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Int’llawyer Jankisays: Exxon’s study for 7th oil project excludes 90% of
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Canadian mining company G Mining Ventures (GMIN) has announced the signing of a €30 million (US$32 5 million) agreement for the delivery of key processing equipment The announcement comes as the company submitted a revised Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) to Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
GMINisthe100percentowner of the high-grade Oko West Gold project located in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Guyana, whichisinadevelopmentalstage.
The agreement, signed with global mining equipment manufacturer Metso a company headquarteredinFinland,includesa suite of state-of-the-art equipment critical to the project’s operations These include a Superior™ MKIII primary gyratory crusher, Premier™ semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) and ball mills, a High-Rate Thickener (HRT) equipped with Reactorwell™ technology, apron feeders, and proprietarywearliningsystems
GMIN said that its partnership with Metso is in line with the company’s commitment to operational excellence, sustainability and responsible mining.
The company said, “As we advance through early works and finalise permitting, this order secures essential long-lead items crucial for maintaining our project schedule.”
Metsoconfirmedthattheorder, bookedinitsmineralssegmentfor Q2 of 2025, may be expanded to includeadditionalequipmentasthe projectevolves.
“Metso fully supports G Mining Ventures’ approach to project development, plant engineering,andmineoperations,” says Giuseppe Campanelli, President, North and Central
AmericaatMetso.“Webelieveour industry-leading Metso Plus portfolioofequipmentandservices aligns perfectly with GMIN’s strategy and adds sustainable value.”
The Oko West Gold Project, estimated at 5.4 million ounces of gold and is the cornerstone of GMIN’scorporategrowthstrategy. Moreover,aspartofitsongoing efforts to meet regulatory and
environmental standards, GMIN on May 29 submitted a revised ESIA to the EPA. The handover was made by GMIN’s Country Manager Bjorn Jeune to Colis Primo,HeadofMiningattheEPA.
The updated document incorporates feedback from community consultations and detailsthepotentialenvironmental andsocialimpactsoftheproject.It also outlines GMIN’s proposed mitigation measures and strategies forregulatorycompliance.
The company noted that the revised ESIA reflects its commitment to sustainable development and responsible mininginGuyana.
Following a business combinationwithReunionGoldin 2024,GMINtookfullcontrolofthe Oko West Gold Project, which is positioned to become the next major phase of growth for the company
The 44 square-kilometer project is currently considered an “advanced-stage exploration project”,andisexpectedtoproduce 350,000 ounces of gold annually from both open pit and underground mining over 12 3 years at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC)ofUS$1,123/oz.Arecently published feasibility study shows thattheprojectispoisedtodeliver strong financial returns, thanks to low production costs. The Oko Westprojectstandsoutforitsscale and high-grade resource. The latest Mineral Resource Estimate
includes 5 4 million ounces (Indicated) and 0.4 million ounces (Inferred).
The estimate reflects extensive drilling work over 505 diamond drill holes, 366 reverse circulation holes, and 59 trenches conducted between December 2020 and September 2024. A construction decision is anticipated in the secondhalfof2025.
Earlier this year, GMIN received an interim environmental permit for the project, paving the way for early construction activities and the company has advancedpermittingeffortstoward securing the full environmental licencefromtheEPA.
InMarch,GMINinitiatedearly works at Oko West, including site preparation for a barge landing on the Cuyuni River and the construction of a permanent camp tosupportfuturedevelopment.The company is also expected to execute works on main access and internal roads, airstrip, permanent camp facility, water and sewage treatmentplants.
GMINhasofficiallystartedthe process to secure a mining licence for its Oko West gold. Alongside the mining licence application, GMIN has also begun seeking other critical permits needed to bring the project to full-scale operation.Theseincludeapprovals for port operations, fuel use and storage, as well as the installation o f t r a n s m i s s i o n a n d telecommunicationstowers.
Two Guyanese women, through their lawyer, Melinda Janki has urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) not to approved ExxonMobil’s 7th project using a “defective” study submitted by the company’s consultant, Environmental Resources Management(ERM).
In a letter addressed to theExecutiveDirectorofthe Agency,KemrajParsram,on May 30, Janki on behalf of Joy Marcus and Wintress Morris highlighted that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) excludes 90% of harm to the environment, since it failed to assess Scope Three emissions from the project, although there was a clear ruling from the Court requiring the consultant to includetheseimpacts.
The Lawyer told Parsram, “The Agency may
not use the current
Hammerhead EIA, (produced by the consultant ERM), to approve the Hammerhead Project or to grant an environmental permit to the developer ExxonMobil Guyana Ltd
“We
describe and evaluate the direct and indirect effects of theproposedproject.
J a n k i t h e r e f o r e concludedthatthedocument failed to meet the statutory requirements as she urged theAgencynottoacceptit.
Additionally, the Lawyer has since requested the EPA to confirm its rejection of the study or
quotedasectionofthestudy where the consultant said it was not feasible to estimate scopethreeemissions.
“Whilethereareexisting
quantifying indirect GHG emissions associated with the Project, estimating Scope 3 emissions based on reliable data is not always
cannot allow foreigners to come into Guyana and disrespect our laws and our judges.We recently marked 59 years of independence.What kind of independence do we have when a foreign company like ERM can behave as if they are above the law?”
- Joy Marcus and Wintress Morris
because the Hammerhead EIA does not comply with the ruling of Her Honour Madame Justice Morris in MorrisandMarcusvEPAor with section 11(4) of the Environmental Protection Act.”
The Lawyer reminded that the Court in its March 18, 2025 decision ruled, “Section11(4)oftheActhas been incorporated by reference into the TS [terms and scope] for the EIA and therefore requires the consultant to identify, describe and evaluate all impacts of the proposed project, including Scope 3 emissionswhich,ithasbeen established, are indirect impacts.”
Be that as it may, the Lawyer said she has been unable to find a single statementinthe4,232paged EIA which meets the requirements to identify,
provide its reasons for refusingtodoso
“If you believe that the EIA complies with the law then please also set out the relevant passages and sentences,”Jankiappealed.
In accordance with industry standards, the EIA must state the amount of greenhouse gas and other pollutants that will be produced when the amount ofoil/gasextractedunderthe HammerheadProjectisused for energy The pollution caused by these resources is sometimes referred to as scope3emissions.
In the absence of this information, the Agency would notbeabletomakea validdecision.
Janki was keen to note that the EIA does not state the amount of oil/gas to be producedoverthelifeofthe proposedproject.Infact,she
easible for several reasons.
First, knowing the ultimate use of the extracted hydrocarbonsisnecessaryto accurately estimate Scope 3 emissions (i e , knowing whether extracted hydrocarbons are processed as a fuel and will be combusted, or whether they are used for other noncombustion purposes, such as a feedstock in the petrochemical industry or for asphalt).” (Hammerhead EIA11.1.1.3)
Janki however argued that the consultant is legally requiredtoidentify,describe and evaluate the effects of Scope 3 emissions She therefore informed Parsram, “the EIA is defective and contrary to the requirements of national law.TheAgency cannot legally accept or use the Hammerhead EIA to makeadecisiontoauthorise theHammerheadProject.”
statutory and regulatory requirements.
‘DEFIANCEAND
Meanwhile,inaseparate statement to the media on Sunday, Joy Marcus and Wintress Morris, who took the EPA to Court to ensure the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Hammerhead project meets the required standards, said they were shocked by the Consultant’s disobedience for the Court ruling.
evaluate the impacts of scope 3 from ExxonMobil’s Hammerhead Project, outside of Guyana, the consultant is looking to make money by advising companies on how they can make money from scope 3 emissionsreporting.
Furthermore,theLawyer stated,“Basedontheoil/gas industry’sownstandardsand estimates, ERM’s inability or refusal to estimate the scope 3 emissions from the Hammerhead Project means thattheEIAexcludes90%of the harm that would arise if ExxonMobil was allowed to move ahead with this project.”
She therefore urged the Agency to comply with its statutory duties by rejecting the EIAand removing same from the website, select a newconsultanttocarryouta new EIA and begin the Hammerhead EIA process anew and in line with the
They argued, “We are shocked that ERM has disobeyed a judge of the High Court and ignored our Environmental Protection Act.Whetheryouwantoilor you don’t want oil, this is eye-pass. We cannot allow foreigners to come into Guyana and disrespect our laws and our judges. We recently marked 59 years of independence.What kind of independence do we have whenaforeigncompanylike ERM can behave as if they areabovethelaw?”
Moreover, Marcus and Morris said they were appalledthattheEPAandits Executive Director have allowed such a farce to continue.
Meanwhile, the litigants pointed out that while ERM claims it is not feasible to identify, describe and
Theyexplained,“ERM’s website has a blog by Andrew Patrick Marsh the Technical Consulting Director and RiaraWoodley on “Unlocking business value from Scope 3 emissions reporting”. ERM alsosetsoutsevencoresteps to develop a robust Scope 3 value creation strategy, underpinned by digital solutions.”
The citizens therefore pointed out that ERM can measure scope 3 emissions when it suits them, as they called on Guyanese to stand up against “this eye-pass”. Marcus and Morris argued t h a t E R M i s n o t independent, since the company admits “ERM partners with the top oil and gas companies in the world to address their challenges across the entire value chain.” To this end, they urged that the Consultant be “senthome”.
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Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams
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Last week, this nation witnessed a flurry of so-called endorsements of President IrfaanAli and the PPP/C for a secondterminoffice.
No one except the PPP faithful made much of them. Those individuals who were paraded could have hardly represented any major announcement to citizens as all of them were firmly ensconced in the bosom of the PPP for months - some even years now For PresidentAli and VP Jagdeo and perhaps their followers, these endorsements werehailedassomeseismicshiftinthepoliticallandscape, when they merely represented a betrayal to some citizens whomtheseindividualsoncerepresented.
We must state clearly, that it is the democratic right of those individuals to choose, whichever party they wish to support, but it did not escape our attention the Saturday announcementbyDr AshaKissoonthatshewasendorsing the PPP Dr Kissoon is the current Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and leader of The New Movement (TNM)-oneoftheshadowypartiesthatsprangupatthelast generalelections.Sheenteredparliamentthroughajoinder arrangement involving her party, the Liberty and Justice Party(LJP),ANewandUnitedGuyana(ANUG).
Underthearrangement,LJPwasashoo-intotakeupthe first stint of the one seat that the parties won at the 2020 elections, thenTNM represented by Kissoon and finally it should have been ANUG. Lennox Shuman of the LJP served his first stint and then handed over to Kissoon who should have by now made way for the ANUG. Instead, aidedbytheparty,shenowclaimstobeendorsing,shehas refusedtovacatetheseatdenyingtheANUGanopportunity toberepresentedinParliament.
How could anyone trust such a politician, moreso to even regard the endorsement as anything more than cheap political optics for President Ali and Jagdeo. Kissoon represents the worst of what some Guyanese think of our political leaders and she would find it hard to persuade anyonebeyondthefaithfulfollowersofhernewfriends,the PPP Her Saturday endorsement also confirms what many political watchers and even ANUG had said that she was advisedbythePPPnottovacatetheseatforANUGasher votewasasaferbetthanthepersonwhowastoreplaceher. ItwasalsoevidentthatshewasprocuredbythePPPupfront as that party used its majority in the House to elect her Deputy speaker denying the larger opposition blocAPNUAFC the post, which traditionally went to the main opposition.Muchcouldbesaidoftheotherendorsements, thelikesofDanielSeeram,currentchairmanofRegion4,an alleged wife beater and Dr Van West Charles, who was hauled before the courts by the PPPwhen they took office andwhoalsowasonlyrecentlyfightingfiercelytobeleader of the PNCR. Then Shuman himself, but we will restrain ourselvestoday
As the elections campaign heats up, may we remind citizens that politicians in Guyana will make pretty speeches of how much good they have in mind for the Guyanese people, as they beg for our support. But deep down in their hearts, is where the real truths of their commitmentsgivensoeasilylies.Tosupportistovotefor, andtovoteforistotrust.Everyballotcastwiththatsimplest oflettersfromthealphabet,anXintherightplace,isadeed of trust. Do right, do good, do what is truthful, do what is wise and just and clean. We ask our fellow Guyanese a simplequestion:whatisitthatcitizenshavegotteninreturn forthelastsixdecadesfortheirtrust?
Outside of leaders’inner circle of friends, family, and other favoured followers, what have leaders delivered in return for the priceless trust they received? Politicians in Guyana have long been liars and frauds and deceivers and nowwithoilspringingfrombelowtheseaishere,theyhave lost their minds. They hide, they lie, they makeup stories, andtheymockGuyaneseastheykickasidethetrustgivento them.Someofthebiggestbetrayersandbiggestrobbersin Guyana are in government offices and political headquarters.
‘Let’s
DEAREDITOR,
The oligarchy of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has spent the last 25 of its 30 years in government depressing the democratic hopes that resultedfromthefallofSovietMarxism and the return to free and fair elections by strangulating the democratic rights of minority groups and more particularly suppressing and impoverishing theAfrican people with the single aim of establishing ethnic politicaldominanceinGuyana.
