Kaieteur News

Pres.Alipaystributetoveteran broadcasterRonRobinson

President Irfaan Ali presents the Lifetime Achievement Award to Ron Robinson.

President Irfaan Ali on Saturday paid tribute to veteran broadcaster Ron RobinsonwhodiedonFriday at the age of 79 In a statement posted on his Facebook page, the president said Robinson, fondly called 'Uncle Ron' “was a son of Guyana whose voice became partofournation'ssoul.”

“For decades, Guyanese awoke to his mellifluous tones guiding us into each new day with trademark wit, unvarnishedintelligence,and

a rare grace that only true masters of the craft possess. He was not merely a broadcaster; he became for years a companion to households across the land, a trusted presence whose words soothed, entertained, enlightened, and inspired,” PresidentAlisaid.

He reminded that, “In the theatre his artistry lit our stages, his timing sharpened our laughter, and his creativity gave life to (Continued on page 17)

No excuse for hiding report of Exxon's

US$19.6 billion audit - Norton

…demands release

Leader of the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) Aubrey Norton has called on the government of Guyana(GoG)tostophiding the report of ExxonMobil's largest audit to date which analyzed over US$19.6B in expenditure that Guyana mustpay The former Opposition Leader was speaking at a party press conference when he stated, “I believe that the

audit report should be made public. From the inception, we were insisting they inherited the first audit report and so they were compelledtodoit,butIhave seen no signs that the government is interested in the auditing, the serious auditing of ExxonMobil or anyone.”

He argued that the PNC/R has been advocating forGuyanesetobetrainedto

be able to conduct the technical reviews necessary of the company's spending, however he has seen no action from government in thatregard.

Norton added that there is no justification for the extendeddelayinpublishing the audit report handed over to government since May this year Furthermore, he reminded that the party has been calling for the release

Govt.,GGDMAmoveto tightenenforcementamid reducedgolddeclarations

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) in collaboration with the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) will be rolling out a series of enhanced m e a s u r e s a i m e d a t addressing reduced gold declarations.

During a high-level meeting held on December 10, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat emphasised the Government of Guyana's commitment to ensuring that Guyana's mineral resources are managed responsibly, transparently, and in accordance with the law. He reminded that since 2020, the Government has delivered unprecedented technical, financial and regulatory support to the sector and its stakeholders.

The minister also noted that government has made significant enhancements to the sector's guiding regulations, as well as supporting compulsory trainingforminers.

Following discussions, the meeting agreed on a series of enhanced enforcement measures to be rolled out immediately Among them is tighter oversightofgolddealersand traders. The ministry will intensify regulatory scrutiny of all licensed dealers, including stricter audits of purchasing records, verification of source declarations and routine compliancechecks.Notably, dealers found facilitating

undeclared transactions or failing to meet reporting obligations could face sanctions, including suspension or revocation of licences.

The ministry also plans to significantly scale-up field monitoring and enforcement operations across mining districts to target unauthorised activities and ensure c o m p l i a n c e w i t h environmental, safety and production reporting requirements.

Agencies under MNR's purview have been instructed to intensify the seizure of equipment operating without legal documentation or in prohibited areas, as part of what officials described as a zero-tolerance approach to illegal mining. In addition, m u l t i - a g e n c y f i e l d operations involving the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and other agencies will be expanded to identify, arrest and prosecute individuals and groups engagedinillegalmining. Further, MNR and the

of the document from the beginning.

Today now marks 214 days or seven months after it was reported that the auditors completed the review of the company's expenses.

GGDMA have also urged miners to sell gold only to the Guyana Gold Board or licensed dealers, stressing thatthisiscriticaltoaccurate national production data, fair trade and proper accounting of the sector's benefits.

It was also outlined that workers must not be paid in rawgoldandmustinsteadbe compensated through lawful financial channels in keeping with labour and tax laws. The MNR warned that paying workers in gold undermines transparency, weakens declaration accuracy and exposes workers to exploitation and unsafe practices. Increased inspections are planned, with penalties for employers found in breach of labour andtaxregulations.

Miners were further reminded that it is illegal to allow what is commonly referredtoasthe“Blaibox,” and that gold may only be used in transactions with approved buyers and the GuyanaGoldBoard(GGB).

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working in partnership with the GGDMA and all legitimate miners to strengthen the sector.

Further, Minister Bharrat noted that while enforcement will be sharply increased, the government remains open to continuous dialogue and collaboration to address industry challenges and support responsible mining practices.

to review business transactions after the company spends billions of US-dollars which must be paidbackbyGuyanawithits oil.This process is known as costrecovery

Each month, Exxon is allowed to take 75% of the oil produced in the Stabroek Block for its expenses

Increasedoilproductionalso equates to higher cost recovery for the company

The remaining portion of revenue is then split with Guyanaasprofit.

This arrangement has often been criticized with stakeholders demanding not only a reduction in the cost recovery percentage, but a seat at the table where large contracts especially are negotiated.

audit of expenses between 2021 and 2023, the same company was contracted to conduct the second audit through a more transparent process where media personnel were not only invited to attend the signing b u t s c r u t i n i z e t h e arrangement.

Notably, the review of the company's financial activities is crucial in ensuring that Guyana received its rightful share of profits from the Stabroek Block.

In accordance with the termsofthe2016Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), ExxonMobil and its coventurers invest in developing the resources discovered in the block Guyana has taken a backseat approach where spending by the Stabroek block partners is concerned. The government has agreed

In this manner, Guyana can ensure it gets the best value for its money, prior to the signing of an agreement, as compared with verifying costs after a contract is awarded.

The third audit was c o n d u c t e d b y V H E consulting, a local consortium comprising Ramdihal & Haynes Inc; Eclisar Financial; and Vitality Accounting & Consultancy Inc The arrangement commenced in secret with the contract signing taking place in the absence of media personnel, a notable deviation from the previousprocess.

Prior to the US$19.6B

On May 15, 2025, the minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat revealed that the audit was completed and the report handed over to government forreview

Five months later, in October, Bharrat informed this newspaper that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA)wasstillconductinga technical review of the report and would make the document public after the process was completed Recently, Bharrat was asked again about the report and directed all questions to the taxagency

Notably,theGRAhasnot responded to any queries from this newspaper relating totheaudit.

Leader of the PNC/R, Aubrey Norton

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

KaieteurNews

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

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

EDITORIAL

Kaieteur M@ilbox

ExxonMobil staying Guyana, Latin America, and Pax Americana

ExxonMobil'sGuyanaCountryhead,AlistairRoutledge, made his company's position clear “Exxon is not going anywhere.” WhatistheretofearfromVenezuelanstrongman, Nicolas Maduro, when there is the Pentagon and its slate of battle plans? He can chance his luck against that armada assembledinregionalwaters,andseehowlonghelasts. Inthe meantime,ExxonMobilisstayingrighthere,steadyasarock, andtwiceasimpregnable.

The American explorers and partners of Guyana have everyrightfortheconfidencethattheymanifest Noquestion that the huge treasure trove of sleepingVenezuelan oil is an incentive that sparks US visions, prompts moving from strategytowithinstrikingdistanceofwhicheverassetshaveto bedegradedinthisregion

But we make the argument that if there was no oil in Venezuela, but ExxonMobil and Chevron here, then US military assets would still have been deployed to provide a watchful eye for any threats to the companies Perhaps, a flotilla not as intimidating, but one that was enough of a deterrent,shouldMadurodevelopasuddencaseofinsanity FromaUSpointofview,itisbettertobesafethansorry,andto ensurethemoversandshakersinExxonMobilthatthereisno needtoworryabouttheVenezuelancaudillo Everythingis undercontrol,themenandwomenatExxonMobilcansleep soundly,leavetheresttothepeoplewhotrainforalifetimeto takeouttroublesomepeople.

Routledgeisright,“Exxonisnotgoinganywhere” We would be shocked if it did and left behind, even if only temporarily, all this sweet, cheap oil, disclosed or undisclosed Where else in the world can ExxonMobil, or any other company, pull a stunt like that, and be allowedtogetawaywithit? Gowhereelseanddowhat it is doing with an audit that has US$214M in disputed findings, but which is heading nowhere, years later? ExxonMobil has been thought of as slippery, but few Guyanese think of it as being silly Routledge knows that all he has to do is meet with the press when he feels like,shareafewsoothingwords,givenon-answersorno answers to questions, and ExxonMobil is celebrated by the leaders in the PPPCGovernmenttothelowestcitizens of Guyana Even better, he goes around and donates a few dozen cricket bats and cricket hats, and ExxonMobil is the besttoGuyanese

ItshouldbeunsurprisingtoGuyanathatRoutledgecould besobrimmingwithconfidence,ashereiterated:“Wearenot goinganywhere,ExxonMobilisnotgoinganywhere,wehave acontracthere,weareexecutingourcommitmentunderthe contract and that's what we are focused on” Moreover, Routledgedemonstratedthathewascapableofslippingina nuanced reminder, when asked about his company's contingencyplansintheeventofanyspilloverfromconflict withVenezuela

Showingthedefttouchofaseasoneddiplomat,Routledge saidthatwasamatterfortheGovernmentofGuyana“totake careof” WearepositivethatbothExxonMobilandChevron andtheirexecutivesareawarethatGuyanacan't“takecareof” anythingofsubstance,shouldMadurogobonkers

So,whatcouldRoutledgebehintingwhenhesaidthatthe GuyanaGovernmenthas“totakecareof”whateverdevelops should Venezuela crossover from warring with words to actualwar? Wethinkthatitwasaremindertohispartnersin the PPPC Government that they take care of ExxonMobil's interestsinGuyana,anditisguaranteedthatGuyanawillbe looked after, with the PPPC Government as the biggest beneficiary When ExxonMobil is shielded by the PPPC GovernmentfromthewrathofGuyanese,thosecallingfora harderlinewiththecompany,leaderswillbewell-rewarded forputtingthecompanybeforethenation

Sincethegovernmenthaspowerfulcontrolovermanykey areas in daily local life, ExxonMobil is in the best possible place Whyshoulditevenconsidergoinganywhere,whenthe setupissofavourable? Therearetoomanyitemsintheplus column for ExxonMobil, and very little on the downside ExxonMobilisn'tgoinganywhere,notfordecadesmore

DearEditor, America is the dominant andpre-eminentpowerinthe region south of USA, in fact almost globally and Guyana has wisely tied its defence and economic boat to Washington.

Our territorial and economic survival depend on America, not China or Russia or BRICS or some otheralliance.OnlyAmerica has the capacity and willingness to push back against Venezuelan aggression and bullying of Guyana.

Nopower,notChinaand not Russia or any alliance, can successfully challenge USAin almost every region of the globe and even more

sointheCaribbeanandLatin America. Anyone who feels or thinks otherwise, better wiseup!Haveyourheadand thoughtprocessexamined! Don't imagine the improbable of a weak USA! President Ali and Vice PresidentJagdeounderstand thegeo-politicsandpowerof USA (President Trump) and shrewdly have entered into defence agreement with Washington.NoLatinpower or regional bloc can stop President Trump from continuing American military strikes in the region whetheronlandorwater Pax Americana is still kicking strong in Latin America and globally The USA has the strongest

military and economy; no country even comes close. The USA is guarantor of peaceandsecurityinGuyana and the Latin region. And President Trump is pushing for peace globally Pax Americana refers to global in

(A

economic, cultural (and other) power. America not only dominates trade (throughitstariffpolicy)and diplomacy, almost everyone outside of the developed world wishes to settle in USA. President Trump has restricted immigration into USA. Every leader wants to make a trade deal with President Trump to avoid tariff. No country wishes to

get on the wrong side of Trump. Facts do not support the argument consistently made bysomeleftistsandcriticsof USA like Freddie Kissoon who wrote that “Pax America is dead, is dying, and the sun has set on Am

Washington's ongoing tre

as Maduro's Venezuela and words used against Colombia and Mexico and several Caribbean nations is not of a power in decline or dying. It is that of a power that is self-confident and risingunderaPresidentwho is very aggressive in foreign policy Trumpwillnotaccept

(Continuedonpage5)

We cannot afford to have dreamers in charge of sugar and our country

DearEditor,

Allowmetocommenton the absurdities and sheer stupidity, I have been hearing from government sponsored quarters, on this latest adventure of this company, Demerara Sugar Refinery (DSR). Is this an effort to put millions in the pockets of a few, at the expenseoftaxpayers?Ifthis be the case, it will be a betrayal of our slave and indentured ancestors who toiledforgenerationsonthe sugarplantations.

As a youngster growing up in the main urban center, my knowledge of sugar and sugarcane didn't go much beyond sucking creole cane fromouryard,untilmyjaws were swollen, and sweetening just about everything from swank to mauby, tea and coffee, buns and sweet bread. However,

when I was assigned the portfolio vice-president of production, I was forced to study and understand the complexities of sugarcane production, its by-products, and how to maintain its viability in a fast-changing world, with competition fromcountrieswhosecostof production was less than ours.

To atone the ravages of the plantation system our erstwhile masters, the Europeans granted us a preferential price for our sugar, in other words a subsidy Insteadofusingthis opportunity effectively, the PPPembarkedondisastrous schemes, including the failedSkeldonproject. For brevity, I just allude to some unpardonable steps by the PPP, first is the appointment of a CEO with little or no working

knowledge of the sugar industry,andknowledgeable persons have referred to the honourable gentleman as Mr Clung.Inanybusiness,a key to success is competent management. We hear from this installed Chief ExecutiveOfficerthathetoo is confident that GuySuCo will meet the demand of the companyDSR.

The same management that has presided over a lower annual production targetdespitepromises.One can only assume that GuySuCowillhaveamagic wand to change things aroundorarewewitnessing the orchestration of a massivecorruptionscheme.

GuySuCo will deliver the raw bulk sugar to the refinery at world market prices; to make money for the refinery and its shareholders,andthepeople

Guyana,Latin America, and Pax...

Frompage4 any challenge to American dominanceintheregion.His policy is a continuation of theMonroeDoctrineof1823 which enunciated that any outsidepowerthatsoughtto exercise major influence in Latin America and the

Caribbean would be considered a hostile act and USA will respond a c c o r d i n g l y A n d Washington implemented policies to enforce that doctrine,resultinginregime change in several countries. Any ruler that opposed it suffered the consequences –removal from office and evendeathinsomecases–in almosteveryLatincountry.

The Doctrine was followed by the Roosevelt Corollary which positioned USA as a kind of security force (Big Stick policy) to police the region (through military or other forms of

i n t e r v e n t i o n s ) i f governments engaged in wrongdoing (or experience instability as was common throughouttheregion).

TheCubanMissileCrisis and the toppling of governments in Guyana (1953,1964)werealleffects of the Doctrine and or the Corollary

Onecanarguethatweare now in the period of the PresidentTrump's Corollary asappliedtoVenezuela(and the region) to restore political and economic stability to that country Trumphasenunciatedanew national Security Strategy that includes eradicating drugs through military strikesashashappenedsince September and controlling immigration (since January) from LatinAmerica and the Caribbean.Trump'spolicyis acontinuationoftheMonroe Doctrine and Roosevelt

ofGuyanawillbeabsorbing the GuySuCo losses as usual.

The present world marketpriceforrawsugaris about US$308 per tonne, whileGuySuCopresentcost of production is about US$2200 per tonne, seven timeshigherthanthecurrent worldmarketprice.

GuySuCo's cost of production is ridiculously h i g h a n d t o t a l l y unsustainable.

ThisactionbythePPPis gross incompetence, recklessspendingorpartofa wider scheme that betrays HubertNathanielCritchlow,

Dr JP Latchman Singh, Dr Cheddi Jagan, Harry Lall, Jane Philips Gaye, Forbes Burnham and the Enmore martyrs. Be reminded that in a letter, GuySuCo sources claimed that the DSR capacity will be 100,000 tonnes of refined sugar annually to meet the Caribbean's annual demand, w h

Guyana, because GuySuCo willnolongerneedtolookat the international market

H

nonsense, for several years n

expanding our packaging and bagging capacity to sell oursugarregionallyandless has been sold as bulk in international European markets.

Editor, we cannot afford to have dreamers in charge ofsugarandourcountry. Wecannotaffordtohave people who are reckless in charge of sugar and our country

Wecannotaffordtohave people who cannot or will not identify competence to manage our sugar and Guyana.

Sincerely,

ElderHamiltonGreen

Why the three-year delay in releasing the 2022 Guyana Census?

DearEditor,

I am writing to express

Corollary to strengthen stability

A few countries in the region have pushed back against Trump's Corollary without success. None has the capacity individually or in an alliance to stop Trump or weaken Pax Americana under Trumpism Guyana (since discovery of oil) and the Latin Caribbean region areofstrategicimportanceto USA not only in terms of geo-politics but natural resourcesandbusinessalso. Thereishugeinvestment (in the hundreds of billions in American dollars) from American companies in Guyana and the region. America will protect these investments, and the USA will continue to be the dominant power in the regionandglobally.Guyana HailPaxAmericana!

Yourstruly, VishnuBisram

m y p r o f o u n d disappointment and deep c o n c e r n o v e r t h e government of Guyana's inexcusablethree-yeardelay inreleasingtheresultsofthe national population census.

The census, conducted in 2022, remains shrouded in secrecy,deprivingthenation of critical data essential for informed policymaking, equitable resource allocation, and transparent governance. Why is the Guyana government hell bent in keeping the 2022 Census under cover What damnation is contained therein? Is that a veritable Pandora's Box? Is this the much ballyhooed “One Guyana? This abstruse laziness displayed engenderscondemnation.

Editor, a population census is not merely a statistical exercise; it is the foundation upon which democratic societies plan. The data gathered informs decisions in healthcare, education, infrastructure,

social services, and political representation By w i t h h o l d i n g t h i

information,thegovernment is undermining the very principles of accountability a

d governance that Guyanese citizensdeserve.

This delay raises serious questions about the government's commitment to transparency and its respect for the rights of citizens to access public information. In a nation

experiencing rapid economic growth and demographic shifts, the absenceofup-to-datecensus data hampers the ability of businesses, civil society, international partners, and local communities to plan

ir distributionofresourcesand the integrity of electoral

boundaries, which are crucial for a functioning democracy

Editor, the government's silence on the reasons for this delay only deepens public distrust Guyana deserves better We demand immediate action: the promptreleaseofthecensus data, a clear explanation for thedelay,andacommitment to ensuring such failures do notrecur.

It is time for the government to uphold its duty to the people of Guyana. Transparency cannot be sacrificed at the altarofpoliticalexpediency I call on TIGI, Red Thread and other Guyanese NGOs, to add to the clarion call for the government to release the 2022 Census Data with immediatedispatch.

Yourssincerely, JonathanSubrianEsq.

Demolitions amid celebrations, Guyana's paradox of humanity

DearEditor, In the season when most nations proclaim charity, goodwill, and humanity, Guyana faces a chilling contradiction.

Over the past few days, citizens have watched in disbelief as governmentdirected forces descended uponawell-knownsquatting settlement along the East Coast,sendingbulldozersto flatten homes many of them standing for years, built brick by brick through hardshipandhope.

Whilesquattingisindeed prohibited under policy, the manner and timing of this state action lay bare something far more serious: a callous abuse of authority cloaked in administrative justification.WithChristmas barely two weeks away, and the rains pouring relentlessly, dozens of families have been rendered homeless overnight Mothers cling to salvaged timber and zinc sheets; children stare at the ruins of what were once vibrant communities. This is not policyimplementation—itis apublicexecutionofdignity

R e s i d e n t s w e r e reportedly given just days' notice to vacate an impossible demand even in the best economic climate, let alone amid a national affordabilitycrisis.

No comprehensive plan for relocation, no transitional assistance, no sign of empathy The state that speaks so frequently of “homeownership for all” now seems more intent on demolitionthancompassion.

