Morethan800lawyers, judgescallforUKsanctions …26Palestinianskilled, dozenswoundedinstrikes
Spanish men for at police ‘BOMBING’ outpost
Chairman, Jennifer Simons
‘No end in sight for completion of
Gas-to-Energy project’
…Opposition says early elections an attempt to cover up incompetence in managing Guyana’s largest investment in history
ays, coupled with ongoing legal disputes between the Government of Guyana and the Gas-to-Energy (GTE) contractors,areindicativeof a grossly mismanaged projectwithnoendinsight.
This is the view of the economic advisor to the Leader of the Opposition, ElsonLow
Government of Guyana (GoG) in December 2022 to build a Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) plant and a 300megawatt natural gas-fired plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara. The construction wasdelayedfollowingalate handover of the site to the contractor by ExxonMobil.
The energy giant was
preparation.
In an interview with K
expressed concerns over yet
completion date of the project, as related by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) MarkPhillipsintheNational Assemblylastweek. Itshouldbenotedthatthe GTEprojectwasscheduled
Continuedonpage8
EconomicAdvisor to the Opposition Leader, Elson Low
CourtrefusesapplicationsbyStatein casefiledbymotherofMahdiafirevictims - clears way for default judgment
A high court judge has refused an application by lawyers for the state to consolidate the matters filed by Valerie Carter, who lost her 14-year-old twin girls in the horrific Mahdia School Dormitoryfire.
The court also denied a request by the lawyer, C.V Satram, the state’s legal representative, for relief from sanctions, given a failuretofiletheirdefencein the time prescribed by the CivilProcedureRules.
The ruling was handed down by Justice Simone Morris last week. The judge denied an order of consolidation on the basis thatthemattersarealreadyin the litigation process before twoseparatejudges.
The application for an extension of time to file a defence related to the lawsuit, which seeks over $900 million over the negligentdeathsofoneofthe twin girls, was denied, in addition to the lawyer’s request for relief from sanctions.
the defence within the prescribedtimeprohibitsthe granting of extensions in suchcases.Inanyevent,the mandatory requirements of Rule27.02(1)and(3)(b)of promptness and a good explanation for the failure regarding the granting of relief from sanctions were notsatisfied.”
thestateascompensationfor herdaughterswhodiedinthe fire along with 18 other children.
According to Anderson, hisclienthadapproachedthe court to have the GYD$5 million settlement agreement declared null, void and of no legal effect becauseoftheduress,undue influence and pressure exerted on her by the AttorneyGeneral(AG),Anil Nandlall SC, and other namedstateactorsbywayof declarativeremedies.
This decision allowed
Cartertoinstitutetwoclaims to get “real compensation” for the death of her daughters.Heexplainedthat had the first $5 million compensationagreementnot been withdrawn, the institution of the two $900 million actions would have been defeated by an agreement which stood as lawful and of legal effect touchingandconcerningthe sameissue.
This action cleared the way for the matters to be heard before Justices Gino PersaudandSimoneMorris.
According to documents seen by this newspaper, the application failed to satisfy the grounds that allow for extension of time to file a defence and the request for relieffromsanctions.
7,2025],morethanamonth after the expiration of the time limited for filing a d e
The document stated, “The record reveals that service of the statement of claim was effected on February21,2025.Thetime prescribed for filing a defenceexpiredon3rdApril, 2025. The application [for extension was filed on May
n d n o circumstances were pleaded or are disclosed to establish that it was impractical to seek an extension prior to that prescribed time expiring.”
T h e d o c u m e n t continued,“Theexplanation advanced [by the lawyer] was related to failure to file
As a consequence, the courtorderedcounselforMs Carter, mother of the deceased teenager, Renee Marcus of Eusi Anderson Chambers, to submit an application for default judgment.
Earlier this year, Carter initiatedproceedingsagainst the state, claiming over G $ 9 0 0 m i l l i o n i n compensation for the death ofherdaughters.
According to a press release issued by her attorney, EusiAnderson, the aggrieved mother is claiming that she was coerced into accepting a paltry GYD$5 million from
Martha D’andrade and Mary D’andrade
KaieteurNews
PrintedandPublishedbyNationalMedia& PublishingCompanyLtd. 24SaffonStreet, Charlestown,Georgetown,Guyana
Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456
Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Guyanesestandingasone
This week, as has been the case over the years, Guyanese stood in solidarity in defence of this country's sovereignty and against ongoing Venezuelan hostility and potentialaggression.
As we reported on Monday, Guyana's borders with Venezuelaremainedintact,evenasthatcountry'sPresident, Nicolas Maduro, had urged his citizens to illegally elect a GovernorforGuyana'sEssequiboterritory TheMinistryof ForeignAffairstookreportersandothermediaworkersona tour to four Region One communities close to the Venezuelan border to observe whether any election was takingplaceinGuyana.
There was no evidence of polling. Reporters visited Baramita,MatthewsRidge,Arakaka,Mabarumaandeven Imbotero, an area located in the Barima River and a few hundredmetersawayfromaVenezuelanarmybasesetupa fewhundredmetersawayonVenezuela'ssideoftheRegion Oneborder VenezuelansremainedinVenezuelanterritory, anditwasbusinessasusualatMabarumaandforGuyanese livingalongtheBarimaRiver
On the coast, Guyanese displayed the Golden Arrowheadontheirproperties-othersworetee-shirtswith thesloganemblazonedinfrontofit,'EssequiboBelongsto Guyana'.Wewereallonthesamepagebecausethisisthe onlywayinwhichtheambitionsofourneighbourcouldbe givenanabruptwake-upcall.Wemaybesmall,butwewill notbepushovers,aseverycentimetreofterritorywouldbe defended by whatever means it takes. Venezuelan leaders mustcometotheirsensesandfacereality:theirclaimson Guyana's rich territory are without the kind of foundation that can withstand the weight of serious scrutiny The international community has come out on the side of Guyanaand,morerecently,theUnitedStateshasbeenclear andunsparingastowhereitstandsinthismatter.Itisonthe sideofGuyana.
But there is appreciation that those are not enough to quell Venezuela's claim to almost two-thirds of this country's territory. It is rich territory, as proven fairly frequently:therearehugegoldfinds.Therearemassiveoil deposits found offshore, with more likely There are minerals and timber galore that would give ideas even to missionaries. Any single segment of this rich package of natural resource endowments could lead to bordering countries concocting territorial schemes to feather their nests.
In addition, politicians in countries that live with continuingdomesticeconomicdistresshavebeenknownto engage in foreign adventures to distract their angry and besiegedpopulations.ThisiswhatisatworkinVenezuela, butwhateveritis,ourneighbour'sleadershavebeenputon notice:thiscountryanditspeoplesarenotgoingtorollover and cave before their naked ambitions, their deplorable manipulations.
Thefactthatthiscountryishighlypolarisedshouldnot beseenasanincentiveorinvitationbyVenezuelatotestits vision.IfthereisoneissueonwhichGuyanesehavetocast aside their hard differences and close ranks, it is on this speciousborderissue.Thereissimplynochoice,fortodo otherwise would tear this country apart like it has never beenbefore.Itisourpositionthatthemoversandshakers andstrategistsinVenezuelamiscalculatedandoverplayed their hand with their latest sham elections to elect a governor and other officials for our beloved Essequibo. There were no election activities in our territory, and no one,evenaVenezuelanlivinghere,participatedinthepolls. If anything, Venezuela's posture has given both the GovernmentandpeopleofGuyanatheopportunitytocome together and stand firmly before what is nothing but raw threatsanddeepeningbelligerence.
Thereistheriskthatthiscountryanditscitizenscould start looking at the many sons and daughters of the BolivarianRepublicofVenezuelawithajaundicedeye.For someofthoseseekingrefugeandeconomicopenings,here couldbeplanstounderminelocalinterests.Thiscountry's
The non-payment of the PSC donation to the Mahdia fire families and what it says about the gulf between rich and poor, government and people
DearEditor, The World Bank estimated that in 2019, 48.4 per cent of Guyanese were subsisting below a poverty line of US$5.50 per day In 2011, PPP (purchasing power parities), and that ‘poverty and social exclusion–includinglimited access to basic services–remain in Guyana's hinterland’.TheWorldBank addedthatinthehalf-decade since,‘recentdatatomonitor progress in poverty reduction is not available’, https://wwwworldbank org/ en/country/guyana/overview
Since July 2022, the minimum wage for private sector employ
s G$60,147 per month (USD 288). On 20 May, the outgoing Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Komal Singh, declared: “I’m challenging anybody out there publicly who tells me they live in poverty,cometome.I’lltake you out of poverty within onetosixmonths,providing you’re willing to do two
t h i n g s ” (https://wwwstabroeknews com/2025/05/21/news/guya na/outgoing-psc-chairchallenges-poor-guyaneseto-seek-his-help/).
We suggest politely that Mr KomalSinghproveheis qualified to understand the ties and commitments of poorpeoplebeforeimposing conditions on them to get themoutofpoverty
Mr Singh and the PSC shouldreflectonthescaleof poverty, on the coast and hinterland, even in the absence of data from the BureauofStatistics.Whatis availablesinceOctober2022 is Subhana Shiwmangal’s 129 columns in Stabroek News on ‘How the cost of living is affecting people’ (https://wwwstabroeknews com/2025/05/26/news/guya na/how-the-cost-of-livingis-affecting-people-60/ ) The poverty described by a cross-section of Guyanese should be a national embarrassment, as these are working adults and pensioners who relate what
the daily grind of poverty is forthemandtheirfamilies.
As GHK Lall noted, ‘It wouldhavebeeninspiringif Mr Komal Singh had thought a little more of poverty and the private sector minimum wage, duringhistimeasPSCchair’ (https://wwwstabroeknews com/2025/05/22/opinion/let ters/perhaps-mr-singhshould-have-thought-alittle-more-of-the-privatesector-minimum-wageduring-his-time-as-pscchair/). So,howhasthePSC actually been working to mitigate and alleviate the widespread poverty and distress in ‘the fastest growing economy in the world’? Letusconsiderone specificexample.
DearEditor,
The APNU, as it stands presently, will face a crushing defeat at the upcomingelectionsifitdoes notfindtherightpresidential candidate. What is worse than the impending defeat is thepost-electionscollapseof the PNCR; one that it may neverrecoverfrom.
When asked by two prominent Guyanese presentlyintheUSaboutthe role I intend to play in the fighttoseetheendofthePPP injustunder90days,Isaidit is impossible for anyone to askanartisttopaintwithout abrush.
Azruddin Mohamed and
Irfaan Ali have become the contenders to succeed at the presidential elections
because the current visionless and uncaring PNCR will remain stubborn asitisthrownheadlonginto thepitsofdefeat.
Outside of the 2000 diehardsinthePNCR,which are the executives, members and what is left of its supporters, the rest of Guyanesehavenotimewith the present confabulation. Let me make it pellucid, there is none other than Dr. Terrence Campbell as presidential candidate, who at this late moment can swing the pendulum in the
Thanks to SN and Chris Ram, the public learned that under Mr Komal Singh’s tenure, the PSC collected G$30 million (USD 144,0000)forthefamiliesof the 20 Indigenous children who perished in a fire in a governmentdormitoryatthe secondary school in Mahdia on 21 May 2023. Two years later,thePSChadnothanded over one black cent, as Guyanesesay,tothegrieving p a r e n t s (https://wwwstabroeknews com/2025/05/25/news/guya na/private-sectorcommission-collected-30mfor-mahdia-dorm-fire-reliefbut-didnt-spend-it/).
Editor,Mr Singhandthe PSC should hand over the G$30 million to the parents of the dead school children without any further delay While money cannot bring theirchildrenback,thatsum represents a tangible gesture by other Guyanese to reach across and share the grief of the Indigenous parents. One cannot say the same of the government’s disgraceful a n d t o k e n i s t i c compensation.