The point has been reached where TransparencyInternationalhasaccused it and its associates of capturing and manipulatingthestateanditisofficially designated as being on the downward slope to dictatorship by the VDemocracy Index. Serious political reforms are required at almost every level of governance if the regional and national elections that the party has now, apparently quite hurriedly, scheduled for 1st September 2025 is to reverse the autocratic trajectory and Guyana take its place among the democratic countries of the Caribbean andbeyond.
The recent announcement by the British government that it has reached agreementwiththeGuyanagovernment to ‘contribute to efforts that support Guyana’s electoral processes in line withinternationalbestpractices [and] strengthen institutions and promote
good governance’was, therefore, most comforting.Afterall,theWestwasvery muchpartoftheprocessandthedebacle thatoccurredduringthe2020elections and made some recommendations, important ones of which are yet to be implemented. One must hope that the apparent haste to call new elections is not intended to truncate this process. Theprioritymustbetoholdthekindof elections that can terminate Guyana’s slide towards dictatorship and provide the foundation for the development of aninclusiveandprosperousdemocratic society
Citizenshavebeenvotingforpublic officials long before the birth of Christ andastheeminentpoliticaltheoristthe late Samuel P Huntington argued, electionsinthemselves,evenwhenfree and fair, do not necessarily result in good governance Governments produced by elections ‘may be inefficient, corrupt, shortsighted, irresponsible, dominated by special interests, and incapable of adopting policiesdemandedbythepublicgood.’ Therefore, the liberal democratic system after which Guyanese hanker mustbebasedonastrongseparationof powers, open, free and fair elections, effective citizen control over policies, responsible government, honesty and openness in politics, informed and rational deliberation, equal and inclusiveparticipationandpower,etc.
What this means in practice is that multiparty elections for the executive must be conducted by an independent/objective elections management body, there must be a consensually agreed upon satisfactory degrees of suffrage, freedom of expression, freedom of association, accountable campaign financing, judicial and legislative constraints on the executive, the protection of civil libertiesandequalitybeforethelaw,and citizens should be subjected only to laws established for the good of the community
Most of the above is foreign to Guyana. Theseparationofpowersdoes notexist,independenceofthejudiciary is weak, police administration is in disarray, etc International best practicessuggestthatsettingthedatefor genuinely democratic elections should be consensual but the main opposition party is up in arms about the autocratic way the date for the 2025 elections has beenset.
One of its spokespersons on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) insisted that the opposition was not properly consulted and that if ‘GECOM was not responsive to its constitutional mandate and concerns regardingbiasedstaff,non-adherenceto legal provisions, unrectified voters’ lists,andtheexclusionoftheduly Continued on page 5
DEAREDITOR,
In an article published in the Kaieteur News on May 30, 2025, and titled ‘Judge imposes over $4M on CathyHughesinJagdeo‘lowlife’case. Iamwritingtoexpressmydeepconcern in relation to the decision by Justice PriscillaChandraHanifftoimposeover $4M on Cathy Hughes, a Member of Parliament (MP) and the plaintiff in a matter of libel brought against Mr Bharrat Jagdeo, Second Vice President inthismatter
Inthismatter,Mrs.HughessuedMr JagdeoformorethanGY$50millionfor calling her a “low-life”, at a news conferenceonNovember23,2023.The article stated that ‘The court subsequently dismissed the case and awardedcostsinfavourofJagdeointhe sum of $4,099,999.00. The cost was imposedonHughesbyJusticePriscilla ChandraHaniffattheGeorgetownHigh Court.’
Thearticlefurtherstatedthat“Inthe written ruling, Justice Hanif expressed the view that the description of CatherineHughesMPasa“low-life”in the following terms, ‘The Court has concluded that the comment made by thedefendantwasfairandreasonable.’” WHAT!? The Second Vice President, calling a Member of Parliament, and a female Member of Parliament a “lowlife”, at a press conference is reasonable?Itisnotreasonable!Thisis not a case where the Second Vice Presidentwastalkingtosomeoneonthe telephone and the person recorded him andleakedtheaudiotothepublic.This isMr Jagdeo,asSecondVicePresident
(VP) of this country, sitting at a press conferenceandcallingsomeonea“low life”.
I have worked at very senior levels in communications for local and international organisations and based on my professional knowledge, this kind of communication at a press conference is not reasonable. It is not reasonable for the Second Vice PresidenttobecallinganyMPwhether itbefemaleormaleoranyonealow-life at his press conference. I could have accepted, if perhaps, the Judge had foundthatthelibelcasewasbadinlaw butthatitwasmorallywrongfortheVP to have descended into such inexcusable vernacular at a press conference The VP has become unhinged at his press conferences and this award of 4$M will further embolden him The Second Vice President must be held to a higher standard than that of the ordinary citizen.
Additionally, the award of $4M to Mr Jagdeoforhisbadbehaviourfliesin the face of women Guyana who are everydaysubjectedtoabusewhetherit beinmusic,orotherwise.
The music in public transportation and public spaces and places express someofthevilestthingsaboutwomen. Just recently, several women were killed by their spouses or family membersinvariouspartsofthecountry Thisdecisiondoesnotaugurwellforthe fightagainstgender-basedviolenceand fosteringbasicrespectforourwomen.
The article further stated ‘In a brief statement, Mr Hughes, who is the
husband of the Opposition MP, noted that the sum is the highest award ever given to a plaintiff in a High Court matter Hesaidthat,assuch,thematter will be the subject of an appeal’. If our womenwillbefacedwithhavingtopay a$4Mincostsforsimplyseekingsome form of redress for abusive behaviour, whether it be verbal or otherwise, then they may be hesitant to approach the courts.InmyviewtheJudgeissending a signal to the general public and women not to waste the courts time by bringingthesemattersbeforethecourts. This could be an infringement on the rights of citizens to seek justice, whethersubtlyorotherwise.
As a Guyanese and a woman, this decisionisextremelyalarming.Itseems like the Judge is rewarding Mr Jagdeo for using abusive language by describingtheMPasa“low-life”atone of his press conferences. Is Justice Haniff awarding the Second Vice President$4Mforhisbadbehaviour?
To further express our outrage against this decision by Justice Haniff for imposing $4M on Cathy Hughes in favour of Jagdeo for simply seeking some form of redress in the courts for abusive behaviour, we are organizing a advocacy event on Tuesday June 3, 2025,from11:00–13:00hours,outside of the High Court on Charlotte Street, Georgetown, between King Street and Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown. Members of the public are invited. Womenarealsoinvitedtocomeoutand support.
Sincerely,
DEAREDITOR,
Evenaschoolkidknowsthatinanylegal dispute, it is only one party that has the ‘burden of proof’ to show that he/she is correct, while the other party has no such burden and is ‘presumed’to be correct. The burdenofproofrequirestheaccusingpartyto ‘produce evidence’ to establish the truth of facts needed to satisfy all the required legal elements of the dispute. In other words, if I make a claim, or accuse someone of something, then I will have to bring the evidence, or retract (sometimes with penalties).
So, I find it rather silly that “TIGI (is) demanding “clear, unambiguous responses fromPresident,VPonAzruddinMohamed’s claim.” The very headline self-destructs and debunks. Who is the accuser? Azruddin Mohamed.Whomustsubstantiate?Azruddin Mohamed. Again, it is quite mind-boggling that TIGI, the supposed candid, unbiased, transparentbodyisloud-mouthinghere.
Thenewshasitthat“TheGuyanachapter of Transparency International has (now) called on President Irfaan Ali and Vice President,BharratJagdeo,toexplaininclear terms what really transpired between themselves and new presidential candidate,
Azruddin Mohamed regarding the importationofhisluxuryvehicle.”
So first, I note that TIGI is assuming veracity for Mohamed’s accusation, elevating it into a ‘Statement of fact.’I note also that “Mohamed is before the court for allegedfalsedeclarationandtaxevasion.”He is not before the courts for some sort of collusion,andshould‘collusion’ofsomesort help his cause, then so be it, but again, I boldlydeclarethat‘collusion’isnottheissue. The purported crime is that “… Mohamed falsely declared to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), that he purchased one LamborghiniRoadsterSVJforUSD$75,300 instead of its initial cost USD$ 695,000.” In conjunctionwiththis,isthat“…onthesame day,hefraudulentlydeclaredtheamountfor the said Lamborghini to USD$75,300, instead of USD$695,000, which resulted in taxes in the sum of G$383 million being evaded.”
This is the gist of the matter. As far as news in the press goes, GRA can and will substantiate and Mohamed will have to ‘his denialofthis,’andnotwhetherornothewas aided and abetted by members of the PPP/C Government,which,ifso,willleadtoanother
Continued on page 6
‘Let’s hope not Guyana’
Frompage4 constituted commission from decision-making are notaddressed,theupcoming elections will simply be an unacceptable, illegitimate and undemocratic process.”
( ‘ T h r e e G E C O M commissioners say revised election workplan doesn’t match Sept 1st date,’ SN: 28/08/2025).
O f c o u r s e , t h e Opposition spokesperson
was being extremely charitableastheactivitiesof the PPP over the last two decades have long made
elections in Guyana u n d e m o c r a t i c a n d illegitimate So it was welcoming to hear that the government of the United Kingdom (UK), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is supporting GECOM to
enhance institutional capacity and strengthen electoral processes ahead of the 2025 General and Regional Elections in Guyana.
Thekeyobjectivesofthe project are: 1 Technical Support for 2025 Elections: Deployment of senior international electoral experts, who will be based within GECOM, to provide technicaladviceandsupport tostrengthenprocessessuch as communications, operationsandlogistics,etc., for the preparation, management,andconductof the elections. 2. Capacity Building: Institutional strengthening of GECOM’s operational systems, human
resources, and technical capacity for sustainable electoral administration. 3. Improved Communications a n d S t a k e h o l d e r Engagement: Enhancing publicinformationstrategies andfosteringmoreinclusive engagementamongelectoral stakeholders to promote transparency and trust (‘GECOM gets support to boost institutional capacity, strengthen electoral processes,’ Newsroom, 09/05/2025).
The PPP is an autocratic construct that is not interested in fostering and promotinginclusivenessand transparencyinanyaspectof public management But added to this, on 24th May 2025, Mr Greg Quinn, former British High Commissioner to Guyana, writingintheStabroekNews in support of the 1998 Northern Ireland Good Friday Agreement and power-sharing arrangement, claimed that there is much thatGuyanacouldlearnfrom that experience. But what is required ‘is commitment from all political leaders to worktogetherforthebenefit ofthepeopleofGuyana. To put to one side old enmities and do what is best for Guyana. Only when they do that willtheoldissuesofthepast largely be put to one side. And everyone can move on and focus on what is important – economic and social well-being’ (‘The Belfast Good Friday Agreement and the importance of reconciliation
DEAREDITOR,
My letter advocates for legal rights awareness, focusing on one’s right to remain silent when arrested. It references the case of Ms. Tamieka Clarke, who was wrongfully “detained for advising her client” to remain silent, highlighting theneedforpeopletoconsult Counsels and exercise their right to remain silent during cop questioning. I point out systemic issues, including theunequaltreatmentofless fortunate individuals, who maybedeniedlegalsupport.
This legal principle grants individuals the freedom to either speak or remain silent when questioned by p o l i c e a r i g h t acknowledged in legal systems worldwide. It was fantastic news when I learned that Ms. Clarke’s colleagues in Georgetown, came to her aid with her ordeal, by demonstrating in thestreets.
financialmeansmaymanage toreachouttosomeonethey trust, often only after statements have been taken fromthem,whichiscontrary to constitutional protections and reflects an unfair and unethical practice by law enforcementinbothGuyana andNigeria.
–alessonforGuyana?,’SN: 24/05/2025).
The possible linkage of these two events must have caused apoplexy among the oligarchs,forapparentlytwo days later as President Ali was announcing the date for the 2025 national and regional elections, he stumbled and mistakenly announced it as 1st December Theissueofgood governance has plagued Guyana for almost threequartersofacentury,largely because for some time, the politicalelitewasignorantof thenegativestructuralnature of its ethnic/political context Today that knowledgeiswidespreadbut in relation to the PPP the racismthathelpedtosustain its actual existence is at present being used by its oligarchs that have deliberately taken the autocratic alternative to Guyana’sdevelopment.
The hastily called elections appear an effort to stymieanypossibilityofthe British intervention leading torealdemocraticoutcomes. The PPP may have also calculated that the current ideological stance of the UnitedStatesadministration and its frosty relationship with Europe, not to mention the government’s new consultant arrangements in the US, will play to its advantage. Let’s hope not: butifitdoesitconstitutesthe most important reason the PPP should be punished at thepolls.
Sincerely, Dr.HenryJeffrey
My letter also discusses the right to remain silent as protected in some other countries, noting the ongoing disregard for these rightsdespiterecentruling.I share my professional responsibility to advise clients against speaking to police,emphasizingtherisks ofself-incriminationandthe importance of legal counsel. My letter explains relevant legalframeworksinNigeria, Canada,andGuyanaandthe broader implications of remainingsilent,particularly emphasizing the dangers of talking with a cop without legal representation It stresses that exercising the right to remain silent is important, for protecting one’s defense and underscores the necessity of understanding and asserting this right to foster a fair justice process. It addresses systemic issues within law enforcement practices in Guyana. It calls for fair treatment within the justice system, as well as increased awareness of these fundamentalrights.