The double standard is glaring.Onlyrecently,those found with fraudulent driver's licences were granted six weeks' grace by the Head-of-State to correct a n o m a l i e s a d e m o n s t r a t i o n o f administrative leniency and care.

This moment demands public reckoning. It is inconceivable that in a nation celebrating unprecedented economic promise, our government responds to poverty with bulldozers instead of building plans.The exercise betrays a disturbing contemptfortheverypeople development is supposed to uplift.

Authoritarianism rarely declares itself outright—it often creeps in through moments like these, when silence from leaders signals consenttocruelty

For a government that prides itself on “peoplecentered development,” the optics and morality of this demolition campaign are indefensible.

Human displacement cannot be reduced to administrative tidiness; it carries generational trauma, economic ruin, and social fragmentation. The true test of leadership is not how efficientlylawsareenforced, but how compassionately hardshipsaremanaged.

The administration's silence so far speaks volumes. Only the newly elected opposition WIN has raised its voice, availing themselvestothecriesofthe suffering, highlighting once again the diminishing space for empathy in governance. It is time for citizens, civil society, and every conscience-driven observer tospeakout.

Let us demand a halt to suchcrudeexercisesofstate power

Let us insist that policy never becomes a weapon against the poor And let us remind those who govern that development without humanity is nothing more thanorganizedcruelty

Yet, in this case, citizens who have invested years, sweat, and scarce earnings into their modest dwellings r e c e i v e d n e i t h e r consideration nor dialogue. When the powerful are shielded and the powerless punished, governance loses itssoul.

Sincerely, Hemdutt

Kumar

Female Guyanese consortium still looking for operator

Sispro Inc., the standalone Guyanese company that participated in the country's inaugural oil block auction is still looking for an operator This was revealed by Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, who said that he remains hopeful that the company will be able to lock in an operator and sign a contract soon.

Sispro, a consortium led by four African Guyanese women, was awarded a shallow water block called S3 and a deepwater block titledD2.

…Min. Bharrat hopeful oil contract could be signed soon

The women behind Sispro Inc., (from left) Ayodele Dalgety-Dean, Abbigale Loncke-Watson and Dr. Melissa Varswyck

Speaking with reporters last week, Minister Bharrat said discussions with Sispro are ongoing. Asked whether he remains optimistic about

Agreements (PSAs) before the end of the year, Bharrat said, “As I mentioned, the teamisspeakingwithSispro. The team is in negotiation with Sispro. So, I'm still hopeful. I'm always hopeful. You know me, I'm always positive, and I'm always hopeful.”

He added that Sispro remains a preferred partner but stressed that the company must secure a suitable operator before any agreementisfinalised.“That is why I'm even more hopeful that they can reach a

position with their operator, and that we can sign as soon as possible, if possible, this year, we'll be even more excited,”theministersaid.

Bharrat shared, “They needanoperator,anoperator with the kind of credential and the balance sheet as well

programme, because we're not going to sign an agreement with companies that cannot or an operator that cannot execute the work programme.”

commentsonthesidelinesof the signing of a petroleum agreement with Ghanaian offshore explorer Cybele Energy Limited for Block

concession that was also awarded during Guyana's inaugural bid round. The inaugural auction, launched in December 2022, comprised 14 blocks, eight of which received bids, and authorities have indicated that additional agreements (Continued on page 9)

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

The Jagdeo model has run its course

The annual budget season in Guyana has come to resemble a familiar civic ritual. On cue, the private sector rises to plead for reduced taxes, fresh incentives, and renewed concessions, all offered in the soothing language of growth, competitiveness, andnationaldevelopment.

The argument is always the same, and so is the outcome: public revenue quietly transferred into privatehands,onfaithrather thanevidence,andwithlittle accounting to the people who are asked to foot the bill.

This arrangement is routinely described as “incentivizing” business, buttheworddisguisesmore than it reveals. What these concessions actually represent is a lien on future public revenue—a discount on taxes yet to be collected, granted in advance and largely without conditions. The State forgoes hundreds of billions of dollars annually in remitted, waived, or uncollected taxes In exchange, it receives promises: jobs will appear, incomes will rise, money will circulate, prosperitywilltrickledown. This is the secular theology ofthemodernprivatesector, endlessly rehearsed but rarelyinterrogated.

Experience, however, has not been kind to this creed. Guyana has travelled thisroadfordecades,andthe promised destination remains stubbornly out of

concessions bears no proportional relationship to the creation of quality employment or broad-based income growth. What has grown, with impressive s

n concentrated and frequently insulated from meaningful

. If incentives were meant to seed a more equitable economy, the harvest has beenthin.

Themoralhazardofthis modelismoststarklyvisible in the administration of Value-Added Tax. VAT, in theory, is a neutral instrument, collected on behalf of the State In practice, it has become a shadow subsidy for unscrupulous businesses

Thedishonestbusinesseslift moneyfromconsumers.Itis pocketed by the dishonest ones and never fully remitted.

What should have been public revenue instead becomes a slush fund, an interest-free loan, a private investment pool While working people struggle with a rising cost-of-living, some firms expand on the back of these unremitted taxestheywerenevermeant to keep. It is a quiet form of theft, rendered respectable by inertia and weak enforcement.

Yetcallsfortheremoval of VAT will be resisted. Yet the irony is acute. Privatesector expansion, fuelled by concessions and unremitted

taxes, contributes to an o v e r h e a t i n g economy higher prices, distorted demand, and widening inequality The working class pays twice: onceatthecheckoutcounter, and again through foregone publicservices.

At the center of this architecture sits what might be called the Jagdeo model: anapproachtodevelopment that treats concessions as an end in themselves, not as instruments to secure measurable public benefit.

Underthismodel,incentives are granted upfront, with little concern for whether savings are passed on to consumers, reinvested productively, or shared with workers. The State gives, and then waits—patiently, optimistically,andusuallyin vain.

There is nothing radical insayingthatthismodelhas failed.What is radical is the refusal to acknowledge it. Incentivesarenotinherently wrong High and poorly structured taxes can indeed discourage investment. But concessions without conditions are not policy; they are gifts. And gifts of public money demand publicreturns.

Anew model is not only possible but necessary, one thatisredesignedtoimprove benefits to the State rather thandeferthemindefinitely Thesamelogicshouldapply to domestic private enterprise.Iftaxconcessions reduce the cost of investment, then that

DEM BOYS SEH

Freeness does call louder than conch shell

Dem boys seh if freeness ever get elected in Guyana, it would win by landslide.SomeGuyanesegotasixthsense foranythingfree.Islikeradarindemhead. Theminutedemhear“free,”demshoeslace up by demself and dem does reach before thethingevenstart.

Is so with staff parties. Management doessay,“Comerelax,havealilbite,”and halfthestaffhear,“Comeemptytheplace.” From the minute dem reach, is plate, plate, and more plate. One for now, one for later, one for “just in case.” Dem boys seh some peopledoeseatliketomorrowcancel.

And don't talk about the drinks. When dem see open bar, dem eye does shine like headlight.Beerinonehand,ruminthenext, and wine “just to wash it down.” Some of demdoesdrinklikeiscompetitionandprize moneydehattheend.

Nowlehmetelly'allalilstory Onestaff party,demboysseeafellawhoneverdrink much normally But when freeness deh, courage does come free too. He start with

reduction should yield dividendstotaxpayers.

Oneobviousmechanism i s e q u i t y F u t u r e incentives whether tax holidays, reduced tax rates, o r a c c e l e r a t e d allowances should be linked to a state stake in the beneficiarybusinesses.Ifthe public provides seed capital indirectly through foregone revenue, the public should share in ownership, profits, and long-term value.This is not expropriation; it is reciprocity

Incentivesshouldalsobe explicitly tied to reinvestment:inlocalsupply chains,inworkertraining,in productivity-enhancing technology These commitments must be measurable, time-bound,

and enforceable. Anything lessistheatre.

Finally, tax reform itself must escape its piecemeal captivity Adjusting rates here and grant

exemptions there, under

produces incoherence and inequity.Whatisneededisa compreh

ve reexamination of the tax system—one that balances com

fairness, revenue with development, and private profitwithpublicpurpose.

The question is not whether Guyana can afford to change course It is whether it can afford not to. Continuing to funnel public resources into private hands without return is not

development policy; it is a perpetual cash grant, dispensedonprivateterms.

The Jagdeo model, whatever its intentions, has run its course. It is time to replace faith with evidence, g e n e r o s i t y w i t h accountability, and concessions with contracts that finally work for the peoplewhopayforthem.

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

Female Guyanese consortium still...

Frompage8 are expected as negotiations continue.

Under that agreement, Cybele is expected to pay a US$17 million signing bonus to the Natural ResourcesFund(NRF).The S7 block, which is under 1,500squarekilometres,has been conservatively estimated by the African woman-ledcompanytohold 400 million barrels of oil.

While the required signing bonus for shallow-water blocks is US$10 million, Cybele offered US$7 million above the minimum initsbid.

one beer Then he say, “Ahight, just one small rum.” After that, he decide to mix drinkslikechemist.Rumandjuice,rumand coke, rum and water—because hydration important,yuhknow

Half-hour later, the man start to sway like coconut tree in breeze. He tell one seriousjokeandlaughbeforeanybodyelse could. Then he hug the boss and call him “me brother.” Five minutes after that, he makingspeechheneverrehearse,thanking management for “everything since 1983,” eventhoughthecompanystartin2010.

Byteno'clock,thesamemanwhocome to “just pass through” asleep on two chairs push together, holding a piece of chicken likeisteddybear Whendemwakehim,he askiffoodstillserving.

Dem boys seh freeness sweet, but it dangerous. Some people don't just enjoy it—theyattackit.Andwhenmorningcome andheadachestart,demdoesstillsay,“But atleastweeatgoodlastnight.” Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

Notably, the Cybele agreement represents the second contract finalised from Guyana's maiden auction round The government has already concluded the agreement with TotalEnergies and its partners QatarEnergy and Petronas for Block S4, another shallow-water concession.

The PSAs governing the twoagreementssignedsofar require payment of a 10 per centroyaltyanda10percent corporate tax The cost recovery ceiling will be capped at 65 per cent each year, while profits will be shared 50/50 between the companyandthestate.

H@RD TRUTHS

The Ali Watch

Guyanese have their hands full and their minds fully attuned in this busy Xmas Season for Guyanese. It is about more than blackcake and pepper-pot. It is from the Dr Bharrat Jagdeo watch to the Dr Irfaan Ali Watch. Likeababydelivery that is past its time, Dr Ali is the man that's in high demand. The Jagdeo watch istemporarilyover,givenhis recent El Cid appearance (maybe more later) Inspiring and exciting, I say ButnowitisallAlitime. The Ali watch involves more listening than looking. What will the Master say, and when will he? Say something, sir Please, sir Guyanese are counting the days and counting their chicks The days are shortening, and that has nothing to do with winter

It's the barren winter of Guyaneseneeds. Thechicks were already in short supply Now the chickens are lesser and scrawnier; down to the drumsticks, with feathers taking flight and filling pillows.

I m a g i n e t h e psychological trauma on Guyanese men and women, who are told that they are richerthantheSaudis,butall thattheyhavetoeatisasetof bricks, and any spare form boards used in construction. This is a little glimpse of what the Irfaan Ali watch (and ear to the TV and Facebook)isallabout. BharratJagdeocameand went. Irfaan Ali is here and the people bat their ear, to use a Guyanese verb. How much, Mr President?

When, Comrade Leader?

Forget about US President

Hoover, and let's go all the way to France and 400 hundred years back A chickenineverypotforpoor Guyanese would be a wonderful development, Dr Excellency PoorGuyanese, not fat cat private sector Guyanese. Poor Guyanese, not fat cat permanent secretaries.

Poor Guyanese, Mr President (real poor ones) and not big cat ministers and contractors and other wellconnected political operators.

They could use a word from Mr Ali about a li'l something for the holidays. Justalittlesomething. Nota million. But enough money in hand for that chicken in the pot and, as extras, the pepper-pot and black-cake mentionedearlier I can't even touch

clothes, or think of bills past due, and the man coming to collect. Oh Lord. Forget about God. Guyanese have Mohamed Irfaan Ali. A good citizen, who due to his tendency to get forgetful (promises made, words uttered), needs a little nudge everynowandagain. Seems like it has been more about againandagain.

So,hereIam,givinghim alittlenudge. TheGuyanese peoplearewaiting.

They love roads and bridges. But they love food more. Some clothes would help. And,ifthereisspaceto replace the carpets and blinds, that would be a cherished bonus. I point the peoplepastDr Ashni,forDr Ali is the real man with the real money No offence intended Dr AK, so please don'tgetupset,forthatcould be a problem for me. All I am doing is giving a voice to the voiceless, being a presence for the powerless. WherehaveIgonewrong?

Back to the big man, Big Boss Ali. Like Dr Jagdeo,

Dr Ali is also afflicted with the S a n t a C l a u s syndrome. Frankly, Dr Ali should have made his voice heard and face duly reddened seen since midOctober, when the Xmas carolsstartedfillingtheair He should have sleighed into town on white horses withaho-ho-hoandhereisa bag of goodies for the adults and kiddies. So that all are properly edified, the color of Xmasisred. AndifPres.Ali and the PPP Gov't can't represent red with a little green, then what can they?

Guyanese are losing hope, skipper Guyanese are watching and their spirit is fading.

S a y s o m e t h i n g , Excellency Ali. The people have been patient. Don't holdthemonastring. Thosejokeshaveasting. Don't insult them. They struggle. They hurt. They need. Let me give a glimpse astohowbad,andhowhard.

A dawn encounter on the street, and there are those

crumbled.

From life's bruising, scarring assaults. More on that later There are multiples of Guyanese close to that edge. I know them, because I make it my duty to engage them. Not make jokes about them before a well-fed, well-clothed, wellgreasedaudience.

Sayonara time. A man gives his word, that his breastplate and helmet. A president makes a promise, he must power it through, come tornado or Maduro. The Ali watch continues, listening posts well-manned witheagerears.

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

Why CARICOM Should Stand Together WEAKNESS OF SOVEREIGNTY EXPOSED:

The Caribbean is living through a moment of rising geopolitical tension. As the United States intensifies pressure on the Maduro government in Venezuela, theripplesreachCARICOM shoresfast.

None of these countries chose this confrontation, yet each of them is forced to navigateitsconsequences.

This is nothing new Small states always live at theedgeofpower

But recent events have exposed,withpainfulclarity, how thin the shield of individual sovereignty becomes when the pressure of great-power politics mounts.

CommunityTested byHighPolitics

CARICOM has long described itself as a “Community of Sovereign States.” It is a noble phrase, suggestingunitygroundedin mutual cooperation.Yet this crisishasshownhowfragile that unity becomes when confronted with high politics—especially politics involving the United States, a country on which many CARICOM economies depend.

In mid-October, CARICOM Heads of Government reaffirmed the region’s doctrine: the Caribbean must remain a ZoneofPeace;disputesmust beresolvedbydialogue;and sovereignty and territorial integrity must be upheld in internationallaw Buttheink was barely dry when divisionssurfaced.

Trinidad and Tobago reserveditspositionandlater distanced itself from the

collective statement. Guyana—facing a territorial claim and military posture from Venezuela that have overshadowed it for sixtythree years—welcomed the U.S.presenceasadeterrent. Some governments stayed silent.

Afewreiteratedtheneed forde-escalationandrespect for law Within days CARICOM’s supposed unitybecameapatchworkof national interests. The Zone of Peace became less a shared principle than a sloganofinterpretation.

ThePerilof Fragmentation

This fragmentation shouldalarmallCARICOM peoples. Small states cannot

endure as isolated fragments; they last only as part of something larger

When the small divide, the strong decide. And if the Caribbeancannotspeakwith one voice in defence of law, otherswillspeakforitinthe languageofmight.

Ourregionmustconfront a truth that is uncomfortable

b u t u n a v o i d a b l e : sovereignty for the small is both precious and precarious.

It is precious because it affirmsthemoralequalityof nations, giving each no matter its size—a rightful place in the international system.

Yet it is precarious because true sovereignty depends on the capacity to exercise it—a capacity no CARICOM state truly possesses.

Global politics operates through hierarchy Five countries wield veto power at the UN Security Council. Wealthy shareholders dominate multilateral institutions.

Trade outcomes favour power, not fairness. Climate diplomacy leaves the smallest states, like

Sisyphus, pushing a boulder up a mountain—fighting for c o m p e n s a t i o n f o r destructioncausedbyothers.

Small Caribbean nations livetheserealitieseveryday Economic fragility, limited defence resources, reliance on external markets, and exposuretonaturaldisasters narrow the practical meaningofsovereignty

TheCasefor CollectiveStrength

Yet because of these vulnerabilities, sovereignty matters more—not less. It is theshieldthatpreventssmall nations from being swept away by the currents of power.

Butashieldisusefulonly i f w i e l d e d w i t h strength—andnosmallstate hasthatstrengthalone. Sovereignty must be asserted individually but exercised collectively That is the heart of the Caribbean project and its most persistentchallenge.

Too often, governments allow external relationships to influence internal decision-making. Too often, they anticipate what a powerful partner wants and actaccordingly—evenwhen doing so weakens the regional collective Sovereignty cannot survive if continuously surrendered throughself-censorship. The remedy is not uniformity of views. It is

consistency of process Debate within the family Decisions jointly reached and collectively maintained. For if we cannot resolve differences among ourselves, we invite outsiders to define the region’spositions. Lawasthe DisciplineofPower Powerwillalwaysshape the international landscape. Small states cannot pretend otherwise.

But law moderates its sharpestedges.International law does not abolish power politics,butitdisciplinesit. It transforms might into obligation; it turns coercion into an act that must justify itself. Courts, tribunals, and international forums allow the small to confront the large using reason and norms—notforce.

ARegionataCrossroads

This is where the Caribbean countries stand today:geopoliticalpressures demand coherence, but domestic calculations often pull them apart. CARICOM has come far, but not far enough, in building a politicalcommunitycapable of withstanding global storms.

Caribbean governments must continue to affirm that law applies as much to the powerfulastothepowerless. Theyshouldresistanyorder that tries to turn might into right. And they must ensure theregiondoesnotslipback into patterns where external powerspickoffstatesoneby one.

The real work of Caribbean integration today is existential. It is about ensuring that sovereignty is strengthened by community. If they stand together—on principle, on dignity, and on the sovereign equality

promised in the UN Charter then even in a world of rising geopolitical storms, the Caribbean will not merely endure. It will shapeitsowncourse.

Givetoget:Working togetherwiththe realityofpower

These concepts need not collide; they can be reconciled if we accept that both the mighty and the s m a l l m u s t b e persuaded—through reason and reciprocity—to accept limits on autonomy out of enlightenedself-interest.

The old doctrines of absolutesovereignty,andthe oldformulasofdevelopment and aid, must give way All

countries—including small ones—must learn to give in ordertoget.

Only then can we build an international order in which cooperation is a twoway street anchored in h u m a n r i g h t s a n d humanitarian law, giving small states a chance not only to survive but to prosper

B u t n o s i n g l e CARICOM country, nor a partial group, can negotiate

suchastrategy Allmustdo ittogether

This commentary is based on my 2025

DistinguishedLectureofthe Organisation of Caribbean Bar Associations, available h e r e : https://www.sirronaldsander s com/Docs/FINAL%20Tex t%20of%20%20OCCBA% 20Lecture%2025%20Nove mber%202025.pdf

(The author is the Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States and the OAS, and Dean of the OAS Ambassadors accredited to the OAS. Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronald sanders.com)

Sir Ronald Sanders

WEEK-IN-REVIEW

SUNDAY

‘ExxonMobilishereto stay’–Routledgedeclares

PresidentofExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), Alistair Routledge, on Friday made it clear that “Exxon is not going anywhere,” dispelling concernsaboutanypotential pullbackfromtheoilgiantin face of the tension between GuyanaandVenezuela.

