‘Enoughsecrecy,comeclean’
T h e r e c e n t announcement by the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla PersadBissessar that scores of doctors from the twin island willbecontractedtoprovide medical services in Guyana, has sparked questions from opposition member of parliament (MP) Ganesh Mahipaul.
During the feature address at a children’s Christmas concert on Sunday,thePMrevealedthat new partnerships are being e
ablish
d
ween Trinidad and Guyana, to o ff e r e m p l o y m e n t opportunities for medical professionals.
Shesaid,“Dr Bholoand the minister of health (are discussing)tohireinGuyana doctors from Trinidad and Tobago because we have so many well-trained doctors and with all the new hospitals opening up in Guyanaweareworkingona partnership.”
The prime minister addedthattheinitialbatchof doctors from T&T could be about50.
Tothisend,Mahipaulon Tuesday raised a dozen questions concerning the development, calling on the government to be fully transparentontheissue.
He has asked the government to state the specialisation of the doctors tobehiredandthenumberof medical professionals to serveineachspecialty.
Mahipaul also asked about the duration of contracts; expected salaries, allowancesandothercoststo be funded by government s u c h a s h o u s i n g , transportationandothers.
The MP has also raised questionsovertheplacement of doctors at specific health facilities across the country
He queried, “Where will these doctors be placed within the public health system?
Are they intended for regional hospitals, health centres, or the Georgetown Public Hospital? What criteria or process was used to select these doctors, and were local doctors given priority or consideration?
How will this decision
impact opportunities, m
progression for Guyanese medical professionals currentlyinthesystem?”
In addition to the projected cost of this initiative, Mahipaul questioned whether the namesandcredentialsofthe doctors will be made public for the purpose of independentverificationand
especially given the financial, professional, and societal implications
“Transparency must be the foundation of any decision
involving foreign recruitment within our healthcaresector,”heurged.
With no timeline set for the next sitting of the national assembly, the MP said he publicly highlighted hisquestionswhichwillalso besharedinparliament.
The government previouslydisclosedplansto import skilled professionals to help close the country’s rapidly expanding human resourcegap.
backgroundchecks.
Further, the MP asked whether the decision was subject to any bilateral agreement, and if so, whether the details of that agreement will be tabled in theNationalAssembly Mahipaul noted that Guyanesehaveeveryrightto fulldisclosureonthismatter,
The announcement of imported labour to provide services in the medical field in Guyana comes even as doctorsandnursescomplain of being forced to work extended periods with little to no additional benefits fromthegovernment.
Last year, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) highlighted complaints from doctors across the country that they
are working overtime without any proper compensation.
The union stated that a memorandum which was issued by the Ministry of Health on February 9, 2021, had instructed doctors that “to remedy the shortages of doctors and in an effort to reduce the burn out syndrome by doctors at the main facilities (regional and district hospitals) doctors fromtheprimaryhealthcare facilities (health centers and post)arerequiredtosupport their colleagues by doing at least ten (10) on-call sessionsmonthly”.
The union noted that the memo is evidence that doctors are “forced” to perform on-call duties after completing the normal eight hoursshifts.
This situation over the years has resulted in the migration of medical professionals to countries such as Canada and the United States (US) where solid compensation packagesareoffered.
HolderwalksasPNCRRegional Chairoversquabblewith‘leadership’
Former People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Region Two Chairman, Prince Holder has tendered his resignation with immediate effect over issues with the party’sleadership.
Holder’sresignationletterwasaddressed to the party’s General Secretary, Sherwin Benjamin on December 8, 2025. He stated, “...recent developments within the Party has causedirreconcilabledifferencesbetweenthe current leadership and me. As such, I have concluded that the only solution lies in my departure.”
Holder served as the PNCR Regional Chairman for seven years. In an invited comment,hetoldthisnewspaperthatwhilehe has given up that post, he will continue to functionasaregionalcouncillorandactinthe interestofimprovingthelivesoftheresidents and development of Region Two He, however, indicated that he will not be participating in any level of activism on the party’sbehalf.
The former Regional Party Chairman thankedtheGeneralSecretary,membersand supporters in Region Two for their support during his tenure, as well as the party for allowinghimtoserve.
Holder’s resignation from the position comes amidst a massive drain of party members this year under the leadership of Aubrey Norton. The PNCR and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) by extension has seen resignations from several top members this year heading into the June 2025elections.
Norton’s leadership has been blamed for most of the resignations tendered to date. In the meantime, Norton remains leader of the PNCR. He has however given up his seat in the NationalAssembly to make way for new faces. To this end, businessman Dr Terrence Campbell leads the party in Parliament. APNU has secured only 12 seats in the National Assembly, while newcomer We Invest In Nationhood (WIN) headed by businessmanAzruddinMohamedsecured16 seats and former PNCR member Amanza Walton-Desir, who resigned this year and launched her own party – Forward Guyana, securedoneseat.
Former PNCR Region Two Chairman, Prince Holder
Opposition MP, Ganesh Mahipaul
Contract signed with Ghanaian firm for shallow-water oil block
Ghanaian offshore
explorer Cybele Energy Limited has formalised a petroleumagreementwiththe Government of Guyana for Block S7, a shallow-water concession awarded to the company during Guyana’s inauguralbidround
Cybeleisexpectedtopay a US$17 million signing bonus into the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) withinthreeweeksfortheoil block, which is under 1,500 square kilometres The Africanwoman-ledfirmhas conservatively estimated that S7 holds 400 million barrels of oil. It should be notedthatwhiletherequired bonus for shallow-water blocks is US$10 million, CybeleofferedUS$7million above the minimum when it submitteditsbid.
The signing ceremony was held at the Pegasus Corporate Suites in Georgetown on Tuesday
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat in his address welcomed the Cybele into Guyana petroleum industry and noted that it represents another important step in advancing Guyana’s responsible and strategic development of its offshore basin.
Speaking with reporters, Minister Bharrat shared, “For shallow blocks the minimum signing bonus is actually US$10 million…” He explained that the additionalUS$7millionwas anofferCybelemadewhenit
…US$17M signing bonus to be paid within three weeks …company estimates block holds 400m barrels of oil
submit its bid for the block.
“Theywouldhavesubmitted US$17 million because you’re basically bidding for the block so to attract the evaluators’ attention and to showthatyouarefinancially sound and that you are interested in the block, obviously you would have put in a good bid,” the ministersaid.
He added, “What
Guyana is offering is the block…most of the blocks thatwereauctionin2022bid round is average 2,000 square kilometers these are verysmallblocksandhaving attracting this kind of signing bonus is quite commendable.”
According to Minister Bharrat, Cybele will start work almost immediately as the company already has
local partners. Further, he noted that Cybele’s entry into the petroleum sector
r e f l e c t s g r o w i n g international confidence in Guyana’s investment framework
government’s commitment
development.
Thefiscalregimeforthe S7 operations will be
governed by the new Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) which requiresthepaymentofa10 percentroyaltyanda10per cent corporate tax. The cost recovery ceiling will be capped at 65 per cent in a givenyear,whileprofitswill beshared50/50betweenthe companyandthestate.
Cybele operates in Africa,theUnitedStatesand
the Caribbean, and is now thefirstAfrican-ledoperator in Guyana’s oil and gas sector According to the company’s factsheet, S7 is located 50 kilometres from ExxonMobil Guyana Limited’sLizaOneandTwo fieldsintheStabroekBlock, which is estimated at 11.6 billion barrels The oil fairway, the company said, runs through S7 toward Suriname. Cybele plans to drill its first well within 12 months.
Cybele Energy Guyana Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Beatrice JonesMensahTayuiinheraddress, praisedtheministryfor,“one of the most seamless processes we’ve been through.”
“The vision is to uphold safety and to respect the environment that has been gifted to us. We will make surewedorightbyGuyana. We stand in a position to make change; we have a robust CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) programme.Ourcorporate
Continuedonpage22
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat
Cybele Energy Guyana Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Beatrice Jones-Mensah Tayui
KaieteurNews
PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana
Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456
Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Audit fears Human Rights Day
ItisclearthatthePPPCGovernmentfearswithapassionthe timelyreleaseofauditreports Whenanauditreportiskeptfrom thepublicformorethanhalfofayear,whatistheretohide,what is there to fear? An audit for US$196B in ExxonMobil's expenses was completed almost seven months ago, and it is same old story, same extended runaround and delay Tellingly, it's the people owning Guyana's oil wealth, who are taken advantage of by their own government. The Guyana Government seems more committed to pleasing ExxonMobil, putting its concerns first, and that's it, Guyanesecanmakeallthenoisetheywant.
Forapoliticalgroupthatissocommittedtodeliveringvast amounts of propaganda to pull the wool over the eyes of Guyanese,itisironicthatthePPPCGovernmentissonervous aboutreleasingcompletedaudits Wethinkthatiftheauditof theUS$196BgaveExxonMobilacleanbillofhealth,thatall theparticipantsinwhatisnowtheregularauditdance,would havefoundawaytogivethenationaglimpseofthereport. Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat and Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, would have ensured that Guyanese got a peek of what the audit team led by VHE Consulting reported. Good audit news for ExxonMobil would give its partner, the PPPC Government, the space to breatheasighofrelief.
There would be little anxiety in dealing with the independentmediaandprobingquestionsfromitsmembers, no fright that answering could lead to politicians trapping themselves No shoveling of questions about the status of the US$196B audit report over to the captive Guyana Revenue Authority(GRA) TheGRAcannotstepforwardandshareany detail, unless it gets clearance from the political controllers What has happened before with other audits of ExxonMobil's billionsinexpensesishappeningagain
There is the turntable that begins with the auditors, continuestotheresponsiblepoliticians,andthenterminatesat the GRA, where more technical inquiries are conducted That'swhatGuyanesearegettingagainforanauditthatshould reportclearlyandconvincinglyonwhatandhowExxonMobil spent US$196B of their oil money Sheltering behind the GRAandholdingupsuchahugeauditreporthasbecomepart ofthegamethatthePPPCGovernmenthasgottenbetterand better at playing The politician who appointed himself oil sector head, Jagdeo, ensures that nothing stays too close to him In Natural Resources Minister Bharrat, Guyana's selfappointedoilczarhasaquicklearner,amanofthesamemind ashimself Anydevelopment,likemultibilliondollaraudits, thathasthepotentialtogetsticky,isquicklypassedontothe GRAtobuytime
Nevertakeresponsibility,nevergoaboveandbeyondand admittoknowing,andnevertenderanyapology Thefactthat this largest audit, in terms of dollars, has been cloaked in secrecyforsolong,indicatesthatallmaynotbewellinhow ExxonMobilaccountedforthebillionsclaimedasexpenses. It could be that the questionable or the suspicious (the unacceptable) contributed in some manner to the ongoing delay. TheVHEConsultingteamdidnot come in for much applause in a prior audit of ExxonMobil's expenses, so the teammayhavebeenmoreprobing,anduncoveredmorethat just had to be flagged. US$19.6B affords a longstanding corporation like ExxonMobil a considerable number of squareyardsinwhichtooperate,anditmaynothavebeento thebenefitofthiscountry'streasury
For a country like Guyana, where many citizens are strugglingtomakeendsmeet,US$19.6Bisasizablechunk grabbedoutoftheirpreciousoilpatrimonyunderthebanner ofexpenses. ExxonMobiliscertainlywithinitsrightstoso, butonlyforlegitimateexpenses,andwhenaccountedforin thepropermanner Wewouldlovetoheargovernmentleaders beingtheforemostvoicesinthepushtogetauditsdone,and done right Every audit finding could represent a dollar discovered,andhalfofthatcomingtoGuyana'scoffers When billions are involved, Jagdeo and Bharrat shouldn't be pussyfooting around audits, but demanding that findings are released
DearEditor,
As people around the world celebrate Human RightsDaytoday,itisagood timetoreflectonfreedomof expression.