Anyone arrested, whether in Guyana or in other countries such as Canada (where I practiced criminal law for some time) or Nigeria, which has very similar legislation, has the right to remain silent. This right is protected under sections 7 and 11 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and section 35(2) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. In the recent case of Tamieka Clarke v. A.G., 2023, (Ag.) Chief Justice Roxane George stated that Ms. Clarke’s “fundamental right to personal liberty, as guaranteed and protected by Article 139 of the ConstitutionofGuyana,was breached by officers of the Special Organized Crime Unit when she was arrested anddetainedforadvisingher clienttoremainsilentduring questioning by members of the Guyana Police Force.”
In the case of Atanda v A G Western Region (2001), the Nigerian SupremeCourtruledthatno defendant is obligated to make a statement to the police, and the rights of a suspect in custody are protected The same principle applies in Canada. It is disheartening to note that, even in 2025, the fundamental rights of accused persons are still being disregarded by law enforcement in Guyana despite the (Ag ) Chief Justice’s ruling in 2023 Moreover, I am aware that, apart from Guyana, in countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Suriname, and Haiti, suspects often experience severe mistreatment, being dehumanizedandsometimes even harmed or killed, despite disapproval from theirChiefJustices. As a barrister-at-law and a former soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces, I feel a responsibility, as a Legal Aid Ontario Panelist, to advise my clients not to speak to the police. This is crucial because evidential rules can often undermine their defense. Most of the time, I provide this advice over the cell telephone, sometimes in my vehicle whileatthesideoftheroad, instructing my clients to clearlyexpresstheirdesireto remainsilenttothepolice.If they have limited English comprehension due to language barriers, I recommendthattheyrequest aninterpreterandasserttheir right to Counsel This approachhelpssafeguardthe rightsoftheaccused. However, it is important to note that in Nigerian and Guyanese societies, less privileged individuals in custodymaynotbegiventhe opportunity by a cop—or maybe outright denied—the righttocontacttheirlawyers or loved ones, unlike more privileged individuals who usually secure these rights after their arrest. There is a simple rule in Guyana everyone follows “It’s who knowswho!”Amongtheless fortunate, only those with
Section 17(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 of Nigeria states that when a suspect is placed in police custody on allegations of committing an offense, “his statementshallbetaken,ifhe so wishes to make a statement ” Section 17(2) further stipulates that “this statement may be taken in the presence of a legal practitionerofhischoice.”If the suspect does not have a legal practitioner, it “can be taken in the presence of an officer from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, an official from a civil society organization,aJusticeofthe Peace,oranyotherpersonof hischoice.”Importantly,this individual should not interferewhilethesuspectis making their statement, except in their capacity as a legalpractitioner In addition, in my experience, the situation in Guyana is appalling as lawyers often have insufficient spaces to meet with their clients. I suggest that certain resources or services are generally available to those in need. This highlights the importance of accessibility and support in various contexts, whether in education, healthcare, or community services Ensuring that these provisions are consistently available can greatly enhance the overall wellbeing and development of i n d i v i d u a l s a n d communities. Refusing to speak with the authorities does not mean that you are admitting guilt. Instead, it shows that you know your legalrights.Beingsilentcan be tricky because cops are often unprofessional, and may try exerting pressure or applyaggressivemethodsto get you to talk and make commentsthatcouldbeused against you in court. This is their number one agenda of putting pressure on you They start by swearing expletivesatyouandraising their hands cuffed, but your keyisnevertogivethecops anyinformationorstatement without your lawyer No matter what the police or otherauthorized Continued on page 6
Geneva, 30 May 2025 – On World No TobaccoDay,theWorldHealthOrganization (WHO)todaylaunchesanewpublicationand calls on governments to urgently ban all flavours in tobacco and nicotine products, includingcigarettes,pouches,hookahsandecigarettestoprotectyouthfromaddictionand disease.
Flavours like menthol, bubble gum and cotton candy are masking the harshness of tobacco and nicotine products turning toxic products into youth-friendly bait. Flavours notonlymakeithardertoquitbuthavealso been linked to serious lung diseases Cigarettes, which still kill up to half of their users, also come in flavours or can have flavoursaddedtothem.
“Flavours are fuelling a new wave of addiction, and should be banned,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, DirectorGeneralofWHO.“Theyunderminedecades of progress in tobacco control.Without bold action, the global tobacco epidemic, already killing around 8 million people each year, will continue to be driven by addiction dressedupwithappealingflavours.”
The publication, Flavour accessories in tobacco products enhance attractiveness and appeal reveals how flavours and accessories like capsule filters and click-on drops are marketedtobypassregulationsandhooknew users. Flavours are a leading reason why young people try tobacco and nicotine products. Paired with flashy packaging and social media-driven marketing, they’ve increased the appeal of nicotine pouches, heated tobacco, and disposable vapes into addictive and harmful products, which aggressivelytargetyoungpeople.
“We are watching a generation get hooked on nicotine through gummy bearflavoured pouches and rainbow-coloured vapes,” said Dr Rüdiger Krech, WHO Director of Health Promotion. “This isn’t innovation, it’s manipulation. And we must stop it.” WHO reiterates that tobacco products, including heated tobacco products exposeuserstocancer-causingchemicalsand shouldbestrictlyregulated.
According to recent data, the Region of theAmericascurrentlyhasthesecondhighest prevalenceoftobaccouseamongadolescents aged13to15years,with11.9%ofboysand 10.7%ofgirlsreportinguse.Theregionalso shows the smallest gender gap, indicating a concerning equalization in consumption patterns. At the same time, the use of electronic cigarettes is on the rise, particularlyamongadolescentsandyouth.In this age group, the regional average for ecigarette use stands at 5.4%, a figure alarmingly close to the prevalence of conventionalcigaretteuse,whichis6%.
In response to this situation, countries in the Americas have made progress in implementing effective measures to reduce tobacco use and counter the strategies employed by the tobacco industry Ten MemberStateshaveadoptedcomprehensive bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, some of which also cover emerging products such as electronic cigarettes. In addition, seven countries have completelybannedthesaleoftheseproducts.
As a result of these efforts and the implementation of measures outlined in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control(WHOFCTC),itisestimatedthatthe number of tobacco users in the Region has declinedfrom159millionintheyear2000to 129 million in 2025 an 1887% reduction This downward trend reflects the positive impact of regulations such as 100% smokefreeenvironmentsandgraphichealthwarnings on tobacco packaging, as well as growing awarenessoftheharmfuleffectsoftobaccoon health, the economy, and the environment WorldNoTobaccoDaywascreatedbyWHO Member States in 1987 and is observed annually on May 31 to raise awareness about theharmfuleffectsoftobaccouse.Thisyear’s campaign aims to expose industry strategies that manipulate the appearance and appeal of tobaccoandnicotineproducts.Byunmasking these tactics, the initiative seeks to raise awareness,promotepolicychange,andreduce demand,especiallyamongyouth
Frompage5
issue. Mohamed has repeatedly stated that “… it was President Ali and Vice President Jagdeo,whofacilitatedtheimportationofhis luxury vehicles (whether or not this means tax evasion as well remains unknown). To this, “Both Ali and Jagdeo have publicly denied the allegation, with each ‘charging’ Mohamedtoproducetheevidence.”Imeanif he could and would will be the crux of this issue, and I remain in revulsion that TIGI is clamouring for ‘clear and unambiguous’ statements from the Vice President and Presidentonthematter
ConcerningMohamed,hisboastisthat“I have proof where Irfaan Ali facilitated and
assisted with the clearance of the Lamborghini.I’mwaitingforhimtosaythat thatisalie.Andtrustme,anytimehecomes out and say it’s a lie, I’ll show the whole country how he is ” I can hardly wait mores that Jagdeo challenged Mohamed to release the evidence: “Let him release the evidence that President Ali told himtosubmitafalseinvoicetotheGRA.
Editor, the way I see things, if Mohammed can, with a battery of lawyers, prove ‘authenticity’of his claims, then I am sure his Presidential Ambitions will be bolstered.
Yourstruly, HargeshB.Singh
Frompage5 person(s) in charge say, do, or promise you, remain silent. Always remain silent saying, “You may speak to my lawyer,” in case you havetosayanything.Ialwaysadviseclients to refrain from expressing an opinion. Otherwise,asinglepieceofinformationcan becomeenoughtocostyouthecase.
InOntario,nooneisrequiredtospeakor provide information to police, except in certain traffic situations. Clients can choose to remain silent, and if they do, police typically continue questioning (R v Singh). Importantly,onehastherighttoconsultwith a lawyer in private. Young ones have additional protections under the Youth CriminalJusticeAct,ensuringthatcounselis present during interrogations. Court rulings, suchasR.v SinclairandR.v McCrimmon, clarify that even after consulting a lawyer, police may continue questioning Undercover operations must adhere to legal standards, and individuals have the right against self-incrimination, which should be respected in cases. When detained, one can remain silent and is under no obligation to provide information based on police suspicionsonanallegationofcommittingan offence.
Ifyouareasuspect,andisatastation,ask tocontactCounselagaindueto:[i]achange in the jeopardy facing you (e.g., from attempted murder to murder) [ii] New procedure(s) involving you that require further legal advice (e.g., participation in a polygraphtest,line-up,orforaDNAsample) [iii]Reasontobelievethatyoumaynothave understood the initial legal advice (e.g., becomingconfusedaboutchoicesortheright toremainsilentinlightofnewallegations).In the face of repeated requests to consult with counsel, depending on the circumstances, your voluntariness of any subsequent statement you make to the police is challengeable.
Sometimesthecopmaytryothermethods to elicit evidence. Where the “inmate” is an undercovercop,differentconsiderationsmay apply:R.v Hébert.InHébert,itwasheldthat where the accused consulted with Counsel andinformedthepolicethathedidn’twishto make a statement, his rights were violated duetotrickerybyputtinganundercovercop nearby because the court felt that the cop engagedthemaninconversation.
The situation is different where an undercovercopmerelyallowsamantospeak butdoesnotattempttoelicitinformationorto “free agents” (inmates) who get information from another, which may be adduced in evidence.
Thereisanunderlyingright,whichisthe right to avoid self-incrimination. At times, someprosecutorsintheirun-fairmindedness approach to their work may ask a judge or jurytodrawunfavourableconclusionsbased on this right being exercised advocatingthat onedidnotspeakupbefore,orduringatrial, leaving Counsel to raise any objection if desirous.
In Ontario, if the police wish to speak to someone, that person is generally under no obligationtoprovideanyinformation,witha fewexceptions,suchasintrafficsituations.A lawyer must inform the client of their rights and is required to gather sufficient information to offer further advice. If the client opts to remain silent, the lawyer must respectthatchoice,andalsobesilent.
Butthebottomlineiswhendetained,one isnotlegallyrequiredtointeractwithacopor give any information based on the cops’ “meresuspicions”.Inotherwords,whenone is taken into custody, one can remain silent insteadofgivinganystatement(s).Copsmay use the helplessness and vulnerability of a detainee to force him or her into confessing. However,youarenotrequiredtospeaktothe cop,evenifacoptellsyouto.Voluntarinessis important.
What happen if a person wants to speak withacop?Ifso,thatisadifferentstory-they must be completely honest. Each word will be noted down, and can be used as pieces of evidence.Givingfalsestatementstoacopisa criminaloffence:perjury Therighttoremain silentisn’tanopportunitytolietothepolice, one must understand that one is in no way allowedtolietothecop:“obstructingapeace officer” or “obstruction of justice” are offences that may be committed. These are seriousoffencesanditwillaffectyourability todefendyourselfincourt.
Most people don’t have any knowledge regarding the right to remain silent. Due to this,manypeoplespeakoutwithoutthinking about the later consequences. That is why exercising your right to silence is crucial to creatingawinningdefencestrategy Because anything coming out of your mouth could endanger your defence case, becoming the main reason for your conviction. If you are askedtoreport,thereisachancethatacopis either investigating you for a crime or has evidencetoarrest.
A cop may ask for your alibi or of your whereabouts.Thecopmightsuspectyou,and callyouin,inhopesthatyouadmittoacrime. An unseasoned cop may just have a hunch, youmayhavecommittedanoffence,andask youto“cometothestation,”hopingthatyou willspillsomething,soitisbesttonottalkin theabsenceofalawyer
Even if you are innocent and the police just want a statement, it is not advised that you talk without a Counsel. One might be guilty of committing a crime even if one thinks one is innocent, for an accessory to a crimewithoutknowing.
There is no such thing as an “off the record” statement. Anything one tells a cop canbeusedagainstone–ifoneadmitsduring aphonecall,textmessageoranyothermeans isevidence.
Thesimplestevidentialruleistoprovide your name, address, and date of birth and refusetoshareanyotherdetails.
Yoursfaithfully, M. SHABEER ZAFAR, B.A., LL.B. Hons.),L.E.C.