Atthelaunchofthefifth annual Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, Routledge was asked if at the conference, scheduled for February, Exxon would address topics suchascontingencyplansin the event of any spillover

from conflict with Venezuela He noted that matters of international affairs are the responsibility of the Government of Guyanatomanageand“take care of.” Routledge added, “Wearenotgoinganywhere, ExxonMobil is not going

anywhere, we have a

contract here, we are executing our commitment underthecontractandthat’s whatwearefocusedon.”

EMGLis the operator of

the Stabroek Block alongside partners Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited. The6.6-million-acreblockis estimatedtohold11.6billion barrels of oil equivalent

resources, with daily productionreaching900,000 barrels from four projects, and four more scheduled to come onstream before the endofthedecade.

The Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) for the Stabroek Block allows Exxon and its partners to recover 75 per cent of oil

production to recoup investment costs, while the remaining 25 per cent, considered profit is split evenly between Guyana and the consortium, each receiving 12.5 per cent. The consortiumalsopaysa2per cent royalty to Guyana However, the PSA also stipulates that the GovernmentofGuyanamust pay the oil companies taxes

from its share of oil revenues.

Notably, ExxonMobil CorporationChiefExecutive Officer (CEO), Darren Woodshadpreviouslystated that he is unfazed by the territorial controversy

between Guyana and

Venezuela, asserting that it won’t hinder the oil giant’s activities in the region. He underlined Exxon’s commitment to continue its development of massive offshoreoilfieldsinGuyana, undeterred by external geopoliticalchallenges.

Routledge’s remarks follow heightened geopolitical activity, including months of United States military strikes in the Southern Caribbean on drug traffickers and putting pressureonVenezuela.

Moreover, Guyana and Venezuelaarealsobeforethe International Court of Justice (ICJ) over Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo region, which accounts for two-thirds of Guyana’s mineral-rich territory Guyana submitted its application to the ICJ in March 2018, seeking a final andbindingjudgmentonthe validity of the 1899Arbitral Awardthatsettledtheborder issue between British GuianaandVenezuela.

Amid high tensions in 2023, President Irfaan Ali and President Nicolas Maduro met and signed the Argyle ‘Peace’ Declaration onDecember14.

Govt.engaging contractoronrevised timeframeforcompletion ofGTEin2026

The Government of Guyana is engaging the contractor for the Gas-toEnergy (GTE) project on a revisedtimeline,Ministerof Natural Resources Vickram BharratsaidonFriday.

Speaking at an event in Georgetown, the minister stated, “We would have indicated in the past that we’re very concerned about the delay It’s not something that we would have planned for,orwewouldhavewished

for.We would have loved to have that project completed by the end of this year, at least However, we are workingwiththecompany.”

TheGTEproject,located atWalesontheWestBankof Demerara, includes a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility and a 300-megawatt (MW) power plant and is expected to cut consumers electricitybillby50percent.

“Therewereafewissues wellventilatedinmediawith that company We would havesortofthatthoseissues, I’m happy to say that all the issues have been sorted, and thecompanyisworking,and they’vemadeacommitment thatthey’regoingtoactually add more hours to the work days so that the project can be completed in a new time frame given which Prime Minister has been working through with the company,” Bharratnoted.

He reminded that the GTE projects fall under the Prime Minister’s office Minister Bharrat noted too that the prime minister has been in direct engagement with the contractor to revise thetimeframe.

Government officials hadpreviouslynotedthatthe project is expected to be completedbymid-2026.

B a c k i n 2 0 2 2 , government hired CH4 (Texas) and Lindsayca (Puerto Rico) for the construction of the power plant and NGL facility at a cost of US$759 million. However, the companies have split-up and Lindsayca iscompletingtheproject.

The project entails transportingnaturalgasfrom theoffshoreStabroekBlocks Liza oilfield via a 12-inch pipelinetothesite,where50 million cubic feet (MMCFD) of gas will be convertedtoelectricitydaily

The GTE project has

faced significant delays due to ground instability Chairman of Lindsayca, Nelson Drake, had revealed that a staggering US$100 millionwasspenttostabilise the unstable soil at the project site, a challenge that set the massive undertaking back by 14 months. He had outlined that the project’s timeline was severely impacted by unexpected ground liquefaction at the WestBankDemerarasite.In October,itwasrevealedthat the project is at 68 03% completion,with89%ofthe engineeringdone,90.46%of the procurement done, but the construction completion isonlyat23%.

Aheadofthecompletion of the Wales GTE project, the government awarded a US$422 million contract for t h e e x t e n s i o n o f transmission lines for the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) The transmission lines are being constructed alongtheeasterncorridorof the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS).

MONDAY

‘Twoyears,noanswers’–furygrowsasdeadlyGDF helicoptercrashreport remainshidden

Two years after the Guyana Defence Force

Guyana.”

However, Walton-Desir criticised the statement for omitting any mention of the long-delayed accident report “His words were warm, his sentiments kind, and his tone reverential. But once again, he avoided the onethingthefamiliesandthe nation still need: the truth about what happened. Two years have now passed. Yet the official accident report remainswithheld,”shesaid.

(GDF) Bell 412 helicopter crash that shocked the nation, the official accident report, is yet to be released by the Minister of Public WorksJuanEdghill.

Leader of the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM) and Member of Parliament (MP) Amanza Walton-Desir is now calling on the Government of Guyana to immediately make the findingspublic.

On December 6, 2023, five of the seven occupants aboardtheaircraftdiedwhen the aircraft crashed in the jungle between Arau and EkerekuinRegionSeven. Those confirmed dead are: the pilot-in-command, veteran aviator Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, Colonel Michael Shahoud, Lieutenant Colonel Shaun Welcome, Staff Sergeant Jason Khan and Brigadier ( R e t ’ d ) G a r y Beaton Lieutenant Andio MichaelCrawford,apiloton board the aircraft, and Corporal Dwayne Johnson survivedthecrash.

Following the tragedy, MinisterEdghillappointeda special investigator, and by late December 2023, he announced that the helicopter’s black box had beensenttotheUnitedStates for analysis. Nearly a year later,onNovember12,2024, Edghilldisclosedthatadraft report had been completed a n d c i r c u l a t e d t o stakeholders for comment Since then, however, no report, draft or final, has been released to the public. Attempts to contact the minister for an update proved unsuccessful, with calls going unanswered and messagesunread.

On Sunday, President IrfaanAliissuedastatement honouring the fallen servicemen. “We remember themnotonlyassoldiers,but as fathers, sons, friends, and patriots,” he wrote. “Their sacrifice continues to guide us,strengthenus,andremind us of the profound duty we all share to our One

The MP argued that aviation safety cannot i m p r o v e w i t h o u t t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d accountability, especially given the government’s recent acquisition of two new helicopters of the same classastheonethatcrashed. “Without releasing the investigation report, President Ali cannot assure the country that the root causes of the tragedy have been identified, understood, or corrected,” Walton-Desir said “We do not know whether these new aircraft a d d r e s s s y s t e m i c weaknesses in maintenance, training, oversight, or operationalreadiness.Wedo not know whether the same vulnerabilities persist Guyana cannot advance aviationsafetyonsecrecy.” Walton-Desir urged the government to release the final report “immediately,” adding that any genuine national security concerns could be addressed through selective redactions. “But thereisnojustification,none whatsoever, for concealing the entire report from the nation, from the families, and from the Defence Force itself,”sheemphasised.

“Our servicemen gave their lives in service to this nation Their families deserve closure The s u r v i v o r s d e s e r v e recognitionandsupport.And we, the people of Guyana, deserve to know that the mistakes of the past are not beingrepeatedbehindclosed doors,” she said. “On a day dedicated to global aviation safety, Guyana must recommit to openness, transparency,andthedutyof care we owe to every man andwomanwhoserves.”

Ratsandrotandruin: Mohamedvisit exposesscandalat AmerindianHostel - Minister promises new facility for next year Thedeplorable Continued on page 13

Frompage12 conditionsattheAmerindian Hostel on Princess Street were thrust into the national spotlight Sunday morning when leader of the main opposition, Azruddin Mohamed and several Members of Parliament responded to desperate calls from residents begging for help.

It was high drama at the hostelwhentheWeInvestin Nationhood leader showed up to listen to complaints

from residents of the deteriorating conditions of the facility, that they say is plagued by rats and other infestationsandthattheyare poorlyhousedandfed.

In a statement WIN said when Mohamed visited to provide representation, he was denied entry The party said credible information reaching them is that the Amerindian Hostel is unkemptandinadeplorable condition.“Onereportisthat there is a paralysed bedridden man, an amputee, andanotherwithastroke,all in an untidy room ” The party added: “while the Ministry of Amerindian Affairscontinuestopaintthe exterior of the building, the condition beneath is appalling Behind a few coats of paint is an untidy, rundown dwelling for our Indigenous brothers and sistersinthecity.”

According to WIN after MohamedandtheMPswere orderedtoleavethepremises by the warden, acting on instructions from the PPP, Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah Browne, who had been completely absent until then, suddenly appearedoveronehourlater

“She arrived to meet nearly 100 distressed Indigenous dwellers and, instead of listening to their cries, attempted to make excuses for the PPP’s ongoing neglect and failure to address their most basic needs.”

According to WIN, in a live recording, Mr Mohamedaskedtheminister whether her husband, who has previously received multimillion-dollar contracts from the PPP, would be receiving the contract to “upgrade” the hostel “The minister responded strangely, saying: “If he has to get the work, I don’t see why he can’t get benefit.”

“This response is alarming given the corruption of the PPP and

misuseofpublicresources.

Mr Mohamed pressed the minister repeatedly with one simple question. When will these urgent needs be addressed? she refused to answer,” the Win statement detailed Mohamed, according to the statement assured the Indigenous people at the hostel that he will do everything in his power to ensure they are treatedwithdignity,respect, and humanity, and he will notallowthePPPtocontinue treatingthemthisway

However, Browne said nowhere on the live did she sayshewillgiveherhusband the contract to build the hostel. “What I said is “I’m not the tender board and my husband is a Guyanese and like every Guyanese he shouldbeabletowork.Ialso saiddoesitmeanbecauseof me he can’t be able to get work anywhere in this country I have always said this during the campaign when persons ask me about my husband because I have nothing to hide Also, to make it clear I have visited the hostel on several occasions and me and my staff working together to create a space at the Amerindian hostel where children can go to play or read books, colour etc. and this is not the only time I visited.Noteverythingmust be publicised Again, with theliesanddistortion.Ifthey were there to bring awareness to issue at hand how on earth did it come to my husband Stop playing politicswithourpeople.”

Among the concerns WINsaidithasreceivedare:

the hostel is extremely hot; there is a need for fans and air conditioning; persons leave sicker after getting there, as the beds are not good and are too close to eachother;themattressesare thin, and people have reportedgettingscabiesafter anightthere;thewashrooms areoutoforder,andpersons have to fetch buckets of water to flush toilets; there are no cleaning supplies in the toilet and that the food servedatthehostelisusually subpar Additionally, WIN said residents at the hostel complained that there is hardlyanymeatandtheyare often served sausages and sardines and are allowed only two slices of bread.

“The water pressure is unstable and the hostel is infested with rats,” are the other complaints. WIN has called on the Minister of Amerindian Affairs to address the complaints immediately

Inaninterviewfollowing the stand-off Browne accused Mohamed of trying to deflect attention from his currentextraditioncase.She acknowledged that the hotel has outgrown its capacity and that money has been requestedinthe2026budget fortheconstructionofanew facility

Shesaidthatthelandhas already been identified and hopefully the funds will be approvedfortheproject.She notedthatforthisyearmore than12,175peoplestayedat the hostel- some of them being stranded patients who had come to Georgetown seeking medical attention Brownesaidthegovernment

has recognised that the difficulties at the hostel and President Irfaan Ali has committedtobuildinganew Amerindian Hostel, and this promise is already being fulfilled. The minister said despite the constraints the hostel continues to provide three full meals daily, a safe place to rest, welfare services, and even air and land transportation back to hinterlandregions.

TUESDAY

APNUprotesteruptsover Christmascashgrant

Asmallprotestledbythe opposition coalition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) jolted the Square of the Revolution on Monday, as enraged citizens demanded that the governmentdeliverthelongpromisedcashgrant.

APNU parliamentary leader Dr Terrence Campbell and MP Ganesh Mahipaulheadedthemarch, joined by attorney Dexter Todd, MP Saiku Andrews, ALP leader Simona Broomes, and V-PAC head Dorwain Bess. The crowd, angry, loud, and fed-up held placardsdescribingthedaily financial torment they face. One read: “Eggs are five for $700. Irfaan, we want to eat good tuh.” Another laid out the math of survival: “Salary: $105,000 Rent: $65,000 Transport: $20,000. Children to feed. Wewantourcashgrant.

Others decried the situation as “lawlessness” and expressed frustration over not receiving the

saying,“Thelanguageofthe government is deliberate to impoverish and keep people inamindsetofenslavement. The president said, ‘If you behave yourself, we will giveyou.’Wemustnolonger accept that any government treats us as if we are their children or puppets The wealth of this country is a nationalresourceandshould go beyond political interests.”

The APNU coalition pointed out that with an estimated 604,000 citizens qualifying for the promised cashgrantbythismonth,the government could distribute atleast$150,000perperson, totaling an expenditure of $90.6 billion. The coalition believes this amount is a manageable percentage of the government’s projected revenues, making the proposalfeasible.

promised financial support. During the protest, Dr Campbell spoke with reportersandhighlightedthe sufferingofmanyGuyanese. Hecitedarecentreportfrom the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which revealed that 58% of the population lives in poverty “There are people who are suffering in this country The APNU is not only concerned about the cashgrantbutalsoabroader packagetohelpthesuffering masses,”Campbellsaid.

He added that the demand for cash transfers is only one part of the broader support that the government needs to provide. “We must take our people out of poverty Whatwearecalling for is a minimum of $100,000 for every adult overtheageof18.Wearenot limiting it to $150,000.This is the least the government should be paying out—and they should do it before Christmas, when prices for basic commodities will go up.”

Broomes,speakingatthe protest, expressed solidarity w i t h t h e c i t i z e n s ’ frustrations. “I am out here today standing up for all Guyanese,includingmyself. Thetimehascomeforallof us to stand. We call on all Guyanese to join this movement. The citizens are notfeelingthebenefitofthis wealth, and we believe that every year, there must be a defined policy on how wealth is transferred to citizens,”Broomessaid.She further criticized the government’s approach,

Dr Campbell also criticised President Irfaan Ali’s recent comments regarding the cash grant “President Irfaan Ali recently told Guyanese, ‘If youbehaveyourself,youget itthisyear,’”Campbellsaid. “ T h i s l a n g u a g e i s disrespectful, improper, politically coercive, and entirely unacceptable as nationalsocialpolicy.”

The coalition is demanding that the government distribute the cash grants before the Christmas season, when the cost-of-living is expected to increase.Theyarguethatthe government’s failure to deliver on this promise is a direct reflection of the neglect faced by ordinary citizensstrugglingwithhigh livingcosts.

Greenlightforgold… GMiningVentures secures20-yearlicencefor massiveOkoWestproject

Canadian-owned G Mining Ventures (GMIN) has officially secured a 20yearmininglicencefromthe Guyana Geology and Mines Commission(GGMC)forits 100%-owned Oko West Gold Project in Region Seven-an operation estimated to contain a staggering 5 4 million ouncesofgold.

According to the company, the licence, effectiveDecember5, 2025, authorisesfulldevelopment, operation and commercial productionatthesite.GMIN said the approval represents the“finalmajorpermitting Continued on page 14

Asection of the protesters outside the Office of the President.

Frompage13 milestone,”clearingtheway for full construction and long-term operations The Licensecomeontheheelsof the company receiving the Final Environmental Permit on September 2, 2025 and the Corporation’s formal construction decision on October23,2025.

Under the Interim EnvironmentalPermitwhich was granted earlier this year and early works begun, they willcontinueundertheFinal Environmental Permit, therefore allowing these activities to carry directly into full construction. With all major permits and approvals secured, GMIN is

advancing Oko West

d e v e l o p m e n t a n d construction in a disciplined manner aligned with the Corporation’s project timeline.

Louis-Pierre Gignac, President&ChiefExecutive Officer said that, “Securing the Mining Licence reflects not only the technical robustness of Oko West but also the collaborative relationships we have established with Guyanese authorities, communities, and partners,” “Our commitment to responsible development is unwavering, and this milestone positions us to build Oko West into a world-class mining operation that delivers lasting economic and social benefitstoGuyana.”

Securing the licence, meansthattheprojectisnow set to commence preproduction open pit mining in the first three months of nextyear,withtheassembly of the initial mining equipment fleet already underway, this milestone

will further advance the Project as construction effortsprogresssteadilyinto thecomingyear

On October 24, this publication reported that the company had announced that its Board of Directors approved the start of full construction of its 100 percent-owned Oko West GoldProjectinGuyana.

This announcement was made following the completionofthepermitting and financing milestones

The project carries an initial capital cost of US$973 million.AsofSeptember30, 2025, detailed engineering was 36 per cent complete. TheOkoWestgoldprojectis targeting an average annual production of 350,000 ounces of gold over a 12.3year mine life. The mine is estimatedtohold5.4million ouncesofgold.

WEDNESDAY

Contractsignedwith Ghanaianfirmfor shallow-wateroilblock -US$17Msigningbonus tobepaidwithin3-weeks …companyestimates blockholds400m barrelsofoil

Ghanaian offshore explorer Cybele Energy Limited has formalised a petroleum agreement with the Government of Guyana for Block S7, a shallowwaterconcessionawardedto the company during Guyana’s inaugural bid round.

Cybeleisexpectedtopay a US$17 million signing bonus into the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) withinthreeweeksfortheoil block, which is under 1,500

square kilometres The Africanwoman-ledfirmhas conservatively estimated that S7 holds 400 million barrels of oil. It should be notedthatwhiletherequired bonus for shallow-water blocks is US$10 million, CybeleofferedUS$7million above the minimum when it submitteditsbid.

The signing ceremony was held at the Pegasus Corporate Suites in Georgetown on Tuesday Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat in his address welcomed the Cybele into Guyana petroleum industry and noted that it represents another important step in advancing Guyana’s responsible and strategic development of its offshore basin.

Speaking with reporters, Minister Bharrat shared, “For shallow blocks the minimum signing bonus is actually US$10 million…” He explained that the additionalUS$7millionwas anofferCybelemadewhenit submitted its bid for the block “They would have

submitted US$17 million because you’re basically bidding for the block so to attract the evaluators’ attention and to show that you are financially sound andthatyouareinterestedin the block, obviously you would have put in a good bid,”theministersaid.

He added, “What Guyana is offering is the block…most of the blocks that were auctioned in 2022 bid round is average 2,000 square kilometers these are verysmallblocksandhaving attracting this kind of signing bonus is quite commendable.”

According to Minister Bharrat, Cybele will start work almost immediately as the company already has local partners. Further, he noted that Cybele’s entry into the petroleum sector

r e f l e c t s g r o w i n g international confidence in Guyana’s investment framework and the government’s commitment to t

development.

The fiscal regime for the

S7 operations will be governed by the new P

Agreement (PSA) which requiresthepaymentofa10 percentroyaltyanda10per cent corporate tax. The cost recovery ceiling will be capped at 65 per cent in a givenyear,whileprofitswill beshared50/50betweenthe companyandthestate.

Cybele operates in Africa,theUnitedStatesand the Caribbean, and is now thefirstAfrican-ledoperator in Guyana’s oil and gas sector. According to the company’s factsheet, S7 is located 50 kilometres from ExxonMobil Guyana Limited’sLizaOneandTwo fieldsintheStabroekBlock, which is estimated at 11.6 billion barrels. The oil fairway, the company said, runs through S7 toward Suriname. Cybele plans to drill its first well within 12 months.

