Sudesh Singh
Guyana to finally receive rightful 2% royalty from Exxon
…as Licence for 7th project plugs loophole
Guyana will finally receive its rightful share of royalty from the oil and gas operations in the Stabroek Block as a result of the new and carefully worded Petroleum Licence (PL) granted by the Government of Guyana (GoG) for the s e v e n t h p r o j e c t , Hammerhead.
Royalty is a payment made by the extractors of natural resources to the rightful owners of the wealth.
Usually, ExxonMobil pays Guyana 2% of their profits as royalty to the government of Guyana, as reflected on the company's annualfinancials.
This arrangement has been condemned as further shortening the country's rightful entitlement, since theoilcontractstatesthatthe sumshouldbepaidfrom“all petroleum produced and sold”.
Article 15.6 of the PSA states,“TheContractorshall pay, at the Government's election either in cash based on the value of the relevant
Petroleum as calculated pursuant to Article 13 or in kind,aroyaltyoftwopercent (2%) of all Petroleum produced and sold, less the quantitiesofPetroleumused for fuel or transportation in Petroleum Operations, from all production licenses subjecttothisAgreement.”
By first deducting 75% of the oil as cost, then sharing 12.5% with Guyana as profit, the country has beenlosingmassiverevenue over the years by failing to ensureitreceivesitsrightful royalty
IntherecentlyissuedPL
government has made it clear to Exxon that this previous arrangement will notcontinue.
The Licence clearly states at (mm) 3(1), “The Licence Holder shall pay to the Government within the periodspecifiedthereforeby the Minister, royalty in respect of the petroleum produced in the Production Area to which this Licence relates at the rate of two (2)
ExxonMobil's2024financialstatementshowsthatthecompanypaidroyaltytoGuyanafromitsshareofrevenue.
per cent of the gross petroleum produced from the Production Area or where arrangements are made in the Petroleum Agreement for payment of royalty in kind wholly or in partinkeepingwiththeAct, by making such payment and/o
accordance with aforesaid
Boy, 15, chopped to death by stepfather during row over bicycle
arrangements.”
Part 2 goes on to specify
Production Area-for the purposes of payment of royalty shall mean: “(a) all petroleumproducedandsold from the Production Area including such petroleum whichhasbeenproducedbut
notsold,butshallexcludeall petroleum utilised for reinjection or other Petroleum Operations from theProductionArea.”
Petroleum produced but u s e d f o r f u e l o r transportation in petroleum operations shall be free of royalty in keeping with the provisions of the Petroleum
Agreement. Notably, this provision was featured in the previous LicencegrantedbytheGoG for the sixth project, Whiptail.
Kaieteur News did not observe the same clear requirement outlined in the fifth PL issued to the operatorfortheUaruproject.
A 15-year-old was chopped to death on Friday, allegedly by his stepfather, during a rowoverabicycleattheirStewartville,West CoastDemerara(WCD)home.
Dead is Sudesh Singh, called Joel of Lot 71 Last Street, Stewartville. He was killed around 14:30hrs. Investigators said that the teen and his stepfather had a misunderstandingoverabicycle.Thebicycle belonged to the stepfather and the teen had reportedlyuseditandcauseditschaintoslip. The stepfather confronted him and an argumentensuedbetweenthem.
Police in a statement said that during the argument,thesuspectranintothekitchenand returnedarmedwithacutlass.Hereportedly
ranuptoSinghandchoppedhimthreetimes to the neck. The suspect then walked out of the yard and made his way to the Leonora PoliceStationwhereheturnedhimselfin.He was immediately arrested before police visitedthescene.
“Onarrivalatthescene,thepolicefound theteenlyingmotionless,faceupwardsunder thehouse,bleedingathisneck,”policestated whileaddingthatacutlasswasseennearthe body Singh's body was removed from the scene and taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospitalforfurtherexaminationbeforebeing transportedtotheEzekielFuneralParlour
Several persons in the area were questionedasinvestigationscontinue.
The crime scene
Sudesh Singh
KaieteurNews
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Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456
Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
OGGN and taxes
TheOilandGasGovernanceNetwork(OGGN)hasdone wondersforGuyanese Ingoingaboveandbeyond,OGGN has excelled, produced some movement that should make every Guyanese glow with pride Every Guyanese that is interestedingettingthemostoutoftheiroilpatrimony,withan emphasisonwhatisright,whatisfair Althoughithascovered a broad swath of oil and gas issues, the OGGN team made taxesfromGuyana'soilpartner,ExxonMobil,thecentralfocus ofitseffortsoveranextendedperiodoftime Thewheelstook sometimetoroll,butnowExxonMobilanditstaxdealingsin Guyanahavebeentakentoanewlevel,averyhighone
ThreemembersoftheaugustUSSenatehavepickedup thetaxbatonandarerunningwithit. SenatorsJeffMerkley, Chris Van Hollen, and Sheldon Whitehouse have had their interest stirred over the peculiar tax arrangements orchestratedbyExxonMobilinGuyana. Thesenatorshave written to the company's CEO, Darren Woods, for information related to its tax arrangements in Guyana's oil and gas sector What is ExxonMobil paying as taxes in Guyana,andhowdoesthatmechanismwork? Theirconcern isthatExxonMobilfoundawaywhere“Americantaxpayers may be subsidizing ExxonMobil's foreign oil production, which they do in partnership with a Chinese state-owned company”
OGGNhadahandinthisdevelopmentcomingoutofthe US Senate, and for that alone, the group is deserving of respect and gratitude of Guyanese who care about their oil wealth, and are outraged at the unfairness of many provisionsintheExxonMobil-Guyanaoilcontractof2016. The payment of taxes is one source of local disquiet. The murky and tricky components of tax payments, who pays, andtaxreceiptshaveallcomeinfortheclosestscrutinyand condemnation,buttonoavail.
WhentaxreceiptswererequestedbyOGGN,theGuyana Government dug in its heels, and held fast to silence and resistancetoproducingthem Despiteamultiweekcampaign of letter writing in Guyana's main independent newspapers, ventilating the tax issue and seeking supporting details, the PPPCGovernmentrespondedinwhathasbecomeoneofits defining features The government erected a stonewall to thwarttheeffortsofOGGN,andthendecidedthatitwasinits best interests to mount a sustained attack on the group and someofitsmembersusingitsflockofpaidpropagandists
There was the irony of a government whose leading spokespeoplewere,atonetime,incensedatthereprehensible terms and conditions of the ExxonMobil oil contract, then turning around and trying to crush those Guyanese who continued to object to the contract, and matters such as the payment of taxes Rather than the government seizing the openingandusingtheenergyandoutputofOGGNasleverage againstExxonMobil,itwascommittedtodoingtheopposite, which was throttle the messenger The new inquirers about what is behind the layers of camouflage involving ExxonMobil's payment of taxes in Guyana, and related tax receipts, are from deep inside of the chambers of the US Senate Weshallseehowthisshapesup,wheredevelopments willlead WillDarrenWoodswaffle,orwillheproducewhat wasrequested? Hewaffles,hecouldendupopeningacanof worms and find himself hauled into the political spotlight, thelastplacethatheorhiscompanywantstobe.
Separately,twosecondaryissuescanbederivedfromthis slipperytaxmattersurroundingExxonMobil Amatterofthis significance, one that involves potentially billions of US dollarsshouldhavepushedthePPPCGovernmenttodistance from ExxonMobil's tax scheming No tax paid, no tax receipts, and not this convoluted dodge that fooled only the naïve Noself-respectinggovernmentwithhonestleadership shouldbepartytowhatisclearlyodious Also,whatOGGN didwastakeasingleissue(tax)andmadeitthecenterofits efforts, now showing blossoms Last, OGGN took an issue that the opposition should have owned, and spearheaded the charge through its tireless efforts. When Guyana's governmentandoppositionwerereducedtoimpotency,itfell onOGGNandotherstostandandfight.
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Hammerhead Profitability: The Profit Squeeze by EMGL Continues
DearEditor, R
y , t h e
Government of Guyana approved the US$6.8 billion for the Hammerhead oil extraction project which is expectedtoproduce150,000 barrels of oil per day, with first oil projected for 2029 (
https://wwwstabroeknewsc om/2025/09/26/features/theroad-to-first-oil/while-
investigates/). It was reported also that
quantityofoiltobeextracted from Hammerhead is set at 445 million barrels (KN: https://kaieteurnewsonlinec
hammerhead-project/) Having read these two articles, I recall reading another KN News Article ( K N : https://kaieteurnewsonlinec om/2025/09/24/exxon-
guyana-will-receive-full-50profit-share/ ) in which it was reported that Mr John
Guyana Limited (EMGL) Business Services Manager, wasaskedwhenwillGuyana receive 50 percent profit share? Hisresponsewasthe classical diversion in which he stated how much money the Company had invested (over US$40.0 billion; that a
questioned), but he was unabletosaywhenGuyana's share of profit would increase to 50 percent from the current 12 5 percent underthelopsided2016PSA Arrangement.
I therefore contend that
given the long history of ExxonMobil being a profitable oil company, with morethanonehundredyears in the business, such an answerbyMr.Collingisthe classical diversion typically employed to redirect the discussion. Moreover, the factthatEMGLiscontinuing to invest in new extraction projects in Guyana, which are generally described as low-cost operations that are loaded with light crude; and recognizing that EMGL has publishedalltheproduction (Continuedonpage5)
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Hammerhead Profitability: The Profit Squeeze by EMGL...
Frompage4 and investment data for Hammerhead,butstilldonot know when maximum profits would be earned, I can only conclude that the answer provided by Mr Collingisunacceptable.
As a result, I decided to produce some profitability
e s t i m a t e s f o r t h e Hammerhead project; and with real time monitoring, especiallythecapexaccount, this information can be updated.
Incidentally, similar
extraction operation, then the full quantity of oil in Hammerhead will be extracted in approximately 8.5 years (2,967 divided by 350 days). Of course, when EMGL most likely will u n d e r t a k e t h e debottlenecking project, which will increase production above the rated extraction capacity of the equipment,thiswillincrease the daily extraction rate and reduce the number of years forfullextraction,assuming that there is no extraction
thefirstbeingaprofitmodel using ring-fencing, which meansthatonlyrevenueand costs associated with Hammerheadoreachproject
must be accounted separately and no
commingled with another project.
Andthesecondtaskisto constructaprofitmodelthat employs the 2016 Profit A
maximizing and profit squeezing approach' that minimizes Guyana's profit
additional amount of US$ 9.00 per barrel of oil is included.
Therefore, the estimated averagecostofabarrelofoil is US$24 28 per barrel (US$15.28 + US$9.00). It assumed that the price of a barrel of oil is US$70.00; andsince445millionbarrels of oil will be sold at an average price per barrel of US$70.00,thetotalrevenue earnedfromHammerheadis US$31.150billion($70.00x 445 million barrels); total cost is US$10.805 billion (US$24.28 X 445 million barrels); total profit is US$20 345 billion (US$31.150 billion – US $10 805 billion); and Guyana profit share at 50 percentisUS$10.173billion
estimates can be made not only for all the oil projects, butforallthenon-renewable resources, including gold, diamond, bauxite, manganese, among others. This natural resource monitoring is a fundamental joboftheMinistryofNatural Resources; and if this is not incurrentworkassignments, it should be started forthwith.
With reference to Hammerhead, it was published that the daily oil extraction rate is set at 150,000barrelsperday;and
to extract the total commercial quantity of 445 million barrels of oil will require 2,967 days of extractionoperationstofully extract all the commercial oil; that is, 2967 extraction days divided by 150,000 barrelsofoilperday Andif350daysperyear are allocated for the
t r o u b l e , o r a n y environmental damages due toanoilspill.
Thisisanimportanttask that Guyana must undertake to monitor in real time the proposed oil extraction operation. (Incidentally, I use the term extraction and not production as no inhousetechnologyandinputs areusedtomakeanynatural resource; for natural resourcesarenature-given).
The second task is to construct two profit models:
share.Bothofthesefinancial approacheswillbepresented below Ring-fencing Profit Model: Itwasstatedthatthe investment cost of Hammerhead is US$6 8 billion;andwith445million barrels of extracted oil, this will yield an average investment cost of US$ 15.28 per barrel of oil (US$ 15 28 = US$6 8 billion divided by 445 million). To coveroperatingcost(labour, admin, other expenses) an
(Table1).
2016PSAProfitModel: The second profit approach is generated from the 2016 PSA (Table 2) in which the total revenue will be the same amount at US$ 31.150 billion; but the total cost of the project will be more expensive; and this will negatively impact profits, squeezing Guyana profit share. Inparticular,thetotal cost (TC) of the 450 million barrels of oil under the PSA is US$23.363 billion (TC =
75% x US$31.150 billion); and the total profit is US$ 7.79billionofwhichGuyana profit share is US$ 3.894 billion(Table2).
Thecomparisonbetween thetwoprofitmodelsshows that under the ring-fencing model, Guyana profit is US$10.173billion.
In contrast, under the PSAModel,Guyanaprofitis only US$3.893 billion; and thisrepresentsaloss,aprofit squeezeimposedonGuyana of US$6.279 billion (Table 3).
Undoubtedly,thislossof over US$ 6.0 billion from Hammerhead cannot be a f
EMGL and the people of Guyana. Can you imagine how much profit has been lost from the previous projects? Consequently, the Parliament of Guyana must ensure that the 2016 PSA is renegotiated to correct this lopsided contract; for you cannot blame those in the past, but at the same time, use the money earned from the lopsided contract and claimsuccess.Pleasegetthe jobdone!
Sincerely, Dr.C.KenrickHunte Professor and Former Ambassador
M@ilbox
Minister Bharrat right on cash grants as a permanent model
DearEditor,
Muchhasbeenpennedin response to Minister Vickram Bharrat's remarks (KN Sept 30) about the effectiveness of cash grants or cash transfer The Ministerdidnotopposecash grants. He simply stated a fact that it has largely failed to eradicate poverty The concept of effectiveness of cashgrantsislargelystudied insociology Thejuryisstill out on cash grants. The Minister is right that cash grants will have limited effects to eliminate poverty u
problems. Cash grants have not really eliminated or reduced poverty. In several countries, including in Guyana, much of the cash was known to be used for temptation consumption (parties, liquor, drugs, etc.) rather than to lift lives Poverty is reduced through sound policy by providing skills to work to lift themselves out of poverty Poverty rate in Guyana has been declining but still relativelyhigh.
There are different types of cash grants (or cash
transfers) like food stamps, welfare, paying utility bills, social security payments, etc. as in USA, Canada, and developed economies to addresspoverty India transfers money to the poor and subsidizes the purchase of certain basic staple foods like grains, oil, and cooking gas. Minister Bharrat was referring to direct cash grants. These forms of basic assistance (transfers or grants) provide food security and improve psychological well-being that one's family will not starve, and therefore, they can pursue other means to improvelivelihood.Butcash grants should not be across theboardforeveryone,only forthoseindireneed.
The Minister is right about cash grant as a model for social development; while sociologists support it in the initial stages to lift people out of poverty, it is not a sustainable model in thirdworldcountries. There are hardly studies onthesuccessofcashgrants lifting peoples' lives
Economists, socioeconomic analysts, and policymakers (including in
USA, France, Holland, UK, etc.) worry about creating a dependencysyndromeanda permanent underclass in doling out cash grants
Critics of the policy in neighbouring T&T say government has created a permanent underclass in certainneighbourhoodswith its cash transfer policy Guyana must be concerned about creating a permanent underclass with cash grants orcashtransfers.
Vice President Jagdeo stated that government will honouranypromisesoncash grants as made on the campaignplatform. It should! Politicians should make every effort to honour campaign and manifesto promises, but these must be balanced with sound policies aligned with social and economic development to reduce poverty Government is already involved in cash transfers – school vouchers, increases in pensions and NIS, etc. While Guyanese, myself included, would be happytocollectcashgrants, government should pursue measurestoimprovethe (Continuedonpage41)
A timely response to a longstanding plea: Thank you, Vice President
DearEditor, I wish to publicly commend Vice President BharratJagdeoforhisrecent announcement that the government will take steps to address the proliferation of gambling in communities across Guyana. This is a welcome and timely intervention,onethatechoes the concerns many of us haveraisedforyears.
As a citizen deeply invested in Guyana's civic renewal, I have consistently called attention to the social and economic harms caused byunregulatedgambling.In my letter titled “Gaming Shops and Gambling”
published in Guyana Times onJuly7,2024,Ihighlighted how betting establishments contribute to rising crime, druguse,andeventhelabour shortage.
I noted the troubling trend of gambling shops draining household finances a n d u n d e r m i n i n g productivity, especially at the start of the work week. I also reiterated the urgent need for regulation and publiceducation,warningof the vicious cycle between gambling addiction and socialdecay
Vice President Jagdeo's recent remarks suggest that these concerns are finally
beingtakenseriously
I urge the administration to ensure that any forthcoming policies are not onlyrobustandenforceable, but also shaped by community voices and grounded in ethical governance.
Letthisbethebeginning of a broader commitment to restoring dignity and accountability in our communities.Iremainready to contribute constructively to this and any effort for community development and encourage fellow citizenstostayengaged.
Regards
HemrajVishaulKissoon
The GOAL phenomenon keeps delivering
DearEditor,
Inotefromthepressthat “Sinceitsinceptionin2021, GOAL has awarded more than 39,000 scholarships across certificate, diploma, Bachelor's, postgraduate, Master's, and PhD programmes, reflecting its continued commitment to expanding access to education and skills development nationwide ” And now what do we have? Again, from the press, I see that “The Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) has officially launched its 2026 scholarship intake, offering thousands of Guyanese the chance to pursue higher education and skills training through fully funded programmes supported by theGovernmentofGuyana.”
This is absolutely commendable, and anyone who misses outon thismost timely input from the Government of Guyana has onlyhim/herselftoblame.
For one, (and we can researchitforourselves)itis that education, in any form, is expensive worldwide, especially in countries like the U S , China, and Switzerlandforinternational schools, and in the U.S. for public university bachelor's degrees.
High costs are driven by rising tuition, increasing living expenses, and 'government underfunding' and all of this shift the costs to students While some
countries offer relatively affordable options, the overall trend points to a globalincreaseinthecostof obtaining a quality education,particularlyatthe technicalandtertiarylevel.
Secondly, (and this information is readily available), it is that global education spending is rising butstillremainsinsufficient, with a significant funding gap of $97 billion annually for low- and lower-middleincome countries to achieve t h e S u s t a i n a b l e Development Goals (SDGs) by2030,accordingtoreports by the World Bank and UNESCO and World Bank.
While high-income countries spend over $8,500 per learner annually, lowincomecountriesspendonly about$55.Alackofefficient spending, debt servicing, and shifting donor priorities have contributed to this underinvestment.
I t h i n k I h a v e emphasized how valuable GOAL (Guyana Online Academy of Learning) is to Guyana, especially at this crucialjuncture.
I further advise that we respond to the reality that skills training holds significant value in today's world,asitclosesworkplace skill gaps, improves employee performance, morale, and retention, and b o o s t s c o m p a n y p r o d u c t i v i t y a n d competitiveness For the actual beneficiaries, it leads
t o g r e a t e r c a r e e r opportunities, increased earning potential, enhanced confidence, and personal growth Overall, skills training fosters lifelong learning, strengthens workforce adaptability to technological changes, and creates benefits for employees, employers, and the wider economy It is indeed a win-win situation, and the same can be said of higheracademiceducation.
Editor, thousands have reaped success from GOAL sinceitslaunchbackin2021. Thusfar,theprogrammehas awarded more than 39,000 scholarships across certificate, diploma, Bachelor's, postgraduate, Master's, and PhD programmes, reflecting its continued commitment to expanding access to education and skills developmentnationwide.
IrecallwhenGOALwas launched and flocked by the populace, opposition from the 'usual suspects' came aplenty Mind you, these d i s s e n t i n g v o i c e s collectively suggested no alternative, nor when they hadtheopportunity,initiated anything Maybe they should ponder how with GOAL ongoing, Guyanese, irrespective of location, are having equal access to quality tertiary education and from a diverse set of academicprogrammes.
Yourstruly, HargeshB.Singh.
BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCIES!
In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Dr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecencies in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.
MONDAY–SEPTEMBER29,2025
Anotheroilproject,same lopsidedcontract
The Government of Guyana has given its blessing to ExxonMobil and its partners for a seventh oil project.
single adjustment to the lopsidedProductionSharing Agreement that continues to bleedthiscountryofbillions.
Yet, once again, this approval comes without a
How many times must Guyanese be reminded that
the contract was poorly negotiated,thatitgivesaway our patrimony for crumbs, and that successive approvals only deepen the injustice? This is not progress; it is surrender ExxonMobilanditspartners are allowed to pump more oil, reap super-profits, and leave Guyana with the scraps, while our leaders cheeron.
No attempt has been made to correct the glaring deficiencies no ringfencing, no increase in the meagre 2% royalty, no safeguards against runaway costs.Instead,wearetoldto celebrate “development” while the oil giants tighten theirgrip.
Each new project should have been an opportunity to demand better terms Instead, Guyana has been locked into silence, watchingitswealthsiphoned away
The approval of this seventh project is not a triumph; it is another sad reminder that the government is unwilling to standupforthepeople.
WEDNESDAY–OCTOBER01,2025
Gazaburns,theworld watches
Israel's relentless bombingofGazahaspushed the humanitarian crisis
beyond breaking point. Day afterday,imagesofflattened homes,lifelesschildren,and desperate families flood the world Food, water, and medicine have become scarcer than gold, yet the bombskeepfalling.
Thisisnolongerawar It iscollectivepunishment.Itis crueltyinplainsight.
Here in Guyana, the Solidarity with Gaza Movement last week held a day of prayer and fasting, even as they pressed CARICOM and Guyana to take a stand against the killings.
But while the prayers ascend, it is also time for global outrage and real action.
We say it bluntly: the worldhasfailedGaza.Those with power to act have chosen silence or excuses. They lecture about human rights in other places but look away from the carnage in Palestine The double standardisobscene.
Gaza does not need sympathy Gaza needs justice.Untilthebombsstop, until aid flows freely, and untilpeaceisgivenachance, every democracy claiming moral leadership is guilty of complicity
FRIDAY–OCTOBER03,2025
OnceNortonisthere, PNCgoingnowhere
The PNC's Central Executive Committee has once again failed its supporters and the wider opposition movement. By declaring confidence in Aubrey Norton, the 15member body has chosen loyaltytoafailedleaderover thesurvivaloftheparty
Thefactsareundeniable. Under Norton's leadership, the PNC suffered its worst electoral defeat in history Over 100,000 of its supporters abandoned the party at the last elections. That level of voter flight is not the result of external conspiracy; it is a direct indictment of Norton's inability to inspire confidence,rallythebase,or attractnewsupport.
Yet, rather than confront this reality, the executive clings to Norton, buying time until next year's congress.Thatisnothingbut cowardice dressed up as patience.
