Kaieteur News

Domestic Airways Aricheng plane crash

Venezuelan construction worker shot by farmer at Parika

Fire razes Demerara Shipping workshop, Lombard St. business

Alphonso family JV deals hand foreign firms control of

...oneprojectalonetargetsfivemillionouncesofgold over 600 sq km of Guyana gold lands

The aircraft piloted by Orlando Charles crashed shortly after take-off from theArichengAirstrip in Region Seven.

Domestic Airways CEO survives Aricheng plane crash

DomesticAirwaysChief Executive Officer and pilot, Orlando Charles, escaped with minor injuries on Sunday after the aircraft he was flying crashed during take-off from the Aricheng Airstrip in the CuyuniMazaruni district (Region Seven).

Reports indicate that the accident occurred at approximately07:50hrs.

The Guyana Civil AviationAuthority (GCAA) has since launched an investigation into the incident In a statement posted on its official Facebookpage,theauthority said the accident involved a Cessna182Paircraftbearing registration number

The aircraft piloted by Orlando Charles crashed shortly after take-off from

Preliminary reports indicate there were no fatalities.

“The GCAA assures the public that it is working closely with relevant stakeholders to determine the cause of the accident,” theagencystated.

The crash marks the second aviation accident in Guyana's hinterland within thepasttwomonths.

In April, Nicaraguan pilot Ryder Alberto Castillo was killed when the Cessna Caravan aircraft, 8R-YAC, owned by Air Services Limited(ASL),crashedinto a mountain in Region Eight shortly after departing the Mahdia Airstrip. Members

Domestic Airways CEO and pilot Orlando Charles escaped with minor injuries after his aircraft crashed during take-off from the Aricheng Airstrip on Sunday.

of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) recovered Castillo's body three days later Sunday'saccidentisalso

the third Domestic Airways aircraft crash in Region Sevensince2019.

One of those incidents proved fatal. In February

Bernard Singh after being rescued in October 2019 when a Domestic

shortly

2019, a Domestic Airways Cessna 206 aircraft, 8RGHB, crashed w

Eteringbang Airstrip along the Cuyuni River, killing pilotRandyLiverpool.

Charles, who is also the CEO of Domestic Airways, waslaterfinedafterpleading guilty to failing to provide information relating to that accident to the Ministry of Labour's Occupational Health and Safety Department.

Investigators, however, concluded that Liverpool had been flying too low beforethecrash.

Just months later, in October 2019, another Domestic Airways

Couple swept away by strong currents at Unity Beach

Police and residents continued an intensive search on Monday for a young woman and a Special Constable who disappeared while swimming at Unity

Beach, East Coast Demerara, after they were reportedly swept away by strongcurrents.

The missing persons have been identified as 20year-old salesgirl Lyodisa Waldron, also known as "Loyda," and 31-year-old Special Constable Andri Francis, called "Bobby" BothareresidentsofVictoria Vi

Demerara.

Accordingtoastatement issuedbytheGuyanaPolice Force, the incident occurred atabout2:00p.m.onSunday at Unity Beach. Preliminary investigations revealed that Waldron and Francis were swimming together when Waldron reportedly began driftingfurtherouttoseaand encountered difficulties in thewater

Police said the young woman raised an alarm and called for assistance as she wasbeingcarriedawayfrom shore Francis reportedly entered deeper waters in an

attempt to rescue her. However, both individuals were overtaken by the current and disappeared beneaththewater

Persons at the beach immediatelyraisedanalarm, prompting a search of the surrounding area Police

ranks and residents conducted checks along the shoreline and nearby sections of the beach in an effort to locate the missing pair

Authorities have not disclosed how far offshore the pair were when the incident occurred, but

investigators believe strong currents may have played a roleinthetragedy.

Unity Beach has long been a popular recreational areaforresidentsoftheEast C

, particularly on weekends

However, concerns have periodically been raised

conditions and strong currents in sections of the Atlanticcoastline.

Eyewitness Dr Asquith Rose told Kaieteur News thatthewaterwasroughand there were warning signs

aircraft a Piper PA-31, r e g i s t r a t i o n 8 RHAI—crashedintheRegion Seven jungle shortly after taking off from Aricheng. PilotBernardSinghsurvived with minor injuries and was subsequently rescued by a GDFteam.

Following Sunday's crash, a Guyanese pilot commentingonsocialmedia noted that “interior flying in Guyana remains one of the most demanding forms of aviation anywhere in the world,” citing remote airstrips, rapidly changing weather conditions, rugged terrain and limited infrastructure as persistent challenges faced by pilots operatinginthehinterland.

about the currents, but the young woman ventured out to swim. He explained that Wald

encounter difficulties while in the water, prompting Francistogoinafterher "When she got into trouble, he went to try and save her, but he too was swept away by the current," Rose recalled. Rose said the incident unfolded in full view of beachgoers and left manypersonsdistressed.He (Continuedonpage6)

N9347G.

Pilot

Airways aircraft crashed

after take-off from Aricheng.

the Aricheng Airstrip in Region Seven.

The missing couple

EPA reviewing EIA for Mako Mining's Eagle Mountain Gold Project acquired in 2024 takeover

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is

r e v i e w i n g t h e Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Eagle Mountain Gold Project, a proposed largescale mining operation in Region Eight that came under the control of Canadian company Mako Mining Corp. following its

project is planned for an openpitgoldmineovera15year period and expected to produce 66,500 ounces of goldannually

Earlier this year, Mako through its subsidiary Stronghold Guyana Inc submitted to the EPA, the Eagle Mountain Gold Project'sEIAtobereviewed.

Inarecentpost,EPAsaidits

on the Eagle Mountain Property, referred to as the EagleMountainProspecting Licence (EMPL) which covers approximately 48 square kilometers (km²) There is also the Kilroy Mining Medium-scale permit which covers an area of 252 hectare. The project has two gold deposits, the E

PA's Environmental Resource Management team disclosure meeting on the Eagle Mountain project

acquisition of Goldsource MinesInc.in2024.

In July 2024, Mako Mining entered Guyana's mining sector through the acquisition of a fellow

Canadian company, Goldsource Mines, gaining control of the Eagle MountainGoldProject.

Through the takeover, Mako inherited a Mineral ResourceEstimate(MRE)of approximately 1.2 million ounces of gold in the indicated category and 582,000 ounces in the inferredcategory

The Eagle Mountain GoldProjectislocatedabout eight kilometres south of Mahdia in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) The

Resource M

participated in a disclosure meeting on the Eagle Mountain project. The meeting followed an earlier engagement held in Mahdia as part of the stakeholder

According to the EPA, representatives from the

Commission (GGMC) and the Ministry of Natural Resources were briefed on the project as part of the processfortheEPA'sreview oftheEnvironmentalImpact Assessment.

Stronghold Guyana holds a prospecting licence

Salbora, as well as several otherexplorationtargets.

According to the EIA, the company will rely on up to six flights per week to support operations. Gold doré bars produced at the project's processing plant will be transported by air either from the Mahdia airstrip or from the project site to Georgetown. From there, it is expected that the doré will be exported to foreignrefineriespursuantto standard terms and conditions of Mineral

GovernmentofGuyana.

production at the Eagle Mountain project will

commencein2027.

The Eagle Mountain goldprojectisoneofseveral large-scale mining assets in Guyana that have changed

transactionsbetweenforeign companies.At his first press conference for the year, this

publication questioned President IrfaanAli whether thegrowingtrendofforeign firms 'flipping' large-scale miningassetsinGuyanaisa c o n c e r n t o h i s administration, and whether government believes stronger policies are needed

to ensure the country benefits directly from those transactions.

The head of state defended the transfer and sale of Guyana's mineral properties among foreign mining companies, arguing (Continuedonpage6)

Kaieteur News

PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana.

Publisher:GLENNLALL-TEL:624-6456

Editor:NIGELWILLIAMS

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

EDITORIAL

Flipping We need to invest wisely

“So,tellme,tellmeeverything Tellme,whatwasthecost of the exploration? How much the company spent on exploration,sothattheycouldhavegottenthemarketvalueof whatassettheyhave,andwhocarriedthatcost?

“Tell me everything…tell me”, that was President Irfaan Aliaskinghisownquestionsinsteadofansweringquestions relatedtoforeignfirmsflippinghugeminingassets. Should therenotbemorerobustpoliciestopreventflipping?

Thispassingfromhandtohandforhugecashinflows,while Guyana gets nothing, and watches like an uninvolved, unconcerned bystander as its riches are bartered freely and profitably In the context of gold, it is obvious that the governmenthassetitscourse Donotpressureforeigninvestors, do not enrage foreign governments Nothing said, nothing written, nothing protested over or criticized can influence governmentandpresidenttochangetheirways

From his answer, a stranger to Guyana could mistake PresidentAliforadeterminedforeigninvestor Oneforwhom thehighestpriorityisdefendinghiscompany’sinvestmentand interests ListentoGuyana’spresidentagain:“Howmuchthe companyspentonexploration ? WhyisGuyana’sPresident Ali so wrapped up in Canadian companies, or any other companies,andhowmuchtheyspentonexploration?

Thatismoreforcompaniestosellaspartoftheirnegotiating strategybeforeacontractissigned Inotherwords,thecompany is planning to spend so much on exploration in Guyana’s goldfields, with expectations that profits will result from that investmentofmillions,time,andskills

Weatthispaperrecognizethatcompanies,whatevertheir origins: American, Canadian, or Chinese, among others, shouldearnaprofit,asanormal,rewardingoutcomeoftheir investment Wehaveaproblem,though,whenvasttractsof prime mineral lands are passed around, like a bowler with a cricketballthatistossedfromonehandtothenext,beforehis run-upbegins

Guyana’s gold lands are not a cricket ball, or hamburger patties,flippedfromonepositiontoanother,whilespectators followthearc,andlicktheirlipsinanticipation Somethingis horribly wrong with that picture that consigns Guyana, the ownerofthoserichlands,tothesidelines,asthoughwhatis happeningisnoneofitsbusiness

We think that this is why stronger policies are needed to combat this different form of exploitation occurring in the open,andwithoutacare Truthbetold,wearesurprisedthat, after the bitter and costly experience with oil and the ExxonMobilconsortium,thePPPCGovernmentthatisnowin chargewouldhavebeenkeentoavoidanyrepeatingofwhat disadvantagesthiscountryanditscitizens

Yet, there was PresidentAli himself sounding more like a companylawyerthanGuyana’sleader Ifhewasnotdefending flippingofgoldlands,whatwashedoing? Ifhecannotcomeout againstwhatclearlyisagainstGuyaneseinterests,thenhowdoes herepresentanindependentleaderofanindependentcountry?

Since he is so much for what benefits both G Mining venturesCorpandG2Goldfields,thenthereisonceagainthe same sickening conclusion resurfacing It is where Guyana’s interestsaresacrificedsothatforeigncompaniescanreportto theirshareholdersinbreathlesstermshowwelltheyhavemade out here Instead of fair and equitable partnerships, it is the ExxonMobil story repeated again Oil or gold, the foreign companiesreaprichessimilartotheold-timepirates Theywere alwaysonthehuntforrichgoldharvests,whiletheplacesand peopletowhichthoseharvestsbelongedremainedinpoverty

The president spoke of Guyana operating under global market standards ExxonMobil made similar arguments in defendingitsrevolting2016oilcontractthatrobsGuyana We offer, for the president’s benefit, a well-known domestic exampleunderwhichcitizensoperate

Whengovernmentawardsahouselot,recipientscannotflip thatlandwithin10years Governmenthastheforesighttoapply that provision to small lots to build a home However, when thousandsofacresofgoldlandandmillionsofouncesofgoldare involved, President Ali pushes global standards A national leader,oracompanypropagandizer,that’sforcitizenstodecide

DEAREDITOR,

With plans recently announced to build data centers in orbit there is no longer a need for data centers in Guyana. The announcement is a game changer for the industry as it addresses the major constraints and limitations facedbydatacenters.

Thefirstlimitationitresolvesisthe needforabundantuninterruptedenergy Solarpoweristobeusedwithahigher irradiance provided due to no atmosphericattenuation.

Another very attractive and appealingbenefitisthattherewillbeno resourceshortageforcooling.Onearth these centers consume millions of gallons of water daily for cooling and thecentersalsoplace“immensestrain”

onthelocalelectricalgrid.Anotherkey advantage of the orbital data centers is that they overcome bandwidth constraints by using satellites to facilitateinorbitdataprocessing.

These orbital centers are also less vulnerableandscalabilityisfasterthan centers established on earth (References: Scientific American and RackSolutions).

Major companies in the industry such as Google, SpaceX and Starcloud are pursuing this initiative with an orbital data center coming online this year

CRG recommends that our nation’s energy resources be redirected to other uses and not be used in the pursuit of yesterday’s

technologyinfrastructure

The revenue from the sale of the energy resources planned for a local data center should be invested in the U.S. stock market where liquidity will remain high and exposure to the financial upside ofAI and data centers canbeachievedwithouttheburdenand riskofowningthephysicalassets.

These energy resources are also currentlyinhighdemandonthemarket duetothemultiplewarsoverseas.This makes pricing attractive and our nation’s cash flow will improve, allowing us to benefit from the time valueofmoneyifinvestedwiselyinthe U.S.financialmarkets.

Bestregards, JamilChanglee

Celebrating Independence - 60 years too early

DEAREDITOR,

Member of Parliament, Amanza Walton and other members of the political opposition have been complaining for some time about the lackofameetingofparliament.

