war,” he said. “I think we’re just going to kill people that are bringing drugs into our country Okay? We’re going to kill them, you know, they’re goingtobelike,dead.”
ThebuildupofUSforces has also raised questions a b o u t t h e T r u m p administration’sintentinthe region Pentagon press secretary Sean Parnell said in a statement posted on X that the move of the Gerald R. Ford strike group and its associated air wing was meant to “dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations and counter narco-terrorism.”
The Ford strike group docked near the harbor of Split, Croatia, on October 21. That would leave the carrieranditsaccompanying ships more than 5,000 miles from the Caribbean, meaning it would take days forthegrouptobeinposition tolaunchanystrikes.
Even before the Ford’s arrival, a significant percentage of all deployed USnavalassetsgloballyhad been relocated to US Southern Command, the US military’s command responsibleforoperationsin the region, according to a fleettrackerpublishedbythe United States Naval Institute’snewsportal.
That includes the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, amounting to more than 4,500 Marines and sailors, three guided-missile destroyers, an attack submarine, a special operations ship, a guided missile cruiser and P-8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft.
Atthesametime,theUS hasdeployed10F-35fighter jets to Puerto Rico, which hasbecomeahubfortheUS military as part of the increased focus on the Caribbean.
The US has also deployedatleastthreeMQ-9 reaper drones to the island, according to images captured by Reuters in Aguadilla,PuertoRico.
Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico, a US military installation that had beenshutteredsince2004,is also now back up and running, according to satellite imagery and photos takenatthebase.
Norton condemns U.S. military strikes on suspected drug traffickers
Leader of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and outgoing opposition leader, Aubrey N o r t o n o n F r i d a y unequivocally condemned the United States (U S ) military's use of lethal methods to fight narcoterrorism.
Speaking at his party's weekly press conference, Norton said the U.S. has the ability to pursue alternative methods such as capturing the suspected drug traffickers instead of the lethal strikes on vessels in thesouthernCaribbean.
There have so far been 43 deaths as a result of ten strikes launched by the U.S. military on suspected drugcarrying boats since September Eight of those strikes occurred in the CaribbeanSeaandtwointhe easternPacific.
These strikes form part of the Donald Trump administration's plan to confront drug trafficking in the Western Hemisphere, which Washington says poses a threat to America's nationalsecurity
On Friday, Norton said the rule of law should prevail. He reminded that APNU maintains a strong anti-drug trafficking stance and supports efforts to reduce and ultimately eradicate drug trafficking. However, he underscored
Leader of APNU, Aubrey Norton
thatthismustbedonewithin theconfinesofthelaw
“I do not think anybody should be bombed just because they are labeled as narco- traffickers. In fact, I believetheUnitedStateshas the capacity to capture them andbringthemtotrial.ButI cannot ever support a situation where a sovereign state bombs people in another sovereign state over so-called drug trafficking. I will have difficulty, APNU will have difficulty supporting that,” the leader stated.
When asked how Guyana should navigate the current crisis in the Caribbean, given differing positions among Caribbean Community (CARICOM) states on the U.S. military presence Norton said Guyana'sprioritymustbeto safeguard its national interest.
“Our interest lies in us,
…says non-lethal methods should be used
ensuring that we protect our territorial integrity and sovereignty,” he said noting that coordination of foreign policy at the CARICOM levelisanimportanttooland that Guyana should engage its regional counterparts to ensureacommonposition.
“The United States has itsinterestandwillpursueits interest We have our interest.Wemustpursueour interest.Wearecognizantof the fact that we are a small nation and we do not have a lot of the tools at our disposal, and therefore diplomacyiswhatisneeded atthisstage,”Nortonsaid.
Healsocalledforamore robust diplomatic approach to ensure Guyana can navigate complex global d y n a m i c s w h i l e safeguarding its territorial integrity
Followingthestartofthe strikes, Guyana's President, Dr Irfaan Ali, said his administration'sconcernlies in ensuring that Guyana's territory is not used by criminal networks. Asked whether his government shared concerns about the legality of the strikes, Ali said Guyana remains “continuously concerned about criminals exploiting international waters or c
o destabiliseeconomies.”
