Kaieteur News

Leader of theAPNU, Aubrey Norton

GECOM corrects Gazetted elections results following vote replication error

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has issuedaformalcorrectionto its previously gazetted declaration of results from the September 1, 2025, General and Regional Elections, following the discovery of replicated vote counts for the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in two separate regions.

The error, which appeared in the Official GazettereleasedonTuesday, showedthePPP/Creceiving

the exact same number of votes,9,938,inbothRegions 9and10.

The discrepancy saw immediate concerns being raised among opposition members and social media users, many of whom questioned the statistical improbability of such identicalresults.

Among the first to highlight the issue was Amanza Walton-Desir, leader of the Forward Guyana Movement, who posted on her Facebook

page: “So, the PPP got the same number of votes in Regions9and10?Theexact number?? What are the odds? Seriously???!!! (And mind you the Official GazetteisTHEauthoritative sourceforcitation).”

Alsoweighinginwasthe Mayor of Linden and A Partnership for National Unity(APNU)member,who pointed out that, “With the official gazetting of these results, GECOM has effectively handed the PPP oneadditionalseat.Indoing

so,GECOMhastakenaway a seat that rightfully belonged to APNU in Region 10 and transferred it to the PPP”In response, GECOM in a statement on Thursday acknowledged the error and published an amended version of the gazetted results The commissionclarifiedthatthe Chief Election Officer had “erroneously” replicated the PPP/C's Region 9 vote total for Region 10, but emphasised that the mistake had no impact on the

Guyanese businesswoman seeks large-scale quarry licences to meet rising infrastructure demand

G u y a n e s e businesswoman, Remaliah Bhaskaran, has applied for multiple large-scale quarrying licences from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to operate sand and loam quarries.

Accordingtotwoproject summaries published on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website this week, Bhaskaran submitted

a p p l i c a t i o n s B -

227/SMP/000 and B227/SMP/001, for projects covering a total of 1,213 acres.

Theproposedprojectsite

is located near the confluence of the Hubudebu River and Labba Creek at Stena The quarries are expectedtooperate24hours daily, selling sand and loam at US$9 per ton, provided customers supply their own barges for loading. With an estimated annual production of 1,125,074 tonnes, the project targets annual revenues of approximately US$10.1million.

“ T h i s a n a l y s i s

demonstratesthattheproject isfinanciallyviableandwill generate substantial profits for Ms. Bhaskaran over the 25-year period, assuming stable production levels and operational costs,” one projectsummaryoutlined. The project's operational lifespan is set at 10 years, during which it is projected tosupplytonnesofsandand loam annually to meet G u y an a' s g r o w in g constructionneeds.

Bhaskaran, who has more than 30 years of industry experience, has been involved in numerous quarrying projects and emphasizes regulatory compliance, corporate g o v e r n a n c e , a n d environmentally responsible practices. Her applications comeatatimewhendemand for construction materials is surging, driven by public infrastructure projects and private development across thecountry

“The B-227/SMP/001 sandandloamquarryproject is critical to meet the rising demand for construction

materials in Guyana. As the country's infrastructure development accelerates, thereisasignificantneedfor high-quality sand and loam to support various construction applications,” thedocumentstates.

It was underscored that the government's heavy investmentinroads,bridges, and public facilities, underpins the importance of sand and loam supplies for these projects. It was also highlighted the potential for local employment, skills development, and economic benefits in nearby communities.

T o m i n i m i z e environmental impacts, Bhaskaranoutlinedplansfor dust and noise control, land rehabilitation, and water management.

The project summaries further note that extraction will use the open-pit mining method, suited to the site's flat terrain and shallow deposits, with materials transported by barge from the Demerara River to markets.

allocationofseats.

“This error, which generated a buzz on social media, did not impact seat allocation.Inthisregard,itis ofcrucialimportancetonote that the error has already beenremediedbywayofthe attached amendment to the gazetted results of the elections,”GECOMsaid.

The official amendment, published under the RepresentationofthePeople Act (Cap. 1:03), makes two corrections:

1. The number of

votesrecordedforthePPP/C

Constituency No. 10 has beencorrectedfrom9,938to 4,260.

2. The first name of a newlyelectedmemberofthe National Assembly for Geographic Constituency No. 3 was corrected from “Vickash” to the accurate spelling“Vikash.”

GECOM stated that all other particulars of the declared Geographical Constituencies results remainunchanged.

Mapshowingtheblocks (Image taken from project summary document)

KaieteurNews

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Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

PPPC second sheet – a primer for failure

We are thinking of what to share about the

PPPCGovernment'snewsheetoffaces. The firstreactionwasthatthenewsheetbearstoo much of a close resemblance to the old sheet. It is dingy, ragged, torn in places, and looks several steps out of alignment with the president's war plans against stubborn pillars of trouble in Guyana. How is he going to fight his waragainstpoverty,waragainstcorruption,andwaragainst so many knotty issues in Guyana that refuse to yield, with thepeoplethathehasselected? Whatlevelofsuccesscan heexpect,howmuchcanhedeliver?

The new is too much like the old, because right off the bat, social media took off early on Sunday morning, less than24hoursafterthenewteamwasannounced. Whowas accusedofpredatorybehavior? Whoisnotthebestfit? It was of who has a dirty record, and who is bad for the governmentandGuyanese. Itwasthestormafterthecalm of the first week when the elections results were made official. By no sensible standard, can this be said to be a good start to the new term of the returning PPPC Government.

PresidentAli has opened himself to a barrage of licks. What was he thinking when he picked some of those who should be nowhere in government, other than in a facility reservedforspecialguests? Oldskeletonswerequicklydug upanddisplayedbeforetheworld.

There was one about the PPPC Government's team being the cream of Guyana's crop. Somewhere along the linethatcropdevelopedaformoftoxicity,sincethecreamis notjustsour,butrancidenoughtogeteventhetoughsick. ThatwasexactlywhatwasexperiencedbysomeGuyanese, whogotsicktotheirstomachwhenthepresident'schoices forhisnewteamwereexamined.

Ifthatisthebestthathecouldhavedone,thenGuyanais inmorethanadarkplace. Guyanaisinaplacefromwhere thereisnohopeofrecovery

Forwhodoesn'thavethestigmaofapastproblem,has the mark of scoundrel on his or her head. To a disturbing extent,whatthepresidentproudly,energetically,deposited before citizens was not a pantheon of patriots and heroes. WhathegaveGuyaneseastheirnewgovernmentwas,toa solid degree, a gallery that is heavily infested with dark characters, suspicious characters, and characters who are suretobeofinteresttoforeignlawenforcementweretheyto step foot out of Guyana. The president has been beside himself with excitement relative the new programs that he planstorolloutrightfromthestartofthishissecondtermin charge. Those programs look good on paper, and carried wellovertheairwaves. Theissuethatweatthispaperhave ishowishegoingtogetanythingofsubstanceoutofsome ofthemembersofhisnewteam. Aswesaidbefore,thenew teamistoomuchliketheoldteaminmentality,inpractice, andinresult.

PresidentAliandthepreviousPPPCgovernmentthathe ledhasauniquerecordofwhichnonationalleadercouldbe proud. It was obvious that the president did his best, but without much success, to employ a variety of defensive measures in efforts to gloss over the massive personnel deficits.

Whencitizensshouldhavebeenthebeneficiariesofthe unambiguousonhowtheirbusinesswasrun,fromleadersto ministersfeltthatitwasbettertodealinbluff. Whenbluff failedtodothejob,andledtomoreandmorecitizensgetting the sense that they were being sold a pig in a bag, the governmentthenresortedtoanoldandtrustedweaponthat hasserveditwellinthepast.

Itishowabusesofalltypestookonalifeoftheirown, withmanycowedGuyaneserunningforshelter

A leopard doesn't change its spots, and now here they are, a large party of them returning to sample Guyana's riches. Thenewcomerseithergetwiththeprogram,orget out.

UN General Assembly, the Genocide in Gaza and Caricom

DearEditor,

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is meeting for the 80th time since its formation in 1945. On this occasion it is confronted by some of the issues that it had pledged to never happen again at the timethatitwasformed.Wars andthreatsofwarsareraging inmanypartsoftheworld. Without doubt though, thesituationthatisfacingthe Palestinian people is the worst of all. Every day for more than seven hundred days,welistentothenewsto be informed how many Palestinians were killed in theGazainparticularbuton theWest Bank of the Jordan and in East Jerusalem as well.

A genocide is being carried out in plain view of thewholeworld!

Atthetimeofwriting,on the 710th day of the massacre some 65,000 persons were killed by bombsorbulletsfiredbythe Israeli army Of these 75% arewomenandchildren.All these killings were deliberate as it is clear that the intention of the Netanyahu regime is to kill everysinglepersoniftheydo notremovethemselvesfrom theGazaandtheWestBank.

Many experts believe that the real number of dead are much higher than the knownfigure.Thousandsare missing,believedtobeunder themountainofrubblethatis Gaza today. Hundreds have died from starvation and thousands more from injuries caused by the shootings and bombing of the population. At the same timestarvationistakingeven morelives.

Some educated guesses believe that as much as six hundredandeightythousand (680,000) is the real death toll.

The massacre is both indiscriminate and targeted. So far, we know that 1581 heathworkersareamongthe murdered, 252 journalists and346UnitedNationsstaff members are among the targetedkillings.

As we write these few lines, Gaza city is being flattenedbyIsrael'sairforce.

The condition of existence is really horrible. Words are inadequate to describe the misery that Israel has visited on the Palestinians.

SinceOctober7th,2023, more than ten thousand Palestinians have been detained in the most horrific conditions.Thosepeopleare

tortured and humiliated on a daily basis. Some seventyfiveofthemhavediedatthe handsoftheirjailers.

Two years ago, no one wouldhavethoughtthatthis could have been possible. Now we know that there seem to be no limits to the sufferings that some can inflict on others. Now we knowthatitismadepossible because of the system that weliveunder

Greedisthedrivingforce behind today's holocaust Already plans exist to make GazaanotherNevadaforthe richandidle.Humanlivesof thepoorandoppressedtothe master minds are cheap and expendable.

The United Nations Committee have provided factsandfigurestoshowthe billions in profits that are beingmadeonthebloodand tears of the Palestinians by Westerncorporations.

The United States and many European countries have given full support to Israel in the conduct of this Genocide They are not merely complicit to the crimesofthefascistsinWest Jerusalem,butmorepartners inthisopenmassacre.

Some of the European countries are beginning to mutter some protests

However, many of them continue to profit from the killings.

The US and others have even moved to repress their own people who take to the streets to protest the beastality of the Israeli regime.

BraveciviliansoftheUS and Europeans countries who take to the streets are confrontedbyheavilyarmed police and army personnel, many are beaten and detained. Students are being denied graduation and faced with expulsion from institutionsoflearning.