The PPP/C government has been turning a blind ear to their call for parliament to be convened. Perhaps in frustration,Amanzashiftedtactics.She wrotetotheleadingWesternembassies hereinGuyanaandtoimportantforeign agencies and organizations, apprising themofthesituation.

The main Western embassies responded by telling the government it needs to convene parliament and establish the various oversight committees Not to do so, these powerful nations concluded, prevents opposition parties from providing the necessary oversight of the government thatisessentialinanydemocracy

With remarkable haste, the PPP/C government responded, assuring these Westernembassiesthatitplanstoholda sitting of parliament on the 5th of June 2026. The response was delivered by the PPP’s old veteran politicianMinister Gale Teixeira Before I continuewithotherexamplesofservile behaviorbythisgovernment,Comrade Gale’s response needs to be examined closely.

In the afore mentioned response, ComradeGailwentontosayshewished thattheforeignembassiesthatspokeout against the neglect (no parliament meetingforover90days)hadconsulted the government before issuing statementsonthesituation.

If they had done so, Comrade Gale continued,theywouldhavebeentoldof the government’s intention to convene parliamenton5thJune2026.

Now, what sort of response is that?

DidnooneattheOfficeofthePresident check the comrade’s proposed statement,beforeshedeliveredit?

The complaint was that not convening parliament for over 90 days was a travesty and pushing the boundariesofdemocraticpractice.How to tell these Western Nations that the government will convene parliament after a 100 days lapse be satisfying or comforting?

With embarrassing regularity, we read about how those foreign companies in the oil industry are making amazing wealth while Guyana getsnexttonothingandourgovernment tellsusthereisnothingitcando.

Theytellusofsanctityofcontracts, that attempts at renegotiation would scare off would be investors. Yet, with stunningregularitywereadothersmall nationsdoingjustthat.Ifnotenoughthe Guyana government sides with EXXON and even goes to court in defenseofEXXONagainstthecountry thatitleads.

Meanwhile,publicservantsstruggle to exist (not live) on starvation wages and salaries, while government seems reluctant to pay them decent wages, arguing that same would lead to inflation.

Funnyhow,hereinGuyanaanything done for certain section of the poor is perceivedasleadingtoanegativeresult. Whilemassivesumscanbefoundforthe sugar industry which seems to be thermally ill, but benefitting from the attention of a doctor who refuses to acceptthetruththathistrainingtellshim aboutthepatient

Andso,wecometothenightof25th May 2026. Picking Fort Island for the official flag raising ceremony was a good decision and one for which I congratulate the government. It was

nice to see so many West Indian dignitariesandcelebritiespresent.This makes me wonder, were the leaders of the various opposition parties invited? Ifnot,whynot?

Why invite our brothers and sisters from the wider region to break bread with us, while excluding those in our homefromthecelebration?

For me, it would have been nice to see Amanza O.R. Walton, (who is perhaps our most brilliant mind in parliament at present) taking her seat and being treated with respect. Let’s remember, Burnham and Jagan embracedatourfirstflagraising.

We love to speak about how the British controlled and exploited us using the system of divide and rule.As we celebrate our 60th independence anniversary, were we determined to showhowwellwehavelearntthisart?

I looked at the attempts to raise our flag.AloneinmysittingroomIbentmy head with embarrassment, THE FLAG REFUSED TO UNFOLD! I watched the hierarchy of the various uniformed services, lowering their tired open palms from the salute to a position of attentiononthestage.

The President and the Prime Minister shifted their weight from one foottotheotherinattempttogiveease totheirtiredlegs.Still,theflagrefused tounfold.

TryingtomakesenseofwhatIwas seeing. My mind flask back to the writing of that great black American thinker and writer – James Baldwin, who if he could have witness this catastrophe,wouldhaveconcludedthat theflagbyitsbehaviorwastryingtotell us,wearecelebratingsixtyyears(60)of independence,sixtyyearstooearly

Yoursrespectfully, ClaudiusPrince

The commitment and sacrifices of Guyana’s military personnel

should be

admired and respected not diminished or underplayed

DEAREDITOR,

During the day, or in the deadofnight,whilemostof the country bustle with activity, or remain fast asleep, Guyana’s military men and women, donned in combat uniforms, and equipped with heavy-laden military weapons, remain wide awake patrolling and protecting the territorial integrity of the country, and keepingGuyanesesafefrom incendiaryexternalthreats.

In the absence of a nationalmilitarydraft,these menandwomenvoluntarily enteredmilitaryservice,and for such, become worthy of respect and admiration, particularly for their c o m m i t m e n t a n d willingness to serve the country in the face of constantdanger

Whether prompted to serve out of egoistic or altruistic reasons seem irrelevant,forthesemenand women share in one collective allegiance, one collective consciousness that symbolizes their commitment to be the defenders, the protective vanguards of the country’s national integrity and territoriallegitimacy

Rarely seen patrolling the streets, the security functions of the men and women who serve in Guyana’s militia seldom appear visible to many, and therefore not fully cognizable by the very people who benefit from theirprotection.

Regrettably, as if to embarrass the government, the malcontents seek every opportunity to underplay or discredit the important security functions and dedication of Guyana’s militarypersonnel.

Evidence of such reaction can be seen in recent social media posts that tried to mock the military for its misteps in raising the flag during G u y a n a ’ s 6

Independ

nce Day ceremony

Indeed,theincidentdoes not stand testimony as a proud moment for the military or the government. But how often does such occur? Should one then allow the incident to foreshadow the ongoing security the militia provides foreveryoneinthecountry? Todoso,onlyreflectsone’s foolhardiness.

Moreover, one does not need to be reminded of the constant threat posed by Venezuela’s presidents, past and present - Nicolas Maduro and Delcy Rodriguez,respectively As widely publicized, these former, and present Venezuelan dictators, seldom detract from their frivolous claims to a huge swath of Guyana - the Essequibo region - which necessitates constant vigilance by Guyana’s military Consequently, lobbingchildishbarbsatthe military – as in the case of the flag raising mishap – is

insulting to core integrity of the Guyana Defense Force, and should not serve to diminish or underplay the exemplary efforts of Guyana’s brave men and women in uniforms who assiduously toil in fending offVenezuela’saggression.

BywayoftheforgoingI am reminded of the sacrificesGuyana’sDefense Force soldiers make each andeveryday;sacrificesthat not only linger in the minds of neighbours, friends and families,but,whichdeserve c o n s p i c u o u s memorialization so that those who find infantile pleasures in minor military incidences can be reminded of the braves who lost their livesinthelineofdutytothe country

Most worthy of note are Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, Colonel Michael Sahoud, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome, Staff Sergeant Jason Khan, and retired Brigadier Gary Beatonwholosttheirlivesin the helicopter crash of December 8th, 2023. Not to be ignored are the two survivors Lieutenant Andio Michael Crawford and Corporal Dwayne Johnson, bothofwhomcarrythescars and memories of that fatal incident.

The above-mentioned militia men left their homes andfamiliesdailytoassume responsibilities relating to the defense and security of all Guyanese Without assurances of returning

Corporal seriously injured in Hague accident

APoliceCorporalattachedtoRegionalPoliceDivision# 3 Traffic Department was on Sunday morning seriously injured in an accident along the Hague Public Road, West CoastDemerara(WCD).

homesafely,thesemen,Iam sure, understood that they could be endangering themselves in protection of thecountry,yettheychoseto voluntarily enlist to serve in themilitary,whichthenbegs the question: (a) Do you think those who hurl social mediababblesatthemilitary do so out of courage or cowardice? Before hastening to answer, please give some consideration to the eloquently expressed statement by Dr Martin Luther King when he said: “Cowardice asks the question, “Is it safe?” Expediency asks the question,“Isitpolitic?”And vanitycomesalongandasks thequestion,“Isitpopular?”

But conscience asks the question, “Is it right?” And therecomesatimewhenone musttakeapositionthatitis neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must do it because the conscience tells himitisright.”

Today, the men and womenofGuyana’smilitary continue to serve, not becauseitissafe,orpopular, but because their consciences tell them it is right. For this, they deserve our utmost respect and admiration.

Regards,

NarayanPersaud,PhD ProfessorEmeritus

Theaccidentwhichoccurredatabout12:03hinvolveda motorcycle belonging to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) bearingregistrationnumberCR6252andamotorcarbearing registrationnumberPPP758whichwasdrivenbya39-yearold man from Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

“Preliminaryinvestigationsrevealedthatmotorcar#PPP 758 was stationary on the northern side of the roadway, facingeast,whenthedriverreportedlymadeaU-turnacross the road and collided with Force motorcycle #CR 6252, whichwasproceedingeastalongthenorthernsideofHague PublicRoad,”policesaidinastatement.

As a result of the collision, the corporal was flung over the motor car and fell onto the road, where he sustained injuriesabouttohisbody

He was picked up by public-spirited persons in a conscious condition and taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital,wherehewasexamined.Hewaslatertransferredto the De Kinderen Regional Hospital for further medical attention.

Abreathalysertestwasconductedonthedriverofmotor car#PPP758andnotraceofalcoholwasdetected.

The driver is in police custody assisting with investigations.Investigationsareongoing.

TrumpsendsrevisedpeacedealproposaltoIran

(CNN)PresidentDonald Trump sent back changes to the proposed deal with Iran afterameetingwithadvisers Friday, officials said, extending the back-andforth negotiations into anotherweek.

The exact changes Trump requested weren’t immediately clear, but officials said the president has insisted on tougher language surrounding Iran’s nuclearcommitmentsandits pledgetoreopentheStraitof Hormuz. US allies in the Gulf have been briefed on thediscussions.Oneforeign official familiar with the mattertoldCNNthechanges aren’t substantive and mostlycenteronaUSdesire for assurances on those issues.

Trump has also voiced concern at what financial relief might be provided for Iranaspartofthedeal,wary of comparisons to the “pallets of cash” that were delivered under the Obamaeranucleardealhederidesas weak.

One US official told CNN more military strikes are unlikely with a deal close, and regional allies do not want combat operations toresume.

The latest volley of proposed changes comes a week after Trump declared the deal “largely finalized” and signaled the end of the warwasimminent.

Since then, US officials have telegraphed progress on reaching an agreement that would end hostilities, reopen the strait and begin moredetailedtalksonIran’s nuclearprogram.

Yet even after Trump

U.S. President, Donald Trump

announcedhewouldmakea “finaldetermination”during Friday’s meeting, and spelledoutsomeofthedeal’s conditions on social media, the two-hour session ended without a conclusive decision.

While Trump claimed in his message that the US would seize and destroy Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, Iran has consistently said it is not discussing details of its nuclear program under the currentnegotiations.

Trumpalsoclaimedthere had been no discussion of exchangingmoneyaspartof the deal, a condition Iran saysmustbeincludedinany agreement. Howthosediscrepancies are resolved remained unclear as the haggling over the deal’s language ground forward.

AxiosandTheNewYork Times reported earlier on Trump’srequestforchanges.

Irananian Parliament SpeakerMohammadBagher GhalibafsaidSundaythatno agreement will be approved with the United States until Tehran’s “rights” are secured, according to the

semi-official Tasnim news agency

“The soldiers of the diplomatic battlefield have no trust in the words and promisesoftheenemy What matters to us, is tangible achievements that we must obtain, in exchange for which we will fulfil our commitments,”Tasnimcited Ghalibafassaying.

CNN has learned that an Iranian ballistic missile was interceptedlastweeknearAli AlSalemAirBaseinKuwait, leading to minor injuries amongbasepersonneldueto falling debris, a source familiarsaid

Delaware Sen Chris Coons on Sunday morning said the terms Trump outlinedlastweekfor adeal lookacceptableonpaper,but expressed skepticism it would be achievable in practice – particularly in regard to the Strait of Hormuz.

“While we can use our technological superiority to bomb big factories in Iran, we’renotgoingtobeableto stop them from having the power to use their mines to close the Strait of Hormuz and their drones to attack us

and our allies,” Coons, a Democrat who sits on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said on “Fox News Sunday.” “We’re goingtoneedatoughdealto actually address this new capability that Iran has demonstratedinthiswar.”

In response to Iran’s chokehold on the strait, a critical passage for the global energy trade, Trump has directed the US Navy to blockade the country’s ports andclearthestraitofIranian mines.

The blockade has continued amid the negotiations, with the US military on Friday disabling a Gambian-flagged vessel that was heading to Iran by firing a missile into its engine room, according to USCentralCommand.

CENTCOM said in a statement posted to social media on Saturday the M/V Lian Star was en route to an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman when the US military issued “more than 20 warnings” that it was violatingtheUSblockadeof Iranianports.

It marked the fifth commercial ship the US military has disabled since the blockade began, CENTCOMsaid.Morethan 100 vessels have also been redirected.

Astheeconomicimpacts continue amid the negotiations, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said Sunday that the federal government and private companies still have“billions”ofoilbarrels in reserve while using supplies to offset rising oil prices.

“There’s plenty of runway there’s a lot of pressure on Iran to finally agree to the president’s terms,” he said in an interview on ABC’s “This Week,”replyingtoconcerns from an Exxon Mobil executive last Thursday that inventories are approaching “unheardof”levels.

The Strategic Petroleum Reservedeclinedbyanother 9.1 million barrels between May 15 and May 22, accordingtoaweeklyreport released by the Energy Information Administration. That’smorethantherecordsettingdeclineof8.6million barrelsreportedonMay13.

If a deal is confirmed with Iran and current blockadesareremovedfrom theStraitofHormuz,itcould take two months for oil supplies to return to normal, Hassettsaid.

