Kaieteur News

‘Govt. targets

‘Govt. targets newspapers’

...signalsmovetoshifttenderadstonewdigitalprocurementportal

…Jagdeosaysstatepayingcloseto$800Mannuallyonadvertisements

Thegovernmentissetto sharplyreduceadvertisingin newspapers as it prepares to launch a new national procurement website next year,sayingthat“thedaysof people having to buy a newspaper to check for tender ads will soon be over.”

Vice President Bharrat

J a g d e o m a d e t h e announcement on Thursday at his weekly news conference during which he said that the new digital platform will replace the long-standing system of publishing tender notices primarily in newspapers- a practice he said currently costs the state close to $800Mannually

There have been instances in the past where the VP had suggested that online media entities should be able to benefit from government advertisements,

especially when his government had been called out for late payments to newspapers. On Thursday Jagdeotoldreportersthatthe first reform the government w i l l b e p u r s u i n g aggressively is to improve procurement in the country, in keeping with President Irfaan Ali's promise in his inaugural speech. “He said I'm going to improve procurement in the country So, we want to make procurementfairer;wewant the procurement to have certaincarveoutsforpeople, small contractors so that more of them could be brought into the core of contractors,”theVPsaid. He stressed that the government wants better quality of work and a way more transparent tendering system,andhasbegunwork ontheagenda.Inthisregard, “One of the first

‘We

manifestations you will see next year is a procurement website that will now advertise contracts around the country So, the current way of doing this is you put ads in newspapers mainly So,in2024alone,thecostto the Treasury of putting out those ads in the newspapers wasnearly$800millionthat went to the newspapers,” he explained.

The VP highlighted that with ads of this nature, except the online edition of the paper, it goes into the newspaper and that is it. Person cannot read it in the papers the following day because it is not there. With theprocurementsitetheyare looking to implement once an ad for an available contract is posted for inviting bids, it will be available for the entire periodthetenderisvalid.

“So, you can then go

there. You will see what the opportunities are People don't have to go and buy newspapers now and scan the newspapers for this They can check from their phones wherever they live across the country People havephones.Theyhavenow internet facilities in all, including in theAmerindian communities They can check procurement opportunitiesacrossGuyana on that site,” Jagdeo explained.

Furthermore, he said the legislation will be amended to facilitate the shift and the governmentintendstomake full use of online media entities for advertising purposes,asitbelievesthere isawiderreach.“So,weare not going to cut out ads totally, but we can cut down thecostorgiveonlinemedia outlets that get no share of thisads,althoughtheyreach

more viewers often than the newspapers themselves. It's a more democratic system,” hesaid Jagdeo added that, “You're going to hear the complaints from the Stabroek and the Kaieteur News. All of them, they alwayssaythatbecausethey believetheygotaGod-given right to government money andgovernmentads.Itmust notbe.Theywantefficiency and everything else, but not inthatsector.”

The VP went on to further state that it is the government's duty to use its funds efficiently and this way would be the most efficient way in which the advertising budget can be expended, warning the mediatokeepaneyeoutfor the complaints from the above-mentionedentities.

“They've already been complaining globally: "Oh,

thegovernmentnotgivingus enough money," as though they,youknow,thepeopleof this country, have a duty to fund their newspapers or everything else, their activities.Watchoutfortheir complaintstostartsoon.But that will be something that wewanttodo,”helamented. This would be the best optionastheydonothaveto leavetheirhomestogohunt down newspapers, but can check online from the comfort of their homes on their devices, and it is guaranteed to be efficient, Jagdeoreasoned.

decide not Exxon’

…Jagdeo says revenue stream from gas must come early

The government of Guyana (GoG) has made it clear that its energy partner, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) will not determine the country's priorities where the utilisation of its resources is concerned.

As such, he noted that revenue flow from the development of Guyana's gas in the prolific Stabroek block must come in as early as possible. During a press conference hosted at Freedom House on Thursday, Vice President, BharratJagdeorespondedto comments made by PresidentofEMGL,Alistair

Routledge that the liquification of natural gas was not a priority for the company

Routledge told reporters on Monday that while liquification of natural gas was an option, Exxon is actively considering other options to bring value to the country “Currently we are not progressing plans to liquifyanyofthegasneither the Longtail or any of the other developments We

continue to hold that as an option but what we've been w o r k i n g w i t h t h e government on is prioritise availability of gas and supply of gas onshore into thecountrywherewe'dhave the highest value to the countrytosupportadditional power generation, installation of data centres alumina These kinds of projects and probably many others that will grow other parts of Guyana's economy and provide other business opportunities.”

He added that these options would be “more attractive” compared to LNG. Meanwhile, Jagdeo noted that government remainsfocusedonitsplans tomonetisethecountry'sgas resources and exploring all feasible options to do so. “When we said we want to monetisethegasandthatwe were going to go out for an expressionofinteresttogeta company that would work with us in a tripartite way, and with us, and Exxon in a tripartiteway,weareserious

aboutit,andwemadeitclear that we want to do this earlier, rather than later,” he said.

The VP further pointed outthatshouldExxonnotbe interested in developing the resourcesintheHaimaraand Pluma discoveries, then government is prepared to seek another contractor He pointedoutthatgovernment does not intend to put the project on the back burner; and is in fact willing to examine all options for the monetisation of the resources, that would return the most benefit to Guyana and prove feasible for the privateinvestors.

Jagdeo expressed disappointment that Exxon hasseeminglydismissedthe potential of a Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) project, sincehebelievesthatoption hasgreatpotential.

He explained, “So we havenottakenanyoptionoff thetableinthepursuitofthis project as yet and LNG is one of those very feasible options and that could be donefaster,becauseyoucan do it through a floating

platform I hope Exxon doesn'tthinkthatbytryingto takethisoffthetable,which it seems as though they're doing by saying it's not a priority, that they would delay this project, that they were not initially interested in.”

The VP pointed out that infrastructure to support anotheroptiontodevelopthe gas may take longer, comparedtoafloatingLNG platform.

The GoG had engaged Fulcrum LNG to explore options to develop the country's gas, however Jagdeo could not provide an update on the discussions withthecompany

He nevertheless urged, “This project has to happen, and it has to happen soon. It must become a priority for everyone,forExxon,forthe government and the other partners, that we want a revenuestreamtoflowfrom thegasearlytoGuyana.”

VP Jagdeo said that in determining the feasibility of a future project, every option must be explored which includes bringing the

gas to shore for industrial purposes,utilisingafloating platformtoproduceLNGsor exporting the gas to Trinidad.

He said, “They have to studyeveryoption,andthen determine which is the most feasibletomakethat.Whatif they say, oh, take LNG off the table, and then say, you know,tobringitonshore,it will take 10 years, and also, we're not sure, we need to createthedemandfirst,then, theygetafreepasswhenan

LNG option could be a feasible option and can be doneswiftly Butheistaking it off the table already, by saying it's not a priority I don't want it taken off the table in the assessment…I think it's premature for him tosaythis.”

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

KaieteurNews

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EDITORIAL

Routledgev.OGGN–who'sright

WegettheimpressionthatExxonMobilGuyanaPresident, Alistair Routledge, and Guyana's President Irfaan Ali use especially skilled scriptwriters They both say what sounds plentiful, but when parsed through closely, what have they really said is what leaves many scratching their heads. On th Monday, October 13 , Routledge held one of his rare press engagements. A question that Mr Routledge had to anticipate was coming isolated the issue of tax receipts issuedtothecompanybytheGuyanaGovernment. Itcould besaidthathedidnotdisappoint,whileitcouldalsobesaid thathedidn'tshedmuchlightonthesetaxreceipts.

Areceiptisareceipt,regardlessofwhocreatesit,andno one should have and problems or objections in producing it. This matter of tax receipts that's much commented about in Guyana,shouldnothavetakensolongbeforeExxonMobil's Guyana Country Head found his voice and confidence. In Mr. Routledge's own words, “there were no Guyanese tax creditsthatwereincludedineitherofthosetaxfilings. He was referring to tax years 2023 and 2024, because the companydidnotearnanyprofitsinbothofthoseyears. Itis a testimony to the ExxonMobil's local head skill that he rechanneledthequestionandthenarrativefromtaxreceipts totaxcredit.

The question that we at this publication have is straightforward Since ExxonMobil and its partners (the consortium)arenotpayingtaxes,thenwhygetinvolvedwith theissuanceofataxreceipttobeginwith? Whyisthereeven any level of interest in tax receipts, given its zero-level tax status in Guyana? The Production Sharing Agreement of 2016 between ExxonMobil and Guyana is clear ExxonMobildoesnotpaytaxes,andthatshouldhavebeen that,withalldiscussionsandcontroversiesabouttaxreceipts clankingtoahalt.

Itwasagroupofoverseas-basedGuyanesethatarepartof a US 501© qualified public charity named the Oil and Gas GovernanceNetwork(OGGN)thatdidaconsiderableamount ofliftingwiththisExxonMobiltaxreceiptissue. OGGNkept theissuealivebeforeGuyanese,andgoingasfaraswriting totheGovernmentofGuyanafordetailsrelativetowhatwas involvedintheissuanceoftaxreceipts. Thegroupdidnot makemuchprogresswiththegovernment,butthatwasnot the end of the matter While the PPPC Government (and ExxonMobil)mayhavecomfortedthemselvesthattheyhad succeeded in slamming the door shut on OGGN with its pesky tax receipt probing, it was a false dawn. The concerned Guyanese at OGGN were still pushing the issue frombehindthescenes,andnotinGuyana,butalltheway intotheUnitedStatesSenate. Theendresultoftheirzealous activityisthatthreeUSSenatorshavefollowedthroughon the concerns by writing to ExxonMobil's CEO, Darren Woods, for information by October 23, so they can review, decideabout,whathappened. ApriorityinterestofSenators Whitehouse, Van Hollen, and Merkley is whether US taxpayers are subsidising ExxonMobil, with the same tax receiptissuefeaturingprominently In his Monday press engagement, Routledge singled out thegroupformentionwhenhesaidthatitmayhave“misled” theUSSenators Carefullyhedged,butwithalotofroomfor the kind of dancing that Mr Routledge seems to be getting betterandbetterat. ItisworthnotingthattheExxonMobil Guyana head focused mainly on 2023 and 2024, when the companyhadnoprofits,perhisstatement. Thefollow-upto that is why, then, was that US$1.3B tax waiver that was issued by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to ExxonMobil necessary? What does that qualify as in Routledge'sthinking? WenotethatExxonMobil'sFormSD filing for 2024 with the US Securities and Exchange Commission represented that US$1.2361B in taxes were paid to the Guyana Revenue Authority The facts on the ground are that no such taxes were actually paid by ExxonMobil itself. This is becoming more mysterious and more revealing simultaneously No taxes paid, tax waiver issued,FormSDfiling,butallispureandinnocentintheUS Acloudyanddubiousissuejustthickenedinbothrespects

Women have legitimate reasons for staying/returning to abusive situations

DearEditor,

Weareverydisturbedby the report in Kaieteur News Papers (October 15, 2025), captioned, “Berbice woman ordered to pay sixty thousanddollarsincourtcost forrefusingtotestifyagainst herhusband”.

The judgement by the

y disappointing to us. In our experience of dealing with

(including our own), we have come to recognize that women have numerous legitimate reasons for staying/returning to the situationandalsofeelingthe need to protect their abusive partners. Some of those reasons include fear due to threatsandfeelingobligated to protect their families, being pressured by family members/ friends/ religious communities, lack of financial support, nowhere tolive,lackofconfidencein the justice system, and the listgoeson.Thesearethings that should be taken into consideration by all parties involved in addressing the

issueofdomesticviolence.

We are almost certain Ms. Ramoutar's refusal to testify against her husband and with the confirmation that she was not coerced or threatened, was not with an intentiontowastethecourt's time.Thisisawomanwhose life has been destroyed for years from domestic abuse. Has any consideration been given to the fact that even if she was threatened or coerced into withdrawing thematter,thatshewouldbe afraidtosayso?

We ask, what support measureshavebeentakento ensure her safety, to strengthen/encourage/ reassure and prepare her for thecourthearing?Whatwas t h e e x t e n t o f t h e investigation (if any) done bythepolice?

Thefactthatthiswoman wentonsocialmediatoshare herstoryisasignofawoman desperately in need of help. To turn around and charge her for “wasting the court's time”, is revictimization for a crime committed against her it is punishment on top ofabuse,wheninfactitisthe

systemthathasclearlyfailed to provide the necessary protection that Ms Ramoutar needed and pleaded for when she went onsocialmedia.

Like Ms. Ramoutar, so many women are scared because of a failed justice andsupportsystem.

There is need for continuous training of all stake holders to ensure justiceisservedtothepeople whoneedit.

We are concerned at the reportedoutcomeofthiscase when the reports indicate that the Ministry of Human ServicesandSocialSecurity had intervened after Ms. Ramoutar's social media appeal. This outcome exposes serious gaps in the Ministry's mechanisms even after the major headlines about sensitization and new responsive units The Ministry should have been responsible from the very beginning to provide the support (including material) toenableMs.Ramoutartogo ahead with her hopes for a lifewithoutviolence.

Wealsodemandtoknow

whether it is now a judicial policy that women who are unable to give evidence against their abusers be charged? A lot of work was donewithmagistratestohelp them understand the pressures and damage on women caused by abuse –Red Thread, Help and Shelterandothershavebeen involved in some of this training The ridiculous notionthatanabusedwoman could waste the court's time wasexploredandreversedin magistrates' trainings over theyears.