U n i t e d N a t i o n s personnel eg Francesca

Albanese are being sanctioned by the US for exposing what is happening inPalestine.Judgesfromthe InternationalCriminalCourt (ICC) and from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) are faced with thesamehostility

ThemainstreamWestern mediahavebeenplayingthe role of support to Isreal. Theyareeithernotreporting the terrible sufferings of the poor,helplesspeopleorthey are distorting facts to justify the atrocity They could teach Herr Goebbels a thing ortwo.Internationallawand (Continuedonpage6)

Magistrates granting bail and the Police Force

DearEditor,

I am moved to write this having been informed that a man was still being held at Lusignan Prison, a full 23 hours after the recognisance forhisbailwaspaid.

The police explained to the family that a required signature was missing and thatthiswouldbecorrected. That appears to reflect churlishness on the part of the police - wholly unacceptableinademocratic society

Someone accused of a criminal offence is, by law, presumed innocent until a properly constituted court might find him or her guilty after hearing and assessing all the material facts of the case. When charged with an offence in respect of which thelawdoesnotruleoutthe grant of bail before trial, every accused person is entitled tobeinggrantedbail – in the absence of strong reasons recognised by the law as good reasons to deny bail.

Allegations of serious

criminalbehaviourpresenta particular problem in the eyes of members of the public who are unaware (or not conscious of) the presumption of innocence. This is because the most serious of offences are tried on Indictment only –meaning that such offences can only be tried before the High Court during the CriminalAssizes.

Consequently, when a person accused of a grave offence less than murder is brought before the Magistrates'Court,nopleais requiredtobeentered–with theonlyimmediatequestion being whether the accused willawaithistrialtobelisted in the next Assizes (or even later)behind bars, or on bail with appropriate conditions attached to secure his attendance at court when required.

I read the recent social media GPF comment on the grant of bail to a man accused of committing a terrible assault, apparently aimedatonewomanbutalso

impacting upon the friend/colleague who was in hercompany

The said GPF comment reflected a total lack of understanding of the relevant law – not that surprisingsincetheGPFisa law enforcement body It is theCourtthatischargedwith interpreting the law AttorneysassisttheCourtin its task of interpretation of the law There is no jurisdiction in the democratic world in which the police is recognised as a body that knows enough about the law to be responsible for judicial interpretationthereof. It is a bit rich in any event, for the GPF to be given a free pass to cry foul about how the Court approaches legal procedure.

The GPF routinely denies accused persons access to legal representation in the policestation–byactivating a host of psychological levers despite telling suspectstheydohavesucha right. The GPF is also very

selective about which matters to investigate and how to do so. Moreover, because some cases will inevitablybetriedbyjury,it isirresponsibleoftheGPFto release on social media the kind of disingenuous comment recently made about a particular grant of bail.

The CID branch of the GPF does indeed work hard at investigating serious crime Such work is necessary and it is understandable that some jobs are more emotionally taxingthanothers.

The GPF, however, is a body in place to serve the people of Guyana in accordance with the ConstitutionofGuyana–not in keeping with the reckless emotionalfervourofagroup of officers belonging to a specialist division of the GPF, who as professionals, should by their training knowbetter

Yourstruly, RonaldBostwick Attorney-at-Law

Effective waste management is not merely an administrative task

DearEditor,

In recent months, the spotlight on solid waste

m a n a g e m e n t i n Georgetown, Guyana, has intensified, highlighting urgent public health and environmental challenges As a former steward of the city'smunicipaloperations,I have observed the progression of our waste systems with growing concern, especially amid rising urban development and health risks. Effective waste management is not merely an administrative task; it is a cornerstone of public health protection,

e n v i r o n m e n t a l sustainability, and community well-being. By understanding these issues, residents can advocate for change and adopt practices that safeguard our shared future.

A p r o m i s i n g developmentistheproactive stance of the newly

appointed Minister of Local Government and Regional Development.Herhands-on inspections, including a recent visit to the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill at Eccles on the East Bank of Demerara, demonstrate leadership grounded in reality Rathe

n bureaucratic reports, this approach acknowledges the tangible impacts of waste policiesonairquality,water resources, and human health Such engagement fosters public trust and underscores the need for policies that prioritise ecological balance and diseaseprevention. Commissioned in 2011, the Haags Bosch facility represented a leap forward from the outdated open dumpsite at Mandela Avenue, incorporating modernsanitaryengineering to minimise pollution. A critical feature was the

designated buffer zone; a

designed to shield nearby populations from landfill emissions.This zone acts as a barrier against volatile

methane gases, and foul odors that can exacerbate respiratory issues, allergies, andotherhealthconcerns.It also prevents leachate, contaminated liquid from decomposing waste, from infiltrating groundwater,

waterborne diseases if not managedproperly

essentialsafeguardhasbeen

residential areas like Windsor Estates, has encroached upon the buffer, bringing homes perilously

approvals for commercial ventures,suchas (Continuedonpage6)

Vehicles in cycle lanes pose deadly risks and costly consequences

DearEditor,

I am writing to draw the attention of Guyanese road users, the Guyana Police Force and the Ministry of Public Works to the dangers of vehicles encroaching on the pedal- and motorcyclistdesignated lanes on our gazettedroadways.

Duringpeaktraffichours 6–8AM and 3–8 PM, it has become increasingly common for cars, canters, and lorries to form a third lane on what are essentially two-lane roads. In doing so, these vehicles occupy the lanes intended for cyclists and motorcyclists, forcing riders into dangerously narrow spaces, hemmed in by larger vehicles on both sides. This is not simply a matter of inconvenience or poor road etiquette; it is a serious public health and safetyhazard.Ridersareleft exposed to concentrated

exhaustfumesatcloserange.

Research conducted by British Columbia found that inhaling exhaust can alter human brain connectivity within minutes, impairing the connectivity systems responsible for memory and work performance Other studies have linked trafficrelatedairpollution(TRAP) to pulmonary disease, respiratory illness, and inflammation The chemicals released from vehicles, including carbon monoxide, are directly harmfultohumanhealth.

Furthermore,thenarrow, cramped spaces created when vehicles encroach on cycle lanes pose a serious risk not only to the lives of riders but also, to the safety of other road users. Riders are forced into precarious positions that increase the likelihood of accidents, whilemotoristsriskscraping

The courts are the last wall standing between the people and dictatorship

DearEditor,

Let us make no mistake—when the courts become a place where citizens are punished for daring to question the law, democracy itself is under siege. The recent ruling by

Acting Chief Justice Navindra Singh dismissing F o r w a r d G u y a n a Movement's (FGM) challenge to their exclusion from the ballot in several regionsandthenorderingthe applicanttopaya$2million

cost is not merely

disappointing It is dangerous,punitive,andsets achillingprecedentforevery Guyanese citizen who may onedayneedtoapproachthe courtsforjustice.

Let us unpack what has happenedhere.

demanding $2 million in costs from citizens seeking legal clarity The justification was that the timing of the application wastedcourtresources.

This reasoning is deeply flawed and, frankly, disrespectful to the spirit of theConstitution.FGMacted within a reasonable timeframe based on when they became aware of the issue. But instead of being a c k n o w l e d g e d f o r attempting civil recourse, they were met with the hammer of punitive retribution, all while GECOM, the body whose decision triggered the court action,gotoffscot-free.

judgment with the same speed and strength with which he issued his ruling? Or will it simply expose the personal prejudice that taintedtheoriginalruling?

When personal feelings, political leanings, or class allegiances enter the chambersofjustice,whatwe arewitnessingisnottherule of law but the abuse of judicial power under the guiseoflegality

or colliding with other vehicles in the tight lanes. Such incidents can result in costly repairs and medical expenses, an additional burden in an already challenging economic climate.Themisuseofcycle lanes as “third lanes” is not just a traffic management issue, it is quite literally endangeringlives!

I urge both the authorities, particularly the MinistryofPublicWorks,to mandatecontractorstobuild roads that properly accommodate cyclists

Mounds are used in other countries to separate and protect riders. Lastly, I urge ALL road users to treat this matter with urgency, use your designated lanes, and preserve the health and safety of those who depend onthem.

Yoursfaithfully, Lydia

Roberts

Forward Guyana Movement approached the ConstitutionalCourtseeking clarity and fairness, two fundamental pillars of any democratic society Their exclusion from parts of the ballot warranted legal scrutiny Forthefirsttimein our history, the court was asked to interpret a constitutional question of this nature regarding GECOM's actions But instead of seizing the opportunity to educate, elucidate,andstrengthenour democracy, the court turned punitive.

FGM approached the court a little over a week before the September 1 elections, filing their application on August 20. The matter was heard on August 27 and a ruling delivered on August 29. Yet despite this timeline indicating the party acted promptly upon discovering their exclusion from the ballot, the court dismissed the case and imposed a punitive$2millioncost.

Therulingreadsnotasan i n t e r p r e t a t i o n o f constitutional law but as a messagethatsaysdonotdare question the status quo. The court not only dismissed the case, but it did so while delivering a financial blow,

When a judge seems more concerned with defending the efficiency of anagencylikeGECOMthan ensuringtherighttobeheard and protected under the Constitution, something has goneterriblywrong.Itraises deeply troubling questions about whether justice is still blind or whether it now squints through partisan lenses. This is not justice. Thisissuppression.

The Constitution, which every judge swears to uphold, was never intended to be a weapon used against citizens who interpret the law differently from the bench The role of the Constitutional Court is to interpret not intimidate, to guide not gouge, to protect notpunish.Butherewehave a citizen, an entire political movement,beingfinancially punished simply for seeking clarity on a matter never before addressed by the court.

And if the FGM decides toappealthiscasealltheway to the Caribbean Court of Justice(CCJ)andshouldthe CCJ find in their favour and overturn this decision, will the judge welcome that

In Guyana's fragile democracy, already burdenedwithmanysignsof creeping authoritarianism, the courts are the last wall standingbetweenthepeople and dictatorship. If that wall crumbles, what's left? What happens when the court, the lastplaceofrefuge,turnson thepeople?

What happens is what history tells us will happen. People will take to the streets, not because they wantto,butbecausetheyare leftwithnochoice.Whenthe court refuses to hear the people, punishes them for daring to speak, vigilante justice becomes the only recourse for survival. And that, comrades, is the beginningoftheend.

Wearenowinamoment where we must ask ourselves. Is the judiciary serving justice or silencing dissent? Is it protecting the Constitution or is it defendingpower?

Inthiscountryweareno strangers to oppression. But never must we allow our courtstobecometoolsofthat oppression. Never must a citizen fear that seeking justice will bankrupt them. Nevermustaparty,nomatter how small or new, be punished for daring to challenge the might of the establishment.

