Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
at $3.9 trillion
Agricola youth shot dead …brother arrested with rifle after shooting up suspect’s house
The brother of the victim with rifle in hand was arrested by police
Guyana to spend $26.2 billion on fuel for power ships in 2025
Guyana will be spending a
w h o p p i n g $26,242,097,093 on fuel for the two power ships from T u r k i s h c o m p a n y Karpowershipin2025.
This is according to a document seen by this publication, which was provided to the National AssemblyonApril22,2025. During the consideration of the 2025 Estimates of RevenueandExpenditureon February 3, 2025, the Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips had promised to provide subsequent to a
M
P
, David Patterson.
Under Programme 023Power Generation Patterson had requested a breakdown on the allocation of fuel for power ship one and two and theColombiapowerstation. According to the figures in the document, in order to generate a total of 788,400 megawatt hours the two ships would need 1,172,255 barrels of fuel at the above listedcost.
Rentalcostsfortheships were also provided. It was revealed that the total daily cost to rent both ships is $48,847,450. Therefore, the first year Guyana will be paying $17,829,319,104
The two years combined would cost the country
USD$165,854,131.
On May 2, 2024 this publication reported that the Turkish power ship contracted by the government to supply Guyana with some 36 megawatts of electricity for twoyearshadarrived.
The Guyana Power and Light(GPL)postedthenews about the vessel’s arrival on its Facebook page without any additional details Karpowership will be stationed at Everton, Berbice,RegionSixandwill be interconnected with GPL’sgridat69kVandwas expected to start delivering electricity to the country by May8,2024.
A contract for the ship wassignedbetweentheGPL Inc.andUCI,asubsidiaryof UCC Holdings, a company incorporated in the state of Qatar UCC Holdings has a strategic alliance with Karpowership International, a Turkish company President Mohamed Irfaan Ali had told reporters that contracting a ship for two years was feasible to end Guyana’s blackout crisis for now until the US$2 billion and counting gas to energy
project comes on stream.To date, Guyana remains in the dark over the true cost for electricityfromthevessel.
Guyana had to pay a mobilisation fee of US$1 million to get the ship here and the contract, according to GPL, includes the provision of operation and maintenanceservicesaspart oftheagreement.According to the utility company, “the contractrequiresGPLtopay UCI a fee of 6.62 US cents perkWhasamonthlycharter fee for the powership and a monthly operation and maintenance fee of 0.98 US cents per kWh, based on electricitygenerated.”
Fast forward to December 11, 2024, the second power ship aimed at boosting electricity supply arrivedinGuyana.
“The second power ship is currently in Guyana’s waters,makingitswaytothe DemeraraRiverwhereitwill b e d o c k e d a n d interconnected to GPL’s grid. Once connected, the ship will add 60 megawatts of generation to bolster GPL’s generation capacity within the DemeraraBerbice Interconnected
System (DBIS),” GPL had stated.
The agreement to rent a second power ship was officially signed on November 13, 2024. GPL’s head, Kesh Nandlall had signed the contract with the managing director of the Americas, UCC Holdings Mr Antonio Neto According to a release from the Ministry of Finance, the powership will supply an additional 75 megawatts of power to the national grid. The power ship will be stationed in the Demerara River and will in its first phase, deliver 60 megawatts ofgeneratingcapacitytothe nationalgrid.
The remaining 15 megawatts will be delivered inasecondphase. The first power ship is being rented from the same companyforaperiodoftwo years That contract was signedbetweentheGPLInc. and UCI, a subsidiary of UCC Holdings, a company incorporated in the state of Qatar UCC Holdings reportedly has a strategic alliance with Karpowership International, a Turkish company
The second power ship in the Demerara River
The first power ship.
Palestinians gun down lining up for aid in Gaza
(AL-Jazeera) Israeli forces killed at least eight peopleinanothershootingof aidseekersinGaza,thistime near a distribution point in Rafah governorate, according to the Wafa news agency
T
he International
CommitteeoftheRedCross (ICRC) has warned that Gaza’s healthcare system is “extremelyfragile”amidthe ongoingIsraeliwar
Theorganisationsaidina statementonSundaythatthe enclave’s hospitals are in urgentneedofprotectionand reinforcement amid Israel’s continuedbombardmentand blockade.
Itaddedthatthesystemis facinggrowingpressuredue to increasing casualty rates from Israeli attacks at aid points.
“In the last two weeks, theRedCrossFieldHospital in Rafah has had to activate its mass casualty incident
procedure 12 times, receiving high numbers of patients with gunshot and shrapnel wounds,” ICRC said in a statement on X on Sunday
“An overwhelming majorityofpatientsfromthe recent incidents said they had been trying to reach
Palestinians gather to collect what remains of relief supplies from the distribution center of the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, June 5. REUTERS/Stringer Purchase Licensing Rights
assistance distribution sites,”itcontinued.
HundredsofPalestinians have been killed by Israeli fire around aid distribution sitesoperatedbytheUS-and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) since it launched on May27.
The organisation ousted theUnitedNationsandother independent agencies from the aid distribution effort following an 11-week blockade of the enclave that prompted numerous warnings that many of Gaza’s people now face famine.
Gaza’s Government
Media Office reported on Sunday that the death toll from events centred on the GHF aid sites had risen to 125.
A further 736 are reported to have been wounded,withninemissing.
Meanwhile, Victoria Rose,whohasreturnedfrom her third humanitarian visit, recalls treating injuries that appeared to be ‘from the heart’ofexplosions.
On a typical day at Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, Victoria Rose, a Britishsurgeon,wouldwake upbeforedawn.
“Because the bombing wouldstartatfour,”shesaid,
nowbackinLondon,having just wrapped up her third humanitarian mission to Gaza since Israel’s war beganinOctober2023.
Over almost four weeks inMay,sheusuallyoperated on 12 or 13 patients per 14hourshift,unlesstherewasa mass casualty incident overnight, meaning even longer shifts and more patients.
By comparison, in London hospitals, she treats amaximumofthreepatients perday
“It’soperatingnonstopin Gaza,”shesaid.
Recalling some of her many patients, she treated
Agricola youth shot dead
…brother arrested with rifle after shooting up suspect’s house
Twenty-Eight-year-old Nicholas Narine called ‘Biggs’wasonMondayshot dead days after his family received death threats from thesuspect.
It was reported that the incident occurred at approximately 08:15hrs on Titus Street Agricola, East BankDemerara(EBD).
According to the police, Narine of Agricola, EBD, wasallegedlyshotandkilled by 27-year-old Rafael Bollers of Brutus Street, Agricola,EBD.
“Investigations so far revealedthatNarineandthe suspect are known to each other On the date and time mentioned,NicholasNarine was in the company of others, cleaning a drain on TitusStreetAgricola,eastof the suspect’s yard, where there is a concrete fence.At the time, the suspect was armed with a handgun and dischargedseveralroundsin Nicholas Narine’s direction,”policesaid.
The police noted that
Narine fell to the ground, while the suspect ran out of the yard and escaped in a southern direction with the firearm.
Narine sustained three gunshotswoundsinhisright abdomen, one on his back and one to his upper right arm. He was taken to the Diamond hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival, the body was taken to the Memorial Gardens funeral home, and is awaiting a post-mortem examination.
Wanted by the GPF Rafael Bollers
Thescenewasprocessed and one 9mm spent shell was found. Several persons were questione
d statementsweretaken.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) later issued a wantedbulletinforRafaelin connection with the murder ofNarine.
Meanwhile, the brother ofthedeceased,22-year-old Keon Narine of Lot 120 Caeser Street, Agricola, EBD, was later arrested for allegedly discharging a loadedfirearm.
Thepolicestatedthatthe younger Narine discharged the firearm at the home of 60-year-oldGideonBollers, who is the father of Rafael, the suspect in Nicholas’ murder
It was reported that the incident occurred at 08:30hrs, at Lot 120 Brutus Street,Agricola,EBD.
“ P r e l i m i n a r y investigation revealed that NarinewenttoBrutusStreet on a motorcycle, reportedly armed with a firearm and stopped in front of the said house and discharged severalrounds,whichhitthe house in several places,” policesaid.
Keon reportedly left on themotorcycleinanorthern direction Police officers then later went to Keon’s residence where a search was conducted and an AR15 rifle and one magazine containingfive(5)live5.56 rounds of ammunition were foundinabedroom.
Keonwastoldofthe Continued on page 8
11-year-oldAdam al-Najjar, the sole surviving child of Dr Alaa al-Najjar, whose nine other children and husband, Hamdi, also a doctor, were killed in an attack in Khan Younis last month.
She vividly remembers twobrotherswithlowerlimb injuries, Yakoob and Mohammed, who were the sole survivors of their family,andaneight-year-old girl named Aziza who was orphaned.
Dead Nicholas Narine
KaieteurNews
PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.
Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456
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Tel:225-8465,225-8491. Fax:225-8473,226-8210
EDITORIAL
GPL failures
Just over two months ago, the performance of the GuyanaPowerandLightInc.cameunderreviewbeforethe PublicUtilitiesCommission(PUC)whereitwasrevealed that the company scored very poorly for its operating standardsandperformancetargetsfor2024.
AtapublichearingonMarch13,last,atHerdsmanston Lodge, Georgetown, the commission said it was dissatisfied with GPL’s non-compliance and apparent passiveapproachtothetargets.Thereviewwasmeasured using eight standards: customer interruptions, voltage regulation, meter reading, issuing of bills, accounts payable, accounts receivable, system losses, and average availability
Asthisnewspaperhadreported,intheareaofcustomer interruptionsorblackouts,thePUCsaidGPLexceededits targetof85customerinterruptionsfor2024.Attheendof the year, customers experienced an average of 123 interruptions.GPLindicatedatthehearingthattherewere several reasons for the non-achievement of this target, includingfeedertrips,reductioningenerationcapacitydue to unavailability and planned maintenance of generator sets, public and private sector construction equipment interruptingtransmissionlines,andanincreaseinvehicular accidents affecting the transmission and distribution infrastructure.
ItwasnosurprisetoGuyanesethatthepowercompany hadexceededitstargetforblackouts. MorethanonePPP/C Governments have made electricity the crooked cover underwhichthereispretenseofdoingsomethingbetterfor Guyanese plagued by blackouts for decades. It is a neverending haemorrhaging of money by the millions and billions annually Guyanese live with a chronic sickness, which has a most familiar name–blackouts. Blackouts are soregular,socommon,soever-presentthattheyarenowan inseparable part of almost every Guyanese family.This is soparticularlyforthosecitizenswhocannotaffordthehuge cashoutlayforagenerator,orthegreaterexpenseofsolar power So, most Guyanese live with the fear, dread, and agonyofblackouts.
It is beyond denial that blackouts, the constant and devastating repetitions, are bad for families and communities. But what is bad for the great majority of Guyanese,whohavetolivewiththem,isincrediblygood for one PPP/C Government after another and its insiders. Thosesqueezingenormousbenefitsfromblackoutsandoff the backs of struggling, suffering, sickened Guyanese are high political leaders and their handpicked cronies who have some relationship to the generation of electricity in thiscountry Torepeat:theblackoutsthatareharrowingfor poor Guyanese are prospering beyond belief for PPP/C Governmentleadersandtheirkithandkin.
In numerous national budgets many millions are set aside for the GPL so that a reliable source of electricity through refurbishing key areas of the company, recruiting knowledgeable people, obtaining better systems can be had.Thecostlyprojectshavebeencountlessandcomelike clockwork,yearafteryear Thisissothatelectricitycanbe transmittedtoGuyanese,forthemtogoaboutthetasksof regular life involving their homes, their children, their work,theirleisure,theirworship,theircarewhentheyare sick.Thereisahugeproblem:Guyanesearenotgettingthe electricitypromised.Theproblemisthatafterallthemany millionsthathavebeenspent,thepeoplewhoaresupposed tobenefitfromabettersupplyofenergy,andgetsomething dependablefromthemillionssupposedlyputtowork,they areeitherinthesameplace,orworseoffthanbefore.Itis clear that something is terribly wrong with this national issueofelectricityandblackouts;whathaslongbeenafullblown national crisis first gets worse, then even worse. Whatisbecomingclearerstillisthattheleaderswhospend millions are deceiving and cheating citizens who look to themforelectricityanswers,energysolutions.
We at this publication make this clear: Guyanese are
Guyana – Tara Singh’s claim on the halving of poverty in Guyana
DEAREDITOR
The Oil and Gas G
vernance Network (OGGN) is following up on its letter on the apparently bogus claims about the creation of 50,000-60,000 newjobswithaqueryabout Tara Singh’s claim on the halving of poverty in Guyana(https://wwwstabro eknews com/2025/06/08/op inion/letters/we-cannotaccount-for-ppp-c-claimsof-employment-increasesof-50000-or-60000-newj
r-2020-2024period/) Tara Singh made the claim about poverty reduction in his letter publishedbyStabroekNews o n 3 0 M a y (https://wwwstabroeknews com/2025/05/30/opinion/let
hinterland-regions-highr
n
smarginality-index/ ). He claimed that ‘Qualitative evidenceindicatesthatsince 2019,povertyhasdecreased by at least half’ and unemployment has been reducedtosingledigits’.
He further asserted that ‘This aligns with one of the key objectives of the PPP/C government’s economic planning’.