We cannot claim that we areworkingtoenddomestic violence or family violence unless all arms of the state are trained and retrained, until we install all the necessary supports in communitiesandschools,in police stations, and at the courts.

Yourstruly, JoyMarcus

WintressWhite

SusanCollymore

HalimaKhan

RoshwanaPilgrim

VanessaRoss MaeveRamsay

There is hope that commuting in Guyana can finally get faster and safer

Dear Editor,

P r e s i d e n t A l i ' s announcement gives me hope that commuting in Guyanacanfinallygetfaster, safer,andfairer

I spend enough time in trafficbetweenGeorgetown, the East Bank, and the East Coasttomeasuremyweekin brake taps. When President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali spoke about introducing a modern train system, it felt likeaturningpoint. We'vewidenedroadsand added new links, yet the gridlock finds its way back every morning and evening. At some point, we have to admitthatpavingmorelanes won't solve a problem born of too many cars heading to the same places at the same time.Areliabletrainnetwork is the kind of big, practical stepthatcanactuallychange dailylifehere.

More than anything, I want my time back Predictable travel matters. Trains run on schedules that don't bend to every minor fender-bender or sudden downpour, and they can move far more people per

hourthanaroadchokedwith private cars and minibuses. If we connect the busiest corridors especially the East Coast and East Bank—many of us could tradeastressful,open-ended driveforaridewecancount on.Thatkindofreliabilityis priceless when you're trying to get to work on time, pick upthekidswithoutpanic,or simply plan a day without buildinginanhourof“justin case.”

Beyond time, there's the quietbenefitofsafety.Every day we navigate abrupt stops, risky overtakes, and the near-misses that spike your blood pressure long afteryou'veparked.Shifting ameaningfulshareoftripsto rail lowers those exposures. With modern signaling, well-lit stations, and clear pedestrian access, the journey becomes calmer Fewer cars battling for the same strip of tarmac means fewer chances for things to gowrong.

Then there's the cost we don't always tally Fuel, maintenance, parking, and lost hours add up—often

silently, week after week. If fares are fair and service is frequent, a train pass could undercut the total cost of driving daily or stitching together multiple minibus rides. That can leave more money for groceries, school supplies, and savings. For families walking a tight budgeting line, the difference would be felt immediately.

There is a cleaner promise too. Anyone who has sat in a mid-afternoon snarl knows the taste of exhaust and the weight of heat radiating off idling engines Modern electric trains, especially as our powermiximproves,cancut emissionsperpassengerand reduce the noise and fumes that hang over our busiest corridors.

Streets near stations w o u l d f e e l different—quieter, with air thatdoesn'tstingafteralong standstill.

FairnessisthetestIkeep coming back to. The people who spend the largest share of their income and time on transport stand to gain the

most from reliable rail

That's why affordable fares, accessible design, and simple, integrated payments matter If stations are designedforseniors,parents with strollers, and persons with disabilities, then the s y s t e m s e r v e s everyone not just those who already have good options.

Intheend,successlooks simple to me: shorter, reliable trips between the EastCoast,Georgetown,and the East Bank; stations that feel safe at dawn and after dark; fares that don't sting; and trains that arrive when the timetable says they will. If we hold to those principles, President Ali's train plan won't just move people. It will buy us back time,reducedailystress,and open doors to opportunity acrossGuyana.

That's why I welcome it—becausedonewell,itcan change the shape of an ordinary day for the better, and that's the kind of progresseveryonecanfeel.

Sincerely, PhilipInshanally

Manifesto promise- early identification and Intervention: building brighter futures together

DearEditor,

The Government of Guyana's initiative to place emphasis on

s commendable as it is instructive. The world over faces challenges in the education sector as the number of learners struggling continue to rise and in addressing those challenges is the matter of early identification and intervention to mitigate challenges for both the learner and the education sector in later years. Every child deserves the chance to reachtheirfullpotential.Yet for many children with developmental, learning, or behavioral challenges, that opportunity depends on one crucial factor — how early their needs are recognised and addressed Early identification and intervention can change the courseofachild'slife.When children receive the right support at the right time — across home, school, health, and community systems — theyaremorelikelytothrive academically, socially, and

emotionally Research consistently shows that the earlier challengesareidentified,the better the outcomes. The first five years of life are a critical period for brain development.

During this window, the brain is highly adaptable — itcanformnewconnections, strengthen skills, and respond to supportive environments Early intervention is not about labeling a child. It is about understanding their unique needs and giving them the tools and support they need to succeed. This can start with early screening at both education and health facilities.

A cross-sector approach brings together professionals from multiple disciplines teachers, social workers, psychologists, educational diagnosticians, pediatricians, andcommunityorganisations to collaborate in identifying concerns early and designing coordinated interventions Such collaboration helps ensure that health screenings in clinics link to follow-up

support in preschools and schools,teacherswhonotice early learning struggles can refer families for developmental assessments done at education level, and community agencies can providefamilycounselingor housing support when needed.

Delays in identification and intervention can have lastingeffects.Childrenwho donotreceivetimelysupport may experience school failure, emotional distress, or social

sion Moreover, late intervention is m

stly emotionallyforfamilies,and financiallyforcommunities. Preventing problems early saves time, resources, and potential lifelong struggles.

Early support is an investment that pays dividends for society as a whole.

For early identification and intervention to succeed, policy and practice must be aligned Government and service agencies can strengthen outcomes by establishing shared referral systems between health, human services, and

education sectors, providing joint training for teachers and health professionals, developing c o m m u n i t y - b a s e d intervention centers, and ensuring consistent data sharing and follow-up between sectors. Such integration ensures that every child, regardless of background or ability,

compassionatecare.

Early identification and intervention are not the responsibility of any one profession — they are a shared social commitment. When education, health, humanservices,andfamilies unitearoundacommongoal, theycreateapowerfulsafety netforeverychild.Inclusion begins with awareness, g r o w s t h r o u g h collaboration, and blossoms wheneverychildisgiventhe chancetoshine.

“Ittakesavillagetoraise a child — and a team to support one Early intervention is not just good practice; it's a promise of equityandhope.”

KeonCheong

Survivor-centred approaches mean listening and understanding

DearEditor, Kaieteur News has reported (15 Oct, 2025) that the Guyana State has punished a survivor of intimate partner violence.

The woman from Berbice made a request to the State, represented by police and magistrate, to warn the abuser

Thisrequestisfamiliarto many law enforcement officers in Guyana and aroundtheworld,becauseof the cultural, social, economicfactorswhichtrap many women and others in abusive situations Some survivorsofintimatepartner violence want the violence and abuse to stop, not necessarily to jail the abusers. Survivor-centred approaches mean listening andunderstanding. Allofthepeople-family

members, friends, counsellors, advocates, social workers, police, magistrates who work with survivorsofintimatepartner violence are supposed to understand how entrapment works, and have empathy and not frustration when survivors do not want 'jail' fortheabusers.

The Domestic Violence Act in 1996, and now the FamilyViolenceActin2024 is supposed to be around a system of Protection Orders and other orders, ways of doing'warnings'.

There are mechanisms for gazetted social workers and police to also apply for the Protection Orders. The State should be able to use evidence other than the testimony of survivors to dealwithcriminalcharges. Many empathetic

magistrates over the years havelistenedtotheneedsof survivorswhodonotwantto press charges These magistrateshavereferredthe survivors,womenmostly,to organisations like Red Thread and Help & Shelter The Ministry of Human Servicesnowhasasystemof advocates in place in some parts of Guyana. So why didn't the State of Guyanapolice,judiciary,Ministryof HumanServiceslistentothe survivor and discuss the options under the Family ViolenceAct?

Sinceempathycannotbe legislated, is it time for the Judiciary to enforce guidelines so that when Magistrates and police and other duty bearers feel 'their time is being wasted', that they follow instructions and do the referrals instead of

punishingthesurvivors?

The Magistrates and police, using the Family Violence Act of 2024, can also refer the many abusive mentheyhavetodealwithto the Ministry of Human S e r v i c e s ' B R AV E programme and Men's Affairs Bureau; or Men on Mission for lessons on accountability and healing sotheycanbedecenthuman beings.

We will not be eliminating intimate partner violence and other forms of gender-based violence by punishing survivors who do not want to press charges, and by not using the opportunities to ensure that abusive men and others become accountable for theirbehavior.

Yourssincerely

VidyarathaKissoon

Guyana's forward-thinking Genetic Improvement Programme

Dear Editor, I write to commend the Ministry of Agriculture for the remarkable progress m a d e u n d e r t h e Government's Genetic Improvement Programme, recently described by Minister Zulfikar Mustapha as“aclearsuccess.”

T h i s i n i t i a t i v e represents not just a win for livestock farmers, but a forward-thinking vision for the future of agriculture in Guyana.

Too often, agricultural policy is reactive and focused on short-term relief and immediate outputs. The Genetic Improvement Programme, however, demonstrates strategic foresight.

By investing in improved breeding lines, artificial insemination, embryo transfers, and livestock infrastructure, the Government is laying the genetic and institutional foundation for long-term productivity, resilience and foodsecurity

It is particularly noteworthy that the animals showcased at the recent GLDARuminantExpowere owned by farmers themselves not loaned from thestate.

This underscores that the programme is not creating dependency but building capacity and ownership among local producers. Farmers are now the custodians of advanced breeds and the drivers of innovation in the livestock sector

Equally visionary are thesupportinginitiativesthe planned abattoir at

Onverwagt, a new processing facility for small ruminants, a 5,000-acre livestock training and support centre, and ongoing pasture development projects Together, these investments ensure that improved genetics are matched with modern facilities, technical support, andmarketaccess.

Guyana's collaboration with international partners, such as the Brazilian companydevelopingadairy farm in Ebini and the upcoming embryo transfer programme, further reflects an openness to global best practices and technology transfer These partnerships placeouragriculturalsystem firmlywithintheframework of21st-centuryinnovation.

As Minister Mustapha rightly noted, the achievements displayed are proof of the resilience and evolution of Guyana's livestock industry This is not just about better breeds it'saboutamindsetshift.By prioritising genetics, infrastructure, and farmer empowerment, the Government is thinking ahead to a future where agriculture is competitive, sustainable, and globally relevant.

Guyana's approach provides a blueprint for developingnations:investin foundational assets, foster partnerships, and build systems that empower farmers to lead It is heartening to see such forward-thinking leadership at the helm of our agriculturaltransformation.

Sincerely,

Fawaz Harry

Dr.Arif Bulkan joins CCJ bench

... third Guyanese to reach Caribbean's highest court

ByRenaySambach

In a moment of

national pride, distinguished jurist Dr ChristopherArif Bulkan wasonThursdaysworninas a Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), becoming the third Guyanese ever to sit on the region's highest judicial body

Theceremonytookplace attheOfficeofthePresident before President Dr Irfaan Ali, CCJ President Justice Winston Anderson, Acting Chancellor Justice Roxane George, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips, Director of Public Prosecutions Shalimar AliHack, and several senior officials Justice Bulkan's appointment also coincides with his 35th anniversary at theBar,markingamilestone in a career that has spanned academia,advocacy,andthe regional judiciary He follows in the footsteps of JusticesDesireeBernardand DukeE.PollardasGuyana's representatives on the CCJ bench.

In his address, Justice Bulkan expressed deep gratitude to his mother, siblings, and all those who supported him throughout his career He said that over the past 35 years, he has benefited from the “advice, support, mentorship and camaraderie” of many colleagues.

To repay that support, JusticeBulkansaidhisfocus will be on the quality of his work going forward. “Be assured ladies and gentlemenandallthepeople in the region, that I am committedtoperformingmy functions with competence, efficiency and unwavering integrity,”hestated.

Justice Bulkan was selected by the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC), the i n d e p e n d e n t b o d y responsible for appointing judges to the CCJ. Justice Bulkan's appointment follows the vacancy created by the elevation of Justice Winston Anderson to the presidency of the Court on July4,2025.

Justice Bulkan reflected, “Today's swearing in as a judge of the CCJ is deeply meaningful for me, not because of any sense of personal accomplishment because I am fully aware of the extensive talent in this regionandhowmyselection isasmuchgoodfortuneand

good timing as anything else.”

He added that he is acutely conscious of what the CCJ represents in terms of decolonisation and regional integration, describing it as an honour and privilege to be part of thatjourney

Justice Bulkan lauded the CCJ's record in promoting human rights, upholding democratic values,andguardingagainst executiveoverreach.Hesaid the Court's jurisprudence reflects, “an enlightened approach that seeks to overcome hierarchies and promote substantive justice, notwithstanding populist pressures and deeply rooted societalprejudices.”

He also commended the CCJ's democratic ethos, emphasising that social status,economicstandingor politicalclouthasneverbeen apredictorofoutcome.