Sincerely, JanetteBulkan
VincentAdams
AlfredBhulai
AndreBrandli DarshanandKhusial KenrickHunte MikePersaud
How can the artist paint the masterpiece without the right brush?
direction of certain victory foranoppositioncoalition. None other than him can recapture the support of the Doggies, Fattas and the thousands of what the PPP calls scrapes It is only
Campbell who can successfully forge the unity
needed in a divided opposition at this point. It is only Campbell who can bring the power and passion of an apostle Nigel Eliakim, the grassroots organising magic of Dr. Simona Broomes, the genius of
Amanza Walton, the brilliance of Nigel Hughes
and the energy and enthusiasm of every one of
ourMPstothefold.Itisonly Campbellwhocanovertime raise the campaign money that will match that of MohamedandthePPP I will discontinue my fight against Jagdeo and the PPP if the opposition does notcareabouttrulydefeating thePPP Iwillnotcontinueto putmysafetyatriskinafight wearesettingourselvesupto deliberatelylose. There can be no justice forAdriana if the PPPis not defeated in September. How can the artist paint the masterpiecewithouttheright brush?
Sincerely, Norman
Browne
Venezuela continues to violate international laws, all political parties must emerge united
DearEditor,
Aswecommemorateour 59th Independence Anniversary on May 26, 2025, we must consider whether our founding
leaders, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham and Dr Cheddi B. Jagan, would be pleased with the current disunityinoursociety
leadershavetobecognizantofthefactthatGuyanastandsas a magnet for agitated neighbours and cunning exploiters waitingfortherightmomenttomaketheirpresencefelthere. UnlessGuyaneseleadersareattheirkeenestandwisest,this countrycouldbesubjecttoahostofotherthreats,including from some of those who come to partner with us. When Guyaneselookoutforeachotherandincludeeveryone,then the odds of this country gaining the upper hand just went throughtheroof.
With elections set for September 1, 2025, announced by President Irfaan Ali, it is vital for all political parties to demonstrate maturity and unity, moving beyond mere rhetoric.Venezuelahasonce again violated international laws by illegally appointing and declaring Neil Jesús Villamizar Sánchez as governor of the Essequibo Region The electoral council(CNE),controlledby governmentloyalists,claims that candidates from
President Nicolás Maduro's United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) won in 23 of 24 states and secured 82.68% of the votes for the NationalAssembly Opposition parties, however, labelled the elections a "farce," with leader María Corina Machadostatingthatturnout wasbelow15%.Thisisclear thatVenezuelahasnorespect for international laws as it hascontinuously (Continueonpage5)
There is only one truth: Essequibo belongs to Guyana
DearEditor, I commenced writing thislateintheeveningof25 May 2025. I was quietly reflectingontheday–aday spent indoors as it rained intermittently while I watchedallthesportsevents Ireallywantedtoview,when a text came through informing me that the Presidenthadannouncedthe date for Guyana’s next general and regional elections.
I immediately felt the urgetowrite.Inotedquietly tooinmyreflections,thatI’d heard nothing all day about Venezuela’s elections scheduledtotakeplaceinan imaginary Venezuelan state called “Guayana Esequiba” –notevenasillywhisperon social media where anyone can post anything about any subjectatanytime.
No news of anyone deservingtobechargedwith treason or immediately deported back to Venezuela. What I really reflected on, however,wasthepassionate speech delivered by the President of all 83,000 square miles of Guyana, before a massive crowd at Anna Regina the night before.
The border controversy isnotsomethingtobetreated lightly
Although it is a matter opened before the International Court of Justice, the controversy nonetheless continues to attract the malevolent
attention of President Maduro, as well as that of presumably independent criminal actors operating from the Venezuelan side of theCuyuniRiver
They would like to see Guyana split into two–with Venezuelagettingthebigger andricherpart.
The border controversy, however, unites us as Guyanese–andthatofitself is a good thing, perhaps just what we need to drive home the point that we are better off all united as Guyanese ratherthandividedbyrace.
I do not seriously think that nationals living in the Guyana of today are consciously focused on race asadividingfactor
That may be applicable to some older folk too steepedinoldthinkingbased onoutdatedpropaganda,but I think not generally applicable to persons under age50.
MostlocalGuyaneseare underage26anyway Sucha mindsetalsoappliestosome persons who have been resident abroad for several decades and have not personallyhadanyreasonto revise the way of thinking they left Guyana with, in some cases, never to return totheseshores.
Not yet generally happy with their individual shares in our country’s oil wealth, Guyanese see the wealthy apparentlygettingwealthier Most Guyanese are also aware of the so-called “oil
curse” –but cannot personally afford the luxury ofwaitingforthebenefitsof gas-to-energycomingonline andinevitablyhavingimpact – and are also anxious to experience that better life rightnow
Those are matters of economics and management ofexpectations.
Matters of economics have driven millions of Venezuelans to leave their country in search of a better life elsewhere, including Guyana.
Guyanese are fortunate tobeinthepositiontodayof hosting such persons rather than being themselves economic refugees in a foreignland.
The Government must manage the expectations of thepeopleortaketheriskof spending more sooner than planned.
Embracing ‘One Guyana’ as a unifying catchword that easily gives life to our national motto ‘One People One Nation One Destiny’would mark a giant first step towards fosteringatruesenseofunity amongstallGuyanese.
T h e y o u n g a r e uncontaminated by the divisive thinking that had a relatively short heyday in a different era, many decades ago.
In the years to come, Guyana will necessarily welcomemanyforeignersas infrastructural development gathers progress and our
Where are the political parties’ manifestos?
Dear Editor, Nowthat1stSeptember 2025hasbeenannouncedas ElectionsDay,Ithoughtthat Iwouldbrowsethewebsites of the protagonists to see what they have to offer
Guyanese in their manifestos.
economy expands Guyanese will become entitled to receive a raft of state-funded benefits that wouldnotbemadeavailable to non-Guyanese, but Guyanese should also
deserve to be recipients of such benefits because of beingtrueGuyanese,andnot merely Guyanese by birth certificate,whilstlackingthe burning passion exuded by Dr Ali at Anna Regina. In concluding his speech, the President unequivocally declared that “There is only onetruth;Essequibobelongs toGuyana”.
Yourstruly, RonaldBostwick
Exxon should pay us for the use of our oil assets
DearEditor,
There is an interesting debate going on about the ownership of assets paid for by our country for the oil industry.
It is very intriguing, some may even say incredulous, to hear the VP, of all people, say that assets paid for by our country do not belong to us, but to Exxon.
That statement defies logic, or was made out of sheer ignorance of what an asset is, or made with an intention to deceive. But who knows, it might be that thesupposedlyevergreenVP hadaseniormoment.
After all, he has been a memberoftheillustrious60-
plus club for more than a year now – yes, since January2024.Butmaybethe all-knowing VP just got carriedawayinhiseagerness tobeonthesideofExxon,at theexpenseofGuyanese.
Simply put, the issue couldbelikenedtosomeone purchasing a car on credit fromanautodealer,andafter paying all your installments for the car, the auto dealer retains ownership of it. This is what our most learnedVP is telling us and wants us to believe.
Andthisbringsmetothe purposeofthisletter.Editor, asweknow,theassetswhich we have fully paid for continue to be utilised by Exxon in its operations. But
unlike assets belonging to others, for example, SBM
O
facilities for the oil, and is paidafeeorrentalbyExxon, fortheuseofthosefacilities, weontheotherhand,receive nothing for the utilisation of ourassets–nofee,norental, zilch. Consequently, I think that its incumbent on our governmenttodoeverything in its power to right this egregious wrong, for the people of Guyana. Exxon and its partners should be madetopayanegotiatedfee or rental for the continued useoftheassetsthatwehave fullypaidfor
Yourstruly, Dougla
Venezuela continues to violate...
Frompage4 demonstrated disregard and traits of tyranny The APNU+AFC Parliamentary Opposition is demanding more consultation in the National Assembly, particularly regarding the unresolved territorial controversy withVenezuela. Shadow Foreign Minister Amanza Walton-Desir has highlightedthatmeetingson foreign relations are too infrequent.
Come on, Guys and Girls,getyouracttogether
How are Citizens going to make an informed choice without looking at your manifestos?
The PPP/C website does not carry its manifesto and has Vice President Bharrat Jagdeoalloverit,asopposed to a team of people led by PresidentIrfaanAli. The PNCR website is dysfunctional as it does not have any substantial informationonit. Likewise, the AFC’s website is dysfunctional, as when you click on its manifesto, you end up with nothing as the links do not work.
Sincerely, SeanOri
The government’s lack of proactive measures against Venezuela, which is violating international agreements like the 1966 Geneva Agreement, is concerning Additionally, recent elections in Venezuela, declared a "farce" by main opposition parties, saw the ruling United Socialist Party
consolidating power amid boycotts. On May 23, 2025, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton and his coalition walked out of the National Assembly, protesting the government'shandlingofthe b o r d e r i s s u e a s discriminatory The motion to oppose Venezuela’s referendum on annexing Essequibo reaffirms Guyana’s sovereignty but was criticised for excluding the Opposition’s input in its formulation Both the government, the Opposition and all political parties need to work together to ensure Guyana’s interests and territorial integrity are safeguarded.
Thegovernmentmustbe open to admitting mistakes and fostering bipartisan cooperation to effectively address the threats posed by
Venezuela. With this being anelectionyear,thetimehas comeforallGuyanesetoput aside their differences and move towards fostering a better Guyana My utterances are not based on politicalallegiance,butIam concernedthateverytimean election is held, trepidation emanates or takes precedence over our land. Venezuela continues to be a threattoourterritory,andwe cannot and must not be distracted.
United we stand, divided wefall.
Regards, AntonioDey
US grants Chevron narrow authorization to keep assets in Venezuela, sources say
(Reuters) -The Trump administration has issued a narrow authorisation for U.S.oilproducerChevronto keep assets in Venezuela, including its stakes in oil joint ventures with state company PDVSA, three sources with knowledge of thedecisionsaidonTuesday Chevron and several European firms had been in talks with officials in Washington in recent weeks to obtain authorisations to
preserve their stakes and assetsintheSouthAmerican country amid President Donald Trump's restrictive policytowardthenation.
The guidelines for Chevron, whose terms are similar to those in a U.S. licenseitheldbetween2020 and 2022 for its Venezuelan operations, came as the administration allowed the energy company's wider license to operate in the country to expire on
Tuesday Former U S President Joe Biden had issuedthatlicensemorethan two years ago. Under the new authorisation, Chevron cannot operate oilfields in Venezuela, export its oil or expand activities, the sources said, adding that its intention is to avoid any possible payments to President Nicolas Maduro's administration.
Chevron said in a statement on Tuesday: "General License 41B has expired, and Chevron's continued presence in Venezuela remains in
regulations, including the
provided for by the U.S. government ” The U S Treasury Department and PDVSAdidnotimmediately reply to requests for
comment. It was not immediately clear if the guidelines for Chevron would be extended to other foreignpartnersofPDVSA.
Chevron Venezuela on
d Venezuela's authorities and itscontractorsaboutthenew instructions, two of the sourcessaid.Oilserviceand procurement contracts Chevron had signed were
terminated. A wind-down period set in the previous
transactions, including exports of Venezuelan oil to the U.S., expired, despite a statement by U.S. special envoy Richard Grenell last weekthata60-dayextension wouldbegranted,following ameetingwithaVenezuelan top official Trump has accusedMadurooffailingto make progress on migrant
returnsandelectoralreforms toward the restoration of democracy in the South Americannation,andsaidin February he would revoke thelicense.
Maduro and his government have always rejected sanctions by the U.S. and others, saying they amounttoaneconomicwar, whilecheeringwhattheysay is the country's resilience. Venezuela, an OPEC member, has the world's largestreservesofcrude.But its oil output is a fraction of whatitwasadecadeagodue to lack of investment, mismanagement at PDVSA and U S sanctions since 2019. In recent years, the licenses to Chevron and other foreign companies supported a slight recovery in Venezuelan oil output to about 1 million barrels per day
Duo charged with discharging firearm
Two men were charged onTuesdaywithdischarging a firearm within a public place when they appeared before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court.