Ouranalysisshowedthat the trend since 2020 (when unemployment was high
because of the businesses closedorrestrictedduetothe COVID-19 pandemic) may indeed have fallen to less than10percentofthelabour
contrasting against recent World Bank and InterAmerican Development Bank(IDB)publicationsthat estimatepovertyheadcounts
forcein2025.
However, Singh’ claim on the halving of poverty in Guyanaisnotsupported.
The Guyana common country analysis update 2024 on the United Nations websiteforprogresstowards t h e S u s t a i n a b l e Development Goals (SDGs) states ‘Estimates for the number of people living in poverty in Guyana vary widely,withthe2023UNDP Multidimensional Poverty Index estimating a poverty headcount of 1.8 percent
between 40 and 50 percent.’ (page 4) and ‘Guyana’s last poverty assessment was undertaken nearly twenty yearsago.
There is no up-to-date, disaggregated dataset on national poverty rates ’ (page 30) Source = https://tinyurl com/4skkc4r s
Here we show that this source, whose data graphs end in 2023, show no reduction in the percentage of the Guyanese population living below the World
Bank poverty line (USD 5.50/person/day from 2011 to 2022 for medium-high income countries like Guyana).
It would seem fair to suppose that remittances backtoGuyanawouldfallas national poverty rates reduced.
However, as we show in the table above, there is the contrary trend, of generally increasing remittances since 2018.
There is a caution: the Bank of Guyana annual reports do not report remittances with consistent definitions.
Sometimes these are labelled as ‘private transfers’, sometimes ‘worker remittances’, sometimes in tables, and sometimesonlyintext.
Given the evidence in thistable,TaraSingh’sclaim on the halving of poverty in Guyana is not supported by the economic data available tothepublic.
We conclude that his claim is unsubstantiated and doesnotreflecttherealityon thegroundinGuyana.
Sincerely JanetteBulkan
AndreBrandli KenrickHunte DarshanandKhusial
MikePersaud
JoePersaud
GAWU saddened on the passing of Mr. James Singh
DEAREDITOR
TheGuyanaAgricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) expresses its profound sadness at the passing of Mr James Singh, former Commissioner of Forests and long-standing leader within the forestry sectorofGuyana.
Mr Singhwasarespected figureinpublicservicewhose tenure at the helm of the GuyanaForestryCommission (GFC) was marked by his
steadfast commitment to the stewardship of Guyana’s forestryresources H
management, environmental preservation, and national development has left an indelible mark on the sector and the country at large As the recognised bargaining agent for the workers of the GFC, GAWU had the privilege of working closely withMr Singhovertheyears
being taken for a ride. This is because a quality electricity supply is a leadership lie. The GPL functions as the machinery,oneofmany,butoneofthebiggerones,through which the leaders of this country steal and rob the people blind. This is through old and new (proposed ones, too) multimillion dollar projects that always seem to fall short, new systems put in place that collapse, old technology replacedthatdon’tholdup.Guyaneseneedtogetsomething in their heads: electricity and the GPL (to it, from it, and through it) function as the channel through which crafty leadersinthePPP/CGovernmentcarryouttheirrobberiesof thenationaltreasury
Our engagements with him were always characterised by professionalism, mutual respect,andasharedconcern forthewell-beingofworkers
Mr Singh demonstrated a genuine willingness to engage in dialogue, to seek compromise, and to find solutions in the interest of advancing staff welfare and improving working conditions
He maintained an opendoor policy and was always approachable, thoughtful, and constructive in his dealings
with the Union His understanding of the role of labour and his cooperative demeanour contributed significantly to fostering a stableandrespectfulindustrial relations climate within the Commission. Mr Singh’s leadershipwasevidentinhis interactions with staff and their representatives and in hisstewardshipoftheGFC.
Hechampionedinitiatives thatsoughttoprotectGuyana’s rich forest resources while balancing economic d e v e l o p m e n t w i t h environmental sustainability Hiseffortsearnedhimnational recognition, and his legacy willundoubtedlyinfluencethe forestrylandscapeforyears On behalf of the Executive and membership of GAWU, we extend our deepest condolences to Mr Singh’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficulttime.
Hispassingisagreatloss to Guyana, and his memory willliveonthroughthemany lives he touched and the contributionshemadetothe forestrysector May his soul rest in eternalpeace.
Sincerely GuyanaAgricultural andGeneralWorkers Union(GAWU)
Tribute to Black American Congressman An
DEAREDITOR
, Well known former American Congressman (House of Reps) Charlie Rangel (of Harlem) passed away on Memorial Day weekend in New York; he was94. Hewasafixturein Congress, serving in the House for almost fifty years and at one time chaired the powerful House Ways and Means Committee that handled the huge American budget and writes tax laws. He also served in the NY State Assembly from (Black) Harlem for four years (1960s) and fought in the Korean War He cofounded the Congressional BlackCaucus.Hewasatrue Am
Blacksandotherminorities, like Indian or African Guyanese or other groups, resided and that were neglectedfordecades.
Rangel’s struggle for civil rights benefited every group including immigrants
and Indian Guyanese. He wasaninspirationforBlack politiciansinUSAaswellas in the Caribbean. And for that, we as immigrants, and as Caribbean people or as Guyanese, are thankful and gratefulforhisservice.
RangelpushedPresident Obama’s (2009-16) agenda and vociferously defended C
impeachmenthearingsofthe late1990s.Althoughhemay not have visited Guyana, he hadanearlyassociationwith Guyana (Forbes Burnham) goingbacktothe1960sand interacted with Guyanese students at City College of New York of the City University system from the 1970sonwards.
Rangel was a Black nationalistwhochampioned the interests of Black Americans and Africa. He was devoted to Black AmericanandAfricancause although during a Nightline programwithTedKoppelon ABC News, he came out against an increase in
immigration from the Caribbean and Africa, contending that those immigrants were taking away jobs of Black Americans. He didn’t like the comparison of Black Americans with Black AfricansandAfroCaribbean people that showed that the lattertwogroupsweredoing economicallybetterthanthe former. Black or African immigrants (including Guyanese and Jamaicans) stilloutperformnativeBlack Americans on almost every economic measurement or social indicator including incomeandeducation.
Charlie,aswecalledhim at CCNY, regularly visited the campus during Harlem WeekinApril/Mayannually since the 1970s and delivered lectures to students at countless seminars and conferences over a four decade period; severalGuyanese,including Chuck Mohan and myself, werepresentatthose (Continuedonpage06)
Essequibo River Bridge should be on the horizon
DEAREDITOR, With the nearing completion of the new DemeraraHarbourBridge,it is time to consider an EssequiboRiverBridge.
The Essequibo River Bridgewillprovideaccessto additional resources for f u r t h e r e c o n o m i c development and provide substantial support for the agriculturalambitionsofthe country
An equitable land distribution plan must also be laid out ahead of time.
Once there is full connectivity across the counties, Guyana will truly be on its way towards prosperity
The Chinese have built the Grand Bridge which covers five times the width of such an undertaking and the cost was $8.7 Billion USD. If an Essequibo River Bridge is pursued the estimated cost should be approximately $1.7 Billion USD.
The decision of the ICJ will help dictate when such
an investment should occur, but regardless of the timing over the next five years, the next administration should plantohavethisundertaking as one of the top four infrastructural projects duringitsterm.
Those four major infrastructural projects
d u r i n g t h e n e x t administration being as follows:
1. The building of the EssequiboRiverBridge
2 Upgrading of our Seawalls/SeaDefences,and Drainage & Irrigation systemsforfloodprevention
3 Upgrading of the country’s electricity infrastructure
4 Upgrading of the country’s potable water distribution system and the inclusion of high-pressure water lines that aid in fire fighting The required human resources for these projects will be significant andfocuswillberequiredto laysuchastrongfoundation for transform
It must be remembered that these are the key underlying fundamental elements that support the country’sdevelopment,and they must be implemented to support a strong and lastingdevelopmentplan
Once successfully implemented we would have opened up additional resources for economic development, enabled the elimination of flooding, enabled the elimination of power outages, ensured the availabilityofdrinking
(Continuedonpage09)
n Reduction in the overall number of infrastructure projects, improved project management, and an all handsondeckapproachwill also be required for the successfulexecutionofthese top four infrastructure projects.
28Years ofAdvocacy: Bridging Divides, Upholding Justice, andAdvancing a Unified Guyana
DEAREDITOR
On June 9, 1997, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) established its Race Relations Committee in response to rising ethnic tensions, particularly between Indoand Afro-Guyanese, two groups that form the majority of the Public
Service The Union recognized that such division posed a serious threat to national cohesion and equitable public service delivery Thecommitteewas officially launched at the National Cultural Centre, with Prime Minister Janet Jagandeliveringthekeynote address.
We say “Race relations” because it refers to the interactions, perceptions, andinstitutionalframeworks governing how different racial or ethnic groups coexist in society. Healthy race relations are built on mutual respect, equal opportunity, open dialogue, and the dismantling of systemic barriers to inclusion. The principle we uphold is that we are “All Different,AllEqual“diverse in background, culture, and experience, but equal in rights, dignity, and humanity This concept is
central to the mission and vision of the GPSU Race Relations Committee, shaping its advocacy and action across all aspects of public service and national development.
ThemissionoftheGPSU RaceRelationsCommitteeis to monitor, challenge, and work to eliminate racial discrimination within the publicserviceandtofostera culture of unity, justice, and equalityamongallGuyanese o u r u n w a v e r i n g commitment to promoting respect for diversity while advocating for the equal
s anniversary of the GPSU Race Relations Committee, wereflectonourjourneyasa peopleandanation,onethat aspires to be grounded in equity,justice,andunity.
Just days ago, we commemorated 59 years of independence under the national theme: “Guyana:A Future of Unity and Progress ” This theme capturesourcollectivehope, butwemustfaceahardtruth, that vision remains unfinished,deteriorated,and in some ways, broken. The very existence of this committee speaks to the lingeringchallengesweface
inachievinggenuineunityin our workplace and in our country Guyana is a nation madeupofsixpeoples,some indigenous, others brought through colonial systems as enslaved people, indentured laborers, or economic migrants Today, many citizens are the result of ethnic, cultural, and religious integration, a rich fusion that defines our identity Andyet,despitethis deep interweaving, efforts continuetodivideusbyrace, class,andsocialstructure.
We are a people who respect all religions, who celebrate together, and who share traditions across communities But sadly, when moments demand unity, there often arises a suddenepidemicofdivision, where race is chosen over reason, prejudice over principle,andbiasoverwhat isjust.Aswemoveforward, wedrawinspirationfromthe timelesswordsofDr Martin Luther King Jr , who declaredin1964:“Irefuseto accepttheviewthatmankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never becomeareality.”
This quote reminds us
that division is not destiny With courage and conviction, we can choose another path, one of peace, equity, and shared progress. Let us examine our conscience and follow our humaninstincttodowhatis right for our country Let us live the true meaning of our Coat of Arms: One People, OneNation,OneDestiny Guyana’s commitment to eliminating racial discrimination is enshrined in its supreme law Article 149 of the Constitution of Guyana guarantees every citizen the right to freedom from discrimination on the grounds of race, political opinion,color,creed,orsex. It mandates equality before thelawandequalprotection andbenefitofthelawforall individuals. In addition, the Racial Hostility Act of Guyana criminalizes the incitementof racialhostility and the publication of materialthatpromotesracial hatredoranimosity Thislaw
affirms the nation’s obligation to curb inflammatory actions and speechthatthreatennational harmony
The establishment of the E t h n i c R e l a t i o n s Commission (ERC) under the Constitution was a
landmark moment in Guyana’s history Its purpose is to promote harmony and good relations among all ethnic groups, investigate complaints of racial discrimination, and recommend policies that fosterunity TheERCserves as a watchdog and bridge between communities, helpingtomonitorincidents ofracialbiasandprovidinga platform for redress and education.
H o w e v e r , t h e effectiveness of the ERC is tied to the will of all stakeholders, government, civilsociety,andinstitutions tosupportitswork,actonits findings, and uphold the principles it represents. We urge continued resourcing, independence, and collaboration with civil organizations, including the GPSU Race Relations Committee, to ensure that the ERC achieves its full potential in strengthening Guyana’s social fabric Guyanaisalsoasignatoryto n u m e r o u s g l o b a l conventions that speak directly to these issues Notably, the United Nations International Convention on theEliminationofAllForms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), adopted in 1965
almost 60 years ago, mandates that all forms of racialdiscriminationmustbe condemned and eliminated by law and practice. The International Labour Organization (ILO) further supports this stance through Conventions No. 111 and No. 169, which promote equal opportunity and treatmentinemployment.
Public Services International(PSI),towhich the GPSU is affiliated, also upholds anti-racism and non-discrimination as core principles of ethical and sustainable public services. Itrecognizesthatracismand classismaredeeplyrootedin systems and institutions and thus calls for active measures to dismantle them at every level. Guyana has consistently spoken in favor of equality, dignity, and inclusion. Our national motto, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny,” affirms this commitment However, our words must match our deeds. We must honoroursignaturestothese conventions, not only in policystatementsorlyricsin campaign speeches or fashion statements for the press, but in practical enforcementandlived (Continuedonpage16)
Tribute to BlackAmerican Congressman...
Frompage05 lectures. Charlie and others would routinely engage students on campus on political issues and American Foreign Policy as well as on the US government’s support for Burnham and silence on electionrigging.