Loweroilpriceswillalso depend on how quickly refineriescanrevivetheiroil

flows, after sites paused productionamidthewar

Elevated oil prices have triggered higher gas prices. Average US gas prices hit $4.34 per gallon on Sunday, according to AAA. That’s down about 18 cents from a weekagobutremainsalmost 46%highercomparedtothe startofthewar

Rising energy prices have affected Americans’ perceptions of the economy Just 16% of Americans rate the economy as excellent or good, according to a recent Galluppoll.

Hassett waved off Americans’ souring perceptions of the economy, claiminggainsinrealwages and the stock market have offsetinflation.

“If they look at their wallets and look at how muchmoneytheyhaveafter, you know, the increase in prices, they’re going to find that they have a lot more money,”hesaid.

EPAreviewingEIAfor...

Frompage3

thatsuchtransactionsarepartoftheglobalminingindustry andnotuniquetoGuyana.

“Wemaynotbehappywiththat,buttherealityisthatyou arein an internationalmarket,so it’s not a happinessindex measuring,it’sarealityoftheglobalsystemwe’reoperating in…There are global rules in that environment. There are globalstandardsinthatenvironment.Asacountry,wehave to, we don’t have a choice, when you accept international investorinyourcountry,youmaynotbehappy…butit’snot a happiness index. Policy making is not necessarily happinessindexmeasuringoneveryissue…”hesaid.

Over the years, Kaieteur News has spotlighted the growing number of foreign players, particularly Canadian firmsoperatingintheminingindustry

This publication recently reported that 11 Canadian firmsarecurrentlyadvancinggoldprojectsacrossGuyana’s miningdistricts,collectivelycontrollingmillionsofounces ofgoldatvariousstagesofdevelopment–withsomenearing goldproduction.

The article highlights that most of these projects are located in Region Seven, the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Mining District, a region recognised for its significant gold potential. For five of the 11 companies, the Proven and ProbableReservesandindicatedMineralResourceEstimate (MRE)amountto15.7millionouncesofgold.

The remaining companies are still in the exploration stageandhavenotreachedthepointofannouncingresource estimates.

Couple

swept away...

Frompage2

noted that a lifeguard station was located at the beach but claimed that no lifeguard was present at the time of the incident.

AccordingtoRose,afriendwhowaswithhimwitnessed Francisstrugglinginthewaterandbecamefrustratedbythe apparentlackofrescueequipment."Hefelthelplessbecause therewasnothingavailabletoassist.Hesaidthatiftherehad beenasurfboardorsometypeofrescueequipment,hemight havebeenabletoattemptarescue,"Rosesaid.

He expressed concern about the absence of lifeguards, particularly on weekends when the beach attracts large crowds.“Alifeguardcouldnotonlyattemptarescuebutalso warn swimmers about dangerous conditions and intervene whenpeopleventureintounsafeareas,"hestated.

Rosefurthernotedthatseveralonlookerstoldhimthere hadbeenpreviousdrowningincidentsinthesamesectionof thebeach.

Coalition blames govt. neglect

...as

flood waters swamp Regions 4, 5 and 6

The People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) have sharply criticised the g o v e r n m e n t o v e r widespread flooding across Regions 4, 5 and 6, arguing that years of poor planning and neglected drainage infrastructure have left communities vulnerable to recurringdisasters.

InastatementonSunday the party said hundreds of familiesareonceagainbeing forced to endure flooded homes, damaged property, disrupted livelihoods, and significanthardshipbecause of the government's continuedfailuretoproperly plan and manage Guyana's drainageinfrastructure.

"Guyanaisacountrythat lies largely below sea level.

A n y r e s p o n s i b l e government understands

that drainage and irrigation systems are not optional conveniences but essential components of national development and public safety Unfortunately, the PPP/C government has repeatedly ignored this reality," the party said in a statement.

According to the

PNCR/APNU,foryearsthey have cautioned the governmentthatitsapproach to major road expansion projects, particularly along the railway embankment corridor and in several sectionsofGeorgetown,was fundamentally flawed. "We warned that existing drainage channels were being compromised, reduced, or eliminated, withoutadequatealternative systemsinplacetofacilitate therapidmovementofwater during periods of heavy

rainfall.

We further advised that drains, canals, and waterwaysmustberegularly desilted and maintained, particularly given Guyana's vulnerabilitytofloodingand the increasing frequency of intense rainfall events

These warnings and recommendations were brushed aside, ignored and fellondeafears."

Today, the party said the consequences of that negligence are being experienced by ordinary citizens who are forced to wade through floodwaters, suffer losses, and endure uncertainty, while the government engages in public relations exercises andphotoopportunities.

"The recent and continuing flooding rests squarely at the feet of an ignorant, arrogant, inept,

Probation officers

incompetent, and uncaring PPP/C government that has consistently prioritised optics over effective governance.

Rather than investing in comprehensive drainage solutions and resilient infrastructure, the Government has pursued

fired for dragging schoolgirl through streets

The two probation officerswhowerecaughton

camera dragging a schoolgirl through the streetshavebeendismissed.

The officers were attachedtotheChildcareand Protection Agency of the MinistryofHumanServices andSocialSecurity

Theywerefiredaboutsix weeks after the incident, a sourcetoldKaieteurNews.

It is not clear why the ministry has not to date released this information, but speaking on the condition of anonymity, the source said that a tribunal was set up to investigate the matter and following the probe the two officers were dismissed.

“We are protecting children. The ministry took action in keeping with the protection of children,” the source shared, adding that it would be unethical for the ministry to allow abusers of childrentocontinueworking with them after an incident like this. “We have a zero tolerance for abuse The ministry gets flagged for many things but it is very serious about abuse cases. We would in no way condone abuse,” the source said.Avideooftheincident had surfaced on social media, showing the two officers dragging the girl who was clad in her school

projects without sufficient regard for their long-term i m p a c t o n f l o o d management and public safety."

The flooding now affecting communities across Regions 4, 5, and 6, and parts of Georgetown, is not merely the result of heavyrainfall,itistheresult ofpoorplanning,inadequate maintenance,andafailureto heed expert advice and legitimate concerns from citizens, engineers, community leaders, and, most importantly, the PNCR/APNU.

politicalimage-making.The PNCR/APNU remains committed to advising the government and people of Guyana on present and future solutions to flooding, whilestandingwithaffected residents and advocating for the urgent action needed to prevent these recurring disasters from becoming the new normal," the statement concluded.

uniform, with one of the officers holding on to the girl's hair as they dragged her Persons at the bus park were heard registering their objections with the way the childwasbeingtreated.

Minister of Human ServicesandSocialSecurity, Dr Vindhya Persaud in a Facebook post had subsequentlyconfirmedthat thematterwasbroughttoher

attention and immediate action was taken “An appalling video of a school child being dragged by two officers of the Child ProtectionAgency has been broughttomyattention,”the ministersaid.

She disclosed that the officers were suspended with immediate effect and thattheGuyanaPoliceForce had been called in to take

The dragging incident on the Stabroek minibus park

furtheraction.“Theywillbe held accountable for their conductwhichruncounterto the values and operational procedures of the Child ProtectionAgency,”Persaud stated Further, she had reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to child protection, adding, “Incidents such as this cannot and will not be tolerated.”

The PNCR/APNU therefore calls on the G o v e r n m e n t t o immediately:

1 Deploy all available resources to assist affected communities;

2 Conduct an urgent assessment of compromised drainage systems in floodproneareas;

3. Implement an aggressive programme of desilting and drainage maintenance throughoutthecountry;

4.Reviewallmajorroadand infrastructure projects to

ensure that adequate

drainage capacity is preservedandenhanced;

5 E s t a b l i s h a comprehensive national floodmitigationstrategythat addresses both current and futurechallenges.

"The time has come for Guyanese to recognise that this government lacks the vision, competence, and foresightrequiredtoaddress the real problems facing our n a t i o n G r a n d announcements, expensive ceremonies, and impressive headlines cannot substitute for sound governance and practicalsolutions.

The people of Guyana deserve a government that plansahead,listenstoexpert a d v i c e , p r o t e c t s communities,andplacesthe welfare of citizens above

Persistent and heavy rainfall on Saturday has causedfloodsacrossRegion Fourandothercommunities, prompting PresidentAli and hisCabinettomeetRegional Executive Officers and Regional Chairpersons to coordinate a national response to widespread flooding.

Speaking during an assessment in Region Three on Saturday morning, President Ali said the government is closely monitoring the situation and has activated a coordinated national response involving regional administrations, drainage and irrigation authorities, and emergency agencies.

The volume of rainfall recorded in recent days has been significantly above normal levels, resulting in overtoppingofdrains,water accumulation in low-lying areas, and flooding in several communities. “We are seeing very high and unusual rainfall patterns across the country, and as a government, we are on the ground ensuring that every agency is working together tobringreliefandsupportto residents,” President Ali said.

President Ali explained that teams have been dispatchedtoassessdamage, i d e n t i f y u r g e n t interventions, and ensure that drainage systems are functioning effectively He said additional pumps and (Continuedonpage16)

A man wades through flood waters on Saturday (DPI)

AbsenteeismatSchool

There are a great many children each day who are not attending school. When someareaskedwhytheyare not at school, they lie by claimingthattheirparentsdo nothavemoneytosendthem to school. The blame is rightlyplacedontheparents, butforthewrongreasons.

Itisnotforlackofmoney that these kids are not in school They are not attending school because either the parents do not appreciate enough the importance of an education, donotcareenoughorsimply are unconcerned about their parental obligation to send theirchildrentoschool.

No matter how difficult your circumstances, there is alwayshelpavailabletoany parent who wishes to find moneytopackalunchkitfor their kids school. There are still a great many caring persons in this society who would jump to assist any parent who cannot afford a meal for their kid. But they arenotgoingtodosoifthey see that parents squandering

money on unnecessary thingssuchasphonecredits.

A child who faces no sanction for not attending school would eventually believe that he or she is not under any lawful duty to go to school and therefore is free to stay at home or to wander on the streets, aimlessly

There was a unit within the Ministry of Education thatusedtogoaroundcertain communities picking up children who are not in school during school hours. Thisunithasbeenknown to arrestdelinquentparentsand takethemdowntotheoffice forabriefing.

But what guarantees are there that these children, after they would have been released, would consistently attend school? There are no guarantees.Theparentcould sendthechildtoschoolfora couple of days and then reverttothehabitualneglect ofthisduty

Then there are some parents and guardians who taketheirchildrenwiththem

to work and have them sitting there with them all day There are many selfemployed parents who would have their school age children with them all day This is especially visible aroundthemarkets.

There are also cases where parents send their children to school and after school, the children have to sitandwaituntiltheparentis readytoleaveforhome.This happens a lot around the markets.

Any campaign to deal withthisproblem,therefore, has to begin around the markets where many school agechildrenaretobefound. But once the campaign is over, there is the additional problemofensuringthatthe children continue to attend school.

This is where the Ministry of Education should intervene Every class teacher should have a registerofallthechildrenin the class. If one day a child does not turn up to school, the teacher should call the

Linden mam stabbed to death during row

...suspect arrested

Police are investigating an alleged murder which occurred on Sunday, May 31, 2026, about 18:07hrs at Lovers Lane, Amelia’sWard,Mackenzie,Linden.

DeadisTafawaAlexander,a23-year-old labourerofSchemeHill,Wismar

In a press release, police said preliminary investigations revealed that Alexander and a 38-year-old man of Lovers Lane, Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden, were involved in an altercation,duringwhichthesuspectallegedly armedhimselfwithaknifeanddealtAlexander severalstabwoundsabouthisbody

The injured man was escorted to the MackenzieHospitalComplex,wherehewas pronounceddeadonarrival.

Thebodywasexaminedandstabwounds were observed on the left upper chest, left upperarmandtheleftsideofhishead.

The suspect was subsequently arrested andescortedtotheMackenziePoliceStation, whereheispresentlyincustody.

A knife suspected to have been used during the incident was recovered and lodged. The suspect remains in custody as investigationscontinue.

DEM BOYS SEH

Bettersafethansquashed!

How many of yall remember dem oldtime school days when yuh used to have traffic patrols or wah we does call traffic wardensfuhhelpdemchildrencrossderoad togotoandfromschool.

In dem times, students proudly donned dem colorful harnesses, wielding stop signs likeknightsofthezebracrossing,baskingin the glory of regulating the traffic, all in the nameofsafety

Back then, every child with an ounce of ambition wanted to be a traffic patrol. Dem did, crave de limelight and the adoration of their peers, parading around in their shocking-colouredharnesses.

Butoh,howthetideshaveturned.Inthis modern age, where vehicles speed like theyre at de South Dakota RaceTrack, dem schoolpickneyhavedevelopedanewfound senseofself-preservation.

Demlookatthoseonce-enviedharnesses andshiverinterroratthethoughtofstanding

parentandfindoutaboutthe whereaboutsofthatchild.

Thechildmaybesickor may be unable to attend school for some legitimate reason. But the child may havealsoskulkedorisbeing kept away from school for someotherreason.

Most teachers, however, donotbothertoimmediately enquireabouttheabsenceof a child from school; some wait until the next day to demand an excuse while otherssimplydonotbother

There may be cases where a child leaves for school but finds himself or herself in bad company and therefore does not attend school. The next day that child can produce a forged excuseforhisorherabsence. This is why it is important that if a child is absent from school for one day, that the teacher makes an inquiry fromtheparent.

If such a rule is implemented, there is likely tobeastormofprotestsfrom teachers who will ask Who will pay for the call.Well, if teachers who are miserly to make an issue of something like this, that teacher should really not be teaching in the classroom or in the teaching

profession.Itisnotasifthere are twenty or thirty students per class who go missing each day At most, only two orthreegomissing.