Cybele Energy Guyana Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Beatrice JonesMensahTayuiinheraddress, praisedtheministryfor,“one of the most

through.”

“The vision is to uphold safety and to respect the environment that has been gifted to us. We will make surewedorightbyGuyana. We stand in a position to make change; we have a robust CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) programme Our corporate socialresponsibility,wewill makesurethatweworkwith the communities that we serve.Ourlocalcontentwill be intentional we will ensure we do right by Guyana,”sheoutlined. Tayui also noted that Block S7 provides a lot of opportunities and assured that Cybele will execute its duties in accordance to the agreement.

Further, she also underscoredthesignificance of an African company and one particularly led by a woman participating in one oftheworld’smostdynamic petroleum provinces and reaffirmed Cybele’s commitment to responsible exploration and meaningful partnership with Guyana Tayui noted that the agreement which advances the historic ties between Ghana and Guyana, marks the dawn of a new era for women.

“I want to applaud the leadership and government ofthiscountrythatseesitfit toputthetalentofwomenon the platform in such an industry as oil and gas,” she added.

The signing of the agreement with Cybele m a r k s t h e s e c o n d finalisation from the inaugural auction round Recently, government and energy giant Total Energies anditspartnersQatarEnergy and Petronas for has Block S4, a shallow-water concession off the country’s coast Guyana’s maiden auction launched in December 2022 included 14 blocks, eight of which received bids. Government is expected to conclude additional agreements as negotiationscontinue.

Twokilledasspeeding carcrashesintoparked truckatMoblissa

Two persons were on Tuesday afternoon killed in an accident at Moblissa, Soesdyke-Linden Highway after a speeding car crashed into the back of a stationary truck that was on the side of thehighway

The impact killed both the driver of the car and a mechanic who was near the truckatthetimeofthe Continued on page 27

An aerial view of the project.

Towards a better life with your psychologist with Women’s Accountability Dilemma

Thedilemmaofwomen’s accountability often stems from a combination of several factors. A lack of accountability, regardless of gender, harms relationships by eroding trust and

intimacy, fostering resentment, and hindering mutual growth In the

context of women specifically, this dynamic can lead to partners feeling unheard,assumingexcessive

responsibility, and ultimately, the potential

breakdown of the

r e l a t i o n s h i p Understanding these factors is crucial for addressing the accountability dilemma and fostering a more equitable environment where women can take responsibility for theiractionsanddecisions.

Socialization & Gender

Roles: Women are often socialized to be nurturing and agreeable, and in some cases, taught dependency, making it harder to admit mistakesforfearofupsetting the relationship or seeming “unfeminine”.

Fear of Consequences: Admitting fault might be perceived as threatening security, especially in financially dependent situations, or might invite reputation damage rather thandirectconfrontation.

Conflicting Messages:

Modern women are

e n c o u r a g e d t o b e independentleadersbutmay struggle to reconcile this withsocietalexpectationsor fears of losing support, leading to behaviours like demanding traditional treatment while claiming independence.

Victimhood vs. Agency: Somearguethatnarrativesof systemicoppression(likethe “patriarchy virus”) can inadvertently foster a victim

mentality, hindering personal accountability, while others note that women are often victims of disproportionateblame(e.g., “slut-shaming,” victimblaminginassault).

Relationship Dynamics: I n h e t e r o s e x u a l relationships, this can manifestaswomenavoiding admitting their role in conflicts, frustrating male partners who feel they take onexcessiveresponsibility

Celebration of SelfDestructive Choices: Some critics argue that societal celebration of certain choices (like commodifying oneself or certain lifestyles)

masking a lack of responsibility for negative outcomes, leading to selfdeception.

Women and their struggle with accountability (inability to say sorry). He has no right to cheat; I did becauseofhimnotdoinghis part.Takingaccountabilityis not a gendered trait, and everybody has times when they will try to deflect responsibility for their actions It is a natural defensive mechanism and a learning exercise, a process, to hold yourself more accountableforwhatyoudo and say and its impact on yourselfandothers.

Ihavemetsomeamazing womenwhoareaccountable. Infact,Ithinkaccountability is sexy, it makes a woman stand out and more attractive.TosayIdidwrong and I am sorry without shouting down or deflecting isbeautiful.Ifyouareaman uncertainaboutyourselfand struggle with inadequacies and dating an accountable woman, you are more likely to find her intimidating. She is humble yet full of good self-esteem, and selfconfidence.And solid in her self-value.

Girls are parented and cultured from childhood to be more accountable than boys.Theyhavetosaywhere they are going, given a time to return - curfew, have one boyfriend,stayhomeanddo chores, further their education,etc.Boyscanplay allday,comeinlateatnight, and expect to have several girlfriends Tell mommy, daddy, uncle, or aunty how manygirlfriendsyouhave.

However, somewhere around mid-adolescence to late adolescence, this dynamic changes Girls b e g i n t o d e f l e c t accountability Maybe,Ihave toanalyzethedevelopmental, biopsychological, and environmental factors indepthtoarriveattheanswer

hermorethanhimnottaking accountability for his actions.

So why do most women not take accountability? Whydomostwomenexpect mentobeaccountablebutdo not hold themselves to the samestandard?

Firstly,societalhypocrisy Men are culturally expected to be more accountable for their actions than women Menshouldnothitawomanif hegetsupsetorshehitshim Heshouldwalkaway Itisnot justified but acceptable for womentoabusemenbecause itmustbesomethinghedidto make her do that. A woman whokillsherpartnersisoften portrayed as a victim who snapped,whereasamaninthe same situation is deemed a monster

The twist to this is that the same woman who does not take accountability for hershortcomingswilltellher son if she hits you again in school,hitherbackhard.She overdoesit.

Secondly, those who deflect accountability are women who struggle with poorself-esteem,self-worth, and identity Accepting that I did wrong all by myself, it isadeclarationthatIamthe bad one, imperfect, inferior, beneathhim. Thismakesme a bad wife or girlfriend. In his presence and this relationship, it is he, men, who are the bad ones by not taking accountability for their woman’s mental, emotional, and physical needs and wants. It is the man’s responsibility to take care of my brokenness, than itismyresponsibility

avoidance of direct accountability Imposter Syndrome: Many women experience imposter syndrome, which can hinder their ability to take ownershipoftheiractions.

Theseindividualsarenot relationship material

Unaccountability in relationship builds distrust and insecurities In fact, unaccountability

· Erosion of Trust and Intimacy: Accountability b u i l d s t r u s t a n d dependability When one partner consistently avoids responsibility,theothermay struggle to feel safe and secure, leading to emotional andphysicaldisconnection.

· Building Resentment: An imbalance where one person consistently shoulders the emotional burdenandresponsibilityfor maintaining the relationship leads to resentment in the contributing partner This feeling of unfairness can cause that partner to eventuallywithdraw

Communication Breakdown: A person avoidingaccountabilitymay employ tactics like gaslighting, playing the victim, using the silent treatment, or twisting the narrative to avoid admitting fault This manipulation prevents open and honest communication, making it impossible to address core issues.

· Stifled Personal and Relational Growth: True

accountability requires self-reflection and a willingness to change behavior. Without this, individuals and the relationship remain stuck in “conflict cycles,” unable to move past recurring problems.

By

· Partner Burnout and Disconnection: The nonaccountable partner often feels forced to take on excessive responsibility for the relationship’s issues, leading to frustration, exhaustion, and burnout

Thiscanresultinonepartner feelingunheard,unseen,and undervalued.

· Perpetuation of Unhealthy Patterns: If destructive behaviours are not addressed early on, they canbecomeingrainedhabits and patterns, making them muchhardertochangelater

This can lead to a cycle of relationship failures where the same issues arise in futurepartnerships.

· Potential for Abuse and Manipulation: In extremecases,achroniclack ofaccountabilitycanbeared flag for emotional i m m a t u r i t y a n d manipulative behaviour.

Tactics like denying events, downplaying impact, or blamingthepartnerforone’s actions can constitute emotionalmanipulation.

Self-accountabilityisthe key to self-trust and a wellaligned life It involves recognizing the effects of your behaviours on yourself

and others, accepting responsibility for it, and following through on your promises. Here are some practical tips to help women become accountable to themselves:

Strengthen your self

Esteem: The person you are hiding from taking accountability has weakness just as you. Embracing your is not only human but maturity It makes you the biggerpersonintheroom.

Set clear personal standards: Establish values and expectations that guide yourbehaviourandhowyou showup.

Be honest and realistic: Create space for selfcompassion and realistic goals, and create systems thatsupportfollow-through. Challenge preconceived ideas: Approach feminism with love and empathy, and use your voice to raise awareness.

Byfollowingthesesteps, women can build real selftrust, reduce decision fatigue, and draw in others who are also striving to live in alignment with their valuesandstandards.

c a n b e f r a m e d a s emp

werment while

Accountability is critical to any relationship’s health, growth, and development, including friendship, social, family, and romantic relationships. A person who avoids taking accountability for their shortcomings is not a worthy partner to continue withanyendeavour If he had not cheated, I would not have. He did not show me attention, so I wanderedintoanotherman’s arms. Had he done what he should have, I would not be this toxic towards him However, nothing irritates

Anyone who cannot accept accountability is a disingenuous person. Stress youtodeath. Youcannotbe loyal or faithful. It is a person who’s abusive, manipulative, and only interested in self. It is a personthatcannotgrow The worstofitisabrokenperson because they are in a crisis with themselves. One thing we can expect from unaccountablepeopleisthat theywillgototheendsofthe earth to hold you accountable.

Psychological theories suggest that both men and women can exhibit defensive behaviors when c o n f r o n t e d w i t h accountability However,the manifestations of these behaviors may differ based on gender norms. Fear of Judgment:Womenmayfear social repercussions more than men, leading to

Dr. Telford Layne Jr. PsyD, MSc. Postgrad, BSc. Clinical and Developmental Psychologist - Psychoanalyst Unwrapping Gift -Clinic

The Quiet Power Parents Hold in a Noisy Education System

Afewdaysago,IwatchedashortTikTok clip that stayed with me. It showed a Guyanese father who appeared to be a mechanic,workingfromhishome.Greaseon hishands,toolsnearby,anordinaryworkday Thenataxipulledupinfrontoftheyardand histwoyoungsons,maybesixandeightyears old,steppedout.

Hemetthemrightthereinthefrontyard. He greeted them warmly, asked about their day, and checked whether they had any problemsatschool,includingbullying.Then, almost seamlessly, he asked what they learned.

The boys responded easily, explaining their lessons in full sentences, building on eachother’sthoughts,clearlyaccustomedto being listened to. At one point, the father laughed and admitted he did not fully understand the topic, but he told them how proudhewas.

What struck me was not just the conversation,buttheroutine.Thiswasnota performance for social media. This was disciplineinitsquietest,mostpowerfulform. Too often we misunderstand discipline andassociateitwithshouting,punishment,or fear Some still believe it requires beating

children into submission. Discipline does not mean screaming at children. It does not meanhumiliationorfear

Those practices may enforce silence, but they do not build thinking. Research tells us the opposite. Discipline is structure. It is predictability Itisthesteadyrhythmofdaily expectationsthattellsachild,thisishowour familyfunctions.

Healthy discipline looks like limiting excessive device use. It looks like setting asidetimetotalk,toread,toreviewtheday It looks like asking children what they learned andwhattheyhopetobecome.

Children thrive when routines are clear and stable Developmental research consistently shows that structured afterschool routines are associated with higher academic engagement, stronger language development, and better self-regulation When children know that each day includes conversation, reflection, and learning, they arriveprepared.Theyspeakwithconfidence becausetheyexpecttobeheard.

Across the world, the evidence is remarkablyconsistent.TheOECDhasfound thatchildrenwhoseparentsregularlydiscuss schoolandmaintainroutinesaroundlearning

perform significantly better in reading and mathematics, regardless of income. The World Bank reports that in low-resource settings, parental engagement can improve earlyliteracyoutcomesbytheequivalentofa fullacademicyear

UNICEF and theAmericanAcademy of Pediatricswarnthatexcessive,unsupervised screen time weakens attention, language development,andsleep,allofwhichdirectly affectlearning.

Guyana is not unique. Our literacy challenges, math failures, and dropout rates mirror global patterns. Children fall behind early,loseconfidence,andquietlydisengage long before they officially leave school. By the time systems intervene, the damage is oftenalreadydone.

Thisiswhyparentsmattermorethanwe are willing to admit. Ministries can design policy Schools can deliver curriculum. But no institution can replace what happens in homesafterschool.Educationeithersticksor collapsesinkitchens,livingrooms,andfront yards.

This understanding is what led STEMGuyanatocreatetheParentAcademy We recognized early that sustainable improvement requires parents to learn first. Not to become teachers, but to become confident partners in the learning process. Ourprogrammeencouragesparentstospend justonehouradayquietlylearningthesame lessonfromtheplatformbeforeworkingwith theirchild.

No pressure No performance Just understanding. When parents learn first, homework becomes conversation instead of conflict. Children feel supported rather than judged. Confidence grows, not because childrenarepushedharder,butbecausethey aresteadied.

The father in that front yard was not delivering a lecture. He was modeling presence. He was reinforcing discipline throughattention.Imaginewhatthatdoestoa child’sself-esteem,togrowupknowingthat yourideasmatterandthatsomeonewilllisten toyoueveryday

T

overwhelming.Childrendonotstayinschool becausetheyarefrightenedintocompliance. Theystaybecausesomeoneathomebelieves inthemconsistentlyenoughtobuildstructure aroundtheirlives.

Dropoutisrarelyasuddendecision.Itisa slowwithdrawal.Achildstopsraisingahand, stopstrying,stopsbelievingthateffortleads anywhere.

The most effective intervention happens long before that point, through ordinary routinespractisedfaithfully

Education reform does not begin in conference rooms or policy documents. It begins when a parent shows up daily, limits distractions, asks thoughtful questions, and talks to their child about the future. This is good parenting, practised with intention. And it remains the most powerful education reformtoolwehave.

Omai drilled 79 holes for 2025 so far; eyes updated resource in 2026

Omai Gold Mines Corp has reported strong gold intersections from its ongoing drilling programme at the Omai Gold Project in Guyana, including highgrade results at one of its miningpit

In a recent release, the Canadian company said significant mineralisation was intersected in a hole at Central Wenot Omai holds 100% interest in the pastproducingOmaigoldproject, which hosts two orogenic gold deposits: the shearhostedWenotDepositandthe adjacentintrusive-hostedGilt CreekDeposit. Theprojectis in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

The company said it has completed a total of 79 drill holestotalling35,300metres ontheOmaiprojectsofarthis year Of that total, 30 holes amountingto13,250metresat Wenotwereeithercompleted orunderwayaftertheAugust 2025 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) cut-off and werethereforenotincludedin the current resource Omai previously announced an updated combined MRE of 2.1 million ounces of gold (indicated), a 7% increase,

and 4.3 million ounces of gold (inferred), a 92% increase from the previous MRE.

Notably the additional holes will feed into an updated MRE planned for early 2026, ahead of an

2citizensheldbyDEAagents:Wanted forlargestevercocainebustinT&T

Trinidad Express - Two Trinidadian citizens were arrested on Wednesday under provisional arrest warrants issued by the UnitedStates.

The operation was carried out by US Embassy personnel assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Vetted Unit, with support from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service ( T T P S ) S p e c i a l InvestigativeUnit(SIU).

Daveanan Deonarine and Michael Samsondar were both wanted in the Eastern District of

Louisiana, where they were charged with conspiracy to import cocaine into the UnitedStates.

Thechargesarosefroma 2023DEAinvestigationthat led to the seizure of 168 kilogrammes of cocaine in Trinidad.

Accordingtoauthorities, the May 18, 2023, seizure was the largest quantity of cocainerecoveredduringan on-land operation in T&T The narcotics have an estimatedvalueofmorethan $234million.

D e o n a r i n e a n d Samsondar remain in custody as extradition

proceedings to the United Statescontinue.

The TTPS and the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) provided support to the investigation.

Inamediareleaseissued yesterday, US Embassy Chargéd'AffairesDrJenifer Neidhart de Ortiz said the long-standing cooperation between US agencies and T&T law enforcement contributedtothearrests.

Shesaidthepartnership, built over more than two decades, continues to support regional security efforts.

Pres.Alipaystributetoveteranbroadcaster...

Frompage2 productions that have become woven into our culturalmemory”

“ T h r o u g h h i s involvement with the The LinkShow,NoBigThingand StretchedOutMagazineand other beloved satirical productions, he held up a mirrortooursociety Hedid so with gentleness, humour and fun reminding us of our flaws and our forgotten strengths.

There was a time in our history when speaking truth came with risks. In that difficult season, Ron Robinson lent his voice to the national call for democracy He understood

the sacred duty of those gifted with a platform to defend the dignity of the people and the promise of the nation,” the head-ofstatesaid.PresidentAlisaid that Robinson elevated broadcasting and refined it withamasterythatfewhave ever matched “His impeccable elocution and faultless pronunciation set a gold standard for broadcasting. His work on the stage laid a sturdy foundation upon which our dramatists continue to build,” he said noting that it was an honour to present him the Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to

broadcastingandthearts.

“On behalf of the Government of Guyana, I extendheartfeltcondolences to his family, and to the countless admirers—here at home and across our farflung diaspora who rememberhisunforgettable, unmistakable voice, a voice that carried our stories, our humour, our struggles, and ourhopes.

Mayhismemoryremain as enduring as his contributions, and may his spirit continue to echo in every corner of Guyanese culture that he helped shape with such brilliance and devotion,” the president said.

expanding the resource and optimising the upcoming PEA The company also notedthatithassurpassedits target of completing an additional 10,000 metres of drilling at Wenot after the AugustMREbyyear-end

According to the company, the post-August drill programme is targeting less-drilled zones within the southern sedimentary sequence, while also extending holes northward Omai said this approach is intended to grow the Wenot resource, reduce the strip ratio in the upcoming PEA and upgrade portions of the inferred resource to the indicatedcategory.

EconomicAssessment(PEA) expected in the first half of 2026

Moreover, five drill rigs are currently operating at Wenot, with a focus on

Commenting on the results, President and CEO Elaine Ellingham said, “We are excited to see a very significant new zone at the east end of Wenot, where therehasbeenlimiteddrilling

inthepast Theintersectionof 1107 g/t Au over 147m in Hole 142 represents a spectacular new zone and follow-up drilling is underway”

She added, “We greatly accelerated drilling this year at Omai and set a goal of completing an additional 10,000mofdrillingonWenot prior to year-end and are pleased to announce that we have already exceeded this goal”

Ellingham said the additional Wenot drilling is expected to support both resource growth and mine planning. “An additional 30 holeshavebeencompletedor are currently underway on Wenot and these additional Wenot holes will contribute toaplannedupdatedMineral Resource Estimate, which will be integrated into the updatedPEAplannedforH1 2026,”shestated

Aerial view of the Omai pit

50CentmercilesslytrolledDiddyandnowhasadoc

abouthim.Here'sthehistoryofthebeefbetweenthem

(CNN) There is no love lostbetweenhip-hopmoguls 50 Cent and Sean “Diddy” Combs.

50 Cent has long trolled

Diddy on social media, especially after CNN's publication of surveillance video showing Combs a

girlfriend,CassieVentura,in 2016.

Now the rapper turned actorandproducerhastaken it up a notch with his latest

project, a Netflix docuseries about Combs. 50 Cent, born CurtisJackson,isaproducer onthefour-partseries“Sean Combs: The Reckoning” whichdropsTuesday

According to the director, Alexandria Stapleton, the project was inspired in part by Ventura. She testified against Combs in a federal sex trafficking trial this year, in which Combs was convicted on charges of transportation to engageinprostitution.