Further, Justice Bulkan underscored the CCJ's dynamism and agility in service of substantive justice,andheevencitedthe court's rule in refusing to award punitive costs in public interest cases as measures that ensure genuineaccesstojustice.He noted that while the region has made progress, the journey towards full independence is not “Accession to the CCJ is thus a regional imperative,” hesaid,expressinghopethat all Caribbean states will eventually make the Court theirfinalappellatebody

Justice Bulkan holds degrees from the University of the West Indies, University College London, and York University's Osgoode Hall Law School, and has worked regionally and internationally as a

litigator, academic, author, activist, judge, and internationallawexpert. He was admitted to the Guyana Bar in 1990 and served at the Chambers of the Director of Public Prose

ion

ore entering private practice He later sat on the Guyana Court of Appeal in 2018 and, since 2022, has served as a Judge of the Court of AppealofBelize Between2008and2022, Justice Bulkan lectured at the University of the West Indies' Faculty of Law and has published extensively on indigenous rights, human rights, and

constitutionallaw

Hispublicationsinclude The Survival of Indigenous Rights in Guyana (2012) and Fundamentals of Caribbean Constitutional Law(2015,2021) He has also served as a Vice Chairperson of the United Nations Human Rights Committee and is currently the Second VicePresident of the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights In recognition of his contributions, Justice Bulkan received the Anthony Sabga Caribbean Award for Public and Civic Contributions and was n a m e d a PANCAP/CARICOM Champion for Change in 2017. Moreover, in his remarks, President Ali extended congratulations to Justice Bulkan and described his appointment as both a moment of national pride and a celebration for the wider Caribbean He lauded Justice Bulkan's distinguished career as a model of public service The president highlighted that Dr Bulkan has served Guyana in multiple capacities, including as a magistrate,

appellate judge, scholar, andteacher

Moreover, PresidentAli used the occasion to reaffirm Guyana's commitmenttotheCCJ He added, “The CCJ is not an abstraction but a vibrant Caribbean institution, sustained by creativity, intellect, and inspired by Caribbeanpride itismore than a court; it is a declarationofconfidencein ourselves It symbolises the m a t u r i t y o f o u r independence and our capacity to administer justiceaccordingtoourown laws, in our own voice, and throughourowntruths ”

Pigeon plague prompts Education Ministry probe at schools on ECD, EBD

conducting an assessment at schoolsacrosstheEastCoast and East Bank of Demerara

p

geon infestation, subject minister

Sonia Parag s

id on Thursday

MinisterParag,speaking onthesidelinesofaneventat the Office of the President, spoke specifically to the s i t u a t i o n a t t h e Beterverwagting (BV) Primary School said that at the weekend, officials will ensure that areas that allow fortheentranceofpigeonsto theschoolarecovered.

“Whatwehavedonenow is that we're going to be covering the holes, the exposed areas with some mesh,andwe'lltrytodothat over the weekend when children are not in schools,” she stated The minister, while noting that pigeon

infestationatthatschoolhas been an ongoing issue, she noted that the responsibility falls on the regional a d m i n i s t r a t i o n Notwithstanding, she said the Ministry of Education will ensure that the situation isremediedsoonest.

“We will engage the parents and the children as well. I can't do anything aboutthepigeonpopulation,

butwhatIcandoisassessthe schools where we have any exposures in terms of vent but we also can't close off ventilation. So, we have to lookatsuitablematerialthat we can use to at least have those areas be covered off, which is what we're looking at and we're doing like an assessment across the East Coast as well as the East Bank,”ministerexplained.

Meanwhile, Minister Parag told reporters that basedontheassessmentofa doctor from the Enmore Regional Hospital who examined the children from the BVPrimary School who fell ill, their illness is not related to the pigeon infestation.

“That's what we were informed and so they were okay,”shestated.

On Tuesday, the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party made public the

situation at the school. In a statement,thepoliticalparty said that the pigeon infestation in the classroom and around the school's compoundissevere.

“The build-up of droppingsandnestingdebris makes the classroom unsanitary Pigeon waste exposes students and teachers to harmful bacteria and allergens daily,” WIN stated The party even published images of ill students lying on chairs joined together in a classroom. WIN said there have been multiple complaintstotheMinistryof Education,yettheinstitution remains in an unacceptable condition. This publication has since reported that the school was closed from Thursday as the regional administration works to address the pigeon infestation.

CCJ Judge, Justice Dr Christopher Arif Bulkan taking his oath on Thursday

A section of the gathering at the swearing-in ceremony of Justice Dr Christopher Arif Bulkan

Minister of Education, Sonia Parag

‘Guyana's business can't wait’

Th e G u y a n a Trades Union

C o n g r e s s (GTUC) on Thursday demanded the immediate summoning of the 13th Parliament In a press release, the union said that Guyana's “urgent business cannotwaitanylonger.”

“As Guyana faces mounting challenges the management of our crucial oil and gas resources, a soaring cost of living, deepening poverty, and escalatingtensionsbetween the United States(U.S.)and Venezuela placing our country at risk swift parliamentary action is imperative,”theGTUCsaid.

Earlier this month,

- GTUC calls for immediate summoning of 13th Parliament

assured that the 13th

constitutionaldeadline

The 12th Parliament was dissolved on July 3, 2025, ahead of the polls, which resulted in the People's Progressive Party Civic, PPP/C securing victory and Ali being electedforasecondterm.

He was sworn in on September 7, followed by the appointment of his cabinet in the days after Theonlyoutstandingstepis

Parliament

Under Article 69 (1) of

C

Guyana, Parliament must

meet no later than four monthsafterdissolution

“

The provision states:

Parliament shall be held at such place within Guyana andshallbeginatsuchtime (not being later than six months from the end of the p

prorogued or four months from the end of that session if Parliament has been dissolved) as the President

s h a l l a p p o i n t b y proclamation ”

Recently, President Ali reiterated his government's commitment to operating within the Constitution “You can always count on thePPP/Cgovernmenttodo

everything within the constitution, and I would never ever do anything outsideofit.

Article 69 (1) speaks on this matter The president will reconvene parliament, we have until four months after the parliament was dissolved,”hesaid

The President added that he sees no need to rush the process “I still have a lot of time under the constitution to reconvene parliament It will take me sometimeinNovemberthat iswithintheconstitution.

So, I think Guyana can t r u s t t h e P P P / C government and we will operate within the constitution

US$100 million spent to fix sinking Gas-to-energy site

boss says in explaining 14-month delay of project

Chairman of Lindsayca, Nelson Drake, has revealed that a staggering US$100 millionwasspenttostabilise theunstablesoilattheWales Gas-to-Energy project site—achallengethatsetthe massive undertaking back by14months.

Speaking at the International Business Conference(IBC)heldatthe Guyana Marriott Hotel on Wednesday, Drake said the project's timeline was severely impacted by unexpected ground liquefaction at the West BankDemerarasite.

Drake explained that he understandsthateveryoneis expecting startup, and while that is great and citizens want their electricity the process has to be understood. He highlighted that the project is at 68.03% completion,with89%ofthe engineeringdone,90.46%of the procurement done, but the construction completion isonlyat23%.

“A lot of people look at this and say, this is backwards.Usually,thecivil work is done and they're waiting to get equipment. Today, over 75% of this equipmentisinGeorgetown, the turbines, the hearsays, the best, all of it is in Georgetown,”hesaid.

However,thehurdlethat hastobeovercomeisthefact thatthelandatthesiteonthe

West Bank of the Demerara Riverhasaveryraremixture of sands. “…so matter of fact, there's a convention in Geneva and Fugro So, world renowned company, whowecontractedtodothis stabilisation of the soil, is presentinginthatconference inGeneva,thiscasestudyof Guyana.”

Going into detail Drake

said that there was liquefaction at the site and therefore this means that it was not fit for construction.

“The equipment that we're putting on the site is basically a gas process facility, which is easily can becomeabombatanytimeif it's not done properly, and also the Simmons turbine andthepowerislandhaveto be perfectly aligned,” he

added.

Furhermore, “There's no tolerancehereforthatlandto move, and therefore you have to stabilise and consolidateanddewaterthat land. So, we use top of the line technology, we spent over$100millionstabilising thatsoil,”Drakesrevealed.

He reminded that top of thelineinstrumentshadtobe used and this is something a lot of persons do not understand. A lot of money can be thrown on a site but the land will still react the wayitreacts,andthereforeit needs to be stabilised. “So, you have to wait until it's completelystablebeforeyou can start building this very expensive and very delicate equipment. That is why we're behind. It took us 14

National Assembly was dissolved in July ahead of the September 1 general and regional elections

The constitution gives me a time frame and I was electedPresidentandwhat Icanassureyouthatitwill be convened within the constitutional timeframe,” thePresidentsaid

H o w e v e r , t h e opposition has criticised the delay, arguing that urgent national matters remain unattended

Meanwhile, the union said that for decades, the Caribbean has proudly stood as a Zone of Peace but “today, that peace is underthreat ”

months to stabilise and over $100million,”Drakesaid.

At present the land has been stabilised and consolidated and all four of themainfoundationsforthe turbines have been poured. Those being the biggest foundations on site, a whopping 44,000 cubic metersofcement,wereused in the process. “Anyways, thosefoundationshavebeen done. The thing about this foundationisyougottopour them at night, because they're so massive, we actually put sensors in the rebar, and we measure the temperature throughout the evening. Usually you'll start at five, six o'clock in the afternoon,you'llfinishupto three, four a m in the morning,”Drakerevealed. Hetoldtheaudiencethat majorequipmentlikethegas turbines, the steam turbines, the cooling towers and transformers are already in Georgetown and are being stored at the Guyana Shore BaseIncorporated(GYSBI). This marks 90% of eventhingneededtobuldthe plant being in country, howeverwhiletheLiquefied Natural Gas (LNG) processing facility is 100% completelybuilt,itremainin HoustonTexas,asthereisno space on the GYSBI port to facilitate its storage, but by Christmas it will be in Guyana,Drakeassured.

“While some leaders argue that allowing the CaribbeanSeatoserveasa c h a n n e l i n t h e U S –Venezuela conflict

maintains regional stability,GTUCrecognises the grave complexities involved The presence of American warships in the Caribbean remains a contested issue even within U S leadership Weurgeall Guyanesetoremainvigilant to ensure our sovereignty, peace, and security are not compromised by external conflicts beyond our control.”

The GTUC said that the escalating conflict between the United States and Venezuela can cause severe repercussions for Guyana The union noted that “it risks drawing our nation into a dangerous crossfire, destabilising our internalpeaceandsecurity.”

“The conflict can cause increased forced m i g r a t i o n f r o m Venezuela, placing immense pressure on our porous borders and overwhelming our social infrastructure.

Most importantly, this conflict can fracture our fragile national unity if not addressed swiftly and transparently”

The union stressed that, “These matters require transparent and informed debate by our

e l e c t e d representatives and that can only happen in Parliament, the nation's highest decision-making forum”, the statement said while noting that it joins the Guyana Public Service Union(GPSU)incallingfor a“livingwage”alignedwith risinglivingcosts.

Moreover, the GTUC said that since 2020 prices have risen exponentially, placing severe strain on working families

“Thoughouroil-fueled economy has brought impressive growth, much of our population still struggles With over half of Guyanese living on less than US$5 50 per day, many cannot afford basic meals The disparity between national wealth and everyday hardship is a crisis that demands urgent attention. With the dollar currently trading around GY$210toUS$1,thereality on the ground is stark and alarming.

In this oil-rich nation, many Guyanese cannot afford three nutritious meals daily Too many children attend school hungry, families go to bed without food, and some survive on green mangoes or boiled eggs meals borne not of choicebutofnecessity”

Additionally, the GTUC reiterated its call for inclusive democracy as mandated by the Constitution of Guyana Effect

Guyanese, united under the motto: One People, One Nation,OneDestiny.

responsibility must be embraced without delay

convening of the 13th Parliament is not only necessary it is essential to safeguard our nation's future

The Chairman of Lindsayca Nelson Drake, during his presentation at the IBC held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

A country of roads and no direction

For years now, our country has been building roads as though the horizon itself

could be paved into submission. New highways sprout like vines after rain, four-lane corridors slicing through the cane fields, roundabouts blooming where once stood trees. Yet the problem of traffic grows worse,notbetter

David Granger, the formerPresidentofGuyana, morethanadecadeago,saw the shape of

his trap His view was simple,almostquaintnowin its clarity: the solution to traffic is not more roads but fewer cars. His Minister of Finance reminded us of this yesterday morning on a podcast.

Granger understood that infrastructuremustnotchase demand; it must anticipate and guide it. He spoke of mass transport, of systems that move people. But his was a voice from another time. Today, the philosophy

DEM

to be guided less by reason than by reaction Traffic thickens, and we build Congestion returns, and we build again Each new highway is hailed as salvationuntilthefirstwave ofvehiclesdescendsuponit. Then it becomes what every other road becomes: a strip of frustration, cluttered with vehicles and lined with warehouses and roadside commerce that follow the scentofopportunity

Consider the Schoonord Road. It might

BOYS SEH

Yuh own dice does come back fuh buss yuh head

Is like Jagdeo just wake up and holler, “We gon regulate gambling!”—as if he just discover that the world round and people does lose moneyingamesofchance.Demboysseh, this sudden revelation had people spitting outdemteaandrollingtilldemribsnearly crack. Because who really unleash this beast pon we? None other than the same PPPCthatnowhollering‘regulations!’like amantryingtoshutthestabledoorafterthe horsedonegallophalfwaytoSuriname. WhengamblingfirsttekrootinGuyana, it wasn’t no accident. It was policy. Dem boysremembergood-goodwhenthePPPC rollouttheredcarpetfordelottocompany, scratchcards,andcasinos.Everytimedem talk development, was casino talk in the mix. Remember the Marriott? That big fancyhotelthatwassupposedtoturnprofits from the slot machines and the roulette tables? That was the plan, bai! Gambling wasn’t a problem then It was an “investment” to make the hotel profitable, exceptdemoneywasnotthereatdetime. Now Jagdeo seh people getting addicted,spendingdemlastlilpaytryingto hititbig.Demboyssehthattrue,butlehwe call spade a spade.Who open the gate and letthecowout?