With the second autopsy of 11-year-old Adriana Younge completed, her family is considering formally petitioning the Government of Guyana to launch a Commission of Inquiry(COI)intoherdeath
This is according to the family’s lead attorney, Dr DexterTodd,whoonSunday, outlined the next moves for thefamily
Todd appeared on the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) weekly programme “Nation Watch” There, he explained that the family will pursue several legal avenues in their quest for justice One of the immediatesteps,hesaid,isto challenge the findings and reportofthefirstautopsy
“We’regoingtobedoing thatbecause,ifleftthewayit is, it sets a problematic precedent for criminal investigations in Guyana,” Toddstated
Hearguedthattheinitial investigation leaned too heavily on “textbook approaches to drowning” and failed to connect all components needed for a comprehensive conclusion.
“It is a cause of concern internationally,thatwehave treated this whole investigation of drowning a bittoomuchbytextbook,so to speak And we have not really connected a very, all the various components of this investigations to come to those findings And so, there is going to be a need for us to revisit the first autopsy”
The second legal route involves examining the Guyana Police Force’s handlingofthecase
“The entire investigation in this case will have to be reviewed,” he said “We are now mapping out what are these various steps to challenge that in a court of law.”
The third and most significant step, according to Dr.Todd,isaformalpetition tothegovernmenttolauncha CoI
“We are also going to be considering, and this will be clearly for various organisations, to plead with government to hold a commissionofinquiryinthis regard,“Toddexplained “So, withacommissionofinquiry, you get an opportunity to interrogate all that was done and not done in this matter and to make certain recommendations.”
He added that the outcome now depends on whether the government is willing to support such a move
“That’sgoingtofallback into the hands of the government, to have government’sapprovalinthat regard And I don’t know whether that is something, whether that is a posture that they are going to take in this matter So, we’re going to havetodoit,“hesaid
Adriana Younge’s family lead attorney Dr. Dexter Todd
Toddnotedthattherewill beotherlegalrepresentatives assisting in the case He revealed that several international lawyers have expressed interest in the matter, particularly due to growing concern over how drowning cases, especially those suspected to be homicidal, are handled in Guyana “This particular matter in terms of the legal leg will be assisted by a number of lawyers internationally, who are concerned about the precedent being set in relation to how cases of homicidal drowning are dealt with in Guyana and to havethatproperlydefinedin sense,” he said. “So that is going to be one of the first areas that will be dealt with in relation to the legal position.”
Meanwhile, Leonard McCoshen, a retired officer from the Royal Canadian MountedPolice(RCMP),on Friday praised the Guyana PoliceForce,forwhathesaid was a thorough investigation intoAdriana’scase Hestated hewasgivenover400pages ofdocumentationandawide array of digital forensic evidence.
“Itisveryapparenttome that members who investigated this incident took the utmost time and considerableefforttospeakto any and all persons that had any information to provide,” McCoshenstated
Hepraisedthecareshown in documenting Adriana’s caseanddescribedthePolice Force’s efforts as “exceptional”
“The facts surrounding a great deal of care in documenting the movement of the body of Adriana Younge, after she was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, is exceptional and somethingthatIhavenotseen before,” the former sleuth said
Adriana’s family has however maintained that critical questions remain unanswered, especially regarding the timing,
Dead: Adriana Younge
The 11-year-old, who days before had written the National Grade Six Assessment, was reported missing onApril 23 during a family outing at the Double Day International Hotel and Bar in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo Her body was discoveredthefollowingday in an upright position in the hotel’spool,nearly20hours later,despiteearliersearches
ofthesamearea.
Family members observed visible bruises and scratches on her knees, elbows,face,hands,andtoes
Strikingly, she was found in an upright, standing position in the pool and reportedly showed no signs of bloating, an indication typically associatedwithdrowning
The first post-mortem examination was conducted on April 28 by a three-
nal forensic team, including Dr. Shubhakar Karra Paul (Barbados),Dr GaryCollins (Delaware, US), and Dr Glenn Rudner (Mount Sinai, US) The team concluded that the cause of death was drowning but did not determine the time of death or whether Adriana had inhaledpoolortapwater
Unconvinced by the findings, Adriana’s family arrangedforasecondautopsy intheUnitedStates Herbody was flown to Atlanta, Georgia, where Dr Carol Terry, Chief Medical Examiner of Gwinnett County, conducted the procedure
In an interview with journalist Travis Chase, Dr Terry called the case “highly suspicious” and emphasised that only a thorough investigationcoulddetermine whetherAdriana drowned or wasmurdered “Atthistime, drowning cannot be conclusively stated as the causeofdeath,”shesaid
Tax revenues in Latin America and the Caribbean decreased as a share of GDP in 2023amidaslowdownineconomicactivity in the region and a decline in global commodityprices,accordingtoanewreport.
The report Revenue Statistics in Latin America and the Caribbean 2025, released today at the UN-ECLAC 37th Regional FiscalSeminarinSantiago,Chile,showsthat the average tax-to-GDP ratio in the region was21.3%in2023.
This was 0.2 percentage points (p.p.) below the level in 2022 and slightly below the level prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (21.4% in 2019). Tax-to-GDP ratios in the region ranged from 11.6% in Guyana to 32.0%inBrazilin2023.Bycomparison,the averagetax-to-GDPratioinOECDcountries was33.9%in2023.
Between2022and2023,thetax-to-GDP ratiofellin14ofthe26countriesincludedin the report. Chile and Peru observed the largest declines (of 3.2 p.p. and 2.1 p.p. respectively) In both cases, this was primarilyduetolowerincometaxrevenues, which resulted from the impact of lower commoditypricesontheeconomyandhigh taxrefundsandcreditsin2023.
The overall decline in tax revenues as a shareofGDPintheregionwasduetoafallin revenuesfromincometaxes,notablyamong some of the main hydrocarbon and mineral producers.Incometaxrevenuesdeclinedby 0.1%ofGDPonaveragefromapeakof6.3% in2022,accordingtothenewreport.Social security contributions increased by 0.1 p.p. in2023whilerevenuesfromtaxesongoods andservicesremainedunchangedasashare ofGDP
A decline in commodity prices in 2023 dragged down the region’s revenues from non-renewable natural resources Hydrocarbon-related revenues among the region’stenbiggestoilproducersdeclinedto 3.9%ofGDPonaveragein2023(from4.4% of GDP in 2022) while mining revenues declined to 0.59% of GDP (from 0.74% of GDP in 2022). The report estimates that revenues from hydrocarbons and mining decreased further in 2024, to 3.2% of GDP and0.5%ofGDP,respectively
For the first time, the 2025 edition of RevenueStatisticsinLatinAmericaandthe Caribbeanpresentsharmoniseddataonnontax revenues, such as rents and royalties, interest and dividends received by the government, and public sales of goods and services.
The report shows that non-tax revenues at the central government level for 22 countries averaged 3.1% of GDP in 2023, rangingfrom0.4%inPeruto11.6%ofGDP in Cuba. Between 2019 and 2023, non-tax revenues declined by 0.4 p.p. on average acrosstheregion,albeitwithstrongyear-onyear variations over this period, including a declineof0.7p.p.between2022and2023. RevenueStatisticsin LatinAmericaand theCaribbean2025isajointpublicationby the Inter-American Center of Tax Administrations(CIAT),theInter-American Development Bank (IDB), the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UN-ECLAC), and the Organisation for Economic CooperationandDevelopment(OECD)Centre for Tax Policy and Administration and DevelopmentCentre.
Therearemomentsinthe lifeofanationwhenitssoul istested—whentheliesare somonumental,thedeceitso absolute, that to pretend otherwise is to become complicit in the great farce. Guyana had such a moment inMarchof2020.Itwasnot merelyabunglingofprocess or a misinterpretation of numbers.Itwasanattempted coup, wrapped in the illfitting garments of legality and draped in the stench of desperation.
The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) andtheAllianceForChange (AFC)werethearchitectsof this disgrace. These are the twopartiesforwhomshame is a stranger, and that has proven that for them democracy is nothing more than a game to be played when convenient and d i s c a r d e d w h e n inconvenient.
To speak of these parties as democratic actors is to debase the very term. The PNCR, heir to a legacy of rigged elections and autocratic misrule, long ago abandoned any genuine commitment to the democratic project. It has alwayspreferredthescentof power to the slow, disciplined work of democratic governance. Its partner in ignominy, the AFC, once clothed itself in the garments of principled opposition,onlytobecomea willing appendage to the verytyrannyitonceclaimed to oppose. Together, they constitute not a political forcebutagrotesqueparody — a reminder of all that is brittle, broken, and bitter in
Guyanesepolitics. One must marvel at the audacity of these parties to invoke the language of electoralintegrity Itisakind ofpoliticalpornography—a violationoftruthsoobscene, it ought to be banned from polite conversation. To hear thePNCRandAFCspeakof “freeandfairelections”isto enterahallofmirrors,where wordslosetheirmeaningand history is reduced to a malleable script. These are not parties with a stake in democracy Theseareparties with a stake in power, and they will mortgage the very soulofthenationtomaintain theirgriponit.
It was all laid bare in 2020. The world watched, aghast, as numbers were conjured out of thin air, as sheets were hidden and replaced, as certain persons were reduced to clowns in a farcical circus. It was not incompetence;itwasdesign. Noterror,butintent.Itwasa heist of democracy attempted in broad daylight, carriedoutwithabrazenness that would have made even the most seasoned autocrats blush. And yet, no apology was offered. No contrition. Only the continued posture of victimhood, the invocation of conspiracies, therefusaltoadmitthetruth that the people had simply rejectedthem.
The PNCR and AFC believe the Guyanese electorate to be stupid. That istherootoftheirpathology Theybelievethatmemoryis short,thatthelieswillstickif repeated often enough, that the long history of rigged ballots and violent
suppression will simply be forgottenundertheweightof new propaganda. But the people remember. They remember Burnham’s iron grip They remember Hoyte’s contortions. They remember the AFC’s betrayal, its slow and eager seduction into the PNCR’s orbit. They remember the days when “democracy” meant absurdity, where elections were held only to ratify decisions made elsewhere.
What is democracy to these people? It is a slogan, notaprinciple.Ameans,not anend.Andwhenthepeople say no, they answer with manipulation, not humility There is no repentance here.
No sign of internal reckoning. Only the same exhausted playbook: cast doubt, slow confusion, scream about rigging, and hope that the noise drowns outthetruth.
Letusbeclear:theseare not normal political parties. They are relics of authoritarianism, dressed up for the modern stage. They are not part of the solution; they are the problem incarnate.To permit them to operate as legitimate actors within the democratic system is to sanction sabotage.Toincludethemin elections is to invite chaos.
In any functioning democracy,theywouldhave been disqualified — not for ideology, but for action. Not fortheirbeliefs,butfortheir attempted theft of the people’svoice.
The idea that these parties can be reformed is a fantasy entertained only by
Guyanafullofstubbornpeople.Yuhsee dem every day. Once dem seh something, not even lightning or common sense could change dem mind. Dem would hold on to a wrongidealikeisdemgrandmotherwill.
OnemansehCOVIDwasahoax.Heend up in the ICU gasping fuh breath but still whispering, “Is just a lil flu.” Another one seh the earth flat—until he book a flight to ChinaandendupinMiamibyaccident.He stillsehthepilottekthelongway
Islikesomepeoplebelievebeingwrong gonmekdemdisappear Demrathereatcrow with ketchup than admit, “Me mess up.” Is like dem does rather walk barefoot pon brokenbottlethanseh,“Youwasright.”
Anddon’ttalkpolitics.Oncedempicka side, that side could thief, lie, bruk road in cemetery,andstilldemgondefenditlikeis dem wedding vows. “At least he building school,”demgonseh,eveniftheschoolgot no teacher and de children learning pon chalkboardfrom1985.
Some people committed to de
thenaïveorthecomplicit.A leopard does not change its spots because the jungle changes. The PNCR and AFCareunfitfordemocratic lifeinthewayathiefisunfit to guard a bank vault. Their verypresenceinthepolitical arena is an insult to those who fought, bled, and died fortherighttovote.
Guyana cannot build a stable democratic future while entertaining political actors who view democracy as an obstacle to be
overcomeratherthanavalue to be cherished These parties must not be allowed to launder their reputations through participation. They mustbenamed,shamed,and rejected.
Let them write their memoirs. Let them speak in emptyhalls.
Let them vanish into the footnotes of history, where all failed actors eventually go. But let them not be allowed to govern again or even to compete for
government. For to allow that is to surrender to cynicism — and cynicism is the slow poison of every democracy
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
foolishness. Dem does twist facts, invent new ones, or just shout louder when dem wrong. One lady seh rain does fall because de government building too much road. When the sun shine, she seh is climate change.
Andwhendemdigin,demdoesdiginso deepdatdemdoescan’tdigthemselvesout. So don’t expect dem fuh come forward and say dem was wrong. Dat will not happen becausehowdemganexcusewhatdembin do to others with their false narratives and accusations.
Butheardis:Itnahkillnobodytoseh,“I was wrong.” It does actually mek you look like you got sense. Or at least, more sense thandemanwhostillwaitingfuhBurnham tocomeback.
Dem boys seh, better you admit yuh wrong than keep living in a fantasy Only donkey stubborn fuh stubborn sake. And Guyana got too much people braying already Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
The mystery is over, September The September surprise that is not that much of a surprise. Forgetabouttheclashing voicescomingoutofGECOM.