My first encounter with Charlie Rangel was in Spring 1978 (while still a Freshman) when I was first electedtotheUndergraduate Student Government representing the natural Sciences. He would come with several prominent Harlempoliticiansincluding what was known as “The Gang of Four” that included PercySutton(businessman),
David Dinkins (former Mayor), and Basil Patterson (NY Secretary of State) They championed the upliftment of Black Americans particularly in New York State Charlie survived the other three for severalyears.
Sutton, Patterson, and Rangel were very sympathetic with Burnham during the 1960s and did fundraisers for him in New York; Burnham met them duringhisvisittothecity It is not known whether they visited Guyana Sutton, himself, gave a huge personal donation to Burnham.
Charlie was present at every lecture of Caribbean
political leaders who spoke at CCNYincluding Michael Manley and PJ Patterson of Jamaica, Maurice Bishop andmetwithAfricanleaders including Robert Mugabe andNelsonMandela.Hewas not seen at any lectures deliveredbyCheddiJaganor Janet Jagan or Eusi Kwayana. Chalie spoke at dozens of meetings during my time at CCNY between 1977 and 1987 when I held elective office in UndergraduateandGraduate Students Governments including as President of GraduateStudentsCouncil. AttheendofObamatwo terms in January 2017 as President, who himself was at one time (mid-1980s)
Harlemresident,Rangelsaid a lot of work needs to be done to close the racial divide Obama, himself, visited CCNY when I was President of Graduate Students Council engaging students that included Guyanese IdidnotseeObama inanymeetingwithRangelat CCNYbuttheybecameclose when he was elected first as Senator from Illinois and two yearslaterasPresident
ThoseofusasCaribbean people, or from the Indian diaspora, will not forget the role Charlie Rangel played in combating racism and marginalization of minority groups.
Yoursfaithfully, VishnuBisram
BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT
A Govt.built on favours and fear
“The structure of President Irfaan Ali’s administration is built not on law, but on favours and fear- a deliberate strategy of reward and punishment.
In his distorted economic order, the poor survive on occasional handouts of $100,000, while those with connections benefit to the tune of millions – through contracts, tax concessions and sweetheart deals. One example close to him is the Silica City project, which is not accounted for or disclosed anywhere in the national Budget or the public records. The project is run by the Ministry of Housing, of which he was once Minister and which has, since then, been mired in allegations of corruption. Let us not repeat the past,” Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram.
mandatoryon-callshiftsatDiamond, Region4doctorsdecrynew Enmoreregionalhospitals
A
Government Medical
Officers (GMOs) from Region Four have raised serious concerns regarding new mandatory on-call shift requirementsattheDiamond and Enmore Regional Hospitals The medical professionals, in a release, cited increased fatigue, underpayment, and the erosion of professional standards as major issues stemmingfromthedirective, which was introduced without consultation The controversy began after Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Narine Singh issued a notice last Friday informing that, starting Monday,allGMOscurrently assigned to the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara would be required to participate in a new on-call duty rotation. The notice stated, “This is part of our on-going efforts to strengthen the delivery of medical services and ensure adequate coverage during after-hours, weekends, and publicholidays.”
Underthisnewschedule, doctorsareexpectedtowork weekday on-call shifts from MondaytoFriday,16:30hrs. to 20:30 hrs., and weekend and public holiday shifts from08:00hrs.to16:00hrs. Theguidelinesexplainthata four-hour weekday shift is counted as one shift, while an eight-hour weekend or
public holiday shift is countedastwo.Attheendof each month, doctors are requiredtosubmitanon-call claim form. Compensation for the shifts has been set at $4,000pershift.
In response, the affected doctorsreleasedastatement, expressing their “deep concern and professional grievance” over what they
exploitative” policy They stated, “This new policy, whilemaskedasaninitiative
healthcare delivery, has
exploitative conditions on frontlinemedicalworkers.”
The group outlined several specific concerns, starting with what they believe is a direct breach of Guyana’s labour laws and public service regulations. The doctors pointed out that according to these laws, employees are entitled to two rest days after five consecutive days of work.
“This policy now demands that doctors, after working their regular five-day shifts, also perform a minimum of 10 on-call shifts per month, whichincludeseitherfive8hour weekend or holiday shifts,orten4-hourweekday evening shifts from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., following afullday’swork.Thisisnot only excessive, but
dangerous to the health of doctors and to the patients weareentrustedtocarefor,” thedoctorsexplained.
The second major issue raised by thedoctorsiswhat
Compensation”
Theyemphasizedthatthe taxable $4,000 per shift is inadequate and fails to even cover fuel or transportation costs “Doctorsservingunder this new on-call scheme will receive a taxable $4,000 per shift, a rate so low that it cannotevencoverfuelcosts or transportation for an entire duty period… This discriminatory pay structure devalues our time, our
declared.
A third concern is the health risk posed by fatigue andlackofrest.Thedoctors highlighted that even the MinisterofHealth,Dr Frank Anthony, has publicly emphasised that doctors require at least seven hours of sleep to function safely and competently “Sleep deprivation in healthcare settings is linked to increased medical errors, impaired judgment, and long-term heart and mental health issues. This directive flies in the face of those healthstandards,”theysaid.
The fourth point raised was the climate of fear and intimidation that surrounds the implementation of the policy Thedoctorsnoted
Continued on page 13
Agricolayouthshot...
Frompage3 allegation and the offences committed, cautioned, arrested andescortedtotheRuimveldtPoliceStation,alongwiththe firearmandammunition.
Policesaidthat“whenquestionedfurtheratthestation, Narinetolddetectivesthatheshotatthehouse,becausethe 60-year-old man’s son, Rapheal Bollers, killed his brother, NicholasNarine.Healsosaidthatthefirearmbelongstohis brotherNicholasNarine.”
Eighteen5.56mmspentshellswererecoveredfromthe scene.
MeanwhileKeonremainsinpolicecustody
DuringaninterviewwithKaieteurNews,thesisterand fatherofKeonandNicholas,ShinekaandBarryNarinetold this publication that Rafael’s cousin and Barry’s sister had anongoingspatforsomethreeweeksandNicholastriedto resolvetheissue.Theysaidtheybelievethatbecauseofthat incidentRafaelkilledNicholas.
Linden man, 72, killed in hit-and -run accident
A 72-year-old man was killed on Saturday morning in a hit-and-run accident in Amelia’sWard,Linden.
The deceased has been identified as Randolph Braithwaite,of1369Central Amelia’sWard,Linden.
Inastatement,thepolice confirmed that Braithwaite was a pedestrian at the time of the incident. The vehicle orvehiclesinvolvedhavenot yetbeenidentified.
According to reports, Braithwaite’s body was discovered lying on the southern parapet of the 3rd Corner,Amelia’sWard,with “what appears to be lacerations about the body, suspected to be injuries sustained as a result of a motorvehicleaccident.”
He was picked up by police ranks and transported to the Linden Hospital Complex, where he was pronounceddeadonarrival.
Braithwaite’s body has since been taken to Jetsco Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortemexamination.
Investigations are ongoing.
Speaking with Kaieteur News, Vanessa Braithwaite, thedaughterofthedeceased, q u e s t i o n e d t h e circumstances surrounding her father’s death “The circumstances surrounding my dad’s death are sketchy because where his body was found is away from his home, and he was found
Dead: Randolph Braithwaite
explained. Braithwaite said that she and her family walked the area where her father’s belongings were discovered “Where we walked and saw where his other stuff that he had was, probably around half a mile likea15minutes’walk,”she added. Braithwaite believed that it was not just a hit and run accident. “His dentures were out, and his slippers and his bag were in a whole different location from where his body was found,” sherevealed. Withjustdaysremaining before Father’s Day, Braithwaite tearfully remembered the man her father was. “My dad is very quiet, very loving, very generous He’s always willingtogive.He’samanof few words,” she said Holding back tears, she added, “I’m distressed and reallysadthatheisgone.”
The art of condemnation
Calls for the nonreelection of a sitting president are nothing new in politics. They are, in fact, necessary utterances -manifestations of political health. But to be worthy of a democratic audience,suchcallsmustbe grounded in the rigour of argument and the discipline offact.
Theymustreachfortruth rather than simply revel in volume Increasingly, however, what passes for critique is little more than declaration, a performance ofoutragedivorcedfromthe slow and thankless work of substantiation.
Oflate,aswellingchorus of discontent has taken aim at the President, issuing damning judgments and sweeping condemnations, calling for his removal not through the ballot-box, but by a campaign of moral exhaustion.Thesecriticisms
are rarely light on confidence They come dressed in the language of national injury, betrayal, even desecration. But the closer one reads or listens—the less one finds.
Assertions multiply, evidencewithers.
The President, we are
told, governs not with the impartiality demanded by office, but with the instincts ofaloyalpartisan,favouring his party over the people, andfriendsoverfairness.Yet such accusations rest more on inference than inquiry
They allege without illuminating. To hear the critics, the machinery of stateisnolongeroperatedby law or principle, but by whisper and reward, by proximity to power rather than any demonstrated competence. But where is the data? Where are the comparisons, the patterns, the smoking memos, the whistleblowers? Instead, whatwegetareinsinuations of “culture,” “closeness,” “connections” the soft tissue of grievance, not the hardboneoffact. Take the increasingly popular claim that the President is complicit in economic arrangements designed to benefit the few while impoverishing the many Critics speak of sweetheart deals, concealed projects, and the dark sorcery of tax waivers. Yet there is little appetite to wrestle with the machinery of procurement law, the complexities of foreign
investment, or the strategic calculus of industrial policy in a resource-hungry economy All nuance is abandoned in favour of theatricaldisdain.Onehears that certain projects “do not appear” in the national budget as though the absenceofaprojectnamein
s conclusive proof of fiscal misconduct.It’sanargument that would struggle to pass even in the court of public opinion, let alone in any seriousinstitutionalreview
Thecriticismsgofurther Wearetoldthatjusticeisno longer blind, but selectively applied; that commissions function not to uncover but to obscure; and that state oversight bodies exist only to gather dust and salaries. These are serious charges. Butagain,theyarrivenotvia legal findings, audited
sinewsoftheaccusationsare slack. The critics do not pause to examine what laws
institutional deadlocks paralyze reform, or what practical obstacles plague oversight offices across
An Essequibo River Bridge...
Frompage05 water and improved our firefighting capabilities. Issues that have plagued our country since independence. Oncethesefundamentalelementsofsocietal
developmentareinplaceotherdevelopment pursuits including those that support business and economic growth will become easiertoachieve.
Bestregards, Mr JamilChanglee
DEM BOYS SEH
Sanctions is de new name fuh outsourcing justice
DemboyssehdeUSgot a new way of dealing with peopledemdontlike.Itcall OFAC sanctions Once upon a time, when yuh accuse somebody of a crime, yuh had to prove it. Bring evidence, charge de person, and let de court decide. Now? All de US doing is pointing finger, calling names, and expecting everybody else fuhdodedirtywuk.
Is like Uncle Sam seh: “Thismanfromyuhcountry is corrupt. Trust us.” But when yuh ask dem fuh de proof, dem seh, “Well, that confidential.Goinvestigate fuhyuhself.”Sowaitnah… yuh accusing people of criminal acts, but yuh aint sharingdeevidence?Thatis
like telling a man he thief yuh chicken but yuh aint showing de coop or de feather
Demsanctionsnowisde new weapon of foreign policy Itaintaboutcourtor law Its about pressure and public embarrassment. Yuh name get blacklist, bank account freeze, and next ting yuh know, yuh own country got to run behind papers and WhatsApp messagestofigureoutwhat reallygoingon.
Dem boys seh if de US serious, why dem dont just applyforextradition?Bring de case to court in Washington or New York. Let a judge and jury decide if de person guilty But no, that gon mean dem got to
show evidence, crossexaminewitnesses,andface lawyers.Toomuchwuk.So instead, dem throwing de accusation like confetti and telling small countries, “You deal with it.” Is like outsourcing justice to de same governments they accusing of being soft pun crime.
Dem boys seh justice cantbeapressrelease.And asanctionaintnosubstitute fuh a trial. If yuh accusing somebody of tiefing, corrupting, laundering, or riggingthen do de decent thing:chargedemandprove it. Otherwise, it look more like politics than law And plenty people smelling de difference.
Talkhalf.Leffhalf
T
collapseofcontextistotal.
At times, the language takes on a forensic tone, invoking phrases like “accessorytotaxevasion”or “violations of anti-money laundering rules.” Yet the legalvocabularyishollowed out by the absence of legal process. The standard of proof has been inverted: suspicion is proof, and silence is confession. The critics do not present findings they present moods.
Evenpersonaltragedyis not spared the conscription into political narrative. The lossofyounglivesbecomes a pivot point for sweeping assertions of moral failure. Rather than grieving with dignity or asking carefully what systemic failures contributed to such horrors, critics pivot immediately to cynicism Every inquiry becomesawhitewash,every silenceasmirk.Theydonot distinguish between the messy imperfection of governance and the orchestratedevilsoftyranny For them, failure is always
intentional.
The criticisms often climax with a pseudohistorical narrative. We are remindedthattrustwasonce given—perhaps generously so. The President, they say, was embraced by a hopeful nation,defendedinthewake of electoral crisis.And now, the betrayal is complete. This tidy arc hope to heartbreak—makesforgood theatre. But it reduces a thousand complexities of governance, diplomacy, coalition, and compromise into the tired tropes of Shakespeareandrama.What is missing from all of this glaringly is the recognition that governance in a developing state, especially one newly navigatingthetorrentsofoil wealth, is not the domain of saints or villains. It is the daily negotiation of imperfect choices under the unbearable weight of expectation. The critiques calling for the President’s political exile confuse disappointment with illegitimacy They mistake missteps for malevolence.