Theaccused,23-year-old Lidj Grant of Lot 408 'A' Field, Sophia, Georgetown, and 34-year-old Andra StewartofGuyhocParkand Fifth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown, were charged separatelyforthecrime.
It is alleged that on May 20, 2025, at Plum Park, S o p h i a , G r e a t e r Georgetown, the men discharged a loaded firearm inapublicplace. Grantand Stewartpleadednotguiltyto thecharge.
The prosecution stated that Stewart was previously chargedwithanotherserious offenceandwasgrantedbail. However, while on bail, he committed another offence. Further,theprosecutionsaid there is footage of the incident, and both defendants' hands were tested for gun residue. They are awaiting the results for confirmation.
The defence, led by attorney Terrence Ferreira, represented Grant, while attorney Ronald Bostwick representedStewart.
Ferreira told the court thatonthenightinquestion,
his client (Grant) was on his way home when he was approachedbytwomenwho firedshotsandasaresult,he tookcover,buthewasshotin his abdomen. As a result, Grant frequently needs to visitthehospital.
Ferreira requested bail onbehalfofhisclient,noting that the video footage in the police's possession cannot confirmwhetherhisclientis inthevideo.
Meanwhile, Bostwick stated that his client was granted bail for a previous offence, and as a result, the court may not grant Stewart bail.Theattorneyarguedthat hisclientwasshotinhisback and there is no evidence to confirm that he committed the offence since the video footage and the residue test arebothoutstanding.
Moreover,Bostwicksaid that his client is fortunate to be alive and not paralysed, adding that prison is not the best place for recuperation.
Theattorney,inclosing,said that his client was arrested while seeking medical attention, and he is requesting that Stewart be placed on bail, even if it is withreportingconditions.
Magistrate Azore, after hearing the arguments, released Grant on $250,000 bail with conditions that he reports to the Turkeyen Police Station every other
Distribution of school cash grant moves to Regions 1, 8, and 10
The Government of Guyana's 'Because We Care' Cash Grant distribution has entered its third week, with parents and guardians in Regions 1, 8, and 10 set to
r e c e i v e a t o t a l o f $1,683,605,000 to support theeducationalneedsoftheir children.
This year, the cash grant has been set at $55,000 per child, including the school uniform and supplies grant,
a n d i s p a r t o f t h e $11,280,830,000allocatedin the 2025 National Budget to benefit learners across the country, the Ministry of Education said in a press release.
In Region 1, a total of $797,005,000 is being disbursed to parents of 14,491 registered learners
Region 8 is receiving $240,515,000 for 4,373 students, while Region 10
w i l l b e n e f i t f r o m
$646,085,000 allocated for 11,747children.
Lidj Grant
Friday starting May 30, 20
commence.
However, Stewart was denied bail due to him committinganoffencewhile on bail for another serious offence.
‘Leave
The matte
were adjournedtoJune30,2025.
TheGuyanaPoliceForce said that two unidentified menallegedlycarriedoutthe shooting while dressed in dark-coloured clothing and face masks and armed with handguns.
“According to the victims,onthedateandtime mentioned, they were riding two separate motorcycles, heading North in 'A' Field, Sophia, in the vicinity of Mercy Wing Vocational Centre, when the two suspectsrodeuptothemona motorcycle (registration number unknown) and began to discharge several roundsintheirdirection.The victimssaidtheyjumpedoff their motorcycles and ran behind a truck, which was
Andra Stewart at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court
parked on the parapet of the street The suspects continued riding their motorcycles and made good theirescape,”policesaid Police disclosed in its report that the scene was processed by ranks of the Crime Lab of the Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters(CIDHQ),and 15 suspected 9mm spent shells were found. Several persons were questioned, and efforts were made to locate the suspects, but without success. ClosedCircuit Television (CCTV) camerasintheareacaptured the scene, and investigators observed that it was an exchangeofgunfirebetween thesuspectsandthevictims.
Venezuela immediately’ – U.S State Dept. tells citizens
The government of the United StatesofAmerica(U.S.)haswarnedits citizensagainsttravellingtoVenezuela “foranyreason”.Inastatementposted ontheU.S.Embassy'sGuyanawebsite, the U.S. State Department stated that “Venezuela has the highest Travel Advisory level – Level 4: Do Not Travel – due to severe risks to Americans including wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcementoflocallaws,crime,civil unrest,andpoorhealthinfrastructure.”
The advisory said that more U.S. nationals are “currently wrongfully detainedinVenezuelathaninanyother country.” The U.S. State Department noted that other foreign nationals in Venezuela are also frequently unjustly detained.
“U.S. citizens in Venezuela should depart immediately,” the advisory urged.The Department reminded that there is no U.S. embassy or consulate operating in Venezuela and the U.S. government cannot provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizensinVenezuela.
“Venezuelan borders with Colombia, Brazil, and Guyana are not clearly marked in many locations. Do notgoneartheborderduetotheriskof crossing into Venezuela accidentally andbeingdetained.”
Further, the advisory noted that U.S. citizens are at extreme risk of detention when entering Venezuela at any location. “They may be unjustly
chargedwithterrorismorotherserious crimes and detained for long periods. U.S. citizens have been detained upon arrival at land borders, airports, and maritimeportsofentry Thereisnosafe way for Americans to travel to Venezuela ”Additionally, the State Department said that the Venezuelan authorities do not inform the U.S. government of the detention of U.S. citizens,andtheU.S.governmentisnot abletovisitthosecitizens.“Venezuelan authorities do not allow detained U.S. citizens to contact family members or private attorneys,” the advisory noted while recommending that all U.S. citizens in Venezuela leave immediately.
GNBS invites public input for new draft gas cylinder standards
In earlier phases of distribution, Region 2 received $706,420,000 for 12,844 learners, Region 5 received $638,660,000 for 11,612 learners, Region 7 received $447,975,000 for 8,145learners,andRegion9 received $595,705,000 for 10,831learners.
The “Because We Care” initiative, which is administeredbytheMinistry of Education, reflects the government's continued commitment to investing in the country's human capital by easing the financial burden on families and ensuringthateverychildhas thetoolstheyneedtosucceed in school The Ministry of Education has reiterated its commitment to transparency and efficiency in the grant distribution process and urges all parents and guardianstoensurethattheir children are enrolled and regularlyattendingschool.
The grant is reaching children at the nursery, primary, and secondary levels, and this year's rollout will see 205,106 learners acrossthecountrybenefiting fromtheinitiative.
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), through the Technical Committee (TC) 29 - Gas Cylinders, has announced that it recently commenced the review of threenationalstandardsrelatingtogas cylinders and regulators, which are intendedtobemadecompulsory
The review comes in the wake of growing concerns about the safety of cooking gas products, which have resultedinseveralincidentsresultingin deaths, critical injuries to consumers and severe damage to property during theuseofaparticularbrandofcooking gas product. The Guyana Competition andConsumerAffairsCommissionhas since launched investigations into officialcomplaintsfiledbytheaffected persons.
In Guyana, Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders, also known as cooking gas, are widely available and are a common energy source for households and businesses.According to a release issued by the GNBS, the decision to review is to guarantee the safety of consumers and distributors alike. It is crucial to ensure that these cylinders are stored, handled and transportedinasafemanner
As such, the process commenced withstakeholders'proposalsindicating the importance of revising the standards,followedbyapprovalforthe nextstepstobetaken. Afterapproval, the GNBS said that the Technical Committee, comprising critical public and private sector stakeholders, was established to review the standards.
“Having been reviewed by the Committee,thestandardsarecurrently attheEnquiryStage,wheretheGNBS invitesthepublictoreviewandsubmit comments,whichwouldbeconsidered for inclusion by the Committee before the standards are finalised. The draft documentsareavailableontheGNBS' w e b s i t e : https://gnbsgy.org/standardisation/stan dards-for-public-comments/, where they can be read to facilitate public inputs, ” the release added Additionally, to garner comments on the draft standards from as many stakeholders as possible, the release noted that the GNBS will host two publicconsultationsessions.
“Thefirstofthesesessionswillbe on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 10:00h at the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) Head Office,
National Exhibition Centre, Sophia, Georgetown, and the second session willbeheldvirtuallyonTuesday,June 03, 2025, at 10:00h via Microsoft Teams. The link to the virtual session can be accessed on the GNBS website on the "Standards for Public Comments" page. Stakeholders can also use the following meeting ID and passcode:MeetingID:241653277673 4,Passcode:My2oT73N.” GNBS therefore encourages stakeholderstoparticipateinthepublic consultation sessions, especially recognising the intention to make the Standards compulsory Written commentscanalsobesubmittedtothe G N B S v i a t h e e m a i l public.comments@gnbsgy.orgbyJune 13,2025.
Comments received will be addressedandusedtoproducetheFinal Draft Standards, which will be sent to the National Standards Council (NSC) for approval as National Standards. Once approved, the Standards will be published, and they are subject to review every five years. For further informati
Santokhileftalone
…assixpartiessignletterofintentto backNDPChairasfirstfemalepresident
Starnieuws -The NDP, NPS,ABOP,PertjajahLuhur, BEPandA20havejustsigned a letter of intent to form a coalition together.According to the preliminary count, the parties currently have 34 seats, good enough to elect NDP Chairman Jennifer Simons as the first female presidentofSuriname.
The letter of intent was signed by the Chairmen Jennifer Simons (NDP), Gregory Russia (NPS), Ronnie Brunswijk (ABOP), Paul Somohardjo (Pertjajah Luhur), Ronnie Asabina (BEP) and Steven Reyme (A20).
NDPChairman, Jennifer Simons
The letter of intent states thatthereisanurgentneedto tackle the many problems facing the country That is why coalitions were formed assoonaspossible.TheVHP istheonlypartythathasbeen leftbehind.PartnerABOPhas turneditsbackontheVHP
Two arrested after weed bust at Cove and John, ECD
…urged to prioritise safety and welfare of our armed forces
Two men were arrested on M o n d a y i n connectionwithamarijuana bustthattookplacealongthe CoveandJohnPublicRoad, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
According to a report from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), ranks of the Cove and John Police Station were conducting an intelligence-led operation whichledtothediscoveryof 4,040grams(8.9pounds)of marijuana.
“During the operation, the ranks observed a black Fielder wagon vehicle bearing registration plate PAH 4620 parked on the southern side of the road
The marijuana that was found in the trunk of the black wagon.
with two males, later identified as a 23-year-old taxi driver of Paradise, WCB, and a 34-year-old construction worker of Number 9 Village, WCB,” policesaid.Policedisclosed thatthevehiclewassearched in the presence of the two
The vehicle that the marijuana was found in.
persons.“Insidethetrunkof the vehicle, a black plastic bag containing three large wrappedparcelswithleaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis was discovered.” The two men were made aware of the allegation, cautioned and arrested. They were then taken to the Cove and John Police Station where the marijuanawasweighed.The vehicle they were travelling in was also taken to the policestation.
Themenarecurrentlyin custody
PSC to deploy observer mission for elections
The Private Sector Commission (PSC) saiditwillbefieldinganelectoralmissionfor the September 1, 2025 general and regional elections.
In a press release on Tuesday, the PSC saiditrecognisestheimportanceoffree,fair, and transparent elections in preserving democracy and fostering the continued developmentofournation.
“In keeping with our longstanding commitment to good governance and democratic principles, the PSC is pleased to announce that we intend to deploy an Independent Electoral Observer Mission, duly accredited by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), to observe the conductoftheupcomingelections.
Our Observer Mission will be composed of qualified and impartial individuals drawn from a broad cross-section of the private sector.The mission will monitor key aspects of the electoral process before, during, and after polling day to ensure compliance with the laws and internationally accepted standardsfordemocraticelections.