When yuh plant the seed of gambling, don’t bawl when the weed tek over yuh

wholeyard.Someahdemyoungmendoes brush dem teeth outside the betting shop, eat lunch by the lotto booth, and sleep dreaming of lucky numbers. That didn’t startyesterday Thatstartwhengovernment givegamblinglegitimacy,polishitupnicenice,andcallit“entertainment.”

But hear the best part. Dem boys hear Jagdeosehnewregulationscomingtocurb this thing. Dem laugh till tears run down. Becauseyuhreallybelievethemcasinosin fancyhotelsgonfeelthemregulations?Nah bai. Those doors gon stay open, air conditionstillblowing,andchampagnestill popping. The only people gon get “regulated”isthemantryingtowinbackhe taxifareatthecornershop.

Demboyswanttoputalilwageronit: these regulations gon protect, not punish, the big players. Because in Guyana, all gamblers equal, but some gamblers more equalthanothers.

Burnham did try to clamp down on gambling once, and all he do was drive it underground. Now it back, legalised and sanitised,wearingatuxedo.

Sodemboysseh,PPPCbetterbecareful itdon’tbiteitsowntongueorstumpitstoe. Because when yuh build a casino culture andcallitprogress,don’tbesurprisewhen thehousealwayswins.

Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

ave been the spine of a new kind of thinking a corridorforlightrail,gliding from the old Demerara Harbour Bridge to Parfaite Harmonie to Parika, carrying thousands in comfortandquiet.Thelands alongside the Heroes Highway could have been reserved for a similar purpose, a right-of-way for the future. But those lands, like so many others, have been given away for commercial and industrial development, the kind that generates quick returns but long regrets. Instead of a light rail line, we have warehouses.

A more imaginative plan might have looked different Commuters from the West Bank and West Coast could haveparkedtheirvehiclesata centrallotneartheoldHarbour Bridge theJoeVieiraPark, perhaps andboardedlarge shuttle buses, modern “GoBuses” capable of carrying a hundred passengers apiece These buses could have been grantedprioritylanesalongthe East Bank, moving swiftly past the crawl of private cars, ferrying workers into Georgetownwithefficiency It wouldhavetakenthousandsof vehicles off the road, eased congestion, and most importantly demonstrated thatcollectivetransportisnota punishment for those who cannot afford cars, but a privilege of those who value timeandsanity

This idea is not new UrbanplannerscallitaPark and Ride system, and it has been used to tame traffic in cities far busier than ours. But here, the notion of shared transport has never quite captured the political imagination. Perhaps it is becausethemotorcar,inour society, has become more

thanameansoftravel.Itisa status symbol, a declaration of arrival. To ask people to leavetheirvehiclesbehindis to ask them to abandon a little of their pride. And so, we build roads to keep up withourambitions.

During the school vacation, something remarkable happens: the trafficeases.Itisasmallbut telling miracle, one that reveals how deeply the transport of schoolchildren hasbecomeentangledinthe larger traffic malaise. The roadsarenotcloggedmerely with workers but with parents delivering their children to schools that lie milesawayfromhome.Each morning, thousands of cars perform the same ballet — pick up, drop off, and rejoin thejam.

If we wished to begin solvingtheproblem,wemight starthere Letthegovernment introduceschoolbusesforthe major institutions of Georgetown Queen’s College, Bishops’, St Stanislaus, St Rose’s, and St Joseph’s Each school could have three dedicated routes: East Coast, East Bank, and WestCoast Parentswouldbe sparedthedailydrive,andthe roads would be spared thousands of additional vehicles It would not solve everything,butitwouldprove thatsolutionsneednotalways comewrappedinconcreteand asphalt

But there is also another kind of traffic, but no less destructive: the procession ofsandtrucksalongtheEast Bank Public Road. These heavyvehicleslumberalong the same arteries that commutersuse.

Why not, then, separate them entirely from the civilian road network? Let therebeaheavy-railsystem,

similartotheonethatcarries bauxite from the mines Deep within the East Bank, wemightestablishvastsand depots, far from residential areas and waterways. The sand could be transported there by rail, and from these depots, trucks could distribute it to Georgetown, the East Coast, and West Demerara. It would be an investment not only in infrastructurebutinsanity

But this too, requires foresight the rarest commodity in public life. It means looking beyond the next election and asking what kind of country we wish to inhabit twenty years fromnow

The flaw in our current strategy is that it mistakes thesymptomforthedisease. Trafficisnottheproblem;it is the manifestation of deeper problems: poor planning,uncheckedsprawl, theabsenceofreliablepublic transport, and a cultural attachment to private mobility To treat traffic by building more roads is like treatingobesitybyloosening thebelt.Toescapethiscycle, Guyana needs a new approach,onethatbeginsnot with the car but with the citizen. The goal should not be to make it easier for vehicles to move, but to make it easier for people to movewithoutcars.

Onemanhadthesolution but not the resources at the time.Andwevotedhimout.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not

H@RD TRUTHS

Pres. Ali has opportunity to honour inaugural commitment

Some citizens may think that I am under the microscope. They revel at thethoughtthatIamontrial. There is pity for them Because,theyarelookingat the wrong man and in the wrong place The government, the PPP Government, is on trial Whatisitmadeof,whatisit about,fromitsmarrowtothe expressions of its substances? At an even more elevated plain, the highest possible in Guyana, it is the president of this Republic that is on the hot seat,duetotheactionsofhis comrades President Mohamed Irfaan Ali is the one being tested, not I

President Mohamed Irfaan Ali is the one who has to prove his words, not I. Que accusat,probaredebet. Onthedayofhissecond inaugural address, Pres. Ali spoke with seeming earnestness about how he is going to go after and demolish those who are agents of misinformation and disinformation in the vastness and anonymity of cyberspace. Itisatallorder, and with the going a hard slog The challenge intensifies exponentially when the peddlers of misinform

on and disinformation originate from his own community of workers. How will the

president be then, was a question that

ed considerabletraction? What will the president do now that his own people are the mongers of misinformation and disinformation, since sucharetheonlytradesthey know, what they have been incitedtobeabout?

What will the president do, given that the PPP Governmenthaveprospered from what is cheap, low, sleazy? Will Mohamed Irfaan Ali walk back his

nd disinformation, because of whotheoffendersare? Will Pres. Ali distance from his words, not honor them

because of different standardsthatapplyinthose instances when it is his own who are peddling scurrilous falsehoods?

The range of facts and circumstances, the entire sum of them, involve some who once numbered among Pres Ali's closest relationships. They are of gold smuggling, among many other allegations. In the words of the president's people, the president's friends are now my friends. Friends that I aided and abetted in some way for my benefitandtothelossofthe people of this country

Serious stuff, without a d o u b t C r o o k e d developments and vile slanders directly, by innuendo,whichmustnotbe allowedtopassunaddressed. IfthatiswhereIam,whereis Pres.Ali? After all, he was theoncewhomadeasoaring promise, a loaded one, beforeagatheringofforeign diplomats, and the largely curdled cream of Guyanese society I have my duty Pres. Ali has a bigger duty Thatis,topresideoverwhat acleangovernmentisabout, t o m a n i f e s t w h a t transformational leadership isabout.

The president makes

goodonhiswords,hisoath uttered before physical and electronicmultitudes,andhe stands at the heights. There are no other options open to Guyana's foremost national leader, Pres Mohamed IrfaanAli. For,ifhedoesnot move to evidence how seriously he takes his own wordsfreelygiven,thenwho ishe? Itwouldbepersonally disturbing to see my president reduced to a man of pronounced hollowness, one who is in love with empty words and promises that have nothing to prop them up; no authentic spirit tomakethemcomealiveand go to work. For a different kind of leadership and government. For a Guyana that is radically and remarkably different from thesicklyandslimyonethat has been for the last five years,ifnot25andmore. The gold smuggling developments, and the handiwork of his political brethren, provides Pres. Ali with the opportunity to be about truths that can immortalise Guyana. What willhedo? Ofcourse,there isapricethathastobepaid, through sacrificing those who have been loyal for the worst of reasons. How did men amass so much power?

With whom did they share their wealth, however obtained? Because no matter how much the leadership of the PPP Government tries to wiggle its way out of this one, to deflect onto the heads of others, it owns this unholy mess. The foundations and personnelwereinplacelong before2015;andtheylasted for years after 2020. But who has patience, who in Guyana has a care, for such inconvenienttruths?

When all of this is considered, all roads today lead to Pres. Ali. He can distance. He can duck. He still has a duty to deliver on his word of honor given in terms of how he deals with misinformation and disinformation. President Mohamed Irfaan Ali is now inthisphaseoftest,dragged into tribulations of his own, by his own. President Ali's hour has now arrived. May heprovetrue.

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

Venezuela asks UN Security Council to say U.S. strikes illegal

UNITED NATIONS, Oct 16 (Reuters)Venezuela has asked the United Nations Security Council to determine that deadly U.S.strikesonvesselsoffitscoastareillegal and issue a statement backing Venezuela's sovereignty, according to a letter seen by ReutersonThursday

U S President Donald Trump has ordered a large U.S. military buildup in the southern Caribbean, and the troops have conducted at least five the Trump administration has described as involved in drug trafficking, without providing evidence.

In a letter to the 15-member Security Council,datedWednesday,Venezuela'sU.N. Ambassador Samuel Moncada accused Washington of killing at least 27 people in the strikes on "civilian vessels transiting internationalwaters."

Heaskedthecouncilto"investigate"the strikesto"determinetheirillegalnature"and issue a statement "reaffirming the principle of unrestricted respect for the sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrityofstates,"includingVenezuela.

U.S.HOLDSVETOPOWER

However, the Security Council will be unable to take any action beyond holding meetingsonthesituationbecausetheUnited Statesholdsvetopower Thecouncilmetfor the first time last week over the tensions at therequestofVenezuela,Russia,andChina.

Venezuelan Ambassador to the United Nations Samuel Moncada speaks at U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S., October 16, 2025. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper

At that meeting, the United States justifieditsactionsasconsistentwithArticle 51 of the founding U.N. Charter, which requires the Security Council to be immediately informed of any action states takeinself-defenseagainstarmedattack. U.S.AmbassadortotheU.N.MikeWaltz said on Thursday Trump would use the intelligence community, the defense department, and diplomacy "to defend U.S sovereignty against actions that are actively killingAmericans."

"Venezuelacanbringwhatevertheywant totheU.N.Youknowwhat'salsopartofthe U.N. is Article 51 of the U.N. Charter that enablesacountrytodefenditself.Andthat's whatPresidentTrump'sdoingandisgoingto do,"hetoldFoxNews.

Kaieteur Entertainment Kaieteur

Entertainment

Lieve Blanckaert Blanckaer takesGuyanatotheinternationalstage

After a decade-long absence from one of the world's fastestgrowing beauty pageants, Guyana has returned to the Miss Grand International stage with formidableforce.

Leading this historic comeback is Lieve Blanckaert, the 26-year-old entrepreneur and wellness advocate who currently has the pageant world buzzing withanticipation.

B

AsMissGrandGuyana2025,

G

n

den Arrowhead in Bangkok, Thailand, competing against 76 othercountriesfortheprestigious title of Miss Grand International 2025.Thegrandfinale,scheduled for tomorrow, October 18, at the MGI Hall, promises to be a momentous occasion for Guyana as the nation rallies behind their representative.

Blanckaert was born and raised in Georgetown as one of eight siblings and has dedicated the past ten years to pageantry, service,andpersonalgrowth.Her path has been marked by perseverance through nearvictories and devastating personalloss,makinghercurrent success all the more meaningful. "This isn't just a crown," Blanckaert shared earlier this year "It's 10 years of trying, growing, not quitting, coming back,believing,fallingapart,and stillchoosingtoshowup."

Her impressive pageant

résumé includes the Miss India Guyana 2015 title, First RunnerUp at Miss Universe Guyana 2023,and2ndRunner-UpatMiss World Guyana 2024. This July, shesecuredtheMissGrandTexas 2025crown,whichultimatelyled to her historic opportunity to represent Guyana at the international level, ending the country's 10-year

competition since 2015 when Soyini Fraser was Queen.

As preliminary competitions unfolded over the past weeks, the Guyanese beauty has capturedtheattentionof pageant enthusiasts worldwide She has consistentlyappearedon the top picks list of nume

t bloggerpagesandsocial media platforms, with her performances in the swimwear, evening gown,nationalcostume, and interview segments earning widespread praise.

The swimwear competition took place on October 9 at the InterContinental Resort in Hua Hin, while the national costume competitionwasheldon October13atMGIHall. Botheventswerelivestreamedto

global audiences, allow Guyanese supporters to cheer theirrepresentativeinreal-time.

TheMissGrandInternational p

"Entertaining the World w Beauty," goes beyond traditional beauty standards. It positions c

o ambassadors, influencers,

Grand

cultural representatives with the powertoredefinesoftdiplomacy andnationalidentity

The competition format will seetwentysemi-finalistsselected from the pool of 77 contestants through a combination of judges' scores, public voting, and preliminary competition results. From there, the field will narrow until a new queen is crowned, succeeding current titleholder Christine Juliane Opiaza of the Philippines.