H e l a t e r u r g e d CARICOM leaders to
One of the lethal strikes carried out by the U.S. military in the southern Caribbean
approach the growing U.S. military presence in the Caribbean with “eyes wide open,”stressingtheneedfor matureandopendiscussions on regional security President Ali noted that while some Caribbean leaders view the U S buildup positively, Guyana believes the situation r e q u i r e s c a r e f u l examination.
Meanwhile, ten former
Heads of Government from across the Caribbean have issued a joint statement warning against what they described as a dangerous military buildup and the increasing presence of nuclear vessels and aircraft inregionalwaters.
In their statement, titled “CaribbeanSpace:AZoneof Peace on Land, Sea and Airspace Where the Rule of Law Prevails” the former leaders urged immediate restraint to preserve the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace.
“Weareimpelledtourge a pullback from military buildup to avoid any diminution of peace, stability, and development within our regional space,” the statement reads. “Our region must never become a pawn in the rivalries of others.”
Duo remanded for murder of West Ruimveldt woman
Two men were remanded on Friday to prison for the murder of 24-yearoldFaynelBrewster
The accused, Akande Ross,a25-year-oldmachine operatorof1358Herstelling, East Bank Demerara and Shaquille Wilburg, a 29year-old resident of 14 Public Road Buxton, East Coast Demerara appeared at theGeorgetownMagistrates' Court before Principal MagistrateLeronDaly They were not required to plea to theindictablecharge.
The duo was arrested on October 20, 2025 and charged with murder in the furtheranceofarobbery
Brewster was shot dead on Sunday by two biker bandits who were trying to rob her brother outside of their home in West Ruimveldt,Georgetown.
She was shot twice around 23:00hrs, while her brother, a businessman and
ex-cop was involved in a scuffle with the gunmen.At the time of the attack, the woman was in the yard speaking to her boyfriend, KarlSmart.
Police reported that while her brother, Moses Brewster,31wasfightingoff the bandits, she exited the yard to see what was happening. Two shots went off and Brewster fell to the ground.
The bandits fled on their bikes and Brewster was
rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where she was pronounced dead on arrival. One of the bullets, according to police, struck her to the right upper hand and the other entered herleftlowerchest.
It is believed that the bandits might have trailed her brother, Moses from the Kitty Seawall to rob him of his brand-new Honda XR motorcycle.
He was liming at the seawall with the bike which
still had the trade-plates on. Moses also had two gold chains around his neck. At around 22:45hrs he reportedlyleftforhome.
Moses arrived safely at his house and had dismounted his bike to push itintotheyardwhenthetwo banditsonablackHondaXR motorcyclepulledupfroma northerndirection.
The rider reportedly had on a ski mask while the pillion rider had none. One of them held Moses at gunpointanddemandedthat hehandoverhisgoldchains and the bike Moses, however, refused and chose tofightthemoff.
Following intensive investigative work, a police operation led by senior officers was carried out at Morocut Square, East La Penitence, resulting in the arrest of Ross and Wilburg and a 25-year-old female vendor from the same area. According to the police,
during a search of the premises, ranks discovered 50 live rounds of 9mm ammunition and a black Honda XR motorcycle believedtohavebeenusedin thecommissionofthecrime.
The items were seized and lodgedasevidence.Allthree suspectswerearrested.
Meanwhile, on Friday 25-year-old Atelly Gonsalves of Morocut Square, East La Penitence, who was also arrested on October20,2025,alongwith Akande Ross were both charged with the offence of Unlawful Possession of Ammunition without Licence. They pleaded not guilty, when they appeared before MagistrateDaly Gonsalves was granted $300,000 bail whileAkande Rosswasremandedtoprison onthecharge.
The matters were adjourned until November 18,2025.
Shaquille Wilburg
Atelly Gonsalves Akande Ross
Dead: Faynel Brewster
…POLICE, GDF IN TIGHT BATTLE FOR SECOND PLACE Slingerz FC to hoist Elite League trophy tonight
The curtains will come down on the GFF Elite League tonight, with SlingerzFootballClubsetto
officially lift the championship trophy after a dominant and stylish campaign that has redefined thelocalfootballlandscape.