However, if the cost of thephonecallsisaproblem, then the teacher should simply prepare a list for the head teacher by 10 am each day as to which children are not in school, and that head teacher should call the parents using the schools phone (if there is one) or delegate such responsibility tosomeoneelse.

If the cost of providing their service is a problem, giventhelimitedBudgetsof schools, the parent-teachers associations should be approached to pick up the tab. Checking on children will assist in identifying when a child has left for school but skulks from classes. It will also aid the schools in identifying those parents who are not making an effort to send their childrentoschool.

in harms way “To patrol or not to patrol?” they ask themselves, and the answer is a resounding“Nottoday!”

One brave child dared to bring up the ideaofjoiningthetrafficpatrolathome.But oh,whatamistake!Theparents,fearingfor theiroffspringssafety,promptlyyankedhim outofschool!

Can you blame these kids for their trepidation?Itslikeaskingalambtostepinto a den of ravenous lions armed with stop signs. In a country where road rage is rampant and roads have become makeshift racetracks,whowouldwillinglysignupfor potentialvehicularsacrifice?

So, let us bid adieu to the days when traffic patrol was a coveted dream. The harnessesmaystillbecolorful,buttherisks havebecomefartooreal.Thechildrenhave spoken, and theyve said, “Dem boys seh, bettersafethansquashed!”

Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

It is therefore important that there be an ongoing campaign to ensure regular attendance by all children. This requires a key role for classteachers,sincetheyare in contact with the children and be best able to indicate whetherachildisabsent.

There are high social costs attributable to school dropouts,andthesecostsact as a drain on critical resources which can be better deployed to improve educationalstandards.

As such, in order to reduce these costs, it makes sense for a system to be put in place that allows for proactive monitoring of the attendance of children at school.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the o p i n i o n s o f t h i s newspaper.)

If it is found, however, that there are genuine cases in which parents simply cannot afford to send their children to school because theydonothaveanythingto put in their lunch kit, then this can be addressed by the schools welfare division a f t e r a t h o r o u g h investigation.

H@RD TRUTHS

Get something right, please

First, it was a sacred emblem, the National Flag during the Diamond Jubilee Independence celebrations, whichshoweditsopposition to being pushed around and treated like a yoyo. From there things went from a national embarrassment to a nationaldisgrace. Therains

came in torrential downpours, the floods followed. Will the PPP Govt., from president to its other human props get something right, please? Floodsarethefocus.

Wrongprioritiesproduce wrong results Grand, expensivemonumentsgoing up left and right, here and everywhere. Great stuff, I say But why not the floorboards that are either covered by floodwaters, or so weakened that the people

using them can't standup?

Anotherpriorityhasbeenthe politics of power: push for more control, towards total control. To take charge of one municipality and township after another, while prevention and maintenance suffer from lack of finances or lack of genuineinterest. Bigvisions and the pursuit of power at allcostsleadtoGuyanesein different places across the country swamped to their gills. The neglected paying the price for the corrupted. Billions budgeted. Where did the money go? Pumps bought.Howcometheycan't do the job when rains descend and water levels rise? Morelamenting,more handwringing. Andmoreof that circus visiting flooded areas again. The caravans

carrying Cabinet members hurrying to pacify the

instances of 'Because We Care.

The money was and is there to care. Except that there are monuments to build, speeches to celebrate, and funds to steal. So, the Guyanese spirit shattered and under watery siege across the Land of Many Waters,getmorewatersthan they need, can manage Floods were feared and spokenofbefore.

The cry was that there was no money Billions needed. Guyana has them now ThePPPGovt.hasfull controlofthosebillionsnow So,whathappened? Whydo floods still overtake and overwhelm from the capital

city to some drowning community in near and distantpartsofthiscountry?

The Big Kahunas parade in chariots(Mercedes,Ferraris, and Lamborghinis). The little people of Guyana ply their canoes and other ways to stay afloat Soaked Homes flooded First seeped, then saturated Rising tides of water with nowhere to go. Nothing new, only the tiring, sickening old. The New Guyana just cannot shake beingtheOldGuyana.

Thereisrelief:ministers in a cavalcade of relief ambulances rushing to soothe. Nooneinhighplace is laughing this time. At least,notinpublic.

The public is still hospitable, still welcoming, still hoping For what, avoiding a repeat? Tough luck. Don't hold breath. Beforethewaterssubside,it will be back to the usual routines Speeches Celebrations. Thepresident

pleased to be a traveling oil salesman, while Guyanese live like bondsmen Too muchwater Toolittle genuine attention. littlehonesteffort. Forflood control. For light in the house and houses of commerce. For truth and honesty in government and leadership. For putting the things that demand and deserve to be prioritized at thetopofeverylist.

When government is crooked, then its programs are crooked. Pumps failing (heard before) Rains swamping (same result)

Ministers scrambling (camouflaging failures)

Leaders assembling (handwringing, promising).

Citizens reeling (relief coming) SNAFU multiplying (disasters repeated). There can be no excuses now There should not be any more appeals for more time, more patience,

more understanding. Get it done. Orgetout. Guyanese had better get sense and get up and get those who toy with their wellbeing out of where they are The challenge is to where and who, and with what result. Theoutlookisuninspiring. Last, I read that this season's El Nino is calculated to be a bad one. Whatthen? Eitherarockor a harder place: more floods or drought. Both means higher stresses, higher prices Not to worry, government cares, has a plan.

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

Venezuelan construction worker shot by farmer at Parika

A 20-year-old Venezuelan construction worker of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) was on Saturday night shot by a 62year-oldfarmeratParika,EBE.

Policeinastatementsaidthatthefarmer was at home when he reportedly heard a soundcomingfromhisfrontdoor

The farmer later reported the matter to the Police.The licensed firearm, five live rounds and two spent shells were lodged pendinginvestigation,policesaid.

Several persons were questioned and statements are being taken as part of the investigation.

Police in Regional Division # 3 are investigatingtheshootingincident.

“Further enquiries disclosed that the farmer, who is a licensed firearm holder, later observed the 20-year-old male under a shed on his property. During the incident, two rounds were discharged from the firearm, which resulted in the 20-year-old receivinginjuriestohisupperrightabdomen area,”policesaid. Theincidentoccurredatabout23:30h. The injured man was taken to the De Kinderen Regional Hospital, where he was admitted.

Alphonso family JV deals hand foreign firms control of over 600 sq. kilometers of Guyana gold lands

...one project alone targets five million ounces of gold

Through a series of joint venture agreements, the Alphonso family has facilitated foreign mining companies gaining control ofmorethan600squarekilometres (km²) of gold-bearing lands in Guyana.

The arrangements involve the 5.4 million ounces Toroparu Gold Project and the Greater Oko Gold Project,whichtogetheraccountfor approximately 634 km² of mining lands in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

Mostrecently,Australian-listed AltairMineralsLimitedsecuredan agreement to acquire up to 70% of the Greater Oko Gold Project which is 590 km² contiguous mining lands. The company had disclosed that after nine months of negotiations, it was able to enter into a binding heads of agreement inAugust 2025, withAdamantium ExplorationInc.,acompanyowned by the Alphonso family Adamantium Exploration Inc. is part of Adamantium Holdings, conglomerate which is involved in mining, construction, agriculture, real estate, and petroleum productionsupport.

AccordingtoAltair,theGreater Oko Project, which is in an advanced exploration stage, is considered the largest gold exploration in Guyana and in the Guiana Shield. The company also spotlighted that Greater Oko is twice the combined size of every

activegoldprojectinGuyana.

Altair in its disclosure said the agreementcatersfortheexpansion ofupto3,500km²ofmininglands, positioning the company as the “most dominant explorer” in Guyana. The company also stated that the strategic acquisition

positionsthecompanyasaleading explorer in the Guiana Shield, adjacent to nearly nine million ounces of recent high-grade discoveries.

Altair has boasted that its 590 km² contiguous landholding agreement cannot be replicated in

Guyana. It highlighted that mining permitsheldbylocalsmostlyrange from0.5to5km²,therebycreating barriersandcreatinganexhaustive and impractical process to negotiatewithcountlessindividual citizens.

The landholding consists of four advanced targets: South Oko (Soko), North Peters (NP), Old Granny (OG) and Kmung (KM). (Continuedonpage16)

Andron Alphonso of Adamantium Holdings

Toroparu deposit

Man critical after struck by drunk driver on Independence Day

AMahaicony,EastCoast Demerara family says they have been left frustrated and devastated after a 56-yearold relative was allegedly struck by a vehicle driven by an intoxicated man, leaving himwithseriousinjuriesand unabletowork.

Ramcharan Dyal, of Chelsea Park, Mahaica, was involved in a collision on May 26, 2026, which has since placed significant financial and emotional strain on his household, according to his daughter, MelisaJagesar J

approximately 6:15 a.m. on Independence Day, her father was riding his motorcycle to work with his grass-cutting equipment when he was allegedly struckbyamotorcar

As a result of the collision, Dyal sustained severe head injuries, along

with injuries to his face, arms, legs, and other parts of his body He also suffered substantial blood loss, while his work equipment was badlydamaged.

The incident has created major challenges for Dyal's three-member household, which includes his wife and oneofhisdaughters.

"He can't work because of these injuries. He has no income, and he is the sole breadwinner in the household His wife and daughter are caring for him around the clock—cooking, cleaning, and nursing him as best they can to aid his recovery Even so, it could takemonthsbeforeheisable to fully recover, and we still don't know how long that process will take," Jagesar said.

Adding to the family's frustration, Jagesar claimed that the driver's relatives haveshownlittleconcernfor

her father's condition and have made no effort to formally engage the family or accept responsibility for theaccident.

She further alleged that the driver's family has sought to portray Dyal as the intoxicated party, rather than the driver involved in the crash.

"They want to settle the matter for $500,000. Neither the driver nor his family has called even once to ask how my father is doing. This matter is not being treated with the seriousness it deserves, considering the severity of his injuries and the reckless nature of the incident,"shestated.

Jagesar confirmed that her family rejected the settlement offer, insisting that they are seeking justice for her father However, she said they have become increasingly dissatisfied withthemannerinwhichthe

A section of the gathering at the outreach

Bartica to get one-stop Govt. Service Centre

President Irfaan Ali on Sunday

announced that Region Seven (Cuyuni–Mazaruni) will have its own Government Service Centre in Bartica within the next four weeks, bringing a wide range of government services closer to residents.

The announcement was made during his address to hundreds of residents of Karrau Creek at a cabinet outreach on Sunday morning,OfficeofthePresidentreported.

The President emphasised that the service centre will serve as a one-stop, decentralised hub where residents can handle a variety of government transactions allinoneplace.

High on the agenda also is the further

matter has been handled by thepolice.

According to her, Dyal was subjected to verbal abuse while at the Mahaicony Police Station andwasallegedlythreatened with detention by an inspector attached to the NumberTwoSub-Division.

In a social media post, Jagesar detailed what she described as several troubling developments that have undermined the family's confidence in the investigation.

"This inspector verbally abused my father while he was at the station. He told him he would lock him up becausehecouldn'tanswera question properly He was shouting at him like an animal,"shealleged.

She further claimed that the officer has since refused to communicate with the familyregardingthematter

Five days after the incident, the family says it remains uncertain about the status of the investigation. Jagesar also alleged that her father was made to sign a

Ramcharan Dyal, injured reportedly by a drunk driver

statement prepared by the inspector rather than one writteninhisownwords.

Meanwhile, she noted that the driver and his family have indicated their willingness to have the matter resolved through the courts.However,shesaidthe family remains unaware of the specific charges reportedly laid against the

driver

Dissatisfied with the progress of the case, Jagesar is now appealing to the Commissioner of Police to intervene and ensure that the matter is handled fairly and transparently "He deserves proper medical support and accountability from those responsible,"sheasserted.

development of Karrau, including the rehabilitation of over 10km of roads, completion of the new secondary school; building food security systems; supporting residents with a housing development programme through the supply of building materials to vulnerable families; enhancing health services with the addition of dental services; addressing the community's power and water supply, and ensuring that the important development for residents are prioritisied.

Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, the Honourable Zulfikar Ally and other government and regional officials were also atthemeeting.

President Irfaan Ali and some of his ministers at

Fire razes Demerara Shipping workshop, Lombard Street business

Anearlymorningfireyesterday gutted the workshop of the Demerara Shipping Company LimitedonWaterStreet,alongwith sections of Herman and Sons Tailoring and Suit Rental on LombardStreet,Georgetown.

While workers at 'Demerara Shipping' declined to comment, Giovanni Bholaisingh known as Richard told Kaieteur News that thefirerippedthroughasectionof the third storey of the familyownedtailoringbusiness,resulting in millions of dollars in losses but sparing the lives of everyone including his wife and five children.

Bholaisingh and his family were asleep when he received a telephone call around 2:30 a.m. informing him that the building wasonfire.Hesaidheimmediately rushed from his bedroom and ran downstairs to investigate but after seeingthatthefrontoftheproperty wasintact,hewenttotherearofthe building where a gush of fire went straighttohisfaceafteropeningthe backdoor

Believing that the blaze started intheneighbouringpropertybefore spreadingtohisbuilding,hesaidhe quickly shifted his focus to saving his family and whatever assets he could salvage. "I started grabbing my vehicle keys and my kids and starteddrivingoutthevehiclesand

seeing what I could save," he explained."Istartedpullingoutthe machines and putting them in my truck,"hesaid,notingthatresidents and onlookers gathered in large numbersasfirefighterswereonthe scene. "There were a lot of people out here. If there was an opening anywhere, they would have come andlootedeverything."