Legally there are two separate components of freedomofexpression–first the right to express your viewsaboutthebehaviourof
authorities, and second the righttoobtaininformationso thatyourviewsarebasedon
c o m p o n e n t s a r e preconditions to a healthy democracy and a life with dignity
Freedom of expression entailstherighttodissent,to challenge public authorities, to say what you think as an ordinary citizen but it does notextendtocertainkindsof expression such as inciting violence or racial hostility, which have no place in a
y Freedomofexpressionisnot only a right but carries a responsibility to hold the
government and public bodies to account for what they are doing with public power and public money
Democracyisafragilething, easily subverted by politicians who want power without responsibility –what the former British Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin (1920s/1930s) referredtoasthe'prerogative oftheharlot.'
Iacceptthatitisdifficult toholdpoliticiansandpublic officials to account when theyhideinformationandtry
to avoid public scrutiny, when they think they know everything and when their attitude is 'how dare you question us'. This sort of secrecy is characteristic of bullyism and creeping tyranny
Butitisourlegalrightto knowwhatpublicbodiesare doing.
The Caribbean Court of Justice in Ramon Gaskin v Minister of Natural Resources et al emphasised thatgovernmentsmustact
(Continuedonpage5)
Crisis of leadership at Windies Cricket:
DearEditor, Kishore Nalin Shallow's defence of Daren Sammy onlyexposeshisownfailures and his unbelievable conflictofinterest. It is nothing short of astonishing to watch the President of Cricket West Indies, Mr Kishore Shallow, step before the media to defendwhathasclearlybeen an abysmal coaching record under Daren Sammy But what is even more troubling and frankly unbelievable is that Mr Shallow seems convinced that his own leadership record somehow gives him the moral authority to make suchadefence.
Let us be honest:
Youcannotdefendfailure whenyourownpresidencyis definedbyit
Under Mr Shallow's leadership,WestIndiescricket hasnottakenmeaningfulsteps forward on or off the field.
We continue to witness inconsistency, poor strategic direction, declining performances, and an alarming absence of any long-term plan capable of restoringconfidence.Instead of accountability, we are handed excuses. Instead of progress, we are fed public relations spin. Instead of a revival, we are watching stagnationtightenitsgrip.
And now, the situation becomes even more difficult tojustify:
Mr Shallowhasaccepted a seat as a Member of Parliament in St Vincent & the Grenadines while still serving as President of CricketWestIndies.
This is an unprecedented conflictofroles Howcanone effectively lead a regional sporting institution in crisis while simultaneously taking on the demanding duties of nationalpoliticaloffice?The optics are terrible, the
priorities are questionable, and the message to players, staff, and fans is unmistakable:
WestIndiescricketisnot hisprimaryfocus.
So when Mr Shallow steps forward to defend
C o a c h D a r e n Sammy despite Sammy's c l e a r r e c o r d o f underperformance in all formats—it feels less like leadership and more like a strategic shield for his own shortcomings Because if Sammy's results are acceptable, then so are Shallow's And that is exactlytheproblem.
Leadership requires standards.
Leadership requires transparency
Leadership requires accountability
What we are witnessing instead is a President
d
expectations, and rewarding underperformance at every levelofmanagement.Thisis not protecting West Indies cricket—this is suffocating it.
If Mr Shallow wishes to defend Coach Sammy, then he must answer a far more fundamentalquestion: What has he personally achieved during his presidency that grants him the credibility to judge anyoneelse'sperformance?
Until West Indies cricket demands higher standards fromthoseattheverytop,the results on the field will continue to reflect the dysfunction, poor judgment, and lack of accountability at theadministrativelevel.
West Indies cricket deserves better The fans deserve better The players deservebetter Andtheregion deserves leadership not excuses.
KrisKooblall
When we fail to secure better deals from our natural resources, we disgrace our fore-fathers
DearEditor,
I agree entirely with the sentiments expressed in Kaieteur News Editorial, published on Monday 8th December,titled“Cashgrant protest”, and I encourage all andsundrytoreadanddigest its contents. I write as a founder member of the People's National Congress, recall we met at the Empire cinemain1955,thenknown as the PPP Burnhamite, when Forbes Burnham was elected leader, medical doctor JP Latchman Singh his chairman, and lawyer Jainarine Singh our first General Secretary. In Octoberof1957wedecided to change the name of the party to the People's NationalCongress,theparty committed itself to struggle
for political independence. We understood and were committed to vindicate the sufferingofourfore-parents who were enslaved, brought as indentured labours, and those who were indigenous to this place we know as Guyana.
T h e p r o m i s e a t Independence was to ensure allofourpeoplebenefitfrom the land and our God-given natural resources. When we struggled against the disruptive features of the cold war and the oil crisis both national leaders, Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham, wanted to ensure that Independence and later Republicanstatuswasmuch morethanthetrappingsofan anthem and a flag, but we should have some modicum
of control of our natural resources, and the stave off the centuries of exploitation bythesuperpowers.
When we see, as is obvioustoday,ourleaderson all sides of our political divide failing to extract muchmorefromouroiland gas, it constitutes a betrayal ofourancestors. When we fail to secure betterdealsfromournatural resources, we disgrace our fore-fathers.Wedisgraceour fore-fathers when we embark on a spending spree with many projects not satisfactory completed, bring shame to those we fought for independence. When we borrow from left, right, and center our foreparents look down at us ignoring their struggle for
centuries.
When we boast that we are the fastest growing economy we ignore the fact that, the majority of Guyanesearenotbenefitting from this abundance. Dear editor and citizens as we agonise over oil and gas, a recent survey and news coverage seem to ignore the huge sums being garnered from gold. Let me add that $150,000 promised is a meagre sum, a mere sop to cerberus, as the cash grant increases, not decreases the cost of living. In an article published on December 6, 2025, I urged us allto speak up on things that matter. I now speak up Are we listening?
Sincerely, ElderHamiltonGreen
Breaking – A bold promise wrapped in uncertainty
DearEditor, The promise came wrapped in boldness and wrapped, just as tightly, in
uncertainty When
PresidentIrfaanAlistepped up to the podium inAugust seeking your votes, he promised a bright Christmas hinting at a cash
grant payment to every i n d i v i d u a l , t h e announcement sliced through the noise of politics like a blade No long speeches.
Notangledexplanations. Just a timeline, no dollar figure, and a glimmer of hope thrown into a country
Human Rights...
Frompage4 with full transparency so thatthepubliccanidentify wrongdoing and that “A d e m o n s t r a t e d commitment to openness and accountability is especially required given the massive investment in subsea drilling for oil currently underway in Guyana.”
Butwhatarewegetting?
C o m m i s s i o n e r o f Information Bunny Ramson refusing to provide citizens with information An Environmental Protection Agency that has been lambasted by the national court for its secretive conductandactinginunison with Exxon. A government that owes Stabroek News
$70.7 million dollars and threatens to withdraw advertisements. The failure of President Ali to take any c o r r e c t i v e a c t i o n whatsoever
T h i s c o n d u c t underminesthefreedomand theabilityofallofustolive with dignity Perhaps we needtoremindthepresident, the ministers, the MPs (Members of Parliament), and all holders of offices paid out of the public purse that thanks to the aweinspiringcourage,resilience and intelligence of enslaved
Africans, and the determined resistance of Indians to indentureship another form of servitude in Guyana, none us has to live on a plantation where 'Massa's' word is law We live in a constitutional democracy in which the president, ministers and
MPsareourservantsnotour bosses.
Our constitution states thatwearetheproudheirsof the “indomitable will of our forebears”andthat“wewill safeguard and build on the rich heritage won through tireless struggle and bequeathed to us by our forebears ” Perhaps the richest heritage of all is our freedom. That heritage and our forebears' courage and sacrificesarebetrayedwhen Guyanese citizens say nothing in the face of abuse of power or worse collude withit.
I pay tribute to Chris Ram,DanutaRadzik,Vanda Radzik, Fred Collins, Sherlina Nageer, Troy Thomas, Elizabeth DeaneHughes and all those other courageous citizens (too many to mention) who protest against abuse of powerandgotocourttoput an end to secretive behaviour
I pay tribute to Anand Persaud safeguarding in Stabroek News the proud tradition of free speech established by its founder David de Caires, to Glenn LallandKaieteurNews,and to all those journalists who have resisted pressure and 'oil money' and who continue to investigate and question government with a viewtotellingcitizenswhat isgoingon.
In return we Guyanese must be true to our Constitution and use our freedom of expression to sustainahealthydemocracy
Yourssincerely, MelindaJanki
exhausted by rising prices, shrinking paychecks, and the quiet panic that comes with opening a bill you already know you can't afford.
Itwasthesimplicitythat madeitpowerful.
Ali's words bypassed p o l i c y a n a l y s t s , economists, and journalists entirely
Theywentstraighttothe people who had spent the past year piecing together rent money, juggling medical debt, and trying to figure out how to make a holiday season feel like something other than another reminder of how tightthingshadbecome.
The message landed because it hit something raw thefearthathadbeen brewing across kitchen tables, inside grocery store
aisles, and in late-night conversations between couples trying to decide which necessary thing they could go without. People didn't want grand debates or complicated forecasts. They wanted something that felt likealifeline. For a few hours, it almostfeltlikeone Families imagined the pressure easing Parents pictured gifts under the tree instead of explaining again why Santa “wasn't doing bigpresentsthisyear” Older Guyanese, who'd been crushed by rising bills and medication costs, let themselves imagine a month where they didn't have to choose which necessity to skip The promise lit up every corner of the country where hope hadbeenrunninglow
But beneath the emotional clarity was a truth that became harder to ignore the longer the announcement was examined Ali's pledge had nolegislativepathattached No draft bill No outlined negotiations with the House No budget adjustments.
Just a line about “redirecting revenue from oil production,” which financial
immediately warned was about as predictable as trying to fund a national programusingtheweather Oil wasn't flowing from a faucet They didn't pour out consistent revenue when turned on They were a storm front sometimes heavy, sometimes barely a drizz
markets no president could fullycontrol.Eveniftheidea looked bold on paper, the machinery needed to turn it intorealitywasn'tthere.
Within twenty-four hours, the cracks began showing
Analysts lined up on morning news shows explaining that the math simply didn't match the message
Budget experts released estimates showing that, even under the rosiest conditions, oil revenue couldn't support payments of substance at the scale promised Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle admitted they hadn't been consulted and had no idea how the plan was supposed tofunction.
Still,thepromisehad
(Continuedonpage6)
Poverty in Perspective
DearEditor, Recent commentaries have circulated a figure claiming that 58% of Guyanese live in poverty This estimate is not only inaccurate for 2025 but also notbasedonGuyana'slatest official household survey results.
It appears to rely on a regional model that used outdated data and an unusually high international poverty line, and its public presentation as current data ismisleading.
Critics who argue that macroeconomic numbers look favorable while ordinary people do not benefit from growth may find support in such figures, but the underlying data present a very different picture.
Since 2020, Guyana has experienced what is widely regarded as the world's fastest-growing economy GDP per capita rose from justunderUS$7,000in2020 to nearly US$30,000 by 2024, a surge that reflects both oil-led expansion and
substantial gains in non-oil sectors.
Non-oilgrowthhasbeen
robust, driven by construction,retail,services, agriculture, and transport, theverysectorswhereevery day Guyanese earn their livelihoods Widespread growth is accompanied by significant gains in householdwell-being.
Wages for public-sector employees have gone up, pension payments have grown, and financial grants for schoolchildren have not onlybeenreinstatedbutalso enhanced. Morethan30,000 familieshavereceivedhouse lots or support for home construction,andwhenthese assets are incorporated into household income, they contribute meaningfully to both wealth and overall incomelevels.
The International MonetaryFund'smostrecent review explicitly states that social transfers have increaseddisposableincome andreducedthepovertyrate.
The World Bank has echoed these conclusions,
noting that although more surveys are needed for precision, the trajectory is toward lower poverty and higher incomes, particularly in the wake of the COVID19shock.