Under the guidance of
Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz, Slingerz FC have not only reclaimed their
place at the summit of Guyanese football but have done so with authority, boasting 16 wins and one drawfrom17matches. Theirblendofdiscipline, creativity,andattackingflair hassetanewbenchmarkfor professionalism and consistencyintheleague.
Slingerz’ investment in quality players, including regional standouts has paid
off handsomely, with the club’s structure and style of play, characterized by fluid
gh pressing, reflect Shabazz’ tacticalinfluenceandvision. Tonight,SlingerzFCwill look to close out their campaign unbeaten when they face last season’s champions and long-time rivals, the Guyana Defence
Force (GDF), in what promises to be a thrilling encounter
Though the title is already secured, Slingerz will want to assert their dominance with another three points and complete their season in perfect fashion.
The GDF, meanwhile, haveeverythingtoplayfor Sitting on 38 points, just one ahead of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the soldiers must win to guaranteesecondplace.
Saturday October 25, 2025
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
An unexpected event might cause you to be temporarily separated from the special personinyourlife.Confusion surrounding the incident and your mate's role in it might plagueyou.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Mild cold symptoms could affect your ability to tend to your chores today You're an active person, so this could affect your self-confidence and ability to do what you wanttodo.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
The special someone in your life might feel a little jealous of your friends now. Perhaps you've had a number of invitations that only involve youandyourpals.
CANCER(June21–July22)
Youlikelywanttotaketheday off,perhapstotakecareofan unfinished creative project you've been working on for some time. But you aren't likely to get very far since disagreements within your friends keep your mind occupied.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
You're thinking about friends andfamilymemberswholive far away and wondering what they'redoing.Youcouldfeela little nostalgic, longing for times long past. Don't dwell onit.
VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)
Money matters might be tangledtoday Therecouldbea delay in receiving funds due you, which could prove frustrating but can be straightened out This isn't a gooddaytomakeinvestments.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Troubles with friends and possibly a romantic partner over the past day or two could have you feeling unloved, insecure, and emotionally blocked.Allsignsindicatethat thesefeelingsaren'taccurate.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
Youmayhavesnifflesorasore throat, possibly necessitating takingtimeofffromwork.This could be unwelcome, as it keepsyoufromgoingoutona dateaswell.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
Lack of contact with a close friend or romantic partner might find you feeling lonely and insecure, wondering if he or she has forgotten you or simply doesn't care to be aroundyouanymore.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Responsibilities at home may weighonyourmindtodayand interfere with other obligations. This could cause some inner conflict, but you have a personal life and it's important to take care of these things,too.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)
Disappointing emails or calls could come your way today
Perhaps someone you were hoping to visit with won't be able to make it, or perhaps a friend had to turn down an invitationtoaparty
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
You may feel worried about your financial situation today You may have been expecting to receive some money that's now delayed A temporary separation from a romantic partnercouldhaveyoufeeling alittleblue.
victory for GPF, coupled with a GDF loss, would see the lawmen finish runnersup.
When these two heavyweights last met, Slingerz edged GDF 1–0, courtesy of a clinical finish from Jamaican Kemar Beckford, one of several players who have thrived underShabazz’system.
C o a c h S h a b a z z
Any slip-up could open thedoorforPolice,whoface Den Amstel FC in the openingfixtureat6:30pm.A
describedtonight’sclashasa “treat for the fans,” praising both clubs for their work ethic and commitment to raising the standard of the localgame.
As the season wraps up, Slingerz FC’s victory marks
a return to glory for the Vergenoegen-based side, champions in the inaugural EliteLeagueseasonsixyears ago, and a reminder of what vision, investment, and sound football philosophy canachieve.