ThePSCreaffirmsitsnon-partisanstance and reiterates its commitment to supporting an environment of peace, respect, and civic responsibility throughout the electoral period. We urge all political stakeholders, state agencies, and the electorate to uphold the principles of integrity, transparency, and toleranceintheinterestofnationalunityand democraticstability.”
‘No end in sight for completion...
Frompage2 tobecompletedbytheendof 2025, but the project head, Winston Brassington, later informedthatamorerealistic timelinewasthefirstquarter of 2026 PM Phillips, however, recently updated that the project is likely to startupinthesecondquarter of 2026.Weighing in on the delays,Lowexplained,“Itis clear that one of the reasons the government has called theelectionearlierthansome commentators expected is because the long-awaited Gas to Energy plant will not be completed in the near future ”Furthermore, he argued that the fact that additional funds had to be recently appropriated for expenses related to it, only a fewmonthsafterthenational b
t
ates “total incompetence” by the government.Low reminded,
“That has been the pattern with this project from the beginning This early electiondateisanattemptto mask the government's incompetence managing Guyana's largest ever single investment.”
President Irfaan Ali has announced that National Elections will be held on September1,2025. Marred by frequent delaysandnowtwodifferent disputestobesettledthrough the Dispute Avoidance and Adjudication Board (DAAB), Low pointed out thatthecostoftheprojecthas spiralledoutofcontrol.
He said, “These perpetual delays and this panicked announcement raiseredflagsthatthegas-toenergy project is about to go the way of Skeldon. Guyana cannot afford such a failure, which would set the country back by at least five years,
reducing non-oil economic growthbyseveralpercentage points.”Commenting on the timeline of the project, Lindsayca/CH4, in a statement in March, said, “ L N D C H 4 G u y a n a recognises the strategic importance of this landmark project to Guyana's energy security and economic development We are actively collaborating with all stakeholders to address technical complexities and logisticalconsiderations.”
The contractor added, “Following productive discussions with the Government of Guyana and other key stakeholders, we have implemented enhanced project management protocols and increased resource allocation to accelerate progress while maintaining the highest quality and safety standards.”
A note to GECOM
Guyanadoesnotmoveat the pace of its dreams. It moves often by the clumsy coordination of its institutions. And among the most necessary of these institutions—though not the most efficient—is the body called GECO – the Guyana ElectionsCommission.
But let us not be too unfair GECOMisnottasked with writing poetry or planting flowers; its job is theholdingofelections—an often unsightly, thankless, but necessary job. Now, a datehasbeenannouncedfor general and regional elections September 1, 2025. Not a date handed down from heaven, but one that could serve us well enough if we are willing to worktowardit.
Having an election in September would save us fromtensionsoverthefateof Christmas.Itwillallowusto watchtheCPLfinalwiththe elections behind us. And start the New Year with an
electedgovernmentinplace. Now it is the President who sets the date, and the Commission must follow suit. That is the law, or at least the agreed-upon etiquette of constitutional order And yet, one senses the familiar panic that afflicts bureaucracies whenever deadlines are named. It is not for GECOM's Commissioners to decide whether they like the date. Their responsibility is to make themselves ready It is the Chief Elections Officer who must measure the distance between now and then,whomustglanceathis calendar and say, “Yes, we can be ready,” or “No, we cannot,” and explain why The Commissioners are not forecasters of institutional weather; they are stewards, notoracles.
If there is a dispute over the calendar—if September 1 seems too close and the gearsoftheCommissiontoo
Dem Boys Seh...
rusted to turn in time—then let us not end up in indecision. There are honest brokers in the world. Invite o n e A r e p u t a b l e i n t e r n a t i o n a l organisation say the Commonwealth Secretariat, or the United Nations Elector
Assistance Division—can be asked to do what we here are sometimes afraid to do for ourselves: assess, objectively and briskly, whetherGECOMcanbeina st state of readiness for 1
September This does not require an expeditionary force.Justaweek'sworthof quiet desk work and a report lean, factual, and unbeholden.
A desk study is not a constitutionaloverhaul.And if GECOM has indeed been doing its job, then such a study should reveal no fatal unpreparedness. If, on the other hand, it exposes soft spots, then better to know them now than to lament
De red shirt man nearly dead when he hear December
Dem boys seh is not de elections datedatshockpeople—ishow early dem hear it! De President decide to be transparent and forwardthinking,andsoatdeflag-raisingmheopen he mouth and seh bold-bold: “General and Regional Elections will be held on 1st December,2025.”
Well,demboyssehdemaninderedshirt nearly collapse right there pon de spot. He eye pop open like pressure pot cover December? He done know dat was wrong. He body start fuh twitch like de light flickerin'inGECOMbuilding.
Demanpanic.Hestandupimmediately buthecouldnotstandstill.Hehandflaplike he tryin' fuh chase mosquito, but really he justdidn'tknowhowfuhsignaldePresident datdedatewrong.
Demboyssehdepoormanlooklikefish outta water Mouth open, words nah come. Hewashopin'dePresidentwouldcatchon, butdebigmankeeptalkin'smooth-smooth,
like everything normal. Meanwhile, Red ShirtManwassweatin' Thankfully, somebody lean in and whisper somethin' — and de President pause, smile, and correct heself: “Sorry, I meant1stSeptember,2025.”
Justlikedat,deRedShirtManexhaleall he anxiety Is like de weight of a whole budgetcomeoffheshoulders.Hestraighten upandadjustheshirt,butdemboysdonesee denearmeltdown.
Three months advance notice still shockin' fuh Guyana. Usually elections spring up like pothole after rainfall — sudden and disruptive. But now people got time fuh prepare, sufficient time to campaign and register, and even wash dem partyjersey
Dem boys seh from now on, Red Shirt Man gon carry whiteboard and marker — just in case he need fuh write out de correctionbeforehelosehemindagain. Talkhalf.Leffhalf
themlaterinthecourtsorthe streets.
We have danced this waltzbefore.Thereisalways a quarrel about readiness. Part of that is political and part is excuse-making. But democracy, if it is to mean anything beyond a chant or slogan, requires elections that are timely and trusted. And timeliness must ensure thepeople'srighttochoose.
Timelines must be credible If the electoral machinery cannot function by September 1, let us hear the reasons for this. Let the ChiefElectionsOfficerstate his case. And if there is uncertainty, bring in an honest arbiter foreign, impartial,andswift.
GECOM should not fear this On the contrary, it should welcome it as a demonstration of its seriousness. An institution that believes in its own competence should have no objection to having it scrutinised.And if GECOM
isbehindschedule,thennow isthemomenttosayso—not in a murmur but in a measured report that the public can see and understand. Time is both short and plentiful, depending on how one uses it. September 1 is not tomorrow, but it is also not forever away What is needed now is resolve—not more meetings, not more procedural hesitations, but a straightening of the spine and a clearing of the throat.
Democracy is not a game of “maybe.” It is a matter of “when,”andtheanswermust not be left to drift on the breeze.
Wecanillaffordquarrels and divisions that risk castingdoubtontheintegrity of our electoral machinery andundermineconfidencein the electoral process. If the house is Commission is divided if there is disagreement over timelines orpreparedness—thenletus notlingerinuncertainty Call
in an objective, reputable arbiter to conduct a rapid, independent assessment of the electoral body's readiness for the September polls.
So, let the Chief ElectionsOfficerspeaknow Let him state with certainty whether GECOM can meet st thedeadlineof1 September And if there is still uncertainty, then let an international team be called in if needed to undertake a three-day rapid assessment ofGECOM'sreadiness.And then let GECOM do what it was built to do—quietly, efficiently, and without drama.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
The new kid in town
And they're off. More accurately,heisoff,withhis hatthrownintotheelections ring In boxing terms, elections in Guyana can be theequivalentofthesquared circle: barbaric. Politics is not the sweet science in this country, not for those with squeamishstomachs.
Guyana's newest presidential candidate must haveacast-ironconstitution, a touch that is ever so
delicate. There's a new kid in town I sense some excitement. In considering the conditions in the environment, I foresee a troublemaker, a spoiler, and ashowstopper,allrolledinto one. Tothose,onecouldadd 'gamechanger',whichishow many see his entry into Guyana's political pressure cooker Inthefirstinstance, it is confirmation of how much the PPP has
deteriorated and become moredepravedasitdeclined. In the second, it is a reflection of how much credibilitythePNCandAFC have lost. Now comes the test represented by the new presidential candidate that checks on the potency of all three parties, their ability to draw Guyanese into their webs. Thecandidatehashis own webs to confront, unravel,andovercome.
Thefreshnewfacethatis neithersofreshnorsonewas to be an unknown jetting in from NewYork, Toronto, or Florida. He has been right here, right in the trenches, and right alongside those who are hurting. Hurting once from a lack of basic provisions, despite a nation of mighty riches. Hurting twicefromthedisdaininthe PPP, whose brass thinks them dumb and ignorant, mere elections stooges; people who can't think for themselves,notwithstanding the evidence of their eyes. Hurting three times and counting, in the men and women and children, and families,whoaredespairing, losing hope, while their leaders and their cronies gorge themselves on what belongs to the Guyanese people.
Wrench hope from a population, and it becomes desperate. Ripe for change. Ready to take a plunge into the unknown, with the untested, the unproven. Perhaps it is time that Guyanese start all over with a clean slate. This is where the people of Guyana are now poised, the crossroads thatdemandadecisionfrom them.
Howwilltheybe? What will they do, come that day, nowapproximately100days distant? How will the new man do, given the buzz he hasstirred? Allthepollsthat have been conducted indicate that between a fifth and a third of the voters surveyed are 'undecided ' The PPP is not trusted, and the PNC andAFC are at the edgeofthepicture.Thenew manhasbecomethefacethat points to all that is wrong withthePPP,thepresenceto emphasise all that is weak with the PNC and AFC. Hence the interest and excitementthathegenerates.
Those undecided on the sidelines could turn outtobethegroupthat,if nurtured and harvested carefully,pushhimcloserto the winner's enclosure Even if that proves to be elusive,giventhepullofthe tribal in Guyana, he could stillbewell-positionedtobe adifferencemaker Why,in a razor-tight contest, he couldevenrisetotheroleof beinginthatbestofplaces,a kingmaker I wish him and his team the best, as I do all contestants May the candidate and slate that appeal the most to hurting, angry Guyanese convince themoftheirsincerity,come outahead.
Inowinsertthesobering into this, so far, near cloudless picture. The PPP is at its baddest when it has itsbacktothewall. Thenew competition will be flogged and flagellated, with all the stops pulled out, any dirty trick that can be conceived of, unleashed for maximum damage. A weak candidate is a whipped candidate. On the other hand, one who has theboldnesstotakethefight to the competition, while aimingforthehead,standsa chance, could hold his own. ForthePPPandthePNC(to a lesser extent), this is war, with no holds barred, no prisonerstaken. Ithinkthat this can get uglier than ever seen, since so much is at stake So many more billions to be hijacked. So manystaringatthespectreof a jail cell, after a public denuding. It has been that kind of Guyana under the PPP Government. It has been what has set the population's teeth on edge, made many brave the vindictive rage of leaders to whom they have been previously loyal. My word, isthiscountryinabadplace! Personally speaking, not
many people react well to beingtakenforgranted. Nor do many feel good about themselveswhentheyarrive at that last bus stop: they have been used and abused andtreatedwithallthescorn reservedforgarbage. Ithink that swaths of Guyanese have had it up to their necks withthePPPfarinfront,and thePNCandAFCmakingup therestofthetrack. Thereis only so much that citizens cantake.
What makes matters worse is that those same citizens are not living an abstraction. They live in local time and exist alongside local conditions. That ancient standard that 'all politics is local' comes intoplay,andvigorouslyso. Peopleseethefatcatsinthe PPP Government getting more and more bloated, while their own bellies are distended from lack of propersustenance.
Whenamancan'tpayhis billsmonthaftermonth,and a mother has to tell her children day after day that that'sallthereis,graphsand stats are all spat upon and kicked into the gutter So, too, are the leadership narratives They don't soothe any longer, they sicken, they infuriate all the time.