According to Bholaisingh, the neighbouring building was completely destroyed by the fire. While the exact cause remains unknown, he said several persons in the area reported hearing small explosions during the fire "I couldn't hear anything because my room is enclosed," he said, noting that it could have been gas bottles orweldingcylindersbecauseofthe kind of work that is done in the workshop.

Henotedthatatleasttwotrucks parked on the neighbouring property were also destroyed However, among the most significant losses for him was his professional sound system rental business,whichoperatedalongside thetailoringenterprise."Myentire music system that I would rent to weddings and other events was completely burnt out," he said. "That alone is valued at about $35 to $40 million." Several washing machines and other pieces of equipment were also damaged or

destroyed,hesaid.

Despitethelosses,Bholaisingh praisedtheGuyanaFireServicefor preventingthebuildingfrombeing completely consumed. "The fire station did a good job," he said. "Thewomaninchargeofthecrew, I don't know her name, but she actually saved the building from gettingfurtherdamage."

Early Sunday morning, workers were engaged in major cleaning as Bholaisingh sought to

resume operations as quickly as possible."Wearetryingtocleanup so we can open for business

tomorrow morning (this morning)," he said. "This is the only income I have. I can't depend onthemusicrentalanymore."

Water damage has also created additional challenges as leaking sections of firefighting hoses caused water to soak clothing and materials inside the store. "I have all my workers trying to dry the

Bholaisingh assessing his losses

placesothatGPLcancomeandput back the lights," he said, adding thatacertifiedelectricianwasalso neededtomakesurethewiringwas intact.

According to Bholaisingh, this is the third time that the business has been affected by fire. It was established in the 1960s in Corentyne by his grandfather and has operated for decades as one of thecountry'slongstandingtailoring businesses.

The workshop of the Demerara Shipping Company Limited was gutted by the fire

Herman and Sons Tailoring and Suit Rental on Lombard Street, Georgetown.

Bholaisingh and his family (centre) works with staff to clean the fire-damaged business in preparation for reopening.

BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT

Ashni Singh's charge

Finance Minister, Ashni Singh's call for Guyanese businesses to look abroad for opportunities sounds inspiring, but it sidesteps a glaring reality. While foreign companies continue to flood Guyana and secure lucrative contracts, many local businesses are still struggling to gain meaningful access to opportunities in their own country.

It is difficult to tell Guyanese entrepreneurs to conquer regional markets when some cannot fully participate in the boom unfolding at home. Before preaching overseas expansion, government must explain why foreign firms dominate so many sectors and why local businesses still complain about barriers, unequal competition and limited access.

Yes, Guyanese companies should strive for world-class standards and regional growth. But strong regional players are first built on a solid domestic foundation. Government cannot celebrate foreign investment while expecting locals to look elsewhere for success. The first frontier for Guyanese business should be Guyana itself.

WANTED

Wanted one professional jeweller.Contact:612-2125.

Excavator Operations to workintheinterior.Contact: 223-5273/4,621-5907.

Small family to live on PoultryFarm,EBD&touse brush cuter. $170,000 a month.Call:695-5310/6174662.

Driver/OfficeAssistant,Van & Car License. $170,000 a month.Call:695-5310/6174662.

Night Guard wanted (Soesdyke). $120,000 a month.Call:695-5310/6174662.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

1 Honda CRV, includes TV, musicsystem,alarm,reverse camera,spoiler,lowmileage, PTTSeries(firstowner).Call: 649-0956.

SERVICES

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada&UK:Graphicsdesign,advertisements,wedding archrentals.Tel:626-7040.

LAND FOR SALE

UndevelopedLandsforSale at Manchester, Corentyne Section C $5M, Section D $1.8M.Call218-4142before 10pm.

FOR SALE

Solar System for sale. Contact: 757-1581 / 7159392.

TRUCK TIRES 295/ 75 R22.5 $40K EACH. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL / WHATSAPP: +592-688-3201.

General Domestic (4 day work)&experienedhandyman,applyatKeyfoodTrading, Mc Doom next to the post office.

Reliablehousekeepingstaff needed. Must be punctual &detail-oriented.Call:2250198

Reliable deskstaff needed. Mustbepunctual.Call:2250198.

Now Hiring Bus Drivers. Route 47 Zone (can be changed if required). Call / Whatsapp:592-681-8119

ConcernsgrowoverDomesticAirways safety record, regulatory status

Concerns are deepening regarding the regulatory status and operational safety of Domestic Airways, a private aviation company owned by Orlando Charles.

Following an incident on Sunday—reportedlythefifth such occurrence involving the company’s operations, industry observers are demanding urgent clarity from the Guyana Civil AviationAuthority(GCAA).

The recent incident has reignited a long-standing controversy surrounding how the company is permitted to conduct commercialoperationswithin Guyana. Central to the skepticismarefourkeyareas: the absence of an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), the status of its aircraft registration, the lack of operational manuals, and the company’s overall compliance with national aviation safety standards.

REGULATORY AMBIGUITY

Kaieteur News was told that an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) is the foundational document required for any entity intending to transport passengers or cargo for commercial gain. Industry standards, reflected in the requirements set by the GCAA, mandate that any commercial operator must undergorigorouscertificationto demonstrate professional competence, safe operating systems, and financial viability (Dempsey,n.d.).

Critics are questioning how DomesticAirways have allegedly bypassed this essential safety requirement while continuously earning revenue through commercial flight services. Under international standards, to which Guyana is a signatory, any aircraft utilized for commercialairtransportmust

Coalitionblamesgovt...

From page 8 resourceswerebeingmobilisedwherenecessarytoaccelerate theremovaloffloodwaters.

Cabinet ministers were also assigned to various regions to engage residents directly, monitor conditions and coordinate relief efforts with local authorities. Ali assured citizens that the government would continue to provide supporttoaffectedfamiliesandcommunities,whilemaintaining close surveillance of weather conditions and water levels.

He emphasised that public infrastructure agencies were working around the clock to clear drainage channels, operate pumps and address critical areas experiencing flooding. Ali urged residents to remain vigilant, heed advisories issued by relevant authorities and report areas requiring immediate attention.“Wewillcontinuetobepresentinthecommunities, assess the situation firsthand, and ensure that all necessary resources are deployed to safeguard lives and livelihoods,” he stated.

While the government deployed its teams, the Leader of theOpposition,AzruddinMohamedheavilycriticisedthestate of the drainage infrastructure, highlighting that communities likeBetterHopeareunderwaterbecauselocalpumpstations aresimplynotworking.

The Opposition Leader pointed out that only two out of five pumps are currently operational at Montrose, causing major flooding on the East Coast, while the Plaisance pump station was completely down, exacerbating the situation in both Better Hope and Plaisance.

satisfy stringent airworthiness certifications and be registered in the host country to ensure oversight and traceability (Dempsey, n.d.). There are persistent reports that a significant portionofthecompany’sfleet continues to operate without localcommercialregistration, raising questions about the legalbasisfortheserevenuegenerating flights.

MISSINGMANUALS ANDOVERSIGHT

Safety protocols for commercial aviation in Guyana extend beyond the flight deck. Operators are generallyrequiredtomaintain specific documentation, including an “away-frombase” or “shuttle” manual, which outlines standard operating procedures for flights conducted outside the

primary base of operations. Thesemanualsarecriticalfor managingrisk,refueling,and emergency responses in remotelocations.

The failure to produce or adhere to such documentation is a significant red flag. Without these,itremainsunclearhow the GCAA can effectively monitor the company’s compliance with the Civil Aviation Regulations.

APATTERNOF INCIDENTS

Sunday’scrashmarksthe fifth reported incident involving DomesticAirways in recent years. For many in the aviation community, this pattern suggests systemic issues rather than isolated pilotormechanicalerrors.

AstheGCAApreparesits investigation into the most

recent occurrence, local operators are asking:

How is the company allowed to earn revenue commercially without an activeAOC?

What measures are being taken to ensure all aircraft in the fleet meet the national standards for commercial registration?

Why is an operator allowed to fly without the mandatory “shuttle” or “away-from-base”manuals?

One aviator said, the GCAA, as the guardian of aviation safety in Guyana must address these lapses. “Failure to provide transparency on these issues couldjeopardisetheintegrity of Guyana’s aviation sector and the safety of those who rely on it for transport,” the aviator said.

AlphonsofamilyJVdealshand foreignfirmscontrolofover...

From page 11 Altair’s initial exploration workisfocusingonSokoand NP

Notably,ChiefExecutive Officer (CEO) of Altair Minerals Limited, Faheem Ahmed has noted that the Greater Oko Project has the potential to be a “company maker”forAltair Similarly, the Toroparu depositislocatedonproperty that was originally subject to a Mining Joint Venture AgreementbetweenMr Alfro AlphonsoandMr.GregoryK. Graham, effective August 1, 1999. This arrangement, initially called the Upper Puruni Venture, was later amended and restated on January 1, 2008, through an agreement between Mr. Alphonso and ETK Inc. –referred to as the A&R Joint VentureAgreement.

ETK is a subsidiary of

Canada-based Aris Mining Corporation.

According to an October 2025 report, in March 2020, ETK exercised its option under that agreement and acquired the Option Interest, paying US$20 million to finalise the purchase and extinguish its obligations to makefurtherpaymentsunderthe A&R agreement. Meanwhile, Alphonso retained rights to conduct alluvial mining on specific lands not tied to the Toroparu Project, along with access to certain roads and anairstripbuiltbyETK.

As part of that transaction,Alphonso issued a written affirmation and declaration of trust, acknowledging that he holds all lands and permits under theA&RJointVentureintrust for ETK, pending the conversionofthesmall-scale licenses into large-scale mininglicenses.

The Toroparu Project located in Region Seven, is one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits in Guyana. This project is expected to produce an averageof235,000ouncesof gold per year over more than two decades, yielding approximately five million ounces of gold, 4.9 million ounces of silver, and 260 millionpoundsofcopperover itsminelife.

Thecompanyhasalready begun pre-construction activitiesatthesite,including the construction of a bridge at the Puruni River crossing and ongoing road works to improveaccesstotheproject. The Toroparu prefeasibility study is expected to be completed this year, as the company positions for a potential construction decisionbyearly2027.

VACANCY

BBC - Israel’s military says it captured Beaufort Castle, a strategicfortinsouthernLebanon

The Israeli military has captured the strategic site of Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as a “decisive shift” in its offensive againstHezbollah.

Itcomesasgroundtroopsmove everdeeperintoLebaneseterritory beyond their original demarcation lineoftheLitaniriver

Meanwhile the Israel Defense Forces(IDF)increasedthezonein southern Lebanon that it has warnedresidentstoevacuatefrom.

Lebanon’s prime minister has accused Israel of carrying out “collectivepunishment”.

Perched over the Litani valley, Beaufort Castle has been key to controlling the region around it since the Crusaders built it some 900 years ago. The Israeli army captured it 44 years ago in what’s known in Israel as the First LebanonWar

In a statement on Sunday

Israel seizes castle in Lebanon as it expands ground offensive

Israel’s military says it captured Beaufort Castle, a strategic fort in southern Lebanon (Reuters)

following its capture, Netanyahu said it was “a decisive stage and decisiveshiftinourpolicy”.

“We have broken the barrier of fear Wearetakingtheinitiative,we areoperatingonallfronts-inSyria, inGaza,inLebanon,”hesaid.

Netanyahu added that his aim wasto“deepenandexpandourgrip on the places that were under Hezbollah’scontrol”.

Defence Minister Israel Katz recalled the battle 44 years ago against the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) - one of the first of the Lebanon war He said the Golani Brigade, which took it then, had returned and raised the Israeliflagaboveit.

So, it’s a highly symbolic as well as strategic victory, as far as Israelisconcerned.

In 1982 Israeli forces occupied the castle - which is just 14.5km (ninemiles)fromtheIsraeliborder - but left in 2000 when they withdrew from their self-declared bufferzoneinsouthernLebanon.

FortheLebanese,it’sthelatest historic landmark to be seized in

recent days, while the city of Nabatieh further north appears to increasinglybeatargetfortheIDF

Katz said control of the castle andtheridgeitstandsuponwasan important step in protecting Israeli communities on the other side of theborder.

The latest evacuation warning is the second time in recent days that Israel has told residents to leave the entire south of Lebanon belowtheZahraniriver

“Anyone present near Hezbollah elements, facilities or means of combat endangers their life,”anIDFspokesmansaid.

The spokesman said a “significantnumberofIDFground soldiers” were involved in the operation, which was “currently expandingtoadditionalareas”.

It’sanotherclearindicationthat Israeli ground forces are moving everdeeperintoLebaneseterritory beyond their original demarcation lineoftheLitaniriver

Israelsaysit’sbeenintensifying its onslaught against Hezbollah in response to the Iranian-backed

group’s ramping up of its own explosive drone and missile attacks, both on Israeli troops inside Lebanon and communities acrosstheborder

On Sunday, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said 13 hospital staff had been injured in an airstrike in the vicinity of Hiram hospital in Tyre, southern Lebanon, which caused significantdamage.

Themilitaryconfirmedanother soldier had been killed, while schools in communities on the Israelisideoftheborderhavebeen closedonSundayasaprecaution.

On Saturday, Hezbollah fired some 25 projectiles towards that area, prompting calls from oppositionIsraelipoliticiansforthe government to do more to ensure thesafetyofresidents.