TTRF vs. WV at UWI
Thursday,November27
JSvs.WVatBLCA
TTRFvs.LIHatQPO GHEvs.BPatUWI
Saturday,November29
‘Wanttotakeitonestepfurther’
- BOSCH ON SA’S PUSH FOR MAIDEN ODI WORLD CUP FINAL
(ESPNCricinfo)-SouthAfricawere the second team to qualify for the semifinal of the Women’s World Cup 2025, anddidsowithtwoleaguegamesstillto play Theyhavebeenonaremarkablerun in ICC tournaments in recent yearsreaching the semi-finals of the ODI WorldCupin2017and2022,andofthe T20World Cup in 2020 and 2023.They were also runners-up at the T20 World Cuplastyear
Batter Anneke Bosch felt that the recent experience of making the knockouts puts South Africa in good stead to make their maiden ODI World Cupfinal.
Theywillplaytheirlastleaguegame of the competition against Australia at the Holkar Stadium on Saturday The winnerwillheadtoNaviMumbaiforthe semi-finalagainstIndia,whilethelosing team will face England in Guwahati in thefirstsemi-final.
“We’ve been really good at being consistent in big tournaments, and different players doing well at different stages of the tournament,” Bosch said.
“It’s just something that works for us when we get to tournaments like these and motivates us to do well. Reaching a coupleofsemi-finalsinthe[recent]past justgivesusmoreconfidence.
“Butnowobviouslywewanttotake it one step further because in the ODI World Cup, we haven’t [reached the final]before.So,itwouldmeanalottous - and that’s what you compete for and what you’re here for - to make it to the final and, hopefully, lift the trophy The factthatwehaveparticipatedinacouple of semifinals now just helps us to deal withthatpressure.”
What has helped South Africa continuetoperformwellisasettledcore.
TwelveplayersinthecurrentWorldCup squad have been part of the T20 World Cup squads in 2023 and 2024. Bowlers AyabongaKhaka,MasabataKlaas,Tumi Sekhukhune and Nonkululeko Mlaba have been consistent fixtures in the national side since the 2022 ODI World Cup.
And it’s not just the senior women who have enjoyed success at World
Cups. The men’s team reached the final of the T20 World Cup last year and the semi-final of the Champions Trophy earlierthisyear TheUnder-19women’s side were runners-up at theirT20World Cup earlier this year, while the men’s Under-19 team made the semi-finals in 2024.
“It’sacombinationofalotofthings,” Bosch said of the winning culture. “We areamassivesportingnationandwelove to play for the country, and make the country and the people back at home proud.[Akeyfactoris]ourresilienceand thewaywecometogetherasacountryin big tournaments like these. We play for eachotherandweplayforpeoplebackat home.”
South Africa’s road to a first Women’sODIWorldCuptitlestartswith a tough assignment against Australia in theirfinalgroup-stagematch.Theyhave beaten Australia just once in 18 ODI meetings.Withasolidcoreandthebelief to go where they never have before, they’ll be aiming for a second ODI win againstthedefendingchampions.
Affiance Sports Club and Reliance Hustlers Sports ClubrecordedvictorieslastSundayintheopeningroundof the North Essequibo Cricket Committee (NSCC)/Jairam BisessarT20round-robincompetition.
AtAffiancegroundontheEssequiboCoast,Region2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Affiance Sports Club defeated Richmond United Cricket Club by nine wickets while at Reliance, Reliance Hustlers Sports Club got the better of BacchusX1by32runs.
Richmond batted first after winning the toss and only managed a modest 143-8 from their 20-overs while Affiancerespondedwith146inthe12thover
FormerGuyanayouthplayerParmeshParsotamledthe way with an attacking, unbeaten 64 and he got excellent support from Yogesh Singh, who struck a blazing 62 not out.
The right-handed Parsotam clobbered four sixes and threefourswhileSinghslammedfivesixesandtwofours. Theyalsofeaturedinamatch-defining,128-runsecond wicketstand.
Earlier,SugrimAhiramtop-scoredforthevisitorswith 35whileGlendonSmithandTyreseStephneycontributed 22and20,respectively
Amit Persaud grabbed 2-15 from his maximum four overs bowling for Affiance Sports Club. He got good assistance from Haimant Singh (2-25) and Shaaziff Mohamed(2-26).