Throughout her journey, Blanckaert has remained committed to inspiring the next generation, particularly young women who may be facing their ownchallengesandsetbacks.

The grand finale of Miss Grand International 2025 will be broadcast live from Bangkok, Thailand, on October 18, with Guyanese everywhere united in support of their representative proudly sporting the Golden Arrowheadontheworldstage.

Lieve Blanckaert

Miss Grand Guyana 2025

Lieve Blanckaert during the Evening Gown Prelim

Miss Grand Guyana, Lieve Blanckaert in her striking swimsuit shot

Miss

Guyana 2025 during her National Costume showcase in Thailand

Omaiah Hall Guyana's "Soca Princess”

Riding high on the success of her Road March-winning hit "Breakway," OmaiahHall has released a new single titled "Happy Feeling," which is already generating significantbuzzacrosssocialmediaplatforms. The track, which dropped yesterday

(October 16th), represents the first of three planned releases the young artist has been developing for this season. Hall, who has recently earned the moniker "Guyana's Soca Princess," has maintained impressive momentum following her "Breakway"

Releases New Single “Happy Feeling”

triumph earlier this year, securing several major performance opportunities in recent months.

Earlierthisyear,Hall's"Breakway"placed thirdintheSocaMonarchcompetition,aresult that sparked considerable debate on social media as many fans believed the track deserved top honours. However, Hall secured the ultimate vindication when "Breakway"

wascrownedRoadMarchwinner,determined by which song dominated the Mashramani parade. The victory proved that while judges (Continuedonpage16)

Omaiah Hall

7-year-old accident victim on miraculous road to recovery ...mothersaysdissatisfiedwithpolice

Young Tiequan Scarville, who was involved in a horrific road accident, and whose chances of survival, according to doctors, were slim, has been on a remarkable path to recovery, his relieved mother Towanna Yorrick toldKaieteurNewsonWednesday

This publication visited the FyrishVillagehomeoftheCropper Primary School pupil, where he wasingreatspirit.

Recalling the horror on the morningofOctober3,Yorricksaid that her son had accompanied his grandfather to drop his grandmothertowork.Ontheirway back, the two stopped at a chicken outlet at Kilcoy Public Road, Corentyne,wheretheymetupwith twoofheruncles.

“And before they knew anything else, they heard the impact, and when they looked around,theysawTiequanlayingon the roadway with his forehead open,”sherecountedofthechilling tragedy Her son was struck by a canter and lost consciousness, while the driver, she said, tried to escape but was pursued by the child's grandfather The boy was quicklyrushedtothePortMourant Hospital.

7-year-old

Tiequan during his hospitalisation

the situation was life-threatening. But on Wednesday, there was no sign of discomfort from the woman'sonlychild.

“Tiequan would've beaten the odds, he's recovering well, he's walking,he'sspeaking.”

She nevertheless keeps him from school in the interim to monitor him The child's fast recuperation rate stunned his family Despitebeinghookedupin the ICU with assisted breathing apparatus, in less than 24 hours he was breathing unaided and was removedfromlifesupport.Hewas keptforobservationatthepediatric high dependency unit, but after encouragingimprovements,hewas dischargedonOctober9.

“We prayed, I prayed, his teachers, friends, family, everybody We all went on our knees. Everyone was like this is indeedamiracle,becausemebeing anurse,seeinghowmysonwasto how he is today, is definitely a miracle,”shedeclared.

AtherhomeinFyrish,Yorrick's uncle who witnessed the accident bore the distressing news to her She then hurried to the medical facility where she saw her son severelybangedup.

Due to the severity of his condition, the 26-year-old mother

said he was rushed to the New Amsterdam hospital where he was sedated and a CT scan conducted before he was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation(GPHC).

“When we got there, they

informedusthathehadtoundergo an emergency brain surgery The surgery was successful. After the surgery, he was in the Intensive CareUnit,”shetoldthisnewspaper Doctorsexplainedthepotential post-surgery effects to her, since

The surgeon and team at the GPHCcameinforroundsofpraise for their critical role in Tiequan's survival.

While she was thankful for her son's miraculous recovery,Yorrick (Continuedonpage16)

Tiequan Scarville

CCJPresidentmeetsGuyana’sOpposition

President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Justice Winston Anderson on Wednesday met with the leaders of the opposition parties in Guyana.

Justice Anderson, who was accompanied by Gabrielle Figaro-Jones, RegistrarandChiefMarshal of the CCJ, and Marlon Prince, the President's Administrative Officer, met with The People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) and A Partnership for NationalUnity(APNU),We InvestinNationhood(WIN) and Forward Guyana Movement(FGM).

Inastatement,thePNCR thanked the CCJ President for the opportunity to “engage in forthright interchangewithHisHonour Justice Winston Anderson, President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), on th Wednesday 15 October 2025, during a courtesy call.”

“The forum primarily offered an opportunity to advance key elements of judicial reform and to discuss matters concerning our judiciary and the deliveryofjustice.

The PNCR/APNU remains steadfast in its pursuit o

strong democ

atic process, supporting an independent judiciary, and promoting

regional cooperation and development We look forward to continued engagements with the CCJ and other regional institutions to advance the ruleoflawandjusticeforall citizens,”thestatementsaid.

The party noted that the presence of the opposition representatives underscored the common interest in the progress of the efficiency, i

transparency of our legal system. In attendance were LeaderofthePNCR,Aubrey C Norton; APNUs Parliamentary Leader Dr Terence Campbell; General Secretary of the PNCR Sherwin C. Benjamin; Leader of the We Invest in Nationhood(WIN)Azruddin Mohamed;andLeaderofthe Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) Amanza Walton-

Desir

“We thank His Honour Justice Winston Anderson and his delegation for their visit and look forward to future dialogue geared towards strengthening our shared democratic values and regional integration,” thePNCRsaid.

Justice Anderson is on a four-day visit to Guyana primarilyfortheswearing-in

President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Justice Winston Anderson shares a light moment with Leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN)Azruddin Mohamed.

ceremonyofMr JusticeArif Bulkan.JusticeBulkan,who isanationalofGuyana,was besworn-inasaJudgeofthe CCJ on Thursday by PresidentIrfaanAli,duringa ceremonyattheOfficeofthe President.Duringhistimein Guyana, Justice Anderson has been meeting with various stakeholders in the government and private sector

Baramita teen on $200k bail after murder charge reduced to manslaughter

Naderia James of Baramita, North West District, who wasonremandforallegedly killing her boyfriend, has beenplacedon$200,000bail after the murder charge was reducedtomanslaughter

The teen is accused of killing Kevin Smith, a 20year-old male Guyanese Amerindian miner from

District.

Prominent attorney, Sanjeev Datadin who is representing the teen, announced that the teen was granted bail on Thursday When contacted Datadin

explained that he wrote Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack,SC.

“Wemaderepresentation to the DPP we wrote to her our position, our arguments basedontheinstructionsand we suggested that it be reduced to a lesser charge. The DPP agreed and the charge has been reduced to manslaughter,”hesaid.

Notably, James is scheduled to return on court onDecember9.

According to police reports, the fatal incident occurred on September 18, 2025, at approximately 17:00 hrs Investigations revealed that the victim and (Continuedonpage18)

President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Justice Winston Anderson (Center) and Gabrielle Figaro-Jones, Registrar and Chief Marshal of the CCJ (left), and Marlon Prince, the President's Administrative Officer (right).

Leader of the PNCR, Aubrey C. Norton (left) and APNUs Parliamentary Leader Dr. Terence Campbell.

Leader of the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) Amanza Walton- Desir

Nineteen-year-old Naderia James

Sanjeev Datadin

Govt. rolls out $67M soil and pest control facilities

The agriculture sector in Guyana received a major boost on Tuesday following the commissioning of the country's first Composting Unit and Acoushi Ant Bait ProductionFacility

The two facilities, strategically located within the compound of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) at Mon Repos, represent a total investment of over $67.7 million, the Ministry of Agriculture said in a press release.

While offering remarks at the event, Agriculture

Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said that the government remains committed to transforming Guyanaintoadynamicagrifood powerhouse rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and resilience He noted that several initiatives are being pursued to expand agricultural research and genetic innovation aimed at developing high-yielding andresilientcropvarietiesto increaseproduction.

Minister Mustapha further stated that under the leadership of President Dr

- Mustapha vows to make Guyana regional agri. powerhouse

Irfaan Ali, Guyana has, within five years, regained global recognition for its progress in agriculture and food security “We are working to make NAREI a world-class institution Guyana, in just five years, was able to get back on the map as it relates to agricultural production and food security.That tells us a storyabouttheleadershipwe have. We haven't only been recognised, we were recognised globally as the onlycountrywiththeability tofeeditspopulation.So,the budgetary allocations being made available to institutions like NAREI are tohelpusdiscovernewareas in farming and enable us to develop new high-yielding crops,”henoted.

Minister Mustapha also said the venture aligns with theeffortsoftheglobalSave Soil Movement “This would ultimately endorse Guyana's forward path in moving agriculture from its traditionalformtoagreener, more environmentally sustainable production path. This venture is in keeping withtheeffortsoftheglobal SaveSoilMovement,which HisExcellencyDr IrfaanAli

endorsedbysigninganMoU in2022,”MinisterMustapha stated.

Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Vikash Ramkissoon, said that the commissioning of the two facilities highlights the strides being made in agricultural research, reflecting innovation, sustainability, and practicalityininitiativesthat can transform farmers' l i v e l i h o o d s T h e vermicomposting process utilises Eisenia fetida (commonly known as red wigglers) to biologically

Lauren Paddy, a technical officer attached to the vermicomposting unit gives Minister Mustapha a tour the facility

convert organic waste, including crop residues and livestock manure, into a nutrient-rich, microbially active soil amendment. The final product enhances soil nutrient absorption, structure, nutrient cycling, and water retention, while reducing reliance on syntheticfertilisers.

I n a d d i t i o n t o vermicomposting, the facility also incorporates thermophilic composting, where heat-loving bacteria decompose organic materials such as crop residues and livestock

manure (excluding fats and carcasses) under elevated temperatures Since the introduction of this initiative, production has grown significantly—from 2,000 kilograms per year to 10,000 kilograms per year for vermicompost, and from 5,000 kilograms per year to 15,000 kilograms per year forthermophiliccompost.

operates on a semiautomatedsystemthatmixes pellets and dries the bait in one continuous process, allowing production to continue even during the rainyseason.

The facility has the capacity to produce an averageof30,000packetsof bait annually, compared to previous efforts that yielded approximately 10,000 to 15,000packetsperyear The bait is made from locally sourced ingredients and formulated with the correct balanceofchemicalinputsto effectively target Acoushi colonies.

The Leafcutter ants, commonly referred to as Acoushi ants, have caused severe losses for farmers across Guyana, particularly i n t h e h i n t e r l a n d communities This commissioning marks a significant advancement in the ministry's capacity to meet national demand, particularly in cassava and citrus production areas, whicharethetwocropsmost affectedbyAcoushiants.

As it relates to the AcoushiAntBaitProduction Facility, it was developed to assistfarmerswho,foryears, have been affected by Acoushi ants. The facility provides a homegrown, science-based solution, producing affordable and effective bait using locally available materials It

23 new technicians graduate from MACORP's Caterpillar-Accredited Training programs

Twenty-three new technicians on We d n e s d a y graduated from MACORP's

C

T

Development Programme (TCDP).

MACORP said it is the largest batch to date, marking another milestone in the company's ongoing commitment to developing local talent and supporting Guyana'sprogress.

Valedictorian Ranzolin Durga reflected on the

group'sjourney: “We began this journey six months ago as individuals from diverse backgrounds, each with our owndreamsandaspirations. Over time, we wove a tapestry of shared experiences learning not just from Caterpillar University, but from each other Ourtrainershavebeen ourcompass,guidinguswith knowledge, wisdom, and inspiration. Your dedication has sparked in us a passion for learning far beyond the

classroom.

Durga also expressed gratitude to the families of the participants for their relentlesssupportduringthe sixmonthsoftrainingandto MACORPforprovidingthis opportunity for growth and professionaldevelopment. Other top performers included Jaden Trotman, KenroyJoseph,TroyLeitch, E l v i s T h o m p s o n , Shequeenna Darlington (the lone female graduate), Tression Hodge, Joshua Veira, and Dwaine Alleyne.

The group completed training in Electric Power Generation Level 1 and H e a v y E q u i p m e n t Maintenance Level 1 programs.

This graduation is particularly significant, as it represents both the largest class ever and the final cohorttrainedatMACORP's Providence facility Future participants will train at the company's new Covent Garden complex, which includes a 10,000-squarefoot Learning Center

equipped with modern classrooms, simulators, and training bays positioning MACORP as one of the Caribbean's

eading technicaleducationhubs.

German Consuegra, President and General Manager of MACORP, congratulated the graduates and emphasised the broader purp

programme:

“For more than thirtytwo years, MACORP has proudly supported Guyana's development with world-

classequipmentandreliable productsupport.

But our mission has

and

workforce possesses the skillsandprofessionalismto sustain the nation's growth. Through our Caterpillaraccredited TCDP, we've createdastructuredpathway that meets Caterpillar's

preparesourgraduatesto (Continued on page 17)

The 23 Trainee Technicians from L-R Anil James, Industrial Liaison Officer, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Guyana; Dr. Ritesh Tularam, Deputy CEO (Technical), Ministry of Education; Weneta Pooran, Training Coordinator, MACORP; German Consuegra, President and General Manager of MACORP; Neilson Mc Kenzie MACORP's Human Resource Manager and Miguel Oviedo, Training Manager, MACORP

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SAG, Port of Port of Spain discuss cargo delays

The Shipping Asso ciation of Guyana (SAG), led by Chairman Dr. Komal Singh, along with agents and port operators, recently held a high-level meeting with Mr. Robert Ramsubhag, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Port of Spain, and his senior management team.