“Being a woman in the industry, and going through the #MeToo movement — watchinggiantsinmusicand filmgoontrial,andtoknow whattheiroutcomeswere When Cassie dropped her lawsuit, I just thought this could go a million different directions,” Stapleton said. “Iwonderedhowshehadthe confidence to go out there against a mogul like Sean Combs. As a filmmaker, I instantlyknewitwasastress test of whether we've changedasaculture,asfaras being able to process allegations like this in a fair way.”

Combs has previously denied all allegations of wrongdoing That hasn't stopped 50 Cent from trolling him on social media since the allegations went

50 Cent and Sean "Diddy" Combs. Getty Images

public. But why the bad blood?Here'salookbackat how there came to be animosity between the two men.

A diss track

In2006,50Centreleased a diss track “The Bomb,” which featured sounds of gunfire and his allegation that Combs knew the identity of the killer of Christopher Wallace, a rapper known as The Notorious B.I.G., who was both a protégée and best friend to Combs. Wallace was gunned down in Los AngelesinMarch1997ashe andhiscrew,whichincluded Combs, were traveling in a caravan. Combs was in a different vehicle from the one Wallace was in at the timeWallacewasshot.

No one has ever been chargedwiththemurder

Inhisdisstrack,50raps, “I guess this means I won't be invited to the white parties in the Hamptons,” referencing Combs' famous soirees held in the upscale NewYorkcommunity

50 Cent has also said he

believesCombsisconnected tothe1996murderofrapper TupacShakur Combscalled such allegations “nonsense” in a 2016 interview with the syndicated radio show “The Breakfast Club ” He has never been charged in connectiontoeithercase.

Consistent trolling Followers of 50 are familiar with his reputation for sharp comments and social media trolling. The rapper-turned-televisionproducerhasmadeCombsa frequent target, attacking everythingfromhismusicto his age. Some believed it was mostly marketing, especially given the men's parallel career tracks and even competing vodkas at onepoint,EffenVodkafrom 50 Cent and Ciroc, which formally partnered with Combs.

But 50 upped his comments after Combs was sued in November 2023 by Ventura, who in a nowsettled civil complaint allegedthatCombsrapedher in2018andabusedherover (Continuedonpage35)

RonaldoAlphonsore-electedGGDMA

President … calls for immediate cessation of gold smuggling

The Guyana Gold and D i a m o n d M i n e r s Association (GGDMA) at itsAnnual GeneralMeeting re-elected Ronaldo Alphonso, who was unopposed, as its president forthenexttwoyears.

Joining Alphonso are Dabria Marcus - VicePresident, Azeem Baksh –Secretary,PatrickHarding–Treasurer, Geraldo Alphonso - Organizing Secretary,TerrenceAdamsCommittee Member, Mr Terry Singh - Committee Member,Vishanti Balgobin - Committee Member, Shawn King - Committee Member and Andron Alphonso - Immediate Past President.

David Bacchus, Charles DaSilva and Alfro Alphonso, all founder members of the association will serve on the board as ex-officio members/ advisors.

Meanwhile, in his short message to the members, Alphonso called on miners toimmediatelyputanendto

PresidentoftheGGDMA, RonaldoAlphonso

smuggling by refusing to sell to unlicenced buyers andillegalshops.

According to a statement issued by the GGDMA, he disclosed that the association will be “working even more aggressively with the Government of Guyana to help eradicate gold smugglingandtheoperation of illegal landings and shops.”

Alphonso reminded minersthatthegoldbelongs totheStateandthepractice of paying and trading in gold must end. He also calledonallminerstoramp up their production to help

meet the national target set for 2025 while urging them to declare their production soon to ensure that the figures get locked in for 2025.Thenationaltargetfor 2025is500,000ounces. The president's call was echoed by other executive memberswhoalsospoketo the possible blacklisting of members who are caught in gold smuggling activities. Attendees at the AGM voicedinunisontheneedto take more decisive action againstgoldsmuggling.

Meanwhile, Managing Director of the GGDMA Avalon Jagnandan, in his report informed that the bodyhasseenanincreasein membership and urged other miners to become membersoftheassociation.

Jagnandan said that in 2024, the GGDMA was instrumental in facilitating duty-free concessions for members and through its open day initiative, several small miners were given assistance to restart the operations.

— extends holiday spirit with festive shopping event

TheSoniaNoelFoundationonceagaindemonstrated

its unwavering commitment to community and compassionbyhostingadeeplymovingandjoyful SeniorCitizensRetreatonDecember6thatthepeacefulIsika locationnearParika.Theeventbroughttogetherseniorsfrom variouscommunitiestocelebratelife,reflectontheirjourneys, andbaskinthewarmthofconnection.

Thisbeautifulgathering,poweredbythegeneroussupportof MingsProductsandServices,featuredgames,anaturewalk,and storytelling that offered precious insights into the rich lives and legaciesofourelders Theretreatwasn’tjustaboutreminiscing it wasaboutlivinginthemoment Manyattendeesevenjoinedina joyful electric slide, led by the ever-energetic Negla Brandis, whosepresencewasasvibrantashervision

“IwanttheseniorsofGuyanatobemadeaprioritybeforeI gotothegreatbeyond,”sharedMs.Brandis,whosepowerful words resonated deeply with many Her advocacy for the elderly and her vision for their well-being in Guyana remain unmatchedandinspiring.

For over 15 years, the Sonia Noel Foundation has led impactful community outreach programmes focused on seniors, youth, and empowerment through the arts, fashion, and wellness With a mission rooted in compassion, confidence,andcreativeexpression,theFoundationcontinues toserveasabeaconofhopeandserviceinGuyanaandbeyond.

FounderSoniaNoel,whohaschampionedsenior-centered initiatives for more than a decade, described the day as “a blessing.”Herpassionforthiscausestemsfromherclosebond with her grandmother and her continued connection to the seniorsatLove&FaithChurch.

“Thehugs,kisses,andprayersIconsistentlyreceivefrom seniors are priceless,” said Noel. “This retreat has cemented anotherlayerofbeautifulmemoriesI’llcarryforlife.”

Continued on page 34

KartelnewsinglenotaimedatMasika/TommyLeefeud,says‘Skatta’

( J A M A I C A

OBSERVER) As the ongoinglyricalfeudbetween dancehall deejays Tommy Lee Sparta and Masicka continues to gather steam, producer Cordel ‘Skatta’ Burrellismakingitclearthat a recent release from Vybz Kartel is no indication that theWorl’Bossisenteringthe lyricalbattleground.

MasickaandTommyLee havebeenlockedinaheated warofwordssincelastweek, withamusicalclashbetween the two now entering its fourth round. It is believed that both entertainers have been at odds since Reggae Sumfest back in July, where Masicka boldly declared himself the dancehall G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All Time) amidst Vybz Kartel’s widely-publicisedcrowning.

Marking the moment as one of disrespect, Tommy Lee, who has since dubbed Masicka a ‘crown clown,’ threw jabs at the Genasyde deejay, whom he believes is making moves on Kartel’s throne. As the lyrical battle intensifies with both Genasyde and Sparta fans rallying support for their respectiveartistes,thetiming of Kartel’s recent release sparked debate about whetherornotthedeejayhas stepped into the ring, ready toaddtracksofhisowntothe musicalexchange.

question, said the single has nothing to do with the ongoingclash.

However, Skatta, who is the producer of the track in

“Yesterday me premiere a song with Vybz Kartel named Victorious, and mi justamakeasmall

Continuedonpage34

Dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel (right) with producer Skatta Burrell at his birthday party hosted by Caribbean Producers Jamaica (CPJ) on January 6, 2025.

Calls grow for transparency on Guyana-US defence pact amid rasing regional tension

APartnership for National Unity

(APNU) on Saturday called on the GovernmentofGuyanatobe transparent about the recent signing of a Statement of IntentwiththeUnitedStates

of America on December 9 to expand joint military and defencecooperation.

Kaieteur News reported on December 11 that U.S. Department of War officials made a high-profile visit to G

Washington'srenewedfocus

escalating tensions with Venezuela.

Senior Advisor to the Secretary of War Patrick WeaverandActingAssistant Secretary Joseph Humire

(Americas Security Affairs) metwithPresidentIrfaanAli and Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan to d

partnershipseenascriticalto safeguarding regional stability, the U.S. Embassy

heresaidinapressrelease.

According to a U S Embassy press release, discussions focused on U.S. support for Guyana's territorial integrity and collaboration to advance regional security and stability During the trip, SeniorAdvisorWeaversaid, “close coordination with regional partners is critical to advancing regional security The U.S.-Guyana partnership dates back to 1966, and it's important that we strengthen our cooperation and help to support a sovereign and prosperousGuyana.”

The United States and G u y a n a e n j o y a longstanding security partnership that focuses on promotingasafe,sovereign, and prosperous Guyana, countering transnational criminal organizations, and advancing shared goals of peaceandstabilityacrossthe broader Caribbean and South America, the release concluded While the meetings highlighted longstanding cooperation dating back to Guyana's independence in 1966, analysts note a sharper geopolitical subtext: the United States is actively strengthening alliances alongitssouthernfrontierin response to Venezuela's increasingly assertive posture, which has included military drills, border mobilizations, and anti-U.S. rhetoric.

The two countries also signed a Statement of Intent to expand joint military cooperationwithfullrespect forthesovereigntyandlaws ofbothcountries.

Meanwhile,onSaturday, A P N U u r g e d t h e governmenttodivulgemore detailsamidthebackdropof rising tension in Latin America and the Caribbean Region In a statement, parliamentarian Riaz Z Rupnarain said the party “assumes that this measure is intended to support and protect the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

“It is understood that a document of this kind may not be placed in the public domain without compelling reasons, However, APNU finds it disconcerting that, given the importance of the SOI,thegovernmenthasnot chosen to inform the Public of its importanceand how it addresses national security, defense cooperation, and

Guyana's strategic position in an increasingly difficult and complex regional environment.”

Further, Rupnarain said that the absence of a Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Foreign Relations and the lack of an opportunity for Members of Parliament to discuss the specifics of the agreement with the government at the Parliamentary level are equallyconcerning.

“Instead of boosting publictrust,theseomissions raise valid concerns about t h e g o v e r n m e n t ' s commitmenttotransparency and accountability, all cardinal elements of a democraticsociety,”hesaid.

T h e m e m b e r o f parliament said that the move by the government raises several questions Among them, what commitments were made to theUS?DoestheSOIaffect operational co-operation or access to Guyanese territory?IstheSOIlinkedto future arrangements such as Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and or Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) under the Foreign Military Sales system? And what safeguards exist to p r o t e c t G u y a n a ' s sovereigntyandtheinterests ofourpeople?

“TheAPNUreiteratesits commitment to constructive involvement on all foreign policy and national security issues. Strong and mutually beneficial partnerships with important states in internationalcommunityare s o m e t h i n g w e wholeheartedly support Nonetheless, these arrangements must be in keepingwiththeruleoflaw, the engagement of, and in consultationwiththepeople of Guyana.APNU urges the governmenttolaytheSOIin the Parliament as a key step inensuringtransparencyand accountability,” the APNU representativesaid.

Member of Parliament, Riaz Rupnarain

SMART THIS CHRISTMAS – CELLULAR PHONES GNBS ENCOURAGES CONSUMERS TO SHOP

The Christmas season has a way of nudging us towards upgrades – whether it is replacing that broken cellular phone or heeding thatgiftrequestfromaclose friend or relative for a new device, the sales and deals are everywhere. But amid the attraction of “limitedtime offers,” it is essential thatyouscroll,compare,and shopsmart.Buyphonesthat are correctly labelled in

accordance with the National Standard GYS 49:2021, Requirements for Labelling and Sale of Cell Phones.

Cellular phones are among the seventeen (17) categories of items monitored by the Guyana

National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) for labelling and quality requirements in accordance withnationalstandards.The GYS49:2021 covers labelling requirements for cellphones, and specifies

sale and warranty

requirements for the commodity

According to the document, all cellphones must be sold in an appropriatepackagewiththe battery and a printed or electronic user manual in English that describes compatibleaccessories,such as a charger Further, cellphonedealersmustoffer warranties in accordance withPart4,Section19ofthe ConsumerAffairsActNo.13 of2011.

For dealers still selling refurbished phones, the standard specifies that a refurbished cell phone offered for sale shall be free fromfunctionaldefects. It shall be sold with the originalchargerandareceipt or other related document that clearly states that the phone is refurbished

Further,arefurbishedphone may not be sold in its originalpackagingandshall have a minimum of six (6) months'warranty

Before the transaction is finalised, shoppers must be allowed to examine the cellphone and witness a test to ensure it is working correctly At the time of purchase, dealers are responsible for allowing the customer to examine the device and, upon purchase, toprovidewrittenorprinted receiptsandwarranties.

All cell phones offered for sale in Guyana must be approved by the Federal C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Commission (FCC) or the National Bureau of Standards and comply with G u

s TelecommunicationAct and the Post & TelegraphAct or itssuccessor

he authenticity of cell phones sha

d by accessing the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number by inputting *#06#, which shall be in conformance with the label onthehandsetordevice.

The standard clearly states that dealers must ensure the cellphones offered for sale are labelled accordingly as "Used", "Refurbished", or Certified Pre-Owned (CPO). Though theseoptionsareavailable,it is recommended that you buyanewphone.

Under its Product ComplianceProgramme,the GNBS conducts monitoring ofcellularphonesatportsof entry, importers' facilities andatsaleoutletsacrossthe country to ensure compliance with the National Standard In addition to the requirements listed above, phones offered for sale are inspected for certification marks, brand

names, country of origin, care and use instructions, anddamage.

Inspections are done throughout the year across the country to ensure consumers get value for money

Cellphone dealers and importers are required to register with the GNBS annually, and dealers must alsoholdapermittosell.As such, customers are encouraged to purchase from registered cellphone

dealerswhoareawareofthe requirements governing the saleofcellphones.

In a season where excitement can easily overshadow caution, being aware of these requirements could be the difference betweenunwrappingjoyand discoveringdisappointment. To purchase a copy of this standard or learn more about this topic, contact the GNBS on 2190064-66 or WhatsApp: 692-4627.

Frompage14 accident. The mechanic has been identified as 49-yearold Brian Manorharlall of Agricola, East Bank Demerara (EBD) while the driver of the car was identified as 32-year-old Asham Sultan of Zeelugt, EastBankEssequibo.

TheGuyanaPoliceForce (GPF) in a statement said that the accident occurred at about 15:15hrs at Moblissa, Soesdyke–LindenHighway involving a truck bearing registration number GAG 3120,“whichwasatthetime parkedontheeasternsideof the roadway due to mechanicalissues”andacar bearing registration number PRR5367whichwasdriven bySultan.

“Initial investigations disclosed that the motor car was proceeding south along the eastern drive lane allegedly at a fast rate when the driver lost control, and collidedwiththelorrydriver (Manoharlall), who was standing at the rear of the lorry and subsequently crashed into the rear of the said lorry. Both drivers received injuries about their bodiesandwerepronounced deadatthescenebyadoctor on duty from the Linden Hospital Complex,” police said.

Their bodies were taken to the Linden Hospital Mortuary where they await post-mortemexaminations.

THURSDAY

USseizedoiltanker illegallyflying GuyanaFlag …says vessel was sanctioned …Guyana Govt. condemns illegal use of flag by non-registered vessels

T h e M a r i t i m e Administration Department (MARAD) is sounding the alarmoveranescalatingand unacceptablepractice,aftera US-sanctioned oil tanker falsely flying the Guyana Flag was seized by the US authorities off the coast of Venezuela.

In a statement the

M A R A D s a i d o n Wednesday, that they were notified by the Government of the United States of America that the Motor Tanker SKIPPER (formerly ADISA),IMO9304667,was intercepted in international waters while falsely displaying the Guyana flag. The vessel is not registered

inGuyana.

MARAD said it will continue working closely with international partners and maritime agencies to identify, track, and take decisive action against any vessel fraudulently operating under Guyana’s flag.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that President Donald Trump confirmed that the U S seized the sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela on Wednesday,amovethatsent oilpriceshigherandsharply escalated tensions between WashingtonandCaracas.

“We’ve just seized a tanker on the coast of Venezuela,largetanker,very large, largest one ever, actually,andotherthingsare happening,” said Trump, who has been pressuring Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to step down.

Asked what would happen with the oil, Trump said:“Wekeepit,Iguess.”

In response, the Venezuelangovernmentina statement accused the U.S. of “blatant theft” and described the seizure as “an actofinternationalpiracy”.

T h e Ve n e z u e l a n government said it would “defend its sovereignty, natural resources, and national dignity with absolute determination” and denounce the seizure of the tanker before international bodies.

Trump has repeatedly raisedthepossibilityofU.S. military intervention in Venezuela.Thisincidentwas the first known action againstanoiltankersincehe ordered a massive military build-up in the region. The U.S. has already carried out several strikes against suspected drug vessels, which has raised concerns among lawmakers and legal experts.

U S Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on X that the FBI, Homeland Security andCoastGuard,alongwith

support from the U S military,carriedoutaseizure warrantforacrudeoiltanker used to transport sanctioned oilfromVenezuelaandIran.

A 45-second video postedbyBondishowedtwo helicopters approaching a vesselandarmedindividuals in camouflage rappelling ontoit.

Trump administration officials did not name the vessel.

British maritime risk management group Vanguard said the tanker Skipperwasbelievedtohave been seized off Venezuela early on Wednesday The U.S. has imposed sanctions on the tanker for what Washington said was involvement in Iranian oil trading when it was called theAdisa.

The Skipper left Venezuela’s main oil port of Jose between December 4 and5afterloadingabout1.1 million barrels of Venezuela’s Merey heavy crude, according to satellite i n f o a n a l y z e d b y TankerTrackers com and internal shipping data from Venezuelan state oil companyPDVSA.

Oil futures rose following news of the seizure After trading in negative territory, Brent crude futures rose 27 cents, or0.4%,tosettleat$62.21a barrel, while U S West Texas Intermediate crude futuresgained21cents,also 0.4%, to close at $58.46 per barrel.

Maduro on Wednesday

s p o k e a t a m a r c h commemorating a military battle, without addressing reports of the tanker’s seizure.

IMPACT

ONOIL

Venezuela exported more than 900,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil last month, the third-highest monthly average so far this year, as PDVSA imported more naphtha to dilute its extra-heavyoiloutput.Even as Washington increased pressureonMaduro,theU.S.

hadnotpreviouslymovedto interferewithoilflows.

Venezuela has had to deeply discount its crude to itsmainbuyerChina,dueto growing competition with sanctioned oil from Russia andIran.

“This is just yet another geopolitical/sanctions headwind hammering spot supply availability,” Rory Johnston, an analyst with CommodityContext,said.

“Seizing this tanker further inflames those prompt supply concerns but also doesn’t immediately change the situation fundamentallybecausethese barrelswerealreadygoingto be floating around for a while,”Johnstonsaid.

Chevron (CVX.N), opens new tab, which partners with PDVSA, said its operations in the country were normal and continuing withoutdisruption.

The U S oil major, responsible for all Venezuelan crude exports to theUnitedStates,lastmonth increased crude exports to theU.S.to150,000bpdfrom 128,000bpdinOctober INCREASING PRESSUREON MADURO

Maduro has alleged that the U.S. military build-up is aimed at overthrowing him and gaining control of the OPEC nation’s vast oil reserves.

Since early September, the Trump administration hascarriedoutmorethan20

strikes against suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific, killingmorethan80people.

Experts say the strikes may be illegal There has been little or no proof made public that the boats are carrying drugs or that it was necessary to blow them out of the water rather than stop them, seize their cargo and questionthoseonboard.

Concerns about the attacks on the boats increased this month after reports that the commander overseeing one of the operations ordered a second strike that killed two survivors.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll published on Wednesday found that a broad swath of AmericansopposedtheU.S. military’s campaign of deadly strikes on the boats, including about one-fifth of Trump’sRepublicans.