And at Reliance Sports ground also on the Coast, Reliance Hustlers reached a respectable 168-6 at the expirationofthe20-overswhileBacchusX1repliedwith 136-5whenthe20-oversranout.
Ex-Essequibo Senior Inter-County player Narindra Madholallhitapugnacious57toinspireRelianceHustlers totheirtotal.
The left-handed Madholall hammered four sixes and two fours. Raj Goordeen was also in prolific form knocking an enterprising 46 which contained three sixes andsimilarnumberoffours.
Navin Singh picked up two wickets for 19 (04) to be BacchusX1mostsuccessfulbowleraftertheywereasked tobowlfirst.
When Bacchus X1 batted, Rawl Scouth scored a fighting56andH.Martinboroughmaking39whileSingh returnedwiththebatadding32runs.
CarlosYhapandRyanShivamberclaimedtwowickets apieceforRelianceHustlers.
Parmesh Parsotam
The tournament’s format will be medal-play over 18 holes, allowing players to challenge themselves under conditions similar to the National Championship
Bruster’s Guyana to host Final Warm-Up Tournament ahead of the Guyana Open
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream will this Sunday,October26,2025hostthefinal warm-up event before the prestigious 2025 Brava Guyana Open Golf Championship at the Lusignan Golf Club(LGC).
The tournament will tee off at 8:00 a.m. sharp and is expected to feature a strong lineup of both local and international golfers eager to test their form ahead of the country’s most anticipatedgolfingevent.
Serving as the final competitive tune-up before the two-day Guyana Open,scheduledforNovember1stand 2nd, this weekend’s tournament is expected to deliver an engaging and high-level display of skill and sportsmanship. The format will be medal play over 18 holes, allowing players to challenge themselves under
CWI announces official Fixtures for 2025 CG United Super50 Cup
The tournament is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, November 19 (Photo: CWI)
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the official fixturesforthe2025CGUnitedSuper50Cup.
The 50-over rivalry returns with six regional squads squaring off fromWednesday 19 November to Saturday 29 November,withmatchestakingplaceatthreevenuesacross Trinidad – Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA), Queen’s Park Oval (QPO) and Sir Frank Worrell Cricket Ground (UWISPEC).
Trinidad & Tobago Red Force (TTRF), Barbados Pride (BP),GuyanaHarpyEagles(GHE),JamaicaScorpions(JS), Leeward Islands Hurricanes (LIH) and Windward Islands Volcanoes (WIV) will all do battle for the top prize of US$100,000,withUS$50,000beingawardedtotherunnerup,whilethe3rdand4thplacedteamswilleachtakehome US$25,000.
Entry to all matches will be free, with games at BLCA beginning at 2:00 PMAST / 1:00 PM Jamaica time, while matches at QPO and UWI SPEC will bowl off at 9:00AM AST/8:00AMJamaicatime.
TheCGUnitedSuper50Cup2025MatchSchedule: Wednesday,November19
LIHvs.WVatBLCA
JSvs.GHEatQPO
Continued on page 23
conditionssimilartothosetheywillface atthechampionship.
PrizeswillbeawardedforBestNet (1st,2nd,and3rdplaces),OverallBest Gross, Nearest to the Flag (Hole #19), and Longest Drive (Hole #19). These categories are designed to recognize outstanding performances across various levels of play, encouraging golfers of all skill ranges to compete at theirbest.
Director of Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Guyana, Paton George, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the sport and fostering youth involvement. “We are proud of our partnership with the Lusignan Golf Club, now in its fifth uninterrupted year,”Georgesaid.“Asoneofthemain sponsors of the Easter Weekend tournaments and the children’s Drive,
Chip&Puttcompetitions,Bruster’shas been and will continue to support the growth of golf in Guyana Our commitment is to help grow the game throughyouthparticipation.”
He further emphasized that Bruster’s sponsorship reflects the company’s broader approach to corporate social responsibility “We look forward to hosting this weekend’s final warm-up tournament and continuingto support the sport through ourEastereventsandkids’programsin theyearsahead,”headded.