Andindoingso,theyflatten the entire democratic experiment into a single binary: resign or rot. To demand a leader’s resignation or nonreelectionisnotrivialthing. In serious republics, it requirestheburdenofproof, not just the burden of passion.
It demands scrutiny of the facts, not just performance of virtue. The state may very well need reform; the President, criticism. But what it needs most is for that criticism to be responsible, reasoned, and real. Otherwise, d e m o c r a c y i s n o t strengthenedbycritique.Itis drownedinit.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
H@RD TRUTHS
The Presidency and Ali - my recommendation
Chartered Accountant and attorney-at-law, Chis
R a m p r e s e n t e d a
masterpiece titled “Presidency has been diminishedbyMr Aliandhe ought not to be re-elected” (SN June 8-2025). It is
powerful, revealing, penetrating. It’s a work of pain that strips Mohamed Irfaan Ali of whatever fig leaf he may have had left, behindwhichheshelters.
Themoreheshelters,the moreheexposeshimself. If thereisoneweaknessinMr Ram’swork,it’sthathe’stoo kind. He ought not to have placed that decision, however well-intended, to the electorate. That is, to vote or not vote for Ali. Spare those citizens. Or, to General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP brain trust. I remove from their
hands. Becauseoftheodors that Dr Ali heaped on his own head from allegations relatedtoLamborghiniGate, Tax-gate, and WhatsApp Gate he should do the honorable thing. President Mohamed Irfaan Ali should resign immediately He must give himself an opportunity to salvage himself.
Go quietly, sensibly, decently into the sunset, Pres.Ali. Leave,Mr Ali,at midday, and let that last ray ofsunlightthinthisdarkness that hangs over the head, haunts every word, dogs every step, taints every observation of what the presidency of Guyana has beendraggedinto,asthough it is some mutilated carcass.
How the highest office in Guyanahasnowbeenalmost irreparably fouled by the
works of his own hand (as alleged), through which (again, as alleged) Mr Ali hurled himself seemingly so casually,sothoughtlessly,so recklessly Resigningwould bethegraciousthingforMr Alitodo.
Note that I am now repeatedly referring to Mohamed Irfaan Ali as Mr Ali. Not ExcellencyAli, as ismywont. NotPres.Ali,as ismystandingpractice. This isdespitemygraveconcerns over some of his failures in the capacities of chief magistrate, chief proconsul, and chief senator in this Republic All those egregious failures, so clouded in presidential doubletalk.
I name some only Sanctity of contract (an abscessed tooth that has exploded,spilledpusoverall
Guyanese) Politically motivated(andforwhat,but what the law allows access to, for the transparency and accountability that he so solemnly promised). Is this man’s, this national leader’s word given, not worth anything? Sometinypegon which Guyanese can place their trust? Something that pushes me to that summit aspired to, be motivated to say I believe I trust Therefore, give a chance. Let there be the space for making good, for justifying confidencevested.
It is Mr Ali, not due to any speck of disrespect for the office of the presidency, butinrecognitionofthelow road that he has made his own in the time of his occupation of that hallowed chamber.Gograciously,Mr Ali. Donotaddfurtherstain on Guyana by staying one moment longer There is alreadytoomuchblemishto share universally, with plentyleftover Don’tleave that burden to the Guyanese voter Don’tputthemtothat test. Resignnow,sir. Justas I had recommended to then
Pres David Arthur Granger in the throes of the2020electionsfiascoes,I so recommend to Mohamed Irfaan Ali Vacate the presidency, sir Go graciously It has been besmirched enough. Let no further danger, let no more acrimony,letnotonemorsel of the questionable, the unbecoming, the dubious anddegradingbedoneto,be associated with, Guyana’s most visible office, its most treasuredinstitution.
I will be the first to say that when the hour so demanded, when the confluenceofcircumstances was all arrayed against him, MohamedIrfaanAlistoodat histallest,rosetohisnoblest height, and left the presidency of his own volition, through the power ofhisownmind,onethatstill held one scintilla of selfrespect for the Guyanese people. And for his own dignity If not, how can he everbetrustedagain? Ifnot, whatsavagerywillhewreak onthepresidencythatwould beseeminglysodeartohim?
No office, no standing, no
duty is so extraordinarily precious that it cannot be separated from, particularly whenithasbeensopoisoned byone’sownhand.
Hear me this once, Dr Ali. I give the courtesy of thatprefix. Butinthetemper of circumstances, even that now becomes a struggle, given the sequence of developments, the glaring, shaming, inflaming events that have propelled to this sordidpass.
Mine is the profound regret to care more for the heraldedofficeofpresidency of this Republic, and to care lessforMr MohamedIrfaan Ali. Oftenitistoughtobean older brother, a hard truth caller
This is one of those times. Go thine way, sir Make thy peace with honor, mybrother
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Oilpriceshitmulti-weekhighs amidUS-Chinatradetalks
NEW YORK, June 9 (Reuters) - Oil prices hit multi-week highs on Monday, buoyed by a weaker U.S. dollar, while investors awaited news from U.S.-China trade talks in London in hopes a deal could boost the global economic outlook and subsequentlyfueldemand.
Brent crude futures settled 57 cents higher, or 0.9%, to $67.04 a barrel. During the session, the benchmark rose to $67.12 a barrel,thehighestsinceApril28.
U.S.WestTexasIntermediatecruderose 71 cents, or 1.1%, to $65.29. The contract reached $65.38 a barrel during the session, the highest since April 4. A weaker U.S. dollargavesomesupporttooilprices,asthe dollarindex(.DXY),opensnewtabdropped 0.3%,makingoilcheaperforholdersofother currencies. Last week, Brent rose 4% and WTI gained 6.2% as the prospect of a U.S.China trade deal boosted risk appetite for some investors. “Much of this advance appears technically driven and such rallies can easily subside without new bullish headlines,”analystsatenergyadvisoryfirm Ritterbusch and Associates said in a note. “Muchattentionwillbegiventotheongoing U.S.-Chinatradetalks.”
U S President Donald Trump and China’sleaderXiJinpingspokebytelephone on Thursday before U.S. and Chinese officials met in London on Monday to calm trade tensions between the two nations. A trade deal between the United States and China could support the global economic outlook and in turn boost demand for commodities including oil. Monday’s talks
could dampen the impact on prices of Chinese data releases, IG market analyst TonySycamoresaid.Chineseexportgrowth slowedtoathree-monthlowinMayasU.S. tariffs curbed shipments while factory gate deflationdeepenedtoitsworstintwoyears, heaping pressure on the world’s secondlargesteconomyathomeandabroad.
“Bad timing for crude oil, which was testingthetopoftherangeandknockingon the door of a technical break above $65,” Sycamoresaid,referringtoWTIprices.The data also showed that China’s crude oil imports declined in May to the lowest daily rate in four months as state-owned and independent refiners began planned maintenance.
But for some Taiwanese fishermen who have trawled the Taiwan Strait for generations, wind power and other renewablescomewithadownsidedisrupted fishing, pollution, and poor government communication. The prospect of a potential China-U.S. trade deal outweighed concern over the price impact from increased output by the OPEC+ group of oil producers next month. The Organization of the Petroleum ExportingCountries’oiloutputroseinMay by less than the volume planned, a Reuters survey found, as Iraq made further cuts to compensateforearlierpumpingabovetarget and Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates made smaller hikes than allowed. OPECpumped26.75millionbarrelsperday last month, up 150,000 bpd from April’s total, the survey showed on Monday, with SaudiArabiamakingthelargestincrease.
ExxonMobil says total assets in sa Guyana pegged at $3.9 trillion
ExxonMobil Guyana (EMG) said it continues to m a k e s u b s t a n t i a l investmentsinGuyana,with total assets increasing 18% toGY$3.9trillion.
This was stated in the company’s Annual Report for 2024 released last week
to the local media. According to the company through year-end 2024, EMGLand its Co-Venturers have invested more than GY$8trillionintheStabroek blockandhavecommittedto invest an additional GY$5 trillionthrough2028.
“With continued reliable operations of the Destiny, UnityandProsperityFPSOs, gross production increased by 58% and revenues increased by 56% versus 2023, despite lower oil prices,” the release noted.
According to the oil company with growing production, the Government lifted approximately 28 million “Profit Oil” barrels, and when combined with a 60%increaseincashroyalty
payments, delivered approximately GY$537 billion to the Natural
Resource Fund – a new annual record. Exxon said these highlights underscore its strong financial position
Government and People of Guyana.
This newspaper reported last week that the subsidiary ofExxonMobilCorporation
operating profit before taxation of almost US$6B.
Explaining the financial performance of the oil company was the newly appointedBusinessServices Manager, John Colling. He was keen to note that the increase in the company’s profits was primarily due to the startup of the third Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO), Prosperity, which commenced production activitiesinNovember2023 but reached maximum capacityinJanuary2024.
Colling noted, “In 2024, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited generated $1 7 trillion (GYD) in revenue, whichisupabout60%from the prior year and that’s
Prosperity FPSO coming onlineandhigherproduction volumes.”
Similarly, the Business Services Manager said the company’s net income also increased to $995B (GYD) in 2024, compared with $615B (GYD) recorded in 2023, as a result of the addition of the Prosperity vessel Additionally, the startup of the vessel also accounted for an increase in production costs in 2024 which totaled $61 3B, compared with only $41.1B
in2023.
Exxon reported a tax e x p e n s e o f $260,155,788,763 (GYD) and $995,144,810,603 (GYD) as its total comprehensive income for the year It is important to note that the company, in accordance with the provisions of the 2016 Production Sharing
Agreement (PSA) is exemptedfrompayingtaxes. As such, it could be accurately concluded that thecompany’sprofitsforthe y e a r t o t a l e d $1,255,300,599,366.
The2024AnnualReport
indicated that the exchange rateattheendofthefinancial period was US$1 = G$210, hence Exxon recorded US$5,977,621,901 as operating profit before taxation In 2024, ExxonMobil produced approximately 652,000 barrelsperday(kbd).During the period, Liza Destiny producedapproximately157 kbd,LizaUnity246kbdand Prosperity249kbd.
President of EMGL, Alistair Routledge in the report said reflecting on 2024 fills him with both pride and gratitude for the collective efforts that have
With the new state-of-the-art Diamond Regional Hospital being commissioned, the Ministry of Health has officially announced the permanent closure of the Diamond DiagnosticCentre.
The health ministry in a notice issued Monday, confirmed that all services previouslyofferedatthediagnosticcentreare now being provided at the newly opened regionalhospital.
“Please be advised that the Diamond Diagnostic Centre has been permanently closed. All medical services previously offered there are now available at the Diamond Regional Hospital,” the notice stated.
The Prosperity FPSO vessel
culminatedinwhathasbeen describedas“oneofthemost remarkable success stories” globally He was keen to note, “Our journey in Guyana is just beginning, poised to further transform thecountryanditseconomy, bringing significant and broad benefits to its citizens We have consistently grow
production year-over year since the first oil production milestone in 2019. As a result,Guyanaisnowoneof the largest oil producers per capita in the world, and it boasts the world’s fastestgrowingeconomy.”
The $6.6 billion Diamond Regional Hospital,locatedatGreatDiamondHousing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was officiallycommissionedonSunday Thenew facilitywhichoffersfreehealthcareservices, is the first of the six regional hospitals to be commissioned as part of a broader initiative toenhanceaccesstoqualityhealthcareacross Guyana.
Built on four acres of land, the hospital featuresamoderntwo-storeystructurewitha total floor area of 6,000 square meters. It is fully air-conditioned and houses 75 hospital beds, with each room accommodating five patientsandequippedwithprivatewashroom
Continued on page 16
Electoral body, hold talks on voter education, other issues
TheInstituteofDemocracyand Electoral Assistance (IDEA) on Monday met with the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) at Congress Place in Sophia. The meeting focused on IDEA’s ongoing voter education programme, which is actively collaborating with the Guyana Elections Commission The meeting was attended by the PNCR’s General SecretarySherwin Benjamin, CEC –Members, Ganesh Mahipaul and MervynWilliams.
In a press release PNCR said
representing IDEA were: Programme Officer, Junior Paul Chanderpaul, and Ambassador Marcelo Varela-Erasheba, ProgrammeManager
During the meeting, the IDEA teamprovidedadetailedupdateon the programme’s progress, highlighting key initiatives and strategiesaimedatenhancingvoter understanding and participation. The discussion encompassed various aspects of voter education,
including outreach methods, content development, and partnershipswithkeystakeholders.
PNCR representatives expressed their appreciation for IDEA’s commitmenttothevotereducation programme and raised critical concerns. Meanwhile, during their weekly news conference last week
thePNCRsaidthatnowanelection date has been set, the APNU Coalition of which it is part of is callingonallGuyanesetosetaside ethnicandpoliticaldifferencesand vote for their happiness and wellbeing. “Guyanese aspire to live a comfortable life, without the daily hasslesoftryingtomakeendsmeet
Man shot dead during police chase in Enmore
A 29-year-old construction worker was reportedly shot dead during a police chase on Second Street,Foulis,EastCoastDemerara (ECD)onSundayevening.
Dead is Rondell Clarke of Lot 413Foulis,ECD.
Itwasreportedthattheincident occurred between 19:30 and 19:45 hrs.