In a sweeping strategy document published last week, Trump said his administration’s foreign policy focus would be on reasserting its dominance in theWesternHemisphere.

Magistrateshuts downMohameds’bid toshiftextradition casetoHighCourt - says “this court is not about to resurrect what has been put to rest”

Magistrate Judy Latchman on Wednesday delivered a decisive ruling:

the extradition proceedings against businessman Nazir Mohamed and his son, Azruddin,willgoon.

She dismissed the defence’s attempt to halt the case by sending multiple constitutional questions to the High Court, ruling that the issues had already been settledbyGuyana’sSuperior Courts.

Therulingwasdelivered at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where the Mohameds appeared with their attorneys, along with the prosecution team. The hearing, initially set for 09:00hrs.,wasdelayeduntil 11:00 hrs to allow the defence to present its final submissions Defence attorneys argued that the extradition should be halted until the court clarifies the Fugitive Offenders (Amendment) Act of 2009, which they claim does not clearly address the issue of re-extraditiontoathirdstate. When the matter was eventually called, before a packed courtroom and with We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) supporters gathered outside, Magistrate Latchman dismissed the application,statingthatthere was “no need to resurrect what was already put to rest.” She emphasised that the core issues raised by the defence regarding the 2009 amendments had already been considered by higher courts and did not require furtherreview.

In outlining her reasons, Magistrate Latchman noted that the defence alleged that several constitutional rights oftheMohamedswereunder threat, including personal liberty, the right to life, protection of the law, separation of powers, judicial independence, private and family life, freedom of expression, access to the court, freedom of movement, and equality before the law She also referenced the prosecution’s relianceonadiplomaticnote

Continued on page 28

AzruddinMohamedwalkingwithhisteamofattorneys

Frompage14 thatprovidedassurancesthat theMohamedswouldnotbe detained,tried,orprosecuted for any offence other than thoseformingthebasisofthe extradition and would be allowedtoreturntoGuyana. However, the Magistrate struckoutthenote,statingit was not “binding or concrete,” and adding that while diplomatic assurances may shift, treaty obligations are binding and must be performed in good faith. “It isthecourt’srespectfulview that the diplomatic vote is not set in stone, but a treaty arrangement is binding on the partisan and must be performed by the good faith in accordance with the convention of the law,” she said.

Magistrate Latchman further highlighted the prosecution’s argument that the defence’s application wasfrivolousandvexatious, contrary to statutory and constitutional requirements, andamountedtoanabuseof process.

In addressing the defence’sconcernsaboutreextradition, she relied on previous decisions, including Stephen King and Sobersv DirectorofPrisons and the 2017 High Court ruling in the Marvin “Troy” Thomascase.Sheconcluded that“theissuesraisedbythe defence have been adjudicated upon by the supreme courts in Guyana.”

She also rejected the defence’s reliance on the Barry Dataram case, noting thatitwasdecidedbeforethe 2009 amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Act and wasthereforenotapplicable. Instead, she referenced the Troy Thomas decision, which took the amended legislation into account and addressed the limits and discretion involved in extraditionarrangements.

Inconcludingherruling, Magistrate Latchman stated that the court was bound by the principle of stare decisis and would not depart from decisions of the Superior Courts.Shereiterated,“This courtisnotabouttoresurrect what has been put to rest.”

Having examined all the issuesraised,shedetermined therewasnobasistoactivate thereferralprovisionsofthe Constitution. She added that magistrates derive their authority from statute and arerequiredtocarryouttheir functions accordingly, meaning the extradition proceedings must continue

at the magistrate level. “The sessionsprovideandifthere was absolutely no permission in the treaty or other arrangement or prohibiting extradition to a third state that is subject to theminister’sexerciseofhis discretion, a person is still beingextraditedtoatreatyor a Commonwealth territory

The appellant contends that by these measures, the legislature has attempted to amend the treaty,” the Magistrate said, quoting fromtherulingsinKingand MarkWilliams.

“The court is cognizant that his role in these proceedings, akin to a magistrate’s executive functionsforvariousinquiry in the circumstances this court will continue to exercise its functions accordingly Thematterwill have to continue in magistrates’ court,” MagistrateLatchmanstated. Followingtheruling,the SpecialProsecutor,Terrence Williams expressed satisfaction, stating, that the ruling touched on all issues the defence raised “We’re happy to move along the case They have had their chance to raise their objections They raised them.The court ruled that is dueprocess,andsowehope that in January we will be able to conduct the

proceedings,” he said He saidthenextstepistosubmit the evidence supporting the extradition request for the Magistrate to assess, and he noted that the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected totestifyduringthehearing.

Meanwhile, defence attorney Roysdale Forde criticizedtheruling,arguing that the Magistrate improperly exercised her discretion. He maintained that the defence had clearly e s t a b l i s h e d t h e inconsistencies and constitutional concerns arising from the 2009 amendments.

F o r d e s a i d t h e Mohamedswillnowtakethe constitutionalissuesdirectly totheHighCourt,explaining that the process requires them to first seek leave through the Magistrates’ Court and then pursue a substantive constitutional application “We will be going there as part of this process This is step one, because we have to do this application, and we will thereforehavetobegoingto the High Court where we will be making substantive applications to the court itself… it is a sort of leave processwherewhathappens before the court, under Article153,youcometoget a referral, an approval, a

FRIDAY

Exxonnowhas14days beforeflaringfee kicksin–EPAHead

ExxonMobil Guyana now has 14 days to address flaring issues before the companyfacestaxpenalties, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Khemraj Parsramhassaid.

Parsram was referring to the new environmental permitissuedtoExxon’s7th oil project – Hammerhead. The new permit has 14 provisions meant to address flaring offshore Guyana There are also an additional eightprovisionsthatspeakto emergencyevents.

He said that the provisions are proof that the country has come a long way, in terms of improving on its permit conditions, while noting that air quality inGuyanaisnon-negotiable.

“They had a problem withthegascompressorand it took some time to get that fixed, and so the time taken forthatwelearnfromit,and weensurethatinsubsequent permits that there is a redundancybuiltinthat,”he highlighted.

Parsram explained that there is often time just one gas compressor along with twoorthreeotherequipment that help with providing a quick fix situation Notwithstanding, the key is still having preventative measures to ensure that if thereisaneedforflaring,itis efficiently done In this regard, emissions will not haveanumberofdangerous pollutants that will be problematic as it can easily bedispersed.

preliminary sort of application, where the court functions as a sort of leave. The court has refused leave, and thereafter you make a substantive application to thecourtitself.”

He added that the matter may ultimately proceed to the Court of Appeal and possibly the Caribbean Court of Justice, insisting that the issues raised have never been judicially addressed. He described the Magistrate’s conclusion as “verystrange”andsaiditleft him “at a loss for words.” The extradition matter was adjourned to January 6, 2026, for commencement of theproceedings.

The United States formally requested the extraditionoftheMohameds on October 30, 2025, under theGuyana–U.S.extradition treaty, which remains in force under Section 4(1)(a) of the Fugitive Offenders Act,Cap.10:04,asamended byAct No. 10 of 2024. The father-and-son duo face multiplechargesunsealedon October 6, 2025, by a Southern District of Florida grand jury, including wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, aiding and abetting, and customs-related offences linked to an alleged US$50 million gold export and taxevasionscheme.

The EPA’s mandate is to ensure that the air citizens breathe is protected and according to Parsram, Guyana has always had a good history and record of excellen

ality Therefore, as part of issuing permits to authorise and regulatetheindustry,hesaid the environment has to be considered and it must be protected.

“Now Guyana also has international obligations under the climate change convention for example, so ourrecordtherehasbeenyou knowundoubtedlyveryrigid and strong. So, we have to maintain our air quality. Now any development, not just oil and gas, any emissions coming from these development activities must be regulated to ensure that they

explained.

The EPA head reminded that there was always prohibition on routine flaring,andfromthestartof the oil projects. Instead of burningthegascontinuously as it came up as some countries do, Guyana told the operator and its partners that they are to re-inject the gas to assist with well pressurisation.

However recently, the optionwasgiventobringthe gas ashore therefore maximising the uses of the gas resources. Nevertheless, there are what he called “upset conditions” and one s uch ins tance w as experiencedwithLizaOne.

“ a n d s o t h o s e measureswereputinplaceto make sure that flaring is prevented, and not just in terms of the efficiency, but when there’s a need for flaring there is also the aspect of how you deal with that,andthereisit’snotjusta carte blanch; You can’t do what you want, you have to seek approval from us and we set a stipulated timeline anddateforthat.So,14days maximum. So, if you know to address your situation, you have that time to play with it, ” he further explained.

Parsram reminded that there is also a tax added on flaring,sothisisnowserving as a deterrent to indefinite flaring. With this cost attached developers are encouraged to fix issues right away, but still upset conditionswilloccur

“ T h e r e w i l l b e emergency situations. So, in those conditions we have to define clearly what those upsetconditionsmean.What arethecircumstancesaround it? What’s the approval mechanism, and then we allowthatexcessflaringfirst zero routine flaring upset condition.Yes,wecanallow youtofixthesituation.Ifyou exceed that time, then it’s taxedtogetyouto‘hurryup’ inlocallanguage,”headded.

22%ofGuyana’s bilateralloanssupplied byChinain2024 – 2025 Int’l Debt Report

A whopping 22% of Guyana’s bilateral loans to support the national budget was supplied in 2024 by China. This is according to the2025InternationalDebt Continued on page 29

Frompage28 Report published by the WorldBank.

The report presents data for 119 low and middleincome countries and Guyana (the only highincome country eligible for International Development

Association [IDA] resources) reporting to the World Bank Debtor ReportingSystem.

“Twenty-four of these countries are classified as low-income, with per capita income of US$1,135 or below; 95 countries are classifiedasmiddle-income, with per capita income greater than US$1,135 and less than or equal to

US$13,935; and one

country, Guyana, is classified as high-income, with per capita income of more than US$13,935,” the documentexplains.

Moreover, during the period, growth in the total externaldebtstockslowedto 1 1%, reaching US$8 9 trillion, after more than doublingthe2010level.

The World Bank Report highlights that “public debt owed to multilateral creditors, an important source of concessional financing for (low- and middle-income countries)

LMICs, increased 3 0 percent in 2024, to US$1.4 trillion.”

Meanwhile, it added “over the past decade the share of outstanding debt owed to bilateral creditors hasdecreased5.2percentage points,to12.1%in2024;by contrast, that of multilateral creditors has increased 4.9 percentagepointsto34.6%.”

The World Bank accounted for US$463 1 billion, or 34.1 percent, of multilateral debt stock, followedbytheInternational Monetary Fund (IMF) at US$371.6 billion, or 27.3%.

The notable reduction of debt obligations to official bilateral creditors resulted from a combination of a slowdown in new financing provided by these creditors and the implementation of debt restructuring agreements and forgiveness operations.

In Guyana, the country’s total external debt stock reached US$3.682 billion in 2024. The report points out that this equals 18% of exports and 23% of Gross NationalIncome(GNI).

With regards to debt service, the external debt stockstotaled3%ofexports

and 4% of GNI with an average population of 831,000.

According to the report, China remained Guyana’s largest bilateral creditor, accounting for 22% of the country’stotalexternaldebt.

Some39%ofloanswere provided by bilateral partners while 59% were supplied by multilateral creditors and 2% by “private”lenders.

In 2024, Guyana’s total public debt climbed to almost US$6B, after closing 2023withatotalpublicdebt ofUS$4.5B.

Despite the worrying increase of debt, the government of Guyana (GoG) believes its borrowing portfolio is sustainable, given the increaseinearningsfromthe petroleumsector

SATURDAY

Nortoncallsfor 25%salaryincreases forpublicservants …says50%possible forChristmaswith boomingoilsector

Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R),AubreyNortonhas called on the government of Guyana (GoG) to increase public servants’ salary by 25%forChristmas.

D u r i n g a p r e s s conference on Friday, Norton pointed to the increased production of oil andgasoffshoreGuyanaand further growth projections for the sector which he believes justifies the payout to Guyanese in the public sector

In fact, the Leader believes that even 50% increases are possible as he underlined the need for the purchasing power of Guyanesetobeimproved. He told this newspaper that he does not support an across-the-board salary

and industry reports show production and revenue growththatpositionGuyana to benefit materially from the Stabroek Block development and related projects The government expects total revenues to reach $1,024 5 billion in 2025, an increase of 30.5% over the $784 6 billion reported in 2024 Yet workers are being offered a ridiculouslylow8%increase in2025,”Nortonargued.

increaseasitwouldnotreap thebenefits,heenvisionsfor those in real need. “We do not like across the board increases because they widen the gap between rich andpoor.”

“The President earns a p p r o x i m a t e l y

G$34,800,000 per year which translates to $2 9 million monthly The Ministers and Leader of the O p p o s i t i o n e a r n a p p r o x i m a t e l y G$21,600,000 a year which works out to approximately $1 8 million monthly, including benefits,” Norton said as he highlighted the sharpcontrastintheearnings of a minimum wage public servantwhoispaid$100,000 per month and only $1 2 millionannually

He pointed out that this meansaMinisterearnsmore in one month than what the average worker earns in a year

According to Norton, “This comparison shows a wide gap between the earning of the government elite and the statutory minimum earnings Public servants, formal sector workers,andinformalsector earners alike have felt the effects of stifling low wages andsalariesandrisingcosts. Public servants carry the burden that while national wealth is rising, their purchasing power is collapsing.”

Assuch,hecalledonthe administration to ensure more money is directed to publicservantstonarrowthe gapbetweenthegovernment eliteandpublicservants.

The Leader was keen to note that the Guyana’s oil production and the wider sector have expanded very quickly, with official reporting and government projectionspointingtorapid increasesindailyoutputand projectramp-upsthroughthe remainderofthisdecade.

“Government sources

portion of earnings from oil and gas activities should returntothepublicsector “I am of the view that some amountofresourcesfromoil should go to funding public servants and once that is done with expansion in the non-oil sector and ensuring more businesses come on streamthenitissustainable.”

VeteranbroadcasterRon Robinson,A.Adiesat79 …hailedasanationalicon

On the other hand, he pointed out that private oil companies have reported verylargerevenuesandcash flows tied to Guyana operations.

Assuch,hemadeitclear that citizens legitimately expectthestatetotransferan equitable share of the revenues into durable investment in public sector wages.

He said that a minimum of 25% increase in publicservantwageswouldhelpto restorepurchasingpowerfor state employees and help boostthenon-oileconomy

In fact, the leader shared five compelling reasons for the25%increasehebelieves should be paid this

Christmas season According to him, “Many public servants have seen real earnings decline in the face of inflation and higher living cost; if oil revenues are expanding, a portion must be used to fund equitable compensation for those who deliver core public services; increased public wages would help supportlocalbusinessesand consumption in the short term; competitive publicsectorpayiscriticaltoretain skilled staff required to manage expanded public investment and regulatory dutiestiedtotheoileconomy and government’s own reporting estimated total wages and salaries in the p u b l i c s e c t o r a t approximately $227 billion byend-2025.Auniform25% increase on that base would raisetheannualwagebillby about GYD 56.75 billion to $283 75 billion That is affordable.”

Even though the oil market is volatile, Norton saidthepayincreaseswould besustainable.

He explained that the PNC/Rhasalwayscalledfor government to develop the non-oil sector through revenues earned from the petroleumindustry

Additionally, the leader said his opinion is that a

the theatre and cultural community, and all the organizations he faithfully served.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport in a statement described Robinson as “a true cultural icon whose voice, vision, and talent strengthened and elevated Guyana’s creative andculturalidentity.”

Veteran broadcaster Ron Robinson,A.Afondlycalled ‘Uncle Ron’ died on Friday morning at his home Robinson, 79, recently celebrated 60 years in broadcastandmanydecades intheatre.

The Guyana Press Association (GPA) in a statementsaidRobinsonwas one of the longest-serving broadcastersinGuyana.

“He served the media with professiona

d distinction Ron brought elegant energy and remarkable repartee to his morning drive-time radio shows He delivered the news with authority and conducted countless interviews that upheld the h i g h e s t t e n e t s o f journalism.”

TheGPAsaidwhetheron radio, television, or online, Robinson consistently set and maintained a high standard. “He approached his work with thorough preparation and generously mentored many within the mediafraternity.”

“BroadcastinginGuyana benefited immensely from his long, dedicated involvement. The numerous accolades he received over the years reflect the deep respect and admiration in which he was held , ” the GPAsaid noting that it joins all of Guyana in extending sincere condolences to his children, Paul and Allison, andtohisimmediatefamily,

“Robinsonwasnotjusta broadcaster; he was a storyteller,anactor,awriter, aproducer,andaguardianof Guyana’screativespirit.His work crossed mediums, g e n e r a t i o n s , a n d communities, leaving an imprint that continues to influencethenation’sartistic identity,”theministrysaid.

“For decades, Ron Robinson brought stories to life, on radio, on stage, and onscreen.Hisvoicebecame oneofthefamiliarsoundsof Guyana, delivering news, entertainment,andasenseof connection that reached homesacrossthecountry As an actor and director, he elevated local theatre, helping to build platforms where Guyanese stories could be seen, heard, and celebrated.Hisdedicationto nurturinglocaltalentcreated opportunities for young performers, writers, and creators who still carry his influence in their work today.”

The ministry said Robinson was extraordinary not only because of his skill but because of his unwavering commitment to culture. “He understood the importance of telling our own stories, preserving our heritage,andusingtheartsas abridgebetweenpeopleand g e n e r a t i o n s H i s contributions stand as an exampleofwhatpassionand purpose can achieve within thecreativeindustry.”

“Ron Robinson’s legacy continues to inspire all who create, perform, write, and dream.Hisliferemindsus

Continued on page 30

PNC/R Leader,Aubrey Norton

Frompage29 that creativity is a powerful force; one that can shape a nation, strengthen a community, and leave behindalegacythatoutlives the creator,” the ministry said in honour of his work, impact and the cultural foundation he helped build in Guyana Similarly, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) said it is deeply saddened by Robinson’sdeath.

“We join the rest of Guyanainmourningtheloss of an iconic figure in our nation’s media landscape

R o n R o b i n s o n ’ s contributions to journalism have left an indelible mark onGuyana’smediaindustry

H i s d e d i c a t i o n , professionalism, and distinctive presence will be fondly remembered by colleagues and audiences

alike Many will also remember him for his memorable bloopers at the endoftheyearbroadcastson NCN, which brought momentsoflevityandjoyto viewers,” the party said while extending its condolences to Robinson’s family, friends and all touchedbyhiswork.

The Roman Catholic Church also joined in mourning Robinson’s death describinghimasa“national icon”. “He was instrumental inthelivesofmanyCatholic youths, generously sharing his talent and passion through the direction of the productions Jesus Christ Superstar and Hope Alight Through his work, he inspired faith, creativity, discipline, and confidence in countless young people His legacy will continue to liveonintheheartsofthose

he mentored,” the church said.

Veteran broadcaster

Enrico Woolford in a Facebook post said, “the Broadcasting, theatre community has lost Ron Robinson.Hepassedawayat his home in Guyana early thismorning.”

“Ron Robinson was one of the longest serving broadcasters in the country Heisanationalawardeeand therecipientofseveralother awards for Drama and Broadcasting. He served in several NGOs including the ScoutmovementinGuyana. He will be remembered for his immense contribution to the creative, cultural sector in Guyana, the Caribbean andtheDiaspora,”Woolford said. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall described Robinson as “a giant in

Guyanesebroadcasting”. Ron Robinson began his broadcasting career on August1,1965attheBritish Guiana Broadcasting Service and remained in radio up to almost his last days.