Every day that Norton remainsatthehelm,thePNC drifts further into irrelevance,handingthePPP afreepasstotightenitsgrip onpower
If the PNC is serious about renewal and about offering this country a credible alternative, it must act now Norton has had his chance, and he has failed. Once Norton is there, the PNCisgoingnowhere.
Jagdeo and the $5B question
Denis Chabrol, without doubt thebestreporter in Guyana, put Vice PresidentJagdeotohisplace at last Thursday’s weekly press conference Jagdeo had thrown a tantrum at his press conference over a Demerara Waves report that had cited the PPPC as spending some G$5B on its re-electionbid.
Jagdeo was irked by the fact that Demerara Waves had reported on this sum, w i t h o u t
presenting any evidence According to Jagdeo, the figure was closer to G$300M. He was furious that the Demerara Waves, withwhichDenisChabrolis associated,couldquotesuch an exorbitant sum and not providevalidation. Jagdeohadamouthfulto sayonthisissue.Buthewill not, in turn show any proof ofhowmuchhispartyspent. None of the political parties willdoso.
When Chabrol got up
afterwards to ask a question about just how much the PPPC spent on its reelection, Jagdeo confronted him on the $5B claim and tried to reverse the roles of hostandreporter Heposeda question to Chabrol as to where Demerara Waves arrivedatthat$5Bsum.
Chabrol would have none of it. Chabrol put him to his place by pointing out that he, Chabrol, was not there to answer questions and in any event, he would not reveal his
DEM BOYS SEH
FuneralFashion
Yuh ever notice how people does dress nowadays when dem going to funeral?
Lawd,ifyuhnahcareful,yuhcouldathink yuh walk into a fashion show Back in de day, it used to simple—black and white, plain clothes, respectful. If yuh did see somebody in colour, people would be whispering, “Eh heh, he ain’t have proper funeralclothes,orhejustcomefromwork.” Thatwasit.Butnow?Anythinggoes!
Some people come looking like dem just step out of some boutique catalogue. Yuh have woman in bright yellow with accessoriestomatch,andmaninredtieand blue pants—oh, yuh know, the one who thinkhe’sarunwaymodel.Anddemshoes? Yuh woulda think dem going to a wedding reception! De days when people did dress humble for funeral done gone. Now, de more flashy, de better. Some people even buyingspecialoutfitjustfordefuneral,like dem want to make sure people notice dem beforedemevenseedebody
And de ting is, sometimes yuh can’t eventellifyuhatafuneraloraparty People laughingandtakingselfieswhiledefamily
stillcryinginside.Demboysseh,whendid mourning turn into a fashion competition?
Yuh coulda swear de woman in green and goldthinksheon“ProjectRunway:Guyana Edition.” And de men? Lawd, de men in dembrightpoloshirtsandnewsneakers… “Eh,yuhnahfeelbadthatdemangone?”
Eventhelittlechildrencatchingfashion fever Yuhseedemwithsparklyshoes,little dresses with sequins, looking like dem ready fi carnival, not funeral. And some granny with her big hat and fancy bag, people gawking, whispering, “She ain’t heretomourn,sheheretoshowoff.”
De thing is, we changing as people. Funeral nah just bout paying respect no more. It turn into an event fi show off yuh style and yuh new outfit. Dem boys seh, if yuh go a funeral today, better check yuh closetandyuhbankaccount,becausewhat usedtobeblackandwhite,nowaparadeof colours, glitter, and style. Even de dead wouldabevex,becauseeverybodylooking at who wear best outfit instead of saying goodbye.
Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
source.
But it later became clear that Jagdeo was on a different wavelength as Chabrol. Because as was pointed out by Chabrol, the $5Bincludedwhatisknown as incumbency advantages thatistheuseofStatefunds and assets as well as the established practice of ‘peaking’ which is when projects and initiatives and sweeteners are timed to coincidewithelections.
The Carter Center in a pre-election statement said the following: “The Carter Center has received reports allegingthattherulingparty has used State-owned vehicles to campaign and taken advantage of ‘10-day workers’ (employed parttime by the government) in campaignactivities.Official government statements abouttheopeningofschools and other public buildings regularly feature public officials in full ruling-party regalia, blurring the line between the state and the party Since July 30, the president has announced he would promote over 2,800 Guyana Police Force officers. On Aug. 1, the government announced that bridge crossings would now be free. These and similar measures can be seen to afford the ruling party an unfair advantage While Guyana’s laws do not prohibit new government spending after an election is called, such spending runs
contrary to international standards and best practices intended to ensure a level playingfield.”
When people say that there was vote buying at the elections, they do not literally mean that parties paid citizens to votes for them.BoththePPPCandthe APNU were dreadfully fearful that the WIN party would pay persons to vote –that party has the resources todoso.
That is why both the PPPCandtheAPNUwereof thesamemindwhenitcame totheprohibitionofpersons from taking photographs of how they voted. Both the PPPC and theAPNU feared thatWINcouldusethisasa formofvote-buying.
But this is not what analysts mean when they speakaboutmoneydeciding theelectionsandtherebeing vote-buying When one party is in power and the government commissions many projects just around election time, disburses backpay to public servants, offers promotions to different agencies and gives out contracts like Satan ClausatChristmas,theseare the advantages of incumbency. And it is these advantages, along with abuse of State resources, which it is believed tilt the balance in favour of the rulingparty
Andthisiswhatanalysts meanwhentheyspeakabout vote-buying.Andthiswhere
Chabrol’s gets his G$5B from. But Jagdeo would not understandthat.
ButifJagdeo’stantrums, at last Thursday’s press conference, amounts to a continuation of his preelections press conference, the media has no reason to complain. It is the media which is so starved of news and so eager to learn about what is happening in government and to ask question about cash grants, that they flock to these weekly party press conferences, where government matters are discussed.
By attending this charade, they blur the line between party and State. It is, in effect, an open invitation and a front-row seat to a display of political tantrumsandvitriol.
Butatleastthemediacan take comfort from the quiet, deliberate, intellectual refusal, by one of its members, to be intimidated. Denis Chabrol, in his calm, precise way, put the Vice President to his place without ever raising his voice.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Cash transfers – Part 11 – helping Minister Bharrat
Iagree with some of what Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, had to say on cash transfers, but only limitedly Where there is difference,Idon'tcriticize. I edify MinisterBharratisheard clearlyinthecontextofcash transfers of $500k monthly or quarterly “Who will go toschoolafterthat?Because if I'm a student and I'm a Guyanese, I would say I'm collecting our money Why should I go to school? Why shouldIstudy?WhyshouldI getdegree(sic)?Whyshould I go work? Because I'm collectingthismoney So,it's
theculture,istheculturethat we create, or the culture behindthat.”
There is recollection what happened in the U.S. with long-term COVID-19 unemployment money, and h o w m u c h t h a t disincentivizedhonestwork. So, I am with the minister, butpartofthewayonly My ownquestionsfollow What about those looking for a start to get off the bottom floor, then leverage relief into more? What about those who invest cash transfer money wisely, per the mechanism outlined by Vice President Dr Jagdeo? Yes, there will be the
profligates; but there also would be the frugal, who count every cent. When citizens endure hard times, are lifted out of that quicksand, they hate returning there. Once the poverty dog bites, the next time there are big fights against receiving another piercing. Tothehonourable minister, I say this: I know whatitistobepoor,inneed. Iseepoorpeoplefrequently, and I question how they manage in oil rich Guyana, with very high GDP, while pretend that all's well. It isn't;nothingis. Sorry,butImustdistance from Minister Bharrat and
hisstrange,newroad,takea different one. “Now let's lookatafewcountries.Let's look at the US. Many of thesepeoplewhohavecalled for cash transfer, most of them live in the US.” The minister exaggerated slightly Guyanese living right here are calling for, expecting, promising a cash transfer, then more of them. With the minister's permission, I point to his comrades on the political hustings, and the sweet gushersofwordsthatflowed from their mouths. If he didn't know, I help: cash handouts/grants. Morethan one cash handout. Big cash
handouts Rich cash handouts in the future. I referthehonourableminister tothecampaigntapes.
Next, Minister Bharrat went on a roll. What a roll! Check this out, folks. “The US produces probably the mostoilintheworldamong oil producing countries. I've never heard of any cash transferintheUS,Qatar I've never heard of any cash transfer in Qatar, the UAE, which is Dubai…I've never heard of any cash transfer given. Look at Ghana, look atAngola,andthoseAfrican countries that produce oil.” Ahem! It pains to separate from any minister, but I must.
Sure, the U S has recaptured its role as the world'sbiggestoilproducer But, in the U.S. sir, oil is in private hands. Oil is not 70%oftheeconomy Inthe U S , oil companies pay taxes, windfall taxes occasionally, and recently royalties. But there is no profitsharing. Eventhough Guyana's profit sharing is tricky, visited by continual controversy, it still occurs, evenifit'sintheformofone handgiving,onehandtaking back. I remind Brother Vickram that 'one haan caan clap'. LestIforget,theU.S. has a comprehensive social safetynet,fromfoodstamps to unemployment insurance to help for troubled children toareasonablyfairdisability regime. Then, there is oil Alaska and how that state rewards residents To remain civil, I say no more, urge the minister to revisit his words, rebalance his “failedmodel'revelation.
Relativetocashtransfers inQatarandtheUAE,c'mon minister Those countries are family-owned, familycontrolled, and familyoperated There are thoroughbreds to be bought, expensive real estate to be bought in Mayfair, Manhattan, and Chicago's Magnificent Mile. But the emirs still provide generously for their people. The princes' jetsetter lifestyleiscostly,butmoney is still found to fund and keep citizens in those welfare states living a grand life Ever heard about droves of hungry and struggling Qataris? They are doing so well that they have Indians, Bangladeshis, Pakistanis, and Filipinos doing everything for them. Especiallywhentheycollect handsomely from their highly paid jobs, lucrative contracts. Africa,ahAfrica, therewasthedosSantosclan in Angola, Abacha in Nigeria, and they had a common thread running through them: kleptocracy Those leaders were so busy raiding the people's treasury and banking in Geneva, that therewasnopausingtothink of cash transfers to those withnogripontheeconomic ladder There it was, the good and bad Nice chatting, minister Best wishes.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Labourerremanded forchildpornography
A19-year-oldman was remanded to p r i s o n o n Thursdayforchildluringand procuring child pornography when he appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrates' Court.
The accused, Jeremiah James, of 'D' Field Sophia was slapped with multiple charges which include
p o s s e s s i n g c h i l d pornography in a computer system, procuring child pornography for himself and
another person, using a computer system to commit child luring and causing a child under the age of 16 to watchpornography
James appeared before Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse where he pleaded guilty to the charge of Child Possession and Causing a Child Under 16 years to watchasexualact. He however pleaded 'not guilty' to child luring and procuringchildpornography Heisexpectedtoreturnto
French Embassy opens in Guyana
The French Embassy in Guyana wascommissioned,onFriday,duringa simple ceremony held at its Lama Avenue,BelAir,Georgetownlocation.
fordemocracy,humanrights,andeach other's sovereignty and territorial integrity,”thepresidentsaid.
The event was attended by PresidentIrfaanAliandseveralsenior government officials as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps.
Accordingtoapressreleaseposted on the Office of the President's Facebookpage,PresidentAlisaidthat theestablishmentofaFrenchEmbassy in the country is a testament to strengthened bilateral ties and the deepening of relations over the past fiveyears.
“Guyana and France are united by the fundamental principles of respect
Further, the President noted that the Guyana–France working group, which was established last year, is a strategic partnership that serves as a platform to coordinate collaborative endeavours and consistently monitor progress in priority areas such as defence, security, infrastructure, technology,agriculture,andtourism.
“These areas of cooperation between Guyana and France will provide opportunities for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and joint initiatives that can drive meaningful progress for both our nations,” he added.
President IrfaanAli
President IrfaanAli at the commissioning ceremony of the French Embassy in Guyana on Friday
Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana
LOCALIZED TREATMENT AT ANNUAL TREE WRAPPING
EVENT
The Waterfalls Waterfalls CALL FOR YEAR-ROUND SUPPORT, MORE
British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller (2nd left), joins Minister within the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, Steven Jacob (2nd right) and President of the Guyana Cancer Foundation Bibi Akthar (3rd left) for the annual tree-wrapping.
GUYANA
Led by Guyana’s 2025 Hero of Hope, Rehana Jagdeo (3rd right), Cancer fighters made their plea for year-round support
Meet the delightfully stunning, Shania Giddings, a contestant in the Miss East Coast Beauty with a Mission pageant. Shania is representing the village of Non Pareil, ECD in the pageant. This week’s beauty aspires to become a successful business owner and performing artiste Her main goal is to create opportunities not only for herself but also for others who dare to dream beyond their boundaries. A quote that guides this belle is from Dale Carnegie: “Knowledge isn’t power unless applied.”
(Source: Miss East Coast Beauty with a Mission Facebook page)
ShaniaGiddings
No Empty Chairs: TheCaseforAttending the2025SummitoftheAmericas
The Dominican Republic (DR) is hosting the 2025 Summit of theAmericas – a gathering of the Heads of State and Government of 32 countries of the Western Hemisphere.
On September 30, the Government of the DR, publicly stated that Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela will not be invited to the
2025 Summit of the Americas. The Government wascarefultoexplainthatits choice is necessary to “ensure the widest possible political dialogue” and to “guaranteethesuccessofthe Summit.”Italsomakesclear that this decision “does not interfere with bilateral relations” with any of the threecountries.
This decision is likely to provokearesponsesimilarto thatseenatthe2022Summit in Los Angeles, when the U.S. administration of Joe Bidendidnotinvitethesame threegovernments.Callsfor HeadsofGovernmenttostay awayfollowed,andafewdid so in protest at the non-
invitation of Cuba’s
President Miguel Díaz-
C a n e l B e r m ú d e z , Nicaragua’s President DanielOrtegaSaavedra,and Venezuela’s President NicolásMaduroMoros.
Leaders should think hard before staying away from the 2025 Summit
Global and regional conditions have shifted: wars in the Middle East and Europe cast economic and security shadows across the Americas; within the hemisphere,ideologicalrifts are reopening This is precisely the moment for leaderstomeet—tomanage
differences,protectinterests, and act in the interest of all thepeoplesoftheAmericas.
Attendance is leverage, not endorsement. Leaders who believe that Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela shouldbeinvitedshouldsay so at the Summit, in direct terms. Refusing to attend neither alters the guest list nor delivers gains for the peoples of the Americas; it onlyremovesstrongnational voices from the room where decisions and deals are made.
The agenda in Punta Cana in the DR is built around four urgent security pillars: citizen security, energy security, water security, and food security Across reputable global assessments, Latin America and the Caribbean ranks poorlyonallfour:theregion bears the world’s highest homicide burden; most countries are not watersecure; energy-transition progress and grid reliability lagbehindotherregions;and the cost of a healthy diet is the highest in the world, alongside elevated foodinsecurity rates. They determine whether freedom of speech is preserved; whether hospitals, schools and hotels have electricity; whether water pipes run and crops survive; whether households have access to food at prices they can afford.
The DR government put out the suggested theme for the Summit with these four pillars since February and the first draft of a possible Declaration from the Summit was issued in June. Since September 11, government representatives
ofthe32countrieshavebeen negotiating the outcome document.
Amajor initiative at this Summit is the CEO Convocation co-hosted with the Inter-American Development Bank That platform is designed for public authorities and private capital to assemble the financing and execution capacity that the four pillars require Public–private
partnerships, built transparently and on fair terms, can shorten delivery timelines and spread costs sensibly The CEO meeting is where those partnerships canbemadereal.
Another imperative is greater trade and economic integration across Latin America and the Caribbean. Integration scales markets, deepens and de-risks supply chains, and accelerates the spread of knowledge and expertise Practical steps suchas,customsfacilitation, reliable sea- and air-links, and competitively priced access to infrastructure inputs,areallmattersleaders should use the Summit to agreeandadvance.
Apartfromthesegeneral considerations, Caribbean leaders should be at the Summit t
concerns. The recent UN SecurityCouncildecisionon Haitimustbeadvancedwith practica
ines, resources, and roles
Understanding and progress
are also needed on differences over climate change and sustainable d
velopment, where positions diverge but impacts converge The negotiations in the Summit
Implementation Review Group (SIRG), made up of all the independent states of the Americas except Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, began on September 11 and have yet to resolve differencesonthesepointsat the technical level. It may take direct consultation by leaders to agree on actions thatcanbetaken.
ThelastSummit,despite political controversy, still producedoutcomesofvalue, including climate- and energy-cooperation channels that mobilized technical support and investment for Caribbean states The lesson is straightforward: even when politics creates dissonance, useful progress is possible when leaders are present, prepared,andfocused.
Thereisawiderprinciple that should be stated; movement toward greater democracy and respect for human, civil, and political rightsisnecessaryforbroadbased development and for international financial support In Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, tangible steps in that direction would encourage broader backing across the hemisphere. In Venezuela’s case specifically, military threats against Guyana should give way to a peaceful, lawful path under international law and the process of the International Court of Justice that the UN Secretary-General authorized and CARICOM governmentshaveendorsed. It is understood that President Trump may not attend for security reasons –a concern that might yet be resolved Nonetheless, senior U.S. representation is expected; at minimum Secretary of State Marco Rubio or Vice President Vance, or both.The margins of the Summit are wellsuited to quiet, candid exchanges with U S principals on the effects of U S policy across the hemisphere; conversations that can yield practical attentiontopressingissues.
This is a meeting to be present, active, and s p e a k i n g : t h e D R government has set a constructive path; its noninvitations to Cuba, NicaraguaandVenezuelaare framedasaSummit-specific decision, without prejudice tobilateralrelations.Leaders should use that path to pursuenationalinterestsand advance hemispheric cooperation. Not attending leaves influence at the table in other hands. Attending, and doing the work, serves thepeopleoftheAmericas.
(The author is the Ambassador ofAntigua and Barbuda to the United States and the OAS, and D e a n o f t h e O A S Ambassadors accredited to the OAS. Responses and previous commentaries: w w w . s i r r o n a l d sanders.com)
Sir Ronald Sanders
WEEK-IN-REVIEW
SUNDAY
Exxonpaidnotaxesto GuyanabuttellsU.S.it paidoverUS$1.2Bin2024
American oil major, ExxonMobil has reported the payment of US$1.2B in taxes to the government of Guyana (GoG) for the year 2024.
In a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)filingmadeonFriday, thecompanyinaspecialized report to its shareholders explained that the document was prepared and furnished in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act, regarding Disclosure of Payments by Resource Extraction Issuers (the “Regulations”) on behalf of Exxon Mobil Corporation, itssubsidiariesandentities.
It includes cash and inkind payments made to Foreign Governments or the U S Federal Government with respect to commercial development of oil, natural gas, or minerals involving exploration, extraction, processing,andexportofoil, natural gas, or minerals, or the acquisition of a license foranysuchactivity
Exxon in the report
explained, “The tax payments reported in this document do not equal our ultimate tax liability They arethepaymentswemadeto the governments in the reportingyearreducedbythe amount of any refunds and do not include amounts for the purchase of tax credits.
Forthesereasons,webelieve the total global taxes and duties expense listed in the
companies’ publicly available financial statements provide a more accuratereflectionofthefull scope of contributions made togovernments.”
Notably, with respect to taxes paid to the GoG, the companyreportedapayment of just over US$1.2B to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). The document also includes other payments made by Exxon to the Guyanese administration during the period, including royalties, fees and production entitlements
Notably, a payment amounting to US$8.9M to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport was also recorded for the purpose of “ i n f r a s t r u c t u r e improvements” See table attached.
According to the SEC filing, ExxonMobil’s global taxbillin2024wasUS$44B.
“Our 2024 worldwide effectiveincometaxratewas 33% (excluding acquired entities),” the company stated.
Italsopointedoutthatin the United States, ExxonMobil’s total expense for taxes and duties in 2024 was more than $9 billion. According to Exxon’s 2024 financial statements, the company’s earnings totaled nearlyUS$35billion.
Exxon’sreportingontax payments, specifically made to the government of Guyana, comes at a time when the U S government has raised serious concerns over the company’s tax arrangementslocally.
On Tuesday, three U.S Senators wrote to CEO of ExxonMobil, Darren Woods about the company’s tax arrangements in Guyana The lawmakers have given Exxon an October 23, 2025 deadline to respond to a series of questions Read
m o r e h e r e : https://kaieteurnewsonline.c
om/2025/09/24/u-ssenators-probing-exxonsguyana-tax-deal/ ExxonMobil, in joint venture with CNOOC and Hess (now Chevron), were contracted by the GoG to producehydrocarbonsinthe 26,800 square kilometer StabroekBlock.
In a statement issued to the media, it was explained that Senators Sheldon Whitehouse, Chris Van Hollen and Jeff Merkley requestedinformationonthe company’s accounting of its U.S.taxliabilityasaresultof the 2016 Stabroek Block PetroleumAgreement.
“The letter raises questions about whether American taxpayers are subsidizing ExxonMobil’s foreign oil production in Guyana,whichthecompany carries out in partnership with a Chinese state-owned company,” the statement said.
The sweetheart deal Exxon signed in 2016 states in Article 15 1 that the Contractor (ExxonMobil Guyana Limited) as well as its affiliates shall not be subjectedtotax,value-added tax, excise tax, duty, fee, charge, or impost in respect of income derived from petroleum operations, propertyheldortransactions exceptasspecifiedunderthe agreement.
Further, Article 15 4 statesthatthesumequivalent to the taxes owed by the companywillbepaidbythe Minister responsible for P e t r o l e u m t o t h e Commissioner General of the GRA. It should be noted that the contract also allows fortheissuingofareceiptto ExxonMobil, indicating that it has met the local tax
requirements to avoid the burdenofdoubletaxation.
Omaideploysfourthdrill rigatWenotgoldpit
Canadian company
OmaiGoldMines,hasadded a fourth drill rig to its gold projecthereinGuyanaasthe it pushes ahead with an aggressive exploration programme.
Omai holds a 100% interest in the pastproducingOmaigoldproject inGuyana,locatedinRegion Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni)
TheOmaipropertyhoststwo orogenic gold deposits: the shear-hosted Wenot Deposit and the adjacent intrusivehostedGiltCreekDeposit.
In a recent update, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Chairman of Omai Elaine Ellingham noted that the company’s 2025 programme has so far completed 43 holes totaling 23,500metres,includingsix recentholesatWenot.
“We are very pleased withourrecentlyannounced, significantly increased, updated Mineral Resource Estimate(MRE).TheNI43101 Report will be filed on SEDAR+ in the next couple of weeks. Today’s new drill results from Wenot, were completed at the end of the resource drilling program, but assays were received after the cutoff date for the MRE. These results will
contribute to the updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) expected in early Q1/26,” Ellingham stated.
The CEO noted that the new results will help strengthen the company’s updated economic outlook fortheproject.