To register my distaste, no referencewillbemadetothatword -theeword. HowcanI,whenthere is nothing that remotely resembles a contest in the making. I declare Septemberanocontestaffairfrom today, about 100 days prior, new entrantornonewentrant.
If somebody said PPP, that has allthehallmarksofano-brainer If anyone, by some random development, encounters a local political UFO, then I encourage themtosharethestartlingnews,but on one condition only That the sighting has substance, some measureofseriousness,andstaying power
Well, Guyanese got what they askedfor:there’sanewkidintown, and like the song from the Eagles said: ‘Great expectations,
everybody’s watching y o u J o h n n y c o m e lately…everybody loves you, so don’tletthemdown…walkingaway and they’re talking behind you.” There Guyana is, there he is Despite thinking to the contrary, I stillbelievethatGuyanesearesetto
have what they are guaranteed to have: a one-horse race with one reality,i.e.,nothingbutaoneresult return. Closer now, but still a one resultstory
What is Guyana going to have postSeptember1,that’sthesumof my interest. Note, please, that I havequicklygonepastthebigday itself.
October or November was where my head was, but I did say lookout for August, because it would be the stroke that left the flatfootedanddesultoryopposition inanevenmoredesolatestate.
A non-presence, a nonentity, and a non-performer Not even a bump on a log calling for careful watching. Tragic, isn’t it, that when Guyanese are scrounging around for an alternative, they end upwiththesecretivethathasallthe inspiration of a full-strength laxative. I think that has what couldbecathartic.
After five years of the PPP Government’s horror show, with the law made a mockery of, the most that conscientious and lawabiding Guyanese have to look forward to, is a more unchecked and undeniable horror show A steamroller powered by a juggernaut. Afteralltheoil,allthe
writing and talking, all the visioning and strategizing, this is whereGuyanais.
So, I am still with post September 1. How will Guyana be? What can Guyanese expect? At best, five more years (perhaps 25) of the PPP at its monstrous worst.
For where are the inhibiting hands, the restraining presences? Who are they, and where to find them? Atworst,Iamthinkingofa Guyana hung out to dry, an intensification of five years ago, andanextensionofwhathappened then. T
hosewhoarebusycountingthe days to 9/1, serve this country betterbyrefocusingtheirpriorities onthedayafter Adayonlywould beamiracle.
But 2025 would still have four months left; may they be short ones,andsweetones,too. Iconfess publiclytoararity-alittlemorselof uncertainty Whatisshapingupto beano-contestbusiness,couldalso bevisitedbythatunwantedvisitoranoacceptancemessenger
Theunderpinningswerealways present,andloudly,consistentlyso. Biometrics never entered the picture,itselfabone-in-the-behind; and but there was contentiousness
about ‘bloated lists’, the impartiality of GECOM, and the regular familiar bitter wrangling and scrapping that is now second nature to humankind and, even more bitterly, dear old Mama Guyana.
Somemayhaveconcludedthat I am already bored stiff with Guyana’s version of e-business. Rightfirsttime. Withacarefuleye fixed on the Ethnic Commission, Integrity Commission, and Police Commission,IthinkGuyanesegot some trailers on what could be in the making. If there was so much rageoveranautopsyresult,thenthe biggest, most watched, result in Guyana may just have had its precedent.
Because if there was that kind of incendiary energy over an autopsy result, then it eludes me how the September 1 result could betakenonthechinandwithagrin.
Then, there have been those mystery moments that have gone
largely unmentioned, and also largelyunsolved Whoiswho,and what is what, doesn’t leave feeling right, and always in between, the powerofmoney,andthosearoundit Atthetop,Isaidthattheresult is foregone. My reflections are concentrated on where Guyana is going. Maythebestteamwin. The problem is that the other side cannotbefound,ano-show,ifever therewasone.
Guyanese clamored for democracy Since they have proven to be incapable of dealing with the intricacies of democracy, they must now batten down for autocracy and tyranny Me, I joiningdePPP
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
U S crude oil production surged to an all-time high in March, reaching 13.488 million barrelsperday,accordingtonewly releasedmonthlyEIAdata.
That edges out the previous monthly record of 13.450 million bpd set in October 2024, and an increase over the 13.153 million bpd in February The increase reflects steady momentum from the Permian and Gulf Coast operators even as drilling activityslowselsewhere.
But while the supply side flexed its muscle, demand told a different story Total petroleum product supplied—a broad proxy forU.S.oildemand—fellto19.95 millionbpd(Table3),thelowestin a year and down from 20.225 million bpd in February, which wasadecreasefromJanuary
The soft patch in consumption raises red flags for refiners and exportersheadingintothesummer driving season, especially with inventoriesclimbing.
Crude imports for March clockedinat178.4millionbarrels,
according to EIA’s Petroleum Supply Monthly, slightly higher than February in total barrels, thanks to the longer month—but stillloweronadailyaveragebasis. Finished product imports came in at 17.8 million barrels, led by gasolineblendingcomponentsand jetfuel.
Despite record output, U.S. drillers are pulling back. The rig countfellforthefifthstraightweek in May, dropping to 563—the lowest since late 2021 Oildirectedrigsfellto461,withlosses in both the Permian and New Mexico Capital discipline remains the mantra as producers focus on debt reduction and shareholderreturns.
The divergence is stark: America is producing more oil than ever, but running fewer rigs, spending less, and—at least for now selling into a softening domestic market. The result? An uneasy balance of record supply and sliding demand that could define the summer oil narrative. (Oilprice.com)
Nigeria MiningGuinea’s military-led governmenthasrevoked129 mining exploration permits as part of its wider effort to tighten oversight of its natural resources and attract new investments This development was reported by Reuters, citing anonymoussources.
Themoveisalignedwith the country’s broader strategy to optimise its mineralsector,whichplaysa pivotal role in Guinea’s economy According to a senior Ministry of Mines official, the government has transitioned to a digital permit system to improve transparencyandcontrol.
“We’ve simplified the process by digitising the entire system, making it easier to monitor,” the official explained, although theimplicationsforongoing investments remain uncertain.
Asecondministrysource noted that most of the cancelled permits were linked to gold exploration, with those assets now revertingtostateownership.
This is not the first such action in recent months Earlier in May, authorities withdrew51mininglicences that had been underutilised or dormant. These included concessions involving bauxite, gold, diamonds, graphite,andiron.
Guinea, home to the world’s largest bauxite reservesandamajorsupplier to China, has been stepping up its scrutiny of mining licences. The government had previously withdrawn bauxite permits from Kebo EnergyandEmiratesGlobal
Aluminium (EGA), according to a separate Reutersreport.
EGA, through its subsidiary Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC), has faced severe setbacks, having suspended its operations since December 2024 The company reportedly holds nearly two million tonnes of bauxite that remain unexported due totheongoingdisruption.
One key reason for the licence scrutiny appears to be unmet investment
commitments The government has warned that GAC risks losing its licence over its failure to build an alumina refinery a condition of its agreement withthestate.
Guinea’s Minister of Mines, Bouna Sylla, defended the government’s toughstance,insistingthatit
seeks to ensure that all parties especially investors honour their contractualobligations.
“This process will be pursued rigorously, within the framework of the law, while safeguarding the legitimate interests of all parties, including Guinean stakeholders,” he said. In response, GAC has rejected accusations of noncompliance, stating it has communicated the considerable economic, t e c h n i c a l , a n d environmental challenges involved in constructing the alumina refinery to the Guineanauthorities.
Guinea’sactionsreflecta broader trend among military-led governments in West Africa—such as those in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—who are pushing to maximise returns from their mineralwealth.
Meanwhile, Guinea’s actions mirror those of Senegal Back in 2024 Senegalese Police with the support of its SubImmigration Support and RepressionGroup(GARSI), initiated measures to dismantle clandestine operations in that country’s gold fields, namely the, Kédougou region. Predominantly managed by foreign nationals, p a r t i c u l a r l y f r o m neighbouring countries, these illicit gold panning sites often serve as hubs for various illicit activities includingtrafficking.
Themovewasinkeeping with the promises of newly elected Senegalese
President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who on taking office had vowed to clamp down on the skullduggeries taking place initsoilandgasandmining sectors. To this, end reports indicate that in pursuit of organizing and regulating the gold panning industry withintheKédougouregion, law enforcement officials, aided by GARSI targeted raids conducted in specific areas resulted in the closure ofmultipleclandestinesites.
Notably, the operation conductedonSaturday,May 4th, in the village of Bagué, situated in the commune of MissirahSirimana,ledtothe seizure of several items including a generator, a motor pump, containers of gasoline, motorcycles, solar panels, a water pump, and a substantial quantity of narcotics.
Law enforcement efforts remain ongoing across the
Southeast zone. According to reports, following the arrival of law enforcement personnel, illegal gold miners from Burkina Faso hastilyvacatedthepremises, abandoningtheirequipment,
and fleeing across the Malian border to seek refuge.
In a televised address to theSenegalesenationonhis assumption of office Faye had immediately revealed
plans for a comprehensive auditofthenation’soil,gas, andminingsectors,andtheir terms and conditions under which they were handed out byhispredecessor
In recent years this publicationhasreportedona plethora of shortcomings and exploitation in the sector, including those enshrined in the many contracts inked over the years.
The parents of 11year-old Adriana Younge received a posthumous honour from the United States Congress onSundayduringtheannual Guyana Independence Parade held in Brooklyn, NewYork.
The award was presented in Adriana’s memory following her mysterious death at the Double Day International Hotel and Bar in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo. Her body was discovered on April 24 in the swimming poolapproximately20hours after she was reported missing during a family outing.
Thehonourwasformally presentedbyNewYorkCity Council Member Chris Banks (42nd District) to Adriana’s family on behalf of the U S Congress Following the parade, Adriana’s mother, father, aunt,andtwosiblingsjoined Councilman Banks on stage toreceivetheaward.
This year’s parade was officially dedicated to the memoryofAdrianaYounge, according to a release from the Guyana Independence CommitteeNYCissuedfive days prior to the event. The Committee expressed solidarity with the family andemphasizedtheneedfor justiceinAdriana’scase.
Adriana’s family had flown to the United States last week to oversee the secondautopsyonherbody, which was conducted in
Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday Following the
autopsy,thefamilytravelled to New York City to participate in the Guyana Independence Parade and attend the ceremony held in Adriana’shonour
Thousands of Guyanese and supporters gathered for the parade, with many
Family members of Adriana Younge receiving posthumous award from officials of the United States Congress
carrying placards bearing Adriana’s photo and chanting, “Justice for Adriana!” The march began at Church and Brooklyn Avenues at 12 noon on June 1 and proceeded along Church Avenue, Utica Avenue, and concluded at
the venue for the Unity Concert:1450UticaAvenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203 (betweenGlenwoodRoad& FarragutRoad).
At the Unity Concert, several heartfelt tributes were dedicated to Adriana Younge, including a poem by Guyanese activist Melissa Atwell, a dramatic performance, and original songswritteninherhonour
Several prominent U.S. officials attended the event, includingHouseDemocratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Councilman Chris Banks,andothermembersof Congress, as well as state and local government leaders and community advocates.
The New York Guyana Independence celebration is the largest gathering of Guyanese outside of Guyana,andoneofthemost significant West Indian cultural events in NewYork City—second only to the LabourDayparade.
The event draws thousands of attendees annually, with over one million viewers watching online via live stream and socialmediaplatforms.
The Guyana Fire Service said the fire Sunday morningattheOutreachMinistriesheadedby BishopJuanEdghillwasdeliberatelyset.
Inastatement,theFireServicesaidsubsequenttoa detailed review of video surveillance footage and additional surveillance inspection, the cause of the fire wasupdated.
“Initial reports suggested an electrical fault; however,furtherinvestigationrevealedthatthecauseof the fire points to arson,” the statement said. In the footage,ahoodedindividualwasobservedenteringthe premisesatapproximately04:48hrs,shortlybeforethe firewasreported.
TheGFSiscurrentlyworkingalongsidetheGuyana PoliceForceintheongoinginvestigation.Theywarned that any person or persons found culpable will face the fullbruntofthelaw
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the authorities. The public is urged to remainvigilantandreportanysuspiciousactivitytothe relevantauthorities.
Inanearlierstatement,theFireServicestatedthatthe earlymorningfirewascausedbyadefectivelightbulb.
“Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a blaze at a two-storey wooden and concrete building, which was identified as a church hall. The property, owned by BishopEdghill,sustainedseveredamagetothestructure and its contents,” the GFS said. Luckily, no one was reportedasinjuredorrenderedhomelessasaresultofthe fire.
“Fire tenders WT#124, 95 and W/C#28, 24 were dispatched, along with 18 firefighters under the command of Officers S/L Watts, S/L Devent, L/FM Roberts, and L/FM Thompson. Extinguishment was carried out using two jets from W/C #23 and #24,” the GFSadded.
The GFS is urging members of the public to make certain all electrical fittings and appliances are maintained properly, to avoid overload and overuse of circuits.
…all locations temporarily closed for upgrades
The Beharry Group has announced its acquisition of the Pizza Hut franchise in Guyana,effectiveJune1,2025.