Nandlall said over the last six decades, his voice becameetchedintheearsof generationsofGuyaneseand arguably cemented itself as part of the permanent radio landscape of Guyana “To many from this period, the voice of Ron Robinson was thevoiceofradioinGuyana. His contributions, however, extended beyond radio. He had a long stint as a news anchorontelevisionwhenit first emerged in Guyana Ron also had a long-lasting career in stage and theatre production, many of which ran as serials on the radio. ‘Merundoi’isbutonlyoneof such serials that lasted for many years During this yuletide season, his production ‘Stretched Out Magazine’ featured prominentlyonbothTVand radio for many years and

providedgreatentertainment and excitement to Guyanese of all ages and from every walkoflife.”

The Attorney General saidthatitisforhissterling contributions

n his endeavou

s, he was invested with the national honours of the Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA) in 1990 and earlier this year, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Office of the Prime Minister on the occasion of World Press FreedomDay

“Mr Ron Robinson was also a prominent member of the Rotary Community, serving as President of the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central. He was also Vice President of the Scout AssociationofGuyanaanda director of the Volunteer Youth Corps. No doubt, in these manifold pursuits, he mentoredandinspiredmany through whom his rich legacy of national contributions will continue tobepartoftheoraltradition and cultural topography of

Guyana for generations to come.”

Nandlall expressed his sympathy to Robinson’s family, friends and colleagues Leader of the Forward Guyana Movement Amanza Walton- Desir said Robinson’s voice “shaped ourgeneration.”

“From the time many of us could hear radio, he was there. A constant on radio and television, familiar, steady, trusted. He was also deeply rooted in theatre, giving his talent, discipline, and voice to the stage, helping to shape Guyana’s cultural life beyond the airwaves,”shesaid.

Walton-Desir said, “His passingfeelslikethepassing of an era It’s a sobering reminderthattimeisalways moving forward, that the people we know and love will one day go, and that even our icons are not permanent.Itremindsusthat we have to live Not just exist, but live in a way that touches lives and leaves something meaningful behind.”

DANNY, THE ELF, WHO COULD NOT SIT STILL

InthemiddleoftheNorthPole,where snowflakesdancedliketinyacrobats, lived a cheerful little elf named Danny Danny was small, bright-eyed, and filledwithmoreenergythanallthetwinkling lightsonSanta'sChristmastree.

Martin Compston: The Revenge Club, LineofDuty&WorldCup

Dannyneverstoppedmoving.

Hetappedhisfeetwhenhepaintedtoys. He hummed loudly when he wrapped presents.

And when no one was looking, he slid acrosstheshinyworkshopfloorlikeitwasan icerink.

The other elves liked Danny, but sometimes… well… he made things a little chaotic.

“Danny!” Elf Ruby cried one morning. “You'reshakingthepainttableagain!”

“I'm not shaking it,” Danny said. “My feetarejustexcited!Theywanttodance!” Hedidatinytap-tap-tap,whichmadethe paintbrusheshopoffthetable.

“Oops,”Dannywhispered.

That afternoon, he tried helping Elf Baxter load stuffed animals into a huge gift bag.ButDannykeptbouncingonhistoes.

The Clock

“Danny,”Baxtersighed,“you'removing faster than the reindeer at snack time. Slow down!”

“IwouldifIcould!”Dannysaid.“Butmy legs feel like they're filled with gingerbread sparkles!”

He hopped again and the stuffed animalsallbouncedoutofthebag.

By the end of the day, Danny's heart felt heavy

Hedidn'twanttocausetrouble.

Hejust…hadenergy LOTSofit.

Maybetoomuch.

That night, Danny wandered into the quietworkshop.Themachineswereoff.The candy-cane lights glowed softly The sleigh bellsgentlytinkledonthewall.

Dannysatinachair—well,hetriedtosit.

Tap.Tap.Tap.

Hisfootstartedmovingagain.

“Oh,”hegroaned,“Ireallycan'tsitstill.”

Suddenly, a deep voice behind him said, “That'snotabadthing,Danny.”

Danny jumped straight up almost touchingtheceiling.

“Santa!”hesqueaked.

Santa chuckled. “Sorry to startle you. I came to check on the Super-Sleigh It's almostfinished.”

There's a neat little clock In the school-room stands, It points to the time With its two little hands.

It is never late to do its work, And always does it with gusto; It tells us when to start And when to stop and go

And may we, like that little clock, Keep a face clean and bright, With hands ever ready To do what is always right.

3DPaper Christmas Tree

Luminary

Paper Christmas Tree Light

–Materials

squarepieceofpaperapprox. 20x20cm (we cut down an A4 sheetofpaper) scissors tealight(optional)

7.Yourcutsshouldlooklikethis.

Danny's eyes widened Everyone had heard the rumors. Santa was building a new sleigh—one faster and stronger thaneverbefore.

Danny followed Santa to the back of the workshop. Under a giant red cloth sat the enormous shapeofasleigh.

Santapulledoffthecover

Danny'smouthdroppedopen.

The sleigh sparkled like gold dust It had glowing engines, shimmering runners, and hundredsoftinygears.

“It's beautiful!” Danny gasped “But what's wrong withit?”

Santa scratched his beard “Everything is ready, except one thing.Thesleighneedsanenergy source Something strong something steady something thatnever,everstops.”

Dannyblinked. Hedefinitelyknewsomething thatneverstopped.

Santaleanedonthesleigh.

“Sadly, I haven't found anythingpowerfulenough.”

Danny shuffled his feet. Taptap-tap.

be continued....

1. Fold the square piece of paper across thediagonaltomakeatriangle.

2 Take the far-right corner and fold across the center perpendicular to meet the far-left corner Making another, smaller triangle.

3.Taketheshorteredgeontherightand foldtomeetthelongeredgeontheleft.

4. Fold one more time to create an “odd shape”.

5.Cutacrossthestraightedge.

6 Time to add your patterns Make triangle (or heart shapes!) along the longer edge,whichisalsoa“closedspine”.

8.Ontheothersidemakeasinglecutin themiddleandcutatriangleshapeaboveand belowit.Thelinecutwillbeusedtowardsthe end.

9. Unfold your paper You should have somethingresemblingapapersnowflake!

10.Re-creaseyourfoldsalongthe“main pattern”.Thiswillmakethenextstepeasier

11. Now you need to “concertina” your paper Push the main pattern “inside” and maketheshorterpatterntheoutsideedge.

12.Keepgoinground.

13.Oncefinishedyourtreewilllooklike this.Notsupereven.Thisiswheretheextra cutcomesintoit.

14. Fold the cut down. This helps shape thetreeandsecuretheoverallcircularshape.

Killer Sudoku

Killer Sudoku (also called Sum Sudoku) are a kind of hybrid puzzle that combine the best features of Sudoku and Kakuro (cross-sum) puzzles. Like a regular Sudoku, the rows, columns and 3x3 blocks contain the digits 1 thru 9. In addition, the dotted lines indicate areas, called cages, which also contain a set of non-repeating digits.If you add up the digits in a cage,you get the sum shown in its clue

You will do well to follow these steps so as to make the best of the poemsyouwillwrite:

1.Thinkofwhatapoemreallyis–a composition of expresses what you feel knowledge in a more style than in sen paragraphs, often with andrhyme.

2. Determine a purpose for your writing, and the persons to whom you want to send your message.

3. Be clear on the subject of your poem, which would helpyoutofocuson that topic Thiscanbeanemotion,suchaslovefor orfearofsomething,informationabout

Use these additional tips in writing a poem that can help you to develop this as an art

some place, person, or thing,oryourlikeordislikeofwhatis takingplacearoundyou.

4. When you have settled on a subject, write down all the words that come to

rhythmisdeterminedbythenumberof vowel sounds in each line, while the rhyme can be at the end of every other line,orinconsecutivelines.

experiences you have had in your dealing with it, and also that of others whomyouwanttoinfluence.

Poetry is one form of writing that can be used wr to express any emotion. Practising it will help you to be clear about your own emotions as well as that of others.

5. Choose a format for your poem. Many poems are written with two orfourlines,while somecanbemore, as long as they follow a style that uses rhythm and rhyme The

6. When you have determined the above, now is the time to write. Jot downonelinetostart. This could end up being your title, your opening line or your lastline. Studyitand startaddinglinestoit.

7 Revise your poem. It would be good if you can put it away orso,andcomebacktoit mind. Then you will be becomethebestyoucan do. Itmayhelpifyoucangetsomeone to read it and share their thoughts with you. This will help to get a poem that othersappreciate.

Remember that your first poem doesnothavetobeperfect,butitcanbe the start of your writing better ones in the future. Just keep on doing so and you will be improving this skill over time,andfindingitmoreenjoyableand useful when you keep at this great pastime.

Today

Today brings me joy, my whole heart sings, As if it has been given wings, As a new day so new and bright Is spread before my wondering sight!

Today will bring me peace in quiet prayer, As I lift my heart and, everywhere, See God's wondrous works appear, And feel His presence calm and clear

Today with faith I make my way, Sure of His blessings all the day, Content to trust the staff and rod Of an all-wise, all-loving God.

Today I have wealth much more than gold, Than hands may touch or heart may hold, Because I know that God will feed, By satisfying all that I may need.

Solutions to last week’s

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Israel claims to have killed senior Hamas commander, Raed Saad, in Gaza

There was no immediate confirmation from Hamas or from medics that Saad was among the dead.

Aljazeera - The Israeli military sats it has killed seniorHamascommanderRaed SaadinastrikeinGazaCity

The attack on Saturday killed five people and wounded at least 25, accordingtoGazahealthauthorities.

Hamas in a statement did notconfirmthedeathofRaed Saad.

It said a civilian vehicle hadbeenstruckoutsideGaza Cityandasserteditwasaviolation of the ceasefire that took effect on October

InapostonTelegram,the army alleged that the commanderhadbeenoperatingto re-establishHamas’scapabilities, which have been severely depleted by more than two years of Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza. It described him as one of the architects of the October 7, 2023,attacksonIsrael.

IfSaadwaskilled,itwould be the highest-profile assassination of a senior Hamas figuresinceafragileceasefire dealcameintoeffectinOctober

Israel says a ‘key’ Hamas figure has been killed in Gaza City [File: Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters]

in-command of the group’s armedwing,afterIzzal-DinalHaddad.

hit a vehicle at the Nabulsi junction in the west of Gaza City, resulting in casualties.

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150 Acres coconut farm Pomeroon river Tele: 6579237.

AnIsraelidefenceofficial toldtheReutersnewsagency that Saad had been targeted in the attack, describing him astheheadofHamas’sweapons manufacturing force.

Hamas sources have also described him as the second-

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Saad used to head Hamas’sGazaCitybattalion, oneofthegroup’slargestand best-equipped, those sources said.

The Wafa news agency reported that an Israeli drone

Theagencydidnotreport on specific numbers, and it wasnotcleariftheattackwas the one that allegedly killed theHamasmember

Sincetheceasefirestarted in October, Israel has contin-

ued to attack Gaza daily –reachingnearly800timesand killingatleast386people–in a clear breach of the agreement,accordingtoauthorities inGaza.

Israel also continues to block the majority of aid trucks from entering the enclave. The United Nations

GeneralAssembly on Friday overwhelmingly backed a resolution demanding that Israel open unrestricted humanitarianaccesstotheGaza Strip, stop attacking UN facilities, and comply with internationallaw,inlinewithits obligations as an occupying power

SoniaNoelFoundationhostsretreatforseniors

From page 20

Duringtheretreat,Noelalso reminisced about one of her most cherished birthdays— her45th.Shecelebratedthat specialdayentirelywithseniorsfromherchurch,treating them to makeovers, photo shoot, brunch, and live music at Herdmonston Lodge. “It was one of the mostmemorablebirthdaysI willcherishforever,”sherecalled.

Looking ahead to 2026,

Noel expressed her commitment to collaborating with Ms. Brandis and other stakeholders to develop programmesthatenhancethe dignity and joy of senior citizens across Guyana. “We need to intentionally create theworldwedesiretolivein,” Noelemphasized. Holiday Shopping Party for the Season

Inthespiritoftheseason, SoniaNoelInc.willhostafestive Shopping Party for the

SeasonfromDecember12–14 at 35 Anira Street, Queenstown. This special pop-upexperiencewillfeature unique fashion pieces, bold accessories, natural products, and one-of-a-kind gifts fromvendorsincluding:

SONIANOELDESIGNS

NATASHACREATIVE DESIGNS

ENCHANTED GAR-

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TLCEXTRAORDINARY PRODUCTS

NATURE’SWRAP ABELLA MAGNIFICENT CANDLES&SOAPS DASH BEAUTY AND PERSONALCARE

Shoppers can enjoy festive vibes, sip sorrel, ginger beer, and wine, and sample deliciousblackcake.Seniors willreceivea20%discount, while all other guests will enjoy10%off.Formoreinformation,WhatsApp:+592684-8129.

Kartel new single not aimed at Masika/Tommy

From page 22 disclaimer say this song was not done as a response to anything that’s currently taking place in dancehall. This song was recorded March 7, 2025, in a hotel room in Florida,” the producer explained with footage of that recording session.

“Thatsongwasdonewith a purpose, Vybz Kartel was looking at the path that he wants to go, and the plans

wehhimhave,andthat’swhy it did name Focus at the time, we changed the name to Victorious now.”

While outlining that the trackwasnotintendedforthe current clash, Skatta went on to share that should Vybz Karteldecidetoenterthecurrentlyricalbattlefield,hewill answerhisopponentsdirectly andwillnotmincewords.

“Just a put that out there becauseunuknowwhenVybz

Kartel respond to things, him respond directly, and that’s not the goal and the mission right now The man have a greater purpose,” Skatta continued. Despite Skatta’s disclaimer, some dancehall fans believe that Vybz Kartel should enter the clash.

This after Masicka seemingly took direct aim at Vybz Kartelinhismostrecenttrack, Wake Up. In the single, Masicka expressed that Vybz

Lee...

Kartel has no loyalty after ‘dissing’ Bounty Killer followinghisdancehallsurge.It is no secret that in the mid2000s, Bounty Killer, who playedanintegralroleinVybz Kartel’sbreakthrough,andhis Protoje traded insults in an epic lyrical clash which included tracks such as Duppy Killa, Toilet Paper Bounty, Just Mek A Duppy (Vybz Kartel Diss) and Judas (Vybz KartelDiss).

P&PInsurancespreadsChristmas

cheerto10humanitarianorganisations

P&P Insurance

Brokers Limited

on Thursday afternoon made its annual Christmas donation to ten organisations with each receiving a donation of $250,000

The beneficiaries are Bless the Children Home, Ptolemy Reid Rehab, Uncle Eddie's Home, Friends of the Archer's Home, The Dharm Shala, Cheshire Homes, Guyana HauraruniGirlsHome,Bal NivasShelter,JoshuaHouse

Children Centre and Abraham'sTentInc.

In a statement on Saturday, the company said that it has been making donations to several organisations over the past 19 years to assist them in their humanitarian work

Executive Director of

P&P, Mr Vikash Panday said when the idea was c o n c e i v e d t e n organisations received $100,000each

However, over the y e a r s , P & P h a s progressively increased the amount In 2024, the c o m p a n y d o n a t e d $200,000 to each organisation

He disclosed that this year the company is c

h anniversaryanddecidedthat it is fitting to increase its d

h e organisations.

“Eachorganisationwas therefore given $250,000 making it a total donation of $2,500,000 Mr Panday said that it was a m

company's commitment to giving back that they have been able to not only make

these donations every year but have been able to consistently increase the amount from time to time,” thestatementsaid.

Pandy thank his clients

organisations would not be possible without the successofhiscompany

He commended the representatives of the organisations for the work that they do and urged them to continue playing theirveryimportantrolein society

The representatives of the organisations thanked PandayandP&PInsurance for their continued generosity and support over the years and reciprocated his good wishes for the holiday season

Recipients of the $250,000 donation with Vikash and Jaya Panday

US landing military aircraft in Santo Domingo

CMC (Santo Domingo)

– The government of the Dominican Republic has authorised several United States military aircraft to land in the country in the coming days as part of an operational support deployment in the Caribbean.

The aircraft will have temporarypermitstooperate from restricted areas at San Isidro Air Base and Las Américas International Airport.

The cooperation a g r e e m e n t c o v e r s surveillance, transport, and technicalsupportmissions.

Aircraftexpectedtotake part include the KC-130 tanker and the C-130

Hercules,twooftheU.S.Air Force's most versatile and widelyusedplatforms.

The C-130, in service since1954,isoneofthemost successfulmilitarytransport aircraft in history Designed forruggedoperationsduring the Cold War, it has been used in conflicts such as Vietnam and Desert Storm, a s w e l l a s m a j o r humanitarian missions in Haiti, during Hurricane Katrina, and in global disasterzones.

The KC-130, introduced in the 1960s, serves as a tanker and logistics aircraft, enablingaerialrefuellingfor fighter jets, helicopters, and drones It has supported operations in Iraq,

Afghanistan, and Libya, as well as nighttime special operations and personnel transport.

Although the authorities have not disclosed flight schedules or the number of aircraft involved, their deployment in the Dominican Republic may support maritime and aerial surveillance, movement of sensitive equipment, logistics for regional securityoperations,in-flight r e f u e l l i n g , a n d transportation of technical personnel.

Themissionissaidtobe part of ongoing security and technical cooperation agreements between both countries.

50 Cent mercilessly trolled Diddy and now...

Frompage18

the more than decade they were in an off-and-on relationship. Combs has denied the allegations, but apologized on Sunday for the incident depicted in the surveillancevideo.

A f t e r f e d e r a l investigators searched Combs'homesinMiamiand Los Angeles in March, 50 Cent posted on X, “Now it's not Diddy do it, it's Diddy done. They don't come like thatunlesstheygotacase.”

Diddy denies there's beef Combs was asked about thetensionbetweenhimand

50 Cent during an

appearance on “The BreakfastClub”in2018. “I don't have no beef with Fif. He loves me,” Combs said. “Y'allcan'tseethatheloves me? You really think that's hate? You know he loves me.”

He added that he didn't take the things 50 Cent says

about him seriously “When hedoesthatit'slikefunnyto me,” Combs said. “I don't really take it personal. I knowhehasadifferentsense ofhumor,andhe'sjustnotin my life. We don't have to never cross paths, and I will never say nothing negative about him, you know, becausethat'sjustnotme.”

A son's defense Christian Combs, who goes by King Combs, is the 27-year-oldsonofDiddy In May2024hereleasedasong titled “Pick a Side” in support of his father and taking aim at critics like 50 Cent.

TheyoungerCombsand his brother, Justin, were temporarily handcuffed and detained by authorities during the March 2024 searchoftheirfather'shome. Neither was arrested or charged.

Aaron Dyer, Diddy's attorney, said in a statement to CNN at the time that “therewasagrossoveruseof military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr Combs' residences. There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated.” King Combs appeared to profess his father's innocence in his track and tookaswipeat50Cent.

“All that gossip sh*t is whackwhenalltheyhadwas 50 Cent / Who put this city on the map? / Stop lying,” theyoungerCombsraps. 50 Cent responded with a tongue-in-cheek post on social media. “I feel so threatened by the things Christian is saying on his record,”hewroteinasincedelated post on Instagram, according to Billboard. “I'm afraid for my life, please don'thurtmeguys.”

Gaza storms kill 14 Palestinians, including 3 children

CNN - Severe weather conditions over thepast72hoursinGazahaveleft14people dead, including three children, the director general of the Gaza-based Health Ministry MunirAl-BourshtoldCNN.

Over the past two years, many Palestinians were left with no option but to moveintotentsandtemporarysheltersamid the devastating war that left much of the enclaveinruins.

TentsfloodedwithwaterandPalestinians were left “wading through sewage, mud and debris with no proper shelter,” aid group, Oxfam, said in a statement Saturday, adding thatthedifficultconditionsarea“directresult ofthesystematicobstructionofaid.”

Palestinians pleaded for help amid the cold weather and rain that’s left their belongingssoakedanddestroyed.