According to a police report, Clarke was allegedly shot by a 25year-old male security officer employed with a private security service, but family members believeitwasabulletthatwasfired bythepolice.
“The security officer allegedly shot Clarke. Clarke was later picked up in a conscious state by police ranks and escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporationformedicalattention,” policesaid.
They further noted that Clarke wasadmittedtothecriticalsurgical bayandwaslaterpronounceddead. The body was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Cooperation (GPHC) mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination.
During an interview with Kaieteur News, the deceased’s sister, Sherifa Clarke, shared concerns over the lack of clarity surrounding the circumstances of herbrother’sdeath.
Thewomanexplainedthatafter being informed of the incident, the family visited multiple police stations along the east coast including Sparendaam, Vigilance,
Enmore, and Cove and John, only to be told at each location that no official report had been made regarding the shooting, as a result, thefamilyformedaprotestoutside the Cove and John police station afterwhichtheywereassisted.
Sherifatoldthispublicationthat while at Cove and John police station, they began inquiring about the incident and were told that Clarke was shot at First Street, Foulis,attheChinesesupermarket.
Working with that information, thefamilywenttothesupermarket which was closed. However, they were able to contact the resident whotoldthemthattheincidentdid notoccurthereandthatthesecurity who works there does not work withgun.
The family returned to the police station where they were updated that Clarke was shot on
Second Street, Foulis. Upon their arrival they did not see anything anddecidedtoreturntothestation.
“While we were going to the station,wesawavehiclecomingin, and we decided to turn around and followed that vehicle and it was a policevehicle.Anditstoppedatthe same spot where he died, how we know that, is because we saw the blood there and his glasses was there,”SherifatoldKaieteurNews.
Sherifa said the family questioned the officer who identified himself as Officer Ross. She said Ross claimed he did not know anything about the incident, but was instructed to escort the personformedicalattention.
“We ask him if it was a chase and he said no it was a security guardthatshothimandthegunand the security is in custody that’s all theyknow Weevenhadaprotestat CoveandJohnandthatiswhenthe commander came out, and other police ranks came out and listen to us,”Sherifaadded.
She said the family obtained three video footages showing that Clarkwasbeingchasedbyapolice vehicle. According to her, Officer Ross had a personal vendetta with herbrother
“My brother and that police officer have a personal issue with eachother Wheneverthepolicesee Clark on his bike, he would target him. He was never wanted for nothing because he was not involved in any crime. The only unlawful thing he would do is ride hisbikewithoutahelmet,”shesaid.
which has resulted in a nightmare for the traveling public,” the statementadded. “Wewouldnotbe surprisedthatwhenGuyanesegoto the polling stations, they will vote against the on-going poverty and economic hardships, the high cost of living, the corruption that channelstheirmoneyintothehands of PPP friends, families and favorites; and against the reality that the country’s oil wealth is not reachingthem.”
and trying to stretch their dollars. They want living wages and a livableincome,”thePNCRsaid.
According to the party, after four oil budgets under the PPP (with the last two budgets surpassingatrilliondollars),living conditions have only gotten worse and hope among the people has dwindled “We in the APNU Coalition are offering policies and programmes that will take the people of Guyana out of poverty, put resources in their hands, and remove the unnecessary everyday hassle, including those that have emerged from a lack of a road infrastructure development plan,
According to the PNCR, the campaign of the APNU Coalition willfocusonconvincingGuyanese “thatwecanbringhope,prosperity, and happiness to their lives. We willfocusonconvincingGuyanese that we will put them first and ensurethecountry’soilwealthgets into their hands, purses, wallets, and bank accounts We will campaign on guaranteeing all households a livable income, free from financial uncertainties. With ouroilwealth,theAPNUCoalition believesGuyanacanbecomeoneof the best countries to live in. The PPPhashaditschancewithfouroil budgets and has failed Come st September1,wewillaskthevoters to vote for us, as we are well equippedtodelivertothemahighqualitylife.Wewillaskvoterstolet us show what we mean by putting people first,” the statement concluded.
Region4doctorsdecry...
Frompage8
thatmostoftheircolleaguesareemployedonshort-termcontractsandare thereforeafraidtospeakup.“Thereisaprevailingclimateoffearoflosing gratuity,facingdisciplinaryretaliation,orbeingreassignedtohinterland regionsaspunishmentforspeakingout.Thistoxicenvironmentnotonly violates our rights but further demoralizes our already burdened workforce,” they asserted. Finally, the doctors expressed concern about the erosion of family life and mental health, especially with the anticipatedopeningoftheOgleChildandMaternityHospital.Theysaid, “Doctors are expected to serve without regard for personal time, family responsibilities, or mental well-being. Our lives are being reduced to perpetual service, with no space for recovery or balance. This is unsustainable,andthementaltollisalreadybeingfeltamongstaff.”
As a result of these grievances, the doctors are calling for four immediate actions: the review and revocation of the current on-call directive; the development of a revised, humane, and legally compliant policy created through consultation with healthcare workers; fair compensation that reflects the value of their work; and guarantees that doctors will not face punishment for exercising their right to speak out. “We,thedoctorsofRegion4,arenotmachines—andwearecertainlynot slaves,”thedoctorssaid.
WhencontactedbyKaieteurNews,ChiefMedicalOfficerDr Narine Singhstatedthathehadnotreceivedanyformalcommunicationfromthe doctors and would only respond to official complaints. “They have not written to us; we can’t respond to an anonymous complaint,” Dr Singh said, adding that a public statement will be issued on Wednesday Minister of Health Dr FrankAnthony echoed a similar stance, stating, “Theministryisnotinreceiptofanycomplaints.”
Kaieteur News also reached out to Gerald Forde, an executive member of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), who confirmed that around 20 doctors are affected and have expressed concerns. However, he noted that no formal complaint had been submitted to the union.“AsfarasIknow,theydidnotcontacttheunionofficially Idon’t knowwhowrotethearticle,”Fordesaid.Hefurthercommented,“Itistrue that doctors are working for the low pay and are working those exact hours,andwearetryingtoworkonthesituation,”hesaid.Fordeassured thattheunioniswillingtoassistthedoctorsonlyifthedoctorsreachoutto theunion.“Theunioniscommittedinresolvingtheissue.Someonehasto comeforwardsothatwecandealwithit,”heurged.
PNCR executives and representatives from the Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance during their meeting on Monday
Dead Rondell Clarke
‘Guyana’sfuturerestsinyou’
President Irfaan Ali on Monday hailed the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) as a “revolution in education” as 2000Guyanesegraduatefromtheprogrammethisyear
AtapackedceremonyheldattheNationalCulturalCentrein Georgetown,PresidentAlitoldthegraduatesthattheyare“living proof”oftherevolutionineducation.
He said that the graduation should not be seen only as a personal milestone, but a national one; a key step in building a countrygroundedinopportunity,equity,andhumandevelopment.
“Thisisarevolutionineducationandeveryoneofyouisliving proof,”hesaidnotingthatthedegreesandcertificatesarenotthe endoftheroad.“Yourresponsibilitydoesnotendhere.Infact,it begins here. The future of Guyana does not rest on buildings, it restsintheminds,theheartsandthehandsofpeoplelikeyou.And be assured, Guyana needs you; we need your skills, your voice [and]yourpassion,”thepresidentsaid.
Hechallengedthegraduatestoturntheireducationintoaction, through service, responsible decision-making, and leadership in theirhomes,communities,andinthewidersociety
“You having a higher level of education are supposed to be patrons of positivity… better decisions for your family, better financialdecisions,betterdecisionsforyourcommunityandyour country,” he said. The GOAL programme was launched in 2021 andwasdesignedtobreakthecycleofinaccessibilitytoeducation, especially for those in rural areas, single parents, or full-time workers. President Ali reminded the graduates that the programme was never just about handing out scholarships, but about reshaping access to education and the opening up of immense new possibilities. “We were not just thinking about certificates. We were thinking about doors, about access, about thousands of talented Guyanese who… had never been able to walkthroughthedoorsofhigherlearning.”Sinceitslaunch,more than 30,000 Guyanese have received GOAL scholarships, with over70percentofthembeingwomen.ThePresidentcalledthata proudreflectionofinclusionandempowerment.
As Guyana’s economy expands, across oil and gas, infrastructure, health, education, tourism, and technology, PresidentAlisaidthedemandfortalentisonlygrowing.Thevision forGuyana,hestressed,requiresrealpeopletobringittolife.
“Whatourcountrylookslikeandwhatoursocietyfeelslike… that vision will not build itself. It takes people. People like you,” theheadofstatesaid.Theevent,themed“EnhancingtheNation’s Human Capacity,” also featured remarks from Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh,andguestspeakerProfessorPaulMarshall,VicePresident oftheUniversityofEastLondon.Thegraduationmarksfiveyears sincetheGOALinitiativewaslaunched.SomeG$12.5billionhas been invested so far in the programme representing about G$312,000perstudent.
Beyond GOAL, the government has made access to the University of Guyana completely free, a move now benefitting morethan11,000currentandincomingstudents.(DPI)
President Irfaan Ali (center) with graduates at the National Cultural Center. Also photographed is Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Waldron (left).
– President Ali tells GOAL graduates
President Irfaan Ali
$73M more to be spent at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport would be spending $73 million more ontheCliffAndersonSports HalllocatedonHomestretch Avenue, this time for works relatingtoitsparkinglot.
T h e N a t i o n a l Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) stated on its website that a $73,056,150 contract was awarded to Sovereignty Investment throughthenationalbidding process for the construction ofanasphaltparkinglot.
Theprojectisthelatestto beaddedtothesportfacility whereinitialworksbeganin 2022.
Earlierthisyear,Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson told the media that the government has since invested some $321 million in various worksatthebuilding.
In November 2022, the ministry awarded a contract worth $97 million to ECS Construction & General Supplies, to cover only the
first phase of the project. That phase, entailed the redesign of the front section ofthebuilding,whichwould bereconstructed.
In December that year the NPTAB awarded an initial contract for the installation of the HVAC systems at the facility That $89,840,020 project was a w a r d e d t o E C S
Construction & General Supplies. During that month too another contract for electrical installation was awarded to A. Ogransein & Sons to the
$31,409,000.
Following that, NPTAB awarded a $60,324,675 c o n t r a c t t o S & K Construction Consultancy Service & General Supply
Red Hill residents to receive first-time access to potable water with new well
Residents of the riverine community of Red Hill, located along the Barima River in Region One (Barima-Waini), are set to receive first-time access to potable water in the coming weeks — a transformative step that will significantly enhance their daily lives.
This development, made possible throughtherecentdrillingofanewwell,will eliminate the community’s reliance on rainwaterharvestingandtheoftenturbidand contaminated river water The initiative will deliver clean water to essential public facilities, including the school and health centre, and is expected to benefit approximately95%ofhouseholdswithinthe centralcluster
Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, visited the community as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to involve citizens in national development and ensure their needs are met. The minister was accompanied by Regional Chairman, Mr. Brentnol Ashley; Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Sewchand; and Director of Hinterland Services at the Guyana Water Incorporated(GWI),Mr RamchandJailal.
Minister Croal noted that the new well has shown promising signs of water production, and efforts are now focused on the completion of the distribution network. To ensure community involvement and stimulate local economic activity, GWI will engage residents in laying the distribution lines, for which they will earn an income. GWI’s Regional Manager is scheduled to return to the community tomorrow, with works on the water distribution network expected to commence by the end of the week. Once the network is completed, residents can expect to begin receiving potablewaterfromthenewwellbytheendof themonth.
Since 2020, Region One has seen access to potable water rise from approximately 36% to 89%, as part of the government’s commitment to achieving 100% access nationwide. In the Mabaruma sub-region alone, close to a dozen new wells have been awardedin2025forcommunitiesincluding: HoboHill,Barasina,BlackWaterSavannah, Canal Bank, Morawannah, Three Brothers, FiveStar,Waicabari,ArukaMouthandUnity Square.
Beyond water access, Minister Croal underscoredthebroaderdevelopmenttaking placeinRedHillandacrosstheregion.Since 2020,over$150millionhasbeeninvestedin the community through various interventions, including Presidential Grants and the establishment of ICT hubs via the OfficeofthePrimeMinister Theregionasa whole has benefited from increased investment in education, healthcare, transportation, and other critical sectors. “Developmentcomesindifferentforms[…], development is also about the people,” the Minister stated during the community engagement “Governance is about distributing the wealth so everyone sees and feelsthetransformation,”headded.Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has been allocated over $8 billion to support infrastructure and services in public works, health, agriculture, education, and administration He pointed to the constructionofaroadlinkingWarutatoRed Hill as one of several infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and access for residents. With continued investments and community involvement, the people of RedHillareonaclearpathtowardimproved living standards and inclusive development. (DPI)
was spent on plumbing worksthatwasdonebyKNV Designs Construction
Another $4 million was spent to replace an area whichhadrottenboardsina concretestructure.
Further,hedisclosedthat rehabilitationworkwasdone on the roof by Rishma and Sisters Enterprise for $9.4 million. Rehabilitation was also done on the side walls for $7.9 million, which was executed by R. Persid Construction, and ceiling worksfor$12million.
for the completion of the northernfaceofthebuilding.
At a press briefing Minister Ramson said that approximately $7.6 million
Notably, the minister explained that in relation to theinstallationofAC,which wasinitiallyawardedfor$89 million, “We had to terminate that project in 2023.Theycompletedabout $65 million worth of works, butweterminatedtheproject
because they were delaying, itwaspoorperformancesoit delayed. It is not that they weren’t doing quality work, itisthattheyweretakingtoo long.”