Further, Ellingham disclose that a fourth drill arrived at the property and has commenced drilling at theeasternendofWenotpit. Shesaidthisrigisfocusedon testing the limits of the depositinthisarea.
Omai CEO said, “The two other drills are testing fromthesouthsideofWenot. ThecurrentdrillingatWenot is focused on optimizing the resource for the upcoming PEA by drilling large gaps withinthedepositinorderto reduce the strip ratio. These holes and are also expected to further expand the resource.”
Ellingham underscored that at the Wenot pit, the ongoing drilling is designed not only to expand the resource but also to reduce thestripratiobyfillinglarge gaps within the deposit. She saidresultsarealsoexpected toincreaseconfidenceinkey zones, converting Inferred resources into the Indicated category. Ellingham added, “Work is underway on an updated PEA and we will provide an update on progress and milestones in
anupcomingnewsrelease.”
Moreover, she said results are pending for some areas that were drilled but stated that those areas have shown promise for highergrade, near-surface mineralization that could improve the project economics.
Omani’s project combined update MRE results is: 2,121,000 ounces of gold (indicated), a 7% increase, averaging 2.07 g/t Au in 31.9 million tonnes (Mt) and 4,382,000 ounces of gold (inferred), a 92% increase, averaging 1.95 g/t Auin69.6Mt.
The property’s 2024 MRE outlined 2 0 million ouncesofgoldindicatedand 2.3millionouncesinferred.
MONDAY
Fourcompaniestosign contractsfornewoil blocksnextmonth
Sispro Inc , the standalone Guyanese company that participated in the country’sinauguraloilblock auction launched in 2022, will be among four companies set to sign contractsinOctoberwiththe GovernmentofGuyana.
This was disclosed by Minister of Natural Resources,VickramBharrat, during a recently aired interviewonStartingPoint, Continued on page 17
The women behind Sispro Inc., (from left)Ayodele Dalgety-Dean, Abbigale Loncke-Watson, Dr. Melissa Varswyck, and Dee George
Frompage16 OilandGasEdition.
Minister Bharrat acknowledgedthatfinalising the Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) for the auction took some time, explaining that government was tasked with updating and creating a new model PSA with improved terms when compared to the PSA governing ExxonMobil Guyana Limited’s (EMGL) StabroekBlockoperations.
Hesaidnegotiationswith the companies also added to the delays. “It took a while, too,becauseitgoesbackand
forth Most of these
companies are not in Guyana, so most of the time it’s virtual. Most time it is based on their availability,” hestated.
According to the Minister, Government could
have proceeded with
contracts for some companies earlier, but instead chose a uniform approach. Bharrat said, “We didn’t want a PSA for X company, a PSA for Y company, a PSA for R company We wanted a PSA that will be signed by all companies. That is industry standard, and that is world class, and that will bring better benefits to Guyanese in comparison to the 2016 StabroekBlockPSA.Sothat tooksometime.”
In December 2022, President Irfaan Ali launched the country’s inaugural bid round for 14 offshore oil blocks When bids were opened, it was revealed that six companies had submitted proposals for eightblocks.Governmentin 2023awardedeightblocksto SisproInc.;TotalEnergies,in consortium with Qatar
Energy and Petronas;
Liberty Petroleum Corporation; Cybele Energy Limited; International
G r o u p Investment I n c . ;
ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Hess and CNOOC; a n d D e l c o r p I n c , comprising Watad Energy
and Communications Limited and Arabian DrillingCompany
In 2024, four companies accepted the terms of the new PSA. Minister Bharrat said that with negotiations completed, government is nowmovingtoformalisethe agreements “We have already made contact with thosecompanies.Theyknow themselvesbynow,sowe’re looking to sign that agreement in October with those four companies,” he noted.
HeconfirmedthatSispro isamongthem,adding,“I’m very proud that it’s a Guyanese company, especially our women folk getting involved in the oil and gas sector It shows that we’reexpandingthewaywe think, and taking risk and wanttobeinvolvedintheoil andgassector.”
Sispro Inc. was awarded a shallow water block, S3, and a deep-water block, D2. Minister Bharrat noted that the PSA to be signed with Sisprowillcovertheshallow water block He added, “Then at some point in the future,onceweconcludethe negotiation,deep-waterone, we will move forward with that ” Notably, the fiscal regime of the new PSA requiresthepaymentofa10 percentroyaltyanda10per cent corporate tax. The cost recovery ceiling will be capped at 65 percent in a givenyear,whileprofitswill be shared 50/50 between companiesandthestate.
Copsbusted demandingbribesfrom passengersatCJIA
TheGuyanaPoliceForce hasconfirmedthatseveralof its ranks stationed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) are under investigation for alleged
extortion.
Accordingtoreports,the officers were caught demanding money from a passengerinordertorelease herlawfulitems.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the police said that CCTV footage and other evidence have corroborated the allegation. “The officers involved have been placed under close arrest while the Office of Professional Responsibility(OPR)carries out a full investigation,” policesaid.
The statement further emphasisedtheforce’szero-
corruption “To strengthen
Government of Guyana has ordered that from today, all law enforcement officers operating at ports of entry, whether at airports or other border points, will be required to wear body
meras ” The police stressed that any officer found guilty of extortion or bribery will face the full forceofthelaw
“The public is reminded that no payment of any kind is required to clear lawful items through CJIA or any otherport.Ifanyoneisasked for money, report it immediately to the nearest police authority,” police stated.
TUESDAY
‘Oilcashhandouts willleaveGuyanapoorer’ –MinisterBharrat …says initiative is a failed model
Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat saidthatgivingcitizenscash transfers from oil funds is a failed model, and if the government focuses on this Guyana will end up poorer thanitstarted.
planstospendoilrevenues.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) back in March had praised Guyana’s cash transfers, sayingthatithelpedtotackle poverty but cautioned the country about the likely impactfromloweroilprices and climate shocks. “Staff assesses that social transfer policies implemented in recent years have increased disposable income and reduced the poverty rate,” the IMF said in its Staff ConcludingStatementofthe 2025ArticleIVMission.The PPP/CGovernmentinitslast termprovidedcashtransfers todisabledpersons,farmers, school children, mothers of newborn babies and dialysis recipients.Italsodistributed $100,000cashtransfertoall Guyanese18yearsandolder andhadpromisedmoresuch grants in its second term “Going forward, additional targetedtransfers,integrated into a medium-term fiscal framework, could further supportinclusivegrowthand help Guyana advance faster toward its sustainable development goal (SDG) of nopoverty,”theIMFsaid.
believe that they will be delivered,”henoted.
The VP had explained thatthePeople’sProgressive PartyCivic(PPPC)hasplans t0 structure financial instrument created in such a way that enables citizens to invest their cash grants. “It will underwrite, it will give youaguaranteerateofreturn thanifthemoneywasplaced in the bank,” he noted. “So whenyougetyourcashgrant inthefuture,youcanputitin a financial instrument that the government will create, thatitwillunderwrite,itwill give you a guarantee rate of returnthanthemoneyifyou placeitinthebank,allofthis willempowerpeople,young people, especially to own things,”hesaid.
Fast forward to the launch of the party’s elections campaign in July
Prime Minister Mark
Phillipsalsopromisedthatif reelected the PPPC
them live in the US ” He explained that a lot of these persons live in the United States, and he would like them to tell him if cash transfers are offered to citizens in the US, even though it is one of the most powerful countries on earth. “The US produces probably the most oil in the world among oil producing countries. I’ve never heard of any cash transfer in the US, Qatar I’ve never heard ofanycashtransferinQatar, the UAE, which is Dubai…I’ve never heard of any cash transfer given Look at Ghana, look at Angola, and those African countries that produce oil,” hesaid.
He reiterated that the model cannot and will not work,asitisnotpractical.If the government decided to give every household $500,000 monthly or quarterly, this may be sending a bad message or citizens may refuse to work.
“Whowillgotoschoolafter that? Because if I’m a studentandI’maGuyanese, I would say I’m collecting ourmoney WhyshouldIgo to school? Why should I study? Why should I get degree? Why should I go work? Because I’m collectingthismoney Soit’s theculture,istheculturethat we create, or the culture behind that,” the minister reasoned.
Hehoweverclarifiedthat the government does intend toprovidecashtransfers,but emphasised that, as President Irfaan Ali has stated, this is not the only way the administration
Meanwhile,ontherecent electioncampaigntrail,allof thepartiespromisedcitizens cashgrants. InMarchofthis year Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo told the media at a gathering at Babu Jaan, Corentyne,Berbicethatcash grants will be given in the future. “You will get your cashgrantsinthefuturetoo,” Jagdeo said. “Just imagine the next term in office how glorious that will be,” he added. During his address, Jagdeo reaffirmed that the P P P s t a n d s b y i t s commitments “When we make these promises that PresidentAli spoke about in the next term, you best
Government will deliver more cash grants not less than $100,000. “Last year, wepaid$100,000cashgrant foreveryGuyanese18years andabove.Anditdidn’tdone deh, because once we start something, we got to continue it, and if we pay $100,000,nexttimeweain’t gon pay you less than 100,000 so you figure it out foryourself,morecashgrant coming, and it will not be lessthan$100,000,”Phillips told a large crowd of PPP supporters at their election campaignlaunchinKitty However, Minster Bharrat has said that the issue of cash grants, “It’s a failed model. It’s a model thatdoesnotworkinanypart of the world. Now let’s look atafewcountries.Let’slook at the US. Many of these people who have called for cash transfer, most some of
Minister Bharrat explained that it will not be an incentive and it will be short-lived, resulting in the countrybeinginaworststate than when it started producing oil. “Oil and Gas will end at some point in time,andthatiswhywehave used the revenue from oil and gas sector to continue building out forestry, mining, manufacturing, ecotourism,constructionand the new sectors that are emerging now, agriculture expandingbecauseweknow wehavetoprepareforafteroil, like Dubai did, and we have seen their success. So, theseareresourcesthatdon’t last forever,” the minister reminded.
“We will end up poorer than where we start from. It simply means that we will end up with a country with peoplewhoarenoteducated because they didn’t see the need to go to school and for their education and to study and to build a professional career, because they’re receivingthesecash
Continued on page 18
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat
Frompage17 transfers,andthepeoplewho have not invested in businesses and who are not working,andwewillsimply haveacountrywhereexpats
and foreigners will
dominate, obviously, because our locals are just sitting back and waiting on their cash transfer at the end of the month,” Bharrat stressed.
Drunkconstruction workerdiesinmotorcycle smash-up - two others, including 13-yr-old critical A22-year-oldCorentyne construction worker met a tragic end on Sunday after themotorcyclehewasriding slammed into a culvert at Number 68 Village, leaving two pillion riders – one of them a 13-year-old boy seriouslyinjured.
Dead is Eric Kissoon, called‘Head’,ofNumber72 Village Relatives told Kaieteur News that Kissoon was intoxicated, unlicensed, not wearing a helmet, and r i d i n g a b o r r o w e d motorcycle with faulty brakes when the crash occurred.Hisfather,Herman Kissoon, 65, a security officer at the Number 75 Village Hospital, recounted thathewasondutywhenhe received word of the accident.“Ihearanaccident comein…thenIhearoneof the boys name is ‘Head’. I run over and see me son lay down lifeless,” the grieving fathersaidintears.
The father lamented that despite constant warnings, his son continued riding while drunk. “I does warn him over and over but when he drink, he always
midday Sunday hours laterIgotthecallthathemet in an accident. By the time wereachthehospital,itwas too late,” she cried Both injured riders remain hospitalised in critical condition.
Meanwhile, in a press release police said the accident occurred at about 15:55h Kissoon was reportedly driving motorcycle bearing registration number CN 7562.Thereweretwopillion riders: a 13-year-old male student and a 28-year-old male both of whom are receivingmedicalattention.
“Initial investigations revealedthatthemotorcycle (CN 7562) was proceeding southalongtheeasterndrive lane on the #68 Village public road, allegedly at a fast rate,” police said while noting that Kissoon was unlicensed and neither him nor the pillion riders were wearingsafetyhelmets.
“The motorcyclist lost control while negotiating a right bend and collided with a bridge rail located on the easternsideoftheroad.
WEDNESDAY
Exxonorderedto submitquarterlyreserve updatesfor7thproject
The Government of Guyana has moved to impose stricter oversight on E x x o n M o b i l ’s o i l operations, demanding that the U S oil giant submit quarterlyreportsonreserves for its seventh offshore d e v e l o p m e n t , t h e HammerheadProject.
This mechanism would playakeyroleinmonitoring thedepletionoftheresources and aid in strategic planning forfuturedevelopment.
According to the
access to petroleum data as required to any person or government agency duly authorised by the minister, thePetroleumLicensestates T h r e e y e a r s a f t e r Hammerhead’s first oil, the companywillalsoberequired to procure an independent third-party consultant to conduct a reserve and resource assessment Meanwhile,ExxonMobilwill also be required to submit annualdataforthereservoirs, commencing 90 days from theissueoftheHammerhead Licence.
want a motorbike I don’t know why his friends keep lending him.” Eric’s reputed wife,RihannaDavidson,23, said the two had been making plans for their wedding “I spoke to him
This resulted in the motorcyclist and pillion riders receiving injuries on their bodies,” the statement from the Guyana Police Force said. The trio was picked up and taken to the #75 Regional Hospital where they were examined byadoctor Kissoon died while receiving treatment
Production Licence (PL) granted last week, Exxon is now obligated to provide detailed updates on the depletion of Guyana’s oil and gas resources, ensuring closermonitoringofhowthe country’s non-renewable wealth is being extracted The licence spells out: “The Licence Holder shall submit quarterly resource and reserve reports to the Minister in respect of the HammerheadProjectinsuch form and manner as the Minister may direct from time to time.” These reports must cover all saleable petroleum products oil, gas, and natural gas liquids produced at Hammerheadandmustalign with international standards
His
body remains at the hospital’s mortuary where it
awaits a post-mortem examination.
set by the Petroleum Resources Management System(PRMS).
In addition, Exxon must cooperate fully for any reserve audits, granting
These models (current static and dynamic field) shall incorporate new data, as appropriate, inclusive of exploration, appraisal, developmentandproduction activities conducted in the previous year The Hammerhead development is located in the southwestern portion of the Stabroek Block. Notably, a totalof445millionbarrelsof oilisforecasttobeproduced with an estimated daily production capacity of 150,000barrelsofoilperday (bpd) Hammerhead oil productionwillbefacilitated through 10 production wells and 8 injection wells, commencing in 2029. The project is expected to boost Guyana’soverallproduction capacity at approximately 1 5 m i l l i o n b p d Additionally, associated gas producedfromHammerhead will be transferred to the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) pipelinenetwork.
TheissueofGuyana’soil reserveshasbeenasourceof contention, former Minister
of Finance, Winston Jordan believes the Stabroek Block oil reserves is far more oil than the 11.6 billion barrels announced The former minister saidthatevenatthe current pace of extraction by ExxonMobilGuyanaLimited (EMGL),hebelievesthereis enough oil to last another 30 to 40 years The question of Guyana’struereservesgained attention in 2024 That August, the Ministry of Natural Resources announcedthatreservesgrew by600millionbarrelsto116 billion, following eight new discoveries since the last update in April 2022 But Exxon disputed the governm
providing its own lower estimate of below 11 billion barrels
“I believe quite honestly thatwearebeingfooledand we are doing nothing about it, about how much oil has really been discovered,” Jordan said, citing the last eight new discoveries made by the oil company He argued that there has been a blackout on information about the true estimate of Guyana’s oil finds. “All those11.6billionbarrelsthat theyaretellingusIbelieveit is double or triple that. So, we got oil that could last us 40 years or 50 years even at the present extraction,” Jordannoted.
Jordan further estimated thatataconservativeUS$60 per barrel, Guyana stands to earn massive revenues
“That’shugemoneycoming toasmallcountryintermsof population, 10 years’ time withgoodinvestmentandall
these things, all of us here could be not super rich but we should have a decent standardliving,”headded.
Oil was discovered offshoreGuyanain2015and by December 2019, production commenced Exxon has already received governmentapprovalforsix developments in the Stabroek Block The first four are in operation, producing an average of 650,000barrelsofoilperday (bpd) with an installed capacityof900,000bpd.
The company’s country manager, Alistair Routledge atapressconferencelastyear said the Stabroek Block reserves are less than 11 billionbarrels Routledgewas asked how many of the eight discoveries were appraised for the company to arrive at the new resource estimate of 11 6 billion barrels He explained, “The government released a number of 11.6 billion oil equivalent barrels, ExxonMobil’s estimate is lowerthanthatnumber our numberremainsalittleunder 11 billion oil equivalent barrels ” Furthermore, he noted that the company is obligated to make such reports to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, making the point that Exxon was not keeping the figures away
PresidentAlihangs Parliament’sfateon Novemberdeadline
-saysGovt.will abidebyconstitution
WiththeSeptember1, Continued on page 28
Dead: Eric Kissoon
TTowards a better life with your psychologist
Bullying: A mental health epidemic crisis in Guyana’s Schools
o effectively combat bullying in our schools, the issue must first be acknowledgedandaddressedatthe levelofgovernment,organizations, andcommunityleadership.
Key figures including the president, ministers, CEOs, directors, and religious leaders must reassess their behaviours and lifestyle choices, setting a positive example for the youngergeneration.Thisapproach, while straightforward, can yield impactfulresults.
Whole-school approach: A practical plan requires school-wide involvement and support, from administrators to students The school environment should reinforce a culture of inclusiveness anddiversity Abullyingprevention programme in schools aims to prevent and reduce bullying through comprehensive, multicomponent strategies that involve students, staff, parents, and the community
Student activities and curricula: Classroom lessons and activities can help develop socialemotional skills, such as empathy and conflict resolution Roleplaying scenarios can empower bystanders, also known as “upstanders,”tointervenesafely
It is essential to initiate discussions about bullying. This could involve a dedicated two- to three-month campaign during which bullying is examined in classrooms, accompanied by daily general assembly’s lasting approximately one hour The campaign should begin with defining bullying, exploring its various forms, examining its detrimental effects, and discussing appropriateresponses.
Educational materials, in both printed and video formats, should be made readily available,
displayed prominently within s
accessibleviamobiledevices.
This initiative aims to educate students about the nature of bullying, the motivations behind such behaviour, and the consequences faced by those who aretargeted.
Establishing clear behavioural expectationsiscrucial.
Clear, consistent policies: School-wide rules against bullying
must be established and communicated to students, staff, and parents. The school system should consistently enforce consequences for breaking these rules.
Toreduceincidentsofbullying, schools must adopt unambiguous definitionsofbullying,alongwitha well-established policy Students should be informed about the school’s stance on bullying, including the consequences that will be enforced for perpetrators, the support systems available for victims, and the resources accessibletobothgroups.
Parent and community engagement: Informational sessions and communication with parents help extend anti-bullying efforts into the home. Partnering with community organizations can provide additional resources and support.
Incidents of bullying occurring outside of school by school-aged children should be reported to law enforcement and addressed by a NationalAnti-BullyingTaskForce.
It is vital to foster open communication and to reconstitute the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) to specifically focus on addressingbullying.
This should involve securing unwavering pledges of support to provide the necessary resources and to collectively brainstorm
solutions to combat this pervasive issue, which has been negatively impactinglivesforgenerations.
Building children’s selfconfidence is also essential. A review of the school curriculum is necessarytoincorporatelifeskills, psychological grounding techniques, self-awareness, and emotional regulation into a dedicated subject, commencing in earlyeducation.
Teachers should be adequately trained, or specialists should be engagedtoconductsessionstwoto threetimesaweektoaddressthese importanttopics.
Addressing bullying in schools necessitates a proactive and responsive approach, engaging parents and children in therapeutic interventions until notable behaviouralchangeisachieved.
It is essential to recognize that individualswhoengageinbullying may be psycholog
imbalanced, possibly displaying traits associated with personality disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder Additionally,
challenging home environments characterizedbytrauma,leadingto bullying as a maladaptive coping mechanism.
Therefore,addressingthisissue requires a comprehensive familybasedapproach.
StaffTraining and Professional Development: Teachers and staff require ongoing training to recognize, prevent, and respond effectivelytoincidentsofbullying. This training should cover topics suchasclassroommanagementand recognizing signs of covert bullying.
stigmatizing, and anonymous methods for students to report incidents of bullying. This ensures
Essentialcomponentsof aneffectiveprogramme
that incidents are tracked and addressed.
Targeted support for involved students: Give specialized support to students who bully, are bullied, orwitnessbullyingbehaviour.This includesindividualcounsellingand interventions focused on developingpositivebehavioursand buildingself-esteem.
TheVictimofBullying
Upon the identification of a child as a victim of bullying, it is essential to implement an appropriate response. The victim should be provided with traumainformed care, which includes psychotherapy aimed at rebuilding self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-value.Fosteringresilienceand assertiveness is crucial to prevent the child from developing passiveaggress
behaviourstowardsthemselvesand others.
The victim should engage in weekly therapy sessions lasting approximately 60 minutes to address the repercussions of the bullying experience It is recommended that parents or caregivers participate in a minimumof25%ofthesesessions until the child achieves significant progressorisfullyrehabilitated.
TheBully
Incasesinvolvingbullying,itis advisable to temporarily remove the child from the school environment for an indefinite period.Itisessentialtoconductan assessment to diagnose the underlying causes of the bullying behaviour
A comprehensive treatment plan must be developed, necessitatingtheattendanceofboth thechildandtheirparentsatweekly 90-minute therapy sessions Additionally, modifications at homeshouldbemadetosupportthe child’s recovery within a nurturing
By Dr. Telford Layne Jr. PsyD, MSc. Postgrad, BSc.
parental environment The psychotherapy should encompass variousmodalities,includinggroup therapy, family therapy, individual therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy Specialized Intervention: The personnel conducting these individual, group and family psychotherapy sessions must be qualified. Trained for years and highly skilled with a recognized master’s degree or doctoral degree in clinical, forensic, educational, counsellingortraumafields.Thisis to prevent retraumatizing the victims and to better administer caretothevictimandpredator Evidence-basedprogrammes
·OlweusBullyingPrevention Programme (OBPP): A comprehensive, school-wide programmeforelementarythrough high school that includes school, classroom, and individual-level interventions.
· Positive Behavioural Interventions and Supports (PBIS): A tiered framework for promoting positive behaviour that canbeadaptedtopreventbullying. Bullying Prevention Unit (BPU): A supplemental, evidencebased programme for kindergarten students that can be added to the social-emotional learning curriculum.
I am willing to support individuals, families, schools, and the Ministry of Education in developing a comprehensive programme that brings healing to both victims of bullying and perpetratorsofbullying.
AGRICULTUREMONTH2025- GNBS’ROLE IN ADVANCING
THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR, FROM FARM TO TABLE
From the crunch of a fresh cucumber to the sweetness of a glass of
passion fruit juice, agriculture touches every Guyanesehome.