The meeting aimed at addressing ongoing delays impacting the movement of containerised cargo destined for Guyana. Dr. Singh also met with the Comptroller of Customs in Trinidad to discuss challenges within the department contributing to logistical issues at the port.

This meeting follows a call by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) for both Guyanese and Trinidadian authorities as well as port operators, to ur-

gently address the problem through strategic coordination.

The body, expressed concern over persistent shipping delays from Trinidad caused by port congestion, a recurring issue that continues to hinder regional trade and disrupt local supply chains.

As such it urged that swift action be taken to tackle port delays in Trinidad. According to the Chamber, its members, particularly those in the manufacturing, trade, retail, and construction sectors have reported significant setbacks in receiving shipments of raw materials. The delays have also led to increased demurrage and storage costs, while disrupting production schedules and project timelines.

“This situation has not only disrupted operations but placed undue pressure on

cashflow,” GCCI said in a statement earlier this week.

Meanwhile, at the recent meeting, Dr. Singh emphasised that both his department and the government are committed to implementing changes that will positively impact the cargo movement process.

“As Guyana continues to experience delays in the delivery of containerised cargo, the meeting aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced at the Port of Port of Spain and within the regional logistics chain.

The Shipping Association stressed the importance of resolving these issues promptly, particularly with the busy Christmas season approaching, when import volumes typically surge. Additionally, global shipping challenges are having a ripple ef-

fect, contributing to delays at ports across the region, especially in Trinidad and Jamaica,” a statement issued by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Thursday said.

According to the statement, the delays have a negative impact on transshipment containers. The average transshipment time has improved from 24 days to approximately 15 days, with around 594 containers currently in the Port of Trinidad and Tobago. However, stakeholders remain optimistic that further improvements can be made with swift and coordinated action by all parties involved.

Dr. Singh reaffirmed SAGs commitment to working closely with regional partners to improve operational efficiency, stating:

“This engagement is part

of our ongoing effort to strengthen collaboration within the Caribbean shipping network. We are committed to finding practical solutions that enhance cargo movement and ensure Guyanese businesses and consumers are not adversely affected by regional bottlenecks.”

Further both SAG and the Port of Port of Spain have agreed to hold regular meetings to monitor progress and explore specific measures that individual shipping lines can take to alleviate current challenges. It was also noted that not all shipping lines are experiencing delays.

SAG said it remains dedicated to fostering stronger regional partnerships to ensure reliability, predictability, and efficiency in maritime logistics serving Guyana and the wider Caribbean.

7-year-old accident victim on miraculous road to recovery...

From page 13 said she is dismayed by the seeming lack of diligence on the part of the police in delivering justice for her son. The nurse stated that every time she makes contact with the case officer at the Albion Police Station, she is updated with conflicting stories. She said her mother had visited the station to follow up and one officer told her the case was called, while another

stated that it was not. Most disappointing, she said, was when ranks told an inspector that they did not visit the scene of the accident to mark the spot, as part of standard procedure.

Furthermore, Yorrick noted that the child’s important medical report from the hospital, which was written the day after his accident, is yet to be uplifted. Officers have been giving her the run-

Guyana’s “Soca Princess”...

From page 12 had their say, the streets chose Hall’s infectious anthem as the people’s champion.

Speaking about her new release, Hall explained her creative vision for the track.

“Happy Feeling is really a feeling I wanna evoke to listeners. It’s sorta me paying homage to Breakway with some of the lyrics present in the song,” she said, noting that the project has been in development for months.

The new track showcases a true pan-Caribbean collaboration, with production handled by a Trinidadian pro-

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ducer and lyrics penned by an Antiguan writer.

“A nice cook up of Caribbean creatives,” Hall remarked, highlighting the regional cooperation behind the track.

Early reception has been enthusiastic, with fans responding positively across various social media platforms. When questioned about whether “Happy Feeling” would serve as her entry for the 2026 Soca Monarch competition, Hall remained focused on her broader artistic goals.

“My focus is releasing great music before really thinking about Monarch,” she stated.

The release comes as Hall continues to build on the success of “Breakway,” which not only won the Road March title but also sparked a groundbreaking karaoke competition, the first of its kind by a Guyanese artist. With two more releases planned for this season, Hall appears determined to solidify her position in the Caribbean music scene and fulfill her stated ambition of making the entire Caribbean and the world know “this little soca princess from Guyana.” Fans can find “Happy Feeling” on major streaming platforms and YouTube.

around, she lamented.

“As of Saturday, I would have asked again, they didn’t uplift it. When I asked about the markings and the medical report, I was told ‘we’ll have to present a case file. When a case file is presented, all these things will be in the case file’,” she added.

The driver was reportedly detained for 72 hours. She disclosed that he claimed his steering wheel got stuck, but

to the police he said that his brakes failed.

“I heard of other persons out there involving in accidents (or) whatever injustice that it is, and I never thought that I would be in this same situation, so frustrated, so unsure. I heard persons speak of the justice system…they have to be running around and doing all these sorts of things just for them to get some sort of jus-

tice. I’m sitting here in the same situation and it’s frustrating.”

Tiequan, she explained, is a Grade-A student who also is very consistent in his school attendance. The single mother stressed that it is overwhelming her mentally, and made an appeal for the matter to be more judiciously handled.

The driver is said to reporting to the station.

VACANCY

Guyana gears up to anchor Caribbean food security – Pres. Ali

In observance of World Food Day

2025, President

Irfaan Ali announced that Guyana is on track to become the regional food hub of the Caribbean, supporting neighbouring countries in reducing food imports and strengthening regionalfoodresilience.

In his message to mark the occasion, which also coincides with the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), President Ali commendedtheorganisation for its decades of leadership in the global fight against hunger.

“For eight decades, the FAOhasbeenatthecenterof global efforts to end hunger and malnutrition. Through its leadership, technical expertise, and advocacy, it has helped transform agriculture, strengthen rural livelihoods, and guide developing nations toward sustainable food systems,” President Ali said. “From supporting smallholder farmers to advancing climate-smart agriculture, the FAO's work has been instrumentalinensuringthat food security remains a central feature of the internationalagenda.”

This year's World Food Day is being celebrated under the theme “Hand in HandforBetterFoodsanda BetterFuture.”PresidentAli said the theme emphasises the urgent need for

collaboration among governments, organisations, and communities to build moreresilient,equitable,and sustainablefoodsystems.

“The message is unambiguous: the future of food depends on our ability to work hand in hand, to share knowledge and

resources,andtoinnovatein pursuit of a common goal,” heemphasised.

T h e P r e s i d e n t acknowledged that while Guyana continues to make stridesinfoodproduction,it has not been immune to the impacts of global food price inflation.

He acknowledged that thehighrateofinflationhas led to an increase in food pricesacrossGuyana.

“The recently released 2025 edition ofThe State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World reminds us of the challenges that persist,” he noted. “The report highlights that the recent surge in global food price inflation has had a profound impact on food security and nutrition.Risingpriceshave e r o d e d h o u s e h o l d purchasing power, especially in low-income countries, pushing more familiesintofoodinsecurity The crisis has also made healthydietslessaffordable, reinforcing nutritional inequalities as nutrient-rich foods become costlier while ultra-processed alternatives remaincheapandaccessible. Thisrealityunderscoreswhy global cooperation is essentialforbuildingamore just and nourishing food future,”thepresidentsaid.

Nevertheless, president Ali said Guyana remains determined to ensure that every citizen has access to sufficient, safe, and nutritiousfood.

He added that the inflationary pressures have alsoencouragedthenationto strengthen local production and diversify the country's agriculturalbase.

“Guyana is building the foundation for a robust and sustainable food system Guyana is poised to become

the regional food hub of the Caribbean, supporting neighbouring countries in reducing food imports and strengthening regional food resilience,”heaffirmed.

The president outlined several key areas where Guyanahasmadesignificant progress toward achieving foodsustainability:

S c a l i n g u p production of priority commodities while promoting diversification into new crops, livestock, andaquaculture; Expanding market access across the Caribbean and internationally to strengthen food trade and supplychains;

Investing in agricultural infrastructure, including farm-to-market roads, modern storage facilities, upgraded ports, and improved transport links;

Modernizing agriculture through digital extensionservices,precision farming, and climate-smart practices; Transforming the livestock industry and expanding aquaculture and sustainablefisheries; Promoting value addition and trade logistics to retain more value within thenationaleconomy;and Ensuring inclusion and empowerment by making women and young peoplecentraltoagricultural development.

PresidentAliemphasised that the challenge of food sustainability calls for joint effort among all sectors of society

“No single nation can solvehungeronitsown,but together we can shape a worldwherewecanshapea world where nutritious food is accessible to all, and

23newtechniciansgraduate...

Frompage15 excelinmodernindustry.”

TheTCDPhaslongbeen acornerstoneofMACORP's C o r p o r a t e S o c i a l Responsibility, providing young Guyanese with o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r professional advancement while contributing to national sustainable development.

where sustainability guides every choice we make,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha echoed similar sentiments, noting that the global agri-food system is underimmensepressure.

“Millions around the world continue to suffer fromhunger,whiletherisein food waste and malnutrition highlights deep-rooted imbalances that we must urgently correct Guyana,

like all nations, must skillfully navigate the dual challenges of feeding a growing population while addressing the irreversible impacts of the climate crisis and global inequality,” he said.

Minister Mustapha added, “Under the visionary leadershipofHisExcellency President Dr Mohamed IrfaanAli, we are reshaping our agricultural sector This transformation is evident in our record-breaking rice yields,theexpansionofnew cropssuchassoyaandcorn, and the scaling up of climate-smart farming techniques, including hydroponics and shade housecultivation.”

He emphasised that that the government has been making significant investments in modernising drainage and irrigation systems, expanding cold storage capacity, and establishingagro-processing facilities,towhichhestated,

a r e e m p o w e r i n g communities and enhancing nationalfoodsecurity

Mustapha reaffirmed Guyana's commitment to achievingthe'25by2025+5' target,aimedatreducingthe Caribbean's food import bill by 25 percent by 2025, with an additional five-year expansionperiod.

“Guyana remains deeply committed to sustainable, climate-smart agriculture, which is a central pillar of o u r L o w C a r b o n DevelopmentStrategy2030. This World Food Day, I call oneveryGuyanesetoreflect deeply on what food represents to us. It is not merelyamealonaplate,but a vital force that binds our history, culture, and communities together The actions we take today-to support our farmers, to protect our land and water resources, and to invest in innovation-will be the most important legacy we leave forthenextgeneration.”

AccordingtoMACORP, inhischargetothegraduates, Consuegra urged, “Carry with you the pride of your achievement and the responsibility of your profession. Wherever your next step takes you, remember—youarepartofa legacyofexcellencethathas helped build Guyana for morethanthreedecades.”

Anil James, Industrial Liaison Officer, Faculty of EngineeringandTechnology at the University of Guyana, speaking on behalf of Dean Dr Kofi Dalrymple, encouraged the graduates to use their skills to uplift themselves and their c o m m u n i t i e s , a n d

Somegraduateswilljoin MACORP as trainee technicians,continuingtheir specialisation in the Caterpillar product line Others will support the heavy-duty truck sector through Industrial Supply Guyana (ISG), MACORP's subsidiary representing FOTON and International Trucks, or pursue careers in commercial and customer supportroles.

commended MACORP for leading in workforce development Meanwhile MACORP's Human ResourcesManagerNeilson McKenzie, announced an upcoming MOU between M A C O R P a n d t h e UniversityofGuyanawhich will provide further specialisation opportunities for successful program graduates.

Keynote speaker Dr Ritesh Tularam, Deputy CEO (Technical) at the Ministry of Education applauded MACORP's ongoing contributions and urged graduates to continue advancing their education and seize opportunities in Guyana's expanding economy

President Irfaan Ali

Trump threatens to break Israel ceasefire

“go in and kill” Hamas over internal clashes

Aljazeera - United States President Donald Trump has threatened to break the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas if the Palestinian group continues to target gangs and alleged IsraelicollaboratorsinGaza.

“If Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in andkillthem,”Trumpwrote in a social media post on Thursday “Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Thestatementappearsto signal an about-face from Trump, who earlier this week expressed support for Hamas’s crackdown on gangs in the Palestinian territory

“They did take out a couple of gangs that were very bad, very, very bad gangs,”Trumptoldreporters

on Tuesday “And they did take them out, and they killed a number of gang members.

And that didn’t bother me much, to be honest with you.That’sOK.”

There have been deadly clashes reported between Hamas and armed clan membersinGaza,whohave been accused of looting humanitarian aid and workingforIsrael.

After the fighting on Sunday,theInteriorMinistry in Gaza issued general amnesty for gang members whodidnotparticipateinthe bloodshed.

In June, Israeli officials admitted to arming Gaza gangs, some of which have ties to ISIL (ISIS), in an efforttodestabiliseHamas.

On Sunday, gunmen from a Gaza gang linked to Israel killed prominent

Palestinian journalist Saleh Aljafarawi, according to localforces.