To complete the installation of the AC, he explained that the ministry tendered for and awarded a $37millioncontract.
He said too that the remaining works to complete the project related totheparkinglotareaandthe installationofbucketseats.
Meanwhile, the ministry recently tendered for the constructionofasectionofa fence, an access bridge, and toupgradeofthelightingon thecourtatthefacility
Also,theministrysought bids to rehabilitate the roof which is estimated to cost $24million.
The inside of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
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Vacancy for Elderly Caregiver @ Republic Park. Please Call or WhatsApp: 656-1875/ 233-5160/609-6952.
Elicha Investment and Construction Inc, Hiring Experienced Utility & Bull dozer Operator and Heavy equipment Mechanic. Call : 6082444/ 503-0359. Canteen for rent in Soesdyke .$3,000 per day. Call 669-9258
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St Vincent PM urges peace and calm between T&T, Venezuela
(Trinidad Guardian) St Vincent and the Grenadines
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has urged both Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela to exercise restraint and resolve their differences peacefully and in line with international law.
“All I would like to do is to urge both neighbours to continue to act peacefully in accordance with international law,” Gonsalves said in an interview with Guardian Media yesterday.
He warned against inflaming the situation with strong language. “As far as practicable, we do not incline the situation with any excessive rhetoric. We just take our patience into account. And whatever is the problem, we solve them maturely between two neighbours.”
Dr. Ralph Gonsalves
Tensions between T&T and Venezuela escalated last week after Venezuelan Justice Minister Diosdado Cabello alleged on his programme Con El Mazo Dando, that a Trinidadian by the name of “Guis Kendell Jerome” - had been captured en route to Venezuela with a group la-
Diamond diagnostic
From page 12 and toilet facilities. The hospital also offers a wide range of 24-hour medical services, including an emergency department, laboratory, imaging services such as ultrasounds, postural scans, CT scans, and a dental suite. There are three fully equipped operating theatres, along with an additional theatre located in the emergency department for urgent surgical procedures. Each bed is fitted with a nurse
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PROPERTY FOR SALE
3 Story building, Evan Street Charlestown, 2bedroom House on Long Creek Highway, Durban Street, 2 apartment Building. Contact : Ray's Realty 627-9685
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belled “terrorists” in an attempt to destabilise their government.
Senior police officials in this country have since confirmed that the person named by Cabello had not appeared in T&T’s criminal database.
During last Thursday’s post-Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar added to the issue as she delivered a deadly warning to Venezuela that T&T was off-limits.
She revealed that the T&T Coast Guard (TTCG) would have been placed on alert to use deadly force if any vessel from Venezuela sought to access local waters illegally.
Persad Bissessar declared, “I want to make it very clear to the Venezuelan government and officials that they can do whatever they
want on Venezuelan territory, but they cannot come here. T&T territory is off limits to them.”
Contacted on the issue yesterday, the St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister was asked whether Caricom should intervene in the developing tension, he replied, “Maybe not, maybe not as yet, but that’s why I’m urging peace and calm.”
Gonsalves reaffirmed Caricom’s and the region’s broader commitment to peace.
“That would be what my own broad position would do as someone who supports very much—and we all do, and Caricom does, and so too does Venezuela—we support our region as a region of peace. We want to see good neighborliness.”
‘Smart Hospital’ permanently closed...
call button to ensure prompt patient assistance. The facility is also equipped with its own oxygen plant, a blood bank system, and six mortuary chambers.
Meanwhile, the nowclosed Diamond Diagnostic Centre, located at Diamond (EBD) originally established in October 2007, underwent upgrades in 2021 when it was transformed into a ‘smart hospital’ under a United Kingdom-funded initiative.
The smart hospital initia-
tive, supported by the UK government, is part of an $835 million project aimed at upgrading five health institutions in Guyana into environmentally friendly, technologically advanced facilities. Upgrades at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre amounted to $222 million.
Since the initial allocation for the upgrade was approximately $199 million, an additional sum of over $20 million had to be spent. As part of the environ-
mentally friendly design, the centre was equipped with a solar energy system, allowing it to generate its own electricity, reducing operational costs to the government. It also featured a rainwater harvesting system to further lower energy and water consumption costs.
Despite these modern upgrades, the Diamond Diagnostic Centre has now been fully decommissioned and succeeded by the Diamond Regional Hospital.
28 Years of Advocacy: Bridging Divides, Upholding...
From page 06 reality. This includes upholding the laws that hold individuals and institutions accountable for acts of racism and racial discrimination.
We urge that laws be upheld across all workplaces public and private that explicitly prohibit racial discrimination. Use mechanisms for reporting, investigation, and redress. Institutions must be held accountable not only for their policies but also for their practices. A safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment is not a privilege but a right. The continued existence of racism, classism, and discrimination shows we still have work to do. This work begins at home, in classrooms, playgrounds, in offices, fields, factories in our service delivery. It begins when we speak truth, reject injustice, and refuse to normalize bias in our everyday actions.
We must also be courageous enough to confront a different but equally damaging misuse of race, when individuals use claims of racism to deflect from their own wrongdoing, mismanage-
ment, or lack of accountability. To exploit the gravity of racial justice for personal defense undermines the legitimacy of real struggles faced by those who are genuinely marginalized. It weakens the integrity of the movement and erodes public trust. We condemn all attempts to weaponize racism for political, personal, or organisational cover.
The Guyana Public Service Union has a legacy of representing all members equally, regardless of background, ethnicity, or political affiliation. The government must do the same. Leadership must look closely at what divides us and act to repair it.
In a country experiencing economic growth and development, discontent, marginalization, and unrest are signals that people are being left behind. The priority in nation-building must be inclusion economic, social, and cultural. This is especially urgent as our national borders face external threats. Our people must not be overlooked or sold short. Every community must be part of development, not at the
fringes, but at the center. We believe that education is a powerful weapon against hate. That’s why GPSU reaffirms its commitment to promoting training, cultural literacy, and public service values that foster inclusion.
The GPSU will continue its work to:
*Leads by example in inclusive governance,
* Empowers public servants through education and cultural exchange,
* Revive and Promote Social and cultural events that bring out the beauty of Diversity.
*Stands boldly against every form of racial injustice and exclusion,
*Build bridges between communities and promote national healing.
As we commemorate the 28th anniversary of the GPSU Race Relations Committee, we reaffirm our commitment to dismantling all barriers of discrimination visible or in disguise, institutional or cultural.
This message is more than a reflection, it is a charge to act. We must all become active participants in the heal-
ing, inclusion, and unification of our nation. We also charge our race relations committee not to be a ceremonial body remembered only on anniversaries. Let it be a living, breathing force of advocacy, visibility, and change, respected for its role in advancing equity, unity, and national cohesion.
In every policy, every appointment, every act of governance, let us honor our national and international obligations.
Let us create public services that reflect the dignity, equality, and diversity of all Guyanese. Let us change the trend where injustice by one political administration becomes justification for continued wrong by another. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” Let us lead by example and do right by our people, not in retaliation or repetition of past wrongs, but in commitment to a better future.
In solidarity, President, Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) Patrick Yarde
Health Ministry to spend $313M to construct nurses’ hostels at Mahaicony & Mabaruma
TheMinistryofHealthis preparing to spend $313,744,849 to construct two nurses’ hostels, one at Mabaruma in Region One and the other at Mahaicony inRegionFive. Theprojects,whichwere
Belowarethecompaniesandtheirbids: MinistryofHealth
Constructionofnurses’hostelatMabaruma,RegionOne.
Constructionofnurses’hostel atMahaicony,RegionFive.
recently opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office,
revealed that 10 contractors applied for the Mabaruma project, while 27 bid for the contractatMahaicony
Supplyanddeliveryoffurnishingandtraining equipmentforSimulationCenters.
SupremeCourtofJudicature SupplyanddeliveryofJudges’and Magistrates’minute/recordbooks.
Supply&DeliveryofInformation CommunicationTechnology(ICT)Equipment.
GuySuCo honours top harvesters, estate
The Guyana Sugar Corporation(GuySuCo)has announced its topperforming cane harvesters for the First Crop of 2025, with Uitvlugt Estate claiming the top three positions across the entire industry
The announcement was madeduringaceremonyheld at the Rose Hall Estate on Friday last where the top twelveharvestersfromacross GuySuCo’s estates were formally recognised for their outstanding productivity In a press release, GuySuCo said that Leon Seelall of Uitvlugt Estate was named the Most Productive Harvester for First Crop 2025, delivering an impressive 64481 tonnes of caneinjust54days,averaging 1194 tonnes per day His colleagues, Mr Keyoma Pilgrim and Mr Danier DeChuna, also from Uitvlugt, secured the second and third spots with 622.45 tonnes and 435.82tonnes,respectively.All three harvesters, through their dedication and consistent performance above the daily average, earned an average day’s pay of $32,000 This remarkable achievement marks the second consecutive crop in which Uitvlugt Estate hasproducedtopharvestersfor theCorporation
The Most Productive CaneHarvesterProgrammeis a relatively new initiative introducedintheSecondCrop of 2024 Conceptualized by GuySuCo’s Chief Executive Officer,Mr PaulCheong,the programme was designed to enhance motivation, encourageaccountability,and ultimately improve productivity within the
harvestingteams
“Ouraimis to foster a results-driven culturewhereeveryindividual understandsthevalueoftheir role and is inspired to give theirbest,”saidCEOCheong “This initiative not only boosts morale but also ensures our employees are recognized for their dedicationandhardwork.”
In addition to the Uitvlugt awardees, top harvesters from other estates who were recognised include: ? Albion Estate:Mr KumarDeodat,Mr Vicky Seenarine, and Mr MahaseSukhnandanBlairmont Estate:Mr KheranBissoondyal, Mr TotaramSanichara,andMr AnthonyLewisRoseHallEstate: MrNigelMcDonald,MrTavell Lovell,andMrSamuelJhingree Inhisremarks,Mr Cheong also acknowledged the challenges posed by the ongoingdevelopmentalboom, whichhasdrawnmanyskilled workers to other sectors.
“GuySuCoremainssteadfastin its commitment to regaining and retaining talent through competitivecompensationand recognition-based programmessuchasthisone,” hesaid “Ourharvestersarethe trueheartofGuySuCo-without them,thereisnosugar Weare determined to ensure they alwaysfeelvalued” The Guyana Sugar Corporation extends sincere appreciation to all its harvesters for their commitment and hard work during the First Crop The Corporation remains optimisticaboutthecontinued impactofthisprogramme in boosting industry morale and productivity as it charts a course toward greater sustainabilityandgrowth.
CDB and MDB Challenge Fund Launch Study on Innovative Contingent Capital Facility
Development Bank (CDB, t
Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) Challenge Fund, have launched a pioneering feasibility study to design a new Contingent Cap
multilateral development banks.
This 12-month pilot project will examine innovative ways to strengthen capital adequacy, enhance lending capacity, and improve CDB’s financialresilience,thebank saidinapressrelease. This initiative is part of C D B ’ s o n g o i n g commitment to financial
innovation and to meeting the evolving needs of its Borrowing Member Countries especially during times of economic volatilityanduncertainty
The study is supported by the MDB Challenge Fund,acoalitioncomprising the Rockefeller Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Open SocietyFoundations.
CDB’s Facility design partners are Cantium, Ardhill Advisory, and Linklaters.
Aninterimreportwillbe releasedbySeptember2025, ahead of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Annual
Meetings in October The finalreportwillbepublished in advance of the Spring Meetingsin2026. Theinitiativealignswith the G20’s CapitalAdequacy Framework agenda and contributestobroaderglobal efforts to modernise the multilateral development financesystem.
By investigating the potential of contingent capital instruments, the studyunderscoresagrowing trend among MDBs to embrace financial innovationasatooltoboost developmentimpact.
“This partnership represents an important step in our transformation into a
more agile and resilient institution,” said Daniel Best, President of the Caribbean Development Bank.
“The study will allow us to proactively explore solutions that can increase our financial flexibility and ensure that we remain responsive to the diverse and dynamic challenges facing the Caribbean.”
The study is a key component of CDB’s strategy to future-proof its financial framework and expand its ability to deliver high-impact development solutions acrosstheCaribbean
(CNN) Colombian senator Miguel Uribe Turbay,intherunningtojoin nextyear’spresidentialrace, is in a critical condition in hospitalafterbeingshotatan event in Bogota, allegedly byateenager
The 39-year-old, from the center-right Centro
Democrático – or Democratic Center – the biggest opposition party in the South American nation, had expressed his intention to run in next year’selection.
He was shot twice on Saturday afternoon in the capital’s Fontibon district, according to the General Prosecutor’s Office Police said the teenager was carrying a Glock pistol when he was arrested. T h
g u n w a s purchased legally in the United States in August 2020, but it’s unclear how
it entered Colombia, Police Director Carlos Fernando Triana said
Monday
Video footage showed the senator giving a speech to a crowd before multiple loudbangsrangout.
Hewasseenlyingonthe groundaspeoplearoundhim fled. Police and civilians later rushed him to an ambulance.
Uribe’spartysaidhewas shot from behind while he was participating in a campaignevent.
H
operation on his left thigh on Satu
day night, according to the Santa Fe de Bogota Foundation, the hospital where he is being treated
Uribe has entered “the critical hours” of recovery
after undergoing an initial su
ocedu
e, Bogota Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán said Sunday.