If benefits were not reachingthepoor,onewould expect to see stalled consumer spending, weaker mortgage uptake, slower growth in small-business activity, and persistent or rising food insecurity Instead,thedatapointinthe
opposite direction: household spending is up, mortgageuptakeisatrecord levels, small-business activity has expanded, and indicators of food insecurity
have declined since 2021. Theseoutcomesarenotmere slogans;theyaremeasurable realities.
Of course, challenges remain. Inequality and the cost of living continue to press on many households. Nevertheless,itisinaccurate to claim that growth has bypassedthepoor
The evidence indicates that more Guyanese than ever before are gaining access to income, housing, education, and opportunity The overarching message is clear: progress is real, and it isreachingpeopleacrossthe country
Dr TilokieDepoo Economist
Breaking – A bold promise wrapped in uncertainty...
Frompage5 already done what political promises often do it ignited a conversation the country had been avoiding. Not about oil production or budget logistics. Something deeper Something
uncomfortable. People were talking openly about how close to the edge they were living.
Single parents shared storiesaboutskippingmeals so their kids could eat Retirees admitted their savings were gone, drained by inflation they never planned for. Tertiary graduates confessed they were working two jobs and still couldn't afford basic expenses.Familieswhoused to feel stable were now one unexpected bill away from disaster
Ali'sannouncementdidn't create that reality It simply lit a match in a room full of gasfumes.
Analystswarned the plan was more symbolic than achievable. Policy experts pointed out that real relief required structure, not slogans.Butordinarypeople weren't hung up on feasibility What they heard was acknowledgment — a recognition that things were genuinely hard, not in the abstract, but in their everydaylives.
For many Guyanese, the promise resonated not because they expected the moneytoarrive,butbecause it confirmed something they'd sensed but rarely heard out loud from Freedom House, their strugglewasn'timagined.
Butsymbolismhaslimits.
As days passed with no further details, confusion grew Politicians demanded clarification Regional officials asked for briefings. Advocacygroupsbeggedfor a real plan attached to the pledge. The DPI repeated that more information was coming, but even that reassurancesoundedthin.
Meanwhile, households continued to do what they'd been doing for months —
stretching, rationing, improvising, surviving. The cashgrantpromisebecamea “fool's promise” suspended inmidair:tooboldtoignore, toovaguetorelyon.
People waited for news thatnevercame.
Some grew frustrated Some grew cynical. Others
shrugged, already accustomedtotherhythmof promises that made headlinesandthendissolved intoproceduralfog.Buteven with the skepticism, the announcementlingered.You couldn'terasetheimpactofa moment that captured the country's vulnerability with such precision Ali had
unintentionally exposed a truth larger than the pledge itself:
The desperation that made the promise sound believable was real Painfullyreal.
When journalists interviewed voters in the days that followed, they found the same answer repeatedagainandagain:
“It probably won't happen. But the fact that it sounded possible that's howbadthingsare.”
Inlivingroomsacrossthe country, people kept refreshing news pages, hoping for updates. Parents held off on cancelling holiday plans, just in case. Seniors compared notes in grocery store aisles about whether they'd heard anythingnew
The promise created a kind of suspended hope — fragile, improbable, but powerfulenoughtoclingto. And yet, even as the days ticked by, one truth settled in:
The cheque wasn't in the worksnolonger
No one said it aloud at first. No official statement declared the pledge impossible or withdrawn But people recognised the silence for what it was. The promise had been bold, emotionally precise, perfectly timed and ultimately unsupported by the machinery needed to bringittolife.
What lingered wasn't anger, though there was someofthat.
What lingered was exhaustion.
Because behind the bold announcement lay a deeper wound: the realisation that thousandsofGuyanesewere livingsoclosetocrisisthata single sentence from a politician could feel like salvation.
Intheend,thePresident's pledge did one thing effectively — it reminded the country of its own fragility It forced a reckoning not with a payment that never materialised,butwithatruth that had been building for years: Life had become precarious in ways no comfortingspeechcouldfix.
And while the promise faded, the need behind it remained urgent, undeniable, and waiting for something more real than a headline.
Sincerely HemduttKuma
GrenadaConsulateopensinGuyana
…to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between countries
DPI - Guyana has proposed linking its tourism offerings with the spice island of Grenada, which President Irfaan Ali stated will increase visitor numbers,revenue,andmake the Caribbean a more connected and varied tourismregion.
The head of state was speaking at the opening of the Honorary Consulate of Grenada in Georgetown, showingthestrengtheningof diplomatic and economic tiesbetweenthetwonations.
TheConsulate,locatedin New Market Street, was officially opened by President Ali, Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell, and his Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development, JosephAndall,ataceremony onMondayevening.
PresidentAli singled out tourism as one of the most promising areas for deeper collaboration,notingthatthe relationshipbetweenthetwo countries hold immense untappedpotential.
While the two countries offertwodistinctivetourism
products “these products are different enough to complement rather than competewitheachother,”he said.
“Grenada is globally recognised for its beaches, marine attractions, yachting sector, and spice-infused cultural charm that has earned it the nickname the Spice Isle,” President Ali said.
He said that Guyana, by contrast,offersaworld-class eco-tourism product, rainforests, waterfalls, wildlife, river-based adventures. “Together, these
differences can become a powerful asset… we can create multi-destination packages that bring greater value to travellers and e n h a n c e r e g i o n a l competitiveness,” the presidentsaid.
However, for such integration to be successful, moremustbedonetoexpand air connectivity, and Guyana, he said, will chart thiscourse.
Against this backdrop, President Ali underscored theroleoftheConsulateasa communication channel, business facilitator and
tourism advocate He emphasised that it is “opening a door” toafuture of expanded cooperation, built on people-to-people bonds between Guyana and Grenada.
A d d r e s s i n g t h e
Grenadian prime minister, President Ali said, “We are investing heavily in regional food security, in every aspect ofregionalsecurity ”
“And we hope that in the first quarter of next year, our two sides can sit down and sign an elaborate bilateral agreement where Guyana can be an important and your most trusted partner in supplying quality, consistent food at consistent prices,” PresidentAliadded.
The Head of State
proposed a joint investment in rebuilding and modernising Grenada’s spice industry, including processing and packaging capacity to serve regional andglobalmarkets.
According to the Guyanese leader, deeper cooperationbetweenthetwo nations could pressure the wider region to remove artificial trade barriers and outdatedlaws.
Meanwhile, Prime
Minister Dickon recognised Guyana as a strong and reliable regional leader He praised PresidentAli for his leadership and support of Caribbeannationsintheface ofnaturaldisasters.
H e e n c o u r a g e d neighbouring countries to
focus on local solutions, emphasising that the Caribbean should be responsible for its own economic growth and strength. In this context, the Gre
n referred to President Ali as an important supporter of thisframework.
According to him, the two leaders have already begundiscussionsonseveral areas of cooperation and integration Grenada has appointed Dr Komal Singh, a well-known businessman from Guyana, as the Honorary Consul in Georgetown,Guyana.
An honorary consul is a person chosen by a foreign country to represent its interests in another country withoutreceivingpay,while also maintaining a separate employment.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, SeniorMinisterintheOffice of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr AshniSingh;Ministerof Tourism, Industry and C o m m e r c e , S u s a n Rodrigues; members of the diplomatic corps and other government officials participated in the opening ceremony
President Irfaan Ali delivering remarks at a ceremony on New Market Street, Georgetown.
Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell delivering remarks at the opening of the Grenadian consulate.
Govt.moves to turn human rights promises into everyday service
DPI-Aspartofitsefforts to strengthen respect for human rights and improve public services, the governmenthasintroduceda range of measures aimed at protecting and supporting citizens.
These include tougher penalties for inciting racial hostility,policiestopromote equal pay for equal work, and expanded shelters and assistance for victims of domestic and gender-based violence.
Speaking at the opening of the Human Rights and Anti-CorruptionExpoatthe Arthur Chung Conference C e n t r e ( A C C C ) in Liliendaal on Tuesday, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips said these steps are intended to reduce harm, support vulnerable groups, and create a more predictable and just system of public administration.
He noted that service quality remains a recurring
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance
Gail Teixeira
concernforcitizens,shaping t
institutionsand their overall perceptionofthestate.
concerns, the government h a
introducing and enforcing
provisions related to sexual
d strengthening training for security forces through mandatory modules on humanrightsandintegrity
“These reforms are meant to reduce frustration, improve predictability, and pr
conduct from those who serve the public The approachisstraightforward: p
information, reasonable timelines, and respectful treatment,” the prime ministerstated.
He added that “Guyana continues to build systems that support fairnes
government has worked to modernise procurement
n constitutional bodies, expand digital government services, and increase opportunities for public
governance.“
M i n i s t e r o f Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira emphasised that legislation aloneisnotenough;without a genuine culture of ethics
and integrity, meaningful progressremainsdifficult.
She said Guyana understands the challenges in defending human rights and combating corruption, but steady progress is being made.
The government, the minister said, has therefore outlined steps to improve
citizens and public services. These include introducing mandatoryservicestandards a
agencies, and publishing advisories that provide clarity on procedures, documentation, processing times,andfees.
There are also plans to strengthen the national call and message centre, further develop the AskGov platform, and implement mandatorycustomerservice training for frontline public officers.
Meanwhile, the expo showcasesboothsfromover 40 government and civil society bodies and will end today
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips
ThePPPleadership’smetabolismproblem
The PPP Government’s leadership has a low metabolism problem. It’s unrelated to any weight problem.
Sorrytodisappointfolks; certain places I don’t touch. Though a younger breed of PPP operators, Irfaan Ali, Bharrat Jagdeo, and Anil Nandlall have grown up on onediet,knowonlyoneway ofliving. Nowthattheyfind t h e m s e l v e s w i t h extraordinary power, they revert to what has always dictatedtheirexistence. What is it that the PPP leadership has always known? What has been the indoctrinationoftheiryouth,
from the time of Dr Cheddi Jagan and Mrs. Janet Jagan, hisformidablespouse? Ina nutshell, the teachings of communism, that political religion of total control Control the media. Control public service branches
Control the security machinery Control the legi
Control the judiciary
Control the regional administrative centers What did I neglect to include? Notmuch,Ithink, other than its seeming control of today’s political opposition, to some extent. Has this not been the way sincetheoldPPPguardtook
office, when the addictions tocontrolstartedsmall,then mushroomed under the younger Turks to almost blanketcontrolineveryarea Iidentified?
Anyone in the PPP who wish to register an objection is free to do so. They know the game they are playing, and the deceptions they are living. Guyanese realities are too many, too stark, and too much in the face to be denied,orwishedaway Get ready for the leadership metabolism problem, what doesn’tchange.
A radical changeover was required when the first corporate explorers came,
discovered oil by the buckets. Withoutablink,or a pause, the PPP leadership traveled at the speed of sound from communists to capitalists. On the face of recent developments, there are no bigger and sharper disciplesofcapitalismtoday that the former fanatical devotees of communism
Even luminous local capitalist presences, such as Banks DIH and Farfan and Sterling are prompted to yield ground to the PPP’s capitalist flight, be content with taking a backseat There are none better today than Drs. Ali, Jagdeo, and Singh at chattering up a cyclone about commercial viability, corporate profitability, and foreign investor hospitality From Down with Colonialism and Down with Imperialism, the PPP has converted to Up withCapitalismandUpwith Exxon. The PPPwent from down with the running dogs of capitalism to up with sanctity of contract and up 21 century slavery for Guyanese. Forget about CheddiJaganturningoverin his grave like Banquo’s cadaver Think about c o n t r o l l e d a n d commandeered Guyanese being deceived by PPP agents and pushed to look upon their foreign slave mastersastheirnewsaviors. Did somebody point to
Exxonandsaylookright there? Ididn’t.