As anticipation builds for the 2025 Brava Guyana Open, this Sunday’s tournament promises a day of competitive play, camaraderie, and preparation, highlighting Bruster’s enduring role in advancing the developmentofgolfinGuyana.
Quarterfinal and Semifinal showdowns set for today Pee Wee U-11 Championship:
The quest for the title intensifies
today as the Petra-coordinated Courts Optical Pee Wee U11 Football Championship charges into its knockout stages At the Ministry of Education (MoE) ground, the final eight teams will battle through the quarterfinals andsemifinals,allvyingforacovetedspotin thechampionshipfinal.
Theactionkicksoffat11:00AMwithtwo compelling quarterfinal fixtures. On one pitch, Tucville Primary will face Leonora Primary, promising a tactical clash of contrasting styles. Simultaneously, a classic rivalry will be renewed as St. John The Baptist (Bartica) takes on St. Gabriel’s (Georgetown).St.Gabriel’sfoundtheirform in the second round, but they face a formidable SJTB side, whose attack, led by the prolific Aaron Christian and Neymar Edwards,hasbeenscoringgoalsatwill.
The drama continues at 12:00 PM with the final two quarterfinal matches. St. Pius, the tournament’s ‘dark horse,’ squares off against Redeemer Primary, with both teams aimingtosecuretheirplaceinthefinalfour Theywillbefollowedbyacompellingmatch between West Ruimveldt Primary and
AgatashPrimary,asbothsideslooktoprove theirmettleandadvance.
The winners of each quarterfinal will immediately advance to the semifinals to compete for a place in the championship match.Thelosingteamswillenteraseparate bracket to contest the tournament’s ranking positions.
The semifinal picture is set as follows, commencing at 13:00 hours; Semifinal 1: ThewinneroftheTucvillevs.Leonoramatch will face the winner of West Ruimveldt vs. Agatash.Semifinal2:ThewinnerofSt.John TheBaptistvs.St.Gabriel’swilltakeonthe winnerofSt.Piusvs.Redeemer.
With young talent, passion, and community pride on full display, the MoE Ground is the place to be for a thrilling festivalofyouthfootball.
This twelfth annual Pee Wee U11 Football Championship is made possible by the generous sponsorship of Courts Optical, with tremendous support from SkyTec Enterprise, MVP Sports, Demerara Mutual, Sterling Products, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, The tournament is held with the approval of the Ministry of Education.
Daren Sammy (AFP/Getty Images)
(ESPN Cricinfo) - West Indies head coach Daren Sammy was critical of his bowlers after they lost 2-1 to Bangladesh in the ODI series. Sammy expressed his disappointment at West Indies spinners’ inability to take advantage of pitches that wereunusuallydarkandcracked,andoffered variablebounce.
Bangladesh’s spinners outbowled West Indies’, taking 27 wickets at an average of 14 66 and economy rate of 3 80 In comparison,theWestIndiesspinnerstook18 wicketsatanaverageof30.05andeconomy rate of 4.39. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie and allrounder Roston Chase had disappointingnumbers,withevenpart-timer AlickAthanaze returning better figures than theminthesecondODI.
Khary Pierre and Akeal Hosein, both coming back to the ODI set-up after long gaps, fared better too. Hosein’s four-wicket haul in the third ODI was West Indies’only bowlinghighlightintheseries.
“[The positive in the ODI series was] probably the batting of Shai Hope - how he continues to put the team on his back every timehefacesachallenge,”Sammysaid.“He isaleader Heputstheteamonhisback,butI amreallydisappointedinthewaywebowled. You come to Bangladesh and you know spinners should be licking their lips. That’s the area where you will get to execute your plansandinthemostfavorableconditionsfor you. What we displayed over the last three gameswasverypoor,notconsistentenough.”
Though the conditions were stacked in favour of the spinners, Sammy was all for
Sammy ‘really disappointed’ with Windies bowlers after series defeat
homeadvantage.