ThisstrategicmoverepresentstheGroup’s continued investment in the quick-service restaurant sector and its commitment to delivering high-quality, globally recognised diningexperiencestotheGuyanesepublic,the groupsaidinapressrelease
As part of the transition, all Pizza Hut locations across Guyana will be temporarily closed from May 31 to June 4, 2025 to f
enhancements. These changes are being made to ensure a seamless and refreshed experience for customers as operations
resume under new management, the release said.
The restaurants will reopen on June 5, 2025, with more exciting developments to follow in the coming weeks “This acquisition reflects our vision to grow the presenceofleadingglobalbrandsinGuyana while elevating service and product quality through strong local leadership,” said a spokespersonforTheBeharryGroup.
“Wethankourvaluedcustomersfortheir patience and look forward to serving you even better in this exciting new chapter for PizzaHut.”CustomerscanfollowPizzaHut Guyana on social media for reopening updatesandafirstlookatwhat’snew
President Dr Irfaan Ali, announced a series of initiativeswhichhesaidwill revolutionise the agriculture industry in RegionThree on Sunday
The announcement was made at a public meeting with hundreds of residents, including rice and cash crop farmersandfisherfolk,atthe National Track and Centre Facility in Leonora, the Office of the President said inapressrelease.
These transformational initiatives include setting aside$50bntoturnallfarmto-market access roads into all-weather roads, reducing the cost of transportation, increasing efficiency, and reducing spoilage
According to the President, hundreds of thousands of acresofnewlandforfarming andotheractivitieswillopen up when key infrastructural projectsarecompletedinthe region.
“We are talking to you about a clearly defined vision, understanding what investments are needed to ensurethatvisionisrealised, and more importantly, committing to you to make theinvestmenttorealisethat vision.”
The President noted that other investments include
President Irfaan Ali engaging with residents of Region 3 June 1, 2025
forming food production districts in different areas of theregion.Eachdistrictwill be assigned various types of machinery and equipment, including mobile pumps, to help farmers develop their lands and maintain drainage andirrigation.
“The prospects of this regionandwhatliesaheadin this region are beyond
imagination,” he added Notably, the President un
Government will work with
a mechanism to guarantee price stability for rice and enhanceproductivity
“We want to work with youoncreatingafundanda mechanism to guarantee s
farmers whilst we are working on a high-yielding variety, the climate-resilient variety We are also workingoncropinsurance...
t country that will take this bold step, so we reduce the risk.”
President Ali also noted
that the Government will provide combines to assist rice farmers with between 1 and 30 acres of land during harvesting.
He reminded of several otherongoinginitiativesthat are aimed at increasing productivity, resilience, and sustainability of the sector, including investing in world class storage and drying
facilities in every region; developing a world class food hub for the processing, packaging and exportation ofproducts;setting-upofan agriculture development fund; creating between 1015 acres of land for high valueagriculturecropsusing climate smart and resilient techniques including shade houses and hydroponics; b
production facility, among others.
“Thesearetheinitiatives, these are the plans, these are theprogrammes.Itisnotonly to support agriculture, but to support an entire ecosystem
importantly bring pride in
production” The President alsospenttimeengagingwith farmers and facilitating a Q&A
community members shared their ideas and development priorities Minister of Agriculture, ZulfikarMustapha;Minister o
E
President Irfaan Ali engaging with residents of Region 3 June 1, 2025
Manickchand; and Minister withintheMinistryofPublic Works, Deodat Indar, other government and regional officialswerepresent.
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Chairman of theAlliance For Change (AFC), David Patterson on Friday said he was certain Guyana does not have a depletion policy and thatclaimsbyVicePresident, Bharrat Jagdeo that such a plan exists is an attempt to ‘pull wool’ over the eyes of citizens.
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At the party’s weekly press conference, the Kaieteur News asked if the government could have such a policy in place without parliamentaryinput.
Thememberofparliament (MP) explained that policies do not go to the house, only iftheyaretobemadelaw.He said however, he could guarantee there is no such policy.“IfBharratJagdeoand thePPPhadapolicy,thetype of government they (are), theywouldhavebeenhaving a big launch, plenty, PR and thosethingslikethat.So,he’s onlypullingthewooloverthe country’s eyes by saying that theyhaveanydocumentation whatsoever,” Patterson stressed.
Petroleum engineer and former head of the Environmental Protection Agency, Dr Vincent Adams, said he is willing to bet anything that no such policy
exists and was written by the government.
“LikeIsaid,thedepletion policy is not just talking off the top of your head, it takes a lot of data, and analysing that data, and it comes down to,remember,Ialwaysreferto theFieldDevelopmentPlans, (FDP) which is the key to making decisions,” he explained.
The FDP’s have the production profile for each project. Adams said after productionpeaks,itwillbegin a rapid decline. Hence countries develop a strategic plan spanning 10-20 years, but it is subject to change
Chairman of the Alliance For Change (AFC),
dependingoncircumstances.
Dr Adams reiterated that no such policy exists for Guyana and the VP just “shoots things from the top of his head.”
At his Thursday press conference, Jagdeo had promised to make the depletion policy public at some“pointintime.”
Kaieteur News had asked Jagdeo when would the policy be made available. He said the policy will be posted to the Ministry of Natural Resources’website,thesame site where the audit reports can be found.
Jagdeoaddressedthetwo
audits that have been available on the website for months now “Kaieteur News hasbeensaying,ohthe government is hiding the audits. We put them there…nothing you all probably didn’t even read them.”
Returning to the question, he said “the depletionpolicycouldbeput there too at some point in time… we are not rushing now to satisfy Kaieteur News.”
Hesaidwhengovernment releases documents, they are not being read.
According to Jagdeo, the key element at this stage of the policy is to get as much oil out of the ground as quickly as possible, taking into consideration what could happen in the future in lightofclimatechange.
“If you approach a rate where it becomes where the oilpricesareclosetothecost of production or the breakeven point, obviously you have to sit down with your company,andthirdlywetook the approach that which is recognised now in situations where the government is not ashareholderlikeSuriname,” heexplained.
Caribbeangovernmentofficials, private sector leaders, and international development partners convened in Miami for a high-level dialogue to advance investment facilitation and boost foreign direct investment in the Caribbean.
The “Strengthening Investment Facilitation in the CaribbeanRegion”event,coorganizedbytheInter-AmericanDevelopmentBank(IDB), the International Trade Centre(ITC),andtheOrganization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS),servedasaplatform to advance the implementation of the World Trade Organization’s Investment Facilitation for Development
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The May 23 event brought together senior representativesfromOECS,ITC, IDB,alongsideprominentinvestors and CEOs, to discuss how to make the Caribbean a more attractive and predictable investment destination. Participantsexploredhowthe IFDAgreement—finalizedin 2024by123WTOMembers— can help simplify procedures and increase transparency in investment procedures and processes.SeveralCaribbean governments, including Barbados, Suriname, Belize, and theDominicanRepublic,have
already endorsed the Agreement, signaling a strong regionalcommitment.
Discussions emphasized the importance of trade and investmentfacilitation,streamlined administrative processes,anddigitaltools,such as Single Investment Windows—platformstoenhance investors’ confidence and efficiency The IDB presented arangeofinitiativesdesigned tostrengthennationalinstitutions, modernize regulatory frameworks,andfosterinvestor services across the Caribbean. These include tailored technicalcooperation,capacitybuilding,andfinancinginstruments to support reform implementation. Withtherightpoliciesand
tools, countries across the Caribbean can attract investment that brings innovation, creates jobs, and strengthens value chains. Through tailoredtechnicalassistanceand financing,theIDBissupporting governments in translating investment opportunities intotangibledevelopmentimpact. The event underscored the Caribbean’s readiness to pursue strategic reforms that enhance competitiveness, attract sustainable investment, and generate lasting regional developmentimpact.Asanext step, the partners will work with Caribbean governments to co-design implementation roadmaps for the IFDAgreement, aligning support with nationalpriorities.
Two motorcycle bandits armed with a knife robbed a woman onWednesday night in the vicinity of “South School”, South Ruimveldt Park,Georgetown.
The victim identified as, Nicola Payne, recalled that she was attacked around 20:35hrs while heading home. Payne recounted the two men, one of them of African Descent and the otherofEastIndianDescent - pulled up beside her on a Lindy scooter One of the banditsreportedlysaiddon’t move or make any noise as theybracedherinthecorner oftheroad.
They reportedly snatchedhergoldjewelleryachainandanearring-along withherhandbagcontaining her personal documents somecash,apairofshoes,a dress and some other personal belongings. “So theEastIndianonejumpoff the bike now after he (the otherbandit)donebusoffthe one side earring and done grabthechain,henowjump offandseh‘wayougetinthe bag deh pass all the effing thingdem.Waelseyougotin the bag”, the woman said whilerecountingthatsheand the bandits had a “lil scuffle forthehandbag”.
“Andhetektheknifeand lashme,rightlashme,buthe ain’t lash me with the sharp edgeanddatishowIlosethe bag because I say this hay suh, I can’t thing with duh becauseIcouldagetajukor something”, she continued. The bandits then reportedly
rode off and Payne filed a policereport.
On Sunday, Payne’s bag was found dumped among somebushesinsideD’Urban Park by members of the Village Ram cricket team. While leaving the venue after a game of cricket, Omesh Dhanram, one of the team members spotted the handbag.
I m m e d i a t e l y h e suspected that some delinquents might have dumpeditthereafterstealing it from someone. He alerted other team members and theyimmediatelycheckedto seeiftherewasstillanything
of value that could be returnedtotheowner
They were able to recover a brand-new pair of shoes and the woman’s personal documents, including her ID card, bank card and other important documents.
The cricketers then dropped the belongings at Kaieteur News withthehope offindingtheowner Hours afteraFacebookPost,Payne turned up to uplift her documents.
She was grateful to retrieve them. The bandits took her dress and whatever cash,shehadinthehandbag.
(Al-Jazeera) Israeli tanksanddronesopenfireon Palestinians gathered at aid distribution sites run by a US-backed group in Gaza, killing more than 30 people inRafahalone.Attackshave intensified in Gaza City for theseconddayinarow The Israeli military has been
targeting residential buildings We’re talking about five-storey buildings andabove.It’smorethanjust a crisis right now It’s the dismantling of civilian life. Many of these buildings were not just residential. They were businesses, offices, student centres.And nowtheyarejustrubble.
Close to 70 buildings havebeendestroyed,andthe bombings, drone strikes and artillery shelling does not stop. Residents are only givenashortwindowoftime to gather their belongings and whatever food supplies theyhave.
It is widely believed the Israeli military is pursuing this strategy to push people further into displacement. Thistime,it’snotonlyinside
Gaza City but as part of Israel’s plan to transfer the population into the southern partoftheStrip.
The fact that we’re
seeing this number of buildings completely flattenedinthepast48hours is an indication this strategy i s a l r e a d y b e i n g
(BBC News) Ukraine’s president has questioned Russia’s commitment to progressingpeacetalksafter Moscow confirmed it was sending a team to talks in IstanbulonMonday
Russia is yet to send its negotiating proposals to Ukraine - a key demand by Kyiv Kremlin spokesman
Dmitry Peskov said Moscow’s conditions for a ceasefirewouldbediscussed inTurkey
ButVolodymyrZelensky accused Moscow of “doing everything it can to ensure the next possible meeting is fruitless”.
implemented. Meanwhile, a British doctor working at Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza has described the scene as
“absolutecarnage”asdozens ofvictimshavebeenbrought inafterIsraeliforcesopened fire on people at a nearby fooddistributionsite.
“I’m in the emergency department at the Nasser complex We’ve had a shooting at the GHF aid distribution centre near Rafah,” she said in a video withpatientsandchaosinthe background.
“People come through thedoor Atthemoment,the locals are quoting anything from 100 to 200 injured people.Theseareallgunshot wounds, and as you can see behind me, all the bays are full. It’s absolute carnage here,andthereareevenmore people in the main emergencydepartment.”
M o r e t h a n 3 0 Palestiniansseekingfoodaid fromaGHFdistributionsite in Rafah were killed when Israeli tanks and drones reportedlyopenedfire.
The first round of talks two weeks ago in Istanbul brought no breakthrough, but achieved a prisoner of warswap.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of UkraineinFebruary2022.
Russiacurrentlycontrols about 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including the southern Crimea peninsula Moscowannexedin2014.
As the talks approached, both Russia and Ukraine reported explosions on Fridaynightandintheearly hoursofSaturdaymorning.
“For a meeting to be meaningful, its agenda must beclear,andthenegotiations must be properly prepared,” he said. Ukraine had sent its proposals to Russia, reaffirming “readiness for a full and unconditional ceasefire”.
Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
In Ukraine’s Kherson region, three people were killed and 10 more were injured, according to OleksandrProkudin,headof the region’s military administration.
On social media, he said thatthe“Russianmilitaryhit critical and social infrastructure” as well as “residential areas of settlementsintheregion”.
One person was also killedintheSumyregion,the administrationtheresaid.
Residents of 11 settlements in the region were ordered to evacuate, bringing the total number of
evacuated settlements to 213.
Officialssaidatleastone personhadalsobeeninjured in explosions in the cities of KharkivandIzyum.
Meanwhile, at least 14 people were injured in an explosion in Russia’s Kursk region, according to the acting local governor Alexander Khinshtein and Russia’s state-owned news agency,TASS.