In Lebanon, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam made a televised address in which he accused Israel of a “scorched-earth policy and collectivepunishment”inthesouth ofthecountry

And France, which has historical ties with Lebanon, has

requested a meeting of the United NationsSecurityCounciltodiscuss theIsraelimilitaryoperations.

President Emmanuel Macron said on X “it is urgent that the weapons fall silent - all of them, andforgood”.

“Nothing justifies the major escalation currently under way in southernLebanon,”headded.

Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told French network BFMTVthesituationwasa“major mistakeforIsrael”.

Israeli officials have said Hezbollah’s attacks are violating the temporary ceasefire deal between the Israeli and Lebanese governments, which has been extended twice since it came into forcelastmonth.

Lebaneseofficialshavepointed to the Israeli strikes themselves as violations.

The mutual accusations mean theceasefireisessentiallyintatters, but nevertheless a fourth round of negotiations between delegations fromthetwogovernmentsisdueto beheldinWashingtonthisweek.

Salam has said this is Lebanon’s only route away from the conflict, but Hezbollah is not involved. And the Lebanese governmentandarmy,asever,can only watch on as bystanders in the latest confrontation between Israel andHezbollah.

Lebanon was drawn into the war between the US and Israel on oneside,andIranontheother,on2 March, when Hezbollah launched rocketsintoIsraelinretaliationfor an Israeli strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Israel responded with an air campaign across Lebanon and a groundinvasion.

Since then the Lebanese authorities say more than 3,300 people have been killed, while there have been 25 Israeli military deaths.

U.S. strike on an alleged drug boat kills 3 in the eastern Pacific Ocean in fourth attack this week

President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in Washington, as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, looks on.

(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

WASHINGTON (AP)

The U.S. military said it carried out another strike Saturday on a boat accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing three men in the fourth attack this week and putting the totaldeathtollat205.

U S Southern Command announced the strike with its usuallanguagethatthevesselwas “engaged in narco-trafficking operations” and operated by a designated terrorist organization. It provided no evidence for the allegation.

It’sthelatestinamonthslong campaign against alleged drug boats traversing the Caribbean SeaandeasternPacific.

Videoreleasedbythemilitary

on social media shows a small vesselfloatingintheoceanbefore it was hit and engulfed in a fireball.

The attack brings the death toll to 205 in a series of U.S. strikes that began in early September, with other attacks announced on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday The Trump administration has declaredthattheU.S.isatarmed conflictwithLatinAmericandrug cartels,sayingtheyarebehindthe flow of drugs into American communities.

U.S.SouthernCommandsaid in its post on X that the strike came at the direction of Gen. FrancisL.Donovan,thetopU.S. commanderinLatinAmerica.

Youth vaping is growing faster than Caribbean policy

ByNataliaBurton

In several countries across the Caribbean, a student can leave school in uniform, walk into a nearby shop, or send a quick Instagram message to an onlinevendorandpurchasea vape with little difficulty Some are drawn in by flavours like cherry, bubble gumandcottoncandy,while others see them promoted online as sleek, harmless or stressrelieving.

What many young people are not being told is that vapes are not all the same Some contain nicotine, especially many disposable devices and pod systems, while others are labelled “nicotine-free” or “0% nicotine” but still contain flavours that appeal to children and adolescents. Nicotine is highly addictive and can seriously affect young people's mental health, learning, physical wellbeing and long-term development, while even nicotine-free vapes can help normalise vaping and make itseemharmless.

That should concern all of us, especially under this year's World No Tobacco Daytheme:“Unmaskingthe appeal - countering nicotine andtobaccoaddiction.”

For years, conversations around tobacco in the Caribbean have focused heavily on traditional cigarettes and smoking

related diseases in adulthood But a new nicotine crisis is quietly unfolding among young people, and Caribbean policy is struggling to keep pace with how quickly vapingproductsareentering youthspaces.

This conversation feels especially urgent as World NoTobaccoDayfallsduring Mental Health Awareness Month. Nicotine is often marketed socially as relief, coping,aquickdopaminehit or focus. Yet for developing brains, nicotine can worsen anxiety, substance

dependence, mood instability and stress cycles. Young people across the region are already navigatin

ence, economicuncertainty,social expectations and mental health struggles. Many are turningtovapingbelievingit offers comfort, while being exposed to products intentionally designed to keepthemaddicted. The Caribbean cannot

afford to dismiss this issue simply because the numbers are not yet as high as more traditionaldrugs.

According to the World Health Organization's 2018 Global Youth Tobacco Survey,youthvapingratesin the Caribbean among 13 to 15yearoldsrangedfrom4% in Antigua and Barbuda to 17 2% in Trinidad and Tobago, one of the highest ratesintheregion.Ofnoteis that the e-cigarette rates are higher than traditional cigaretteuseinsomeofthese countries. In Jamaica, the same survey found that 11.7% of adolescents in that age group were current ecigaretteusers.By2022,the National Council on Drug Abuse reported that 15% of Jamaican adolescents aged 13 to 15 had used ecigarettes, while 80% of youthwhohadusedtobacco products reported first using them before age 14. These are not just statistics. They represent thousands of Caribbean students being exposed to nicotine addiction during critical stagesofbraindevelopment.

And this rise in youth vapingisnocoincidence.

Regional public health bodies including CARPHA, PAHO and the Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC) have repeatedly warned that flavours, packaging and advertising strategies are specifically designed to attractyoungerusers.Across the region, vapes are sold in bright colours and sweet flavours, placed near snacks and sweets in stores, promoted through social media and influencer culture, and often marketed as cleaner or safer alternativestocigarettes.

In some countries, products are still easily accessible near schools despiteagerestrictions,with little accountability for vendors who sell these harmfulproductstominors.

Young people are uniquely vulnerable to nicotine addiction because the brain continues developing until around age 25. Nicotine can interfere with attention, memory, learningandimpulsecontrol by altering brain chemistry and affecting areas linked to concentrationandemotional regulation.

Studentsmayexperience difficulty focusing in class, shorter attention spans, increased anxiety and mood relatedchallengesthataffect s

relationships and overall

normalize substance use behaviours at an early age andincreasevulnerabilityto l

patterns.

Atthesametime,vaping is far from harmless physically Aerosols from ecigarettes can contain carcinogens, heavy metals and fine particles linked to i n f l a

n a n d respiratory illness Young users may experience chronic cough, wheezing, asthma flare ups and lung irritation, while long-term risks tied to cardiovascular disease and other noncommunicable diseases continuetoemerge.

Despite these growing concerns, major legislative and policy gaps remain acrosstheCaribbean.

Most CARICOM countries have ratified the W H O F r a m e w o r k Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), the world's leading tobacco control treaty However, implementation across the region remains inconsistent. The HCC has highlighted w

n advertising and promotion, i

n policies, incomplete smokefree protections and slow

ulating electronic nicotine delivery systemssuchasvapes.

Jamaica's Public Health

To b a c c o C o n t r o l Regulations of 2013 only addressaspectsofArticles8, 10 and 11 of the FCTC, which relate to smoke exposure, disclosures and packaging requirements respectively Significant gapsremaininareassuchas Article 13 on advertising bans and Article 5 3 on protecting public health policyfromtobaccoindustry interference While calls havebeenmadeforstronger legislation to regulate ecigarettes and vaping p r o d u c t s m o r e comprehensively, progress

restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods and drinks to children took 10 to 15 years to gain serious policy attention. We cannot afford to wait another decade for nicotineproducts,especially when the harm is already reachingyoungpeople.

We need stronger enforcement again

Burton

has been extremely slow while youth use continues rising.

T h e t o b a c c o conversation must therefore become more than awareness. It must become action.

I f C a r i b b e a n governments are serious about protecting children and young people, nicotine products cannot continue slipping through legislative gaps while being packaged and promoted in ways that clearly appeal to youth

underagesalesandpenalties for vendors who violate theselaws,tighterregulation of vape advertising and on

, restrictions on flavours and packaging designed to attract children, and greater public education about the mental and physical harms associated with vaping Schoolsalsoneedsupportto address vaping through

interventionefforts.

Addressing this issue will require all hands-on d

Gov

ts, policymakers, schools, parents, youth advocates, civil society organisations and public health agencies all have a role to play in limiting easy access to v

protections for children and educating young people honestlyabouttherisks.

The tobacco industry is evolving quickly Caribbean policy and public awareness mustevolvefaster

This World No Tobacco Day, protecting Caribbean youthmeanslookingbeyond traditional cigarettes and confronting the growing a c c e s s i b i l i t y a n d normalization of nicotine addiction in a new form. If we fail to act now, an entire generation could pay the priceforpoliciesthatmoved tooslowlywhiletheindustry movedfast.

Most importantly, we must actively challenge the misinformation that paints vaping as harmless simply because it looks different from traditional cigarettes. Addiction does not become less dangerous because it comes in bright colours or fruityflavours.

Natalia

AndrewLewisGymdominatesGBADevelopmentTournament

The Andrew ‘Six-Head’ LewisBoxingGymemerged as the top-performing club when the curtains came downontheGuyanaBoxing

Association (GBA) DevelopmentTournamentat the National Gymnasium on Saturday, capping off a successful day of competition that showcased the depth of talent rising through Guyana’s amateur boxingranks.

Adding to the gym’s impressive showing, standout youngster Lennox Lawrence was named Best Boxer of the tournament, whileveterantrainerLennox Daniels received the Best Coachaward.

The New Amsterdam Boxing Academy (NABA) finished as the second-best gym overall after producing several noteworthy performancesthroughoutthe programme.

The tournament featured

17 competitive bouts and three exhibition contests, bringing together fighters from the Andrew Lewis Boxing Gym, Harpy Eagles Boxing Gym, Pace and Power Boxing Gym, New Amsterdam Boxing Academy, Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF), Rose HallJammers(RHJ),andthe GuyanaPoliceForce. From the opening bell, the event highlighted the promising future of local boxing, with young athletes displaying discipline, technical skill, and a willingness to engage in spiritedcompetition.

Theactiongotunderway in the Under-13 division where Harpy Eagles boxer Nathan Sugrim outscored teammate Omar Moses in the 27-30kg category. Abu Barkerfollowedwithaneyecatching performance, forcing a second-round stoppage against Trevon

…LennoxLawrencenamedBestBoxer

Brantinthe23-26kgclass.

y

Eagles clash saw Delon Andrews get the better of Omar Barker on points, whileAndrew Lewis Gym’s I

p delivered a composed display to overcome Tyrese De Rer of Pace and Power. New Amsterdam’s Ukesh Persaud also impressed, earningapointsverdictover JosiahGraham.

Competition intensified in the Under-15 category Junior Madray of the A

d performance to defeat Marcus Vanderstoop of Harpy Eagles, while Josh Chester delivered one of the quickest results of the day, haltingTravaltaHarrisinthe

opening round of their contest.

The Under-17 division featuredseveralentertaining battles Ryan Rogers of ForgottenYouth Foundation edged Cort Mahase of New Amsterdam Boxing Academy by split decision after a closely fought encounter.

However,itwasAndrew Lewis Gym’s Lennox Lawrencewhoproducedone ofthestandoutperformances ofthetournament.

Lawrence overwhelmed DerickSpringerofPaceand Power,forcingastoppagein the second round and demonstrating the skill and ring generalship that ultimately earned him the tournament’s Best Boxer accolade.

The lone Under-18 bout

ended with Itavius

Vanderstoop of the Andrew Lewis Gym being declared the winner after Ishmeal Ramsaroop was unable to continue.

In addition to the competitive contests, three exhibition bouts gave developing boxers an opportunity to gain valuable ringexperience.

Teddy Darlington faced Arjun Behari, while sisters Janya Ross and Makaya Ross squared off in an

ertain

male exhibition contest. Another female exhibition encounter featured Akela Massay and Kenisha Klass, both of w h o m d i s p l a y e d encouragingpotential. The Under-19 category produced some of the day’s mostintenseaction.

Amol Moses of New Amsterdam Boxing Academy was awarded victory after Nathan

C h r i s t o p h e r w a s disqualified, while Izzla Vanderstooprecordedafirstround stoppage against HothamVancooten.

Andrew Lewis Gym continued its strong run when Ken Harvey outboxed Curtis McDonald over the distance, showcasing sharp movement and effective punching combinations NABA’s Jofes Jackson also turned in a solid

performance to defeat LekiemAmoresonpoints.

An all-Pace and Power showdownbetweenAkeeme Ross and Keyon Medas entertained spectators, with Ross gettingthe judges’nod following an energetic contest.

Thefinaltwoboutsofthe tournament came in the Under-20 division. Patrick Harvey of Forgotten Youth Foundation produced a disciplined performance to defeat Terron Wintz of New Amsterdam Boxing Academy on points, while Simeon Hamer ensured the AndrewLewisGymfinished the event on a high note by outpointing Guyana Police ForceboxerOsaisPrince.

According to the GBA, the tournament once again underscored the importance of developmental boxing in Guyana.

For the Andrew “SixHead” Lewis Boxing Gym, the tournament proved particularly rewarding Finishing as the top gym, producing the Best Boxer in Lennox Lawrence, and seeing Lennox Daniels recognised as Best Coach highlightedtheprogramme’s continued commitment to developingelitetalent.

AstheGBAcontinuesits developmental efforts, the performances witnessed at the National Gymnasium offeredfurtherevidencethat the sport remains in good hands,withanewgeneration of fighters eager to make their mark on Guyana’s rich boxingtradition.

Vingegaard seals...

Frompage23

brotherSimonwonlastyear’seditionoftherace.