Earlier this week, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas condemned Hamas over accusations that the group executed suspected Israel collaborators, calling the purportedkillingsa“heinous crime”.

“What happened representsacrime,aflagrant violation of human rights, and a serious assault on the principleoftheruleoflaw,” Abbas’s office said in a statement.

UnderTrump’s ceasefire plan, Hamas would disarm and end any role in the governanceofGaza.Butitis not clear whether the group has agreed to these conditions.

The truce has largely heldsincecomingintoeffect

on Saturday But Israel has repeatedly violated the agreement, killing Palestinians daily under the justification that they approached areas under the controloftheIsraelimilitary, which are not clearly marked.

Israeli has also threatened to once again restrict humanitarian aid to Gaza, accusing Hamas of failing to return all the bodiesofthecaptivesitheld. And it has refused to open the Rafah crossing between the Palestinian enclave and Egypt, to facilitate movement in and out of the territory

Trump has hailed the ceasefire as the dawn of “a new Middle East”, but his latest threat casts doubt on the sustainability of the truce, amid continuing Israelioccupationandalack

holds a signed document during a summit to support ending the more than twoyear Israel-Hamas war in Gaza after a breakthrough ceasefire deal, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. (Suzanne Plunkett/Pool via AP)

of clarity over the future governanceofGaza.

Later on Thursday, at an Oval Office news conference, Trump suggestedthathiswarningto Hamas would not be carried outbyUStroops.

“I didn’t say who would go in, but somebody will go in,” the US president told reporters. “It’s not gonna be us.We won’t have to.There are people very close, very nearby that will go in They’ll do the trick. Very easily But under our auspices.”

Baramita teen on $200k bail after murder...

Frompage14 the 19-year-old accused were in a relationship and hadbeenlivingtogetherina woodenandplasticcampfor aboutayear

The police in a press release said that at the time of the incident, James returned home after consuming alcohol and foundthevictimlyinginhis hammock.

The release said that whenthevictimnoticedher, he grabbed a cutlass and struck her on the left shoulderandherrighthand, whichagitatedher James then pulled out a handmade knife from her waistandstabbedthevictim inhischest.

Following the stabbing, Smith stumbled out of the camp and collapsed in a patchofbushes.

Police said that James fled the scene and made her way to the Baramita Police

Station, where she provided a statement regarding the incident.

James’s case has stirred concerns on social media andothersectionsofsociety with many persons questioning the police’s decision to charge her with m u r d e r g i v e n t h e circumstancesofhercase.

Datadin had previously told this newspaper that he decidedtotakeupthematter after learning of the girl’s situationfromarelative.

He described her as a simple and frightened younggirlwhorecentlylost her mother, has no relationshipwithherfather, and is cared for by her grandmother Datadin, who is representing her pro bono, had also expressed disappointment with the police’s handling of the case and pledged to ensure s h e r e c e i v e s f a i r representation.

President Donald Trump

$191 billion tax bill to Mohameds

‘just

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has called on the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Guyana PoliceForce(GPF)towiden their investigation into the alleged multibillion-dollar gold smuggling ring linked to sanctioned businessmen

Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed, to include corrupt officials who may havehelpedthemmovegold outofthecountryforyears.

Jagdeo made this statement,duringhisweekly press conference on ThursdayatFreedomHouse in Georgetown In June 2024, Nazar, Azruddin and their businesses were sanctioned by the U S Treasury'sOfficeofForeign AssetsControl(OFAC).The Mohameds were sanctioned for alleged gold smuggling.

While much attention has been placed on the Mohameds, the Vice

the start’ -

President noted that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) must expand their current probe beyond the businessmen “The GRA, the police must immediately start the investigation of all of those corrupt officials who collaborated and the gold boardwhocollaboratedwith theMohamedsinsmuggling the gold in every period in theAPNU period as well as theperiodunderthePPP,”he said.

Heremindedthatpriorto the 2025 General and Regional Elections he had stated that the investigation into the alleged corruption should be pursued after the elections. This position was taken after Azruddin Mohamed launched his party We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) and contested the presidency,

Jagdeo orders GRA,police to go after corrupt officials who aided gold smuggling

withhispartyemergingwith the second highest number ofvotes.

However, now that the election is over Jagdeo said, “I expect that a full-fledged investigation would be launched into those people who may have been complicit in assisting the Mohameds to evade the massivesumoftaxes.”

Jagdeo's also pointed to the recent move by GRA to issue a tax assessment of approximately $191 billion for unpaid taxes and penalties related to alleged gold smuggling between 2019 and 2024 allegedly by the Mohameds. For his part, Jagdeosaidthisfigurecould rise substantially as further auditsandinvestigationsare conductedintoearlieryears. Hesaid,“It's191billiononly for the years of assessment from2019to2024…there'll be much more to come after

other investigations are gathered for other periods when large amounts of gold were smuggled out of the country.”

This publication had reportedthatinafreshmove, a letter dated October 2, 2025, addressed to Nazar andAzruddin,GRAsaiditis seeking billions in taxes fromMohamed'sEnterprise.

The demand arises from $34 billion in understated income declarations for the period 2019 to 2023

According to GRA, its review of the company's filingsshowedthatover$34 billioninincometaxeswere understated With accumulated interest and penalties, the total sum now owed to the state stands at more than $191 billion Moreover, the Vice Presidentalsodrewattention to the recent U.S indictment againstNazarandAzruddin.

'Region 10 will get WIN and APNU’

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

has denied claims that the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) formed an alliance with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) during the recent Regional Democratic Council (RDC)

elections to elect Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons. And he also said that the PPP/C had no interest in taking control of RegionorTen.

“We have no interest in theleadershipofRegion10. The people want WIN and APNU and they will get WIN and APNU and in Region Seven too, they will get WIN or APNU We allowed our councillors in that region to vote however they wish and whomever they think. We didn't direct themtowhichevertheythink they would support and at the end of the day if the elections go back, I can easily say abstain and let them fight among themselves The people voted,letthemhavethemin Region 10, but in Region 4 thepeoplevotedforPPPand wewonforthefirsttime,”he said.

LastweekthePPP/Cand APNUvotedtogethertoshut outWeInvestinNationhood (WIN) party from gaining

control of regional leadership positions. For

APNU leader

Theindictment,unsealed earlier this month accuses t h e M o h a m e d s o f orchestrating an elaborate fraudandmoney-laundering scheme involving gold exports, customs fraud, bribery, and the evasion of millions in taxes and royalties owed to Guyana.

The indictment seen by this newspaper charges that Mohamed's Enterprise, the Guyana-based gold wholesaling and export company controlled 90 per cent by Nazar and 10 per cent byAzruddin, is alleged tohavesoldgoldtobuyersin Miami and Dubai, while circumventing Guyana's

revenue and regulatory system.

Jagdeo said that he read the document and highlighted that prosecutors have accused several individuals of creating false invoices and documentation to deceive both American and Guyanese authorities. The Vice President said, “Obviously they have the p e o p l e w h o t h e y compromise to create the false invoices in the United States to submit to GRA.” He then reiterated that those who held positions of authority and used them to enrich themselves must answer

…says unchecked spread of betting ripping families apart

Aubrey Norton Vice President Bharrat

region 8 the PPP/C and APNU parties formed alliances to secure the chairmanship and vice chairmanship The two parties also voted together along with Forward Guyana Movement in Region 10 causing a tie in the election ofachairman.

During his weekly press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo firmly rejected these claims, insisting that there were no formal or informal negotiations between the PPP/C, WIN, or APNU.

“This week has been dominated by talks about collaboration between the PPP and APNU and more thanthatwestruckadealand that deal resulted in the outcomes in a few elections particularly in Regions ten, eight and four that we currently have…we had no formal negotiations or informal negotiations with APNU. Let me make that

Azruddin Mohamed

clear here today, nothing of thesort,”Jagdeoasserted.

HeexplainedthatWIN's accusations stemmed from dissatisfaction with the election results Jagdeo added, “They negotiated with APNU to get the Vice ChairandAPNUwillgetthe Chair for Region 4 although they got 40 thousand something votes each. They saidwegot18votesandwe have17councillorssoithas tobeAPNUwhovotedforus butitcouldhavebeenaWIN supporter too because it is a secretballot,howcomethey know that it is APNU that voted for us, how come it's not FGM (Forward Guyana Movement) or WIN supporter? WIN was trying toshaftthewillofthepeople inRegion4,”Jagdeostated.

The vice president furtherallegedthatWINhad been cooperating with APNU since the campaign season. “That collaboration

started a long time back. Throughout the campaign we saw that. We saw WIN people building their tents for them. But evidence of this emerge now of the confirmation They are weddedtogether,”hesaid.

Explaining the situation inRegionEight,Jagdeosaid the PPP/C supported a PNC councillor for the chairmanship because of prior relationships “We nominated the PNC person because we knew her for a long time and we thought that maybe we should share the region. WIN also nominated the same PNC personandthenthereturning officer said that since both parties nominated the same person there was no election,” he noted. At the conclusion of the RDC elections,thePPP/Csecured chairmanshipsineightofthe ten regions. Region Seven wenttotheWINparty,while Region Ten ended in a tie betweenWINandAPNU.

Government of Guyana is preparing to launch a major crackdown on gambling, warning that the unchecked spread of betting operations has become a “national problem ripping families apart”Speakingathisweekly press briefing at Freedom House, Jagdeo said the administrationwillberolling out tough new regulations to rein in the gambling sector,

platforms that have taken root in communities across the country “Gambling has blossomed and created a series of negative problems i n o u r communities—breaking up families and creating hardship for many single parents,”theVicePresident said Jagdeo, said that gambling, once limited to hotel-based casinos, has now spread uncontrollably through mobile apps, leading to social problems among single parents, especially mothers. “What wehavenowisgamblingon demand.It'sineveryhome, it's an app,” he said, adding that the problem is worsenedby“averyliberal licensing and taxation policy”

Initially, gambling was introduced to support the hotelindustrybyprovidingan additionalstreamofrevenue

In fact, casino licences were issuedunderstrictconditions, requiring hotels to have at least150roomsandmeethigh servicestandards

However,thismodelhas

sinceevolvedintohundreds of small gambling outlets across the country, many of which are operating through apps that allow round-theclock betting. “The moment when you have four or five hundred outlets in every villageacrossthecountry,and it's all run on an app, it's creating a major social problem,” Jagdeo told reporters

He said thegovernment could no longer ignore the issue, with many sharing stories of families being torn apart,andparentslosingtheir incometoonlinebetting “It's destroying people If they wanttogamble,theycangoto the appropriate place, leave theirhomeandtravel,notsit athomealldayusinguptheir salary or children's money,” heurged

The vice president made it clear that while citizens' rights would not be restricted, gambling must become a high-cost, tightly regulated activity to discourage excess Stronger tax measures will be part of the government's approach toaddressingthisissue

He also called for a mindset change, expressing concern that gambling undermines long-term goals such as homeownership and financial stability Religious organisations have also raised the issue with the administration, prompting the decision to act swiftly “We are not going to allow that to continue,” he affirmed, confirming that aggressive changes are coming to curb the harmful effectsofgambling

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo WIN leader

BraziltofaceSenegalandTunisia inNovemberfriendliesinEurope

(Reuters) - Brazil will round off their 2025 calendar with two friendly matches in Europe next month, taking on Senegal and Tunisia as part of their preparations for the 2026 WorldCup,theBrazilianFA (CBF) announced on Thursday

The five-time world champions, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, will face Senegal on November 15 at

EmiratesStadiuminLondon and, three days later, they will meet Tunisia in Lille, France.

TheCBFannouncedthat thesefixturesweredesigned to “provide the team with valuable experience against African opposition” ahead ofnextyear’stournamentin NorthAmerica.

After the conclusion of the South American qualifiers, the choice of opponents

against Asian teams, which sawBrazilbeatSouthKorea 5-0butsufferastunningfirst defeattoJapan. With coach Ancelotti facing limited preparation time after arriving in May from Real Madrid, the matches form part of a broader plan to expose Braziltoavarietyofplaying stylesinpreparationfornext

year’stheWorldCup.

Friday October 17, 2025

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Visitswithfriendsandfamily are highlighted today Regardless of whether they come to you or you go to them, you're bound to have a delightfulevening.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

our energy could be low today, making this an ideal day to stay in and read or get any paperwork finished. It isn't glamorous, but at least it doesn't require much energy Any writing you need to do willbeclearandfluid.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Your dreams won't come true unless you believe in and act onthem,Gemini.Nooneelse is going to do it for you. Unless you have a fairy godmother, you need to take mattersintoyourownhands.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Youmayfeellikethewallsare closing in on you. Don't let it happen. Do whatever you need to do to rejuvenate your spirits and motivation. You may have gotten bogged down in some rather dull responsibilities or obligations.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Today could be a strange day as you find it increasingly difficult to concentrate. This is unlike you. You're usually efficient and levelheaded Blameitontheplanets.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Youandyourlovedonemight find it difficult to connect today You're busy with personal issues and obligations. While you have every intention of getting togetherfordinner

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

Youhaveagenerousspirit,but todayyoumaybeworriedthat you've been too generous. If you bought someone a large gift, you might be concerned thatyou'vegoneoverboard.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

You've always been practical when it comes to financial matters, but sometimes consumerism can cause you some stress. Of course you want to show the special person in your life how much youcare.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

You're likely to feel pulled in twodirectionstoday You'reat ahighpointinyourcareerand don't want to lose the momentum.At the same time, you feel strongly that you'd like to spend extra time with yourlovedones.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

The energy is unusually slow, causing you to drag and your productivity to suffer There isn'tmuchyoucandoaboutit. Prioritize your tasks so you accomplish what absolutely needstobedone.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)Tripswilllikelybemiredin mechanical difficulties and delaysofalltypes.You'llgetto your destination eventually, but you're going to have to be patient.Ifyou'reheadingtothe airport.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Don't take anything at face value today There's an air of misinformation and misunderstanding, so avoid gossip. This could be easier saidthandone.