But did you know that behind every healthy
vegetable and every refreshing sip of juice, standards can play a critical role in ensuring safety, quality,andconsistency?
This Agriculture Month, celebrated under the theme “ T r a n s f o r m i n g Livelihoods through AgriFood Systems,”the Guyana
National B
u of Standards (GNBS) wants to h
n strengthening this backbone sectorofGuyana’seconomy. By developing and adopting a
standards, the GNBS helps farmers, agro-processors, and exporters to meet international benchmarks while preserving consumer trust.
Among the many available national standards are the GCP 21 – Code of Practice for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, GCP 25 –
Code of Practice for Packaging and Transport of Tropical Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, and GYS 494 – Specification for Fruit and Vegetable Juices and Drinks and Fruit Nectars.
GCP21 guides hygienic practices in the primary production and packing of freshfruitsandvegetablesto ensure they are safe and w
consumption Meanwhile, GCP 25 sets requirements for proper packaging and transport of fruits and
vegetables to preserve quality and reduce losses; and finally, GYS 494
o u t l i n e s q u a l i t y requirements to guarantee thatjuicesanddrinksderived from fruits and vegetables whichareproducedortraded withinCARICOMarefresh, pure,andsafe.
These are just a few of over 40 agriculture-related standards available at the GNBS, all designed to improve efficiency, food safety, and competitiveness i
standards, local farmers and agro-processors not only
strengthen Guyana’s export potential.
According to an article written by the News Room on February 17, 2025, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, while speaking at the Guyana Energy Conference & Supply Chain Conference Village, attested to the growth of Guyana’s agriculture sector Minister Mustapha highlighted the introduction of more than 4,000 new agro-processed products, while traditional cropproductioncontinuesto expand at an impressive pace. TheGNBScomplements this growth by ensuring that the food we grow, process, and export meets the requirements of standards. Whether it is a farmer in
Pomeroon, a processor in Linden, or an exporter in Georgetown, standards provide the framework for consistency, safety, quality andsuccess.
As we celebrate Agriculture Month 2025 under this momentum of growth and innovation, the GNBSremainscommittedto supporting sustainable agriculture through standards that improve farm and processing practices, preserve consumer health, and open doors to regional andinternationalmarkets.
For more information on agriculture-related standards, contact the GNBS at 219-0062-66, WhatsApp692-4627,orvisit www.gnbsgy.org.
Kes’ “Cocoa Tea”
UNDER CONSIDERATION FOR A GRAMMY
The Guardian - TrinidadandTobagosocagroupKesthe Band has announced that their single CocoaTea is officially underconsiderationforthe2025GrammyAwards.
ThetrackhasbeenenteredinthecategoryofBestGlobal Music Performance, marking another step forward in the group’smissiontotakesocamusictointernationalaudiences.
The announcement comes as the Recording Academy’s first round of voting to determine this year’s nominees is currentlyunderway,runninguntilOctober15.
If successful, Kes could secure a historic nomination, further solidifying the presence of Caribbean music on the globalstage.
Thesingle,CocoaTea,wasproducedbyTanoandfeatures contributions from several collaborators including Mical Teja,KCKasey,KPMusiq,andIneffableRecords.Thetrack blends the group’s signature soca rhythms with a modern sound,showcasingtheversatilityandreachofthegenre. Kes,ledbyfrontmanKeesDieffenthaller,haslongbeena driving force in taking soca beyond the Carnival circuit, performingatfestivalsandconcertsworldwide.Thebandhas consistently expressed its commitment to elevating Caribbeanmusicandculture,usingeveryplatformtospread itssoundtonewaudiences.
In a statement accompanying the Grammy consideration announcement,thegroupextendedgratitudetotheproducers, engineers,musicians,andartistswhocontributedtothesong, adding:“Socamusictotheworld.”Ifnominated,CocoaTea would join a growing list of Caribbean works recognised by theGrammys,reinforcingtheglobalinfluenceoftheregion’s music.
Warrau Booklet Launched to empower schools, preserve Indigenous Language
The Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) in partnershipwithSBMOffshoreGuyanaofficiallylauncheda booklet featuring the culture and stories of the Warrau IndigenouspeopleofGuyana.Thelaunch,heldattheNational Centre for Educational Resources Development (NCERD), marked a significant step in preserving the Warrau language, culture, and heritage. Designed as both an educational and cultural resource, the booklet reflects a growing commitment to ensuring that Indigenous languages and traditions are preservedthrougheducationandcommunityengagement.
GMCSiscurrentlyworkingwithIndigenouscommunities in the Barima Mora Passage (BMP), Region 1 to conserve biodiversity while advancing education, awareness, and community capacity in natural resource management. The organisation also promotes sustainable livelihoods that strengthen conservation and community well-being, while supportingandcelebratingIndigenouscultureandtraditions.
AGlimpseofWarrauCultureisthefourthbookintheBMP adventureseriesproducedbyGMCSwithsupportfromSBM OffshoreGuyana.
This booklet features a rich collection of stories, cultural references,languageexercises,andillustrationsthatbringthe traditionsoftheWarraupeopletolife.Beyondbeingateaching aid, it is intended to serve as a bridge between generations,
givingyounglearnersaccesstotheirancestrallanguagewhile fostering cultural pride. Complementary activities such as storytelling sessions, workshops and cultural performances willalsobeorganisedinschoolsandcommunitycentresacross Region One to encourage interactive learning experiences. These initiatives aim to create interactive spaces where studentsandteacherscanconnectwiththeWarrauheritageina meaningful and lasting way The booklet also celebrates the workofIndigenousartistCourtneyDouglas,whopaintedthe muraloftheWarraustorywhichisondisplayattheImbotero Research Centre in the Barima Mora Passage. His mural inspired the illustrations of the “Sky People” depicted in the booklet.
During the launch, Director of NCERD, Omwattie Ramdin, noted that as a former teacher, she has a deep appreciation for the initiative. She said, “We gather here not justtounveilabookbutrathertohaveapeepintoawindow… through which younger generations and future scholars may look,learnandcometoappreciateandcelebratetheheritageof theWarraupeople.”
Mrs. Annette Arjoon-Martins, GMCS Co-Founder and Project Director,in her remarks thanked SBM Offshore Guyanafortheircontinuedsupport.
“Thanks to SBM (Offshore Guyana) for making this possible. But best of all, it (the partnership) allowed (the creationof])asuiteofawarenesstoolsusingtechnologyfrom the booklets to the animations, to the videos, to even a documentary,”sheposited.
SBMOffshoreGuyana’sGeneralManager,MartinCheong reinforced the company’s commitment to support cultural preservation,noting,“Thisbookletisabeautifulcelebrationof heritage and identity, created to ensure that the stories, traditionsandwisdomoftheWarraupeoplecontinuetoinspire thisgenerationandthosetocome.AtSBMOffshoreGuyana, we believe sustainability is about more than protecting the environment;itisalsoaboutvaluingpeople,theircultureand Continued on page 26
From left to right: SBM Offshore Guyana’s (SBM) Sustainability Intern, Miriam Ogle; Director of NCERD, Omwattie Ramdin; SBM’s Operations Sustainability Officer, Uma Madray; SBM’s General Manager, Martin GMCS Co-Founder and Project Director, Mrs.AnnetteArjoon-Martins; SBM’s Sustainability Lead, Gwenetta Fordyce and Group Communication Business Partner, Jonelle De Veira.
The Warrau Booklets
Seishonen Guyana announces partnership with MODEC to launch the FumaSchool Tour
Seishonen Guyana is thrilled to
announce its partnership with MODECGuyanaInc.tolaunchthe FumaSchool Tour, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering the next generation of innovators and creators in Guyana.
Thisprogrammewillengage720students from six secondary schools in workshops focused on crafts, art, empowerment, and technology, equipping them with essential skills for future careers in these dynamic fieldsoverasix-weekperiod.
In addition to this educational initiative, MODEChassignedontobethetitlesponsor of the 4th Edition of FumaCon, Guyana’s premier anime and comic convention, scheduled for next year This sponsorship highlights MODEC’s commitment to supporting cultural and creative events that inspireandengagethecommunity
Rafael Fumis, Country Manager, MODEC in Guyana noted that “MODEC is honoredtopartnerwithSeishonenGuyanato advance education and technology for the next generation. Through the Fuma School Tour and FumaCon 2026, we are excited to help bring innovative workshops and inspiring experiences to Guyanese students. By combining the spirit of Japanese creativity with a focus on technology and education, we aim to inspire young minds, foster new skills, and empower youth to
thriveinadigitalfuture.”
TheFumaSchoolTourdrawsinspiration from FumaCon’s successful history of organizing workshops, which have included diverse topics such as drone technology, Jiujutsu, and comic book creation, with support from stakeholders including the Embassies of Japan and Brazil. Since 2023, FumaCon has hosted workshops at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, focusing on art, technology, empowerment, craft, cultural awareness,andmartialarts.
AsFumaConpreparesforits4thedition, SeishonenGuyanaissettolaunchitsmission to provide skills-based training to youth throughtailoredworkshops.Incollaboration with MODEC, the initiative underscores the importance of a well-rounded education, moving beyond traditional academics to driveeconomicdevelopment.
Juliana Lopes, Co-Founder, Seishonen Guyana, stated that “through these workshops, Seishonen aims to extend its reach and impact, bringing educational experiences in creativity, technology, and mentalhealthtoyouthinschools,ratherthan limiting these opportunities to FumaCon. This school tour is designed to empower young people with valuable skills and insights.”
Seishonen extends its gratitude to MODEC for its invaluable support in implementingthisinitiativeinschools.
Warrau Booklet Launched to empower schools...
Frompage24 knowledge. Today’s launch is a shining exampleofthatvisioninaction.”
He noted that SBM Offshore Guyana is also supporting an Indigenous language database to further preserve the culture of Guyana’sfirstpeople.
Thisinitiativealignswiththecompany’s local development priorities, particularly addressing the United Nations Sustainable DevelopmentGoal4:QualityEducationand Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities By
equipping schools and communities with culturally grounded resources, the booklet strengthens Indigenous identity while empoweringyouthacrossGuyana.
The launch was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Education, Protected Areas Commission, Iwokrama, Conservation International Guyana, EMC Foundation, other partners and members of the Indigenous community themselves, underscoring the importance of culturalownershipininitiativesofthiskind.
From left: Juliana Lopes, Co-Founder & Head of Marketing and PR of Seishonen Guyana, Joao Soares, Technical Services Manager, MODEC Guyana, Rafael Fumis, Country Manager, MODEC Guyana, Rafaela Oviedo, Co-Founder & CEO of Seishonen Guyana
When my husband and I decided to start our family, wewereolder(Iwasalready inmy30thyear)andwewere both firmly established in our corporate careers in the UnitedStates.
Wehadgoodjobs,stable lives,andallthetrappingsof security. But once our children became schoolaged, we quickly realized that if they were to truly excel, it would take more than what the school system alonecouldprovide.
That realization changed everything about how we approachedparenting.
We made deliberate investments; not just in our own children, but in the environment around them. We started a community robotics club so they and other young people could explore, experiment, and learn by doing. At home, theywereencouragedtoread daily They were enrolled in online academic enrichment programs, and at various points, even fully in online schools, because we knew their learning could not be confined to a classroom They worked on real-life projects, like co-founding STEMGuyana and the creationoftheFive-OPolice App, which they built as teenagersandforwhichthey went on to win first prize of 21,000 euros at a global
Discipline, Reading, and Love - Parents are the Secret Weapons for Guyana’s Future
competition at The Hague, Netherlands.
In addition, each Saturdayfromasearlyasthe seventhgrade,theypracticed SAT prep. There were times when they expressed boredom with various activities but as parents, we understood the future environment in which they would have to navigate, so we insisted and made sure their activities became routine.Theyparticipatedin university enrichment programs reserved for outstandingstudents,and,by thetimetheygraduatedhigh school, they were not just ready for college, they were readytothriveatsomeofthe world’sleadinguniversities.
But our concern was neverjustabout“education” inthenarrowsenseofgrades and certificates. We wanted our children to be critical thinkers.Wewantedthemto b e e x c e p t i o n a l communicators. We wanted them to have the ability and willingnesstoworkonteams to solve big problems. In short, we wanted them preparednotonlytosucceed for themselves, but to contribute meaningfully to society
That same philosophy appliestoGuyanatoday For oursmallnation,wherenonoil industries must be developed to secure a
sustainable future, it is imperative that we harness the creativity, intelligence, and talent of every child“every child is a nugget of gold”.Researchconsistently shows that the early years matter most; children who are read to regularly by age five have heard over 1.4 million more words than peerswhoarenot,creatinga massive head start in v o c a b u l a r y a n d comprehension (Logan et al., 2019). By fourth grade, strong reading ability predicts not just better language skills, but higher academic success into adolescence(Pfost,Hattie& Artelt,2014).
Discipline, too, matters; but not the “licks” many of us grew up with. Discipline lookslikeconsistentparental expectations, consequences forbreakingrules,structured routines even when they declarethattheyare‘bored’, and opportunities for meaningful conversation. It m e a n s c u r a t i n g environments where children feel both supported andchallenged.Screentime, though tempting for busy parents, cannot become a substitute.Excessivescreens are linked to language delays,poorattentionspans, andincreasedbehavioraland emotional problems (American Psychological
Association, 2023). Instead, children need interaction, books, sports, chores, and real conversations and enrichmentexperiences.
This is why I believe parenting is not just a responsibility; it is an investment, and in fact, a parent’s most important job. No government, no school, no NGO can replace the influence of parents, especially in those first formative years when our children are shaped most profoundly by us. Psychologists note that parental influence is strongest from birth to age seven,afterwhichpeersand environments take on a larger role (Harris, 1998). Thatmeanstheearliestyears are our window of greatest impact.
And it does not take wealth or privilege to create
this foundation It takes intentionality Five to ten minutes of reading each night, parents who struggle with reading should use accessibility features on computers and listen to stories with children It takes, clear routines around chores, boundaries around screens, open conversations and small acts, done consistently, which inevitably compound into lifelonghabits.
Ourownchildren’sstory is a testament to what happenswhenparentsinvest early, consistently, and with vision.Today,Ilookatthem and see not just academic achievements but human beings who can think critically, communicate persuasively,andcollaborate effectively and work diligently to add value and solve problems in any
environment in which they find themselves. That is the truemeasureofsuccess.
To all Guyanese parents, especially those struggling daily to provide; know this, your role is irreplaceable. Every moment of guidance, everywordreadaloud,every consistent expectation, plants seeds that will bloom fordecadesandifyoucannot do it, reach out and ask for help. STEMGuyana offers scholarshipsforSTEMclubs and online learning programs each year. Make useofit!
Ournation’sfutureisnot built by oil revenues or governmentpoliciesalone.It isbuiltinourhomes,dayby day,inthetimeandattention we give to our children. Parents, please remember that raising children is, indeed, our most important job.
Frompage18 2025, General and Regional Elections now behind us and his new cabinet sworn in, President IrfaanAlihasassuredthatthe13th Parliamentwillbeconvenedwithin theconstitutionaldeadline.
The 12th Parliament was dissolvedonJuly3,2025,aheadof the polls, which resulted in the People’s Progressive Party Civic, PPP/C securing victory and Ali beingelectedforasecondterm.He was sworn in on September 7, followedbytheappointmentofhis cabinet in the days after The only outstandingstepisthereconvening ofParliament.
Under Article 69 (1) of the ConstitutionofGuyana,Parliament mustmeetnolaterthanfourmonths after dissolution The provision states:“EachsessionofParliament shall be held at such place within Guyanaandshallbeginatsuchtime (not being later than six months from the end of the preceding session if Parliament has been proroguedorfourmonthsfromthe endofthatsessionifParliamenthas been dissolved) as the President shallappointbyproclamation.”
On Tuesday, during an interview with journalist Kiana Wilburg, president Ali reiterated his government’s commitment to operating within the Constitution. “You can always count on the PPP/C government to do everything within the constitution, andIwouldnevereverdoanything outside of it.Article 69 (1) speaks on this matter The president will reconvene parliament, we have until four months after the parliamentwasdissolved,”hesaid.
The President added that he seesnoneedtorushtheprocess.“I still have a lot of time under the constitution to reconvene parliament It will take me sometime in November that is within the constitution. So, I think Guyana can trust the PPP/C government and we will operate within the constitution The constitution gives me a time frame and I was elected President and whatIcanassureyouthatitwillbe convened within the constitutional timeframe,”thePresidentsaid.
However, the opposition has criticised the delay, arguing that urgent national matters remain unattended. Businessman Terrence Campbell, who is set to lead A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) in the 13th Parliament, expressed frustration, saying his parliamentary team is already prepared. My parliamentary team is ready for parliament to be convened.Weatthispointhaveno ideawhythePresidentseemstobe delaying by using up the entire timeframe of four months for the convening of Parliament, but we are ready for parliament to be convenedtomorrow,“hesaid.
Campbell emphasised that several pressing national issues
must be urgently addressed, particularly those relating to the electoral system As the newly elected leader, he expressed cautious optimism about taking up his role in Parliament, while emphasising the need for immediateactiononthesematters.
“I am cautiously optimistic about taking up my leadership role in Parliament.Therearemanymatters of national interest that must be addressed. For example, I believe Parliament ought to address the issue of elections in Guyana, including making budgetary provisions for biometrics going forward, as well as addressing the stateofthevoters’list,”hestated.
He further stressed that no future elections, whether national orlocal,shouldbeheldwithoutfirst cleaning up the voters’ list and implementing biometric systems.
“I am looking forward to the president calling parliament in short order, I don’t believe that there is a need to delay parliament anyfurther,”Campbellstated.
Meanwhile, Azruddin Mohamed,LeaderoftheWeInvest in Nationhood (WIN) party and a soon-to-be member of Parliament, affirmed his party’s readiness to take up its role in the National Assembly “WIN stands ready and fully prepared to take our seats in the 13th Parliament whenever it is convened.Ourfocusistorepresent the people and be a voice for all Guyanese in the highest office,” Mohamed stated He further emphasisedthatthepartywillabide bythelawandrespectthedecisions made regarding the timing of Parliament’s convening. Forward GuyanaMovementLeaderAmanza Waltondeclinedtocommentatthis time.
THURSDAY
‘2%Can’tWork’:
FormerPresidentRamotar urgesCaricomtourgentlydraft modeloilcontractforregion
Guyana got ripped off when it
signedthe2016ProductionSharing Agreement (PSA) with American oil major, ExxonMobil but this does not mean other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member statesshouldsufferthesamefate.
This is the view of former President Donald Ramotar In an interview with Kaieteur News, the former Head of State touted the needforamodelPSAtobeadopted by CARICOM to ensure countries enjoymaximumbenefitsfromtheir natural resources, particularly oil andgas.
With Suriname expected to commence production activities soon, other CARICOM countries such as Jamaica and Grenada have joined the hunt for black oil, Ramotar said in a letter earlier this week.
In an invited comment, he told Kaieteur News, “Instead of all of them getting ripped off like us, we
everybodyisonthesamepage.Oil don’t come back, so we need to benefit as much as we can. Two percent can’t wuk (referring to Guyana’slowroyaltyrate).”
When asked if he considered the different risks that may be involved in exploring for the resource in the other countries, Ramotar made it clear that each state must take authority over its non-renewable resources. He said, “You’re not dealing with angels. We just saw the situation with ExxonMobilgettingareceiptfrom us for paid taxes and not paying taxes in the U.S and all of that so I thinkwehavetotakealinewithour naturalresourcesbecausetheseare notresourcesthatwillgrowback.”
The former Head of State continued, “Therefore we need to haveafairsharewithallduerespect to the investment and all consideration to the investment made we are due to have a proper regimesothatwecanoptimizeour benefits.”
Ramotar has not been shy in highlightingtherottendealGuyana accepted. In fact, he is on record stating that he would have renegotiated the terms of the agreement signed by the former APNU/AFCCoalition.
In his letter to the editor published on Tuesday, the former President wrote, “One of the benefits that the leaders and the peopleoftheregionhadhopedwas
CARICOM,
egional governments would have been acting together This is very important since we are relatively small individually and in terms of our population. Therefore, acting onissuesjointlywouldenhancethe influence of the region internationally.”
Ramotar is adamant that CARICOM has the potential to increase its bargaining power immensely when transacting
business with multi-national corporationsandlargecountries. He urged, “This is more important at this stage in our region’sdevelopment.”Theformer President went on to point out that Guyana has become a major producer of oil and gas. On the other hand, Trinidad and Tobago has been producing those same resources for over 100 years now, with most of its reserves depleted. Currently,explorationactivitiesare ongoing to augment the nation’s dwindlingoilreserves.
“WeknowthatGuyanain2016 gotaverypoordeal.Inpassing,itis still a mystery why the then government did not involve Trinidad specialists during the negotiations to begin production. That as it may, we now have a situation where three of our countriesareoilandgasproducers (Guyana, T&T and Suriname) Othersmayjoinsoon,”hesaid.
Ramotar therefore suggested a modelarrangementthatcanensure theregionbenefitsmorethantheoil giantsthatarecoming.
He explained, “It would be in the interest of our countries individually and for the region collectively if we can work out a common regime to deal with the huge corporations that are descending on the region This would prevent the oil giants from playing us off against each other JustaswehaveaCommonExternal Tariff, we should develop a common investment regime in our naturalresourcesector.”
TheformerPresidentnotedthat this was especially important for Guyana and Suriname which has similar resources According to him,“Ifthiscouldbeachievedthen thepeopleofourregionwillbenefit more from our natural resources and integration in CARICOM couldbedeepened.”
Guyanesesentencedin USforsupplyingfakeHIV testingkits - also ordered to pay a US$84,000 fine
The United States Department ofJusticeonWednesdaysaidthatit
has concluded a long-term investigation with the unsealing of an indictment in the District of South Carolina charging two foreign nationals with conspiring against the United States to illegally divert U.S.-funded global healthcommoditiesfromaKenyan government-run corporation, Kenya Medical SuppliesAuthority (KEMSA).
Eric Ndungu Mwangi, 40, a Kenyan national, and Davendra Rampersaud, 42, a Guyanese national, and their associated businesses were charged in a 2021 superseding indictmentbrought by a federal grand jury in the District ofSouthCarolina.Thesuperseding indictment was originally filed under seal to protect the ongoing investigation.
According to a press release from the Justice Department, the investigation, led by the Office of the Inspector General for the U.S. Agency for International Development(USAID),focusedon the approximatelyUS$650 million USAID-funded KEMSA Medical CommoditiesProgram(MCP).The purpose of KEMSA MCP was to establishandoperateasafe,secure, reliable, and sustainable supply chain management system for HIV/AIDS commodities needed to provide care and treatment of persons with HIV/AIDS in Kenya, andtosupportthewarehousingand distribution of select family planning, nutrition, and malaria commodities.