Despite losing key riders, UAE ended up winning four stages, three of them coming with some superbly adaptive performancesfromEcudorianJhonatanNarvaez.

Vingegaard takes home just under 116,000 euros (£100,000)forthepinkjersey,plus11,000eurosforeachof hisfivestagewins,alotofwhichwillbesharedbetweenhis seventeam-mateswhoworkedforhimacrosstherace.

One thing which didn’t survive was the attempted cultivation of moustache, which was abandoned mid-race aftertheDaneclaimedheresembled“ateenager”.

France’sPaulMagnierwonthecyclaminopointsjersey and 10,000 euros - a surprise given the hot favourite was Milan.

The blue king of the mountains jersey and 5,000 euros went to the highly combative and much-loved home favouriteGiulioCicconeofLidl-Trek.

Butitcameafterthrowingafullbottlebackathisteam helper when frustrated with progress on stage 16 and in a lightermomentafterafanfilledhisbackpocketsfullofice lollies.,external

The race’s best viral moment, however, went to Vingegaard’syoungdomestiqueTimRex,whowasleading theteamupasteepclimbonstage14afterbeingpushedso hard by mentor Victor Campenaerts that his pained face becameetchedintothememoriesofcyclingfansforever

TitlefavouriteZverevcruisesintoquarter-finals

(BBCSport)-Alexander Zverevunderlinedhis status as favourite for the French Openmen’ssinglestitlewith a clinical straight-set win over Jesper de Jong, which sent him through to the quarter-finals at Roland

Garros for the sixth consecutiveyear

Thesecondseed,29,has long been earmarked as a futureGrandSlamchampion butdespitereachingfinalsat threeofthefourmajors,heis still searching for a maiden title.

However, with world number one Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic both eliminated in the first week, plus defending champion Carlos Alcaraz absent because of injury, the German’s route to the title hasopenedup.

Showing few nerves on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Zverev came through his fourth-roundmatch7-6(7-3) 6-46-1.

“It was a bit difficult in the beginning,” Zverev said on court “I didn’t start

strong and he started really fast. But once I found my rhythm,Iwascomfortable.

“My game is there. It’s about showing it on the matchcourts.”

The loss ends De Jong’s career-best run at a Grand Slamafterenteringthemain drawasaluckyloser,butthe Dutchman - who was defeatedonhis26thbirthday - will climb back into the world’stop100.

Zverev will face 27th seed Rafael Jodar, who he described as “incredibly

talented”,inthelasteight.

The Spanish teenager, playing in his second Grand Slam, dropped just five games across the final three sets as he fought back from two sets down to beat compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta.

Kostyukbeats 4-timeFrenchOpen winnerSwiatek

Four-time champion Iga Swiatek was knocked out of theFrenchOpenonher25th birthday, losing her fourthround match in straight sets toin-formMartaKostyuk.

PolishthirdseedSwiatek w a s p l a g u e d b y inconsistencies as Ukrainian 15thseedKostyukwon7-561onCourtPhilippeChatrier

Monday June 01, 2026

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Slowdownandtaketodayone step at a time. Things are lookinggoodforyouinmany ways, but if you try to rush throughyouractivities,things are likely to get pretty weird prettyfast!

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You run into someone who's quite enthusiastic, maybe even manic, about a topic or person of some importance, and you may get caught up in theirenergy It'sgreattohavea focusforthat!

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Lifeisconfusingonadaylike today,andyoumightfindthat your energy is better spent on artistic and creative pursuits than on trying to get anything done. If you can just chill, so muchthebetter!

CANCER(June21–July22)

Your words are too easy to misinterpret today, so try to makesurethatyou'rekeeping them simple. It's a good time for you to speak plainly and speak to everyone as if they were the most important personintheworld.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Someone needs you, though the odds are good that they can'tcomeoutandsayit.Turn on your intuition and see if you can get them to deal with whatever it is that's keeping themfromasking.

VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)

Your desires are out in the open right now, and that is how it should be Others

respect your show of ambition, and may help you by showing how to get where youneedtobegoing.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

You're nostalgic, but it's not the best place for you to be right now. See if you can get yourenergytosnapbacktothe presentsoyoucanfindanew way to enjoy life in the moment.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

Nowisagreattimeforyouto start a new arrangement with someone like a lease, a new job, even a marriage Whatever you sign today carries extra weight and shouldworktoyourbenefit.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Things are pretty weird right now, but that doesn't mean that you need to freak out! Try to make sure that you're dealing with everything as it arises, though anything you canputoffforlatershouldbe delayed

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

You rack up an impressive achievement today, one that makes the competition (and your boss) sit up and take notice!Ifyou'reofftheclock, it might be a high score or a personalbestofsomekind.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Resistancejusttiresyou out today, and you may find thatyourenergyisbetterspent on something more constructive. People do what they want to do, and you can help them clean up their messeslater

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

You might not see yourself as a leader, but today brings out thebestinyou.Seeifyoucan find a good way to gently guide those around you to do what'sright.It'snotsohard!

Germany’s Alexander Zverev in action during his fourth round match against Netherlands’ Jesper De Jong (Reuters)

mostrecenttriumphinParis in2024.

Swiatek is nicknamed the “Queen of Clay” having won four titles at Roland Garros, but has not won a title on the surface since her

Kohli,bowlers leadRCBto second...

Frompage22 chasetoaflyingstart Notthat heneededextralicence,butan injurytotheinsideoftheknee in the first over of the chase left him no option but to hit out He hit out against Rabada in his first over, and bythetimeMohammedSiraj got him out for 32 off 16, he hadsetRCBontheirway

While Venkatesh might have added reason to hit out, Kohli lashed out at Rabada with ferocity that was only foretoldbyaseasoninwhich he has matched some of the younger, more cutting-edge T20 batters. Of of the six batterstohavescored600or more this IPL, only Sooryavanshi and Ishan Kishanhavedonesoquicker thanhis675at165.84.

As is often expected of Kohli, he was pumped up whenhetookonhisgreatrival Rabada, hitting a spectacular six and three fours in Rabada’s second Rattled bowlerslosttheirlineagainst Kohli,whosefirstrunonthe offsidewashis39th.Bythat time,Rabadahadtakenback his purple cap with Devdutt Padikkal’s wicket and Rashid Khan would soon taketwoinhisfirstover,but the asking rate was already underarunaball.

Only an injury to Kohli sloweddownRCB’smarchto the title, but Kohli finished it off in style with a four and a sixoffthelasttwoballsofthe 18thover

Thesix-timeGrandSlam champion,whowillstartthe defence of her Wimbledon titleattheendofJune,isyet to win a a tournament in 2026 and said in her postmatch press conference that it “wasn’t a good day in the office”.

In contrast, Kostyuk entered the French Open undefeated on clay in 2026 having won titles at the Madrid Open earlier this month and the Rouen Open inApril.

Kostyuksaid:“Ifeellike I’ve given myself more

something, to challenge my opponents.

“The most important thing I’ve been doing this whole time is really just trying to enjoy it. I woke up in the morning and all I thought about was what an unbelievable day I have to live today, playing on ChatrieragainstIga.There’s nothing I could do today otherthanthis.”

Kostyukwillplayfellow Ukrainian Elina Svitolina in the quarter-finals after the seventh seed’s 4-6 6-4 6-0 win over Switzerland’s BelindaBencic.

Kohli,bowlersleadRCBtosecondstraightIPLtitle

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru players celebrate after winning a second-straight IPL title (BCCI)

(Cricinfo) - It took them 18 years to win their first title, but Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) took no time in becoming onlythethirdteamtosuccessfully defend it. Their seam bowlers madesuperbuseofaslightlysticky surfaceafterRajatPatidarwonthe toss, restricting Gujarat Titans (GT),whowereintheirthirdfinal in five years of their existence, to 155, the exact same score RCB managed in the league match against the seam team in the same ground on the same pitch No. 6 banginthemiddleofthesquare.

Josh Hazlewood, who has

never lost a T20 or ODI final, set the tone with the wicket of Shubman Gill in his first over BhuvneshwarKumarmomentarily reclaimed the purple cap with two wickets,andRasikhSalamcapped off his best IPL with three to take his tally for the year to 19. Last final’sPlayerofthematch,Krunal Pandya,whowonhisfifthIPLfinal outoffive,alsochippedinwiththe big wicket of Jos Buttler in his analysis of 4-0-23-1. He is now behind only Rohit Sharma and AmbatiRayuduinnumberoftitles, and is also the first player to successfullydefendatitlewithtwo

differentteams.

Only three out of 26 scores under190inafullmatchhadbeen defended successfully this IPL. Withtheballstillnibblingaround, the best attack in the tournament would have thought they had a chance, but amid falling wickets, Virat Kohli chose this final to hit hisfastestIPLfiftyandhishighest playoffscore,leadingafive-wicket winwithtwooverstospare.

GETTHEOPENERS

GillandBSaiSudharsancame into the final as the only pair of battersfromthesameteamtohave scored 700 or more runs in the

same IPL. However, they were up against bowlers that have troubled them in the past. A cagey start ensued, Gill survived the Bhuvneshwarover,butHazlewood had him top-edging his signature short-armpull.

GT promoted Nishant Sindhu to No. 3 to protect Buttler from Bhuvneshwar,butthewilybowler madesureButtlerhadtocomeout as he took out Sudharsan in his second over He first beat Sudharsan on the charge with a bouncer before continuing with another,thisonetakingthetoeend on the ramp Vaibhav

Sooryavanshi, in attendance in Ahmedabad, was now assured of the orange cap. This was only the fourth time this IPL that both the GT owners had been dismissed insidethepowerplay,threeofthem againstRCB.

MIDDLE-OVERSCHOKE

Seeing some grip from the pitch and conventional, subdued batters at the wicket, Krunal shelved all his fancy change-ups and bowled only length. His first three overs yielded zero boundaries. Salam was equally miserly at the other end, just bowling good length and enjoying the slight variations from the surface. One of those had Sindhu caughtatlong-on.

When Krunal started his final over, they had gone 37 legal deliveries without a boundary Krunal expected the frustrated Buttler to try something, saw him coming and fired in a wide yorker for a spectacular stumping by JiteshSharma.

Another promotion followed withArshad Khan walking in and hitting the fourth ball of the 13th overforasix,onlyoneballquicker thanthelongestithastakenateam tohitasixinanIPLfinal.

NOLET-UPFROMRCB

Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar and Salam offered no freebies in the death overs Every time GT thought they could build some momentum, one of the quicks jolted them with a wicket

Hazlewood got Arshad, Bhuvneshwar made it 28 wickets fortheseasonwithJasonHolder’s scalp, and Salam took out Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan in the end Only Jacob Duffy went wicketless, but he, too, nearly had Washington Sundar, who went on from the reprieve to score a fighting37-ball50.

THEHIGH-OCTANECHASE

Like he did in the 2024 final with a 50 at two runs a ball, VenkateshIyergotthemiddling Continued on page 21

West Indies Masters announce Over-60s Squad for IMC World Cup Canada 2026

The Cricket West Indies MastersAssociation(CWIMA)has announced the West Indies Over60ssquadselectedtoparticipatein the IMC Over-60s World Cup, whichwillbeheldinMississauga, Ontario, Canada, from August 9–23,2026.

The tournament will bring together some of the finest Over60s cricketers from around the world and promises to showcase thehighstandardofMasterscricket that continues to grow internationally The West Indies squad features a blend of experienced players who have

represented their countries, regions, clubs, and previous West Indies Masters teams in internationalcompetition. Theteamwillproudlyrepresent therichcricketingtraditionsofthe Caribbeanwhilecompetingagainst theworld’stopOver-60ssides.

Reserves - David Ramsingh and Emmerson Jordan, ManagerRaj Singh, Physical Therapist: AlexioDaley

Speaking on behalf of CWIMA, Secretary Roy Singh expressed confidence in the selected squad and excitement abouttheupcomingtournament.

“Canada 2026 presents an exciting opportunity for the West Indies Masters to compete against the best Over-60s teams in the world.WithCanadabeinghometo a strong Caribbean diaspora and passionate cricket community, we look forward to representing West Indies Masters cricket with pride, discipline,andcompetitiveness. The players selected have demonstrated both their commitment to the game and their abilitytocompeteatahighlevel We areconfidenttheywillrepresentthe WestIndiesexceptionallywellboth onandoffthefield”

The team will begin preparationsinthecomingmonths asitbuildstowardthetournament. The World Cup will provide an opportunitynotonlytocompetefor international honors but also to celebrate the enduring spirit of cricketandthelifelongfriendships that Masters cricket continues to fosteraroundtheworld.

CWIMAwouldliketothankits sponsors, supporters, families, volunteers, and the wider cricket community whose ongoing support makes participation in international Masterscricketpossible Further announcements regardingtournamentpreparations, sponsorship opportunities, fundraising initiatives, and team activities will be released in the coming weeks. WEST INDIES OVER-60sWORLD CUP16-man SQUAD: Zamin Amin- Captain, Anthony Boyke, Narine Bidhesi, Rajendrasammy Chetana, Deonarine Deyal, Rajendra Dilraj, FareedHosein, Hafiz Mohamed, Harry Narain Heeralall, Keith Seale, Ken Mayers, Anthony “Tony” Small, Balwant Roy Singh, Shivnath Seeram, Steve Linton and Victor Patrick.

ManchesterCitythrashBrighton

4-0towinwomen’sFACup

(Reuters) - Manchester City hammered Brighton & HoveAlbion to win the Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley on Sunday, securing the trophyforthefirsttimesince2020and completing a domestic double in the process.