It was the ancient Chinesewhocameupwitha beauty: out of catastrophe comesopportunity Weshall see. Whenthereisacrisisin leadership,theremustbethe best of responsible citizenship. That also will haveitsmoment.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Govt., Opposition haggle over GECOM’s readiness for Sept. 1, 2025 polls
The announcement of September1,2025asthedate for Guyana’s General and Regional Elections by President Irfaan Ali has sparked outrage and concern
from the oppositionnominated commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commission(GECOM)
The oppositionnominated commissioners argue that the electoral body is not ready and that the president’s decision was
based on misleading guidance
Atapressconferenceheld onMondayatLegacyHouse inSouthRuimveldtGardens, commissioners Vincent
Alexander, Desmond Trotman,andCharlesCorbin rejected the announced election date, claiming the decision was made unilaterally and contradicted thecommission’sworkplan
According to Alexander, the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Vishnu Persaud, had submitted a ‘Revised Work
Plan’ that identified September 22, 2025, as the earliest feasible date for elections
“It should be noted that the ‘Revised Work Plan’, as presented by the Chief ElectionsOfficer,established September 22, 2025 as the earliest possible date for the holding of Elections,” Alexanderstated
The commissioners revealed that at a May 20,
Guyana Elections Commission
2025 meeting, discussions were ongoing about the September 22 timeline, whichwasnotfinalised They saidtheywereshockedwhen President Ali, during his Independence Day address, declared elections would instead be held three weeks earlier
Alexander criticised the process,callingit“crass”for thepresidenttoact“basedon thepurportedguidanceofthe Chairperson, which clearly misrepresented the CEO’s projected date of September 22”Heemphasisedthateven the proposed date “was still under discussion and not yet agreed, ” referencing GECOM’s draft minutes fromtheMay20meeting
T h e o p p o s i t i o n
commissioner further accused GECOM’s Chairperson, Justice (ret’d)
Claudette Singh, of bypassing the Commission and providing unilateral advicetothepresident “This contrivedandbaselessdateis just another instance of the manner of the conduct of
GECOM under the chairmanship of Justice
Claudette Singh, in conjunction with the Chief Elections Officer and his cohorts, to wit, the PPP/Cnominated commissioners,” thepressstatementread.
Alexander also disclosed that a new, hastily crafted work plan had been introduced to accommodate
the September 1 date, effectivelyshorteningcritical preparatory timelines by 21 days “A cursory review of that plan suggests that changes have been made to timelines even statutory deadlines such as the time provided for appeals by parties,”hesaid
The commissioners warnedthatunresolvedissues could undermine the
credibility of the elections These include: incarcerated persons’ right to vote, particularlythoseonremand; removal of deceased persons from the voters’ list; clarification of domicile status for Commonwealth citizens; highlighting of namesofoverseas-based(and oftendeceased)Guyaneseon thelist.
“Theelectionwillsimply be an unacceptable, i l l e g i t i m a t e , a n d undemocraticprocess,which should be rejected by the affected electorate,” the oppositionwarned
Tensions further flared during a GECOM statutory
commissioners walked out, citin
p
uou
treatment. Speaking with Kaieteur News, Alexander said,“Theyimmediatelysaid, ‘Letusdiscussthenewwork programme I said let’s first discusstheissueandwhatthe chair and CEO did, which was contemptuous of the Commission They simply said yes [to the President], although the plan we had wasmorethan90days.They are contending that it is no
problem and not taking the responsibility of treating us with contempt by not allowing the commission to be involved in the decision. PPPCsayingthatwewasting time, we get things to get done,andinthespaceofthat contemptuousbehaviour,we exited.”
In contrast, Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C)-nominated Commissioner, Sase Gunraj, defendedtheprocess,stating, “The constitution contemplates the elections to beheldinthreemonthsor Continuedonpage15
From left, Desmond Trotman, Vincent Alexander and Charles Corbin during a press conference
Tests results show no foul play in Adriana’s death Guyana Police Force says:
...as
family moves to
the
US for a second autopsy
TheGuyanaPoliceForce said on Tuesday that the deathof11-year-oldAdriana Younge has been officially ruled a drowning, with no signs of foul play, according to the final post-mortem report submitted to them by the three international pathologiststoinvestigators.
Family of the young woman however said that they will go ahead with a second autopsy to be conducted in the United States. Younge’s body was flown to that country on Monday Family from the onset had doubts about the causeofdeathbeinglistedas drowning.
Younge’s body was discovered on April 24, 2025, in the swimming pool of the Double Day International Hotel The certified findings from the autopsy confirmed that her death was consistent with drowning, and no evidence of trauma, assault, or any other criminal activity was found, the police said in a pressrelease.
The police said too that the findings support an earlier report submitted by Mr Leonard McCoshan, a (retired) Royal Canadian MountedPoliceinvestigator, whichconcludedthatthereis
Dead: Adriana Younge
“noevidenceoffoulplayby persons named or unnamed during the investigation”. Younge was last seen alive by her grandmother at approximately 13:01 hours on April 23, 2025, in the hotel’s swimming pool. Her body was found floating in the same pool the following morning, the police report states.
Upon learning of the incident, the Guyana Police Force said it launched a thorough investigation. It, however, did not mention that it had issued a misleadingreportstatingthat the child was abducted from the hotel. According to the police, a comprehensive postmortem examination, including toxicology and DNA testing, was carried out.Keyfindingsinclude:
-Nosignsofacuteinjury ortraumawerepresent.
- Toxicology results showed ethanol levels consistent with postmortem decomposition.
- Sexual assault kit and DNA analysis for potential suspectswerenegative.
- Skin and airway changes were in line with prolonged submersion and drowning.
- There was no evidence of restraint, struggle, removal, or return of the body
The Pathologists concluded that Adriana Youngedrowned,likelysank tothebottomofthepool,and later surfaced due to natural decomposition processes commonintropicalclimates.
“The detectives are currently preparing the investigative case file for submissiontotheDirectorof PublicProsecution(DPP)for herperusalandlegalopinion. The Guyana Police Force e x t e n d s h e a r t f e l t condolences to the Younge family and remains committed to transparency and justice,” the police statementconcluded.
PNCR Executive, Daniel Seeram,
‘jumps ship’: Endorses Ali, Jagdeo for second term - Norton says party “not worried”
ExecutiveMemberofthe People’s National Congress Reform(PNCR)andRegion 4’s Chairman, Daniel Seeram, has thrown his support behind the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government for a secondterm.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday afternoon, Seeram wrote, “After fruitful discussions and careful considerations on matters of National and Regional development,Iampleasedto endorse President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo for a second term to lead the Cooperative RepublicofGuyana”.
Seeram’s choice to support the PPP/C administration comes days after President Ali announced September 1 as the date for Guyana’s 2025 General and Regional Elections.
In response to Seeram ‘jumping ship’, PNCR and Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton,saidhispartyis“not worried”bythemove.
“I am more interested in
Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton
our committed people who are with us,” Norton said whileassuringthatSeeram’s choiceandhiscurrentpostas Region 4 Chairman will in no way undermine the PNCR.
“Our party base is strong; the people in the party knew what was happening They won’t be
affected, they will just do our political work,” Norton toldKaieteurNews
Asked if he knows of anyone else who might be ‘jumping ship’ like Seeram, Norton said he cannot foreseethathappening,butif it doe,s then the core supportersofthePNCRwill notbebothered.
Daniel Seeram poses for a picture while flanked by President Irfaan Ali (left) and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo (right)
Spanish men wanted for ‘bombing’ at police outpost …local bus driver arrested
Police issued wanted bulletins on Thursday for two Spanish-speaking men andaBraziliannationalover twoexplosionsinthecityon May17last.
The explosions occurred after midnight and blew off the back gate of the East RuimveldtPoliceOutpostat Vlissengen Square and East Front Road, Georgetown The second occurred just momentslaterattheGuyana Power and Light (GPL) Substation at Mandela Avenue.
Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum, told Kaieteur News that detectives have arrestedaGuyaneseminibus driverinconnectionwiththe blasts that sent shockwaves across communities in the vicinity of East Ruimveldt.
According to the Crime Chief, the driver is assisting policewithinvestigations. Investigations have so far pointed police in the direction of three foreign nationals.
“Thepolicearepursuing three individuals, two
Spanish-speakingmenanda Braziliannationalknownby his alias, ‘Flavio Tasso’”, policetoldKaieteurNewson Tuesday Flavio had allegedly introduced the Spanishspeaking men to the bus driver, who assisted them in rentingthreeroomsatahotel at Stevedore Housing Scheme, Georgetown. The Brazilian had also told him that the men had come to Guyana to do “bad things”, policesaid.
Police also said that
investigators have compellingevidenceagainst theSpanish-speakingmento suggest that they were the ones behind the explosions and have even impounded the vehicle used to transport themtothescene.
“We haven’t confirmed whether they are from Venezuela of Colombia, or some other country,” police said, while assuring, “Investigators are still making earnest efforts to confirmthenationalityofthe two Spanish-speaking suspects”.
Media reports are that security cameras mounted onbuildingsclosetotheEast Ruimveldt police outpost capturedthemomentitsgate was blown off. “A loud
explosion originating from the southern side of the outpost rocked the compound,” police said in a statementonMay18,adding that “A police rank (identified as a female), on duty at the time, heard two distinct blasts, followed by debris impacting nearby rooftops.”
Thefemalerankwasnot injured. She stepped outside to see what had happened and observed that the southern wall of the outpost’sconcretefencehad beensignificantlydamaged.
Analarmwasraised,and other ranks of the GPF subsequently arrived and found out that the outpost’s metal gate, located on the southern side, was
completely blown away
“…And other parts of the outpost sustained structural damage,”policehadsaid.
The GPL Substation along Mandela Avenue also experienced suspicious damage around the same timeframe Blanhum had told Kaieteur News that an “improvised explosive device” might have been used in the blast at the East RuimveldtPoliceOutpost.
“Policehaverecovereda quantity of bolts and nuts, along with debris of a shattered hard plastic container from the scene –(debris suspected to be componen
device),” the Crime Chief hadsaid.
Wanted for explosions at East Ruimveldt Police Outpost and GPL Substation.
(THEWALLSTREET JOURNAL)
Exxon Mobil and
Chevron are battling this weekoverrightstooneofthe world's most coveted oil projects, a contest that has chilled the relationship
between their senior executives and threatens to
upend the industry's hierarchy
Exxon'smovelastyearto derail Chevron's $53 billion purchase of Hess rankled Chevron's senior executives
and damaged a once-
amicable relationship between the two rivals, people familiar with the mattersaid.
Exxon CEO Darren Woods and Chevron CEO Mike Wirth occasionally dined together and spoke by phone about their joint interests in projects around the world. That relationship has chilled, the people said. The dispute hinges on Exxon's claim that it has a contractualrighttopre-empt Chevron's bid for Hess's stakeinamajoroilprojectin Guyana. And it has delayed what would be Chevron's biggest-ever deal for more than 18 months Chevron and Hess say Exxon doesn't have the right to interfere in the corporate acquisition Talksfailed,andExxonfiled forarbitrationlastyear
The fight which has astonishedtheoilindustryin Houston will come to a head Monday in London, with the start of a private arbitration hearing. By August or September, the
Why Exxon and Chevron are fighting so hard over an oil project in Guyana?
panel will decide whether Exxonandanotherpartnerin Guyana, China's CNOOC, have the right to counter Chevron's bid for Hess's 30% stake in a generational oil discovery of 11 billion barrelsofoilandgas.“What ithighlightsishowvaluable big,low-costoilfieldsreally are in a world where it's getting harder and harder to find them, ” said Dan Pickering, chief investment officer of Pickering Energy Pa
A
hree companies have projected confidence that they will prevail.Therulingwillhinge on the interpretation of severallinesinaconfidential contract.