To those in robes, in chambers,behindbenchesI

(Continuedonpage6)

near completion – Pres. Ali GPL., InterEnergy negotiations

Negotiations

between the

Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) and Dominican

Republic company InterEnergy Group is nearing completion,

President Irfaan Ali announced on Tuesday The head-of-state said that the companies are in their final stages of completing a twoyeardealsaidtobevaluedat US$15M.

At his first media conference,sincere-election to office, President Ali said theplanforinvestmentinthe

t r a n s m i s s i o n a n d distribution network across the Linden-Soesdyke Highway should soon materialise.Thiswillseethe rollout of smart equipment and the installation of the smart meters for all customers. There will also be smart switches, automated reclosers, and fault indicators all of which will reduce leakages in the system and the enhancement and reliability of the system itself.

President Ali said that based on wh

consultants are being paid, the supervision cost for the project is estimated to be overUS$40M.

“They're(GPL)tryingto complete negotiations with InterEnergy for a two-year program that will only cost US$15M,thatwouldhelpin thesupervisionofallofthese projects, plus the modernisation of the management system and the total overhaul of the system itself to enhance efficiency andreliability,”hesaid.

Further, the president saidthatshouldnegotiations bear fruit, GPL will save

Effective waste management is...

Frompage5 supermarkets,inthesezones reflectshortsightedplanning that favours economic gains overlong-termhealthequity

Residents now endure chronic exposure to odours and potential airborne toxins, increasing risks of asthma, skin irritations, and stress-related ailments

Educating the public on these hazards empowers communities to demand zoningreformsthatpreserve green buffers, enhancing biodiversity and reducing urbanheatislands.

Engineeredforabout400 tons of waste annually, HaagsBoschnowhandlesan overwhelming 1200 tons (more than triple its capacity) This overload accelerates site degradation, hindering effective waste compaction, odour control, and leachate collection

Resulting methane emissions contribute to climate change, while unmanaged runoff pollutes

rivers and aquifers, potentially spreading pathogensandheavymetals.

For public awareness, it is crucialtorecognisethatsuch strain shortens landfill lifespan,necessitatingcostly alternatives and amplifying environmentalfootprints.

Alarmingly, about 70% of waste destined for Haags

Bosch is recyclable, including plastics, cardboard,glass,andmetals. Diverting these through source separation could extendthelandfill'sviability

by decades, curbing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving resources. From a public health lens,

reduced landfill volume means fewer vectors for pests and diseases, like mosquitoes breeding in stagnantleachatepools.

E c o n o m i c a l l y , recyclables foster a circular economy, where materials are reused, minimising raw resource extraction and pollution Guyana's environmental tax on imported bottles presents an opportunity: reallocating funds to incentives for collection could transform litter clogging streets, drains,andwaterways—into income streams. This not only prevents flooding and vector-borne illnesses but also generates jobs in recycling, promoting social

equity Georgetown's existing recycling plant

stands ready; with supportive policies, it could educate citizens on sustainable habits, turning waste into community assets.

However, a critical oversight in our discourse is p a t h o l o g i c a l waste—medicalrefusefrom hospitals, clinics, and labs, laden with infectious agents like bacteria and viruses.

Without dedicated

treatment, such as autoclaving or incineration, it may contaminate general waste streams, posing biohazard risks at Haags Bosch.Transparency here is vital for public education: improper disposal could

trigger outbreaks of hepatitis, HIV, or other infections.Regulationsmust ensure segregated handling toprotectsanitationworkers and ecosystems These

substantially Thepartiesare currently working towards “finalising the technical advisory support and supervision, helping in project management, oversight, c

management, the smart grid i

y building,andreporting.”

President Ali reminded that there are enormous investments that need to be made in the smart grid transformation and these kinds of investments often time require technical expertiseandsupport.

b e t w e e n G P L a n d InterEnergy and the proposed terms. On August 1, Kaieteur News reported that Vice President Bharrat

Jagdeo defended the monthlycostofUS$650,000

being charged by a

Dominican Republic Company -InterEnergy Group (IEG) to provide managementsupervisionfor the beleaguered Guyana PowerandLightInc.

linkages - from eroded buffersandcapacitycrisesto recycling gaps and biomedical threats- demand a holistic National Solid Waste Management Plan

Essentialelementsinclude:

Ÿ Legally enforced buffer zones to mitigate exposure to pollutants.

Ÿ Mandatory source separation to reduce waste volumes and promote recycling literacy

Ÿ Public-private collaborations for innovative recycling, enhancing economic resilience.

Ÿ Stringent protocols for hazardous waste,

ensuring safe d i s p o s a l a n d monitoring.

Ÿ A w a r e n e s s campaigns via schools and media to

reduction's health benefits.

Ÿ Incentives for green entrepreneurship, creatingjobsinwaste recovery

Though complex, these issues are addressable through collective action

The Minister's initiative could catalyze reform, integrating environmental justice with public health priorities By embracing sustainability, Guyana can modelCaribbeanleadership, fostering healthier communities and a resilient planet Let's educate ourselvesandact—ourwellbeingdependsonit.

Sincerely RoystonKing

“NowGPLhasoutlineda number of major projects that we must invest in, in building out a full-scale smart grid, which includes the transmission and distribution expansion, the c o n s t r u c t i o n o f approximately 155 kilometers of double circuit transmission lines, and 343 kilometers of primary distribution lines across Region 3, 4, 5, and 6,” President Ali said That projectisexpectedtocostin excessof$400Masitentails the building of substations and the upgrading of the ones that exist in the capital city, Garden of Eden, Kingston, Onverwagt, Edinburg, Good Hope and Columbia This will be coupled with smart distribution equipment, cost ofover$300M.

There have been numerous articles published onthesecrecyofdiscussions

Jagdeosaidthefigureisa small amount and explained that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the company since early last year and it was for the supervision of GPL'sneeds.

“You want when you build something, a tower, likethosetowers…youwant tobuildthemtointernational standards. You can't get the GPL staff to supervise it. They don't have time, they werebusytryingtokeepthe power on and fixing the old system, you know, some of the transformers that are going out. So, you have to get a firm to supervise and often a firm to supervise project they come between 5%ofthecontractpriceto5 to8%ofthecontractprice,” theVPexplained. Hewentontosaythatthe sum is significantly lower and that there are several reasons for this The company is well known and has great technical abilities and looking at this supervision cost compared

tothescopeofthecivilwork contractitissmall.

“…it was not secretly done; you can't secretly hire somebody as Mahipaul has been pushing. Mahipaul has beentryinghardtotalk,they are trying to resurrect this whole thing about corruption Imagine that coming from Mahipaul,” he stressed.

Jagdeothenclarifiedthat no agreement has been signed as negotiations are still ongoing. He disclosed, “There is a proposal that wenttocabinetthatspokeof this but we now need to see that they're actually delivering on what is in the proposal. When a company makes an offer, you get to look at it, compare it with others, but then you have to discuss and concretise in clear legal language what thisis,andthatnegotiationis still ongoing, and I'm not even sure it will be concluded before the elections.” The VP assured the media that when the agreementissigneditwillbe madepublic.

Magistrates granting bail and the...

Frompage4

institutions are being underminedanddiscredited. Forinstance,Iranhasmadea strong case for denying the InternationalEnergyAgency (IEA) from inspecting its nuclearfacilities.

They accuse officials of that body of spying for the USandIsrael.

That is how the names and addresses of their top scientists were known and executed by Israel's bombings.

IntheCaribbeanwemust acknowledge the brave stancetakenbyBelize.

That country is the only one in the region that has

giventangiblesupporttothe suffering and struggling peopleofPalestine.

It broke off diplomatic relationswithIsrael.

And now finds itself under attack We see Guatemala's military on Belize'sborder,evenmaking incursions into one of CARICOM's members territory

It would not be unreasonable to assume that Guatemala is being encouraged to harass Belize because of its bold stance against Israel. It fits the pattern of the US defence of Israel.

We must take a stand to supporttheGovernmentand peopleofBelize.

AtthissessionoftheUN GeneralAssembly,Iwishto urge Caricom leaders to announcethattheregionwill break relations with Israel! Anything less than this is beingcomplicit.

L e t t h i s 8 0 t h Anniversary session be remembered for the bold stance of Caricom to defend Human lives & Human RightsinPalestine!

Former President –DonaldRamotar

Caricom leaders must not leave Belize to hang out infaceoftheaggressionand provocation.

The courts are the last wall standing...

Frompage5

say this: Your duty is to the Constitution and the people, not to your comfort, your time, or your political preference. If you find a citizen's constitutional application vexing, perhaps it is time to examine the weightofyourrobe.History will remember whether you chose to be an interpreter of laworanenforcerofsilence. And to the people of Guyana—stayvigilant. For democracy dies not onlywithagunbutalsowith a gavel, when the hand that swings it forgets who it was meanttoprotect.

LincolnLewis

President Irfaan Ali

APNU wiped out in Regions 1 & 9

Withtheofficialrelease

o f t h e R e g i o n a l

Democratic Council (RDC) election results by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) followingtheSeptember1, 2025, regional elections, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), whichhashistoricallybeena dominant force in several hinterland regions, has sufferedsignificantlosses.

The party managed to secure only one seat each in Regions 2, 7, and 8, while failing to obtain any seats in Regions 1 and 9, two prominent hinterland areas where it previously heldconsiderablesupport

The results, published in the Official Gazette on Tuesday, mark a sharp decline from the 2020 regional elections when APNU had garnered multiple seats in these areas

In Region 1, APNU collectedamere344votes, which translated to zero

seats,adrasticfallfromthe 3,843 votes and five seats secured i

2020 elections Similarly, in Region 9, th

p

y attracted only 430 votes, also yielding no seats, comparedto4,824votesand sixseatsjustfiveyearsprior In Regions 2, 7, and 8, the party scraped together only single-digit seats one seat in each region In Region 2, APNU received 1,791 votes; in Region 7, 980votes;andinRegion8, only253votes

These figures represent a significant decline compared to the 2020 elections, when the party secured 7,290 votes and five seats in Region 2, 4,839 votes and eight seats in Region 7, and 2,091 votes with seven seats in Region8 Thesefiguresalso reflect a significant downturn from the 2020 regional election results whereAPNUheldfiveseats in Region 2 (with 7,290 votes),eightseatsinRegion

Representative of the hinterland for APNU, Juretha Fernandes

7 (4,839 votes), and seven seats in Region 8 (2,091 votes).

It is to be noted that despite September 1 being declared a national holiday to encou

er participation, turnout at many polling stations appeared low, with only a trickle of voters casting ballots across the country With 757,690 electors registered to cast their ballots, the number of votes recorded for the parties differed.