Listening to the likes of such illustrious Mensa Club comrades as Irfaan Ali, Bharrat Jagdeo, Ashni Singh,andAnilNandlall,all that is heard is money, d e m o c r a c y , a n d transparency A Martian mayfallforthat,butnoteven Guyanesewhomayfitneatly into the category of sturdy village idiot. Indeed, the PPP leadership, as outlined today, holds money high. Butthat’sonlyhalfthestory The old teachings, old indoctrinations, drummed into their heads from the cradle, have not been let go. Notoneinch. Whyisitthen thatallofthem(Ali,Jagdeo, Nandlall, and miscellaneous
environment. Ifnotso,thenwhydoso many Guyanese live with so much dread that they hide their pain, don’t speak or write publicly? The control is that fear-inducing, crippling. Even Excellency Donald Ramotar, a dyed-inthe-wool doctrinaire PPP loyalist, was savaged for speakingdifferently
others with weaker communist credentials and visions) are so committed mind, body, and soul to control all aspects of Guyaneselife.
Recall from b4: public service institutions, public security, national assembly, independentmedia,accessto information, the judiciary and there is one repeated, undeniable reality First creeping control Then, morecontrol. Last,theHoly Grail -total control. Who in thePPPwantstosaythatitis not so? Step up. Speak up. And let Guyanese get to decide how that holds up in the weight of the
This is the PPP leadership’s metabolism problem Govt leaders craftily say they are about capitalism, profits, and democracy’s freedoms Simultaneously, the same PPP leadership of Ali, Jagdeo, Singh, and Nandlall cannot operate, exist, without communism’s total control Lockdown information Lockout undesirables.
Lockup thinking, speaking Democracy’s freedoms and total control cannot coexist Today’s Guyana provides the evidenceintrumps. There’s the PPP metabolism problem Capitalism’s money, but warring for absolutemastery
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Amendthe MarriageActtoend childmarriage
– GRPA & Blosson Inc. urges Govt.
The Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA)andBlossomInc.haverenewedtheircallforurgent reform of Guyana’s child-marriage laws to protect children fromharm,exploitation,andlifelonginequality
In a statement, the organisations said that child marriage remains one of the most pervasive human-rights violations affecting girls in Guyana, despite strong international and regionalcommitmentstoendthepractice.“Asorganisations committed to promoting and safeguarding children’s rights and wellbeing, we remain deeply concerned about the persistence of legal provisions that allow child and early marriageinGuyana,”theysaid.
“WhiletheMarriageAct,Cap.45:01establishes18asthe minimumlegalageformarriage,sections31(1),32(2),33,42, and 65 allow exceptions that permit the marriage of persons under 18 — including girls as young as 16 with parental consent, and even younger in circumstances such as pregnancy These provisions, though historically introduced to address specific situations, now function as harmful loopholes that legitimise child marriage and expose girls to significantrisk,includingrapeandotherformsofviolence.”
The organisations in a joint statement said that available national and international data underline the severity of the
issue.AccordingtoestimatesfromGirlsNotBrides,32%of girlsinGuyanaaremarriedbeforeage18and6%beforeage 15, while 12% of boys marry before age 18. These figures place Guyana among the countries with the highest prevalenceofchildandearlymarriageinLatinAmericaand theCaribbean.TheGuyanaMultipleIndicatorClusterSurvey (MICS) 2014 provides deeper insight into how entrenched andunevenlydistributedthispracticeis.Amongwomenaged 15–49, 4% were married before age 15, and among women aged 20–49, 27% were married before age 18. Rates are significantly higher in hinterland and Indigenous communities.
Further,Regions1,7and8recordthehighestpercentages of marriages before age 15 (9%), while Region 9 has the highestproportionofwomenmarriedbeforeage18—41%. The survey also shows that 13% of girls aged 15–19 is currentlymarriedorinunion,withthehighestprevalencein Region 1 (32%). “These patterns strongly correlate with poverty, lower levels of education, rural residence, and Amerindian household headship. The MICS findings also revealharmfulpowerdynamicswithintheseunions.”
“Among married girls aged 15–19, 16% are married to men10ormoreyearsolder,andalmostone-thirdaremarried tomen5–9yearsolder—agegapsthatamplifyrisksofrape, unintendedpregnancy,HIVandSTIs,anddomesticviolence. Additionally, 3% of women in union live in polygynous marriages, with prevalence highest in Region 10 (10%), demonstrating how gender inequality further compounds vulnerability 1 Despite the gravity of these findings, no updated national research has been conducted since 2014. This lack of current data significantly hampers evidencebased policymaking, targeted interventions, and effective monitoring of national progress,” GRPA and Blossom Inc. said.
As a result, the organisations called “not only for legislative reform, but also for renewed investment in rigorous national research to assess the present-day prevalence,drivers,andconsequencesofchildandearly Continued on page 12
Amend the Marriage Act to end child marriage
Frompage11 marriage,includingitsimpactonIndigenous communities, migrant families, and vulnerableadolescents.”
They noted that without updated data, Guyana cannot adequately respond to evolving trends or design programmes that meet the realities of today’s children and adolescents. “Child marriage cuts short childhoods, disrupts education, limits economic opportunity, heightens health risks, and deepens cycles of poverty and gender-based violence. It fundamentally violates the right tofreeandfullconsentinmarriage—aright children cannot meaningfully exercise,” the statementsaid. The joint statement noted Guyana’s “significant commitments under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, CEDAW, and the Sustainable Development Goals,allofwhichcallfortheeliminationof child, early, and forced marriage.” “To honour these commitments, meaningful legislative and policy action is urgently required GRPAand Blossom Inc therefore urge the Government of Guyana to amend theMarriageActtoeliminateallexceptions that permit marriage under 18, strengthen protection and accountability systems,
expand adolescent-friendly health and socialservices,andinvestincomprehensive community education We further call for a national research agenda that updates the evidence on child marriage and informs effective interventions across all regions,” the organisations said while committing to partnering with government, civil society, Indigenousleaders,andcommunitiestoend childmarriageinGuyana
“Every child deserves the freedom to learn, grow, and determine their own future — free from coercion, discrimination, and violence.”
CDB president says corruption is a significant barrier to development
(CMC) – Presidentofthe Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), DanielBest,onTuesdaysaid corruption represents one of the most significant barriers tosustainabledevelopment. In a statement marking International AntiCorruption Day, Best said that the region’s premier financial institution is using the occasion to renew its commitment to the principles that underpin effective development: transparency, integrity, and
accountability
He quoted the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, as saying that one trillion US dollars are paid in bribes annually, while another US2.6 trillion are stolen through corruption.
“These staggering losses drain resources that could transform lives and build prosperous societies,” Best said, adding that for Caribbean countries operating with constrained fiscalspace,substantialdebt
obligations.
“Any resources lost due to corrupt practices translate directly into lost essential infrastructure, curtailed education and health s
opportunities for economic a d v a n c e m e n
, ” h e continued.
Best said consequently, CDB views anti-corruption not as an ancillary concern butascentraltofulfillingour developmentmandate.
“As a development finance institution serving
some of the world’s most vulnerable small island states, maintaining the higheststandardsofintegrity is essential to securing continued access to the resources our Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) require,”hesaid.“Strong Continued on page 22
CDB President, Daniel Best (CMC Photo)
In a significant developmentfortheGuyana Police Force, President Irfaan Ali announced Tuesday, that all individuals applyingforpositionswithin the force will now be required to have passes in both Mathematics and Englishbeforeentry
This requirement will also apply to current members of the force, who willbeexpectedtocomplete the necessary courses to obtain passes in these two coresubjects.
The announcement was made during the Guyana Police Force’s traditional Christmas breakfast event, where President Ali emphasised the importance of these subjects for all ranks. He called on higher authorities within the force to prioritise enrolling junior ranks into the new Guyana Digital School (GDS) to facilitatethisgoal.
Heemphasisedthatsuch an achievement would be a cause for celebration, pointing out that the government has made significant investments in the force to ensure this success.“Thereareveryfew countries that can speak about all of these opportunities we’re given. (20:53) We want you not to look at them only as opportunity,butlookatthem as an investment in making your life a journey of fulfilment,” President Ali said.
“All junior ranks, starting with constables and throughout the ranks under command, now have access to the Guyana Digital School, which is available
24/7,” President Ali stated. “Wemustworkoverthenext three years to ensure that every single member of our force obtains passes in Mathematics and English withintheirfirstyear Takeit upon yourself to get them registered on the Guyana
DigitalSchoolbeforetheend of this year.And don’t have themfocuson8subjectsor9 subjects.Letthemfirstfocus on mathematics and English.”
The president further added, “Take that as your challenge and let us have a police force in which every single rank and officer can say, and we can say it proudly,theyallhavepasses in mathematics and English.”
In addition to the focus onbasiceducation,President Ali encouraged other ranks to pursue higher education o p p o r t u n i t i e s H e specificallyurgedofficersto considerpursuingamaster’s deg
retiring.“Iaskyouasleaders to take advantage of the oppor
nities we
On December 5, President Ali officially launchedtheGuyanaDigital School (GDS), which is designedtoserveasahubfor digitallearning.
The initiative aims to bridge the education gap between the coastal and hinterland regions of the country, providing digital content of high quality and empowering students with skills that meet global standards.
The GDS will also cater to adult learners, out-ofschool youth, and lifelong learners, offering alternative pathways to education for those who may have difficulty accessing traditionalschooling.
e offering. Consider pursuing a master’s in logistics planning or another field so that when you retire, many opportunities are before you, ” he advised “Retirement at 55 is not the endofyourcareer Fifty-five is an accumulation of spotless service and qualification that graduates you into better form and greateropportunities.”
Members of the Guyana Police Force.
La Penitence Market to be rehabilitated
The Georgetown Mayor and City Council (GMCC) hasannouncedthattheLaPenitenceMarketwillundergo rehabilitative works. The Mayor and City Council via a Facebookpostsaidthatitmetwiththerepresentativesof E&A Consultancy, which was awarded the contract to rehabilitatethemarket,discussdevelopmentalworks.
During discussions with Mr Anton Azore, a civil engineerattachedtoE&AConsultancy,therehabilitative workswillbecompletedbetween18to24months.
“He explained that due to the drainage works, it was necessary for the internal design to be restructured. However, the external design of the market will also be rehabilitated,butoriginaldesignmaintained. Heopined that the plan is to provide suitable shelter for the current stallholders and the vendors who ply their trade on the roadways,”GMCCreported.
Importantly, the contractor assured that the vendors wouldnotbedisplacedduringthisdevelopmentalworks while noting that the works aim at alleviating flooding withinthemarketbyraisingtheexistinglevel.
Mayor of Georgetown, Mr Alfred Mentore said he wassatisfiedwiththeproposedworkswhileindicatingthe Council’swillingnesstoworkwiththeconsultantforthe bettermentofthestallholdersandvendors.
“Guyanaisnowanoilproducingcountry,andassuch, systemsimplementedshouldreflectthatdevelopmentand futuristic approaches to city and nation building,” the mayorsaid.
Meanwhile, in an effort to ensure that facilities and systems are improved, the City Council said it will continue to communicate with the consultant, vendors, andstallholdersasworksprogress.
The La Penitence Market has been in a deplorable state for several years. In October 2023, vendors complained bitterly about the state of the market noting that the roof was leaking badly and that the market was floodingeverytimeitrains.
City Mayor Alfred Mentore, and councillors and other representatives at La Penitence Market on Tuesday.
La Penitence Market in Georgetown
‘Driverswithboguslicencesgetabreak’
Guyanesedriverswhoobtained licenses without completing the required theoretical or practical exams will be charged and have thoselicencessuspendediftheyfail toturninthefraudulentdocuments withinsixweeks.
The warning was given by President Irfaan Ali, who said Tuesday that the amnesty period will be used to ensure the proper licencingprocess.