The Food and Drug administration has approved a new COVID-19vaccinemadebyModernabutwithlimitsonwho canuseit
The U.S. approved a new COVID-19 vaccine made by ModernalateFridaybutwithlimitsonwhocanuseit—nota replacement for the company’s existing shot, but a second option.
The new vaccine, mNexspike, is a step toward nextgeneration coronavirus vaccines. It’s made in a way that allows for a lower dose — a fifth of the dose of its current COVID-19 vaccine, Spikevax — by refining its immune target.
Theapproval“addsanimportantnewtooltohelpprotect people at high risk of severe disease from COVID-19,” Stephane Bancel, Moderna’s CEO, said in a statement Saturday
The Food and Drug Administration approved the new vaccineforuseinalladults65andolder,andforpeopleage12 to64whohavealeastonehealthconditionthatputsthemat increasedriskfromthecoronavirus.
That’sthesamelimitthattheFDAsetinlicensinganother COVID-19vaccineoptionfromcompetitorNovavax.
Those restrictions are a departure from how the U.S. has handledCOVID-19vaccinesuntilnow,reflectingskepticism about vaccines from Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr andotherTrumpofficials.
Moderna’s existing vaccine doesn’t face those limits and has long been used for anyone ages 6 months and older The companysaiditexpectedtoofferbothoptionsthisfall.
TheFDA’sapprovalwasbasedonastudyof11,400people age12andolderthatcomparedthenewlow-dosevaccinewith Moderna’sexistingvaccine.Itfoundthenewvaccinewassafe andwasatleastaseffective—andmorebysomemeasures— thantheoriginalshot,thecompanysaid.
The news came just days after the Trump administration canceled funding for Moderna to develop a vaccine against potential pandemic flu viruses, including the H5N1 bird flu, despitepromisingearlystudyresults.
Frompage23 were reciprocated to Root, who could have been found shortofhisgroundtwice.
The best chance was at the end of the second over when Root was dead in the water after Harry Brook called him through for a dodgy single, only for Roston Chase to miss from backward point. A tougher opportunityaroseinthe11th over when, on 30, he had again given up. This time, King missed, albeit having
mad a brilliant stop at midwicket followed by a throw at the non-striker’s end from the ground. But maybethebiggestgrievance as far as West Indies were concerned was an LBW appealattheendofthesixth over Forde hit Root on the back leg and giving it the celebrappeal, only for the review to find the ball clippingthebails. Brook was also dropped on 30 - which he had made from just 16 deliveries -
when Hope palmed a diving catchtohisrightafterSeales had found the edge
England’s captain had just launched an asssault on Forde, smashing three boundariesinarow-thefirst a towering boundary to the leg side - but fell short of fifty when flipping Alzarri
Joseph’s bouncer to backward square leg. And though Joseph would then snare the former white-ball captain six deliveries laterButtler playing on, undone
bybounce-Rootwaswellon hisway
ThatJosephwasevenon owed to four elegant boundaries from Rootincluding a couple of crisp cover drives - to take 17 off what would prove to be the last over of Forde’s opening spell. From then on, Root managed the situation, calmly at first with Bethell and thereafter in a remarkable partnership with Jacks. Most spectacular of allwastheaccelerationfrom Root, despite Jacks’ game being far more suited to the pyrotechnicsheproduced.
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
Today's your chance to stand up to family members who wanttoexerttoomuchcontrol overyourlovelife.It'stimeto bangyourfistonthetableand say, "Enough's enough, I'll lovewhoIwantto."
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
It's up to you to strut your stuff.Aslongasyou'rebashful aboutshowcasingyourinnate gifts,itwillbedifficulttofind meaning in your life. Today's planetaryalignmentgivesyou the challenge to take your talentsmoreseriously
GEMINI(May21–June20)
You don't have to answer to society's cultural values. If most of your work is organized around an activity that's considered fashionable, you will never succeed in feelinggoodaboutyourself.
CANCER(June21–July22)
You may have noticed for some time now to what an extent your ambitions wear yououtandtowhatpointthey have become outdated. The celestial energy is indicating themomenthascometomake someimportantdecisions.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Are you hesitating, Leo? Do you feel caught between the desire to participate fully in the world and the equally strongdesiretoremaininyour dream world, even at the risk offeelingalittleoutofit?
VIRGO(Aug 23–Sept 22)
You can expect to have to makeachoicetodayrelatedto your intimate relationships. You may have become aware that something is missing, eitherinyourpartner
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
You're being called upon to make a commitment or promise,mostlikelyrelatingto your love life. Will you take that decisive step? That's the questiontoday
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
There are times in your love life when you may feel somewhatinhibited,asthough somethingisholdingyouback from total fulfillment. Perhaps the emotions overwhelm you or the idea of commitment frightensyou.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
The forecast today is stormy Youmayhavesensedthatthere wassometensioncloudingthe conversation at home Resentments were left unsaid and subtle power games were playedwithoutresolution.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
The day is likely to be somewhat challenging, and it containssomedisappointments You'reliabletofeeldejectedif you receive a lackluster response from the world Your performancehaslostsomeofits abilitytocaptivateanaudience
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)
Aquarius, you can expect the day to be a bit bumpy If you wereanOlympicathlete,today you'dbestandingatthestarting line, wondering if you had trained enough for a topnotch performance.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
A planetary configuration like today's often makes people afraid to start anything that challengesthestatusquo Thisis trueforyouinyourprofessional life Youshoulddaretotakeon moreresponsibility
began when King found Carseatlong-onoffRashidthefirstofthelegspinner’s4 for63.Nineoverslater,alate dab through third brought Carty’s 13th four off his 102nddeliverytotakehimto three figures. And while he was unable to launch from there, stumped off Jacks three balls after the milestone, Hope was now set.
Nevertheless, West Indies lost their final eight wickets for 103. Mahmood removedFordeandChasein consecutive balls before
The key passage came with 135 needed from 18.2 overs, with Root on 77 fron 82.Aftertaking16deliveries to move to his hundred - a milestone he reached with a six over midwicket and a foursweptaroundthecorner offGudakeshMotie-hethen smashed43fromhisnext24 deliveries up to Jacks’ dismissal He ramped, scooped and then charged Chase’soffiesforboundaries in four balls, before Jacks was trapped in front to give Joseph an impressive 4 for 31fromhisallocation.
A gorgeous carve over extra cover off Forde then took Root past 150 for the first time in ODIs, from 129 deliveries, and thereafter it wasonlyamatterofhow,not when. A picture-perfect ondriveforfoursealedthedeal withsevenballstospare.
Both teams had made a single change each from the firstODI;Englandswapping Matthew Potts for Jamie Overton (broken little finger), while West Indies erred for experience with Shimron Hetmyer moving intotheXIattheexpenseof AmirJangoo.
Precocious Antigua batter Jewel Andrew was moved to open with Evin Lewis still missing with the groininjurythatkepthimout of the first ODI. It was the firsttimethe18-year-oldhad performed the role in his professional career, across all formats - and it did not lastlong.Ahardlengthfrom Carse lifted into harder handsfromJewell,whowas surprised by the bounce and fended it away on instinct, gifting a straightforward catch to Jacks at point for a five-ballduck.
Carty’s binding of the innings began at this point, and the value of his stickability felt particularly crucial with the 58 shared with Hope Their stand
Motie took to Jacks. But Rashid’s two wickets in his final over shifted the onus even more so on Hope, who toedasimplecatchtoBrook to give Mahmood figures of 3for37.
England’s target of 309 could have been 50 more with better choices throughout, and maybe 111 fewer had England taken their chances against Carty and King. Then again, Root wouldnothavehadthescope to unfurl his brilliance Sometimes, the game works itselfout.
In a continued progressive and bold step toward strengthening the archery movement in Guyana, Golden LeagueArcheryClubwasofficially welcomed into the national fold under Archery Guyana on the eveningofMay29,2025.
The affiliation ceremony marked a significant moment of unity and expansion, as yet another dedicated club took its place within the framework of the recognised national federation for archery
Attheheartoftheoccasionwas ClubPresidentCourtleeRodrigues, who stated with pride: “Golden League Archery is proud to announceitsformalaffiliationwith ArcheryGuyanaandundertakesto work closely with the Federation. Staying true to our working motto ‘Stronger Together, we are committed to building strong partnerships that elevate the sport locally and within the Guyanese diaspora.”
Thefederation’sPresidentMrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon officially presented the Certificate ofAffiliationtotheclub’sexecutive
teamduringabriefbutmeaningful gathering Addressing the club officialsandsupporterspresent,she applauded their initiative and commitment to the sport. “This affiliation signals more than just paperwork, it’s a testament to the power of unity, vision, and shared
purpose. Golden League Archery bringsfreshenergyandhearttothe national archery landscape. My door remains open, and Archery Guyana stands ready to support your journey every step of the way,” said President PersaudMcKinnon.
collaboratively and noted that the federation’s Board of Directors remains steadfast in its mission to empower all clubs under its umbrella.
Golden League Archery Club, which will operate out of Sophia, adds an exciting new dimension to the sport’s reach and accessibility The club has already laid groundwork for developmental programming and athlete engagement in its community and beyond.
LA B a l l e r s registered a 13-1 shellacking on Fearlesstoopentheirbidfor top honours in the Kings sectionSaturdaynight,when the One Guyana Sand Football competition in Linden continued in the outfield outside at the People’s Progressive Party / CivicinMackenzie,Linden. That Kings Group C encounter was the first for the LABallers and that onesided victory was hinged on a four-goal haul from two hat-tricks slammed in by Marcus Tudor (3rd, 9th and 24th minutes) and Zidane Ramdehol(11th,16thand30 minutes), doubles from Jashawn Moore (18th and 27th minutes) and Nicholas Gentle (15th and 20th minutes) with Tyric McAllister (26th minute), NickelJoseph (28thminute) and Andre Mayers (29th minute) being the other scorers.
Their only reply was from Nicholas Walker for Fearless.
Group C’s Team Mineralshavewontheirtwo matches played so far, havingdefeatedSwanFC4-
0, and last Friday brushing asideSpeightland4-0. Group D’s Bomberz are alsowithtwowinsfromtwo matches played having put away the challenge of
YMCA and last Friday beating Rockstone 4-2, behindbracesfromShemiah Samuels (4th and 16th minutes) and Dequan Samuels (8th and 26th minutes).
On the first day last Monday,Rockstoneplaying in Group D won their opening match versus Hardball Management and
Saturday night they
defeated Goal IQ with Daniel Adolph scoring in the 3rd and 18th minutes of the game as Nathaniel Isaacs scored in the 5th minuteasthegoal-getteron thelosingside
Other matches in the tournament saw Swan FC getting the better of Speightland by a 4-0 advantage, as Mark Loncke scored two goals in the 7th and 8th minutes, while Christoff Roberts 12th minuteandDevonLonckein the 13th minute, getting the othergoals.
One Syde outplayed Avocado Ballers 3-1, with CarlosEscobarnettinginthe 3rd minute, Johana Mendonca in the 8th minute andAngel Hinds in the 18th minute getting the other goals.
The goal for the losing Avocado Bsllers was from thebootofDexterMiloJr In another Kings match
Spaniards defeated Foundation Family 4-1, behindShawnJoneswhohit abraceinthe19thand22nd minutes, Brandon Solomon in the 21st minute and Jerry Burnett in the 29th minute,
beingtheirotherscorers.
For the Foundation Family Kevin Dormeck nettedinthe24thminute.
The Guyana Defence Force started their quest for honours in the One Guyana’ Sand Football tournament, whippedAvocadoBallers,71, in a Group A match with Candy Lewis had four goals which were scored in the 13th, 19th, 29th and 21st minutesofplay
The lone goal for Avocado Ballers was registered by Alejandro Matura in the 7th minute. In the other female encounter played in Group B, Iconic Strikers won for the second time blasting their way to a 6-1victoryagainst Fearless.
Topping their scoring wasTiandiSmithwhohada hat-trick, with goals in the 3rd,8thand10thminutes.
Shantel Reece added to the scoring in the 4th, AmandaMcKenzie(5th)and Janelle Edmondson in the 20thminute.
The championship in both the Kings and Queens competitions continues on W
Mackenzie,Linden.
(ESPN Cricinfo)England did not quite turn their back on Joe Root as a limited-overs batter, but certainly the schedule threatened to axe him from white-ballcricket.
A couple of crises and a changeofmanagementlater, here Root was in Cardiff, unfurlingperhapsthebestof his 18th ODI hundreds, a career-best 166 not out. His first 42 runs put him top of thepileofEnglishrunscorers in the format, usurping Eoin Morgan’s tally of 6,957, beforetheresticedachaseof 309 to secure a series win overWestIndieswithagame tospare.
This was Root’s second hundredinhiseighthinnings since returning to the 50over format this year, ahead of an admittedly disastrous ICC Champions Trophy as far as the team was concerned. Not only is he averaging30runsmorethan hisoverallaverageof49.18, but his strike rate is also 10 points higher An immaculate straight drive, his23rdboundaryofafeverdream knock, confirmed victory with three wickets andsevenballstospare.