Meanwhile, other

regions, APNU still managed to maintain some presence The party secured four seats in Region 3 with 8,907 votes; nine seats in Region 4 with 46,770 votes; four seats in Region 5 with 6,440 votes; three seats in Region6with 6,251votes;andfiveseatsin Region10with5,370votes.

Speaking with Kaieteur News onThursday, Juretha Fernandes, soon to be a member of parliament

r e p r e s e n t i n g t h e Hinterland for APNU, expressed her thoughts on the party's rejection by Indigenous communities While she could not fully explain the reasons behind thisshift,Fernandesassured thatinregionswhereAPNU does not have designated councillors, those areas would not be neglected and would continue to receive representation from the party

“At no point in time wherewedonothaveseats will those persons be left unrepresented I believe as I will be going back into parliament, it is my duty to represent everyone, particularly Indigenous people that have been deprived of resources for a number of years. It is our responsibility to get on the ground in these regions regardlessofhavingaseator not,wehavetogothereand dothework,”shesaid.

When asked about the disappointing vote count, Fernandes responded that the reasons behind the electorate's decisions were ultimately for the voters themselvestoexplain “We could have a lot of assumptions as to why it went in a various direction, buttheelectoratewentintoa certain way and it is our job togetonthegroundtospeak with them and hear from them, themselves to hear what is the reason and what is that they need from us to dofortheminorderforusto regain the confidence and their support, ” she explained Additionally, Ronald Cox, APNU's representative for Region 1, admitted in a previous interview with Kaieteur News that the party failed to effectively campaign in many communities He noted that many traditional APNU supporters had shifted allegiance to WIN,

Leader of the APNU, Aubrey Norton

which benefited from APNU's weakened grassroots structures. Cox stressedtheneedtorevitalise the party's organisational presence at the community level by reinstating active party groups in every major locality

“We have to start back withourpartygroupsinthe variouscommunities Back in the days, we had every community, at least every major community, we had one active party group And that is something that worked in the past, and I believe that once that is activated, that can work again,”Coxstated.

Cox expressed mixed satisfaction with APNU's campaigning in Region 1 While campaigning in Mabaruma was active and visible, areas such as Moruca and Port Kaituma were neglected due to limited resources and inactivelocalgroups

“It was a great challenge getting our campaigneffectivelygoing acrossRegion1,”hesaid

Looking forward, Cox emphasised the urgent need for APNU to regroup andrestructure

He suggested that forming a Coalition, perhaps similar to the previous alliance with the Alliance For Change (AFC), might be the only viable path to mounting a credible challenge against the dominant PPP/C party. However, he noted that such strategic decisions ultimately rest with the party'scentralleadership.

Amidstthischallenging political landscape, APNU has announced its designated Regional Democratic Councillors for the regions the party attained seats in The list includes:

Region 2: Prince Holder (Henrietta, Anna Regina,EssequiboCoast)

Region 3: Joel Dain Dodson (Tuschen, EBE), Shana Natasie Fortune (Bagotville, WBD), Gangadai Lloyd (Tuschen, EBE), Lashana Avis Phang (Tuschen, EBE)

R e g i o n 4 : Rudolph Terrence Adams (Mocha, EBD), Ravoldo Romario Birbal (Mahaica, ECD), Marcia Amanda Chattoor-Gordon (North Enmore, ECD), Jasmain C a s s e y H a c k e t t (Charlestown, G/Town), Shaneika Odessa Haynes (LBI, ECD), Dillon A n d r e w M o h a m e d (Cummings Lodge, G/Town), Robin Nadata Althea Simon (Haslington, ECD), Shirley Hermina Witter (Paradise, ECD), Sheik Mohamed Muazziz Yaseen(Ogle,ECD)

R e g i o n 5 : E m e r s o n Silvanas Benjamin (Catherina's Lust, WC

EdmundHenry(Catherine,

Asante McDonald (Golden Fleece, WCB), Selma Amanda Sealey (Ormsary, Mahaicony)

R e g i

McAlmont (Timmer Dam, New Amsterdam), Colin E

(Kildonan, Corentyne), Candy Ramona Stewart (Springlands,Corriverton) Region 7: Sherry Ann Simmons (Potaro Road,Bartica)

R

(Cambelltown,Mahdia) R

Dominique Hubert Blair (

MacKenzie), Suzette Ann Gordon (Amelia's Ward, Linden), Donna Patricia Perry (Wismar, Linden), F

(

River), Orlon Renswick Rogers(Block22,Linden)

The conceit of the political class, especially its provincial offspring in Guyana,isthebeliefthatthe people are always wrong.

Not sometimes, not

o c c a s i o n a l l y, b u t always perpetually mistaken, irredeemably benighted, and in need of correction by those selfanointedasthecustodiansof truth.

This conceit views the people as a crude mob, guided by instinct and appetite, incapable of sound judgmentunlessitcoincides with the “enlightened” view oftheelites.Itisanoldfable, retold in every democracy that degenerates into oligarchy,wheretheballotis tolerated only if it sanctifies the designs of those who have already claimed the seat of power in their imaginations.

This presumption is not merely undemocratic; it is despotic in its marrow Democracy rests on the axiom that the people, in their collective wisdom or folly, are sovereign. They may err, they may stumble, theymaychoosepoorly,but their choice is legitimate becauseitistheirs.

To say otherwise is to discard the very premise of popular government and replaceitwithaclericalorder of politicians, self-appointed high priests who alone possess the discernment to know right from wrong, progress from regression, justice from injustice They posture as tribunes of the people while regarding the peopleaschildrenwhomust be scolded, corrected, and if

need be, punished. Guyana hasrepeatedlypaidtheprice of this arrogance Every election cycle provides the same ritual Ballots are counted, results declared, and the losing faction, unabletoconceiveoferrorin their own programme, declares the

mistaken. Worse, they declare the people’s choices the product of racism,

c

electorate becomes not merely wrong but morally corrupt, guilty of some p

hat disqualifies their vote from legitimacy Itisaconvenient fiction for those who cannot accept the humiliation of defeat,astorythattranslates democracyintomobrule.

The consequences are not academic They are measured in the injuries of the beaten, the robbed, the stripped, in businesses burned to ash and livelihoods scattered like debris in the wake of riots. These are not accidents of passion or the collateral damageofdemocracy They are the fruits of an elite contempt for democracy itself, the decision that the people’s voice may be disregardedwhenitdoesnot harmonizewiththechorusof the powerful. Looting and disorder become the substitute for persuasion, and intimidation the coin of political exchange. All of it carriedoutunderthetattered banner of “democratic rights.”

The irony, of course, is that those who make the loudestclaimstodemocracy are often its most eager

assassins. In their mouths, t h e w o r d i s a costume useful for performance, discarded in practice. They stand before microphones, hands on Constitutions, professing faithinthesovereigntyofthe people,evenastheydismiss the people as ignorant villagers whose minds are clouded by insecurity and prejudice It is a condescension so complete it cannot recognize itself. The people are wrong because they are the people. Only the elites – even the dogpoorelites–canberight. History mocks this conceit. The same arguments have been made in every country where oligarchs tremble before the verdict of the ballot. In the United States, in Europe, in Africa, the refrain is the same: the people have been duped, misled, corrupted by passions and fears. Yet the truth is simpler and more unflattering to the elites—they have failed to persuade. Their vision, so luminous in their own eyes, has not kindled light in the eyes of those they presume to lead. Rather than accept responsibility,theyindictthe electorate. The sermon is always the same: the boat gone over the falls because the passengers rowed in the wrongdirection.Nevermind that the captain refused to readtheriver

Whatpassesforpolitical leadership in such conditions is less leadership than tantrum Elections become exercises not in governance but in blame. The result is paralysis, a democracy hollowed of

DEM BOYS SEH

meaning,arepublicinwhich the citizens are spectators at t h e i r o w n disenfranchisement They are asked to vote, but only for the choices already deemed acceptable. If they s t r a y , t h e y a r e p

slander,thenwithviolence.

Thevillaininthisstoryis not the people, and never was. It is the political class, thosewhoclaimtobelievein democracy but recoil from itsverdicts.Theirallegiance is not to the people but to their own sense of

entitlement, their belief that Guyanaistheirstogovernby divine right, and that any deviationfromtheirscriptis heresy They mistake their ambition for destiny, their loss for injustice, their contemptforwisdom.

Democracy, if it is to mean anything at all, requires respect for the will of the people not only when it flatters, but also when it offends The alternative is not government by consent but by coercion, rule by the few masquerading as the many

The pretensions of the political elite Dem

DemboyssehBurnhamdehpon hedeathbedanddecountrybin in a state. Economy flat like pieceaclapbread,andshortagealloverde place. Burnham call in Desi and hand him threeenevlopes.Heseh,“Boy,ifyouendup inajamyuhcan’thandle,openone.”

Well,Desitekdeenvelopeandputdem inhedrawer.Fuhdefirstfewmonths,tings smoothlikeoil.

But six months in, de economy tek a next lash. Pressure start come from all corner Desi remember de envelopes and open de fuss one. It seh, “Blame yuh predecessor.”

Desicallpressconferencequick.Heseh it was Burnham socialist ting mek de country in dis state. De party grumble but sehlehwegiveDesiachance.Nexttingyuh

Todenythepeople’srightto bewrongistodenythemthe right to be free. And in that denial lies the seed of tyranny,watereddailybythe tears of those who mistake themselvesforgods.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

know, de economy start look nice again. Desistartbreatheeasy

Butdemboyssehgoodtimesdon’tlast long. A year later, de economy tek a dive again. Desi seh, “Is time fuh envelope number two.” He open it, and it seh, “Reorganize.”Desishuffleupsomepeople, change some plan, and bam! De economy bouncebackagain.

Couple years pass and pressure come fromdeunionsthistime.Desiseh,“Boy,is envelopenumberthreenow.”

He lock he door, sit down, and open it slow De message seh, “Prepare three envelopes…”

DemboyssehwhenJanetgone,shelef three envelope too. But she mek sure she labeldem,“FuhBharrat.” Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

LawschoolinchescloserasGovt.prepareslandclearance

An eight-acre plot of land located at the

University of Guyana's compound, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown will soonbeclearedofvegetation tofacilitatetheconstructuon ofGuyana'slawschool.

Thia was revealed by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs

AnilNandlall,SCwhoalong with Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana Prof. Paloma Mohamed, attorney andlawlecturerChristopher Ram visited the designated areafortheschool.

Upon established, the locallawschoolwillbecome the Council of Legal Education (CLE)'s 4th law school. In a Facebook post, the Attorney General said, “ItistheGovernment'shope thatthelawschoolwillbeup and running in the shortest possibletime.”