After bulldozing their way to the Women’sSuperLeaguetitleontheback of Bunny ‘Shaw’s 21 goals, the

instrumental again and, after rumours that she might depart, she celebrated signing a new contract with City by openingthescoringinthe38thminute.

Brighton, who beat City in the league run-in but could not prevent them from being ‘champions, started wellintheirfirsttriptothefinalbutthe wheelscameoffwhenAlexGreenwood

addedasecondgoaldeepintofirst-half ‘stoppagetimetosendCityin2-0upat thebreak.

Aoba Fujino netted the third in the 66th ‘minute, ghosting past two Brighton defenders and firing home with her left foot, and ‘Dutch striker Vivianne Miedema headed the fourth three minutes before full time to completetherout.

Youthful Spurs favored over red-hot Knicks in NBA Finals

(Reuters) - The 2026 NBA Finals features one team on an 11-game winning streak and another led by a 7foot-4wunderkind.

The New York Knicks, who have been since sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference final on May 25, are returning to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.

Theywereopposedthatyearbythe San Antonio ‘Spurs, who defeated the Knicksinfivegamestowintheirfirstof

fiveNBAtitlesunderthen-coachGregg Popovich.

Underdogs then, New York has an uphill battle again in its bid to lift the championship trophy for the first time since 1973. The Jalen Brunson-led Knicks are listed at +170 by both BetMGM and DraftKings, while the Spurs—headlined‘22-year-oldVictor Wembanyama — are listed at -210 by theformerand-205bythelatter

Wembanyama collected 22 points and seven rebounds on Saturday,

helping SanAntonio secure a 111-103 win over reigning MVP ‘Shai Gilgeous-Alexanderandthedefending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of the Western Conference final. The Spurs, who are vying ‘for their first title in 12 years, host the KnicksinGame1oftheNBAFinalson Wednesdaynight.

NewYorksplittwogameswithSan Antonio on the regular season but defeatedtheSpurs124-113intheNBA CupFinalonDec.16.

Vingegaard seals Giro to add to Tour and Vuelta wins

)D e n m a

’s J o n a s Vingegaard has become the eighth rider to win all three ofthemen’sGrandToursby securing the Giro d’Italia in Rome.

TheVisma-Lease a Bike rider, 29, adds his Giro win tolastyear’sVueltaaEspana andthe2022and2023Tours deFrance.

Vingegaard’s overall winning margin was a huge fiveminutesand33seconds over Austria’s Felix Gall of Decathlon-CMACGM,with Australia’s Jai Hindley of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe inthird,afurther63seconds down.

“Winning all three is very special for me, it’s difficulttofindthewords to describe it, ” said Vingegaard.

The three-week race

with Vingegaard’s strengths a l l o w i n g h i m t o methodically attack on the keystageswitharound10km to go and tap out a pace that nobodycouldmatch.

Vingegaard and Pogacar will both race at this year’s Tour de France, which beginson4July

Pogacar is the strong f a v o u r i t e d e s p i t e Vingegaard’sresurgentform following a serious crash while on a descent in 2024 which saw him suffer a collapsed lung, a broken collarbone and several brokenribs.

Epicduels,prize moniesandfunnies

Despite the predictable nature of Vingegaard’s charge to pink, the race’s 21 stages gave the 184-strong pelotonplentyofchancesfor dailyglory

came to a close in a largely processional stage, which then turned into a highoctane bunch sprint near Rome’s Colosseum, won by Italy’s Jonathan Milan, whose hugely powerful launchsawhimwinbyabike length over compatriot Giovanni Lonardi and France’sPaulPenhoet.

Vingegaard was the hot favourite to win this Italian tour, given his status as the world’s second best allroundroadcyclistbehindthe now legendary four-time TourdeFrancewinnerTadej Pogacar

The Dane, who kisses a sticker of his young family onhishandlebarseverytime hiscrossesthelinefirst,was expected to hold a winning margin of between four and seven minutes, such was his strength over every other riderinthepeloton.

Theracewaswononthe mountain stages in the Italian Alps and Dolomites,

Highlights of the race included Alberto Bettiol’s explosive launch into Verbania on stage 13 and Filippo Ganna’s dominant timetrialvictoryinMassaon stage10.

Spain’s Igor Arrieta and Portugal’s Afonso Eulalio’s battleonatreacherousstage fivewasastone-coldclassic. The pair battled for victory in torrential rain, before sufferingidenticalheavylate crashes after losing their front wheels on left-hand corners on roads covered by streamsofrainwater,leaving them with cuts and ripped Lycra.

The win for UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s Arrieta came after the severely depletedteamlosttheirthree bestridersinonecrashonthe similarly treacherous stage two in Bulgaria, including oneofitsbiggestcontenders for pink in Britain’s Adam

-whoseidenticaltwin Continudonpage20

Yates

Manchester City’s Alex Greenwood scores their second goal from a free-kick (Reuters)

The San Antonio Spurs celebrate with the Oscar Robertson trophy after defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in game seven of the western conference finals for the 2026 NBA playoffs at Paycom Center. (Imagn Images)

Vingegaard has now won all three Grand Tours (Getty Images)

West Ruimveldt Primary reign supreme in Demerara Zone of Future Warriors Tapeball

WestRuimveldtPrimary, a consistent face in the FutureWarriorsTapeballfor P r i m a r y S c h o o l s tournament, powered by

ExxonMobil Guyana, overcame their final-round jittersfrompreviousyearsto surge to the Demerara zone title on Sunday at the National Stadium, Providence.

Having previously stumbled in the final rounds

in yesteryears, West Ruimveltchosethegrandest stage to deliver its most completeperformance.

Blunting Chateau Margot’s reputation as the tournament’s preeminent ‘chase masters,’ West Ruimveldt posted 66 for 4—the highest total of the competition before producingaclinicalbowling display to choke the East Coast Demerara outfit to a paltry40for7.

The foundational bricks

of West Ruimveldt’s championship-winning total were laid by Bryan Hunter, whosmashedabrisk12-ball 23, punctuated by three boundariesandasolitarysix.

Skipper Steven Orie providedtheperfectfoilwith acrucial18,ensuringtherun rate never dipped despite

Part of the action in the high-octane final between West Ruimveldt Primary and Chateau Margot Primary at the National Stadium, Providence, on Sunday

Mahendra Chunilall’s probingspellof2for10.

Chateau Margot’s pursuit never found its rhythm against a relentless West Ruimveldt attack Rohit Shama top-scored with just five as Vincent Farley (2 for 5) and the ubiquitous Orie (2 for 8) triggered a procession of wickets.

Orie capped off a sensational individual c a m p a i g n a s t h e

tournament’s leading runscorer with 49 runs, alongside a three-wicket haul that rightfully earned him the Most Valuable Player award Farley finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with fivescalps.

Earlier in the day, West Ruimveldt signalled its intent in the first semi-final by dismantling Rama KrishnaPrimary A combined bowling

effort from Farley (2 for 3), Hunter (2 for 7), and Zyron Austin (2 for 12) restricted Rama Krishna to 36 for 8, before Orie’s steady 10 steeredthemintothefinal.

Chateau Margot’s route to the final was far more dramatic They pulled off yet another signature chase against former champions Stella Maris, hunting down a target of 52 with five wickets and seven balls to spare

unbeaten 18 and Clevon Jacobs’ 16 had originally liftedStellaMaristo51for2, but Wazim Khan’s ice-cool, five-ball 10* sealed an emphatic win for Chateau Margot. Stella Maris eventually found consolation in the third-place playoff, bossing a51-runchaseagainstRama Krishna to win by seven wicketsinside5.3overs.

All four top schools received a bag of cricket equipment, an electronic tabletforscoring,andagility kits to support their continued interest in the sport,alongwithmedalsand trophies.

The highly competitive Demerara leg featured 16 schools, including Grove Primary,SupplyPrimary,La Grange Primary, MetenMeer-Zorg Primary, St. Pius Primary, Winfer Gardens Primary,EnterprisePrimary, Comenius Primary,

, Camille’s Primary, ISA Islamic and School of the Nations.

The grassroots caravan now shifts to the Berbice zone at the historic Albion SportsComplexonJune1314, followed by the Essequibo zone at the Anna ReginaNationalStadiumon June20-21.

The three regional champions will then collide in a blockbuster ‘Champion of Champions’ tournament s l a t e d f o r August/September

eremiah Scott’s blistering24off13ballsand Joshua Horatio’s cameo of 14 off 7 rendered Michail Nelson’searlier12forRama Krishnaobsolete.

CWIannouncesODISquadforFirstSeriesofHomeSeason

ST JOHN’S,Antigua - Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced its15-membersquadforthehighly anticipated three-match One Day International (ODI) series against SriLanka,scheduledforJune3-8at SabinaParkinJamaica.

Theseriescomesatthestartofa crucial stage in the West Indies

campaign for automatic qualification to the 2027 ICC Men’sODIWorldCup.

Led by captain Shai Hope, the “MeninMaroon”teamwillalsobe aiming to extend their unbeaten home ODI series streak to five consecutive victories, with the last triumphcomingagainstPakistanin Augustoflastyear

Thesquadseesthereturnoffast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who had beensidelinedsinceJuly2025due to a back injury, along with Gudakesh Motie who missed the seriesawaytoNewZealandbackin November

Following his impressive performances during the recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Shimron Hetmyer has been reintegrated into the West Indies ODI setup as part of CWI’s strategic build-up towards the 50Over World Cup in October and November next year He will join the squad ahead of the third and finalencounter

HeadCoachDarenSammysays the team’s strong recent form at home has boosted confidence ahead of the series against a formidableopponent.

“SriLankaareadisciplinedand skilful ODI unit, especially in conditions that demand patience andsmartcricket.Forus,thisseries is about setting the standard, intensity in the field, clarity with the bat, and consistency with the ball. We want to play fearless but intelligent cricket and continue building the identity we believe West Indies cricket should

represent.”

Sammyaddedthat.

“In our desire to make home a fortress in ODI cricket, I want the team to win moments consistently rather than relying on individual brilliance which we have stressed forthelast18months.”

ThesquadarrivedinJamaicaon May31followingtheconclusionof the 10-day training camp at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.

Fans can watch the exciting action all series long on ESPN Caribbean or listen to live radio coverage on Windies YouTube channel. For updates on the full 2026 International Home Series visit www.windiescricket.com and follow @windiescricket on all majorsocialmediaplatforms.

WestIndiesODISquadAgainst Sri Lanka: Shai Hope (Captain), Ackeem Auguste, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Shimron Hetmyer, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales and ShamarSpringer

Alzarri Joseph rejoins the West Indies Squad

Pickering’sDouble-DoublekeepsBishop’sperfect

Youth sensation Kemol

Pickering delivers a commanding 15-point, 13rebound masterclass as The Bishop’s High dismantles

C h a s e ’s A c a d e m y Foundation33–22toclosethe roundrobinstageundefeated

Youth Basketball sensation Kemol Pickering delivered a full all-round performance to keep The Bishop’s High in complete control in the Youth

Basketball Guyana Georgetown-City Regional, flushing Chase’s Academy Foundation 33–22 in their latestfixtureonFridayinside the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The Bishop’s High continueditsdominantrunat this year’s NSBF Playoff qualifiers, dismantling

Chase’s Academic Foundation by an 11-point margin to remain unbeaten throughout the round robin stage, a feat built on consistency,teamdiscipline,

and the brilliance of a few keyperformers. Pickeringdidthemajority of the damage, registering another match-winning performance with 15 points and13reboundstogoalong withsevensteals—numbers that underline his status as one of the most complete young players in the GeorgetownConference.

Thetopscorercappedthe win with a series of silky three-pointers in the fourth quarter to firmly shut the dooronanyChase’srevival.

Point-guard Jonathan Naziercontrolledtheflowof play,registering11turnovers forcedwhilecontributingsix crucial points, while Eli Archer rounded out a balanced effort with six pointsandsixrebounds.

InGame2,Schoolofthe Nations edged The Bishop’s High ‘B’ team 30–29 in a pulsating extra-time result after scores were locked at 29–29attheendofthefourth

quarter.Nations’HongYang was instrumental in the victory,postingagame-high 13-point performance supplemented by four rebounds. Ethan Henry was excellentinalosingcausefor Bishop’s ‘B’, contributing a valuable eight points and 11 rebounds, while Yang receivedstrongsupportfrom Rasheed Burrowes and JulianYang.

Tutorial High rounded

out Game 3 with a gritty 28–27 victory over Brickdam Secondary in the most tightly contested fixture of the night Xavier Scottprovedvitalwitheight points, 10 rebounds and four blocks, while Julian Charles anchored the scoring ledger with 16 points and six steals as Tutorial just managed to squeezepastBrickdam

At the same time on the

East Coast in the Country Regional, Christopher Ram led the charge for Plaisance Secondary,finishingwith14 points, four rebounds and five steals as Plaisance denied Golden Grove Secondary a late-game victory, sealing a 29–24 result.Thelonefixtureonthe day came after rain washed out the contest between President’sCollegeandHope Secondary

effectively concluded the roundrobinstageoftheYBG Regionals across all conferences. With the group stage now complete, playoff action across all regions is set to commence later this week as schools battle for berthsintheNSBFPlayoffs. S u p p o r t e r s a r e encouraged to follow the upcomingschedulecloselyas thecompetitionintensifies

Kemol Pickering after the game

Hong Yang in action for Nations

West Ruimveldt Primary are the 2026 Champions of the Demerara Zone in the Future Warriors Tapeball for Primary Schools, powered by ExxonMobil Guyana