For Chevron, the arbitration is a must-win Hess is a big player in the Bakken Shale of North Dakota, but its crown jewel is Guyana. Hess's share of the Guyana project could be worth some $40 billion, analystsestimatedlastyear Guyana's oil boom is fueled by six oil-production vesselsnowpumpingaround 650,000barrelsaday Exxon hopes the consortium's production will reach 1 3 million barrels a day by 2027. That is more than the entireBakkenproduces.The economics of the Guyana project are among the industry'smostlucrative.Oil giants cut exploration spending following the adventofonshoreU.S.shale drilling Although some frackers are beginning to look overseas for new prospects, few frontier oil fieldsshowasmuchpromise asGuyana.
Buying Hess a deal that Chevron announced in October 2023—would help quell concerns investors have had about Chevron's portfolio of oil-production assets and where its growth will come from after 2030.
Muchhaschangedinthepast year Chevron recently startedupamajorexpansion project in Kazakhstan and fired up a big new oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico,whichtheU.S.now calls the Gulf ofAmerica. It is trimming costs with job cuts of up to 20% of its global workforce by the end of2026.
Still, if Chevron falls short of a win, analysts say there are
other acquisition targets with the same potential as Hess.And Secretary of State Marco RubiosaidThursdaythatthe U S plans to allow Chevron's license to operate inVenezuela,whichhasvast oil reserves, to expire Tuesday
Another reason Exxon's challengeismorethanjusta headacheforChevronisthat itcomesinanageofinvestor activism.Inthe1980s,when a big court fight between PennzoilandTexacopushed thelattertowardbankruptcy, a takeover bid by activist Carl Icahn—then dubbed a corporate raider made Texaco'sproblemsworse.
These days, the margin for strategic errors has shrunk, said Amy Myers Jaffe,directoroftheEnergy, Climate Justice and Sustainability Lab at New York University She points to Exxon's proxy fight with activist investor Engine No. 1thatplayedoutin2021,and Elliott Investment Management's more-recent push for changes at Phillips 66andBP
“Ifyoudon'thaveagood strategy, you could be susceptible to a corporate raider or activist,” she said.
“We're in a time when the leadershipofanoilcompany andthestrategytheychoose totakeismaterialtowhether people attack them from within the stakeholder groups.”
Govt.,OppositionhaggleoverGECOM's...
Frompage11
90 days… GECOM must be ready to hold elections on that day For the avoidance of doubt, the date for setting an election is the President'sprerogativeandnooneelse's.”
TheWorkingPeople'sAlliance(WPA),in a release, echoed the opposition's concerns. They accused the Chairperson of “tacitly handing over the election process to the presidentandthePPP.”
“WPA's conclusion is that she and, by extension, the majority of the commission have committed willful suicide… If the decision on the date is being manipulated to fit the ruling party's agenda, how would the processandoutcomeescapethatcurse?”the WPAstatementsaid.
The WPA urged CARICOM (the CaribbeanCommunity)andtheinternational
For Exxon, a loss in the dispute would have little negative impact in the short term By the time the arbitration panel's decision comes down, nearly two years will have passed since Chevron announced the Hess tie-up, a prolonged limbo that has kept it from pursuingothermegadeals.
WhenChevronproposed buying Hess, Exxon's leaders were surprised that its partner in Guyana and its biggest competitor would behind closed doors strike a deal affectingaprojectthatithad spent years developing Exxon had done the spadework of government relations and assumed risk for the long-shot project afterShellexiteditsstakefor apittancein2014.
Exxon says it has a r e s p o n s i b i l i t y t o
shareholders to consider the valueofHess'sGuyanastake in the Chevron deal, “and a right to then take an option on it,” Woods said on a call with analysts in December “Why would we give that away because one of the partners constructed a deal with another third party?” Woods said. “We don't see why that would change the way we think about the option or the value of that option.”
Exxon has long held the role of big brother to Chevron, with larger oil production and superior profits.
B u t d u r i n g t h e pandemic, Chevron's stock market value briefly vaulted above its rival Exxon's executives have since brought costs down and worked to gird the company from lower oil and gas prices.
Exxon's shares have outperformed Chevron's in the past few years, but a tieup with Hess would help Chevron narrow the gap, analystssay If Exxon and Chevron ultimately work together in Guyana, the relationship among senior executives would bounce back, the peopleclosetothempredict. Some believe it may take time, though. “Regardless of the outcome, there's a cooling off between Exxon and Chevron that will be measured in years, not quarters,”Pickeringsaid.
community to intervene: “These forces owe ittotheGuyanesepeople…Theirinactionin the face of a clear and present danger is inexcusable ”Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, when contacted by KaieteurNews,saidhispartywouldcontinue preparations despite the disagreement, “We rely on [the commissioners] because they engage GECOM directly and if that's the conclusiontheyarriveat,wewillsupport,but wewillcontinuetoprepareforelections.”
However, he expressed scepticism over GECOM'sreadiness,“GECOMcanneverbe readyforelections.Idon'texpectthemtobe ready They haven't removed any of the problems or issues that caused the problems in 2020.”Efforts by Kaieteur News to reach Chairperson Singh and CEO Persaud for commentswereunsuccessful.
ExxonMobilCEO, Darren Woods
ChevronCEO, Mike Wirth
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Publichealthriskofyellowfever remainshighintheAmericas
WashingtonD.C.27May 2025 – The Pan American HealthOrganization(PAHO) has issued a new Rapid Risk Assessment(RRA)onyellow fever in the Americas which shows that the risk to public health remains high due to continued human cases in endemic countries of the Region.In 2025 so far, there has been a more than eightfold increase in cases compared to the same period of 2024. This is due to the periodic reactivation of sylvatic transmission cycles with spillovercasesamongpeople. In total, countries have reported 221 confirmed human casesofyellowfever,including89deaths.Incomparison, inallof2024,61humancases wereconfirmed,including30 deaths.
The cases are located in Bolivia(3cases,1death),Brazil(110cases,44deaths),Colombia (64 cases, 26 deaths),
Ecuador (6 cases, 5 deaths), and Peru (38 cases, 13 deaths).
Ofconcernisthefactthat whilein2024mostcaseswere reported in the Amazon regionofBolivia,Brazil,Colombia, Guyana, and Peru, this year, cases have also been reported outside theAmazon region in areas such as Sao PauloStateinBrazil(similar to the 2016-2018 outbreak) and Tolima Department in Colombia.Sylvaticyellowfever occurrence near densely populated areas increases theriskofanurbanoutbreak.
Almostallcasesreported in both 2024 and 2025 have occurred in unvaccinated individuals.PriortotheCOVID19 pandemic, vaccination coverage against yellow fever in endemic countries of the Region ranged from 57% to100%amongchildrenaged 9-18months.However,10out of 12 endemic countries had
coverageratesbelowtherecommended 95%. Between 2020-2023, these rates declined further, leaving a substantial proportion of the population unprotected.
Whilevaccinationcapacitiesinendemiccountrieshave since improved, the limited globalsupplyofyellowfever vaccine continues to pose a challenge, with current suppliesunabletocoverdemand intheAmericasandinAfrica.
Intheriskassessment,issued on 23 May, PAHO calls for the need to strengthen surveillance, vaccination of at-riskpopulations,andcommunication strategies to ensure the provision of public health advice for affected communities and those travellingtoareaswherevaccinationisrecommended.
PAHO is also working with endemic countries to provide technical support aimedatoptimizingvaccina-
tion strategies. This includes the use of fractional doses where appropriate and identifying populations most at risk and in greatest need of vaccination.Yellowfeverisan acute hemorrhagic disease thatisendemicintropicalareas of the Americas and Africa. In the Americas, it is commonly transmitted by sylvatic mosquitoes belonging to the Haemogogus and Sabethes species. Symptoms usually appear 3-6 days after the bite of an infected mosquito and include fever, muscle pain, headache, shivers, loss of appetite, nausea andvomiting.Whilemostpatients' symptoms disappear, around 15% experience high fever, organ damage and sometimesdeath.PAHOcontinues to monitor the situation and support countries in adopting the best strategies for preventing and respondingtoyellowfeveroutbreaks.
SurinameElectoralOfficeadmitsproblems,refutesfraud
P ARAMARIBO, Suriname, May 27, CMC –Suriname’sIndependentElectoral Office (OKB) has acknowledged shortcomings in at least one polling station, but dismissed suggestions of manipulationorfraud,asvoters in the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country still await the final results of the elections held on Sunday
In a statement, the OKB saidthatitisimportanttoprovide further explanation regarding the situation at polling station 614 in the Brokopondodistrict,afterone of the candidates, Ronald Pansa,saidhisconcernswere not being taken seriously
“The concerns expressed by candidate Ronald Pansa have been received and are not taken lightly The OKB acknowledgesthattheconditions at polling station 614 weresuboptimalandthatthis has led to understandable frustrations.Atthesametime, we emphasise that there are no indications that there has been deliberate manipulation or fraud.,” the OKB said in a statement.
Pansa had complained in the media about the state of affairs at the polling station about a significant delay in the voting and counting processduringtheearlyhoursof Monday
But the OKB said, “the causeofthisisprimarilyalack of experience and expertise among the polling station staff, which led to logistical and procedural challenges”.
It said that in order to ensurethecontinuityoftheprocess, the OKB supervisor intervened at various times.
“The count was checked and corrected several times,
with the aim of arriving at a reliable and verifiable result. It is admitted that due to the combinationoftimepressure, fatigue and public pressure, it was decided at a certain point to publish the provisional results on a board pending the formal completion of the report.
“At around eight o’clock
in the morning on Monday, the report could finally be finalised and made public, in accordance with the applicable procedures,” the OKB said,callingonallstakeholders to contribute constructivelytotheelectionprocess, “in the interest of our democracy.“The OKB will thoroughly evaluate this in-
cident and, where necessary, make recommendations to implement future improvementsintheorganisationand training of polling station staff.Transparency, integrity and reliability remain core valuesfortheOKBintheperformanceofitsconstitutional task,” it added.Meanwhile, (Continued on page 18)
15 contractors compete to build Industry Polyclinic
Fifteen contractors have submitted bids to construct a polyclinic at Industry, East CoastDemerara(ECD).
The project, which went out to tender through the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), is estimated to cost $714,960,814.At the latest readingofbidsattheNational Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office, it was revealed that the following firmsappliedforthecontract: D&S Construction$671,744,000; Singh & Son Construction-$778,595,000; Sheriff Construction Inc.$713,773,900; Sattur Mohamed & Son Construction-$708,624,090; China Harbor Engineering Company Guyana Inc.$824,729,820;QingjianGroup Company Guyana Inc.$976,073,933; MSR International Enterprise$571,732,526; D David International-$577,315,026; BMPropertyInvestmentInc. - $726,324,800; Urban Edge BuildersInc.-$703,173,900; NK Engineering Services$665,810,500; KNS General Contractors Inc. $648,029,000;ShangdongHi-
Speed Group Limited$879,444,913; Navin’s Construction-$714,798,100; andBluePrintBuildersInc.$708,473,900.
This publication understands that the community of Industry currently has a health centre, which falls under the responsibility of the GPHC, that provides a variety of healthcare services to residents of Industry, CummingsLodgeandnearby communities.
It was reported that during the sod-turning ceremony for a polyclinic at CampbellvillebackinMarch, MinisterofHealth,Dr.Frank Anthony, had noted the government has been managing close to 380 different facilities across the country and pointed to the importance of upgrading thesehealthfacilities,whether it be health post or health centres.
“In every one of these facilities, whether it is at Agricola, East La Penitence, David Rose, Alberttown, Lodge, No. 1 Dispensary, North East La Penitence, Sophia, Dorothy Bailey, Campbellville,Industry,Kitty,
FestivalCity,everysingleone of them, over the last three years, we would have done something to improve the conditionsofthesefacilities,” the minister said, noting that it forms part of the vision of providing a world-class healthcare system for all Guyanese.
At that event, President Irfaan Ali highlighted the significanceofupgradingthe Campbellville Health Centre to a polyclinic, stating that polyclinics, and not clinics/ health centres, are facilities which would provide diagnostic and specialty care to residents.