The Caribbean has three law schools: the Hugh Wooding Law School established in 1973 and located in Trinidad and

Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Anil

of

Tobago,theNormanManley Law School in Jamaica which also opened its doors to students in 1973 and the Eugene Dupuch Law School, in the Bahamas was establishedin1998.

The eight-acre plot of land will not just house Caribbean's 4th law school but also other facilities related to the Region's law schools.

“The clearing of the lands will commence in the nextfewdays.Thesiteisthe plot of land in the

ALP urges Govt. to improve conditions in public schools and training centres

The Assembly for Liberty and

P r o s p e r i t y (ALP) on Thursday called on the government to urgently address the poor conditionsofpublicschools andtrainingfacilitiesacross Guyana.

Led by politician and activist Simona Broomes, the party emphasised that Guyanese children deserve safe,clean,andcomfortable learning environments where technology and accessibility are fully integrated.

“We ask that the Governmentmakesclearits plans for upgrading and building schools,” the party stated.

background covered in rich vegetation,”Nandlallsaid.

Guyana has long advocated for its own law school to assist local students who are unable to access the existing schools duetoaquotasystemaswell as the cost associated with studyingoverseas.

Guyana receives 25 placements each year at the HughWoodingLawSchool.

The US$7 million

To

y Institute, which is currently under construction in Port Mourant, Region Six is expectedtobecompletedby June next year, Minister of Tourism, Industry and C o m m e r c e , S u s a n Rodrigues.

O n We d n e s d a y Rodrigues, along with officials of her ministry, visited the project site and provided an update on the works. The ministry in a statement on its Facebook page expressed concern aboutthepaceoftheproject whilenotingthatthefacility will play a critical role in supporting Guyana's emergingtourismindustry

Prof.

The establishment of a local law school will see students being able to pursue their Legal Education Certificate without having to leave the country On September 7, President Irfaan Ali announced that work will begin immediately to establishGuyana'sveryown law school with approval beinggrantedbytheCouncil of Legal Education. He was

at the time making his first address to the nation after being sworn in as the Ninth Executive President of Guyana Ali told the gathering on the lawns of State House of mostly party supporters that his Government will be able to commence the work “ based on the recent approval granted by the Cou

Education…” He said with the setting up of the school, hundreds of persons will be able to get qualified as attorneys-at-law “right here in country and they will be having the full rights to practice in CARICOM countries as well ” In November of last year, the Kaieteur News had reported that Government was still awaiting the approval of the Council of Legal Education of the West Indies (CLE) to establish the nation's first law school. At the time Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, in an invitedcommenttoKaieteur News, confirmed that the process to establish a law school in Guyana was ongoing, although permission was granted by the council for a feasibility studyandothergroundwork tobedone.

will offer Caribbean Vocational Qualifications in areas ranging from mixology to cosmetology

The party also pledged to advocate over the next five years for improved policies while holding the Government accountable to deliver,“AGoodChangein our education system- safe schools, clean water, and modern classrooms for everychild.”

The ALP stated, “No more should children be forcedtolearninthepoorest conditions. Over the next fiveyears.”

The party added, “The future of Guyana depends on the quality of education we provide today The time toactisnow.”

Broomes urged the Government to clearly outline its plans for upgrading and building schools, prioritising factors such as adequate and welllit spaces with both natural and artificial lighting, ergonomicchairsanddesks, compliant emergency exits, evacuation plans, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, proper climate control and ventilation, and full compliance with the Persons with Disabilities Act to ensure access and accommodations for studentswithdisabilities. Shealsohighlightedthe importance of reliable internet and Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as access to clean, potable water

With the number of hotels currently under construction, along with the government'splanstoattract even greater investment in the sector, Minister Rodriguessaidthatthereisa demand for a skilled and well-trainedworkforce.

“This world-class facility, with the capacity to train200personspercohort,

Werecognizethatagrowing sector requires a skilled workforce, and as a proactive government, we are ensuring that Guyanese are well-positioned to benefit from this expanding i n d u s t r y , w h i l e simultaneously building national capacity,” the ministersaid.

The

Kares Engineering Inc. and architectural engineers, Deen and Partners, were awardedthecontract.

Additionally, Kaieteur News reported that the institute,whencompleted,is geared at training personnel to ensure that they are equipped with the skills and

The sod was turned for the construction of the US$7,002,126 Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute in February 2024. The project is being funded b y t h e C a r i b b e a n Development Bank (CDB) in collaboration with the Ministries of Education, Finance,andTourism.

n

necessary to staff and manage the country's growing tourism and hospitalitysector At the sod-turning ceremony, then Minister of Tourism Oneidge Walrond had said the institute is aimed at equipping students with hands-on training in a world-class facility that would enhance their knowledge of the sector, i n c l u d i n g m o d e r n approaches required to operate at international industrystandards.

Nandlall,

Paloma Mohamed, Vice-Chancellor

the University of Guyana, Mr. Christopher Ram and other officials of the University of Guyana

Tourism and Hospitality Institute which is under construction in Region Six

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues and her team interacting with the contractor at the project site on Wednesday.

Leader of the ALP Simona Broomes

Woman stabbed 24 times fears for life

A25-year-old mother of one is fearful for her

lifeafterthemanaccusedof stabbingher24timeswason Wednesday released on

$800,000bail. The victim, Claurine Prescod was stabbed on

December 4, 2024 along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway byhernowex-husband.The

Navin Stoll was released on

vicious attack, which occurred in front of her three-year-old son, was caughtoncamera.

On Wednesday, her exhusband, Navin Stoll was placed on bail when he appeared virtually before MagistrateTamekaClarkeat the Friendship Magistrates' Court. He was charged with attempted murder and was onremandforeightmonths.

K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that the prosecutor in the matter objected strongly to Stoll beinggrantedbail.However, Magistrate Clarke granted bail on condition that Stoll does not contact Prescod or beseen100feetnearher

Asthemagistratehanded down her decision, Prescod wept in the court room. The magistrate asked her if she

wanted to say anything, an offershedidnotaccept.

However, in a Facebook post after the decision, Prescodsaid,“Welivingina country where you kill or tryingtokillpeopleandthen yougoonbailandcomeout and live a normal life, no justice but I want you to knowthatthereisaGodand he knows and sees everything life could never befear.”

Speaking with Kaieteur News on Thursday, Prescod's mother said that shetooisfearfulStollwould breach the court's order and attack her daughter again. Due to their insecurity, the woman has left her hinterland location to stay withherdaughter Stoll is scheduled to returntocourtinNovember

'GuySuCo is a commercial failure'

-Vishnu Panday says

T

he Government's handling of the Guyana

Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo)hasresultedinit being a commercial failure,

former Director of

A g r i c u l t u r e a n d representative for the We Invest in Nationhood party (WIN) Vishnu Panday has said.

O n We d n e s d a y,

President Irfaan Ali told private cane farmers in Skeldon, Berbice, Region SixthattheGovernmenthas received two proposals for the re-establishment of a sugarfactory

“So, we have those proposals that came in. We are having some more

...as govt. receives proposals to re-open Skeldon Sugar Factory

detailed discussions One investor has said that they are firm in re-establishing the factory, but that will necessitateadiscussionwith the farmers to arrive at the long-te

m p

icing mechanism,”Aliexplained.

The President said that such investments require a

Magistrate slams GPF over misleading claims on bail granted to acid attacker

Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty has publicly condemned what she describesas“inaccurateand misleading” comments by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) following her decision to grant bail to Keron Daniels, a suspect accused of dousing two womenwithacidearlierthis month.

Magistrate McGusty, visibly upset, opened T h u r s d a y ' s c o u r t proceedings by addressing the police's statement released on Wednesday evening,whichcriticisedher foradmittingDanielstobail despite his charge of allegedly throwing acid on thetwowomen.

Magistrate McGusty said she felt compelled to take time out of her court scheduletocorrectwhatshe termed false claims. She expressed surprise that the Police Force acted on what appeared to be incorrect informationandemphasised that many of the assertions madeintheirstatementwere never raised in her courtroom.

To prevent future misrepresentations, McGusty announced that henceforth all proceedings inhercourtwillberecorded, placing special emphasis on prosecutions statement. She stressed that prosecutors must ensure that the information they present in thepublicreflectsaccurately whattranspiredincourt.

“Ipreviouslyservedasa graduated lawyer and once as a prosecutor and I would never make a public statement about anyone in a seniorpositionlikethat.Ido not do trials by public opinion, ” McGusty declared The dispute centresaroundDaniels,who was remanded to prison on Tuesday for allegedly throwing a corrosive substance on 25-year-old

Jilicia Leitch and Nirmala Sukraj on September 3, an

attack that left Leitch visuallyimpaired.

Duringtheaccused'sfirst court appearance, the prosecution strongly

o b j e c t e d t o b a i l , emphasising the severity of Leitch's injuries noting that sheisscheduledforsurgery “Due to the seriousness of the offence, the prosecution cannot let such acts go lightly,”theprosecutiontold thecourt.

Daniels was charged withtwocountsofthrowing a corrosive substance with intent to maim, disfigure, disable, or cause grievous bodily harm. He was not requiredtoenteraplea.

During the court proceedings, Daniels' attorneys, Ronald Bostwick

and Ronald Daniels, countered the prosecution's claims of possession of CCTV footage identifying the accused as the driver of the getaway vehicle. The prosecution also told the courtthatDanielsconfessed to the crime. However, his lawyers argued that they werenotprivytothefootage the police referenced Further, the lawyers posited that any footage presented wouldshowthattheattacker was masked and thereby unidentifiable.

Thelawyerssaidtoothat despite the police's claims, noevidencewasproducedin court. Magistrate McGusty had initially remanded the accused to allow time for review However, since the footage was not available at thenexthearing,shegranted

mechanism, as investors have to justify their investmentoveranextended period.Asaresult,theHeadof-Statesaidthatdiscussions willbeheldwiththefarmers to come up with the mechanism, since the required infrastructure will cost the Government billions.

Keron Daniels $500,000 bail.

The GPF in a press release on Wednesday eveningsaiditwas“gravely disappointed” with the bail

decision, citing the seriousness of the offence, the accused's alleged relationship with one of the victims,thevictim'spleafor justice from her hospital bed,andtheriskofoffences being repeated given the accused reported access to the victim. The statement further claimed the police had in their possession a recorded confession and videoevidenceoftheattack.

“Despite the heavy prevalence of violence against women in Guyana, magistratescontinuetoomit totakethiscrucialfactorinto account in exercising their discretion in respect to the granting of bail. The matter is further compounded by the high likelihood of these types of offences being repeated, especially when the alleged offender continues to have ready access to the victim,” the policesaid.

Meanwhile, Attorney Ronald Daniels on his Facebook page, Wednesday evening in response to the police force's statement criticised what he called an unjustifiable public attack on McGusty's integrity He argued that the police provided information to the prosecution which was not supported by actual courtroompresentation.