Beginning in 2014, Mwangi and his company, Linear Diagnostics (LD), systematically stole HIV test kits and other commodities intended for KEMSA.Thestolengoodsfounda buyer in Rampersaud and his Guyanese company, Caribbean Medical Supplies Inc. (CMS). In 2015, Rampersaud fraudulently secured a “Letter of Authority” to operateasanauthorizeddistributor This allowed him to secure a lucrative,sole-sourcecontractwith the Guyana Ministry of Health for the products he was acquiring illegally.
Between 2015 and 2019, Rampersaud paid Mwangi over US$177,000 for the diverted medical supplies, including the stolen, USAID-funded HIV test kitsmeantforKenya.Rampersaud thenprofitedagainbysellingthese stolen health commodities to the Guyanese g
vernment Rampersaud and CMS also acquired and sold test kits stolen from another separate USAID programme.
“This was an incredibly complicated investigation, spanningyearsandanocean,”said U.S.AttorneyBryanStirlingforthe District of South Carolina “These defendants jeopardized a vital publichealthmissionandcauseda significantlosstotheAmerican Continued on page 29
Former President, Donald Ramotar
Davendra Rampersaud
Frompage28 taxpayers.”Accordingtothe release, in February 2021, Kenyan authorities arrested Mwangi on charges relating to theft and fraud He is currently awaiting trial in Kenya On the American charges,Mwangifacesupto 20 years on various counts,
fines, and a term of supervised release In January 2023, Rampersaud was arrested on charges
a r i s i n g o u t o f t h e superseding indictment when he flew into Miami in the United States during a
flight layover, while attempting to travel back to Guyana. He was transported
to Charleston, South Carolina, and pleaded guilty toconspiracyandtostealing
or converting health commodities that USAID paid for as part of a health
care benefit He was sentenced by United States District Judge Richard M
Gergel Rampersaud received credit for time served and was additionally sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay a US$84,000 fine.
T h i s c a s e w a s investigatedbyOfficeofthe Inspector General for the U S A g e n c y f o r International Development. The Justice Department and USAID OIG appreciate the substantial assistance provided by the Office of International Affairs, the Department of State’s RegionalSecurityOfficesin Nairobi, Kenya, and Georgetown, Guyana, U.S.
Customs and Border Protection, and Homeland Security Investigations Assistant U S Attorneys SeanKittrellandDeanSecor are prosecuting the case.All chargesintheindictmentare merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court oflaw.
FRIDAY
Smallbusinessestotap US$200Minterest-free lifelinethrough DevelopmentBank - VP Jagdeo
The government of Guyana (GoG) is aiming to launchaDevelopmentBank next year, aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) access finance to either start or expandtheirideas.
This was explained by Vice President Bharrat JagdeoonThursdayduringa press conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.Jagdeotoldreporters that the rollout will see an initialinvestmentofUS$200 million by the GoG which will constitute interest-free capitaltoSMEs.
“This came out of the survey we had and the informalconversationwe’ve hadoverthefiveyearswe’ve been in government where a number of Guyanese across all 10 regions of Guyana have great business ideas, many started a business but they can’t either grow the business or get the idea translated into a business because of the lack of financing, ” the Vice Presidentexplained.
He noted that many of those persons often fall withinthebracketofwomen oryoungpeople.Regardless, he pointed out that all Guyanesewillhaveaccessto finance as early as next year to create income for themselvesandfamilies.
Jagdeosaidthatworkhas already commenced on the project, with a discussion scheduledfornextweekona seconddraftoftheconcept.
To this end, the VP revealed, “We want an early budget next year where we will be putting part of the financingtostartthebankin the budget. We hope that before the end of next year, that this bank will be fully established and functional, thattheseedcapitalwouldbe putin,andalltheparameters for lending these resources wouldhavebeeninplaceand met so that we can start delivering on this promise veryearlyinthenewterm.”
Government plans to invest US$200 million into theDevelopmentBankinthe firstyearbutwillreassessthe demand and make periodic injectionsifrequired.
Jagdeo said that
with cabinet members, minister of finance, on modernising the financial sector In three weeks, that report will come to us as to how we modernise our banking sector, the creation of a modern stock exchange and options for capital mobilisation. Many people are speaking about that, for bonds and all of these, all of these opti
examined.”
government has looked at models around the world
which had a higher repayment rate than the commercial banks in some countries.Heanticipatesthat 10% of the loans may fall through.Atthesametime,he explained, “We anticipate that if you work with the businesses themselves in a hand-holding fashion, that you’dbeabletogettheloans repaidandthemoneycanbe revolved.”
Additionally, he highlighted the need for training in the areas of financial literacy and mentorship to ensure the companies have access to marketing and other technicaladvice.
According to him, “You would know immediately whether this is a viable project or not, if you go throughthatwholeprocess.”
Inadditiontothecreation ofanewDevelopmentBank, theVPsaidgovernmentwill ensure the formal banking system is reformed to allow SMEseasieraccesstocapital andatgreatermagnitudes.
“We will work with the bankingsystemtodevelopa range of instruments, from discountingtradeinvoicesto make project financing, to commercial bank financing, that would allow Guyanese to better use the banking system to support their businessneeds,”hesaid.
Meanwhile, President IrfaanAli during a breakfast event earlier that day also alluded to the initiative. He told members of the private sector that in addition to the Development Bank, a technical team was working on modernising the local bankingsector
Ali said, “We want to positionour SMEs.Already, I have the technical team workingwithgovernmentto have,bynextweek,thedraft proposal on a Development Bank as we have promised. We have the team working
Furthermore, the Presidentpointedtotheneed for all Guyanese to have a bank account In fact, he stated that government is willing to incentivise the process if necessary “We have to be able, in the shortest time frame, to ensureeveryGuyanesehave a bank account. Even if the governmentmustincentivise theopeningupofthosebank accounts.”
ElsonLowresigns asPNCRtreasurer
As the fallout continues in the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) its treasurer, Elson Low has tendered his resignation fromthepost.
Low was also a member of the Central Executive Committee of the party and served as the leader’s economic advisor Low confirmed the move in an interview with Kaieteur News on Thursday, stating that he submitted his resignationletterWednesday
executives met for the first timeafteritsdevastatingloss at the September 1, 2025 elections.
While Low emphasised thathisresignationwasonly from the treasurer post and not from the party itself, he declinedtoelaboratefullyon the reasons behind his decision. He acknowledged, however, that his departure stemmed from multiple factors, including his intention to pursue further studies. “There are several reasons, but that’s one of them I prefer not to go furtherthanthat,”hesaid.
As a result of recent vacancies,occasionedbythe resignations of Chairman of the party, Shurwayne Holder, Mervin Williams and now Low replacements willbemadetomaintainthe full complement of 15 executive members on the party’s CEC. According to
the party’s internal election results, Christopher Jones and Egerton David are two persons who are next in line to assume positions on the committee, having placed 16thand17threspectivelyin themostrecentvote.
H o w e v e r , w h e n contactedbyKaieteurNews, party member Ganesh Mahipaul stated that he could neither confirm nor deny whether Jones and Davidwillbetheindividuals selected to fill the vacant seats. He explained that the party is currently reviewing the ranked list of candidates from the internal elections and considering those who received the next highest numberofvotes.
Mahipaul further noted that,asofnow,thepartyhas not receiv
d official acceptance from the respectivepersonsregarding theroles.“Thepartywill Continued on page 30
Elson Low
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo
Frompage29 issueastatementwhenthose positions are taken up,” he stated, Low’sresignationcomes in the wake of mounting tensions and dissatisfaction withintheparty’sranks.Ina previous appearance on an online show on September
18, Low had openly criticised the PNCR’s
leadership, revealing longstandingconcernsabout its direction and strategy “I have been distressed for several months because I have been speaking internally to the party about my real concerns regarding the elections. Now, out of respect for the efforts of my comrades, out of respect for my party, you keep those internally, you keep those thingsquiet,”hesaid.
H i s c o m m e n t s highlighted infractions
w i t h i n t h e P N C R , particularly in relation to its leadership structure and strategic planning Low criticised the top-down approach to decisionmaking,stating:“Leadership to me is not just a leader telling people what to do; leadership is about creating an environment for success. And to me, there exists within the PNC leadership the idea that leadership is simplytellingpeoplewhatto do.”
He also pointed to what
h e d e s c r i b e d a s a
d i s o r g a n i s e d a n d unstructured process in the selection of parliamentary candidates, an issue he believes contributed to recent resignations and internaldiscord.“Youdidn’t see a formal structured processthatyoushouldhave seenfortheselectionofthese MPs. That is a contributing factor that you would have seen to some of these resignations,”headded.
Low further noted that the leadership ignored critical data and strategic insights he had provided before the elections. Reflecting on the situation, he expressed regret over not being more assertive in challenging the party’s internal culture “I should have pressed harder for a different definition of leadership I made my representation, now looking back at it, I don’t know if I shouldhaveraisedmyvoice or carried on. If I have one regret,it’sthatIwasn’tmore aggressive,”headmitted.
On Wednesday, the PNCR issued a statement
following its CEC meeting, outlining its strategic direction, rebuilding efforts, and immediate actions. The committee acknowledged recent resignations and confirmed the appointment of two new members to the CEC Despite the internal departures, the committee reaffirmeditsfullconfidence in the leadership of Aubrey Norton, emphasising that any change in leadership must occur through a duly convenedPartyCongress,as outlined in the party’s constitution.
“The Committee rejects any notion that there is trouble within the PNCR’s campandassurestheParty’s membership that public grievances by a few persons will not defeat the Party’s reactivation of political will and resilience, ” the statementsaid.
SATURDAY
Essequibofarmersask Govt.‘whatnext’as paddypricesremainlow – say officials visited region every week before elections
Farmers in Essequibo, Region Two, are enquiring about their next move, as pricesforpaddyremainatan all-time low, with no i n t e r v e n t i o n f r o m governmentanywhereonthe horizon, and the rate of paddydumpingcontinuesto grow
Kaieteur News ventured to Essequibo on Friday, to get a first-hand view of the troubles of farmers in the region, who for weeks have been complaining about the
minimal prices per bad of paddy
The first site visited was Hack’s Rice Mill, Golden Fleece, Essequibo Coast Trucks, tractors and trailers were observed parked in lines that appear to be endless, from the road front allthewaytothemill.
Thevehiclesloadedwith paddy belonged to several farmerswhowerewaitingin line for days to offload their produce in hopes that they werenottoolate.
While farmers are in deep worry, securing interviews proved a task, as several of them explained that they were fearful of being victimised by government officials, the millers and staff of the Guyana Rice Development Board(GRDB).
The farmers were overheardlamentingthatthe government seems to have abandoned them and before the elections, officials were intheregioneveryweek.
After some coaxing and explaining that if they
wanted betterment for the sector, they had to stick together, farmer Adjuda Narayantoldthispublication that the current price being offered at $2300 per bag is far below the cost of production.
“Youcan’tmakenothing and it nah mek sense you continuetoplantrice,buton the other hand, the governmentgottaimplement something for farmers to survive,iftheynahplant,”he stressed.
Narayan informed this publication that he is in the process of cutting, but it has beendifficulttogetcombine harvestersduetothenumber of farmers trying to harvest theircropsimultaneously
“Is five and six days to discharge at this one mill, this ah the only mill buying paddyfromsomanyfarmers right not The other mill, CARICOM Rice Mill, ah buy chosen farmer paddy, not everybody paddy” he added.
Narayan further explained that due to wait
times and other factors, many crops are becoming overripe, and these are rejected by the mill. In this case, you have to either dump the paddy or dry it yourself.
Inadditiontotheirwoes, the farmer lamented that the government has been silent throughout.“Theynahcome down and seh nothing, whethertoplantornahplant orsuh,butifdehsehnahfuh plant, farmers have to depend on something for survival.”
Another farmer who withheldhisnameforfearof victimisation, told Kaieteur News that only a few of the 13ricemillsinEssequiboare in operation. He confirmed that another miller called ‘Dickie’ began purchasing paddy on Thursday from farmers, however, they have notyetbeenpaid.
The farmer explained that the owner for CARICOM Rice Mill, Tamesh Jagmohan, is taking paddy from farmers who oweshimforfertiliserorhas workedhisland.
“We try to protest and theystopwe,sayingthatthe minister gon come down, that is Mustapha and the reason he didn’t come the time is because he had birthday That is about two weeks ago and he never show up onto now. The government put us in a boat andleft,”anotherchimedin.
This publication reached out to Tamesh Jagmohan to understand how he is handlingthesituationandhe said that, “We are doing our besttohelpthesituation,that isallIcantellyou.”
“Johnny is buying very well and he paying, CARICOM say the government owes them somemoney,iftheypayhim, hegonnabuy.Rightnow,he ah buy, but he not buying nuffpaddy,”hesaid.
Rice farmer, contractor and pandit, Vishnu Seecharan took Kaieteur News to his home and fields to explain how he is being affected Arriving at Seecharan’s home, heaps of paddy were observed on the roadways.
“Ihadtobringmypaddy anddumpitouthereandtheI willputitintrucksandsend ittoGeorgetownformarket. If I wait in these lines up here, I will lose more than I already did because it will spoil,”hesaid.
The elderly man said he has been harvesting in sections. He said if it rains and the combine harvester cannot reach to certain sections of the field, those areasareusuallyleftalone.
Farmer John (only name given) ventured to his 10 acres field along the same road with Seecharan’s to show his crop. From afar, it looked like a lush yellow carpet ready for harvest, however a closer look revealed something way moresinister Thericeplants
Continued on page 31
Paddy awaiting transport from Seecharan’s residence to the city.
Trucks and tractors waiting to be discharged at Hack’s Rice Mill in Golden Fleece, Essequibo Coast.
Frompage30 were severely bent and, in some areas,flattened.
“The rice lay down flat here anditis128daysold.Thisvariety will reach maturity in 120 days, but I don’t want to cut it for the current price, it makes no sense. Since it has been out here this longevenifpricesdoraise,Iwill stilllosebecausethericewillget light. It ain’t supposed to be out hereforsolong,”Johnexplained.
FarmersinEssequibo,earlier thismonth,heldamassiveprotest in Anna Regina over the prices beingofferedfortheirpaddyand thehugeamountthathasbeenleft tospoilontheirhands.
Inatelephoneinterviewwith Mr Nazeer(onlynamegiven),he told this publication that the protest was organised to seek reprieve, as a lot of crops were spoiled in the fields and farmers werelosingmillions.
“The government side of things are mum. They ain’t have any active solutions in place, eventhoughtheyknowthat’sthe problem with the system. It’s taking four days to offload the paddy trucks from the trailer to the mill and it’s spoiling in the tractors because it can’t get discharge,”helamented.
Another farmer in a separate videosaidthat,“Ifweain’tgeta good price, we paddy can’t sell. We pay extra price and cost for the drugs we spray You could haveget$2000forasmallbottle ofthingnowit’s$3200.”
A third farmer lamented, “Right now, we deh out hay concerning this paddy price, and we need a better price for this paddy, so we calling on the President and the Honourable Agricultural Minister to come and visit us to tell us something concerning this paddy price.Yeah, as you could see, a lot of people is outthere.Theyarenotcomfortable, sopleasecomeandvisitus.”
Recently, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha assured Guyanese that his government will not abandon rice farmers.
forthelowprices.
Lindenpensionerallegedly killedbymentallyillsister
Police are investigating the murder of a 72-year-old female pensioner of Amelia’s Ward, Linden which occurred on Thursday night. Dead is Barbara Crawford.
According to reports, the woman was killed about 20:00h at her sister’s Plantation Ross, West CoastBerbicehome.Crawfordwas staying at her 55-year-old sister’s WCB home since September 12, 2025 after attending her brother’s funeral.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that at about 19:45 hours yesterday, the 72-year-old victim washeardshouting. RoyWalters,a brother of both the victim and suspect,wholivesinthebottomflat of the home, went upstairs to investigate. However, the doors were locked, and he called over anotherbrother,LesterWalters,for assistance. Both men were able to break open the back door and gain accesstothehouse.Uponentering, thesuspect(theirsister)pickedupa knife and rushed towards them. They managed to take away the knife and subdue the suspect,” policesaidinastatement.
Duringacheckofthehouse,the men found Crawford in a chair motionlessinthehall.
The matter was reported to the police,whovisitedthescene.
Mustapha highlighted that government plans to increase the national storage capacity across rice-producing regions to allow Guyana to stockpile up to five milliontonnesofrice.
“PresidentAlialsospokeabout investing in better rice varieties to
The agriculture minister said that the Irfaan Ali-led administration has shown a different approach with the president meeting farmers himself only recently on the Corentyne Coast.
deliver higher yields and maintain competitiveness in global markets, and the introduction of agribusiness diversification. This will include high-value initiatives such as cage farming for crabs to boost cash flow and reduce risks for farmers,”Mustapharelayed.
This newspaper understands that the cost per bag of paddy has declined from $4,000 to $2,800. It was reported that government previously expressed its commitmenttoengagericefarmers
and millers to assess and address thesituationassoonaspossible.
PresidentAlialludedtoan“alltime”highriceproduction,duringa press conference. He said, “When you look at the rice production globally,isitanall-timehigh,with majorproducers,exporterssuchas India, Vietnam and Brazil, having record levels of production, not only record levels of production, but record level of stockpile.”
Consequently, Ali explained that thisglutinthemarketisresponsible
“The 55-year-old suspect was questionedbutremainedsilent.She was arrested and taken to Fort Wellington Police Station, where she was placed into custody The suspect is reportedly a patient at a mental health clinic in Canje, Berbice,”policereported.
Crawford’s body was taken to Bailey’s Funeral Home where it awaitsapost-mortemexamination.
Meanwhile, the suspect’s daughter who was subsequently questioned by police reported that she made contact with her mother via phone and she (the suspect) said: “I just strangle Barbara and killshe”.
Investigationsareongoing.
Trucks and tractors waiting to be discharged at Hack’s Rice Mill in Golden Fleece, Essequibo Coast.
John’s flattened rice field
Some of the harvested fields.
The Halloween Adventure
It was Halloween night, and EmilyandDannywerereadyfor some fun They had their costumeson—Emilywasabrave knight, and Danny was a pirate. The air was cool, the moon was full, and the streets were lit with glowing jack-o'-lanterns After trick-or-treating around the neighborhood, they noticed somethingstrangeontheedgeof the park a glowing pumpkin patch!
“Let's check it out,” Emily said, her eyes wide with curiosity
As they stepped closer, they saw a giant pumpkin in the center, glowing brighter than all the others Suddenly, the pumpkin began to shake, and with a soft pop, a door appeared initsside.
“Whoa,” Danny gasped. “Should wegoinside?”
With a mix of excitement and a little nervousness, they both nodded. Pushing open the door, they stepped into the pumpkin and found themselves in a whole new world—a magicalHalloweenland!
Theskywasdeeppurple,andtiny stars twinkled like fireflies. Friendly ghostsfloatedby,wavinghello,anda group of talking pumpkins laughed androlledaround.
“Welcome to the Halloween Village!” a voice said. They looked down to see a small black cat with sparkling green eyes sitting at their feet. “I'm Midnight. You've arrived justintime!Weneedyourhelp.”
Emily and Danny were surprised, butcurious.“Helpwithwhat?”Emily asked.
Midnight led them through the pumpkin patch to a tiny house with a crookedroof.Insidewasalittlewitch, no taller than a broomstick She looked sad, sitting in front of a cauldron.
“This is Wendy the Witch,” Midnight explained “She lost her
magicbroomstick,andwithoutit,she can't finish her special Halloween spell.”
Wendy gave a small wave. “I was trying to make my broomstick fly faster, but it zoomed off without me! Now, I can't finish the spell to make Halloween night extra fun for everyone.”
“We can help you find it!” Danny exclaimed,eagerforanadventure.
“Really?” Wendy's face lit up “Thankyou!Thebroomstickflewinto the Magical Forest But be careful—the forest is full of tricky puzzles!”
Emily and Danny, with Midnight andWendy,setoffintotheforest.The treessparkledwithglowingcobwebs, andthepathwaslinedwithpumpkins that whispered hints Soon, they reachedthefirstpuzzle.
A friendly ghost hovered in front ofthem.“Topass,”theghostsaidwith agrin,“youmustguesstheriddle.I'm orangeandround,withaglowingface. WhatamI?”
“A jack-o'-lantern!” Emily shouted, and the ghost floated aside, allowingthemtocontinue.
Astheywentdeeperintotheforest, theyreachedariverwithnobridge.A
talking pumpkin bobbed up inthewater “Ifyouwantto cross, you'll need to solve my puzzle,” it said. “How many legs does a spider have?”
“Eight!” Danny said confidently,andwiththat,a magical bridge appeared, sparklinginthemoonlight.
Finally, after solving more puzzles and laughing along the way, they spotted Wendy's broomstick stuck in a tree. Emily climbed up andcarefullypulleditdown.
“Here it is!” she said, holding the broomstick proudly
Wendy's eyes sparkled withjoy “Thankyou!NowI canfinishthespell.”
Backinthevillage,Wendytwirled her broomstick and chanted a few magical words. Suddenly, the whole villagewasfilledwithfloatingcandy, dancing skeletons, and twinkling lights. The friendly ghosts cheered, andthepumpkinsgiggled.
“ThisisthebestHalloweenever!” Danny said, grabbing a handful of floatingcandy
Before they knew it, Midnight escorted them back to the glowing pumpkindoor “Thankyouforhelping Wendy You've made this Halloween extramagical.”
AsEmilyandDannysteppedback into the real world, the glowing pumpkinpatchfadedaway Theywere back in their neighborhood, but their heartswerefullofadventure.
“That was amazing,” Emily said, smilingastheywalkedhome.
“Andthebestpart?”Dannyadded. “We made new friends and had the mostmagicalHalloweenever.”
Andfromthatnighton,theyknew that Halloween wasn't just about candyandcostumes—itwasaboutthe joy of new adventures and the magic offriendship.
TheEnd!
Branch Spider Web Wreath
MATERIALS:
· Twigs
· Hotgluegun
· Spiders
· Spider web (pull apart cottonwool)
· Stiffcardboard
Forthiscraft,cutawreath out of cardboard. The wreath shouldbearound12inchesin diameter with a five-inch circle cut out from the inside so that it resembles a donut shape.
Find twigs and sticks, cutting or breaking them so thattheyarebetweenfiveand 10incheslong.
Hotgluethetwigsontothe cardboard donut wreath, layeringandbreakingthemso thattheyfillthespace.
After letting the twigs dry completely, stretch small pieces of spider webbing around, criss-cross them as you go. Finally, tuck in a few fake spiders with hot glue for addedspookiness.