Notably, the head of state said that the government is gradually upgrading health clinics into polyclinics to ensure that communities which already have health clinics are improved and patients can access more specialised services, improved diagnostic capability and a greater capacity to care for people.
TheCampbellvilleHealth Centre is being upgraded to apolyclinicfor$831million. The government has allocated $120 billion to the health sector this year.
‘Doggie’, ‘Fatta’ on $250,000 bail each for instigating fight
T w o G u y a n e s e influencerswerereleasedon $250,000 bail each on Tuesday after encouraging twowomentofight.
Theaccused,35-year-old Bradley Sampson, also knownas'Doggie'ofLot52 South Ally, Norton Street, Lodge, and 34-year-old Rahayanna Goring, aka 'Fatta' of Lot 78 Vigilance, EastCoastDemerara(ECD), both appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates'
court before Senior MagistrateFabayoAzore.
Sampson and Goring werenotrequiredtopleadto the charge, which alleged that on May 25, 2025, at the Square of Revolution in Georgetown, they incited Shanella Holder and Malika Lewis,alsoknownas'Farren Dolly',tocommitafelony
The prosecution told the courtthatthematterinitially started with Holder and Lewis, who had an ongoing misunderstanding. On the day in question, the two defendants, who are known to each other, were on separate Facebook live videos encouraging persons to assemble at the Square of Revolutionforapublicfight betweenHolderandLewis.
They added that as a result of Sampson's and Goring's actions, an approximatenumberof200300personsassembledatthe location. The defendants
Accused, Rahayanna Goring, at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court
were further seen encouragingthetwowomen to fight, which subsequently happened.
“The Police Force was contacted due to the crowd being uncontrollable and ranks discharged several rubber pellets, ” the prosecutionsaid. Theyalsoobjectedtobail due to the serious nature of the offence and concern for publicsafety
S a m p s o n w a s represented by attorney Ronald Bostwick, while Goering was represented by attorneyCassideNurse.
Bostwick requested bail on behalf of his client since the file was not ready He said S
Accused, Bradley Sampson, at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court
remanded, his business will be affected Meanwhile, Nurse told the court that her client is a mother of two minor children who solely depend on her care. She added that her client is not a flight risk and that there are video clips displaying that her client was encouraging thetwoladiesnottofight.
Magistrate Azore granted Sampson and Goring bail and advised them to be mindful when posting on social media Sampson was required to lodge his passport with the court.
The matter was adjournedtoJune30,2025.
Yujraj Ram being escorted to the Oscar Joseph Charity Public Hospital
Teen killed in Essequibo T Coast minibus accident
A 17-year-old boy died in a Tuesday afternoon accident after he was struck by a minibus on the Dartmouth Public Road, EssequiboCoast.
Police identified the dead boy as Yujraj Ram, a student of Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School, who resided at Lot 28 NewRoad,EssequiboCoast.
Police, in a press release on Tuesday, stated that the accident involved a minibus (#BAC597),ownedanddrivenbya34-yearold male (name not identified), resident of CharitySquattingArea.
Theminibusdrivertoldpolicethatwhile he was proceeding North on the Dartmouth PublicRoad,Ramwasdisembarkinganother bus that was proceeding in the opposite direction. “After disembarking, the teenager
proceeded to walk out from behind the minibus, but upon seeing the approaching minibus (# BAC 597), the teenager stopped briefly and then tried to run across the road. The minibus collided with the 17-year-old, who fell onto the roadway and received injuries to his body,” police said.Ram was pickedupinanunconsciousstatebythesame driverandrushedtotheOscarJosephCharity PublicHospital,wherehewasobservedtobe bleeding from his nose and mouth. The teen later succumbed to his injuries around 15:20 hrs His body was later transferred to the hospital mortuary, where it awaits a postmortemexamination.
Thedriveriscurrentlyinpolicecustodyat the Charity Police Station, assisting with the investigation.
Two women who were involved in a brawl on Sunday were both released on$15,000baileach.
The defendants, 27-yearoldShanellaHolderofLot37 East Ruimveldt, Front Road, Georgetown and Malika Lewis,alsoknownas'Farren Dolly', appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore, whoreadthecharge.
Holder and Lewis both pleaded not guilty to the charge,whichallegedthaton May 25, 2025, at the Square
of the Revolution, Georgetown,theyengagedin apublicfightwitheachother
The prosecution had no objection to bail, but stated that if the defendants were willing to resolve the issue and stay away from each other, the charges could be dismissed.
More than 800 lawyers, judges call for UK sanctions on Israel over Gaza war
Palestinians mourn the death of people killed in an Israeli airstrike outside the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, May 18, 2025. (Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90)
PalestinianpeopleofGaza.”
The letter quoted recent comments by Israeli
Bothattorneysstatedthat their clients are not a flight risk.Theybothrequestedthat their clients be released on self-bail Magistrate Azore granted Holder and Lewis
Holder was represented by attorney Shauntelle Wright, while Lewis was represented by attorney JevonCox.
bail.Shesaidthatwhilethey are no longer interested in pursuing the matter, it must be reviewed by the Director ofPublicProsecutions(DPP) beforeitisdismissed.
T h e m a t t e r w a s adjournedtoJune2,2025.
(AL-Jazeera) The United Kingdom must impose sanctions on the Israeli government and its ministers and take steps to “prevent and punish genocide” in Gaza, according to a letter signed by more than 800 lawyers, academics and former judges.
TheopenlettertoPrime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday called on the British government to take concrete action to halt the “serious violations of international law” being committedbyIsrael.
“Genocide is being perpetrated in Gaza or, at a minimum,thereisaserious riskofgenocideoccurring,” theletterstated,addingthat war crimes, crimes against humanity, and serious violations of international humanitarian law were also takingplace.
It urged Starmer to respond swiftly as “urgent and decisive action is required to avert the destruction of the
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who expressed Israel's intention to “take controlofalltheterritoryof the [Gaza] Strip” and “conquer,cleanseandstay–untilHamasisdestroyed”.
The letter, signed by senior legal figures including former supreme court and court of appeal judges, noted a recent statement by the leaders of theUK,FranceandCanada that the suffering in Gaza was “intolerable” , welcoming the indication that the governments were preparedtotakeaction.
The letter called on the British government to adhere to its fundamental international legal obligations and “use all available means to secure a n i m m e d i a t e , unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and to ensure the urgent, unconditional and unimpeded resumption of
aid”toPalestinians.
Toachievethis,itcalled on the government to impose sanctions on Israeli government ministers and other civil and military figures “reasonably suspectedofinvolvementin unlawful conduct”, and to review existing trade ties with Israel, impose trade sanctions, and suspend a roadmap for a closer UKIsraelpartnership.
The letter also called on the UK to confirm it would adhere to its obligation to execute arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in relationtoIsrael'sactionsin Gaza.
The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza,whilethecountryalso faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice(ICJ)forwarcrimes againstcivilians.
Suriname Electoral Office admits problems...
Frompage16
with the final results still pending, both the ruling Progressive Reform Party (VHP) of PresidentChandrikapersad“Chan”Santokhi and the main opposition National DemocraticParty(NDP)thatwasonceledby lateformerpresidentDésiBouterse,areboth looking at the possibilities of forming a coalitiongovernment.
NDPvice-chairman,AshwinAdhin,says the party supports chairwoman, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons,aspresidentialcandidate.
“Ihadindicatedthatthemajorityofvotes determines the candidate. She has the most votes,soamanisaman,awordisaword,” Adhin said, who had also indicated that he wantedtohavebeenelectedaspresident.
Adhin said that the focus is now on forming a coalition, and that Simons is leading that. The vice-chairman indicates that he is confident that this phase, in which the party finds itself after the preliminary election results, will also be brought to a successfulconclusion.
Meanwhile, the NDP is calling for an investigationintothewayinwhichtheballot box material had been delivered from the
variouspollingstationsintheWanicadistrict tothemainpollingstation.
Itsaidaninvestigationmustbeconducted into how it was possible that the delivery of the material from 148 polling stations was notcompleteduntil9:30a.m.thenextday
LateMonday,agroupofconcernedNDP members went to the main polling station calling on the chairman of the main polling station, Bholanath Narain, for an explanation.
The preliminary figures show that the outgoingcoalitiongovernmentandtheNDP have so far won 18 seats each in the 51memberNationalAssembly
Amongthesuccessfulcandidatessofaris Ingrid Bouterse-Waldring, the widow of the former president, who was elected with preferential votes in this election. On her Facebook page, she thanked the population fortheirconfidenceinherandtheNDP
Justunder400,000registeredvoterswere eligibletocasttheirballotsacrossthecountry and once the new parliament is seated, lawmakers will choose Suriname’s next president and vice-president in the coming weeks.
Accused, Malika Lewis Accused, Shanella Holder
Matthews gains big in ICC Women's T20I Batting Rankings
SportsMax - WestIndies captain Hayley Matthews has moved up to a careerbest-equalling second positionintheICCWomen's T20I Batting Rankings after a valiant show against England, while Pakistan spinner Sadia Iqbal has regained the number one position among bowlers after Sophie Ecclestone missed her team's recent T20Iseries.
Matthews, who topscored in the three-match
series with 177 runs that included an unbeaten century (100) in the first matchinCanterburyandwas named the Player of the Series,hasovertakenIndia's Smriti Mandhana and Australia's Tahlia McGrath to reclaim second position, which she had last occupied inDecemberlastyear
Former England captain Heather Knight, who contributed 109 runs, including an unbeaten 66 in the third match in
Chelmsford, has moved up seven places to 17th, while skipper Nat Sciver Brunt is up five slots to ninth after aggregating 92 runs and leading her side to a 3-0 series washout Sophia Dunkleyisupeightplacesto 29th.
West Indies captain Hayley Matthews
In the bowling rankings, England spinner Sophie Ecclestone has slipped from first to fourth after missing the series as she was recuperating from an injury and played domestic cricket duringthepastweek. She has been replaced at the top of the charts by another left-arm spinner,
Wednesday May 28, 2025
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Some minor but annoying communications could interrupt your routine today You won't appreciate the distraction,Aries, but it's best to take care of whatever it is andthengobacktoyourtasks.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Boredom and apathy could tempt you to run to the mall and spend a lot of money on luxuries You might overindulgeinfoodanddrink. This can make you feel better temporarily,Taurus.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
A lot of activity could take place around home today. It could involve a number of visitors,oritcouldsimplybea lotofworkthatneedsdoing.
CANCER(June21–July22)
News of unforeseen success could come your way today, leaving you reeling and breathless.Youmightfeelabit dazed, Cancer, like you don't know what to do with yourself.Itmighttakeawhile togatheryourself.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Social events or group activities may prove draining today,asalotofpeoplemight wanttotakeadvantageofyour talents Your kind, accommodating nature might cause you to try to make everyone happy, Leo, but this isn'trealistic.
VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)
Excess is the word for today, Virgo. You may feel overly optimistic and enthusiastic about everything, and you couldthrowyourselfintoitall a bit too eagerly Moderation isthebestapproach
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Today you might feel a little depressed and apathetic, like you don't care what happens rightnow.Youmighttrytoget yourmindoffthosefeelingsby spendingmoney Tomorrowall willseemalotbetter!
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Today you might be with friends who want to go out on the town and spend money Shopping, eating in fancy restaurants, or going to dance clubs could be in their plans. Findahappymedium.
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It'slikelythatyouwillsucceed at whatever you set out to accomplish today If you've beenheldbackbyworriesover theintegrityofarelationshipor the long-term prospects of a partnership.Youmightalsobe tempted to overspend at some point.Thinkaboutitfirst!
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Sadia, while India's Deepti Sharma and Australia's Annabel Sutherland have taken the second and third positions,respectively
y number one in October last year during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in Dubai,whenshehadbecome the first from her country to grabthetopspot.