“It warrants noting that there has been some public pushbackagainstMagistrate McGusty being at risk of being passed over for confirmation as chief magistrate in the traditional system of appointment by seniority I can only hope that this is not some deeper ploytorenderherunsuitable and mitigate against any sentiments over this appointment,” the attorney said.

However, in response, Panday told Kaieteur News in an invited comment that GuySuCo is a state-run entity that has been hampered by political influencecausingittofail.

“This is not because Guyanese don't have the skills to cultivate sugar on a profitable basis…but it is because of the political influence and political appointments,”Pandaysaid.

Panday reasoned that with the world's population being about eight billion people as of the December 2024 census, if there are three billion homes, every single one utilises sugar in some form. Sugar is also used in the confectionary as well in pharmacology, bakingandotherindustries.

“So,toputitineconomic terms Sugar is not an outdateditem.Itisanitemin economics that we call supplyanddemand.Sugaris ingreatdemand,asitusedto be hundreds of years ago, anditisatpresentanditwill continuetobeinthefuture,” hesaid.

Panday believes that the success of sugar should not be written off but instead ridding the company of political influence would help in having the industry bounce back to its glory days.

The former Director of Agriculture made it clear that those leading the sugar

companyoughttobefreeof political interference and allowedtomanagethesector in the best interest of the country

He reminded that the PPP/Chadpromised,inrunup to the 2020 general and regionalelections,toreopen all shattered estates but failed to do so and only started talking about the SkeldonEstatein2024,asan electiongimmick.

"Now, from his s t a t e m e n t s a n d deliberations,heplacedalot of emphasis on citrus and othercropsatskeleton,asif (Continuedonpage16)

Canadian firm building 13km road to access 5.4M gold project site

Canadiangoldcompany, G MiningVentures (GMIN) has commenced building a 13-kilometer access road to its 5.4 million ounces Oko West Gold Project, located in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

GMIN is the 100% owneroftheOkoWestgold project,whichfallsunderits main prospecting licence (PL) covering 44 square kilometers (10,890 acres), containing an estimated 5.4 million ounces of gold. The companyhadrevealedthatit expanded its land holdings inRegionSevento71square kilometers.

In a recent project update, GMIN said that a road is being built from Duck Pond, Puruni to the Oko West Gold Project site. “Thisvitallinksupportssafe and efficient transport and logistical operations Our commitment is to develop responsibly, building infrastructure that serves b o t h m i n i n g a n d sustainability,”thecompany noted.

This announcement followstherecentdisclosure by the company that it has received the Environmental Permit from Guyana's

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the Oko Westproject.

The five-year permit is valid through July 2030. It authorises the construction and operation of Oko West, which is expected to create an average of 1,270 direct permanent jobs during its lifetime The Feasibility StudyforOkoWestoutlines a long-life, low cost, and high-margin operation. The company had said that the OkoWestprojectistargeting an average annu

production of 350,000 ounces of gold over a 12.3yearminelife.

TheEPAinanoticesaid GMIN's Oko West Gold Mine Project, construction andoperationofgoldmining and processing has been approved.Theagencynoted, “The Environmental AssessmentBoardreviewed a n d d e c l a r e d t h e Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA)relatedto thisproject,acceptable…the EPA is satisfied that the project can be conducted in accordance with good environmental practices, andinamannerthatavoids, prevents and minimizes any adverse effects which could resultfromtheactivity.”

Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty

President Irfaan Ali Former Director of Agriculture, Vishnu Panday

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GDF and MoE collaborate to advance PE in schools

DPI - The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is preparing to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to roll out the President's plan of dedicating time for physical activities in schools. The initiativewillpreparechildrento thrive in physical and social activities, not just academically

On Wednesday, Minister ofEducationSoniaParagengaged senior officers of the GDF to launch the initiative. Minister Parag noted that the Government has already invested in the infrastructure andhastrainedphysicaleducation teachers to ensure every child has access to meaningful physical development opportunities.

The collaboration between the Ministry and the GDFwillensureasmoothtransition from policy to implementation. President Irfaan

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The senior officers and the Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, engaged in the discussion (DPI)

Ali, emphasised just a few weeks ago that physical activity is more than play, but building the minds and bodiesofourfutureleaders,while fostering healthier lifestyles that embrace teamwork and discipline.

“We'rebuildingcomplete human beings, understanding what real human capital really is, and understanding that in our national ecosystem,sportsandphysicaledu-

cation, play a very important role.

Andinthenextfiveyears, greatemphasiswillbeplaced on recreational facilities to support our academic education.Tothisend,Iwanttosee in the education system, Friday afternoons after lunch, completely dedicated to sports and physical education,” the president said in July Presentattheengagement

withtheGDFwereChiefEducation Officer, Saddam Hussain and Advisor to the Minister of Education (Tertiary Education Reform), Dr KofiDalrymple.

TheGDFwasrepresented by Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS; Colonel General Staff, Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts; and StaffOfficerTrainingandOperations, Lieutenant Colonel JulianArcher

‘GuySuCo is a commercial failure’...

From page 15 he was actually psychologically putting to the people, don’tworrywithsugar.Cultivate your land by using what wecallcitrusandothercrops. Thatwasdeliberate.Thatwas the intention.And it is the in-

tention of the PPP not to rehabilitate the sugar industry And I repeat, it is not the intentionofthePPPtorehabilitate the sugar industry. So that meeting was a smoke screen to give an impression that he got to discuss with

canefarmerswhatyou’retalkingaboutothercropslikecitrus, coffee and cocoa,” he said referencing the President’s recent meeting. Further, Panday accused President Ali of trying to “fool cane farmers” at Skeldon. He said had the President been serious, he would have taken sugar expertswithhimtothemeeting. Instead, Panday claimed the Presidentwasflankedbypersons who are experienced in diversification.

In September 2024, this publication reported that a totalofninebidderssignaled their interest in undertaking GuySuCo projects for land preparation and planting at the Skeldon Sugar Estate in RegionSix.

Submitting their bids to theNationalProcurementand TenderAdministrationBoard (NPTAB) office were Ally Metals & Lumber –$108,073,500;SatnarineCane Planting Business; CNR Investment; Jaiand Commodities Inc.; KNS Peetum Construction – $141,000,000; RajeshSahadeoContracting; AJM Enterprise$2,110,905,000; Ryker Ryan Investment–$2,238,400,500; Jason Gravesande General Contracting Service; Jalil & Daughters Business Establishment – $46,831,850; and Mahadeo Ramnarine. PresidentIrfaanAli,inMay2025, had reaffirmed to the residents of Crabwood Creek, RegionSixduringavisitthat hisGovernmentismovingto reopen the Skeldon Sugar Estate, which was closed downbythepreviousAdministration.“Weareworkingon the Skeldon Estate…I agree that there are challenges but we are working on that,” he was quoted in a Department ofPublicInformationarticle. Kaieteur News understands that the Government was in the process of making another 5000 hectares of land available at the Skeldon Sugar Estate.

Aracari

WHO warns hospitals 'on the brink' as Israel pushes Gaza City assault

…at least 43 reported dead as Israel continues deadly bid to ethnically cleanse enclave's largest city

Aljazeera - The World HealthOrganization(WHO) has warned that Gaza's hospitalsareonthe“brinkof collapse” as the Israeli military's ground invasion pushes deeper into the besiegedenclave.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Thursday that the Israeli assault, currently centred on Gaza City, is “driving new waves of displacement, forcing traumatised families into an ever-shrinking area unfitforhumandignity”.

Israeli tanks and warplanes pounded Gaza CityonThursday,prompting long lines of scared Palestinian civilians to flee asthemilitaryintensifiedits assault.

Internet and phone lines were cut off across the enclave,inasignthatground operations were likely to escalate.

Themilitarycontinuedto focusfireonpartsofthecity that suggest an imminent advance on central and westernareas,wheremostof thepopulationissheltering.

At least 14 people were killed by Israeli attacks on Thursday morning, including nine in Gaza City, hospital officials told Al Jazeera.

By early afternoon, at least 29 Palestinians were reported to have been killed across the enclave since dawn, including 19 in the city Reporting from Nuseirat in central Gaza,Al Jazeera's Hani Mahmoud said only twohospitalsintheenclave's largest city, al-Shifa and alAhli, remain partially functional.

“As the Israeli military advances its tanks and armoured vehicles, there is closetoatotalsiegeonGaza City with acute shortages of medical supplies in the two still-operating health facilities,”hesaid.

“While these health centres are still operating somehow, they are barely offering the basic medical intervention needed. Inside the emergency wards, there aremorepeopleinjuredthan bedsavailable.”

Exhausted staff and dwindling supplies have left

“The injured and people with disabilities cannot move to safety, which puts their lives in grave danger,” Tedros said. “We call for an immediate end to these inhumane conditions We callforaceasefire.”

'Concern'

Displaced Palestinians move with their belongings southwards on a road in the Nuseirat refugee camp area in the central Gaza Strip after renewed Israeli forced displacement orders for Gaza City on September 18, 2025 [Eyad Baba/ AFP]

the hospitals highly vulnerable,hecontinued.

“The fear now is that as the Israeli military's ground offensive advances further, these facilities are going to be cut off from the outside world.”

'Cataclysmic'

The United Nations said the offensive has forced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians south, deepening an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis.

Olga Cherevko, spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination ofHumanitarianAffairs,told

Al Jazeera that conditions are “nothing short of cataclysmic”.

“There is a constant stream of people making their way from the north, withmanywalkingthe22km [14 miles] to the al-Mawasi 'humanitarian zone' – as labelledbyIsrael–onfoot,” shesaid.

“The hygiene conditions are so dire that, of course, theyleadtoamassivespread of diseases, skin rashes and all sorts of public health crises.”

Displaced Palestinians described unbearable living conditions amid an ongoing

genocide.

“We were searching all overforadecentplacewhere we can stay, but that costs money to rent a small piece ofland.Wecan'taffordthat,”

RachidAbdel Latif Shaaban told Al Jazeera from a makeshift encampment in the central city of Deir elBalah. “All around us is nothing but garbage, sewage, all kinds of pollution, bacteria and germs.”

Israel's ongoing assault and the terrible conditions b e i n g e n d u r e d b y Palestinians continue to provoke international concern, but there has been little agreement among Westerncountriesonhowto intervene.

Spain is among Israel's fiercestcritics.OnThursday Madrid announced it would support the International Criminal Court's ongoing investigation into alleged Israeliwarcrimes.

AttorneyGeneralAlvaro Garcia Ortiz said the probe would examine whether “serious violations” of international law had taken place during the war, which has now run for nearly two years.