Dave
by Wendell George
ThisastoryabouttroublesomeDave, Aboywhojustlovedtomisbehave; Hehidbooksatschooltomakeothersmad, Pulledgirls'hairandmadethemsad; Davetormenteddogstohearthemhowl, Hedidn'tevensparetheneighbours'fowl; Heharassedcatsbypullingtheirtails, Thenaughtyboydelightedtoheartheirwails; Davepeltedcowswithsticksandstones, Andhitdonkeystillheheardtheirgroans; Animalsweresafeonlywhenhewasasleep, Thetwelve-year-oldevenhassledquietsheep.
ThenonedayDavemetoldBilly, Abad-temperedgoataswickedashe; TheboystruckBillywithastickonhisside, Thegoatbecameangryandreallywild; Thebeardedanimalmovedfastasahare, Itbuttedthetroublesomeboyrightintherear; Davefelldownbutwasquicklyonthisfeet,
AndBillystruckagainrightonhisseat; Mr.Misbehavethenknewitwastimetorun, WithBillyinpursuit,andhavingrealfun. Davejumpedafence,lookingforsafety, ButaDobermansenthimbackhastily; Hefinallyfoundrefugeinanorangetree, ButhehadtobeartheantstillBillygrewhungry; Thisepisodeservedtochangeourheromuch, Butthesightofagoatnowsendshimoffwitharush.
Improve your brain by getting rid of obstacles
We have been discussing the variouswaysbywhichyoucanimprove onthepowerofyourbrain.
Togetthemaximumbenefitfrom thiswealsoneedtoconsiderthethings thathamperitsdevelopment. Manyof these have become ingrainedinyourhabitsso that, if we are serious aboutgettingthemostout of our thinking and reasoning abilities, we will have to make special effortstoeradicatethese.
One of the biggest obstacles to remove may be found to be one of the hardest.
Children have formed the habit of taking in too muchsugarinmostofthe things they consume –sweets in various forms and soft drinks, also of varioustypes.
whengrownup.
Getting an inadequate amount of sleepisalsodetrimentaltobrainuse,as it causes reduced ability to assimilate informationandslowerandlesspower torespondtoproblems.
Toomuchsugarcanresultinalower ability to think, and even accelerate agingofthebraincells. Alcoholtaken at a very young age also has the same effects,andshouldbeavoidedbyyoung adults, and consumed sparingly even
We all know how feeling drowsy makes us less able to understand and respond to everyday situations, so we shouldalwaystrytogetatleast8hours ofsleepeverynight.
Animproperdietisalsoresponsible fordecreasedbrainpower
This is another problem that childrenofallagesneedtoworkon,as many prefer fast food and sweet stuff. It has been found that a diet that includes adequate amounts of vegetables,freshfruit,andwholegrains helpstonurturebraincells andkeepthemworkingat theirmaximum.
Another negative habit that reduces brain function is multi-tasking. Many children allow distractions to prevent them from performing at their maximum, as when theyuseacell-phoneand watchTVduring studies. This habit burdens the brain with moving from one activity to the next, thereby never getting its fullpowertofocusonone problem at a time, which is necessary to get the most out of our thinkingandreasoning.
Give yourself the best chance of success in any problem-solving situation by removing these obstacles, and you will be improving your brain abilityaswellasgettingthebestfromit.
SNUB SQUARE SLITHERLINKS
Fill in some of the dotted line segments to form a meandering path that forms a single loop. The path does not cross itself, branch, or touch itself at corners. The numbers indicate how many line segments
surround each cell Empty cells may be surrounded by any number of line segments There is one unique solution, and youshouldbeabletofinditwithoutguessing.Youmayfind ithelpfultomarksegments that cannot be filled in.
Brain Power
Cradledperfectlyinourcranium, Iswhereyou'llfindourbrain-ium, Enablesustothinkanddo, Rememberswhat,rememberswho; Whetherwe'refeelingfineorpained, We'reutilisingourfantasticbrain, Controlswhatwe'redoing,whatwethink, Let'sussee,makesusblink. Somefunctionsareinvoluntary, Breathingairisoneofmany; Digestingfood,ourbeatingheart, Allcontrolledbybrain,ourcrucialpart; Connectsstraight-upwithourspinalcord, Synapses,nerves-it'sneverbored; Givesusfeelings,doesgreatthings, Let'sthankourbrainforallitbrings!
Your brain is a powerhouse if you strive to maintain it just as with other parts of your makeup.
Connect these islands with bridges
From where I stand... It feels like we are building without a blueprint
There’s something deeply unsettling about the idea of building without a blueprint whether it’s a house, a school or indeed a nation.Andyet,itoftenfeels like that’s exactly what we’vebeendoinginGuyana forawhile.
Andnowit’sasifweare moving full speed ahead on the back of unprecedented economic momentum, but with no clear national roadmap to guide where we’regoing.
I’ve been searching for the current version of a National Development Strategy,whichisessentially a single document or vision that outlines where Guyana is going as a nation, beyond the five-year promises of whichever government is in power From what I’ve found, the last widely recognized version expired in 2017. Since then, we’ve had individual plans, some rebranded, some revised, others entirely new But nothing cohesive, and certainly nothing that has outlivedapoliticalterm.
We had the Low Carbon DevelopmentStrategyunder the PPP/C then the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) under the A P N U + A F C administration, and now we have the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS 2030) again. Now, don’t get me wrong, all of these are incredibly important but they never were a comprehensive national development plan. A real national strategy shouldn’t shift with the politicalwind.Itdoesn’tstart overeveryfiveyears.Andit certainly doesn’t confuse a party manifesto with a national vision.Amanifesto maybethestartingpointbut should not be confused for the whole plan. Ironically, if you strip away the partisan packaging,manyoftheideas across the manifestos overlap. That tells me that consensusispossible,ifonly there were political will to pursue it beyond election season. Even when sectoral plans are developed and many are, like the Ministry
of Education’s Education SectorPlan2021–2025,they often exist in silos. They don’tseemtobespeakingto each other It’s not clear, for instance, how the education plan then aligned with the future needs of many other sectors experiencing rapid expansion.
I was reading recently that Guyana hopes to welcomeonemillionvisitors and three million transiting passengers by 2030. This is an exciting target and I genuinelyapplaudthevision and energy behind it. But I have questions Are we preparing our communities for that kind of growth?Are we training the workers? Is this tourism strategy sitting sidebysidewithstrategiesin security, education, health, andinfrastructure?Orarewe rolling out initiatives in isolation, hoping they somehow fit? And maybe I wouldn’taskthesequestions so urgently if I didn’t keep seeingsignsofpoorplanning inreallife.
We recently built the Heroes Highway, launched at the end of 2023. This is a
brand new, multi-billiondollar project and less than twoyearslater;wehadtodig it up to build another roundabout,rightnexttoone that already exists, to accommodate traffic from thesoontobecommissioned Demerara Harbour Bridge. I’mnotanengineer,andI’m notpretendingtobeone.But something about that feels wrong, inefficient and frankly, wasteful These projects were underway around the same time Shouldn’t that level of coordination have happened longbefore?
When I speak of a national development strategy,I’mnotaskingfora glossy document to check a box—that’ll just be another waste of time and taxpayers money, quite frankly I’m talkingaboutasharedvision that guides ministries, informs private sector investment, engages communities, and reflects the values and priorities of theGuyanesepeople.
Such a vision isn’t torn uporreplacedeverytimethe seatofpowerchangeshands, it says: this is who we are, this is where we’re going, andthisisexactlyhowwe’ll getthere,together
But the reality is that long-term planning often diesintheshadowsofshort-
term politics. One of the reasons these strategies rarely outlive a political cycle is the winner-takes-all natureofoursystem.Yes,we a r e b a c k a t t h e constitutional/electoral reform conversation. The “pettiness over progress” logic of “if my party didn’t conceptualise it, we can’t implement it” limits our ability to enjoy continuity and evolution. Instead, what we get are disruption and rebranding, which I’m sure we can all agree, Guyana, simplycannotafford.
Other countries have done it. Rwanda has Vision 2050 and Barbados is working on a 20-year strategic plan right now “Big” Dubai didn’t become Dubai by chance. It did so with a plan, executed over d e c a d e s t h r o u g h consistency, coordination, and clarity (yes, I’m fully aware that their political realitiesarevastlydifferent)
By Janelle Persaud
Guyana, too, deserves suchaplan.Onethatdoesn’t collapse with every election cycle; one that allows us to dream beyond five years ; and one that links our oil money to something meaningful for generations to come. Sometimes I hear bits and pieces in the speechesofPresidentAliand indeed key government Ministers but we need a single place so we all understand, scrutinize and see where we fit. I don’t know if such a plan already exists, somewhere in a Cabinet memo or a consultant’sreport. If it does, I hope they releaseitsoon.Becauseright now, it feels like we’re sprinting through a constructionsiteinthedark, trusting instinct over architecture and praying the whole thing doesn’t collapse. We can do better but only if we build from a blueprint.
St. Cuthbert’s Mission/Pakuri honours remarkable honours leaders during heritage celebrations
St. Cuthbert’s Mission/ Pakuri proudly hosted the Accolades of Distinction
2025, honoring the remarkablemenandwomen
whose dedication, leadership, and service continuetoinspireanduplift the community during this year’s Annual Heritage Celebration.
The Years of Service AwardwaspresentedtoMs. Beverley Clenkia The Woman of Distinction AwardwaspresentedtoMs. Amanda Mahade The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Mr Leyland Clenkian The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Mr JulianKattow TheAwardof Appreciation was presented to Ms. Charlotte O’selmo, The Award of Recognition was presented to Dr Martin PertabandTheTrailblazerin Leadership Award was
S
celebrate the courage, vision, and selfless contributionsthatstrengthen thevillageandinspirefuture generations. The initiative was led by Councillor Anastasia Tristan Henry, Public Relations Officer of the St. Cuthbert’s Mission PakuriVillageCouncil.
In a heartfelt facebook post, Henry noted that as a young councillor of St Cuthbert’s Mission/Pakuri Village Council, it was her profoundhonourtocelebrate the extraordinary men and women whose unwavering dedication and selfless service have strengthened thecommunity
She asserted “We convened to recognize achievements that exemplified the power of unity, the significance of collective endeavour, and the enduring value of honouringoneanother
Fromtheinceptionofmy tenure,Ihavebeensteadfast
in the belief that by celebrating our people, we fortifytheveryfabricofour village. Each contribution, whether grand or modest, has enriched our legacy and shaped a future defined by pride, resilience, and progress.”
According to the councillor, the accolades were well deserved as the remarkable contributions of the awardees continue to carry the spirit of Pakuri beyondtheirborders
“These accolades transcendedmererecognition They embodied courage, perseverance, excellence, and the transformative potential that emerges when passion convergeswithpurpose
I extended my deepest gratitude to my family for theirunwaveringlove,tomy uncleDennisCharranandmy friend Vishaul Persaud and his family for their steadfast sponsorship, and to our Toshao Mr Alvoro Simon
The St. Cuthbert’s Mission/ Pakuri proudly hosted theAccolades of Distinction 2025, honoring the remarkable men and women for their dedication and leadership during Heritage month
and my fellow Councillors for their tireless dedication and visionary leadership,” shesaid
Henry noted the true strength ofSt Cuthbert’s Mission/Pakuri resides in unity, courage, and collective commitment to advancement.“Together,we
honoured one another, c e l e b r a t e d e v e r y achievement, and embraced the boundless potential within our community.I was humbled by the support, i n s p i r e d b y t h e accomplishments of our people, and renewed in my solemncommitmenttoserve
with integrity, dedication, and unwavering love,” she asserted. Ms. Henry vowed thatthevillagewillcontinue to recognize and celebrate the achievements of their people, for it is through honoringeachotherthatthey build unity, pride, and a brighterfuture.
‘Not to worry, your jobs are secure’
– President Ali tells Dem. Harbour Bridge staff
Staff of the soon to b e decommissioned Demerara Harbour Bridge were on Saturday assured of theirjobsbyPresidentIrfaan Ali during a meeting Saturday's meeting occurred one day prior to the opening of the new Demerara River Bridge.
The Head-of-State thanked the staff for their years of service and assured them that their welfare is protected.
“There is an old saying for the religious community 'In all things, give thanks.' Today, I thought it was very important, even before we commission the new Demerara Bridge that has evoked such grand pride among Guyanese of every walk of life that I do something much more important.
Even before we cut the ribbon to open the new bridge, I'm here to say thank you to the staff and all those who laboured for decades to keep this old bridge going andtoensurethatthepeople of Guyana had a bridge that could have served them,” PresidentAlistated.
The president made it clearthatthenewbridgewill not erase all the hard work and contribution the staff madetotheoldbridge.
As such, he said their contribution to the development of Guyana through the Ministry of Public Works will continue “unbroken”.
“Notasingleoneofyou, and you know this, have to worryaboutplacement,have toworryaboutthesecurityof your job. I can guarantee youthat,thatisnotaworryat all, neither would you be
Ali
losinganyofyourbenefitsor the level of salaries that you have, because your service will continue and you will grow with the new opportunities that will come your way,” the president guaranteed.
K a i e t e u r N e w s understands that the DHBC has approximately 170 staff w h o s e r v e d f o r approximately30years.
“You know this… your jobs are secured; your serviceissecured.Yourtime is secured, and the opportunities ahead of you will be as any other contributor in the ministry,” presidentAliassured.
The staff were told that the government is in the process of finalizing the movement of the old bridge noting that the technical, e n g i n e e r i n g a n d maintenance expertise will be critically involved when completed.
Further, the president announcedthatwhilethereis need for minimum maintenance on the new bridge,ateamwillbeneeded there.
“The maintenance of the newbridgewhileitwillhave
minimal need, you'll still have some administrative need, the electrical and sweepingneed (Continuedonpage40)
Some of the staff of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation.
President
speaking with staff of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) on Saturday morning.
Cancerwarriors
CALL FOR YEAR-ROUND SUPPORT, MORE LOCALIZED TREATMENT AT ANNUAL TREE WRAPPING EVENT
Cancer survivors and those still battling the disease on Friday called for year-roundsupportandmore localized treatments at the Guyana Cancer Foundation (GCF)annualtree-wrapping ceremony
A group of women comprising of cancer fighters and survivors was ledbyGuyana's2025Global Hero of Hope, Rehana Jagdeo, as they made their call to the public and relevantauthorities.
Jagdeo,acancersurvivor herself, said that it is not an easy task battling cancer as sherecountedherjourneyto
becomingasurvivor
“During my time it was onlymykidsandmyfamily”
she told that the attendees while explaining that some treatmentlikechemotherapy
“beats you like dog”. She continued that radiation burnssurgeriesleavescars.
“If you don't have a cut on your belly, you have one on your boob,” Jagdeo said as she highlighted that sometimes it is hard to look atyourselfinthemirror She
alsospokeoflivingwiththe fearthatitcanreturn.
Jagdeo then passed the microphone to another woman who has been a cancer survivor for nine years but recently started spotting and now has to do another surgery because it
appears as if the cancer mighthavereturned.
Shesaid,“WhatIwantto saytoallthosewhocameout andsupportedusthank you, but we need that support all year round, not only in October”
The woman added, “We
A Cancer Survivor’s Journey from Fear to Hope
Rosaline Clarke: a cancer survivor's journey from fear to hope
Every October, Breast Cancer AwarenessMonthbringsawaveof emotions, hope, strength, and remembrance,forthosebattlingthe disease and those inspired by their journeys.For67-year-oldRosaline “Rose” Clarke, a two-time cancer survivor and steadfast woman of faith,thisperiodisdeeplypersonal. Her story is one of endurance, courage, and unwavering trust in God This cancer survivor's journeyisoneoffearandhope. Clarke knew cancer was in her family,butsheneverimaginedshe would face it herself. Her journey began in September 2016, while traveling overseas. She felt a lump under her arm but dismissed it, thinking it was caused by carrying heavyluggage.Duringhervisit,her sister who h
surgery—urged her to get checked upon returning to Guyana. “She saidwhenIcomebacktoGuyanaI shouldgetmyselfcheckedoutright away,” Clark said. Clarke vividly recalls the day she decided to get checkedattheGuyanaResponsible Parenthood Association (GRPA), where doctors confirmed the
presence of a lump beneath her breast. “They found a lump there and I was told to go to the Mercy Hospital and they did a test and foundamassontheleftsideofthe breast. I went to Medical Arts CenterandIdidalumpectomyand I waited six weeks. It was an agonizing six weeks to know what is the situation. When I got a call, the doctor said that the results are in,andIwentalone.Buthetoldme I have to bring somebody,” Clarke stated.
Hospital Corporation (GPHC), but theresultswerethesame.
With her husband's support, Clarke made the difficult decision to undergo a mastectomy in early November But just as she began adjusting to life after surgery, tragedystruck.“Inthefirstyearof my journey, my mother passed away, and six months later, my husband also died,” she said tearfully “It was an incredibly toughtimeforme.”
yearsold,walkedbesideme.”
Still, the emotional toll of losing a breast was difficult to accept “It was so frustrating sometimes. I never looked in the mirror,” Clarke admitted
“Knowing that I once had two breasts and now only one, it hurt deeply.”
Clarke stayed on Letrozole treatment for seven years and remained consistent with her checkups However, in 2025 symptoms reappeared, this time signaling the onset of cervical cancer “Earlier this year, I began noticing spotting,” Clarke shared.
“They say when you've had breast cancer,itgoeswiththeotherone,so Iprayed,'Lord,helpme,'andwent tohaveabiopsydone.”
are battling 365 days a year, withmeIhavetodoanother surgery come month-end a hysterectomy (a procedure of removing the uterus) so youknowwhatthatmeans”
“Come- on call us, visit us,takeournumbersfindout (Continuedonpage40)
Despitehergrief,Clarkefound comfortintheunwaveringsupport of her children and grandchildren. “Mybiggestsupportcamefrommy children,” she said with a faint smile. “During my first cancer
The biopsy process was difficult, as doctors initially struggled to obtain sufficient samples. “It was too painful, and I wanted them to leave me alone,” she confessed. “Eventually, they did a D&C, and it came back showing cervical malignancy that could develop into cancer So by theendofthismonth,I'llbehaving a hysterectomy to remove everything.”
“NothingisimpossiblewithGod,” shesaidfirmly “Icandoallthings throughChristwhostrengthensme. I have the courage, and I'm not afraidanymore.”
Her message to others facing cancerisoneofloveandsolidarity
She recalled the next day she went back to the medical center withherhusbandandherworstfear was confirmed when the doctor announcedthatshehadcancer Still in disbelief, she sought a second opinion at the Georgetown Public
“For those struggling with cancer and for survivors, show them love andsupport.Webattlethissickness 365daysayear,”shesaid.
Through every challenge, Clarke's faith has been her anchor.
a w a r e n e s s w a l k , m y granddaughter,whowasonlythree
Ms. Clarke is more than a survivor She is a fighter, a voice andmostofall,abeaconofhope.
Cancer
Survivor:
Rosaline
Clarke
Cancer Survivor: Rosaline Clarke
Scenes from the GCF tree-wrapping ceremony
First adolescent symposium convened in Guyana
Minister of Education, Sonia Parag attended the firstAdolescent Symposium and Impromptu Speaking Competition at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. She is pictured with several students who attended the symposium. (MoE)
Teenagers from schoolsacrossthe country gathered
at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Saturday for the first Adolescent Symposium and Impromptu Speaking Competition.
The event which was hosted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Government of Canada, and UNICEF, focused on the theme “Creating Safe, Healthy and Inclusive Spaces for Adolescents ” The forum aimed to empower young voices to speak on the important topics such as adolescent sexual and reproductive health.
According to a press release posted on the
Ministry of Education's Facebook page, Education Minister, Sonia Parag said the symposium highlights thevitalroleeducationplays in helping young people make safe, healthy, and responsible choices
MinisterParagstatedthatthe Ministry of Education is dedicated to preparing adolescentsforadulthoodby incorporating Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) education into the Health and Family Life Education curriculum. Collaborating partners such as the National Aids Programme Secretariat (NAPS), the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA), the MinistryofHumanServices and Social Security, and
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Adventures contributed to theevent'ssuccess.
The forum officially recognised adolescents as the next generation of leaders who will influence Guyana's future The symposium, through its break-out sessions and Impromptu Speaking Competition, addressed the complexitiesofadolescence.
In her keynote address, Minister Parag pointed out thatsexualandreproductive health, though crucial, has historically been a taboo subject.
“Make great use of this opportunity at a symposium like this,” Minister Parag encouraged the participants. She emphasized, “the
New US$260M Demerara River Bridge to be commissioned today
The long-awaited new
US$260M four-lane Demerara River Bridge which connects Regions Three and Four, will be commissionedtoday
The historic ceremony whichissetfor17:30hrsand will be held at the eastern end of the new bridge will include a feature address by PresidentIrfaanAliwhowill declarethebridgeopen.
During a media briefing about the ceremony on Friday, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill stated that the commissioning ceremony will include a symbolic2.9kmwalkacross the bridge which will be done on the southern carriageway and a return
motorcade along the northern carriage. Persons are advised to wear comfortablefootwear
Anticipating that thousands will be in attendance, the minister related that the event will alsoincludeprayers,cultural presentation, fireworks display and the honking of horns of all ships in the harbour
For persons desirous of viewing the commissioning
from the Demerara River, theMaritimeAdministration Department (MARAD) has indicated that arrangements areinplace.
MARADnotedtheywill
be coordinating and regulatingallactivitiesinthe river
“All vessels shall be seaworthy, all vessel operators must be competent, life jackets MUST be worn by all individuals on water taxis and small open boats, MARAD is to be informed of the place of boarding and disembarkation, at 17:30 hours(5:30pm)thetidewill beebbing(falling)therefore, vessels are required to be in positionsoasnottodriftinto the bridge, all vessels approaching the New DemeraraRiverBridgefrom either the southern or northern direction must remain outside the one-mile bufferzone.
responsible conversations surrounding sexual and reproductive health should notbetakenlightly.”
The Minister explained to the young attendees that “Sexual and Reproductive Health is not just about the physicalchangesyouwillgo through It also includes your emotional and mental well-being.”
Saturday's conversations examined some of the pressuresyoungpeopleface
in relation to relationship dynamics, the need for acceptance, academic demands,andthestruggleof balancing personal identity andperformance.
Moreover, Minister Parag recognised that this generation deals with an added layer of exposure broughtonbythedigitalage.
“ Yo u b e l o n g t o a technologicalage.Youarein the social media age,” Minister Parag noted,
acknowledging that the participantsofthisimportant forum have the power to create change and raise awareness easily and on a largerscale.
T h e i n a u g u r a l Adolescent Symposium marked a significant event, establishing what Minister Parag promises will be a lasting platform for youth engagement and health advocacyinGuyana.
Govt. to explore non-lethal options to firearms - Jagdeo …asover30kgunlicenceapplicationsawaitapproval
The Government of Guyana (GoG) will be examining non-lethal avenues for persons to protect themselves with the aim of reducing the number ofgunlicencesbeingissued.
ThisisaccordingtoVice President Bharrat Jagdeo who told reporters on Thursday that there are over 30,000-gun licence applicationsbackedup.