ThissecondODIdidnot, all told, seem befitting for Root’s historic brilliance
Mainly because, for the first
Frompage25
opportunityonthemidwicketboundaryandcamerushingin insteadofholdinghisposition.Heenjoyedanotherlifeon13 andmadethemostofit,thepickofhisshotsastraightsixoff Ashwani Kumar in the 16th over just before he was dismissedfor48off39.
PBKS’bowlersdeservedcreditaswell.Theyunderstood that going into the pitch and taking pace off was a useful option. Kyle Jamieson took pace off once every 2.67 deliveriesonaverage.HeisaTestmatchbowlerstartingto find his way even when conditions aren’t in his favour PBKS always found a way to come back just as MI were threatening to get away Abig powerplay was offset with a wicketintheseventhover Fiftyrunsbetweenoversnineand 12 was offset by the wickets of the set batters Suryakumar Yadav(44off26)andTilakVarma(44off29)betweenovers 14and15.ESPNcricnifo’sforecasterhadMIlookinggood for220atthehalfwaystage.PBKSkeptthemto204.
Powertothemax
AlotofteamsthisIPLhavefocusedonnotallowingan earlywickettodisrupttheirattempttotakeadvantageofthe fieldrestrictions.MIlostRohitSharmatothe14thballofthe innings. They attacked 11 of the next 22, with Jonny Bairstowleadingthewayevenifonoccasionhewasbeaten by slower balls into the wicket. MI collected 43 runs off oversthree,fiveandsix.
TheSKYshow
Suryakumararrivedimmediatelyafterthepowerplay At thatstage,PBKSwerestartingtostringsomethingtogether They matched him up with Yuzvendra Chahal, whom he strikes at only 117 in the IPL. On Sunday, the MI lynchpin hammered the PBKS legspinner for 33 off 16 balls. That includedthreesixes-twomajestichitsdownthegroundand onesweepshotthatturnedthebowler’sintentionstotiehim downonlegstumpintoarealgimme.Overthecourseofhis 44off26balls,Suryakumaralsotookhomeaworldrecordthehighestaggregate(717)inanyT20tournamentbyanonopener,surpassingABdeVilliers(687inIPL2016).
TilakandDhir’shighimpact Tilakcamedownthetrackandstruckhissecondballfor a six. Later, he simply extended a defensive push and presentedahighelbowandthatwasenoughtosendVyshak Vijaykumar over the long-off boundary His innings only hadtwofoursandtwosixesbuthewasstrikingat152. Dhirwasalotmorehigh-impact.Hewas5off4ballsat the start of the 17th over He took three boundaries off PBKS’bestdeathbowler,ArshdeepSingh,andneverlooked back.Arshdeephadtoreturnforthe19thoverandworkwith anover-ratepenalty Hecouldonlyhavefourfieldersonthe boundaryandDhirexploitedthathandicaptoscore37off18 withsevenfours.Atthatpoint,itfeltlikeanybody’sgame. Exceptitwasn’t.ItwasShreyasIyer’sgame.Itwasalways ShreyasIyer’sgame.
half, it seemed to belong to West Indies - specifically Keacy Carty’s 103, the centrepiece of West Indies’ 308 all out. Skipper Shai Hope’s 78 at the end and Brandon King’s 59 up top werevitalbookends.
Though they left 14 deliveries unused having been inserted by England, it didn’tseemtomatterasWest Indies’ attack took just nine deliveriestoremoveopeners
Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett for ducks - 2 for 2then had England 93 for 4 when Jos Buttler was also bagelled.Fromthatpointon, it was Root at his absolute best, accompanied for the
mostpartbyWillJacks.You might have described his 49 off58inastandof143from 122as“playingtheJoeRoot role”, had the man himself not been at the other end strumming 87 off 64. Root’s last70runswithJackscame offjust45balls,bytheway
The catastrophic start to the chase added a layer of jeopardy to Root’s innings that he never felt. But it did meanmorebecauseofaWest Indies outfit hell-bent on disavowingthemselvesfrom Thursday’s 238-run loss in the first ODI at Edgbaston. Smith nicked Jayden Seales behind for a duck after four legal deliveries, before Ben
Duckettscythedathickedge off Matthew Forde to deep third, his three-ball nought cappingoffahorrendousday that included two dropped catches and a missed runout.
Both Duckett’s chances wouldhavenippedasecondwicket stand between Carty andBrandonKinginthebud. Itreached141butshouldnot have made it to double figures, let alone out of the first powerplay, Duckett’s misses at second slip off Brydon Carse - the first divingtohisright,thesecond tipped over the bar - came when King had 10, then 11.
Duckett’s hat-trick of
ielding botches was completed when, spoilt for choice, both King (55 not out) and Carty (57 not out) were stuck in the middle of the pitch. King ended up running to the far end, beating Duckett’s loopy under-arm to wicketkeeper Buttler
The biggest error in the first innings, however, was SaqibMahmood’stamedrop ofCartyon41,whenBethell was worked around the corner He also might have been run out on 57 had the throw from midwicket been crisperafterhehadbeensent back.Bothofthosegifts
Continued on page 21
The 2025 Kellogg’s Developmental Kellogg’ Indoor Hockey League enters knockout out stages on Friday. Friday
Afterfourdaysoffast-paced, action-packed play, the group stages of the 2025 Kellogg’s Developmental Under-14 Indoor Hockey League have concluded, with SHC Slayers (Girls), GCC Pitbulls, and OFHC Show Stoppers emerging as group toppers in their respective divisions Friday’s evening matches brought the round-robin phase to an exhilarating close, setting the stage for intense playoffandquarterfinalclashesin thecomingweek.
In the Girls division, Saints HockeyClub(SHC)Slayershave been the team to beat, securing a perfect 12 points from their group-stage outings They sit comfortablyatthetopofthetable, followed by Old Fort Hockey Club (OFHC) High Fliers in second with nine points. Multi currently occupies the third spot with four points, while SHC Sensations and GCC Her-ricanes round out the standings in fourth andfifthplacerespectively Friday night saw the Slayers continue their dominant run, thrashing GCC Her-ricanes 5-0, ledbyasensationalhat-trickfrom Carenza Copeland. In the other Girls’ matchup, Multi narrowly edged SHC Sensations 1-0 to consolidate their hold on third place.
The Boys division, split into two groups, also witnessed a shake-up in the standings after Friday’sfixtures.
In Group A, GCC Pitbulls
Iga Swiatek (Getty Images)
maintainedtheirunbeatenstreak, finishing with 12 points. OFHC Gladiators closely follow with nine points, while OFHC Warriorsareinthirdonsixpoints. SHCSigma’s4-2winoverHikers Hatchets on Friday boosts their confidence ahead of the classification battle, while Hatchets will now have to fight forsurvival.
Group B is being led by a dominant OFHC Show Stoppers side, who now sit atop the group withfivepoints,aheadofsecondplace Multi. SHC Scorpions and SHCSnipersareplacedthirdand fourth, respectively, with the Snipers managing a 1-1 draw against Multi on Friday Additional Friday results included OFHC Show Stoppers edging SHC Scorpions 2-1 and OFHC Gladiators cruising past OFHC Warriors with a commanding6-1victory
The league resumes next Friday at St Stanislaus College, with playoff and Boys quarterfinal fixtures headlining theevening.IntheGirlsdivision, fourth-placed SHC Sensations will go head-to-head with fifthplaced GCC Her-ricanes in a playoff to determine the final semi-finalspot.
Meanwhile, in the Boys division, Hikers Hatchets (5th in GroupA)andSHCSnipers(4thin GroupB)willfaceoffinacrucial playoff for a place in the quarterfinals, which are scheduledtofollownextweek.
(BBC Sport) - Defending champion Iga Swiatek battled back from a disastrous start to beat Elena Rybakina in a threeset thriller and reach the French Openquarter-finals.
The Polish fifth seed won only one of the opening nine games before finding form to triumph 1-6 6-3 7-5 against the 12thseed.VictorywasSwiatek’s 25thinarowattheFrenchOpen asshebidstowinherfifthtitlein sixyears.
“Shereallypushedme,”said the four-time champion at Roland Garros. “First set, I felt likeIwasplayingagainstJannik Sinner
“Ineededtodosomethingto getbackintothegame.Withher playing like that I didn’t have a lotofhope.Attheend,Iwasable toplaymygame,andIamsuper happy.” Swiatek will now face Ukrainian 13th seed Elina Svitolina in the last eight after her 4-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 success against Italian fourth seed JasminePaolini.
Later, top seed Aryna Sabalenka defeated American Amanda Anisimova 7-5 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals, becomingthefirstplayertodoso at 10 consecutive Grand Slams since Serena Williams between 2014and2017.
Organisers of the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast are urging teams to complete their registration swiftly, as slots for the expanded tournament are
filling up rapidly, particularly in zones with a 16-team limit. Registration for the third edition of the p o p u l a r Ta p e b a l l competition commenced on May14.
Tournament Director John Ramsingh highlighted the unprecedented interest, attributing it to the event’s significant expansion and thelucrativeprizemoneyon offer “We have not reached our target of 80 [teams] as
yet,butweareonthatpath,” Ramsinghstated. “The zones which have 16teamsareclosetofilling, especially East Bank and West Demerara Zone and EssequiboZone.”
The tournament is set to commence on June 28 in Berbice, with matches scheduled for Skeldon and New Amsterdam on Saturday,beforeprogressing to Albion for the quarterfinals, semi-finals, and final on Sunday The competition will then move to other counties before the grand championship finals on August 3 at the National Stadium,Providence.
The full schedule includes:
•Berbice:June28-29
• East Bank/West Demerara:July5-6
•Georgetown/EastCoast Demerara: July 19-20 (this zonecanaccommodateupto 32 teams, while others are limited to 16, though some maybeextended)
•Essequibo:July26-27
• Grand Championship Finals: August 3, National Stadium,Providence Ramsingh added that organisers are “busy behind the scenes planning and getting systems in place for this massive expansion,” withafulllaunchonJune14
Shreyas Iyer led Punjab Kings’chase with a composed half-century (Associated Press)
Some exhilarating action is anticipated in year three of the Kares One Guyana T10 Tapeball Blast.
(ESPN Cricinfo) - The Jasprit Bumrah yorkerisn’tinvincible.Notevenwhenitstarts totail.ShreyasIyermetitwithextraordinary coolnessandanopenfaceofthebattofinda boundary It gave him the 61st run of an enormously impressive innings and reinforced a feeling of helplessness on MumbaiIndians(MI).Theywerestaringinto theeyesofthemanwhowassingle-handedly beatingthem.Thefive-timechampionscame up short, and for the first time, couldn’t defend a total in excess of 200. This means IPL2025willmarkthearrivalofanewpower Punjab Kings (PBKS) or Royal Challengers Bengaluru(RCB).
There is something extra special about batters who do their best work in a chase. Even now, when the accepted wisdom is to know what your target is, the prospect of a batter playing like he owns every little blade of grass that surrounds him is the stuff of dreams.Shreyashadhiseyeswideopen.This wasreal.Thiswasclass.
Hearrivedatthecreaseinthelastoverof thepowerplayandknewhecouldn’ttakehis time.Thesecondballwentforfour Henever looked flustered, even when PBKS needed two runs a ball for the last eight overs. He launchedReeceTopleyforahat-trickofsixes in the 13th over Those three hits doubled PBKS’chancesofvictory Itwas25%coming
intotheoverand53%comingoutofit.
Standing deep in his crease, watching every ball right onto his bat, functioning sometimesonpureinstinct.Therewasafour he got off Hardik Pandya where he seemed almost ready to leave the short ball only to ramp it as it passed him and get it over the keeper There was a six that he got off AshwaniKumar,healmostseemedtopredict thebowlerwouldgowideyorkertomitigate the damage of a free-hit ball and he shifted across his crease and scythed the ball over cover
Hisbestshotsthoughwerethosesteersall along the ground to the backward point boundary off the two best bowlers in the opposition - Trent Boult and Bumrah. That waswheneverybodyatthegroundknewthe gamewasfirmlyinShreyas’hand.Thatithad always been there. He was expressionless in victory He knew it was his. He knew it was coming.
Josh Inglis produced a banger of an innings,onewherehetookBumrahdownfor 20 runs in an over NehalWadhera has had a campaign to remember Batting at No. 5, he showedgreatsteelandrodethekindoflucka batter at that position earns by being clearheaded.Wadheracould’vebeendismissedon 2ifNamanDhirhadnotmisjudgedacatching Continued on page 23
expected to reveal comprehensive plans and additional prizes for players andfans.PresidentDr Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed his support for the tournament, acknowledgingitsalignment with his calls for broader expansion.
Thestakesarehigh,with lucrative prize money on offer Zonal winners will receive GY$300,000 and
secure a spot in the national finals.
The ultimate national champion will bag a hefty GY$1.7 million, with the runners-up receiving GY$700,000. Losing semifinalists at the national level will receive GY$ 300,000 each, and zonal losing finalists will receive GY$ 100,000 Individual brilliance will also be
rewarded with attractive cashprizesandawards.
The registration fee for teamsisGY$30,000. Prospective teams and individuals seeking further information can contact
Akeem Greene via WhatsApp at +592-6352235 or visit the tournament’s official social media pages under “One GuyanaT10TapeballBlast.”