Addressing the Guyana Police Force’s Christmas breakfast, President Ali relayed that the go
’s i
ng integration with technology has played a key role in uncovering discrepancies in the licencing process. He explained that postaudits, facilitated by technology, had revea
d significant irregularities, particularly with drivers obtaining licenses without completingthenecessaryexams.
...as President announces six-week amnesty
andviceversa.
“Wecantellallthosewhowrote the theoretical exam and pass and that is the only way you can move forward with the practical exam, andwecantellallthosewhogota practical certificate and all those who actually got a licence with GRA, so we were able to triangulate the entire process and we understand the discrepancies withinthewholeprocess,”hesaid.
In efforts to rectify this, the government plans to publish the names of these individualsin local newspapers. Those affected will have six weeks to come forward andcompletethenecessarystepsto regain their valid licenses. After this period, those who fail to comply will have their licences suspendedandfaceprosecution.
involved,”thepresidentdeclared. He added, “GRA would have given more licence than practical and theoretical passes, so we are now triangulating the entire processandwehaveallthedateand information before us.Technology and the use of technology will be deployed at full scale and that is whatwearedoing.”
“Technology is your friend,” the president said, noting that it enablesthegovernmenttorecheck theentiresystem,addingalayerof accountability.Hestressedthatthe government is now able to crosscheck data, identifying individuals who passed the theoretical exam butdidnottakethepracticalexam,
The president noted that the number of drivers who completed theirtheoreticalandpracticalexam is lesser than drivers who have licences. “If you have 150 people passingthetheorybutyouhave400 people getting their practical certificate, something is wrong. And we are going to make those findings available,” President Ali said.
“We have all the names of persons who got their practical paper but never passed the theoretical exam and we are going to give those persons in the public domain six weeks to surrender themselvesandgothroughbackthe processorafterthatwearegoingto publish all the names in the newspaper, suspend their licence andprosecutethem.Thatistheonly way we can beat this corruption. We have to prosecute all parties
Furthermore, President Ali announced that the government would be working closely with several agencies, including the Commissioner of Police, the GuyanaRevenueAuthority(GRA), the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, the Ministry of Public Service, and the Ministry of Home Affairs, to carry outthesepost-auditsandensurethe integrity of the licencing system movingforward
Two killed as speeding car crashes into parked truck at Moblissa
car crashed into thebackofastationarytruckthatwasonthesideofthehighway
The impact killed both the driver of the car and a mechanic who was near the truck at the time of the accident.
The mechanic has been identified as 49-year-old Brian Manorharlall of Agricola, East Bank Demerara (EBD)whilethedriverofthecarwasidentifiedas32year-old Asham Sultan of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo.
TheGuyanaPoliceForce(GPF)inastatementsaid thattheaccidentoccurredatabout15:15hrsatMoblissa, Soesdyke - Linden Highway involving a truck bearing registrationnumberGAG3120,“whichwasatthetime parked on the eastern side of the roadway due to mechanical issues” and a car bearing registration numberPRR5367whichwasdrivenbySultan.
“Initial investigations disclosed that the motor car was proceeding south along the eastern drive lane allegedlyatafastratewhenthedriverlostcontrol,and collided with the lorry driver (Manoharlall), who was standing at the rear of the lorry and subsequently crashed into the rear of the said lorry Both drivers received injuries about their bodies and were pronounceddeadatthescenebyadoctorondutyfrom theLindenHospitalComplex,”policesaid.
Their bodies were taken to the Linden Hospital Mortuarywheretheyawaitpost-mortemexaminations.
President Irfaan Ali
Two persons were on Tuesday afternoon killed in an accident at Moblissa, Soesdyke-Linden Highway after a speeding
Dead: Brian Manorharlall
The accident scene
PAHO renews call to close vaccination gaps amid whooping cough resurgence in the Americas
Washington, D.C., December 9, 2025 (PAHO) – The PanAmericanHealthOrganisation(PAHO)hasrenewedits callforcountriesintheAmericastoclosevaccinationgaps amid a resurgence of pertussis, or whooping cough, which has been steadily increasing since 2023, according to the latestepidemiologicalupdatereleasedyesterday
Globally, whooping cough rose sharply in 2024, reaching977,000cases,nearlysixtimesthe167,407cases reportedin2023.
The Western Pacific accounted for the largest share (591,193cases),followedbyEurope(296,543cases).
AsimilartrendwasobservedintheAmericas.Afterthe region recorded its lowest number of cases in 2022 (3,284 cases),casesincreasedsignificantlyin2023(11,202cases) andagainin2024(66,184cases).
Between January and November 2025, ten countries selected for the epidemiological update—reported increases compared to previous years. Completeregionaldatafor2025willbeavailablein2026.
“Whoopingcoughisavaccine-preventabledisease,but its resurgence highlights gaps in immunisation and epidemiological surveillance,” said Dr Daniel Salas, Executive Manager of PAHO’s Special Program on IntegratedImmunisation.“Itisurgentthatcountriesensure highandconsistentvaccinationcoverage,especiallyamong children under five, to protect the most vulnerable and preventoutbreaks,”headded.
Vaccinationcoverageandmostaffectedgroups
During the COVID-19 pandemic, whooping cough vaccinationcoverageintheRegionfelltoitslowestlevelsin twodecades,with87%forthefirstdose(DTP1)and81%for thethirddose(DTP3).In2024,coverageimprovedto89% and 87%, respectively, although disparities between and withincountriespersist.
PAHOrecommendsthatcountriesachieveandmaintain avaccinationcoverageof95%orhigherwiththethreedoses of the DTP vaccine in children under one year, as well as boosterdosesduringchildhoodandadolescencetoprevent outbreaks.In2024,21countriesachievedcoverageof95% or higher for DTP1, ten countries ranged 90- 94%, ten 8089%, and four countries reported vaccination coverage below 80%. These results highlight the need to continue strengtheningvaccinationacrosstheregion.
Children less than 12 months are the most affected age group, accounting for 30–40% of cases in countries like Argentina,Brazil,andColombia.Outbreakshavealsobeen reportedinIndigenouscommunitiesandruralareas,where vaccinationcoverageislower PAHOrecommendations
Strengthenepidemiologicalsurveillanceandlaboratory confirmationofcases.
Ensurevaccinationcoverageisabove95%inchildren and provide booster doses for pregnant women and healthcare workers, prioritising maternity staff and caregiversofinfants
Implementrespiratoryisolationmeasuresforsuspected orconfirmedcasesandensuretimelyantibiotictreatment.
Promote early diagnosis and prevention messages directedtohealthprofessionalsandthegeneralpopulation.
“Timelyandcompletevaccination,togetherwithrobust surveillance, is the most effective strategy to prevent whooping cough, a disease that can cause severe illness, complications, or even death, especially in unvaccinated childrenunderoneyear,”emphasisedDr Salas.
Mottley warns against misinformation as Nicholls wins BLP nod
(Barbados Today) Prime Minister Mia Mottley warned voters to remain vigilant against political misinformation while emphasising that the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) will stay rooted in “the will of the people” as she addressed party members in St Thomas on Sundayevening.
While speculation continues to swirl about whentheprimeministerwill ring the bell for the next general election, her appearance at the Lester Vaughan School for the B L P ’s S t T h o m a s nomination offered a glimpse into her approach andtone.
As Senator Gregory Nichollswonthenomination to replace long-serving MP
Cynthia Forde, Mottley framed the moment as one that demanded vigilance, stating that Barbados is “entering dangerous waters”.
Referring directly to comments made by Leader of the Opposition Ralph Thorneabouttheintegrityof the electoral process, Mottleydeclared:“Whenthe leader of the opposition accused this government of padding the voters’list with non-nationals and students, wetoldhimtoputuporshut up. He is yet to provide an ounce of evidence of any kindofwrongdoing.”
She also reminded attendees that the recent enumeration exercise was routine and that two of the five members of the Electoral and Boundaries
Gonsalves portrait removed from
Argyle airport
(St. Vincent Times) A portrait of former prime minister Ralph Gonsalves has reportedly been removed from the ArgyleInternationalAirport.
Gonsalves said while speaking on Star Radio that many individualshavebeenspeakingoutofignoranceandwanting some kind of revenge. “Revenge for what I don’t know,” Gonsalvesstated.
“I even note that the pettiness goes to the extent of my portrait, which was at the airport. There’s more than one portraitbecauseIthinkonewasintheVIPloungewithmeand theGovernor-General,andtherewasonedownstairs”.
Gonsalves said persons can remove the photos all they want; they cannot remove the fact that his government-built AIA.
“Youcanremoveitasmuchasyouwant.Youcan’tremove the historical fact that under my leadership the airport was built. Youcan’tbeengagedinaStalinistdenialera;thefacts arethefacts,andfactsarestubbornthings.Anybodyisentitled tohisorheropinion.Butfactsarestubbornthings.”
Gonsalves says everybody knows who he is, and those whoareinterestedinpullinghimdowncangoahead.
“None of that disturbs me one iota. I will continue to do what I consider to be correct, what is right in all the circumstances. And to do so in a reasonable and measured manner.”
Commission are appointed on the advice of the oppositionleader,sayingitis “a simple process of checking to make sure that thepeoplewhoaresupposed to be there are on, and the people who should not be there are taken off. The process is not simply removing eligible voters fromthelistandnoperson’s name can be taken off without the opportunity for themtosay‘hereIam’”.
Alongsidethewarning,a key focus of her address highlighted the governing party’s mandate Mottley insisted that the BLP must remain rooted in the values that brought it into office twice.
“Thisisapeople-focused party Ourworkonlymatters if it improves the lives of Barbadians.Thisiswhathas to guide us, not noise,” she said.
“Whenthepeoplespeak, thetruthisthatthispartyhas madeititsbusinesstolisten. What matters is that we speak always, with the people that we lead. The truth is there may be one or two instances where the party has a different perspective from the branch but95percentofthetime,if not more, the two coincide and this Barbados Labour Partymakesititsbusinessto meet with the candidates as required and in all these thingswedosotomakesure when the matter comes to NationalCouncil,weareina position to say we have no compelling reason why the personchosenbythebranch should not be the candidate of the BLP That is how a partyfunctions.”
The prime minister’s remarks followed outgoing St Thomas MP Cynthia Forde’s personal farewell,
highlighting her longstanding service since 1970 w
constituency to rally around Senator Nicholls Both Mottley and Forde praised the efforts of candidates Yearwood and Chandler, sayingtothemthat“lifedoes not come in a straight line”. They expressed hope that their engagement with the people of St Thomas would continue and strengthen them
he t
f representing the people in whatever capacity they choose.
Mottley and Forde also praised Senator Nicholls’ patienceanddedication.
Mottley said: “You have cometoasituationwherethe people of this parish can truly say, as they did with Cynthia, that they have raised one of their own.” (DT)
Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Mottley
Former Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves
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Israel remained leading killer of journalists in 2025: RSF
(AL-JAZEERA) Israel killedmorejournalistsin2025 than any other country, accordingtoareportbyReportersWithout Borders (RSF).
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Israeliforcescarryingout the genocidal war in Gaza were responsible for the deaths of 29 Palestinian reporters,RSFsaidinitsannual report published on Tuesday It was the third year running that Israel was named the top killer of journalists by the NGO.
Overall, 67 journalists were killed around the world this year, one more than in 2024.
“This is where the hatred of journalists leads!” said ThibautBruttin,RSF’sdirectorgeneral,inastatement.“It ledtothedeathof67journalists this year – not by accident,andtheyweren’tcollateralvictims.Theywerekilled, targeted for their work.”
Bruttin blamed the “failure” of international organisations to protect journalists in armed conflicts for the rise, a consequence, he said,ofaglobaldeclineinthe “courage of governments”.
“Journalists do not just die–theyarekilled,”hesaid.