“Nowjustimagineifyou have to give out 50,000-gun licences in Guyana, what couldhappen?Andoftenthe weaponsendupinthehands of criminals because they comeintoourhomeandthey take the weapons, etc.,” he stressed.
personally He'slookinginto thismattertodeviseasystem that would allow us to be responsive to people but without putting 50,000 guns in the hands of people. So those are the kinds of things I'm talking about,” the vice presidentexplained.
In light of the position, Jagdeosaidthereneedstobe a national conversation on the way forward relative to the employment of nonlethalformsofprotection.
All vessels are to sound their whistle/horn immediatelyafterthecutting of the ribbon to formally openthebridge,theintended routemustbecommunicated toMARADbeforetheevent, and no overloading of vessels.”
The Department added that compliance with this directive is mandatory and necessary to facilitate the smooth flow of marine traffic and ensure safety withintheriver
Additionally,theGuyana Police Force has since advised attendees and road users to follow the traffic arrangements.
Thepoliceindicatedthat general parking will be availableatthetarmacofthe National Stadium There, buses owned by the Guyana Defence Force will shuttle attendees via Red Road to thevenue.
Thenewfour-lanebridge was built by China Railway Construction Corporation Limited.
The superstructure which will replace the old Demerara Harbour Bridge, is built to support the uninterrupted flow of vehicular and vessel traffic, which will significantly reduce travel time, improve connectivity bet
n RegionsThreeandFourand strengthen the movement of goods and services across thecountry
In order to remedy this situation, the government is exploring other ways in which people can protect themselves. He said once those non-lethal methods have been identified, the government will sparingly issuegunlicences.
Further, the vice president noted that the system would have to be transparenttoensurepersons applyingforgunlicencesdo not feel the need to bribe officials to be issued with a firearm licence or a weapon upgrade. “Iknowitbothers a lot of people and a lot of peoplecomplaintoobecause they've been waiting for many, many years. So, we have to find a way of addressing this and the president is looking into it
“But if we do that and thenthesystemisinplace…, then you have a smoothly functioning system Now everybodyfindingout(how) they can get a weapon, somebody bribe someone, and get a weapon or they can… they just you know they don't go through a properscreening,”headded. Jagdeo declared, “It has tobedealtwithonceandfor all and society has to deal withit,oursociety,notjusta government.”
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo
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Cancer warriors call for year-round...
From page 38 how we are doing not only October we are being held as heroes, we are getting call left right and center we need that call 365 days a year so thank you, all”, she urged.
Meanwhile, cancer fighter Hemwattie Harriprashad called for the relevant authorities to make more cancer treatments available locally.
Vacancy for Hotel & Restaurant Manager and Accountant. Apply in person Lot 29 Sussex Street, Georgetown. Tele: 757-8231.
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Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 2350, Car/ Van licence Call 6159132.
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One (1) female cleaner for Eccles office call 645-8443
VEHICLES FOR SALE
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Plants for sale Dragon fruit, Sago Palm & Alo Vera. Call Tony: 664-1856. Bus Services for school children in Central Georgetown, Monday - Friday $5,000 per week. Pick up and drop off. Call : 6436210.
We offer mobile windshield replacements & repairs by certified Technicians for all Make & Model Vehicles. Call Andio: 658-6368.
Harriprashad was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer in 2023. She has done two sur-
geries already but is still fighting the disease because the additional treatment she needs is not available in Guyana and is very expensive abroad.
“I am still waiting for treatment which we don’t have in Guyana” she said while adding “Year after year we begging the relevant authorities to make it possible, to put systems in place for us; myself and others who have thyroid cancer”.
“We have to get it (the treatment) overseas, Trinidad, USA, England and that is very costly probably $2 .7 million for one treatment”, she explained.
Shortly after making their public plea it was time for the main guest speaker, the Minister within the ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs to make the feature address of the event.
Jacobs assured them that the government would have
been investing massively in building out a functional health care system in the country and will deliver on its promise to build and equip an oncology center.
“So, we hear you and we have you in mind and I want you to know that we stand with you in solidarity”, Jacobs said during his address.
He also pledged support for the Guyana Cancer Foundation (GCF) in its fight against cancer.
Other special guests and dignitaries attending the event, offered words of encouragement and also pledged their support.
Among them was the British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane
A team of representatives from the Balwant Singh Hospital announced that the private health facilities will be providing 200 free mammograms to the GCF.
‘Not to worry, your jobs are secure’...
From page 37 and up keep of that bridge. So, I’ve asked [Wayne] Watson (General Manager of DHBC) also to put together that team, so we have a smooth takeover of the operations there,” the president disclosed.
Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill told the staff of the Demerara Harbour Bridge that, “…in the transition nobody will be displaced.”
The minister said that an assessment of the staff and their years of service has started noting that parts of the old bridge will be used to link between Sandhills and Timehri.
“I can say for sure, sections of the bridge, both retractor and acceptor spans and other segments will be going to do the Sandhills –Timehri crossing to make the road we have built from Sandhills to Falmouth into Bartica accessible, I can assure of that,” Edghill said on Friday.
Top flat to rent, only for business, 29 Creen & Durban Street,Newburg. Contact: 604-9875.
FOR RENT Upper flat 3 bedroom for rent, Located Herstelling New Scheme East Bank Demerara. Contact: 265-3095 / 696-1994.
Additionally, on Saturday, Edghill said that “There are vacancies for them in many places, if people have to go, but the actual set of skills that we need to remain, we are still working that out, and we will inform and we will comply with the law and with your instructions to ensure that the welfare of all the workers are protected.”
As of Monday, the Demerara Harbour Bridge, which has already outlived its lifespan by over 40 years and has been providing accessibility between Regions Three and Four will be replaced by the new four-lane high-span Demerara River Bridge.
Miller and Miss Cosmo Guyana 2025, Kayla King.
Deputy Commissioner of GL&SC admitted to local bar
Deputy Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, Michael Shaun Hutson, on Thursday, October 2, 2025, was admitted to practice as an Attorney-at-Law before Guyana'scourts.
His application for admission waspresentedbyAttorney-at-Law, Tiffanny Castello, before Chief Justice(acting),NavindraSingh.In her address to the Court Ms. Castello, outlined Mr Hutson's extensive academic and professionalbackground.
FromhisearlyeducationatF.E. Pollard Primary School and Saint Stanislaus College, to his distinguishedserviceinthefieldof land surveying, Mr Hutson has built a career rooted in public service.
Ms. Castello detailed his academic achievements, which includes a Diploma in Forestry from the University of Guyana, a Diploma in Surveying from the Government Technical Institute, and a Bachelor of Laws Degree completed in 2013. Most recently, Mr Hutson earned his Legal Education Certificate from the EugeneDupuchLawSchoolinThe BahamasinSeptember2025.
Professionally, Mr Hutson has served the Guyana Lands and SurveysCommissionsince2001in various capacities, including ManagerofLandAdministrationto his current position as the Deputy Commissioner His transition into the legal profession, as noted by Ms. Castello, brings with it a wealthofexperienceandexpertise in the surveying profession which will enrich the practice of law in Guyana.
Meanwhile, in his address to
the court, Mr Hutson expressed deep gratitude to the Chief Justice for hearing his application and allowing him to sit in his court during his in-service tenure. He humbly reflected on his journey, which he described as the culmination of a long and often challengingroad,onefirstinspired byformerLandCourtJudge,G.O. Brooms, who encouraged him to pursuealegalcareer
Mr Hutson thanked his law schoolclassmates,mentors,tutors, and colleagues, with special mention of Ms. Castello and Ms. John for their guidance and support.Healsoacknowledgedthe encouragement and support of the Commi
ssioner, M r Enrique Monize, andstaffof the Land and Surve Commission.
P a y tribute family, M offeredheartfelt his parents, particularly his father, Herckert Hutson, a mason and carpenter with no formal education, whose example of hard work and lifelong learning served asaguidingcompass.
I c a n make a valuable contributiontoupholdingjusticein society.”
Mr Hutsonassuredthecourtof his continued commitment to the legal profession, pledging to uphold its ethics, values, and traditions with integrity and compassion.
“I will always be a student of the law,” he affirmed. “And I pray
The Chief Justice formally granted the application for admission, officially welcoming Mr HutsontotheBarofGuyana.In delivering his remarks following the admission, Chief Justice Singh echoed the sentiments of Chief Justice Andrew of the Supreme CourtofConnecticut,stating:“Itis not enough for an attorney that he be honest. He must be that, and
more He must be believedtobehonest.Itis absolutelyessentialtothe usefulness of an attorney that he be entitled to the onfidence of the mmunity wherein he practices… But… if once the practice becomes to him a mere for hire, or a system of legalized plunder, where craft and conscience is the rule, and wherefalsehoodandnottruthisthe means by which to gain his end, thenhehasforfeitedallrighttobe anofficerinanycourtofjustice,or to be numbered among the members of an honourable profession.”
Chief Justice Singh used the opportunity to remind the new attorney of the paramount importance of maintaining integrity and credibility before the courts. He cautioned that once the trust of the judiciary is lost, it is difficulttorestore.
Minister Bharrat right on...
Frompage6 economic standards of the common, poor people as is done in India It should be done with a combination of cash transfers or grants and through investment in education and training in business ownership (production) so people can lift themselves to higher standards of living Giving 'free'(unearned)moneyisnot anincentiveforproductivity Peoplewillsitandwaitforthe moneyratherthangooutand earn more It is better for governmenttooffersubsidies foreducation(asiscurrently
underway), provide job skills, create permanent productive jobs, and take other measures that will sustain social development
Cash grants or transfers depend on the situation or context and desired outcomes Itisnotasolution to eliminate poverty or p r o mo te n atio n al development Itmayhavethe opposite effect of increasing p o v e r t y t h r o u g h dependency Everyone (particularly the poor) will want cash grants, but they may not be schooled as those of us who study
economics on the consequences of grants –fueling inflation, creating permanent dependency, causing internal family conflict over the funds, etc ) There are people desirous of cash grants or cashtransfers.Government hastofindtherightbalance of cash grants and how much and who to give in ordertoreducepovertyand improve health conditions, etc Otherwise, the underclass will remain in poverty
Yourstruly, VishnuBisram
Chief Justice Navindra Singh and Michael Hutson,Attorney-at-Law
Family members with Michael Hutson Attorneys-at-Law - Tiffanny Castello and Michael Hutson.
Dozens killed in Gaza despite Trump’s call for Israel to halt bombing
CAIRO/GAZA, Oct 4
(Reuters) - Dozens were killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza on Saturday, local health officials said, despite a demand from U S
President Donald Trump for Israel to stop bombing in response to a declaration by Hamas that it was ready to free hostages under his plan toendthetwo-year-oldwar.
With ceasefire talks due to begin in the coming days in Egypt, Trump said on SaturdayonhisTruthSocial platform that Israel had agreed to an “initial withdrawalline”insideGaza and that “when Hamas confirms, the Ceasefire will be IMMEDIATELY effective.”
At least 36 people were killed in bombardments and airstrikes in the devastated Palestinian enclave since Trump pressed Israel to halt itsattackslateonFriday
Eighteen people died in sporadic incidents, while 18 people, including children, were killed and several otherswoundedinanIsraeli strike on a house in the Tuffah neighbourhood in Gaza City, medics said. The attack damaged several buildingsnearby
Israelsaidithadtargeted a Hamas militant who had posedathreattoitstroopsin
the area, and that reports of casualties were under review Themilitary“regrets any harm caused to uninvolved civilians and works to mitigate harm to uninvolved civilians as muchaspossible,”itsaidina statement. Hamas said in a statement, referring to the Israeli prime minister, that “the continuation of the occupation’s bombing and massacres exposes Netanyahu’s lies about reducingmilitaryoperations againstcivilians.”
TRUMPURGESHAMAS TOMOVEFASTONHIS
Smoke rises following explosions in Gaza City after Hamas agreed to release captives and accept several other terms in a US plan to end the war, as seen from central Gaza Strip [DawoudAbuAlkas/Reuters]
morehardline
The group, which also holds hostages, on Saturday endorsedHamas’response.
Hamas’stancemayraise thespiritofGazans,whohad watched one ceasefire effort after another fail as Israeli strikes hit the strip over the past two years, creating a humanitarian crisis and displacingmillions.
Some Palestinians express
Netanyahu, who heads Israel’s most far-right government in its history, will ultimately withdraw fromanyplantoendthewar
GAZAPLAN
Early on Saturday, Trump said he appreciated that Israel had “temporarily stopped the bombing,” and he urged Hamas, the Palestinianmilitantgroup,to movequicklyonhisplan“or elseallbetswillbeoff.”
“I will not tolerate delay, which many think will happen, or any outcome where Gaza poses a threat again Let’s get this done, FAST Everyone will be treated fairly!” Trump said on TruthSocial.
Hamas had drawn a
welcoming response from Trump on Friday by saying it accepted certain key parts of his 20-point peace proposal, including ending the war, Israel’s withdrawal, and the release of Israeli hostages andPalestiniancaptives.
But the group has left some issues subject to further negotiation, as well as questions unanswered, such as whether it would be willing to disarm, a key demand from Israel to end thewar
Trump posted later on S a t u r d a y : “ A f t e r negotiations, Israel has agreed to the initial withdrawal line, which we have shown to, and shared with,Hamas.”
HesaidthatonceHamas agrees to it, a ceasefire would take effect, “the Hostages and Prisoner Exchangewillbegin,andwe willcreatetheconditionsfor the next phase of withdrawal ” He did not elaborate.
There was no immediate confirmation from Israel, which has shown little willingness to pull back its forcesinGaza.
Hamas did not immediately respond to a request for further comment
AWhite House official said Trump was sending his envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, to Egypt to finalize the technical details of the hostage release and discuss a lasting peace deal. Egypt will also host delegations from Israel
and Hamas on Monday to discuss the proposed exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, the country’s ForeignMinistrysaid.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a televised statement late on Saturday, confirmed that negotiatorswouldbesentto Egypt, and said the intention was to limit the talkstoafewdays
Netanyahu said he hoped to announce the return of the captives in the coming days, all while the Israeli military remained deepinGaza
Hamas would be
disarmed and Gaza demilitarized, Netanyahu said, according to his remarks carried by Israeli media, warning that it would happen either politicallyormilitarily
Trump’s plan sees the military eventually withdrawing to Gaza’s perimeter but does not lay outanytimeframe
The prime minister spoke as tens of thousands took to the streets in Tel Aviv in support of a deal to end the war Hamas’ response to the plan drew optimistic statements from worldleaders,whourgedan end to the deadliest conflict involving Israel since its creation in 1948 and called for thereleaseofIsraelisstill heldintheenclave
Another possible boost to peace hopes came with a supportive statement from the Iran-backed Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, which is smaller than Hamas but seen as
“What is important is that Netanyahu does not sabotage this, because now that Hamas agreed, Netanyahu will disagree, as he usually does,” said Jerusalem resident Jamal Shihada.
WORLDWIDE SUPPORTFORENDTO ‘HORRIFICWAR’
Israeli media reported that the country’s political echelon had instructed the military to reduce offensive activityinGaza
Trump has invested significant political capital ineffortstoendthewarthat has left U S ally Israel increasingly isolated internationally
TrumpsaidonFridayhe believed Hamas had shown it was “ready for a lasting PEACE” and he called on Netanyahu’s government to haltairstrikesinGaza
Domestically, the prime minister is caught between growingpressuretoendthe war from hostage families and a war-weary public and demands from hardline members of his coalitionwhoinsisttheremust be no let-up in Israel’s campaigninGaza
Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on X that halting attacks on Gaza was a “gravemistake ” Israel began attacking Gaza after the October 7, 2023,Hamas-ledattackon Israelinwhichsome1,200 peoplewerekilledand251 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Israel says 48 hostages remain, 20 of whomarealive.
Israel’s campaign has killed more than 67,000 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according toGazahealthauthorities
Teachers do not just teach; they shape the soul of
the nation
As the world observes World Teachers' Day today, President Irfaan Ali remindedthatthecareerofa teacher is a noble one that shapes destinies In a message to teachers, the president recognised the hard work of all teachers in moulding the nation's children. “On this day, we recognise and herald all of o u r t e a c h e r s . We acknowledge that every success story in this country begins with a teacher Our teachers are the hands that liftupentiregenerations. But in celebrating our teachers, we must also face the truth that our children deserve not just education, but quality education. And quality comes from trained
–Pres. AlionWorldTeachers'Day
teachers. It is not enough to place a person in front of a blackboard; we must place s k i l l , c a r e , a n d professionalism there. Our childrendeservenolessthan the best. This is why my government has set a clear and firm goal: by the end of 2026, every teacher will either be trained or in training.”
The president noted that theneedfortrainedteachers comes from both policy and personalexperience.
“I know the sacrifices behind the title 'teacher,' becauseIsawthemlivedout inmyownhome.Bothofmy parentswereteachers.Igrew up watching them prepare lessons late into the night, marking papers, and carrying their commitment
far beyond the classroom. And doing all of this while juggling the responsibilities of parenthood and family life. From them, I learned that teaching is more than a job;itisalabouroflove,”he said. Further, the head-ofstatesaidthatteachersdonot justpassonknowledge;they lighttheflameofpossibility inyoungminds.
“Thatiswhypreparation m a t t e r s s o m u c h . Preparationisrespectforthe subject, for the classroom, and for the child. Students knowwhentheirteachersare ready,andtheyrespondwith energyandcuriosity Timely marking of scripts and assignments is just as important. It tells students that their work matters and theireffortcounts.Feedback
is the bridge between effort and improvement When feedback comes quickly, it builds confidence, corrects mistakes,andkeepslearning alive.Markingisnotsimply grading; it is part of guidance, and it shapes the pace of a student's growth,” hesaid.
The president said too that the true power of feedback is realised only teachers are there, day after day, guiding, encouraging, andinspiringinperson.
“Nothing replaces the regular and consistent presence of a teacher in the classroom. Presence should be the first promise every teachermakestoeverychild. To be present is to show commitment,reliability,and love for the children
entrustedtoyou.Technology may assist, textbooks may guide,butthelivingvoiceof a teacher cannot be substituted.” He noted too thatitisthroughpresence,in patience, guidance and the deeper truth of teaching is revealed.
“Teachers do not just instruct; they transform lives. Teachers do not just teach;theyshapethesoulof the nation,” President Ali saidnotingthatthecareerof ateacherisanobleone.
“It does not make headlines, but it shapes destinies. It does not raise skyscrapers, but it builds character Those who spend a lifetime shaping our childrenmustthemselvesbe assured of dignity, honour, and respect As a government, we will ensure that a career in teaching is made worthwhile. We are committed to better pay, improvedallowances,grants to support teaching and learning,moreopportunities for training and greater morale. We are working to ensure improved working conditions today and a dignified retirement tomorrow,” president Ali said.
Every Guyanese should have a bank account – Pres.Ali
The government will implement measures to encourage more citizens to open bank accounts,
President Irfaan Ali announced on Thursday at the Pegasus Suites and CorporateCentre.
The president made the announcement during an address to private sector leaders, members of the diplomatic corps and other dignitaries at the Guyana ChamberofCommerceand Industry (GCCI) Energy InsightsBreakfast.
“We have to be able in the shortest time frame to ensure every Guyanese have a bank account,” the president said, noting,” evenifthegovernmentmust incentivise the opening up ofthosebankaccounts. He told the attendees
that a team, consisting of Cabinet members, including the Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, is drafting a document that will aid in the modernisation of the financialsector
Thepresidentsaidthatin three weeks, the report will be submitted and it will outline critical details on how the government can begintotakestepstofurther modernise the country's bankingsector.
Options that will be examined include, “The creation of a modern stock exchange and options for capital mobilisation. Many people are speaking about diaspora bonds and all of this ” President Ali reemphasised that as the
governmentmovestocreate a modern and diversified economy by 2030, it must be complemented by a modern financial system, onethatissecondtonone.
President Ali noted that the government aims to foster a more inclusive financial system that will empower all Guyanese to access the system and to participate in saving and investmentopportunities.
To achieve this, the government intends to c o l l a b o r a t e w i t h commercial banks to expand banking services, including those in the hinterland, by simplifying the process of opening a bankaccount.
Guyanese will also be able to apply for loans and process transactions online withinthenextfiveyears.
Guyana interest paramount in negotiations with Curlew
Midstream - Jagdeo
The Government of Guyana (GoG) will only sign an agreement with United States-based companyCurlewMidstream if the country stands to be protected in the long term, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has said. Curlew Midstream, headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, specialises in energy infrastructure and operates terminal facilities in South Louisiana.
P
Back in February,
Government of Guyana (GoG) would soon partner withU.S.basedcompanyto refine and store locally produced oil The announcement was made at theopeningceremonyofthe 2025 Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo at the Marriott Hotel.Atthattime,theheadof-state said that the details oftheagreementwerestillto be ironed out but noted the scale and importance of the investment, stating that it would enhance regional energy security and economicgrowth.
President Ali explained that Curlew Midstream is expected to process 30,000 barrels of oil per day from Guyana by the end of 2025. This will see an initial investment of at least US$300 million in the first twoyears.
Henotedthattheproject
will result in refined petroleum products being available at lower prices in Guyana while also establishingthecountryasa hub for fuel distribution across northern Brazil and thewiderCaribbeanregion.
However, on Thursday, the vice president told reporters, at a press conferenceheldattheArthur Chung Conference Centre, that negotiations were ongoing prior to the September 1, 2025 General and Regional Elections but there were major challenges duringtheprocesscausingit tohalt.
“We could not conclude the deal before the elections and then we put it on pause. We have to re-engage with Curlew and others to ensure that the objectives are met, andwe'llonlysignuptoany an agreement that protects Guyanainthelongtermand but that yields significant short-term benefits to our country,”Jagdeoexplained.
Thevicepresidentnoted thatthegovernmentwantsto procure fuel in bulk so as to have a tank farm here. That way,thepricetoprocurefuel will be reduced by 20-35 percent. “…that's entirely doable… if we can do that. Althoughwehavethelowest gasoline and diesel price in theCaribbeanbecauseofthe governmentsubsidy,wecan get that price even further down… significantly down because we'd be able to
procureourfuelcheaperand that is the essence of the deal If that can't [happen] [or] an agreement doesn't deliver that benefit us through lower procurement cost and protects us in the long run, we're not going to sign it,” Jagdeosaid.
He assured that the government's lawyers are working on the deal, but government will not be convenient and sign onto anything that will harm the countryinthefuture.
“We're not going to be rushed into signing any agreement. You saw what APNU+AFC did with the 2016 PSA They were advised not to sign it overnight Trotman went and signed it. We're stuck with the consequences of it up to today,” he reminded while adding, “So that's where we are with Curlew We would do all of the due diligence and we make sure that the agreement when concluded if we can conclude it, protects the peopleofGuyana.