“I will tell you this, I always want to ask for home advantage,” Sammy said. “I can’t tell the Bangladesh team or the authorities what wicket to prepare. I focus on my team having the skillset to counteract whatever comeswhentheyareplayingaway
“This series was very important for both teams.Youaresupposedtodowhatyouhave to do to win at home. That’s the most important thing. Whether that affects your development going outside of Bangladesh, that’sonthem.Ijustthoughtmyplayersjust didn’tplaywellthroughouttheseries.”
He was also concerned by West Indies’ fielding “We were poor in all three disciplines,” Sammy said “I think we dropped six catches. Two didn’t go to hand andonewastoowide.Wewerepoorinallthe departments today.” Sammy, though, was pleasedwithHosein’sreturn.BackintheODI teamaftertwoyears,asareplacementplayer, Hoseinpickedupsixwicketsintwogamesat anaverageof13.66andeconomyrateof4.10.
“MassivekudostoAkealinthemannerin whichhecameup,”Sammysaid.“Inateam whereyouhavethreeleft-armspinnersanda guy who’s been out for the last two years coming in and outshine them, yes there’s a placeforcompetition.
“That’s what you want in a team. You don’t want to select guys because they have nobody else to replace them. You want to select guys because they have competition, andwhatAkealdidinthisseriesisdefinitely going to challenge some of the guys who’ve beenthere.”
Team Guyana takes aim at 2025 Caribbean Development C’ships in Trinidad & Tobago
Guyana proudly joined fellow Caribbean nations and WAAofficialsfortheofficialpracticesessionandopening ceremonyonThursdaywiththesecond-largestcontingent ofthetournament.
Thisisthesecondtimetheeventisbeinghostedbythe Twin-Island Republic, as Secretary General, Mr Sergio Font, expressed gratitude on behalf of WAA to the Trinidad and TobagoArchery Federation for hosting the event,whichcomprisesofsome232Athletes.
Held under the auspices of WorldArcheryAmericas, the CDC brings together developing and competitive archers from across 11 countries to strengthen technical skills, build camaraderie and foster growth in the sport. The event runs from October 23–26, 2025, featuring a rangeofbowdisciplinesandcategories.
Technical Delegate and Chair of WAADevelopment Committee,PhilGraves,notedinhisremarkstotheteams that this is known as a Teaching Tournament, and World Archeryruleswillbemaintained.
Guyana’s delegation, comprising 31 athletes and 11 officials, represents one of the largest teams the country haseverfieldedinthesport.ThedelegationisledbyWorld Archery Level 2 and National Head Coach, Ryan McKinnon, who oversees the delegation’s performance, discipline and adherence to international standards throughoutthetournament.
Also present at the Championships is Continental Judge, Gamal Mohammed and former President of ArcheryGuyana,whoisservinginhisofficialcapacityas part of the event’s technical team, ensuring fair and professional officiating across all categories.Archery Guyana extends sincere appreciation to its valued sponsors and partners whose contributions made this participationpossible.
GuyanaBeveragesInc.(GBI)hasgenerouslyoutfitted theentiredelegationwithbrandedteamshirts,pursuantto the Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year withArchery Guyana. Massy Gas Products Inc. has assisted with sponsorship toward the second team shirt, while the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) has contributed toward athletes’ registration fees for the Championships.
President ofArchery Guyana, Mrs. Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon,commendedtheteamandexpressedheartfelt thanks to sponsors: “We are proud to see our archers standing tall among their regional peers Their participationattheCDCreflectsthesteadygrowthofthe sport in Guyana, and we remain deeply grateful to our sponsors and partners for supporting our national developmentefforts.”
TeamGuyananowpreparestocompetewithfocusand determination as the Championships continue with the qualification round and the finals over the weekend.The federation, along with all Guyanese supporters, extends best wishes to the delegation as they proudly fly the Golden Arrowhead high across the Caribbean Archery stage.
Team Guyana at the 2025 Caribbean Development Championships in Trinidad and Tobago
Budding talent, passion, and community pride on full display, the MoE Ground
Slingerz FC
FLASHBACK!
Slingerz FC’s Kemar Beckford scored the lone goal the last time the club faced GDF FC.