Mexico was the second most dangerous country in theworldforjournalists,with nine killed in the past year
Demonstrators hold placards of slain journalists from Gaza Hossam Shbat and Anas al-Sharif, in support of Palestinians during a march on the International Day of Solidarity, in Dublin, Ireland [File: Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters]
War-ravaged Ukraine, where three journalists were killed in 2025, and Sudan, where four journalists were killed this year, are other highly dangerous countries for reporters, according to RSF
RSF also records the number of journalists jailed for their work. China is the leadingoffenderwith121reporters behind bars. Russia
Contract signed with...
From page 3
socialresponsibility,wewillmakesurethatweworkwiththe communities that we serve. Our local content will be intentional…we will ensure we do right by Guyana,” she outlined.
TayuialsonotedthatBlockS7providesalotofopportunities and assured that Cybele will execute its duties in accordance to the agreement.
Further, she also underscored the significance of anAfrican company and one particularly led by a woman participating in one of the world’s most dynamic petroleum provincesandreaffirmedCybele’scommitmenttoresponsibleexploration and meaningful partnership with Guyana. Tayui noted that the agreement which advances the historic ties betweenGhanaandGuyana,marksthedawnofanewerafor women.
“I want to applaud the leadership and government of this country that sees it fit to put the talent of women on the platform in such an industry as oil and gas,” she added.
ThesigningoftheagreementwithCybelemarksthesecondfinalisationfromtheinauguralauctionround.Recently, governmentandenergygiantTotalEnergiesanditspartners QatarEnergyandPetronasforhasBlockS4,ashallow-water concession off the country’s coast. Guyana’s maiden auctionlaunchedinDecember2022included14blocks,eightof which received bids. Government is expected to conclude additional agreements as negotiations continue.
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(48)andMyanmar(47)arethe next most repressive countries.
As of December 1, 2025, 503 journalists were being detained in 47 countries.
Thereportalsofoundthat 135journalistsaremissingin 37countries,andthat20others are currently being held hostage.
The killing of 43 percent of the 67 journalists that died in the past 12 months was carriedoutbytheIsraelimilitary in the besieged Gaza Strip, according to the press freedomgroup.
The deadliest single attack in the enclave was a “double-tap” strike on a hospital in the south of Gaza on August25,inwhichfivejournalists were killed, including Al Jazeera photographer
Mohammad Salama, as well as contributors to Reuters and The Associated Press news agencies.
Nearly300journalistsand media workers have been killed by Israeli attacks in Gaza in 26 months of genocidal war – or about 12 journalistseverymonth–according to a tally by Shireen.ps, a monitoring website named after Al Jazeera journalist ShireenAbuAkleh,whowas shot dead by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank in 2022.
Israel has maintained its ban on foreign reporters in Gaza – unless they arrive in tightly controlled tours organised by the Israeli military – despite calls from mediagroupsandpressfreedom organisations for access.
CDBpresidentsays...
From page 13
governance frameworks and robust anti-corruption mechanisms directly enable the Bank to achieve its core objectives: advancing economic growth, reducing poverty, and building sustainable,resilientsocietiesacrosstheregion,”Bestadded.
Best said for the last decade, CDB’s Office of Integrity, Compliance,andAccountabilityhasservedastheinstitutional anchorforourgovernanceframework,encompassinginstitutional integrity, ethics, accountability, and compliance.
He said through this office, the CDB has demonstrated regional leadership through sustained capacity-building initiativesforitsBMCs,includingtrainingandknowledge-sharingonanti-corruptionpractices,complianceframeworks,and good governance standards.
This year’s International Anti-Corruption Day theme is “UnitingwithYouthAgainstCorruption:ShapingTomorrow’s Integrity”.
BestsaiditalignsdirectlywithCDB’sinstitutionalpriorities and our vision for the region’s future.
“As an institution with youth development embedded in itsoperationalstrategy,CDBrecognizesthatempoweringthe next generation requires equipping young people with the values, knowledge, and tools to champion integrity in all spheres. The region’s young people bring fresh perspectives, technological fluency, and a determination to challenge outdated practices that have impeded progress. By investing in youth-led initiatives and creating platforms for young voices in governance discussions, the bank supports the emergence of a generation that will demand and deliver higher standards of institutional integrity,” he said.
$129Mtocompletemulti-purposehallatMahdia
TheMinistryofCulture,YouthandSport is preparing to spend approximately $129 million to complete the construction of a multi-purposehallatMahdia,RegionEight.
Twenty-nine contractors submitted bids for the contract, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board revealed whenbidswereopenedrecently
Below are the companies and their bids:
MinistryCulture,Youth&Sports
Procurement&InstallationofFixedMetalBleachers withretractableseats–Multi-purposeHallLethem.
Bidder
SOCConstruction
DetectLogistics
LAProjects&Services
SRK General Maintenance, Infrastructure ConstructionEngineering
IMSConstruction&Logistics
S&K Construction, Consultancy Services &General
AmountTendered
$12,295,275
$14,560,000
$12,295,275
$15,036,250
$16,980,000
$20,350,000
GeneralRehabilitationatLodgeSecondarySchool.
Bidder Amount Tendered
Teon Peters Construction Service
Kcol Contracting Services
$42,205,275
$47,280,450
S A M Civil Works $47,280,450 Robert Andrews General Construction Services $44,265,585
S Prakash Construction $40,242,300
Simcon Engineering Inc
$39,108,457
C & A General Supplies and Services $37,981,650
Didcon Construction & Surveying Services $42,760,000
Grace Enterprise (Guyana) Inc
$54,263,107 Holistic Contracting & Procurement Inc $47,428,920
Randolph Taylor Construction
D Chowkai & Sons Construction
MUSE Holding Inc
$43,059,975
$45,827,670
$46,779,600
R & R General Construction & Supplies $45,146,850
Vishal's Contracting Co
$44,347,275
R Persid Construction $38,195,850
Kaiveri Procurement Logistics and Investments Inc
Sovereignty Investments Construction Services (SICS Builders)
A Anderson&SonGeneralConstruction and Supplies
AEA Enterprise
$45,108,840
$46,431,840
$38,008,000
$45,992,100
R A & J P Contracting Services $41,279,280
Marshall Contracting & Landscaping Services $41,717,272
Norek Construction
$39,136,860
Emeralds General Contracting & Distributors $43,221,570
Jemcorp Engineering & Imports
Guybuild Construction & Logistics Services
$45,620,400
$44,418,570
JD'S Construction Company $39,422,250
King of Hardware $42,415,800
CompletionofMulti-PurposeHallMahdia.
Bidder AmountTendered
PREnterprise
DChowkaiandSonsConstruction
DynamicinnovationCivilEngineering
Trevor and Sons General Construction Services
Water Man and Sons Contracting and Fabrication Services
KeronEvansGeneralConstructionand TransportationEnterprise
DJGeneralConstructionandSupplies
PankoSteelFabricationandConstruction
RSServices
BlacksandSonConstruction
TheDependableConstructionandGeneral Services
K&DContractingServices
K&S Civil Engineering Contracting ServicesInc
ShuryEnterprise
RahamanConstructionandTransportation Services
HolisticContracting
CountrySideRecycling
RockeyandSonConstruction
Builders Engineering and Architectural Consultancy
MetalandFabricationInk
RobindraBalram
PBSConstruction
$111,377,200
$158,694,250
$130,759,900
$118,745,200
$122,887,666
$107,270,570
$128,484,826
$183,707,580
$119,077,200
$149,914,902
$200,070,445
$117,519,700
$115,604,957
$121,755,370
$105,733,980
$159,299,250
$100,900,470
$115,060,785
$129,354,170
$111,500,000
$127,526,850
$128,076,850
‘Hamas says no phase two Gaza truce while Israel 'continues violations’
(Al-JAZEERA) Hamas says the ceasefire cannot progress to phase two while I s r a e l c o n t i n u e s “violations”, which Gaza authorities say number at least 738 since the truce began60daysago.
Hamas is expected to handoverthebodyofthelast Israeli captive held in Gaza in the coming days and has commented that it would be open to discussing “freezing” its weapons to facilitateenteringthesecond phaseoftheceasefire.
However,Israelhasbeen attacking Gaza throughout thefirstphase,killingatleast 360 Palestinians, and still restrictstheentryofaid,with quantities allowed in far belowwhatwasagreed.
So,howhasphaseoneof the ceasefire gone? And what are the chances of it continuingintophasetwo?
Sincetheceasefirebegan on October 10, Israel has broken it more than 590 times, killing at least 360 Palestinians,andsendingthe totaldeathtollinGazafrom two years of attacks above 70,000.
Under the first phase –based on US President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan – Israel was requiredtohaltitsgenocidal war on Gaza, pull back its troops, allow aid in, and exchange hundreds of Palestinian detainees for the
remainingcaptivesstillheld inGaza.
Speaking a month after agreeing to the ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel'swaronGaza“hasnot ended”andthatHamas“will bedisarmed”.
Throughout Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, Israeli officials have been pledgingto“destroy”Hamas and claiming that Israeli bombardment, which has killed mostly civilians according to Israel's own tally,wastoachievethat.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that the second phase would bechallengingtoachievebut thatitcouldbeginassoonas thismonth.
Meanwhile, Gaza's Health Ministry says Israeli attacks have killed one personandwoundedsixover thepastday
Under the terms of the agreement, Israel initially pulleditstroopsbackbehind what it called the “yellow line”.
Runningaroundtheland edgesoftheStrip,thepoorly demarcated yellow line separates the areas of Gaza controlled by the Israeli armyandthosecontrolledby Hamas.
Hamas accuses Israel of pushing the yellow line further into Gaza “daily”,
displacing those who find themselves on the wrong sideandkillingPalestinians, including children, approaching the unclear boundary
Has Israel allowed aid in?
AfullIsraeliblockadeon Gaza this year led to an engineered famine that was recognised by the UNbacked Integrated Food
S e c u r i t y P h a s e Classification(IPC) inGaza CityinAugust. Since the ceasefire, Israel has allowed slightly moreaidin,althoughfarless than Gaza's needs and what theagreementstipulated.
Aid agencies are reporting that the situation remains desperate, despite casesofmalnutritionstarting toslow
UNICEF and partners in October identified nearly 9,300childrenlessthanfive withacutemalnutrition,five times the level reported during a previous ceasefire inFebruary
“A big portion of the goods coming in is c o m m e r c i a l [ n o t humanitarian] – meaning that big aid agencies, including UNRWA, aren't getting there,” said Tamara Alrifai, the director of external relations for Gaza's
principal aid agency, UNRWA.
Considering Israel's past actions – including unilaterally breaking a ceasefireearlierthisyearand Netanyahu saying the war isn'tover–itisuncertain.
According to many Netanyahu critics, much of the genocide Israel unleashed on Gaza has been shaped by his own political circumstances.
Butthatmakeshimmore reliant on the Trump administration, which supports the ceasefire, to protecthim.
“Israel has never had a leader in a weaker position,
so the US will never have a better chance of pushing their deal through,” Yossi Mekelberg, a senior consulting fellow at ChathamHouse,said,listing the threats to the PM that Trump's support might save himfrom.
N e t a n y a h u h a s petitioned Israel's President Isaac Herzog to grant him a pardon in his ongoing corruption trial. Trump has alsoaskedHerzogtopardon Netanyahu.
Netanyahu can also use Trumpasanexcuseifhisfarright government members areangeredbyanendtothe waronGaza.
“Netanyahu can always shrugandsay,'it'snotme,it's Trump,'”Mekelbergsaid.
Phase two of the deal concerns Gaza's post-war governance The most detailed framework so far has been the US-backed plan, now endorsed in part bytheUNSC.
The plan sets out a transitional phase in which Palestiniantechnocrats–not political factions – would runday-to-daygovernance. Israel'sgenocidalwaron Gaza has killed at least 70,366 Palestinians and wounded 171,064 since October 2023. A total of 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the October 7, 2023 attacks and about 200 weretakencaptive.
Congress ups pressure to release boat strike video with threat to Hegseth's travel budget
(BBC) US lawmakers are trying to pressure the Trump administration to release video of a controversial "double-tap" military strike by limiting Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth'stravelbudget.