President IrfaanAli
President Dr. Mohamed IrfaanAli addresses a packed room at the Energy Insights hosted by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI)
Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo
South Africa beat Argentina to retain Rugby Championship title
LONDON, (Reuters)South Africa’s pack turned on the power in the second half to beatArgentina 29-27 at Twickenham on Saturday and win the Rugby Championship for the sixth time, ahead of New Zealand onpointsdifference.
The All Blacks’ 28-14 bonus-point win over
Australia in Perth earlier meant that South African neededabonus-pointvictory to win the title with clear wat
nts advantage meant that any winwouldbeenough.
After an error-strewn start, however, they trailed 13-3 and 13-10 at halftime
beforetwotriesbyMalcolm MarxandasecondforCobus Reinach enabled them to surge29-13ahead.
Late scores for the Pumas made the scoreboard close but it was South Africa’s day as they won back to back titles for the first time. They and New Zealand finished on 19
points, but South Africa’s points difference was plus57 to the All Blacks’ pluseight.Australia ended on 11 pointsandArgentina10.
“It’s unreal, we spoke about it (lifting the trophy) the whole week.We had not won it back-to-back before. We still have a lot of improvements to make, but we are getting there,” manof-the-matchReinachsaid.
Sunday October 05, 2025
ARIES(Mar 21–Apr 19)
People will be focused on themselves, leaving you wonderingwhatallthefussis about. You have a strong desire to express your emotions. It may feel like you'reonstageinsomeway
TAURUS(Apr 20–May20)
The energy flows smoothly today Obstaclesseemtohave dissolved.There'sagreatdeal of energy at your disposal. Youhavestrongthoughtsand powerful emotions backing youup.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
There'sasparkabouttoignite insideyou.Paycloseattention toyouremotionsandtakecare of yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually Infuse your plans with passion.
CANCER(June21–July22)
Your emotions are piqued today You're spurred to take action. People might have a me-first attitude that may get on your nerves. You're more interestedinthecollectiveand improving the situation for all.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Getoffthecouchandgetinto action. Come out of hiding and let others hear what you havetosay Letyouremotions shine and don't be concerned about what others think Dancelikenoone'swatching.
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
This is a fantastic day Assert yourself with confidence and movetowardyourgoals.Your emotions are working harmoniously with your outer-directednature.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
People may seem a bit more stubborn and emotional than usual.Trynottocontributetoit by being vain and stubborn. This isn't the time to contemplate.It'stimetoact.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
This is a very opportune day for you. Say hello to the stranger in line or follow through on a tip or comment. Opportunities are there. All you have to do is grab them. You'd do very well in a group situationtoday
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
Peoplemightsteponyourtoes today, but try not to react. Go withtheflow Thismaybethe only way they know how to act. Express your feelings. Openyourselfuptotheworld.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Thisisafantasticdayforyou, so celebrate.You're the star of the show, and you'll be up on stage more than usual. People willlookuptoyouandrespect you for your incredible leadershipskills.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) Something may get your danderuptoday Therearehot tempers and strong opinions rightandleft.Trytoseethebig picture You'll seek extra attention from others, especially when it comes to yourneedsandemotions.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Cooperate today even if it seems easier said than done. People will have hot tempers and be very focused on themselves. There's a me-first attitude around, and relations will be much better if you let peoplehavetheirtime.
though South Africa had much possession and a dominant scrum, they made aseriesofhandlingerrors.
“We knew we would not justrunouthereandrollover them.Ittakesteams60or70 minutes (to break the opposition down) and Argentina are unreal. They have a lot of dog in them, theykeepfightingallgame.”
ARGENTINA TAKE EARLYLEAD
T h e m a t c h a t Twickenhamwasofficiallya home game for Argentina, andwhattheylostinsupport they will gain in finance via their share of the 70,300 crowdgatereceipts.
They took an early 7-0 lead via a brilliant finish by winger Bautista Delguy and
Jadeja stars as India hammer West Indies...
Frompage50 will also be vice-captain for a three-match T20 series against Australia that follows the 50-over leg of the tour.India ODI squad: Shubman Gill (capt) Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, ShreyasIyer,AxarPatel,KL Rahul (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel (wk), YashasviJaiswal.
India T20 squad: Suryakumar Yadav (capt), AbhishekSharma,Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh S h a r m a , V a r u n Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar
Scores: West Indies 162 (Greaves 32; Siraj 4-40) & 146 (Athanaze 38; Jadeja 454); India 448-5 dec (Jurel 125,Jadeja104*,Rahul100; Chase2-90).
Result: India won by an innings and 140 runs; lead series1-
That kept them 13-3 down late in the first half after two penalties by Santiago Carreras, switched fromflyhalftofullbackafter last week’s pummelling in Durban The Springboks’ dominant scrum, however, eventually paid dividends, earning a series of penalties on theArgentina line before scrumhalf Reinach found a gap to reduce the deficit to 13-10atthebreak.
AweekagoSouthAfrica led the Pumas 25-23 at halftime but poured on the powertowin67-30andfora whileitlookedasifarepeat mightbeonthecards.
Argentina prop Mayco Visaswasyellow-cardedfor a high hit after 43 minutes
and the South African pack tookimmediateadvantageto bundleMarxover A relentless series of attacksagainmadespacefor Reinach to slip through for his second and another forward drive ended with Marx claiming a second as SouthAfricaseemedtohave takentotalcontrolat29-13. Delguy snatched an interception try after 65 minutes but when Carreras struckthepostwithapenalty threeminutesfromtime,the destinationofthetrophywas assured.
Argentina replacement Rodrigo Isgro had the last word when he caught a lovelywidekickbyCarreras toscoreinthecornerbutthe vastmajorityofthecrowdin green were celebrating as Carreras’s conversion sailed betweentheposts.
Daniels urges gyms to step up ahead of Terrence Poole National Intermediate
With the bell
a b o u t t o sound on the Terrence Poole National IntermediateChampionship, scheduled for October 25 –27, National Boxing Coach Daniels has warned that the upcoming tournament, held in honour of the late and legendary coach Terrence Poole,willbenowalkinthe park, since it promises to be a tough, action-packed bout oftalent.
This weekend, the GBA’s Developmental Programme returns to the Andrew “Six Head” Lewis
Gym in Albouystown, a venue that has already seen plenty of punches traded following last weekend’s
successfulcard.
According to Daniels, gyms from Berbice dominated the last clash,
takingthelion’sshareofthe 11 bouts on the night, with the others going to the “Six Head”Gym.
Caribbeanboxing.
During his tenure as Technical Director of the GBA, Poole was the chief architect of these very championships, turning them into a proving ground forboxershungrytostepup inclass.
Adding to this year’s programme, the GBA has announced the Terrence P o o l e M e m o r i a l
He credited the hard workbeingputinacrossthe ancient county, particularly in New Amsterdam and RoseHall.
Daniels said fans can expect even more fireworks when the gloves are laced again this weekend in Albouystown, especially with the National Open and Intermediate tournament on thehorizon.
“We’re seeing real enthusiasm from the gyms, and hopefully this week we’ll see full cooperation from all corners of the country,”Danielssaid.
Daniels further noted, “The boxers are eager to show what they’ve been training for, and honestly, we’vegotagoodproblemon ourhandsattheGBA;ifwe hadtoselectanationalteam rightnow,itwouldbetough becausetheleveloftalentis thatstrong.”
The upcoming National Open and Intermediate Championshipswillnotonly showcase Guyana’s best fighters at those levels, but alsoserveasafittingtribute to Terrence Poole, a man regardedasoneofthefinest technical minds in
T o u r n a m e n t , a n internationalfixturethatwill see Caribbean boxers step into the ring against Guyana’sbest.
Itwillbeacardworthyof the man whose name it carries, bringing regional fighterstogetherinthespirit of competition, respect, and development.
October 2 marked one year since Poole’s sudden passing at a medical facility in Georgetown, a loss that sent shockwaves through Guyana’s sporting community
xing fraternityatlarge
A former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) stalwart, Poole’s service went far beyond the ropes; he was decorated with the Medal of Service (MS) for his contribution to sport andnationaldevelopment In 2014, Poole made history when he became G
’s f
AIBA Three-Star Coach after c
Kazakhstan, the highest
nab
amateur coaches, set him apart, with only Sebert Blake later joining him at thatstandardinGuyana.
Terrence Poole (Newsroom photo)
National Coach Lennox Daniels
GCB Senior Inter-County bowls off October 11 -
Th e G u y a n a
Cricket Board (GCB) recently announced squads for the upcoming Senior Men’s Super50 Inter-County Tournament, which bowls offonOctober11,2025.
While teams have been finalized, venues have are still to be confirmed according to the GCB who stated that time and place willbeannouncedshortly
The board also sent its best regards to all players selectedtotheteamsasthey preparetocompeteforInterCounty honours in this year’sSuper50.
Squads:-
555&55+55+5
M a t t h e w N a n d u (Captain), Raymond Perez, Mavindra Dindyal,
venues to be announced soon
(Vice-Captain), Ritchie Looknauth, Jonathan Van Lang, Chaitram Balgobin, Shamar Apple, Ashmeed Nedd, Riyad Latif, Chris
Harry,DanielRoss. Coach:GarvinNedd Manager: Surendra Hiralal
555+55"55
Junior Sinclair, Adrian Sukw
Ramnauth, Tomani Ceasar,
RHTYSC to host 13th annual Naeem Nasir Memorial Tournament today
The Area H Ground in the small township of Rose HallTownwouldcomealive in a blaze of glory today, Sunday,whentheRoseHall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS hosts the thirteenth edition of the Naeem Nasir Memorial Cricket Tournament The one-day tournament is sponsored by popular Bakery, Bakewell, in memory of Mr Naeem Nasir, the founder of the company Cricket Manager of the R H T Y S C , R o b b y Kissoonlall disclosed that seven teams would be playing in the tournament which bowls off at 9am sharp. The teams would be Rose Hall Town Bakewell, Skeldon, Achievers, Rose Hall Tigers, Guymine, Belvedere United and Tain BlockFour
The matches would be playedeightoverspersidein the first round, while the semifinals and the grand finale would be ten overs each. The winning team would pocket one hundred thousand dollars and the runner up would take home fifty thousand dollars plus attractivetrophies.
Theorganisersdisclosed that the event would be a family affair with a non-
alcoholicbar,popularmusic bytheTrueHeartFamilyset, while live commentary would be provided as well. Teams would be allowed a total of three first division players, once they are not debarred by the Berbice CricketBoardforthecurrent cricket season Players undertheageoftwenty-one years would not be considered a first division player The RHTYSC with sponsorship from Bakewell has organised the tournamentsinceNasirdied in 2012. Bakewell and the cricket club has enjoyed a veryproductiverelationship since 2000 when the bakery cameonboardastheofficial sponsor of the club’s under seventeen and second
division teams The relationship has resulted in over a dozen championship victoriesandtheteamshave
produced over sixty players forBerbice,Guyanaandthe WestIndiescombined.They include players like Esuan Crandon, Assad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Kelvon Anderson, Kevin Sinclair, Junior Sinclair, Clinton
Pestano, Jonathan Rampersaud, Shemaine
Campbelle and Erva Giddings. Meanwhile, the Rose Hall Town Bakewell hasannouncedtheirteamfor thetournament.
Surendra Kissoonlallcaptain, Jonathan Rampersaud -vice captain, Romesh Bharrat, Matthew
Pottaya, Tameshwar Deochand, Chanderpaul Govindan, Leon Reddi, Javed Karim, Keith Simpson, Junior Babb, Jeremy Sandia, Rafell Mckenzie, Ramzan Koobir, Munesh Rampersaud and NicholasCameron.
Garfield Benjamin, Zeynul Ramsammy, Kevin Sinclair, Jonathan Rampersaud, Clinton Pestano, Omesh M
ura, Ve
mmy Permaul (Vice-Captain), Nial Smith (Captain), Sylus Tyndall, Isai Thorne, Leon Andrews.
Coach:WinstonSmith Manager:DavidBlack 55,5,55*5.5"55(Ü KemolSavory(Captain), Antony Adams, Rossford
Beaton, Kevon Boodie, Mark Gonsalves, Keemo Paul, Khandai Ramkarran, Gulcharran Chulia, Ricardo Adams, Thaddious Lovell, Kevon Stephen, Renaldo Renne, Elisha Ramdat, Quintin Sampson, Mahiem Khan.
Coach:RayonDeCosta
Manager:DelroyJacobs 555555%555-55 Orin Gibson, Romeo Deonarine (Captain), R
y (Wicketkeeper), Brandon Jaikarran (Vice-Captain), Akshaya Persaud, Jadon Dowlin, Afraz Ali Budhu, Kwesi Mickle, Nityanand Mathura, Joshua Jones, Micah Amsterdam, Darwin J
o Ramdeholl, Aryan Persaud, C
, RampersaudRamnauth.
Coach:JulianMoore Manager:TravisDowlin
Jonathan Rampersaud
Naeem Nasir
Kemol Savory
Nial Smith
Ronsford Beaton
Matthew Nandu Afraz-Ali-Budhoo
GCCcelebrates1YearAnniversaryof KFCMiniZinger’sCricketProgramme
-Yearwood lauds progress, growth of club
TheGeorgetownCricket Club (GCC) and KFC celebrated the 1-year anniversary of their Zinger Mini Cricket Programme yesterday, with a huge turnout by parents and youngsters alike at the legendaryBourdaGround.
Thecamp,whichmarked its one year yesterday, has thus far racked up a staggering number of 183 youthswhohavemadecamp one of the bigger youth cricket programmes in the country
Yesterday’s celebration featured almost 75 new youngsters,withpresidentof GCC Jonathan Yearwood highlighting to the media following the end of the programme, that diversity has also been a huge part of thecamp’sidentity
The diversity in talk has seenaspringinanumberof overseas kids hailing from countries like England, India, Colombia, USA and Australia were featured in thecamp.
Yearwood said that the club has also identified 20 kids from the camp, who demonstrated the necessary skills and will now be thrustedintotheGCCJunior Academy where they will ramp up their training; as part of their journey to becoming the next group of Guyanese/West Indies cricketers.
The GCC KFC Mini Camp has seen a surge in numbers since its launch, according to the GCC president.
BBC Sport - Ravindra Jadeja starred with bat and ballasIndiahammeredWest Indiesbyaninningsand140 runsinAhmedabad.
Having scored an unbeaten 104 on Friday, the all-rounder took 4-54 as the home side wrapped up the firstTestinsidetwosessions ondaythree.
After India captain Shubman Gill declared on 448-5overnight,WestIndies needed to score 287 just to make their opponents bat again.
That seemed unlikely after they were bowled out for 162 on day one, and the tourists slipped to 46-5 with Jadeja removing opening
John Campbell then dismissing Brandon King and Shai Hope for singlefigurescores.
Alick Athanaze offered someresistance,reaching38 and putting on a 46-run partnership with Justin Greaves, but when he was caught and bowled by Washington Sundar, any hope of a fourth innings effectivelyended.
Jadeja took one further wicket, having Johann L a y n e c a u g h t b y Mohammed Siraj, and
Saturday’s two-hour long event saw the youths engaging in some outdoor activities mirroring that of professional cricketers, some of which included runs, shuttles, fielding drills aswellasothervitalareasof training and preparation whichwillplayakeyroleas they develop into professionals.
Players were given
Jadeja stars as India hammer West Indies
AlickAthanaze provided resilience for West Indies. (Getty Images)
Jayden Seales was the last man to fall as India started their home season with a win.
TheteamstraveltoDelhi for a second and final Test beginningonFriday Gill replaces Rohit as India ODI captain After the match, it was announced Test captain Gill has been named as India’s ODI captain, replacing longstanding skipper Rohit Sharma.
Gillwillleadthesidefor the first time for a threematch ODI series in Australia beginning on 19 October
Rohit’s last match as captain was the Champions Trophy final in March, where he lead India to
victoryoverNewZealand.
The38-year-oldhasbeen named in the touring party and,likefellowveteranVirat Kohli, looks set to play his first international cricket sincetheChampionsTrophy victory
Gill replaced Rohit as Test captain in May, leading his side for the first time in the 2-2 drawn series in England.
He led the red-ball side for the first time in India in the victory in Ahmedabad, skippering a team that has lost Kohli, Rohit and Ravichandran Ashwin to retirementsinceitslasthome outing,a3-0seriesdefeatby New Zealand last November The26-year-old (Continuedonpage47)
certificatesaswellasmedals at the end, while the core valueoftheprogramisfixed on ensuring GCC’s rich legacy continues by playing its role in developing the
younger generation of cricketers.
Meanwhile, the GCC presidentsaidthebasisofthe camp now and going forward, is to provide the
necessary tools to the future players of Guyana and by extension, West Indies’ cricket; a move which has gainedtonsofmomentumin justayear (CliftonRoss)
Price Is Right Upper Corentyne Cricket Association multimillion dollars T20 Blast
Competition to be played October 12th
Super Concert on the cards after final
BySamuelWhyte
ThemegaPriceIsRight/ Upper
Corentyne
Cricket
Association (UCCA) Second Division cricket final is set for Sunday October 12th at the No69 Vikings Ground, Corentyne Berbice.
With the two finalists decided and all systems in place, the organisers and sponsor have agreed on the dateandvenueforthemuch anticipatedfinal. Thematch is dubbed the clash of the No72 teams. The finalists are defending champion No72 Cut N load and No72 AllStars.Theactionstartsat 13:00hrs.
Dubbed a mega tournament due to the amount of finance being pouredintoit,over$4M,the competition is the biggest second division cricket competition in Berbice and Guyana. It is also being touted as among the biggest in terms of financial sponsorshipinGuyana.
The tournament if financed and solely sponsored by Mr Danesh Roopnarine (Boyco) of the Price Is Right Supermarket
on the Corentyne which has anumberofbranchesonthe CorentyneCoast.
Massive rewards totalingover$1M,including cash, trophies, gear and equipment and other incentivesareupforgrabs.
The champion team will walk away with $425,000 and trophy, the runner up gets $225,000 and trophy
The losing semi-finalists takeaway$50,000eachand trophy
The best batsman, best bowlerandMVPinthefinal willreceiveanewbat,apair of boots, a trophy and $10,000respectively
In addition, the t o u r n a m e n t ’s t o p performing wicket keeper, batsman with most runs and the bowler with most wicketswillreceiveapairof gloves, a pair batting pads and a pair of cricket boots respectively
Also, medals will be presentedtoallfinalists.The finalwillbelivestreamedon multipleplatforms.
In addition, the sponsor has provided 15 complete uniforms including caps to the 18 participating teams.
Balls were provided for the tournament.
A women’s exhibition softball cricket match will proceedthefinal. According to the UCCA and the sponsor, the competition is being played with the aim of improving cricket within the Upper CorentyneArea. Assuchall teams were encouraged to include youth players in theirplayingeleven.Atleast two U23 players in their finaleleven.
Notmorethanthreefirst division players according to the regulations are allowedtoplayperteamina match.
Under 21 players shall not be considered as first division players and nonBerbicians are not allowed to participate in the tournament.
A concert and super showhavebeenaddedtothe day’s activity and feature Crown Vibes International Sounds and a number of localartistes.
The coordinator is former first Division player and President of the UCCA JuniorBlair
St John the Baptist dispatch Ann’s Grove 9-0 as Boston and Holmes flatten St Aloysius
- Dominant performances highlight Round Two of Courts Optical U11 Pee Wee Football Tourney 2025
Agoal-filled day
of football unfolded at the Ministry of Education Ground yesterday, as the Petra Organisation, in partnership with Courts Optical wrapped up Round Two action in the sixth Annual Pee Wee Boys’ Under-11 Schools Football Tournament.
Building on the momentum of an actionpacked opening round, St. John the Baptist Primary continued their rampant form with a resounding 9-0 victory over Ann’s Grove Primary Star forward Aaron Christian was once again in prolific form, netting five goals(13’,16’,20’,24’,29’) to extend his lead in the GoldenBootrace.Hisstrike partner, Neymar Edwards, dazzled the crowd with creative play and added a hat-trick,whileAlexPearson also got on the scoresheet only once in the emphatic win.
In other standout fixtures, Agatash Primary from Bartica bounced back with a commanding 5-0 win over Clonbrook Primary Justin Calvin opened the scoring, followed by contributions from Deon Tracy,CarlosPaul,andJake Calvin Despite several
missed opportunities, Agatash maintained full control throughout, leaving Clonbrookstillsearchingfor their first points of the campaign.
Charity Primary were clinical in front of goal as theydispatchedSt.Aloysius Primary6-0,thankstoapair ofhat-tricks.
Troy Boston (9’, 18’, 23’)andAdonHolmes,who nettedthreetimesinjustfour minutes, were simply unstoppable as they ran riot
intheattackingthird.
Potaro Primary also picked up another win, edging Smith Memorial 3-1 in a tightly contested matchup.LamonTelemaque struck twice (7’, 15’), and Marek Timmerman opened thescoringinthe9thminute. Smith Memorial briefly rallied through a 11thminute goal from Derick Holder, but could not overturnthedeficit.
Later on, Batavia Primary suffered their
second consecutive defeat, falling 1-0 to Tucville Primary DominicDickson’s stunning ninth-minute effort proved to be the matchwinner, sinking Batavia to the bottom of the standings aheadofRoundThree.
G e o r g e t o w n International Academy (GIA) looked sharp as they brushed aside St. Stephen’s
Primary 3-0 Zakaria Zemmit bagged a quick-fire brace (9’, 13’), and Caleb Tancappedoffthewinwitha composed finish in the 20th minute.
Stella Maris Primary were equally dominant, registering a 4-0 triumph over St. Mary’s Primary Heeds Schultz opened the scoring in the 2nd minute,
followed by Clevon Jacobs (3’) and a brace from Kenyeatha Junor (20’, 25’) inaone-sidedcontest.
WestRuimveldtPrimary alsoextendedtheirunbeaten run with a convincing 5-0 win over Sophia Primary Coen Rajkumar’s brace, including the opening and final goals, bookended a polishedteamperformance. In other results; Genesis Academy and St. Theresa’s Primary played to a 1-1 draw, Marian Academy and St. Gabriel’s were held to a 0-0 stalemate in a tense, midfield-heavy affair Leonora Primary picked up their second win of the tournament, defeating St Pius 2-0, Winfer Garden notchedtheirfirstwinofthe campaign,edgingRedeemer Primary 1-0 while North Georgetown Primary were also on target, comfortably dispatching Goed Fortuin 20 The tournament, sanctioned by the Ministry of Education, is proudly sponsoredbyCourtsOptical, withadditionalsupportfrom the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, MVP Sports, SkyTec Enterprise, Demerara Mutual, and SterlingProductsLimited.
Exciting Round two matchup between St Gabriel’s and Marian ends in nil-all draw.
- Dominant performances highlight Round Two of Courts Optical U11 Pee Wee Football Tourney 2025
JadejastarsasIndiahammerWestIndies
Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja get together. (Associated Press)