“The mattress, the blanket, everything, even the clothes, have become soaked with

water Bring me a mattress. Bring me a tent.Ibegyou,forGod’ssake,helpme,”Um MustafatoldCNNonFriday

Shesaidtheonlyfoodshehadleft,abag offlourandrice,wereruinedaftertheywere soaked with water leaving her panicking in themiddleofthenight.

“I went out screaming to the neighbors, asking them for help,” she said. “All my childrenbecamesoakedbytherainwater.”

Tents, temporary shelters and even buildings,weakenedbyIsraelibombardment duringthewar,collapsedwhilefamilieswere inside, according to authorities and Palestinians in Gaza. An eight-month-old baby named Rahaf died of hypothermia, her familytoldCNN.

‘Morethan27,000tentsweresweptaway and flooded, the Hamas-run government media office said in a statement. The “complex humanitarian disaster” has

AdisplacedPalestinianmanclearsmuddywaterinafloodedtentcamponarainy dayinNuseirat,centralGazaStrip,December12,2025.(MahmoudIssa/Reuters)

affected at least 250,000 people, the media officesaidinastatement.

Israel and Hamas reached a truce in October, allowing the release of all living Israeli hostages and bringing the two-year wartoahalt.IsraelallowedaidintoGazato implementthefirststageoftheagreement.

But Oxfam said Israeli authorities “continue to block the entry of basic shelter materials, fuel and water infrastructure,” whichisleavingpeopleexposedto“entirely preventableharm.”

“When access is denied, storms become deadly Thissufferingisbeingmanufactured by policy, not weather,” the group said in a statement.

The Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the Israeli agency tasked with facilitating aid distribution in Gaza, said in a statement that Israelis“committedto”and“fullyupholds” its “obligation to transfer humanitarian aid trucksinaccordancewiththeagreement.”

“In this framework, hundreds of trucks entereachdaycarryingfood,water,fuel,gas, medicines, medical equipment, tents and shelter equipment,” the agency said. “Over the last few months, COGAT coordinated with the international community and facilitated the transfer of close to 270,000 tentsandtarpaulinsdirectlytotheresidentsof theGazaStrip.”

“Weareplanningacateredhumanitarian response for the upcoming winter,” COGAT said.

Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s public embrace of the deal in September, significant gaps remain for the progression of the ceasefire agreement. The US is pushing to move quickly into the next phase, but Israel is conditioning major steps on the return of the final deceased hostage andhasbeenresistingUSeffortstoresolvea standoff with a pocket of isolated Hamas militants in the Israeli-occupied parts of southernGaza.

BLUNTNESS ON INDECENCIES!

In case you haven’t heard, please be informed that as part of our continued effort to channel positive changes in our country, our publisher, Dr. Glenn Lall, has dedicated our Page Seven to be “BLUNT” about on-going indecencies in our land that should matter, not only to us at this publication, but the entire nation.

MONDAY– DECEMBER 08, 2025

Where in the world is Mae Thomas?

The PPPC Government has performed a political sleight of hand Mae Toussaint Thomas, former permanent secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, implicated in aiding the Mohamedfamily'sinalleged corrupt enterprises, has vanishedfrompublicview–asifsheneverexisted.

When the US OFAC sanctions were announced in June 2024, Thomas's name was entwined with the Mohameds in serious allegations

Yet,nearlyayearandfour months later, when indictments were issued against the Mohameds, Thomas was conspicuously absent

No charges, no public reckoning,noaccountability T

handling of Thomas sends a clear message: loyalty to insiders outweighs justice

WhiletheMohamedsfacethe courts, Thomas seems shielded, whether through negligence, intervention, or calculated protection Guyanesearelefttoquestion the integrity of the system: are there two sets of rules –oneforpoliticalinsiders,and oneforeveryoneelse?

Justice demands equality before the law The disappearance of Thomas from accountability undermines public trust, exposes double standards, and signals that under the PPPC, connections matter morethanthelaw

TUESDAY– DECEMBER 09, 2025

Adim Christmas for desperate Guyanese

The “bright Christmas”

PresidentIrfaanAlipromised on the campaign trail is fast fadin

ull, disappointing season for manyGuyanese

His holiday pledge, sweetly packaged to secure votes now looks more like a political illusion than a commitmentrootedinrespect forthepeopleheserves

With days left before Christmas, the longanticipated cash grant remains nothing more than teasing talk. For families stretchedthinbyrisingcosts, thesilencefromtheOfficeof thePresidentisdeafening.

Aleader does not dangle relief like a treat for children who must “behave ”

Guyaneseareadults,citizens, and most importantly, the rightful owners of the country'swealth

Meanwhile, the nation bracesforyetanotherkindof darkness Two powerships later,andbillionssunkintoa

sluggish gas-to-energy project,blackoutsarealready dimmingtheseason Somuch for a holiday “lit” with progress. Guyanese deserve better than political gimmicks and flickering promises The year is running out, and so is patience.ThePresidentmust deliver, not bait, not banter, but the cash grant he vowed tothenation.

THURSDAY–DECEMBER 11, 2025

The helicopter crash report and the press

Twoyearsafterthetragic 2023 Guyana Defence Force (GDF) helicopter crash that claimed the lives of five soldiers,thenationremainsin the dark, because the government insists on treating the final report like contraband.

We are told it is out respectforfamilies,orinthe name of national security, those convenient phrases politicians deploy whenever they prefer silence to scrutiny

But Guyanese are no closer to the truth today than

theywerethedaytheaircraft went down Yet before the press beats its chest too loudly, it must confront its ownfailure

For two years, editors wailed about the sealed report while doing precious little to unseal the story themselves There were survivors.

There were colleagues There were people who saw and heard what happened in thosefinalmoments Notone newsroom sent a reporter to knockonadoor,makeacall, or press a withers What we faceisnotonlyagovernment that withholds, it is a media thatnolongerhunts.

The crash report remains hidden, yes But the greater tragedy may be that our journalists never tried hard enough to find the truth buriedelsewhere

SATURDAY–DECEMBER 13, 2025

The National Utensil

Guyanese have outdone themselves While other nations boast national birds and flowers, we have producedsomethingfarmore

peculiar:thenationalutensil Not spoon, not fork- human utensils, deployed faithfully to do the PPPC's dirtiest work. These political tools come in all shapes: some shuffle,someswagger,some look like they were dredge fromthebottomofaveryold pot.

Their common trait us their willingness to be used Whenever an Opposition figure dares to enter a stronghold, the utensil brigade springs into actionrubber slippers, borrowed bravado, and slogans written by someone who barely survivedEnglish.

Yet, some of these individuals are driven by poverty, pulled by strings theydidnottie Butothersare polished stainless-steel instruments of convenienceopportunities whose loyalty sloshes with whatever gravy theStateserves.

Their mission is simple: drown out dissent, smoother alternative ideas, and perseverancepoliticalcontrol throughnoise Tools,nothing more - clangy, dented reminders that every kitchen hasitsdiscardedtinware

UDFA/BanksDIHYear-EndFutsal Tournamentkicksofftonight

Seven matches will set the pace for the start tonight (Sunday) of the 4th annual Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) run year/end futsal tournament, which is heavily sponsored by beverage giants Banks DIH,withtheactionkicking off at 6:00 pm, after the march past of the 15

contesting teams at 5:00 pm at the Community Hard CourtinLinden.

According to the organisers, this year’s competition has a total $3M sponsorshipwhichcatersfor the top prize of $1M going to the champions, as the runnersuppocket$500,000, third place - $200,000 and

fourth-$100,000,alongwith trophies, replicas, medals and individual awards at stake.

There are four groups with the top two teams qualifyingafteraroundrobin format to the quarterfinals, with the semifinals set for December29andthefinalon New Year’s Night After the

Sunday December 14, 2025

ARIES(Mar 21–Apr 19)

Social events could bring some exciting new contacts your way Relationships with partnersofallkindsshouldbe fruitful&mutuallybeneficial, particularly when the people arealsoclosefriends.

TAURUS(Apr 20–May20)

Your efficient, practical abilitiesareoperatingatavery high level today Along-term goal you've been working toward could finally be reached, bringing good fortuneandacknowledgment.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Your strong business sense and practical skills couple with imagination and innovation to bring advancement Information from far away could prove especiallyvaluable.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Friendsandfamilycouldvisit you today They're likely to bring new friends whose expertise benefits a project you'reworkingon.Youmight fantasize about how you're going to spend all the money you'regoingtomake.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

A social event in your neighborhood, perhaps in yourhome,couldbringuseful informationyourwaythatyou can use to advance your career You could make some valuablecontacts.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

With the current astral e n v i r o n m e n t , y o u r professional and financial interests could take a turn for thebetter Anydifficultiesyou may have had seem to disappearasifbymagic.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

All indications are that you're feeling mentally and physica

Yo

professional and financial interests could take a sudden turnforthebetter

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

Financial difficulties could be overcome today through the help of someone considerably older than you. Helpful advice could make a future course of actionclearer&morepractical thanitseemedinthepast.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Today a piece of information for which you've been searching could become known Your money management skills might be calledupontohelpoutafriend orperhapsafamilymember

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

With the shifting planetary alignment, all of your efforts over the past few weeks could finally bear fruit. Success and good fortune are strongly indicated, especially where moneyisconcerned.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

A long-awaited vacation or a move you've been hoping to makecouldfinallybepossible. Before you go, there may be some paperwork to take care of Thoughts of business advancement may be playing inyourmind.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

Heightened imagination and ingenuity could bring new thoughts for advancing yourself in the financial arena. Practical information from outside sources merges with insights to bring useful ideas yourway

march past where UDFA President Wainwright Bethune will be the main speaker, the tournament gets kicking at 6:00 pm, when in Group C, Blueberry Hill collide with Fearless, then in Group C, FC YMCA face Eagles FC at 6:45 pm, in GroupCWinnersConnection battleNetRockersat7;30pm, in Group A Hi Stars take on Amelia’s Ward Panthers at 8:30 pm, in Group D Botafago face Milerock at 9:00pm,theninGroupAthe champions Silver Shattas meetToppXXat9:45pmand the final game of the night is from Group B where Coomacka tackle Capital FC at10:30pm

Thefifteenteamsplaying in the preliminary round robin format are: Group ASilver Shattas, Topp XX, Hi StarsandToppXX,GroupB - Fearless, Capital FC, Blueberry Hill and Coomacka, Group C has FC Y M C A , W i n n e r s Connection, Net Rockers and Eagles United, with Group D comprising Rockstone, Botafago and Milerock.

RostonChase:

‘We try to hold everyone accountable for their actions’

(Cricinfo) - Afteranothercollectivebattingfailure,West Indies captain Roston Chase called on his batters to convert theirstartsandholdthemselvesaccountableafterundoingthe workofadisciplinedbowlingattack.

West Indies made only 205 in the first innings in the second Test against New Zealand in Wellington, but then restricted New Zealand to 278. However, they were skittled for just 128 in the second innings when batting conditions wereinfactbetter,andeventuallywentdownbyninewickets.

Chasesaidthemannerofthelossstungespeciallybecause WestIndieshadgotintoadecentpositionbeforethecollapse, andrejectedsuggestionthatconditionsweretoblame.

“We were in a good position up to this morning, even thoughinthefirstinnings,wethoughtthatweshouldhavegot some more runs,” Chase said in the post-match press conference.“Anumberofbatsmengettingsomestarts,butwe didn’treallyconvertintoanythingbig.Weleftsomerunsup thereinthefirstinnings,andwethoughtthatwewouldhave gottenthoserunsinthesecondinnings,butitdidn’thappen. So very disappointing for us after the bowlers really put up theirhandsandbroughtusbackintothegame.

“Istillthoughtthatthepitchwasonethatwecouldscore runs on. Personally, I thought it was not as tough as the first game. I thought the first innings in [the first Test in] Christchurch,theballwasdoingawholelot,butIdidn’tthink that was the case here. I just thought we just made some mistakesatsomecrucialpointsinthegame,andwejustnever reallygotourfootbackintothegametoday.”

Across the tour, Chase said,West Indies’batting malaise had been clear: players get in, and then give it away. In Wellington, seven times batters crossed 20 across both of West Indies’innings, yet the highest score was Shai Hope’s 47.Therest,likeHope,fritteredawaypromisingstarts-44,33 and 29 in the first innings, followed by 22, 35 and 25 in the second.“ThelasttimewewoninNewZealandwasin1995, sowewanttoleaveherewithawin.Westillthinkthatweare capableenoughtogetawin,butit’sjustforustobeconsistent, because the bowlers have shown that they’re capable of gettingusthosetenwicketsor20wicketsthatweneedtoget”

“Youhavetoworkveryhardtogetthatstart,”Chasesaid. “It’sjustaboutbucklingdownandhavingthatdetermination tocarryit.Youwillgetgoodballs,butIthinksometimeswe justgiveitawayalittletooeasywhenwegettothe30sandthe 40s.ButespeciallyinNewZealand,weknowthefirstinnings isverycrucial.Ifyoucangetagoodfirst-inningstotalwhere theballismovingaroundalotmoreand[there’s]alotofgreen onthewicket,thatputsyouinacommandingpositiontohave achanceatwinningthegame.“Whenwedositandchatafter games, we sit and we discuss those things. We try to hold everyone accountable for their actions. But not only just talking,weneedtofindwaysoutthereinthemiddletocombat whatisbeingthrownatus.”

Yet,evenafterachasteningdefeat,Chasestressedthatthe squadremaineddrivenbyalong-standingambition:winning aTestinNewZealandforthefirsttimein30years.Avictory inthethirdTestinMountMaunganuiwouldnotonlyendthat drought but also square the series and giveWest Indies their firstwinofthe2025-27WorldTestChampionshipcycle.“The lasttimewewoninNewZealandwasin1995,sowewantto leaveherewithawin,”Chasesaid.“Westillthinkthatweare capableenoughtogetawin,butit’sjustforustobeconsistent, because the bowlers have shown that they’re capable of gettingusthosetenwicketsor20wicketsthatweneedtoget.”

WI Test Captain, Roston Chase

Eight regional Schools to vie for supremacy KFCInternationalGoodwillTournament:

- Petra distributes uniforms and practice balls ahead of today’s kickoff

The stage is set for the sixth annual K F C International Goodwill Secondary Schools Football Championship Yesterday, Petra Organisation, along with title sponsor KFC G

customary uniform and ball distribution exercise for the

eight teams that will feature in this premier football event. The tournament is scheduledtokickofftodayat the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground and the Queen’sCollegeGround.

Brazil and The Bahamas will be making their first appearances in what has been touted as the regional

“Champions of Champions” footballseries.

Defending champions

Chase’s Academic Foundation of Guyana will look to defend their title against strong contenders, including West Ruimveldt Secondary (RBL Under-18 Football League runnersup), Annai Secondary of

Flashback action! 2025 Petra-KFC International Goodwill Tournament kickoff today

Region Nine champions, St Benedict’s College of Trinidad and Tobago, Kingston College of Jamaica, and Nickerie Technical Institute of Suriname. Also among the contendersareJoséVieirade Sales Guerra of Brazil and the Anglican Central Educational Authority (ACEA) of The Bahamas, both teams hoping for successful debutcampaigns. Their inclusion makes this edition the largest in the tournament’shistory.

KFC Guyana has injected substantial funding into this year’s tournament. At the launch, Chief Executive Officer Paul Subryan announced the construction of a 420-seat pavilion at the MoE venue, aimed at enhancing the overallspectatorexperience.

Last Wednesday, the company commissioned the venue’s first seating area, unveiling the KFC Grandstand just ahead of kickoff.

Yesterday’s uniform and ball distribution exercise formally outfitted the eight schoolsthatwillbevyingfor supremacy from December 14to21.

Speaking on behalf of KFC Guyana, Marketing representative, Charmaine Farnum welcomed all the participating teams, urging

them to play with pride, dedication, and good sportsmanship. In her brief remarks, she emphasized that the sponsorship goes beyond financial support “It’s about investing in confidence, enabling young athleteswithamuch-needed platform to showcase their talent, and providing opportunities for young footballers to represent their countries with pride,” Farnumexplained.

Petra’s co-director, Troy Mendonca reiterated the importance of all the participating teams, stating,

“Without you, this tournament would not be possible ” He also highlighted the significance ofgovernmentandcorporate

collaboration, extending gratitude to the Ministry of Sports, the National Sports Commission,theMinistryof Education, and title sponsor KFC for supporting the organisation’s vision and recognizing the need for an international grassroots tournament.

The tournament gets underway today from 12:30 hrs,withaceremonialMarch Past opening the 2025 edition, followed by the opening clash between d

and The Bahamas’ACEA. Be a part of Secondary School’s football history at the MoE groundandQueen’sCollege ground.

TopteamsrewardedforWomen’sLeagueexploits

The Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Women’s Football team were the center of attentiononFridayeveningasthechampions of the Women’s Division One League officially became the first Women’s football team in Guyana to take home a $1M grand prize.

The GDF Women sealed their championshipstatusintheleaguelastFriday, inathrilling1-0victoryagainsttheirfiercest rivals Guyana Police Force (GOF) Women. Sandra Johnson’s left- footed strike into the right upper corner of the nets was the difference maker between the two teams in the clash that eventually decided the league winners.

GDF’s Women ended the competition with a perfect 27 points from nine games, with a goal difference that exceeded 140 goals. More importantly, the team’s strong defence and trusty goalkeeper did not concede any goals over the course of the competition.

Excelling in the competition, GDF’s Women were rewarded with a massive $1M

grand prize; a first in women’s football historyinGuyana.

Addingtotheirexcitement,strikerSandra Johnson received the highest goal scorer award,nettingarecord37timesacross 9 games Johnson was recognised as the tournament’ MostValuablePlayer(MVP). Her teammate, Deena Fredericks was recognised as the tournament’s best goalkeeper

D u r i n g t h e presentation ceremony, Women’s Football Association (WFA)

PresidentAndreaJohnsonwas onhandtoassistinpresenting prizes to the successful teams, alongsideGuyanaFootballFederation(GFF)

G

Chattopadhyay Johnsonexpressed,regardingtheLeague, “The Guyana Football Federation Women’s Development League represents a

transformative step toward advancing equality, opportunity, and excellence in the sport Built on the principles of empowerment, inclusion, and performance, this league provides a structured pathway for female athletes to developtheirskills,competeat high levels, and pursue professional careers in football.”

“Our mission is to nurture talent from the grassroots to the elite level, ensuring that every woman and girl with a passion for football has access to quality coaching, lities, and competition

Through partnerships with local clubs, schools, and community organizations, the league aims to create a sustainable ecosystem that supports both athleticandpersonalgrowth.

“This leagueis more than a competition; it is a movement to redefine the future of

football By investing in women’s development, we are investing in the sport’s long-term success, diversity, and global appeal.Together, we will build a legacy that inspiresthenextgenerationoffemaleathletes to dream bigger, play harder, and lead with confidence,”Johnsonwentontoadd.

Insecondplace,andreceivinga$500,000 prize was the Guyana Police Force (GPF) WomenFC.Third-placefinishersSantosFC received $300,000 while fourth- place finishers Fruta Conquerors FC will pocket $100,000.

In other Women’s Division One news, Fruta Conquerors booked their spot in the semifinals of the Cup playoffs on Friday night, needling Western Tigers FC, 1-0, Akilah Blucher netted the game- winner throughasetpieceinthe41stminutethatwas fumbled by Western’s keeper and made its wayintothenets.

TheplayoffsemifinalsaresetforFriday, December 19. There, Santos will take on Police FC from 18:00hrs, after which Fruta ConquerorswillbattleGDFFCat19:30hrs.

KFC Marketing rep. Charmaine Farnum speaking at yesterday’s briefing.

KFCInternationalGoodwillTournament:

Eight regional Schools to vie for supremacy

TheinauguralChampions, GDFWomen,celebratewiththeirspoils.