The incident on 2 September, in which the US carriedout a second deadly strike on a boat in the Caribbean,hasraisedfresh
campaign targeting alleged drug-carryingvessels.
The bill is expected to pass with support from both parties
US President Donald Trump says release of the video is something for Hegsethtodecide
Trumpdeniedthathehad previously said he would have"noproblem"withthe footage being made
A provision buried in a lengthy defence spending policywould restrict travel funds for Hegseth's office until the Pentagon hands overuneditedfootage
being made
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth
lawmakers on both sides of thepoliticalaisle. It is buried within a 3,000-page draft bill that is focused on approving next year's defence spending
The annual bill authorises nearly $901bn in funding (£687m)
The bill's final wording, which was first reported by Politico, states that
Hegseth's office may spend nomorethanthree-quarters of the funds made available for travel for the year 2026 until it meets certain requirements.
T
obligationtogivetheHouse and Senate armed service committees all "unedited video of strikes conducted against designated terrorist organisations in the area of responsibility of the United S
Command"
The wording nods to the w a y T r u m p h a s characterised his strikes on boats in the Caribbean and Pacific. He says they are a ma
organisations.
Mourners at the funeral of Palestinians who Israel killed in strikes the day before, on November 23, 2025 [Omar al-Qatta/AFP]
Pandya steals show on comeback as India thrash S Africa by 101 runs in first T20
(Reuters) - India beat SouthAfrica by 101 runs in the first T20 International on Tuesday in Cuttack after thevisitorswerebowledout for their lowest total in the format following Hardik Pandya's heroics with the bat. Pandya marked his
return to the national team from a two-month injury layoffwithaquick-firefifty before picking up one wicket, walking in with Indiareelingat78-4. Hesmashedanunbeaten 59 off 28 balls with four sixes and six fours to help India post a competitive
totalof175-6in20overs.
In response, South Africa suffered a batting collapse, as they were bowled out for 74 as all six Indian bowlers picked up wickets
"I had to back my shots I realised the wicket had a bitofspice Ihadtobeabit
gutsy," Pandya said after he was named player of the match.
"It was more about timingtheball,notbreaking theball Iwasverysatisfied withthewayIwasbatting "
INDIA SUFFER
EARLYBLOW
Afterbeingputintobat, Indiasufferedanearlyblow withopenerShubmanGill's return from a neck injury lasting only two balls after hemistimedadeliveryfrom pacer Lungi Ngidi, chipping it straight up for Marco Jansentotakeaneasycatch.
Wednesday December 10, 2025
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
In a philosophical or political conversation,youdon'thesitate to offer your thoughts Your examplesmaybeextreme,but yourprinciplesaresound
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Youshouldbeinagoodmood, although you might have a hard time fully expressing yourself.Perhapsyoufeellike there is someone keeping an eyeonyoureverymove.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
You may get the feeling that despite all the hard work you've accomplished, something is still missing, Gemini. There's still a long road ahead, regardless of the goalsyou'veattainedsofar.
CANCER(June21–July22)
Freedom may be a theme for youtoday You'rebeginningto question what it is you're tryingtofreeyourselffrom.A person? Job? Commitment? These may be the very things youstarttosearchforassoon asyou'refreeofthem.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
You'retheliquidthattakesthe shape of its container, Leo. Even though this may seem like the most nonconfrontational way to do things, you may find that it's actually a cause of great frustrationforyouandothers
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
Youmayfeellikeapuppythat has been let outside for the first time, Virgo. The air is warm and you're full of energy You're ready to run over the fields and hills Unfortunately,you'retiedtoa stake and you can't move beyondaten-footradius.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Youmayfeelastrangetension. Itseemsthatnothingyousayor do is quite right, Libra. As much as you may try to do the correct thing, you can't make thingsclickthewayyou'dlike.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)
It may be hard for you to maintain your self-discipline. Your childlike nature wants to go out and play Emotionally, you're anxious to let loose and followyourplayful,instinctual nature.
SAGITTARIUS(Nov22–Dec21)
Ifyou'reunclearaboutthetopic of discussion, say so Asking questionsisanimportantpartof learning You shouldn't be afraid to ask. Communication maytakeonaserioustone,and intellectual discussions are likelytogetheated.
CAPRICORN(Dec22–Jan19)
Youmaybeshywhenitcomes to expressing your emotions today,Capricorn.Thiscouldbe a rare thing for you. Other people may wonder if somethingiswrong.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)
Youmaynotknowwhichway to turn,Aquarius. You may be emotionally weighed down by sentimental feelings and memories that bind you to the past You may also feel restrictedbyauthorityfigures.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Your mind may be going in manydifferentdirections,with fantastic ideas about how things should be done, Pisces.
T h e d i f f i c u l t y i s communicatingtheseideasina way that makes sense. Others mayseeyouasathreattotheir authority
Ngidi dismissed
Suryakumar Yadav shortly afterwards for 12, as the Indian captain fell in a similarfashionwhenhewas caught by Markram at midon, while Abhishek Sharma fellfor17offLuthoSipamla when Jansen took a catch neartheboundary
Ngidi broke the 30-run stand between Tilak Varma and Axar Patel to put India on the ropes but Pandya walked in and put South Africa on the back foot, hitting Keshav Maharaj for twosixes.
PANDYABOOST
Pandya's fiery innings gave India a boost in the death overs, as the allrounder scored the only fifty in the match to set a targetof176fortheProteas
Arshdeep Singh dismissed opener Quinton de Kock for a duck and a smartreviewcallforcaught behind from India ended Tristan Stubbs' stay, giving theleft-armpacerhissecond wicket. Dewald Brevis and Jansen tried to play big shots after the middle-order collapsed, but were unable to steady the ship, as South Africa lost wickets at regular intervals. Arshdeep, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel picked up two wickets each while Pandya dismissed the danger man DavidMiller
India took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, with the second match set to be played on Thursday in Chandigarh Scores: India 175 for 6 (Hardik 59*, Ngidi 3-31) beat SouthAfrica 74 all out (Brevis 22, Arshdeep 2-14, B u m r a h 2 - 1 7 , Chakravarthy 2-19, Axar 27)by101runs
Axar Patel dismissed Aiden Markram. (Getty Images)
NBA roundup: Pacers down Kings, continue rebound from 2-16 start
San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) shoots a jump shot against New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen (22) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. (Stephen LewImagn Images)
Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (18) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Ethan Thompson (55) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. (Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images)
Reuters - Andrew
Nembhard posted 28 points and a season-high 12 assists as the Indiana Pacers overcame a Russell Westbrook triple-double to upendtheSacramentoKings 116-105 on Monday in Indianapolis.
Bennedict Mathurin scored 25 points and Pascal Siakam had 23 for Indiana, which has won four of six following a 2-16 start. The Pacers had a 19-point lead erased before closing the game on a 19-4 run across thelast5:41,12ofthepoints comingfromNembhard.
Westbrook compiled 24 points, 12 rebounds and 14 assists for his recordextending 207th tripledouble and fourth of the season, which he completed well inside three quarters. D e M a r D e R o z a n
contributed 20 points and Zach LaVine added 16 for Sacramento, which took its fifthlossinsixgames.
S u n s 1 0 8 , Timberwolves105 MarkWilliamsscored22 points and grabbed seven reboundsasPhoenixheldon for a tight win over MinnesotainMinneapolis.
Collin Gillespie scored 19 points for the Suns, who beat the Timberwolves by single digits for the second time this season Dillion Brooksscored18points.
Anthony Edwards scored 40 points on 15-for21 shooting to lead the Timberwolves, whose fivegame winning streak ended. Julius Randle finished with 21 points on 7-for-11 shooting.
Spurs135,Pelicans132
DylanHarpercannedthe
decisive jumper with 9.1 secondstoplayaspartofhis career-high 22 points and visiting San Antonio outlasted reeling New Orleans.
TheSpurswereupby20 points at halftime, but New Orleansralliedtotakea102100 edge to the final period. Harper answered Derik Queen's driving layup in the closing seconds, and New Orleanscouldn'trespond.
Harrison Barnes led San Antoniowith24pointswhile StephonCastlehad18inhis firstgamebackaftermissing nine contests with a hip injury Queen scored 33, pulled down 10 rebounds anddishedout10assistsfor hisfirstcareertriple-double. Trey Murphy III added 32 points for the Pelicans, who havelostseveninarow.
(FieldLevelMedia)
PersaudvictoriousatPromoTech...
From page 27 accuracy and composure throughout her round
Mortimer Wills captured the Longest Drive, showcasing power off the tee, while Patrick Prashad secured Nearest to the Pin, placing his shot closest to thetargetwithprecision.
PromoTechGuyanaInc Country Manager, Bala Vinjimoor, thanked all participants for their strong support, noting the
tournament's growing significance
“Thankyoutoeveryone thatcameout Itwasagood turnout As I reiterated earlier, we will be making this tournament an annual event,”hesaid
The day highlighted not only competitive spirit but also the unity and festivity oftheseason,setagainstthe scenic backdrop of one of Guyana's finest golf courses
PromoTechGuyana
PersaudvictoriousatPromoTechGolfTournament
Under brilliant sunshine and surrounded by the lush, well-kept greens of the Lusignan Golf Club, Anand Persaud claimed victory at the PromoTech Guyana Inc.
Golf Tournament last Sunday, continuing his exceptional form. The win
marks back-to-back tournament triumphs, coming just one week after Persaudsecuredanothertitle a
vent, underscoring his current dominance on the course as the Christmas season approaches.
From early morning teeoffs to the final putt, the tournament unfolded in a festiveatmosphere,enriched by December breezes and a warmspiritofcompetition.
Leading the field was AnandPersaud,whosecured the overall championship with a gross score of 85. After applying his 19 handicap, he finished with animpressivenet66,placing him comfortably ahead of thecompetition.
Following closely was Satrohan Tiwari, who deliv
trong performance. Tiwari posted agrossscoreof83,andwith his14handicap,heachieved
anet69,earninghimawelldeserved second-place finish.
Third place went to Joseph Szeplaki, who maintained consistency throughout the round
Szaplki recorded a gross score of 82, and after factoringinhis12handicap, he completed the day with a net 71, securing his position amongthetopperformers.
Inthespecialcategories,
Feroze Barkat won Best Gross with a standout gross 82, demonstrating excellent ball-striking and control JoaanDeoearnedtheLadies BestNettitle,exhibiting (Continuedonpage26)
The winners row. Top performers display their prizes along with the officials present.
Dr Joaan Deo won Ladies Best Net.
Anand Persaud was the overall winner
Griffith'shattricksinksHopeSec'asSaintsdismantleNorth Ruimveldtinopener
Th e m u c h -
a n t i c i p a t e d i n a u g u r a l
Schoolboy's segment of the 3rd Annual President's FutsalChampionshipkicked off in grand style yesterday at the CliffAnderson Sports Hall,whereWestRuimveldt, St Stanislaus College, Dolphin Secondary and Brickdam Secondary all
secured opening-day victories.
The launch followed a colourful March Past featuringall20participating schools,officiallysignalling the start of what is now the country's most lucrative futsal event for youth players.
The official curtainraiser saw Brickdam Secondary deliver a dramaticcomebacktodefeat Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary 4–3 Vreed-en-Hoop stormedtoanearly2–0lead through goals from Cayan
Paul (3rd) and David Williams (8th), before Enrique Green ignited Brickdam's response with a thunderous mid-court strike inthe12thminute.
Early in the second half, Jakeel Jackman caught the Vreed-en-Hoop goalkeeper off his line and lofted in the equaliser from starting line.