England's new-ball bowler Lauren Bell has advanced 13 places to a career-best sixth position after finishing with a seriestopping seven wickets
Linsey Smith (up 37 places to 41st) and Issy Wong (up 32 places to joint-62nd) are others progressing in the bowlingrankings.
Frompage20 makeaninitialinvestmentin you to help with your preparation” In a further show of support, President Ali announced performance incentives for every win at the tournament. “We are going to incentivise your performance. You have our full support, the love from Guyana, and we are confidentinyourability We believe you're going to do well.”GFFpresidentWayne Forde thanked PresidentAli for his continued support of football in Guyana, saying, “His Excellency has been verygracioustoourfootball programme across every level Recently, the Government supported us with major improvements righthereattheNTC,which madeahugedifferenceinthe comfort of our fans and our nationalteams.”
Forde added, “In all my experience,everytimewe've called on His Excellency to support our national teams and football as a whole, he has answered the call.We're honoured to have him spending time with the girls.” Guyana's appearance in Costa Rica marks their sec
h
C
C
U - 2 0 Women'sChampionship. The Lady Jags made history in 2020 by reaching thequarter-finals,wherethey wereeliminatedbyHaiti.
Frompage21 all the goals with the lone strike for Hardball Management coming from MarcusForde. HH Ballers blanked Avacado Ballers 3-0 on account of goals from nd Malakai Todd (2 ), and a brace from Shamar Caesar th th (24 ,26 ).Thefinalclashof the night saw Bomberz edging YMCA2-1 Both goals for Bomberz were scored by D. Samuels th th inthe6 and11 minute.The lone reply for YMCA came fromK.Gettino.Actionwill continue on Friday night at thesamevenuewithtwo(2) Queens and five (5) Kings matches. The top two teams from each of the groups in both competitions will advance following roundrobinplay
President Ali rallies behind Lady Jags ahead of CONCACAF U-20 Women's Championship
By Rawle Toney
President IrfaanAli paid a visit yesterday to the Lady Jags' final training session beforetheirdepartureforthe CONCACAF Women's U20 Championship, set for May 29 – June 8 in Costa Rica.
Guyana will compete in Group A, alongside hosts CostaRica,PuertoRico,and the tournament's most successful team, the United States.
The Lady Jags will kick offtheircampaignonFriday, May 30, with a daunting openeragainsttheUSA.
They will then face the home side, Costa Rica, on June 1, before wrapping up the group stage against PuertoRicoonJune3.
During his visit to the G u y a n a F o o t b a l l Federation's (GFF) National Training Centre, President Ali, accompanied by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson J r , p l e d g e d t h e Government'sfullsupport. H
President Irfaan Ali (centre) along with Sports Minister Charles Ramson Jr (centre right) and GFF President Wayne Forde (centre left) during the President's visit to the U20 Lady Jags.
incentives,asthetournament also serves as a qualifier for the FIFA U-20 Women's WorldCup.
“I want to congratulate you on the enormous pride that you've brought to this country,” President Ali told theplayers.“Butit'snotonly that you've brought pride to us,moreimportantly,you've placedwomen'sfootballona historicstageforGuyana.”
The President reminded
theteamthattheyarenotjust representingGuyana,butthe entire CARICOM region, as Guyana is the only Caribbean nation competing in the eight-team tournament.
Speaking to the diverse group of players, President
Ali, whose term as CARICOM Chair ended in M a r c h , s a i d , “ We (CARICOM) are all in. We areinthistogether AndIwill (Continueonpage19)
'One Guyana' King and Queen of the Sand Football
rd
PM Phillips opens 3 edition following colourful march past; 5 wins and a draw recorded
Hon. Brigadier (Ret'd)
Mark Anthony Phillips, Prime Minister, on
Independence night officially opened the third edition of the One Guyana Kings and Queens of the Sandfootballcompetitionin theBauxiteMiningTownof Linden.
Following a colourful marchpastoftwentyfourof the twenty eight contesting teams, eight of which are females, Prime Minister Phillips in his feature remarks reminded the players of his Government's commitment and steadfast
a s s u r a n c e t o t h e development of the nation's athletesaswellaspromoting communal interaction through the powerful mediumofsport.
The tournament, which has seen wide spread participationofteamoutside oftheBauxiteMiningTown, is being contested at the People's Progressive Party Civic(PPP-C)Lindenoffice ground and admission is free.
Over six-million in cash and other incentives is at stake with the winner of the Queen segment of the tournament set to collect nd rd th $800,000with2 ,3 ,and4
to be rewarded with $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000, respectively
The top prize for the Kings segment is a whopping n d $1,500,000 with 2 rd attracting $500,000, 3 th $200,000 and 4 $100,000. Therewillalsobeincentives for the best goalkeeper,
highest goal scorer and the mostvaluableplayer
Two matches in the Queens competition heralded the start of this year's edition with Iconic Strikers setting the tone as they hammered Rockstone, 7-0. Doubles each came off thefeetofJanelleEdmonson th th th (5 , 8 ), HoriciaAdams (5 , th18 ), and Shontel Greene th th (7 ,15 ).Theothergoalwas recorded by Shanic th Thornhillinthe14 minute.
ThenextQueensmatchupendedinanexcitingdraw between Avacado Ballers and Hururu. It wasAvacado Ballers which broke the deadlocksixminutesintothe game when Mananjel Mendoza breached the opponents defence and goalkeeper
That advantage did not last forlongasUickeshaPersaud respondedinlikemannerfor Hururu one minute laater
The second of three 8minute segments in the QueenscontestsawAvacado Ballers once again retaking the lead, this time it was a NorkelynHernandezgoalin th the10 minute.
But, like before Hururu fired back to even the score th in the 15 minute through Shalam Frederick. Neither teamwereabletoscoreagain as each walked away with a p o i n t Each of the four matches in theKingscompetitionended invictory TeamMineralwas too strong for Swan FC, winning4-1KelroyAnthony th th (6 ), Tino Thomas (18 ),
rd Jermaine King (23 ) and th Travon Croal (27 ) inked
their names on the scoresheet for the winners. Swan consolation goal was scored by Mark Loncke in th the8 minute.
Rockston's Daniel
Adolphwastheherooftheir 3-1 triumph over Hardball Management.Adolphscored (Continueonpage19)
Prime Minister Mark Phillips meeting players from Swan FC, along with Assistant Director or Sport, Franklin Wilson, and other officials
These players from Hururu (left) and Avacado Ballers battle for the ball on Monday night.
Development Director of Sport endorses President
Irfaan Ali for Second Term
As Director of Sport, I wishtopubliclyendorseHis Excellency Dr Mohamed IrfaanAli for a second term
as President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
Over the past five years,
President Ali has demonstratedanunwavering
commitment to national development through a holistic approach that integrates infrastructure, economic growth, and human capital investment, particularlyinsports.
From 2020 to 2025, under the stewardship of President Ali, the
Government of Guyana has allocated an unprecedented $21 61 billion to sports development. This level of investment is historic and speaks volumes about the President's understanding of thecriticalrolesportplaysin youth empo
,
community development, nationalunity,andGuyana's globalrepresentation.
To contextualize this investment:
Ÿ In 2020, the allocation to the Ministry of Culture, YouthandSportstood at$805.3million.
Ÿ By 2021, it had nearlydoubledto$1.5 billion.
Ÿ In 2022, the figure roseto$2.4billion,
Ÿ Followed by $4.3 billionin2023,
Ÿ $4 6 billion in 2024,
Ÿ And in 2025, a remarkable $8 billion wasallocated.
Theseresourceshavenot remainedconfinedtobudget lines, they have translated into realistic and impactful changes. We have seen the construction of new stadiums, modern athletic tracks, multi-sport recreational facilities, and the rehabilitation of hundreds of community grounds across both coastal and hinterland regions Infrastructure once thought impossibleinGuyanaisnow
- Cites historic Investment in Sports and National
of Sport.
a reality President Ali's leadership has proven that sport is not a luxury, it is a necessity and an essential t o o l f o r s o c i a l transformation. His approach has gone beyondmedalsandtrophies; ithasbeenaboutinvestingin thepeopleofGuyana. HisExcellencyisnotjust developing facilities, he is developingcommunitiesand lives. Young people across Guyana, are now afforded unprecedented access to opportunitiesinsport.
Forthefirsttime,weare seeing sustainable career pathwaysemerging,notonly
forathletes,butforcoaches, sports administrators, and entrepreneurs connected to thesportingecosystem. President Ali has positioned Guyana not only toparticipatebuttocompete on the regional and internationalstages. Several transformative initiatives are currently underway through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Com
on, including the construction of new national and regional facilities and comprehensive athlete development programmes Therefore, I am confident that President Ali will be allowed to complete the work he has so boldly and effectivelybegun.Thisisnot about politics. This is about progress. It is about giving continuity to a vision that is changinglivesandreshaping the future of sport and national development in Guyana. It is a privilege to endorse His Excellency President Irfaan Ali for a s e c o n d t e r m H i s transformative leadership hasbeenforthepeople.
Steve Ninvalle, Director
Guyana Chess Federation to host CARICOM Classic Chess Tournament and U-16 Junior Tournament to run concurrently
The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) will once again host the prestigious CARICOM Classic Team Chess Tournament from June 30th to July 7th, 2025, at its official venue, the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre. An Open competition for junior players under16 will run alongside the main event, creating an invaluable opportunity for more young chess enthusiasts to gain international competitive experience.
The CARICOM Classic, a collaboration between the Guyana Chess Federation and the CARICOM Secretariat, invites chess players from CARICOM nations,alongwithtoplocal chess players, to compete in anine-roundClassicalSwiss format of the game, each team vying for a chance to place in the top three positions.
The U-16 chess competition promises to have a host of young Guyanese players who will get a chance to shine and compete among other playerstheirage.
The GCF in its aim to promote chess in Guyana and the Caribbean region, hostedthefirstinstalmentof the CARICOM Classic Chesstournamentin2024to coincide with CARICOM's 50th anniversary, attracting participants from Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, Dominica, St Lucia, Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands. The Trinidad and Tobago team took home the first-place trophy, while Guyana came second and Barbados placed third. This successfultournamentpaved the way for our CARICOM brothers and sisters to compete among themselves andprovidedanopportunity to foster and solidify stronger friendships among theCaribbeannations.
The Federation's goal is to establish the CARICOM Classic as a biennial event, strategicallyheldintheyears between Chess Olympiads. This year, the GCF has chosen to host the competition (the next CARICOM tournament is earmarked for 2027) as the next Chess Olympiad is scheduledfor2026.
The participating teams will enjoy a week-long stay at the prestigious Pegasus Hotel, offering breathtaking viewsoftheAtlanticOcean. The tournament itself will take place in the Exhibition CentreofthePegasusSuites and Corporate Centre, a venue renowned for its modern amenities and exquisite design, ensuring a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere fo
competitors.
Mr Brandon Badal, Manag
Tournament is a remarkable initiative that not only celebrates the spirit of
m
strengthens regional unity through the game of chess. He stated that the Pegasus Hotelisproudtosponsorthe Guyana Chess Federation in hosting this important event at Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, and commended the federation's effortsinpromotingchessas atoolforeducation,strategic thinking, and youth development across the Caribbean.
The GCF expresses profound thanks to the Pegasus Hotel Guyana for generously providing their exceptional venue for both tournaments.
The Guyana Chess Federation(GCF)extendsits sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and the National SportsCommissionfortheir unwavering support and invaluable sponsorship of
the CARICOM Classic tournament.
Thank you to APAN E n e r g y w h o h a s substantially supported the CARICOM tournament, CB Group of Companies and NTS Amega Global. The GCF is heartened by the sponsorship received from these companies and the support they have expressed forthedevelopmentofchess inGuyana.
GCF executives with Mr. Brandon Badal, Managing Director, Pegasus Hotel Guyana.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips meeting players from Team Mineral along withAssistant Director of Sport Franklin Wilson and other officials.
West Indies captain Hayley Matthews
Lady Jags, Heike Clarke, makes a presentation to
IrfaanAli.