ThePalestinianMinistry of Health reported on Thursday that Israeli attacks had killed at least 79 people and wounded 228 in the latest 24-hour reporting period, bringing the total death toll since the start of the war in October 2023 to 65,141 and the number of woundedto165,925.

Another displaced woman, Ayesha Abu Ghof, told Al Jazeera that she and herchildrenhadbeenforced toliveonalandfill.“Allour children are sick and suffer from diseases, and there are no doctors around, no medicine,”shesaid.

Macrons to offer 'scientific evidence' to US court to prove Brigitte is a woman, lawyer says

BBC - Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, are planning to present photographic and scientific evidence to a US court to prove Mrs. Macron isawoman.

Their lawyer says the French president and Mrs. Macron will present the documentation in a defamation suit they have taken against the right-wing influencer Candace Owens aftershepromotedherbelief that Brigitte Macron was bornmale.

Ms Owens' lawyers have responded with a motiontodismisstheclaim.

Speaking to the BBC's Fame Under Fire podcast, the Macrons' lawyer in the case, Tom Clare, said Mrs. Macronhadfoundtheclaims “incredibly upsetting” and they were a “distraction” to theFrenchpresident.

“I don't want to suggest that it somehow has thrown himoffhisgame.

But just like anybody whoisjugglingacareerand a family life as well, when yourfamilyisunderattack,it wearsonyou.

And he's not immune from that because he's the president of a country,” he said.

Mr Clare said there would be “expert testimony that will come out that will be scientific in nature” and whilehewouldnotreveal,at thisstage,itsexactnature,he said the couple were prepared to demonstrate fully “both generically and specifically” that the allegationsarefalse.

“Itisincrediblyupsetting to think that you have to go and subject yourself, to put

this type of proof forward,” hesaid.

“It is a process that she willhavetosubjectherselfto in a very public way But she's willing to do it. She is firmlyresolvedtodowhatit takes to set the record straight.

“If that unpleasantness and that discomfort that she has of opening herself up in thatwayiswhatittakestoset a record straight and stop this, she's 100% ready to meetthatburden.”

When asked if the Macronswouldbesupplying pictures of Brigitte pregnant andraisingherchildren,Mr Clare said they existed and would be presented in court where there are rules and standards.

Ms. Owens, a former c o m m e n t a t o r f o r conservativeUSoutletDaily

Wire who has millions of followers on social media, hasrepeatedlypromotedher view that Brigitte Macron is aman.

In March 2024, she claimedshewouldstakeher “entire professional reputation” on the allegation.

Theallegationoriginated infringeonlinespacesyears earlier, notably through a 2021 YouTube video by French bloggers Amandine RoyandNatachaRey

The Macrons initially won a defamation case in France against Roy and Rey in 2024, but that ruling was overturnedonappealin2025 on freedom of expression grounds, not on the basis of truth.

The Macrons are appealingthedecision.

InJuly,theMacronsfiled

alawsuitagainstMs.Owens in the US. It alleges she “disregarded all credible evidence disproving her c

own conspiracy theorists and provendefamers”.

In American defamation cases against public figures, plaintiffs are required to prove “actual malice” – that the defendant knowingly spread false information or actedwithrecklessdisregard forthetruth.

In August, Emmanuel Macron explained to French magazine,ParisMatch,why they had chosen to pursue legalaction.

“This is about defending my honour! Because this is nonsense. This is someone who knew full well that she had false information and did so with the aim of

causing harm, in the service of an ideology and with established connections to far-rightleaders.”

Ms Owens' lawyers have responded to the Macrons' lawsuit with a motion to dismiss, arguing thatthecaseshouldnothave been filed in Delaware, as she says it does not relate to her businesses, which are incorporated in the state. They claim forcing her to defend the case in Delaware would cause “substantial financial and operational hardship”.

T h e B B C h a s approachedCandaceOwens' legal team for a comment. She has previously said she believeswhatsheissayingis true and there is nothing more American than free speech and the ability to criticise.

BLUNT BLUNT

Norton vs Nigel

In our Wednesday edition we spoke frankly about the death of the Alliance For Change. What we did not expect was that its leader, Nigel Hughes, would have resigned so quickly. But in truth, Hughes has done the honourable thing. He has accepted political reality, laid aside pride, and stepped down after leading his party into one of its worst defeats. That is what leadership demands- accountability.

Contrast this with Aubrey Norton. Under his stewardship, the PNCR has been reduced from 31 seats to a mere 12. That collapse is historic in its scale, yet Norton clings to office, telling the nation he will be there to “rebuild” the party. Rebuild what? He presided over the destruction.

If Nigel Hughes can take responsibility, why not Aubrey Norton? Leadership is not about stubbornness or self-preservation. It is about service to party and country. Norton should do the decent thing and go—before he is pushed. The PNCR needs renewal, not recycling. If Norton refuses to step aside, the party risks sinking further into irrelevance.Sometimes the blunt truth is this: leaders who preside over collapse must leave.

IndiaandPakistantofaceeachotheronSeptember21

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will take on each other tobegintheSuperFourstage of Asia Cup 2025 on Saturday. By knocking Afghanistan out of the tournament in the penultimate group-stage game in Abu Dhabi, Sri Lanka ensured they progressedtothenextround unbeaten, along with BangladeshfromGroupB. India and Pakistan had confirmed their spots from

GroupAafterPakistan’swin againstUAEonWednesday

That means the second IndiavsPakistangameinthe tournamentwillbeplayedon September 21 in Dubai India had beaten Pakistan in their group-stage fixture in Dubai and are undefeated ahead of their game against Oman, which will close out thefirstround.

Pakistan will get a day’s breakbeforetheytakeonSri Lanka in Abu Dhabi. But Bangladesh will have play

Friday September 19, 2025

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Your level of concentration generally tends to be strong, Aries,buttodayyoucouldbe temporarilyatadisadvantage. Your thoughts seem vague anddisjointedandyou'reless able to express yourself clearlyandprecisely

TAURUS(Apr 20–May20)

Today you might intuit some strange and unsettling thoughts and feelings from a brother, sister, or neighbor, Taurus This person isn't likely to want to talk about what'sbotheringthem.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Some disconcerting informationyoureceivetoday from a group you're affiliated with could have you wondering if you have a future with this group, Gemini.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Usually your mind is sharp and centered, Cancer, but todayyou'llprobablyfeellike you can't think straight. Your thoughts might be vague and disjointed If there's something you need to do immediately

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

You generally tend to be intuitive, Leo, but today your sensitivitymightapproachthe levelofanoracle-orseemto! You might have some good luck picking up the thoughts andfeelingsofothers.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Youmayhaveaverystrange and somewhat disturbing dream about a friend tonight, Virgo. It may wake you up in an unsettled state. Write it downifyoucan.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

A lack of communication between you and someone

close could lead to misunderstandings, Libra This might not seem that important, but sometimes a lack of clarity can lead to bad feelingsinthefuture.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)

Today you might be so intent on your work that you don't hear what someone says to you, Scorpio. No matter how important your task, take the timetolistenandpayattention towhatsomeonetellsyou.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

I

, Sagittarius,youcouldfindthat one of you feels very passionate while the other doesn't.Compromise!Ifyou're currentlyunattached.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Are you working at home today, Capricorn? This won't make your efforts any less intense, especially if your work involves writing or speaking on the phone Whatever you're doing will probablyseemurgent.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20–Feb 18)A strange letter or phone call could come your way today, Aquarius, and the information you receive could seemrathergarbled.Itmaybe good news or bad, or possibly neither

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Today is a day in which you need to use logic. You could receive an unsettling and unexpected letter or phone call,perhapsinvolvingmoney

It’s time for Guyana to Invest in an Elite...

Fromvpage27 travel cannot be covered by personal sacrifice alone. If Guyanawantstocompetein the Caribbean, let alone the world,thegovernmentmust treat sport as a national priority

An Elite Athlete Assistance Programme in Guyana should mirror the bestpracticesofourregional neighbours, while tailoring toouruniquereality Itshouldsupportathletes across multiple disciplines, not just track and field. Allocate funding based on international ranking and results Cover essential costs: coaching, nutrition, medical support, training camps, travel, and professionalfees,andbetied to a four-year Olympic cycle, ensuring long-term development rather than one-offhandouts.

Guyana has the raw talent. What we lack is the system. The time has come tobridgethatgap.

on consecutive days as they take on India on September 24andPakistanthenextday BothmatchesareinDubai. India and Sri Lanka will conclude the Super Four stage on September 26 in Dubai.

The two teams topping thetablewillplayinthefinal on September 28, also in Dubai.

The teams will not carry any points from the group stage into the Super Four round.(cricinfo)

India and Pakistan will play on September 21 in the Aisa Cup (AP PHOTO)

Favouritshinesbrightlyas OldFortroarondaytwo, -

TIgloo Ice Cream-Sunshine Snacks Junior Hockey Tournament

he2025IglooIce Cream–Sunshine Snacks National Juniors HockeyTournament continued to deliver highoctaneactiononWednesday evening at the National Gymnasium,asOldFortand SHC Sensations secured easywinsonDayTwoofthe season.

In some Boys’Under-21 action,OldFortroutedGCC Outlawswithacommanding 7-0 victory Star forward Shaquon Favourit was unstoppable, scoring an astonishing six goals to dismantle the Outlaws’ defense and earn his team their first win of the tournament. Favourit netted goals in the 2nd, 8th, 9th, 14th minutes, and added a double strike in the 16th minute to cap off a standout performance.

SimeonMooreaddedthe seventh goal, sealing the cleansheet.

In the Women’s Open category, Saints and GBTI GCC played to a tightly contested 1-1 draw Kairya Scott opened the scoring for Saints, but Rebecca Ferreira equalizedforGCCtoensure bothteamssharedthepoints.

TheMen’sOpendivision sawtwothrillingencounters. Old Fort produced a stunningoffensivedisplayto defeatGCCSpareParts9-3. DominiqueAllenopenedthe scoringinthe3rdminute,but

GCC’s Devin Hooper responded in the 10th to make it 1-1. What followed wasarelentlessgoal-scoring spree from Old Fort, with Favourit, Daniel Woolford, Jason de Santos, and others overwhelming GCC’s defense.

Favourit, continuing his strong form, added another to his tally, while Woolford, Quinn Todd, and De Santos rounded off the scoring Despite late goals from Jason Ray Khalil and a second from Hooper, GCC couldn’tstemthetide.

In Game 12, Bounty

GCC edged out Saints in a competitive 5-3 match MarkSargentledthecharge with a well-earned hat trick, whileDwayneScottchipped in with a brace to secure the win.

The 2025 edition of the National Juniors Hockey Tournament is proudly sponsored by Igloo Ice CreamandSunshineSnacks, continuing their support for the development of junior hockey across the nation. Action continues today and will run through to Sunday, September 21 at the same venue.