Green later pushed Brickdam ahead 3–2 with a composed finish after a sharpcentralpass,andOmar Moses sealed the victory withacheekystrikepastthe finaldefender
In the second fixture, a hat-trick from Captain Seon Grant carried Dolphin Secondary to a confident 4–1 win over Cummings Lodge.Grantwassupported by Cristhenson Davidinot, while Quason Price netted thelonereplyforCummings Lodge.StStanislausCollege then displayed ruthless efficiency, blanking North
Ruimveldt 7–0 Captain Keishawn Ramsay led from the front with a hat-trick, Clint Belgrave added a brace, and Anthony Sankar
and Satrius Taylor completedthetally
In the day's final clash, West Ruimveldt romped to an 8–0 triumph over Hope Secondary Jeremiah
Seon Grant nets first three goals for Dolphin Secondary in 7-1 win over Cummings Lodge Secondary.
Griffith produced the tournament's third hat-trick of the afternoon, supported byabracefromJoelGriffith and solo strikes from Ezikel Stanford, Okel Roberts and DonovanWelcome.
The round-robin first stage continues tomorrow, Thursday from 12:00hrs with the following
matchups; St Joseph's High vs St John's College, Charlestown Secondary vs West Minster, South Ruimveldt vs VYC Academy and New Central High vs Bishops' High Admission to all school matchesisfree.
Earlier in the opening ceremony, Director of Sport
Steve Ninvalle officially opened the championship, urging teams to maintain discipline and commending the Government of Guyana, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and the Kashif & Shanghai Organisation for launching the first-ever Schoolboy's segment of the President's FutsalChampionship.
Co-Director Kashif Muhammad expressed gratitude to His Excellency the President for supporting the initiative, noting that futsal is the foundation of football development He added that the participating schools are expected to return next year and can anticipate additional competitions before yearendtokeepplayersengaged. Action in the Men's Senior Division continued lastnight,withfullcoverage to follow in a subsequent edition.
IGGfootballshouldreturntoitsoriginal fromatsaysStatisticianCharwayneWalker
St a t i s t i c i a n
C h a r w a y n e
Wa l k e r h a s expressed the belief that football at the Inter Guiana Games (IGG) level should returntoitsoriginalstatusof fullfieldplayratherthanthe indoorformat.
Walker opines that the futsaleditioncannotdevelop ourfuturenationalplayers.
When the legendary OscarTheodoreDonaldand Egbert Vangenderen met with their Suriname and French Guiana counterparts in Paramaribo in August of 1967 to plan the inaugural games, organised football was the sport that initiated the games with host Suriname, French Guiana andGuyana. Surinamewon that historic event. Oscar Theodore Donald led Guyana delegation to that first Inter Guiana Games football tournament in SurinameinAugustof1967.
Walker further disclosed that the following year, the tournament was hosted by GuyanaandSurinameagain prevail in 1968. But
although Guyana lost those encounters several youths wereelevatedtothenational senior team in 1969 and 1970 including goalkeeper Michael Hamden and Donald 'Casa' Neblette featured against the touring Englishamateursin1969.
The following year
Michael Hamden, Michael Pierre, Lennox Arthur, DavidWolfordandClyde 'Farmer' Browne were outstanding against a powerful Trinidad team in1970, were all products of the Inter Guiana Games footballseries.
Walkerasked,'Couldwe introduce any player to the senior national team from therecentfustalInterGuiana Tournament'.
Guyana won its first Inter Guiana Games Football Tournament in 1971 under Coach Lennox Arthur and Trainer Clyde 'Farmer' Browne, two members of the historic 1967 squad that invaded Suriname.
Lennox Arthur was the man calling plays again
Action in the then Burnham Cup which was part of the IGG in its early period.
whenGuyanaplayingunder the captaincy of Patrick 'Labba' Barton lifted the Forbes Burnham Trophy in 1973.
Severalplayersfromthat 1973 Inter Guiana Games triumph went on to play an integralpartinGuyana'sfirst World Cup victory in July 1976. Vibert 'Durdy' Butts was the man that scored Guyana's first World Cup goal Keith 'Wiler' Niles sealed the deal and man of
the match goalkeeper Wendell Sandiford was outstanding.
Walker informed that, Terrence 'Susuzie' Nichols also had his moments and not forgetting that Denzil 'Hunky Brains' Thompson was one of the reserves keepers.
He opines, 'Let's forget about the futsal and return the Inter Guiana Games football tournament to its originalformat.
From left; Coach Lennox Arthur, Captain Monty Wilson and Trainer Clyde Brown with the Forbes Burnham Trophy won at the IGG.
2025 GCB Senior Women's T20 inter-county final - Essequibo vs. Berbice
Essequibo complete title sweep, create history following thrilling Super Over win yesterday
It was a fitting end to yesterday's final of the T20 inter-county tournament, as Essequibo etched their names into the history books yet again, delivering one of the most exciting title wins in recent history against a formidable BerbiceteamattheLusignan Ground.
Whatstartedoffasalowscoringaffairquicklyturned into one of the best skirmishes of the domestic season, thanks to the Essequibians who followed up their 50-Over title win a few days ago, with the T20 crown following a back and forth tussle against the Berbicians.
Withthegametiedat6210 apiece following the end ofregulationtime,thesuper over saw Berbice batting first and losing the big wicket of Sheneta Grimmond via run out before finishing on 5-1 Requiring6foravictoryand the title, Essequibo lost finalsMVPLatoyaWilliams via run out off the bowling off Plaffianna Millington,
before Shonette Belgrave (4*) kept her cool to see the game home, sneaking in the winning run after Berbice fumbled the ball in the outfield, thus preventing a returnthrow
Earlier, Essequibo shot themselves in the leg, completely misfiring their way to a paltry 62-10 from 16 3 overs, following a sublime bowling exhibition from this Women's season's best bowler in Millington, who spun herself to impressive returns of 4-3 from 3.3 overs during the regulation phase of the match.
Her running mate, ShericaCampbellbagged212, while Grimmond and Daniella Hicks claimed a wicket each for good measure.
Essequibo's lone wolf with the bat, Williams was the only player to reach double figures following a briefyetaggressiveknockof 20 off 17 (1x4 1x6); as her team found themselves reeling at 50-8 in the 16th o v e r , b e f o r e t h e
The Essequibian camp and players celebrating their historic Title win yesterday.
aforementioned provided a bitofmomentum.
Berbice too misfired during their relatively easy chase,beingreducedto47-6 shortly after crossing the halfwaystageoftheinnings, with both team gifting each other more than 20 runs as farasExtrascount.
After losing opener Campbell (13), Essequibo created a huge opening as they knocked off the next 5 batters for single-digit scores to help swing the matchbackintheirfavour
Thingswouldthentakea dramatic turn when Persaud and Welcome snared the remaining batters for cheap to help force the super over, afterTiea Isaacs was unable to bat after retiring hurt earlier.
Essequibo has now completed a phenomenal year, with the Men jointly sharing the Super50 Senior titlealongsideDemeraraand now the Essequibian girls adding both limited overs titles to their collection to end 2025 on a magical run. (CliftonRoss)
Chanderpaul ruled out of second Test with side strain
Guyana and West Indies opening batsman,TagenarineChanderpaul,hasbeen ruledoutofthesecondtestbetweentheWest IndiesandNewZealandduetoasidestrainit wasdisclosedyesterdaypriortothestartof thesecondTest.
Chanderpaul suffered the injury while playingashotinthenetsonTuesday. Hehas beenlikelyreplacedbyBrandonKing.
Theleft-handedbatterisbeingexamined and assessed by the medical team to know the full extent of the injury as well as his availabilityfortheremainderoftheseries.
West Indies made three changes to the team for the game which commenced last eveningCaribbeantime:IN:BrandonKing, KavemHodgeandAndersonPhillip.
OUT: Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alick AthanazeandJohannLayne.
Tagenarine Chanderpaul will not be a part of the second Test against New Zealand due to a side strain.
NewZealandalsomadechanges,fiveof them.
IN:DarylMitchell,MitchellHay(debut) Glenn Phillips, Blair Tickner and Michael Rae.OUT:WillYoung,TomBlundell,Matt Henry, Nathan Smith and Michael Bracewell.
GFF contributes G$2.5 million to staging of Rupununi Football Association 2025/2026 Senior Women's League
Th e G u y a n a
F o o t b a l l Federation(GFF) has announced a landmark contribution of G$2 5 million to support the
Rupununi Football Association (RFA) Senior Wo m e n ' s L e a g u e 2025/2026, signalling yet another major investment in theadvancementofwomen's football in Guyana The funding, provided through theGFFMembersFinancial Assistance Programme (MFAP), underscores the Federation's continued c o m m i t m e n t t o strengtheningfootballinthe hinterland and widening access to competitive opportunities for female playersnationwide.
The RFA has long been
recognised for its exceptionaldedicationtothe development of women's football,organizingleagues, festivals, and player development programmes for both girls and senior women Their leadership andconsistencyhavegreatly contributed to the growth of the women's game in the region, prompting the GFF to channel further support intothe2025/2026editionof theleague.
RFA President Mr Norbert Williams expressed profound appreciation on behalf of the Association; “WewishtothankPresident Wayne Forde and the GFF Council for this meaningful investment in the RFA Senior Women's League The GFF has invested consistentlyinourwomen's, men's, boys' and girls' programmes, as well as in refereeing and other capacity-building initiatives acrosstheregion.
We are proud of the strong working relationship wesharewithourgoverning body and look forward to working even more closely with them as we continue to elevate football in the Rupununi.”
The contribution was formally handed over by Mrs. Andrea Johnson, President of the GFF
Women's Football Association, and GFF General Secretary Mr Pushpargha Chattopadhyay, on behalf of GFF President Mr WayneForde.
This investment further cements 2025 as a historic year for women's football developmentinGuyana.The
GFF has expanded opportunities at every level, fromthelaunchofGuyana's first 10-team Women's Division One League, to n a t i o n w i d e g i r l s ' competitions, womenspecificcoachingeducation, referee development, and increased exposure for national-team-eligible players.
Speaking at the presentation, Mrs. Johnson highlighted the significance of the moment; “The Rupununi continues to lead by example in advancing women's football I am incredibly proud of the tremendousworktheRFAis doing to ensure that more girls and women have the opportunitytoplaythesport theylove.Thisinvestmentis a recognition of their commitment and a reinforcement of the GFF's beliefintheirvision.
I look forward to seeing more RFA women's teams competing in national tournaments and witnessing Rupununi's talented players progresstothehighestlevel, including representing our LadyJagsinternationally.”
This contribution not only strengthens football in thehinterlandbutreflectsthe GFF's broader objective of ensuring that geography never limits opportunity By supporting competitions such as the Senior Women's LeagueinRegion9,theGFF isenablingplayersinremote communities to access the same pathways and developmental structures availableonthecoast.
GFF President Mr Wayne Forde reaffirmed the Federation's commitment to its members and to the continued growth of women'sfootball;“TheGFF standsreadytosupportallits members who remain dedicated, resourceful and committed to developing f o o t b a l l i n t h e i r communities. Our 'You Do, We Do' philosophy remains central, when members demonstrate effort, accountability, good governance, and respect for the statutes, they will continue to benefit from the opportunities made available through the GFF's M-FAPprogramme.
The Rupununi Football Associationhasconsistently embodied these values, and this investment reflects our confidence in their
leadership and the tremendous progress they continuetomake,especially inwomen'sfootball.”
The Guyana Football Federationremainssteadfast in its mission to build a strong, inclusive and sustainable future for women's football across everyregionofGuyana.This G$2.5 million investment marksanotherpowerfulstep towardsthatvision.
Women's Association President, Mrs. Andrea Johnson (2nd left) and GFF General Secretary Mr. Pushpargha Chattopadhyay (left) hands over the ceremonial cheque to representatives of the Rupununi Association.
Captain Jeremiah Griffith scores hat-trick secure West Ruimveldt Secondary opening win in the Kashif and Shanghai orgainsed President's Futsal Championship, Schoolboy's segment.
Double champs Essequibo celebrate their historic run along GCB president Bissoondyal Singh alongside executives and members of the winning camp