Looking ahead to March 2026, the CBF has indicated that Brazil’s next set of friendlies will likely be against top-level European nations, with the U S as the expected venue

Ancelotti has been steadily implementing his vision for the squad and has emphasised the importance of adapting to d i v e r s e t a c t i c a l challenges, particularly against teams from other continents CBF sources indicated that the plan for the three remaining international breaks would be to make final observations regarding players and tactical adjustments in November, lockinthestartingline-up in March and strengthen ties with Brazilian fans withafinalfriendlyatRio de Janeiro’s Maracana before departing for the tournament

Theupcomingfriendlies against Senegal and Tunisia will provide an opportunity to test Brazil’s readiness against two of Africa’s strongestsides.

She is one of a growing group of girls challenging cultural norms and embracing the competitive thrillofthegame,

Senegal boast a formidable squad featuring Sadio Mane, Nicolas Jackson and Kalidou Koulibaly They shocked Brazil 4-2 in their last encounter, a friendly played inLisbontwoyearsago.

Tunisia, meanwhile, are known for their defensive organisation and have consistently performed well inAfricancompetitions.

Back in September they were the second African team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup with two games tospare.

Brazil players with coach Carlo Ancelotti during training. (REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes)

Boodie,Sampsonscorefifties,asEssequiboromp...

Frompage25 picked the bones to help keep the Berbicians under 200runs.

Batting first, Boodie showed his experience by playing a timely knock after Essequibo lost three huge

wickets in Kanhaiya Ramkarran (13), Kemol

Savory(4)andRicardoAdams (19) Ramkarranadded46for the opening stand before b e c o m i n g o n e o f

Ramsammy’s two victims, whiletheskipperandAdams, whowasbumpedslightly up theorder;allfelltotheclass oftheBerbicespinners. Paul, as he did in the

previous match, looked confident with the bat as he helped rebuild the innings followingatopordercollapse

The former West Indies all-rounder eased some pressure off Boodie during their 4th wicked fifty stand, finding 2 sixes and 2 fours before having his stumps

disturbedbyMathura. Sampsonpouncedonthe Berbice bowlers as his power-hitting provided the boost required to motor onwards after Boodie’s stability further helped his teamcrossthe200-runmark inthe42ndover Hisfiftyrequiredjust37

balls but it was the four big sixes and two fours which piloted a late innings tear with the Cinderella County men eyeing a possible 300runtotal.

AnthonyAdams played well for his 21 (1x4 1x6) but more importantly added50forthe6thwicket

alongside Sampson before the pair fell respectively to some more spin While veteranpacerClintonPestano (1-41) , was tasked with halting a marauding Lovell whoalmosttookEssequiboto 300, falling with four fours andapairofmaximumstohis credit (CliftonRoss)

QueenswayMen’sSeniorSuper50Inter-CountyTournamentRound4…

Boodie, Sampson score fifties, as Essequibo romp to 118-run win over Berbice

Essequibo showcased their true class yesterday after thrashing Berbice by a

whopping 118-runs, following contrasting halfcenturies from Kevon

Boodie and Quentin Sampson when action continued yesterday at the

Lusignan Community CenterGround.

The Essequibians flexed

their might in both departments,firstrackingup an imposing 288-9 from 50 overs, a much better performance from their openingmatch.

Experienced opener Boodie led with a classic knock of 74 off 111 balls, with8foursand2sixesashe carried his bat for the

majorityoftheinnings.

However, it was a brutal 44-ball 55 from Sampson, coupled with Keemo Paul’s 37 off 35 and Thaddeus Lovell’s cameo of 31 from 15 deliveries to finish the innings, which headlined Essequibo’s true batting capabilities.

It was a grueling allround day for Berbice, despite their slower bowlers returning 8 wickets in total.

Left-arm spinner Omesh Mathurabagged3-51,while Kevin Sinclair (2-26), Zeynul Ramsammy (2-38) and Veerasammy Permaul (1-51) tried to contain a voracious Essequibo batting order

Theirchasethenendedin the 40th over with the Berbicians being restricted to 170 all out after Tomani Caesar resisted with a crisp 57(3x43x6)tohelphisteam fromplummetingfurther

- Chulai (4-48), Adams (3-38) star with ball

Only Garfield Benjamin (33)andKevinSinclair,who returnedtohit27off22(2x4 2x6) looked threatening during the chase, after the combined left-arm spin might of Golcharran Chulai and Anthony took a huge chunk out of their batting order.

The National U19 spinnerChulaifinishedwith 4-48 from 10 overs, while the former Harpy Eagles veteran Adams, played a greatsupportingcastroleby finishing his spell with returnsof3-38.

Fast-bowler Ronsford Beaton (1-18), left-arm spinner Ricardo (1-11) and MyheimKhan(1-13)then (Continuedonpage19)

Veteran Essequibo opener Kevon Boodie led the way with a classy half-century.

Golcharran Chulai collecting his MVP award from GCB executive and CWI Director Shaun Massiah.

Relocating World Cup matches unlikely despite Trump rhetoric, current and former officials say

NEWYORK,(Reuters)

- Senior figures behind the 2026 World Cup dismissed concerns that U.S. president Donald Trump could move matches from cities he does notdeem“safe”. Republican president Trump said last month that he would consider moving games from DemocratcontrolledSanFranciscoand Seattle if they did not cooperate with his immigration and crime initiatives.

Heraisedtheissueagain thisweek,thistimetargeting

Boston and its Democratic Mayor Michelle Wu, suggesting he could appeal directlytoFIFAbossGianni Infantino.

John Kristick, who led Canada, Mexico and the UnitedStates’successfulbid to jointly host the 2026 finals, emphasised that planninghasbeenunderway for nearly a decade and remains unaffected by politicalrhetoric.

“From what I’m seeing, there’s been zero distraction i n t e r m s o f t h e preparedness,” Kristick, cohead of global events at Playfly Sports Consulting, toldReuters.

“Tickets are already being sold Hospitality packages have been sold for almostayearnow.”

Over one million World Cup tickets have been purchased so far, FIFA said onThursday,withfansfrom 212 countries and territories snappingupseats.

The United States accountfor11ofthe16host cities for the largest-ever edition of the tournament, with 48 teams and 104 matches in the expanded tournament.

The quadrennial soccer showcase is returning to the United States for the first time since 1994, when the tournament sparked a new eraforthesportinacountry longambivalenttoit.

Earlier this year, Miami World Cup officials moved toallayfearsthattheUnited States’ stricter immigration stance under Trump could deter overseas fans that it hopestoattract.

FIFApreviouslysaidthat the global governing body forsoccerhasthefinalsayon whether to move the 2026 World Cup but this week

U.S. President Donald Trump wears a ‘Trump Was Right About Everything!’hat while holding the FIFAWorld Cup Trophy, as he makes an announcement on the 2026 FIFAWorld Cup, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 22, 2025.

(REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo)

noted: “Safety and security are obviously the governments’responsibility

“They decide what is in the best interest for public safety,”FIFAadded.

Sheisoneofagrowing group of girls challenging cultural norms and e m b r a c i n g t h e competitive thrill of the game,

“We hope every one of our 16 host cities will be ready to successfully host and fulfil all necessary requirements ” Ricardo Trade, CEO of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Local Organising Comm

e, said the abundance of good stadiums in the United States would make the possibility of relocating games “feasible,” so long as it does not happen after theDec.5draw

“In a country like the

United States, where every state has large, ready-to-use stadiums, I don’t see why it wouldn’t be possible,” said Trade, whoalsoservedasCEOof the CONMEBOL Copa America2024intheU S New York and New Jersey, responsible for eight games, including the final, havemaintainedtheirfocus, said NYNJ Host Committee CEOAlex Lasry, with daily fan festivals planned across the country’s biggest metropolitanregion.

“We’ve spoken to FIFA, we’re working with the White House Task Force, I don’tthinkthere’sanyworry about the games being moved,”saidLasry

“Ihavenoconcern,butif you know, anyone wants to move games, from Chicago to here or from anywhere to here, we’re more than excitedtohavemoregames..

FormulaOnedeclaresheathazard forsecondraceinarow

AUSTIN, Texas, (Reuters) - Formula

One’sgoverningbodydeclaredaheathazard forthesecondraceinarowattheU.S.Grand PrixinAustinonThursday

Race director Rui Marques said in a statement sent to teams that an official forecastpredictedtheheatindexwouldbe more than 31 degrees Celsius (87.8°F) at some time during the Saturday sprint or SundayGrandPrix.

The regulation was invoked for the firsttimeatthismonth’sSingaporeGrand Prix due to the temperatures and high humidity

The regulation was brought in after

drivers suffered exhaustion in the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix and means drivers can either wear a cooling vest, which circulates cold liquid through tubes to maintain body temperature, or add extra ballasttotheircars.

Thevestsaresettobecomemandatory inhotconditionsfromnextseasonbutare notuniversallypopular,withsomedrivers preferringnottousethem

“I haven’t used the vest. I’m also not intending to use it because I feel like this needstobeadriverchoice,”RedBull’sfourtimesworldchampionMaxVerstappensaid inSingapore.

Stage Set for 2025 RBL U-18 School Football League

- Teams briefed, balls distributed

Th e P e t r a Organisation, in partnership with title sponsor Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited set the stage the 2025 Republic Bank Under-18 Secondary SchoolFootballLeaguewith a team briefing and ball distribution exercise yesterday at their New MarketandWaterlooStreets office.

The event was attended by representatives from the eight schools competing in the tournament’s sixth edition. Also present were PetraOrganisationDirectors

Troy Mendonca and Marlan Cole, and Republic Bank Manager,OralRose. The quest for the title begins on October 19 and runs through November 30.

Defending champions

Chase’s Academic Foundation will face stiff competition from Abram ZuilSecondary,ThreeMiles Secondary, President’s College, South Ruimveldt Secondary, West Ruimveldt Secondary, Charlestown Secondary, and Dolphin Secondary

More than just a league title is on the line. The top

WCMJoshi,Sandifordcrowned respective2025I-CEEGrand PrixOneChessTournament

The Guyana Chess Federation(GCF)crowned two new champions in WCM Aditi Joshi and Keron Sandiford, following the end to an exciting 2025 Bank’s DIH I-CEE Grand Prix One Tournament.

Curtainscamedownon the Grand Prix, which plays into a four-series qualifying tournament

organized by the Federation for male and femaleplayers.

The local stars will use the quadruple series as a prelude to gain final selection to the Guyana Nationalteamaheadofthe 2026 Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan,CentralAsia.

twoteamswillearntheright to represent Guyana at the p r e s t i g i o u s K F C International Goodwill ChampionshipinDecember The year-end tournament will feature teams from Trinidad, Jamaica,

and

During the briefing, Petra Organisation CoDirector Troy Mendonca highlighted the league’s significance for player development.

Young chess Star Kyle Couchman did well to achieve 2nd place, beating off the likes of seasoned CM Sachin Pitamber who settled for 3rd, as they capped off the Open categoryforthemen. Meanwhile, In the Women’s category, star player Kataleya Sam despite facing tough competition from Joshi, copped the award for 2nd place with Treskole Archibald sealing the 3rd spot.

The GCF will be shifting focus to Grand Prix number 2, scheduled forNovember2025.

Despite playing to the end unbeaten, Sandiford managedtosecureapairof Draws in the Open category, with a more rampant Joshi winning all her matches in the Women’sleg.

Sponsor’s representative Oral Rose, Internal Audit Manager at Republic Bank, encouraged the studentathletes to seize the opportunity

“This platform provides the necessary opportunities to shine on an even bigger stage,” Rose said He advised the players, “Play with passion, zeal, and most importantly,respect.”

TheRepublicBankU-18 Secondary School League kicks off this Sunday at the Ministry of Education Ground.

The nation’s eight elite schoolteamswillbegintheir battle for supremacy and a coveted spot in the international series this DecemberinGeorgetown.

ar tournamentisveryimportant toschools’footballbecause, unlike other tournaments, teamsgetthechancetoplay several matches in a league setup,” Mendonca stated. “Each team will have the opportunity to play each other, guaranteeing more playing time for every school.Fromadevelopment standpoint,thisisoneofour favourite competitions, and we expect some exciting, entertainingfootballoverthe nextsevenweeks.”

Suriname,theBahamas,

hostnationGuyana.

Several students attended Petra’s ball distribution and team briefing exercise.

The stage is set. Stakeholders and students met yesterday at RBLSports Club for the official team briefing and ball distribution exercise. Seated are (L-R) Nafeeza Boston, RBLManager, InternalAudit, Oral Rose, Petra’s Co-director Troy Mendonca and rep. Troy Peters.

Stage Set for 2025 RBL U-18 School

Football League

Respective winners WCMAditi Joshi and Keron Sandiford flanked by the respective finalists of the 2025 Bank’s DIH I-CEE Soft Drink’s Grand Prix One Chess tournament. - Teams briefed, balls distributed