Walcott wins javelin title...

Frompage27 and world leader Julian Weber placed fifth with 86.11m, while 2015 world champion Julius Yego of Kenya threw 85.54m for sixthplace,passingthefinal threeroundsafterrollinghis ankle.

Sachin Yadav was another surprise performer

The Indian threw 86.27m to finish fourth, just 40 centimetresshyofamedal.It wasthefirsttimesinceJune 2015 that Chopra had been beaten by a fellow Indian thrower, or that Chopra had finishedaslowaseighth.

Walcott had enjoyed a strong year leading into Tokyo, but hadn’t won any

of his international competitions this season ahead of the World Championships.

He attributed his win to the changes he made last year Thompson’s podium finishwasthefirstfortheUS since Breaux Gree’s bronze in2007.(WorldAthletics)

Quinn Tobin of Old Fort challenged by Spare Parts Lucas Sargeant (GHB photo)

Pooran pays the price: 20% Match Fee slashed for dissent

The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has confirmed that Trinbago Knight Riders captainNicholasPooranhas been charged with a Level 1 offenceundertheCPLCode of Conduct for showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during the Eliminatormatchagainstthe Antigua&BarbudaFalcons.

The incident occurred during a high-stakes clash, where Pooran was twice adjudged leg-before wicket by on-field umpire Ryan Banwarie, both decisions overturnedonreview

The emotional reactions that followed led to the charge under the league’s disciplinarycode.

Pooran has accepted the sanction, which includes a fineof20%ofhismatchfee.

Despite the controversy, the left-hander delivered a commanding performance, guiding Trinbago Knight Riders to a nine-wicket victory with a matchdefininginningsthatensured their progression in the tournament.

Speakingafterthegame, Pooran acknowledged the emotional nature of the

contest and extended an apologyforhisconduct.

“Inbiggames,wetendas players to be in the moment as much as possible,” he said. “And when decisions don’t go your way you tend to be emotional, and it was toughtokeepyouremotions in.Obviously,Iapologiseto theumpires—inthespiritof the game but I’m just happythatwecouldgetover theline.”

The Petra Organisation has received a significant boost from one of its committed partners, Sterling Products Limited, in supportoftheupcoming12thAnnualCourts Optical Pee Wee Boys’ Under-11 Football Tournament.

In a simple yet meaningful presentation ceremony held yesterday at Sterling’s head office in Providence, East Bank Demerara, severalkeystakeholderswerepresent.These includedSterlingProductsCEORamseyAli, Marketing Manager Dellon Lynch, Public Relations Officer Youlandra McCammon, and Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca, underscoring the importance of this longstandingco-sponsorship.

The tournament officially kicks off on Saturday, September 27, at the Ministry of Education Ground. This year’s event will feature32teamsfromacrossregions1,2,3, 4,5,6,7,and10,competinginaround-robin format.Teamswillbegroupedinsetsoffour, withthetoptwofromeachgroupadvancing totheRoundof16.

Prizeswillbeawardedtoteamsfinishing inthetopeight,whileindividualawardswill also be up for grabs. Fixtures for the tournamentwillbereleasedsoon.

During the presentation, Marketing Manager Dellon Lynch shared his enthusiasm for the initiative: “Over the past fiveyears,we’vewitnessednotjustmatches, but the steady growth of a programme that uplifts communities and helps shape the future of football in the nation. I want to remind our young players that the game is about more than just discipline and sponsorship—it’s about building character anddevelopingskills.”

Lynch also took a moment to acknowledge the tournament’s legacy: “Manyofourstandoutplayersfromprevious editionshaveprogressedtoseniorteamsand even represented the country at the national level. That’s something we are incredibly

CEO of Sterling Products Limited, Ramsey Ali speaking at yesterday’s sponsorship presentation

proudof.”

He concluded by reaffirming Sterling Products’ commitment: “Football has the power to connect neighbourhoods, build character, and open doors. That’s why we remaincommittedpartnersandlookforward tomanymoreyearsofcollaborationwiththe PetraOrganisation.”

CEO RamseyAli echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the partnership: “I’ve watched the Petra Organisation grow over the years—they’ve built a brand.And that’s the essence of this partnership: building brands, whether it’s a product, a service, or a youth development initiative. We are privileged to bepartofthistournament,whichbringsreal value to the players and the wider community.”

As the first whistle blows on September 27,anewchapterbegins,onefilledwithskill, friendship, and determination. Every pass, everygoal,andeverytacklewilltellstoriesof teamwork,growth,andtheunifyingpowerof sport.

The win sees Trinbago KnightRidersadvancetothe secondQualifier,wherethey willfacethelosingsidefrom Qualifier1foraplaceinthe CPL 2025 final. (Trinidad Express)

Trinidad and Tobago’s Nicholas Pooran was fined for his outburst with an umpire during the CPL.

Police, GDF pile on the goals in spree

…Women’s Division One League returns today

TheGuyanaPoliceForce (GPF) Women and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)Womenwalkedaway from the Guyana Football Federation’s National Training Center (NTC), at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) with enough goals to fill their

pockets; both romping to dominant victories during the recent installment of the Women’s Division One League.

TheGuyanaPoliceForce (GPF) were the first to taste victory on Wednesday evening, defeating

Monedderlust FC 18- 0 on

the back of a Shanic Thornhillshow Thornhillfoundtheback of the net in the 3rd, 14th, 21st, 24th, 29th, 31st, 46th, 47th, 50th, 59th, 54th and 60th min

r an impressive 12 goals in the encounter

Aside from Thornhill’s b

Rutherford (4th) Martha Chance(7th),AlleiaAlleyne (20th), Amanda McKenzie (27th) and Melina Larson (58th) all found the back of thenetonceforPolice.With an own goal in the 52nd to add as the cherry on top, Police secured what was then the largest win of the tournament.

That was until the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ladies took to the pitch,takingonRivers’View FootballClub.

Thistimearound,Sandra Johnsonwastheleadinglady inthescoringspreenetting8 goals.

While Johnson pierced thenetsinthe6th,11th,27th, 32nd, 52nd, 54th, 57th and 59th minutes; Jalade Trim boosted GDF’s tally with 6 goalsofherowninthe18th, 31st, 47th, 37th, 49th and 51stminutes.

GlendyLewisalsohada good outing with 4 goals in the 7th, 8th 25th and 32nd minutes,addedtooneapiece off the boots of Rosa Ross (42nd) and Shenessa Cornelius (56th) for a 20-0

victoryonGDF’spart. The Women’s Division OneLeaguecontinuestoday withanotherdoubleheaderat thesamevenue.

At 18:00hrs, Santos FC

will face the uphill task of taking on the GDF women while at 19:30hrs Monedderlust FC will look tobouncebackintheirbattle againstAnn’sGroveFC.

Shanic Thornhill dominated for the Guyana Police Force women

It’s time for Guyana to Invest in an Elite Athlete Assistance Programme

ByRawleToney

Fordecades,Guyanahas produced athletes of exceptional talent; athletes whohavecompetedwiththe best in the region and, in many cases, the world However, too often, their dreamsfadebecausethereis nosysteminplacetosustain their journey beyond school orasingleflashofsuccess.

If Guyana truly wants to be taken seriously in the realm of sports, then it is time for the Government to

establishafullyfundedElite Athlete Assistance Programme(EAAP). Other Caribbean nations have long understood that talent without investment is wasted potential. Structured investmentisrequired.

Take Trinidad and Tobago, for example. Their government operates an EAAP in line with its National Sport Policy, something that Guyana doesn’t have, committing financial support to athletes

preparingforandcompeting ininternationalevents.

The programme targets world-ranked athletes, Olympic sports, and medalistsatglobal,regional, a n d c

competitions.

Under Trinidad’s model, athletes ranked in theWorld Top 10 can access up to TT$250,000 (USD 36,846.60), while those in the Top 40 benefit from 75 percentofthatsum.

Medalists at major

Walcott wins javelin title in Tokyo

Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott made a wondrousreturntothetopof aglobalpodiumbywinning his first world title in the men’s javelin at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, 13 years after becoming Olympic champion.

Having made history back at the 2012 Games by becoming the youngest ever winnerofanOlympicmen’s javelin title, the 32-year-old Walcott tonight became one oftheoldesteverwinnersof a men’s javelin title at the WorldChampionships.

The gold was his almost from the start. He took the lead in the second round with 87.83m and then extended that lead in the fourth round with 88.16m foraseason’sbest.Two-time world champion Anderson

Peters of Grenada was back on the podium with a silver after being dethroned by India’s Neeraj Chopra in Budapest in 2023. USA’s Curtis Thompson was another surprise medallist, takingbronzewith86.67m. Whatwasexpectedtobe a clash of the South Asian

– Olympic champion

defendingchampionChopra

Caribbean1-2.

Chopra finished eighth with 84.03m, two places ahead of Nadeem (82.75m). DiamondLeaguechampion (Continuedonpage20)

championships receive targeted support as well. Importantly, this funding isn’t just cash…it covers training schedules, coaching, nutrition, medical care, travel to competitions, andprofessionalexpenses.It isasystemdesignedtoallow athletes to focus on one thing,theirperformance.

Now contrast this with Guyana. Here, we are too dependent on the collegiate system Many of our brighteststars,trackathletes, swimmers,earnscholarships abroad, develop for a few years, and then, once their

college eligibility expires, areleftstranded.

With no national programmetosupportthem, most slip quietly into “normal lives,” abandoning sport altogether The system does not sustain careers, it terminatesthem.

Guyana is not short on talent.Farfromit.

Raekwon Noel, one of the Caribbean’s most promising swimmers; Tianna Springer, a worldclass junior sprinter; Malachi Austin and Keliza Smith, both showing dominanceonthetrack;and

Trevon Hammer, an exceptional athlete with internationalpotential,allof them are names worthy of investment. They represent not only the future of Guyanese sport, but the future of Guyanese pride on theworldstage.

Theproblemisthatwhile Trinidad and Jamaica invest millionsintheirathletes,our stars are left to fundraise through family, friends, and the occasional sponsor. Preparation for elite sport is expensive…coaching, diet, recovery,andinternational (Continuedonpage19)

Malachi Austin Emanuel Archibald Daniel Williams

Sports

- Igloo Ice Cream-Sunshine Snacks Junior Hockey Tournament

Devin Hooper admires his goal from mid-air against Old Fort (GHB Photo)

Sterling Products Ltd backs

12th Annual Pee Wee

U11 Football

Tournament

Sterling Products, PROYoulandra McCammon (second from left) hands over sponsorship cheque to Petra’s Co-Director Troy Mendonca in the presence of CEO RamseyAli, Marketing Manager Dellon Lynch and Troy Peters of Petra

Jalade Trime about to score for the Guyana Defence Force