“He came out well from the surgery,” his
Tarazona, told reporters in an audio recording after the operation, according toAFP
“He fought the first battle and fought it well He is fighting for his life ”
Early Monday, the hospital said in
conditionand“hashadlittle
Colombian president vows to hunt ‘mastermind’ behind shooting of political rival, after teenager arrested Trump travel ban barring citizens from 12 countries takes effect
(BBC News) President Donald Trump’s sweeping new travel ban which bars citizensof12countriesfrom entering the United States cameintoeffectat00:00ET (05:00BST)onMonday
The order, which Trump signedlastweek,restrictsthe nationals of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, CongoBrazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and YemenfromenteringtheUS. Nationals from a further seven countries - Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela - will face partial travelrestrictions.
TheUSpresidentsaidthe list could be revised if “material improvements” were made, while other countries could be added as “threats emerge around the world”.Itisthesecondtime Trump has ordered a ban on travelfromcertaincountries. He signed a similar order in 2017 during his first term in office.TheWhiteHousesaid these “common sense restrictions” would “protect Americans from dangerous foreign actors”. There are a
number of people from affected countries who may still be able to enter the US
due to a number of exceptions. The order does notapplyto:
“Lawful permanent” USresidents
·Theirimmediatefamily
members who hold immigrantvisas
US government employees with Special ImmigrantVisas
·Adoptions
·Dualnationalswhenthe individual is not travelling onapassportfromoneofthe affectedcountries
Afghan nationals holding Special Immigrant Visas
· Holders of “immigrant visasforethnicandreligious
m i n o r i t i e s f a c i n g persecutioninIran”
Foreign nationals travelling with certain nonimmigrantvisas
· Athletes, their teams (including coaches and supporting staff), and their immediate family when travellingformajorsporting events, such as the men’s football World Cup in 2026 and the Summer 2028
OlympicsinLosAngeles
In addition, the US SecretaryofStatemaygrant exemptionstoindividualson a “case-by-case” basis, if “theindividualwouldservea United States national interest”.Inavideopostedto hisTruth Social website last week,Trump said the recent attack in Boulder, Colorado “underscored the extreme dangers” posed by foreign nationals who had not been “properlyvetted”.
Twelve people were injured in Colorado on 1 June when a man attacked a groupgatheringinsupportof Israeli hostages. The FBI called it a suspected terror attack and said the suspect had used a makeshift flamethrower, Molotov cocktails and other incendiarydevices.
The man accused of carrying out the attack was identified as an Egyptian national, but Egypt has not been included on the list of bannedcountries.
Trump’s latest order, which is likely to face legal challenges, drew a swift response, at home and abroad.
Miguel Uribe is transported in an ambulance after being shot. AFP/Getty Images
GOAPC gears up for Pre-Father’s Day Domino Competition this Friday
TP
Committee (GOAPC) is set tohostathrillingeveningof competitionandcelebration with its Pre-Father’s Day Domino Competition, scheduled for Friday, June 13th.
The event is billed for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs parking lot on Charlotte Street, Bourda, with the first match commencingat4:00p.m. The highlight of the evening will be the InterMinistries and Government
Showdown, where teams willfaceoffforthecoveted first-place cash prize of $70,000.
With limited spots available, event organiser James“Uprising”Lewishas made it clear that no late entrieswillbeaccepted. Meanwhile, adding to
the excitement, the night will also feature a special “Fathers in Concert”
contributions of fathers across the public service. The event is also a part of the broader “One Guyana”
Nicholas Pooran announces retirement...
Frompage23
Tuesday June 10, 2025
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
The astral energy says there's atimeforeverything.Wetend torepeatcertaintaskswelike doing, while those we dislike wetrytogetoutofthewayas quickly as possible. It seems reasonable.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Reality isn't always as excitingasyou'dlikeittobe, Taurus. But isn't this because you interpret reality in a particular way? You rarely look at things in detail, becausefundamentally
GEMINI(May21–June20)
The planetary energies are encouraging you to make some adjustments regarding your social ambitions. You may desire to change professions or your circle of friends. This is trickier than youmightthink.
CANCER(June21–July22)
Thisplanetaryenergyisgoing totestyourrecurringdesireto go to the other side of the world or have a ready exit in any relationship. You do this soyouwon'tfeeltrappedand, aboveall.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Whydoyoufindrelationships difficult, Leo? You know interactions with others help youlearnandgrow Thisisthe case for everyone. But for you, especially, relationships are important because they helpkeepyougrounded.
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
The end of one cycle signals the beginning of a new one. Today, you will embark on a new period of understanding tha
energies.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22)
Have you noticed a certain strain on your emotions, Libra? You're resilient, but even you have found all the recentintensityabittoomuch. Youcanrelaxnow
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)
The past few weeks may have seemed Earth shattering, Scorpio. You may still be tremblingslightlyasyouhead into the coming weeks Fortunately, the current astral configuration promises to be calmer
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)
You may be sensitive, Sagittarius, but you're also persistent. The waves you've surfed in the past few weeks have only strengthened your resolve.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Perhaps the last few weeks impressed you as one of the mostintenseperiodsyetinthis year You will certainly admit that anything related to affairs oftheheartwasendowedwith profoundandlastingmeaning.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)The day ahead will suit you, but you mustn't expect miracles. Now is a time of healing. In the weeks ahead you will restore harmony to your energies and regain your fitnesswithimproveddietand lifestyle.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20)Yes, Pisces, you haven't finishedallthecleaningupthat remains in many areas.You're going to have to get your papers in order, pay off old debts, face physical or moral obligations,
MumbaiIndiansandPunjab Kings, his stocks soared in 2022 when Sunrisers Hyderabadacquiredhim.He moved to Lucknow Super Giants in 2023 and made an immediate impact. Pooran’s finest IPL season came in 2024 when he piled up 499 runs at a strike rate of 178.31. He followed that up with 524 runs in the 2025 edition, averaging 43.66 with a blistering strike rate of196.25.
Even as he steps away from representing the West Indies, Pooran made clear that his connection to Caribbean cricket remains unbroken.
“ T h o u g h t h i s international chapter of my career closes, my love for West Indies cricket will neverdie,”hewrote.“Iwish the team and the region nothing but success and strengthfortheroadahead.”
Pooran’s retirement leaves a void inWest Indies cricket—particularly in the T20 format where his presence, experience, and firepower were invaluable. But his journey, from teenage prodigy to international star and franchise powerhouse, will continue to inspire a new generation of Caribbean cricketers.
initiative, which aims to promoteunity,camaraderie, and positive engagement a
employees.
fatherhood together in the true spirit of national solidarity
For more details on participation or event scheduling, contact Uncle James Uprising at 6281656.
This festive gathering promises to be more than just a game night which offers lucrative cash prizes, it’s an opportunity for Ministries and Agencies to
EDGE Sports Management unveils 2025
EDGE Series …A National stage for Guyanese sporting excellence
EDGE Sports Management
( E S M ) h a s officiallylaunchedthe2025 EDGE Series, a landmark multi-sporteventsettotake place from July 12 to 20 in Georgetown.
Theserieswillshowcase 3x3 Basketball, Table Tennis, and Criterium
Cycling, positioning Guyanese athletes at the center of a professionally organized,nationallyvisible stage.
Created with a vision to elevate and empower local athletes, the EDGE Series serves as a long-overdue platform for homegrown talenttoshineonhomesoil.
In a country where athletes often gain recognition only aftercompetingabroad,this
initiative seeks to shift the narrative.
The 2025 edition of the EDGE Series is being hosted in collaboration with key national bodies, including the Guyana Basketball Federation, the Guyana Table Tennis Association, and the Kaieteur Attack Racing CyclingClub.
These, partnerships, according to an ESM release, ensure that the event meets international standards while fostering development within the localsportingecosystem.
What sets the EDGE Series apart is its holistic vision,thegroupstated
Beyond the thrill of competition, the series emphasizespride,visibility,
and opportunity for athletes ofalllevels,fromemerging juniors to nat
onal representatives. It aims to build stronger community engagement, nurture a passionate fan base for local sports, and create a
pathway to regional and internationalcompetition.
Olympian, Chelsea Edghill, CEO of EDGE Sports Management and a respected athlete in her own right, expressed the heartbehindtheinitiative
“TheEDGESeriesisfor Guyanese athletes first,” Edghill stated “We want to celebrate them, challenge them,andmostimportantly, show them and the country just how valuable their talent is This is our
opportunity to rally behind local sport and move it forwardtogether.”
Events will be hosted at
ss Georgetown, including the National Gymnasium and downtowncircuitsdesigned for the highly anticipated night-timecriteriumcycling races.
The series is also expected to attract regional competitors, offering Guyanese athletes the chance to test their skills againsttop-tieropposition.
I n a d d i t i o n t o competition, the EDGE Series aims to encourage collaboration between sports federations and organizations, working to strengthen the systems that supportathletedevelopment inGuyana. Furthereventschedules, athleterosters,andticketing detailswillbereleasedinthe
Regal Stationery Signs on as Major sponsor for 3rd Annual National MOE/GGA Junior Golf Championship - tournament gaining momentum ahead of game day
Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, a trusted nameinofficesuppliesanda long-time supporter of cricket in Guyana, has officially joined as a major sponsor of the 3rd Annual National Junior Golf Championship which will see young players from all over the country vying to deny Leguan Secondary School from their 3rd consecutiveNationalTitle.
On Monday after, the two entities strengthened their partnership as they made another significant step in the continued rise of golf as the fastest growing sportinthecountry
Mahendra “Anil” Hardyal, Owner and Managing Director of Regal Stationery, praised the efforts of the Guyana Golf Association (GGA) and Nexgen Golf Academy, stating, “I’ve been closely followingthedevelopmentof junior golf across the country andamthoroughlyimpressed with how far it has come Regal is proud to support a movement that invests in youthdevelopmentandopens new opportunities for young athletesinGuyana”
Regal Stationery, a subsidiary of the Regal BusinessGroup,isbasedon S e a f o r t h S t r e e t ,
LTI
slip
past Mackenzie High
to be crowned new ExxonMobil Guyana, Linden Inter Schools Football Champions
Campbellville,Georgetown. It has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and long-standing sponsors of cricket in Guyana—both on and off the field. With a celebrated franchise softball teamanddeep-rootedtiesto local and international cricket development, the organization is now turning itsfocustogolf,recognizing the sport’s potential to impactyounglives.
Regal Sports, a branch of thecompany,providesquality sporting equipment for both amateurs and professionals Thispositionsthegroupasan idealpartnerinsupportingthe holistic growth of athletes in Guyana “We see clear crossover benefits between cricket and golf discipline, focus, and technique Our commitment is to help foster those attributes in young players through this exciting new partnership,” Hardyal added
With its strategic move intogolfsponsorship, Regal Stationery reinforces its broader mission of youth empowerment through sport.TheGGAandNexgen Golf Academy welcomed the sponsorship as a boost that will allow them to expand programs and increaseaccessibilitytogolf acrossGuyana.
Guyana, Linden Inter School Football tournament concluded on Sunday June 8,withanelectrifyingmatch between Mackenzie High School and Linden Technical Institute, which finished 2-2 afterregulationtime,andLTI emerging victorious 5-4 via kicks from the penalty mark In the third place, playoff LindenFoundationSecondary kepttheircoolandmadeeasy work of Wisburg Secondary, winning3-0
Mackenzie High School had the perfect start to the championship match with AziziGrantscoringthefastest goal in the tournament in the 1st minute with an incredible long distance shot and Kymani Mackenzie doubling the score in the 24th Minute LTI then demonstrated why they were tournament favorites, keeping their composureandrespondingin the 30th minute with a blistering shot from outside the eighteen yards box from Amari Cummings and youth
National player Dexter Milo levelingtheScoreinthe45th Minute Thesecondhalfwasa defensive battle in front of hundredsoffansasbothteams heldtheirnervesandtookthe gametokicksfromthePenalty spot
The Champions, Linden Technical Institute will be awarded $400,000 to be used on a project to benefit
theteamandschool,second place Mackenzie High
$200,000,LindenFoundation
$100,000 and Wisburg
$50,000 Tournament MVP DexterMiloJr fromLTIwill be awarded a Laptop Best GoalkeeperSamuelPetrieand other individual awardees, including an Academic and SportsExcellenceaward,will bepresentedatapresentation ceremonytobeheldonalater date Thisyear’stournament also featured, Christianburg Wismar Secondary School, New Silver City Secondary, Kwakwani/Arima Secondary School, Harmony Secondary School, who all performed incredibly All participating schools were a part of life skills workshops focusing on Men’sHealth,Mediatraining, ConfidencebuildingandGoal setting Allparticipatingteams werealsopresentedwithafull setofgear(uniforms) Games were also played in SubRegion2,inKwakwanitothe delight of the players and residents Aluckyfan,young Denzil Farrell, won a brandnew iPhone 15 Compliments ofExxonMobilGuyana New Era Entertainment would like to thank ExxonMobil Guyana, Bumper to Bumper Services, Ansa McAlTrading Limited, theMinistryofEducation,the Regional Health Department and all participating schools, for making this tournament a success
Chelsea Edghill OLY - CEO Edge Sports Management
Telesha Ousman, Manager of Regal presents the sponsorship cheque to GGA president Aleem Hussain.
Christina Ramsammy earns IFBB Pro Card as ‘One Guyana’ Stage of Champions conclude
qualification.
Guyanese Bikini
queen Christina Ramsammy has etched her name in the annals of national sporting history, becoming the first Guyanese to earn an International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Pro Card on home soil.
H e r m i l e s t o n e achievement came at the sixth edition of the ‘One
Guyana’ Stage of Champions, held Saturday last at the iconic National CulturalCentre Under the bright stage lights and the eager gaze
of a packed crowd, Ramsammy delivered a flawless performance in the Bikini Open Division, confidently capturing the title and securing her Pro Card
She outclassed a
included Meyer Charelle, Sabita Stephenson, and Ralissa Weleleer, who placed second, third, and fourthrespectively
This landmark event marked Guyana’s first professional bodybuilding qualifier,sanctionedbythe IFBB, and saw not just Ramsammy but also Surinamese standouts
Rafael Kromokarijo and Marlon Henery awarded prestigiousProCards
InadditiontotheBikini Open, Pro Cards were awarded in the Men’s Physique,Women’sBikini, and Men’s Bodybuilding
Overall categories, with champions also taking homelucrativecashprizes
Ramsammy’s triumph is the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance
was made at Stage of
Christina Ramsammy becomes first Guyanese to secure Pro-Card on Home soil. She shares the spotlight with Minister Charles
Jr., top finishers and officials.
Having consistently i m p r e s s e d o n t h e national stage and at the Central American and C a r i b b e a n ( C A C ) Championships, she now takes her place among the elite as Guyana’s newest professionalathlete
Her success builds u p o n t h e r e c e n t momentum in local bodybuilding, following Emmerson Campbell’s historic CAC gold medal lastyear
“This is a moment that will live on in Guyana’s sporting history, ” Ramsammy said after her win “ToearnmyProCard here, in front of my people,istrulyspecial Ihopethisinspiresmore women to pursue their dreamsinfitnessandsport.”
Another standout moment came courtesy of
Orlando Dublin, who delivered an awe-inspiring performance despite not clinchingthetopprize.
With few expecting him to reach the final, Dublin defied the odds and advanced to the prestigious Pro Card showdown, showcasing raw power, passion,andstagepresence.
While the Pro Card narrowly eluded him, Dublin’s journey was a victoryinitself.
His unwavering determination and electric presence lit up the stage and captured the heartsoffanspresent
He didn’t just compete, he battled like a warrior, with heart, mind, and soul, embodying the very spirit of a true physiquetitan
President of the Guyana Bodybuilding
and Fitness Federation
( G B B F F ) , R o g e r Callender, praised the efforts of all involved, especially highlighting Ramsammy’s trailblazing win
“This historic moment would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the Honourable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Mr Charles Ramson Jr , whose dedication to developing sport and fitness in Guyana continues to uplift our athletes, ” Callendersaid
He also expressed gratitude to the IFBB and CAC for granting Guyana the honour of awarding Pro Cards locally, a significant milestone for both the country and the wider Caribbean fitness
community
“Our deepest t h a n k s g o t o t h e international judges and officials who ensured a fair, professional competition,”headded
“To the athletes, you are all champions Your passion and discipline elevate the sport to new heights We can’t wait to see you all again, bigger, better, and stronger in 2 0 2 6 ” C a l l e n d e r concluded with a heartfelt message to supporters: “To the fans, families, and sponsors who showed up infullforce,thankyou Your support made this even t a resounding success ”
ThiseditionoftheOne G u y a n a S t a g e o f
transformative moment forlocalbodybuilding
Nicholas Pooran announces retirement from International Cricket
SportsMax - Nicholas Pooran, one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic and gifted modern-day cricketers, has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a career marked by breathtaking strokeplay, tenacity and moments of brilliance in maroonandgold.
The29-year-oldTrinidad and Tobago-born batter sharedthenewsinaheartfelt statement on Monday, expressingdeepgratitudefor the opportunity to represent theWestIndies.
“Aftermuchthoughtand
reflection, I’ve decided to announce my retirement from international cricket,” Pooran wrote. “This game we love has given and will continuetogivemesomuch j o y, p u r p o s e a n d unforgettable memories and a chance to represent the people of the West Indies. Wearing that maroon, standing for the anthem and givingeverythingIhadeach time I stepped on the field... it’s hard to put into words whatthattrulymeanstome.” Headded,“Tothefans–thank you for your unwavering love. You lifted me in tough moments and
celebrated the ones with unmatched passion. To my family, friends and teammates – thank you for walking this journey with me. Your belief and support
carriedmethroughitall.”
Pooran’s international career was defined by both explosive performances and an inspiring personal journey In 2015, a serious car accident threatened to derailhisdreamsbeforethey truly began The young wicketkeeper-battersuffered a torn patella tendon and fractured bones in his leg, spending nearly a year in recovery But with the backing of senior players like Kieron Pollard, he returnedtothegame,earning a CPL contract with the Barbados Tridents and beginning a journey that
would soon light up global T20leagues.
H e m a d e h i s breakthrough in West Indies colours in late 2018 with a 24-ball half-century against India in Chennai, and soon after was fast-tracked into the 2019 World Cup squad. In that tournament, he emerged as one of West Indies’standout performers, scoring 367 runs at an averageof52.47,includinga sublime 118 from 103 balls against Sri Lanka—his only ODI century and a lasting highlightofhiscareer Pooran also served as West Indies’ white-ball
captain, a role he called “a privilege I will always hold closetomyheart.”
Though his international stats—54 ODIs for 1,634 runs at 36.31 and 88 T20Is for1,848runsat25.34—tell part of the story, it was Pooran’s audacity and flair that captivated fans His shot-making, particularly against spin, and his ability to accelerate an innings made him one of the most feared batters in the T20 format.
He has also been a mainstay on the IPL circuit. Afterinitialstintswith (Continuedonpage21)
History
Champions:
Ramson
Orlando Dublin impress despite narrowly missing out on Pro Card
Nicholas Pooran
U23 3x3 players and Coach Cameron in Paraguay for High-Performance Training Camp
Th e G u y a n a
B a s k e t b a l l
Federation’s representatives, Coach Willon Cameron and U23 standouts Stephen George, Arren Vanlewin, Anish Ramlall, and Domitre Ranking are currently participating in a 3x3 highperformance training camp inParaguay
The camp, hosted in the South American nation’s capital,Asunción,runsuntil June 13 and is part of a broader initiative aimed at preparing teams for the upcoming Junior Pan AmericanGames.
The opportunity follows the recent signing of a M e m o r a n d u m o f Understanding (MoU) between the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and the Paraguayan
OlympicCommittee,paving the way for deeper sporting collabo
nd development. P
G
Federa
(GBF), Michael Singh, expressed his gratitude to the GOA
for supporting 3x3
basketball, widely regarded as the sport’s fastest-growingdiscipline
“3x3 basketball is high on the GBF’s agenda,” Singhsaid “This training opportunity in Paraguay plays a critical role in b u i l d i n g o u t o u r development ecosystem for the format, and we’re thankful to the GOA for makingthisareality” The Guyanese trio
comes from diverse basketball backgrounds,
withRamlallplayingNCAA DivisionIIbasketballatSt Cloud State University in the United States, while Ranking represents Colts BasketballClub,oneofthe nation’s top teams, under the guidance of Coach Cameron
Georgeisadynamictalent for the Amelia’s Ward Jets, and Vanlewin, represents the KwakwaniUntouchables.
Coach Cameron brings a wealth of experience to the programme A physical education teacher at Pres
’s
, Cameron holds a degree in Sports Coaching from the University of the West Indies, along with FIBA Level2certification.
His résumé includes leading the Colts Basketball Club to back-to-back nationaltitlesasheadcoach
Guyana wraps up World Cup campaign against Montserrat tonight
Guyana’s hopes of qualifyingforthe2026FIFA World Cup have officially ended following a string of underwhelming results in Group D of the Concacaf Qualifiers.
TheGoldenJaguars,who showed flashes of promise early in the campaign, now faceMontserrattonightfrom 8:00 pm at the National Track and Field Centre in their final group match, playing purely for pride in frontoftheirhomecrowd.
CoachWayneDoverand his squad will have to regroup mentally and emotionally after a disappointing and lackluster showing throughout the qualifiers The team suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat
to Nicaragua, followed by a 0-2 loss to Panama; results that effectively sealed their fateandknockedthemoutof contention for a place in the expanded 48-team World Cup, set to be hosted jointly by the United States,
Canada,andMexico.
The only bright moment in an otherwise grim campaign came in the form of a 3-1 victory over Belize, where Guyana displayed moments of cohesion and attacking prowess Unfortunately, that spark failed to carry over into the morecriticalmatchups.
Mon
competition, sits fourth in Group D and similarly claimed their only win againstBelize.
When Guyana and Montserrat last met in Barbados,bothteamsbattled toagoallessdrawinaresult that did little to inspire confidenceineithercamp.
D e s p i t e t h e disappointment, Guyana will be looking to close out thequalifiersonahighnote.
Thefinalfixtureoffersan opportunity for redemption, particularlyforasquadeager to restore faith among fans and stake claims for the national team’s future direction.
Players from Slingerz FootballClub,includingLeo L o v e l l , R o m a i n e Brackenridge, Kelsey Benjamin, Curtez Kellman, Darron Niles, and veteran
goalkeeper
Akel Clarke, are likelytofeatureprominently
They will be joined by GDF duo Chris Macey and ColinNelson,DanielWilson ofWesternTigers,andNeron BarrowfromGPFFC. Overseas-baseddefender Kvist Paul, who plies his tradewithWaterhouseFCin Jamaica, is also expected to bolsterthebackline.
With the World Cup beinghostedintheConcacaf region,thiscampaigncarried added significance for the GoldenJaguars.
However, inconsistent performances, lapses in defense, and a lack of attacking sharpness have ultimatelycostthem.
Still, for Dover’s men, the final match is more than just a formality, giving Guyana a chance to finish strong,toshowpride,andto offer a glimpse of hope for the future of Guyanese football Kickoff against Montserrat promises to be emotional,asseveralplayers may be donning national coloursinfrontoftheirhome fans for the last time in this campaign.
Guyana now seeks to leave a lasting impression, even as their road to 2026 comestoaprematureend.
Golden Jaguars starting line-up ahead of their clash with Nicaragua in the FIFAWorld Cup qualifier
(L-R) Coach Willon Cameron, Stephen George, Domitre Ranking, Arren Vanlewin and Anish Ramlall following their first-day 3x3 session in Paraguay.
Villagesgearingupfortwodaysofexhilaratingbattles
Villagesalongthe East Bank, S o e s d y k e , Timehri and Highway will this weekend be locked in intense battles when the 2025editionofthePeople’s ProgressivePartyEastBank /Soesdyke/TimehriCluster -InterVillage7-A-SideKO Football competition, takes place.
The venue is the President Youth Choice Ground, Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke Linden Highway with a grand march pass of thecontestingvillagessetto ignite the start of action on Saturday, June 14th from 10:00hrs.
Defending champions, Kuru Kururu ‘A’ will be enjoying home advantage this year but will have to bringtheirAgameandmore in order to stave off the challengesthatareexpected from the other villages that will be coming with their
eyesfocusedonthetopprize of$700,000.
Second place will be worth $500,000 with third valued at $300,000 whilst fourth place will receive $200,000. The top three individual players will also berewarded.
Someofthebestplayers along this corridor will be s
respective villages and while the rules allows for three non-village players, many of the villages have already disclosed that they areconfidentofwinningthe bigprizewiththeirvillagers.
Amongst the villages already confirming their participation ahead of Thursday’s deadline are Kuru Kururu ‘A’ and ‘B’, L
luni, H
lling, Soesdyke, Mocha, Eccles, Swan, Waiakabra, and Airport Ballers from Timehri,andSpaniardsfrom Diamond.
GDF drawn in Group B of CFU Club Shield
the international stage and prove that they can compete among the Caribbean’sbest Drawn into a highly competitive Group B, GDF will face off against Dominica’s Moca FC, St Paul’s United Strikers from St Kitts and Nevis, Paradise FC International of Grenada, Aruba’s SV Britannia, and French Guiana’sASEtoileMatoury HeadCoachJoseph‘Bill’ Wilson will be looking to marshal his troops with discipline and intent, as the club aims to put last year’s disappointment behind them.
In 2024, GDF’s campaign ended abruptly in the preliminary round following a crushing 2-6 defeat at the hands of Antigua and Barbuda’s Grenades FC; a side that went on to reach the finals before falling to Jamaica’s ArnettGardensFC. With experience now under their belt and a more battle-hardened squad, the soldiers will be aiming to march further into the tournament this time around
Flashback! PPP East Bank/Soesdyke/Timehri Cluster-Inter Village Football 2024 champions, Kuru Kururu ‘A’Captain, Shervin Henry receiving the top prize and trophy from Hon. Minister Kwame McKoy in the presence of teammates at the Kuru Kuru Ground.
Christina Ramsammy earns IFBB Pro Card as Card
‘One Guyana’ Stage of Champions conclude
Guyanese Bikini queen, Christina Ramsammy (third from right) shares stage with the other Pro card recipients Rafael Kromokarijo and Marlon Henery at the recently concluded Stage of Champions event.Also in photo are: Sports Minister Charles Ramson (second), alongside IFBB officials.
Sports
Linden Technical Institute beat Mackenzie High School 5-4 on penalty kicks to win The ExxonMobil Guyana, Linden Inter School Football tournament.