Kaieteur News

...GRAdismisseddiscrepanciesflagged byAGonimportationofover374vehicles

‘Warehouse’ owner caught in massive vehicle scheme

Overtheyears,examinationsof accounts and records by the audit office has made damning revelations, many of which have been swept under the rug, rather thanbeinginvestigated.

Amajor finding of theAuditor General(AG)ashighlightedinthe 2024 Report, involves the importation of over 300 vehicles which suspiciously featured the same invoice numbers The discovery, made by the Audit Office could potentially involve billions, yet the matter was not investigatedbutquietlyresolvedas the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) intervened and concluded that there was no risk to the authenticityofthedocuments.

The 2024AG report states that duringthereviewperiod,41private warehouseswereinoperation.The Audit Office discovered upon examination of the entries in the warehouse register that one warehouse owner was using the same invoice numbers on various entries for the importation of 374 vehicles.

A further examination of the company revealed that this issue was ongoing prior to 2024. The report states, “In 2023, the same invoice numbers were repeatedly

...GRA dismissed discrepancies flagged by AG on importation of over 374 vehicles

recordedagainstvariousentriesfor theimportationof199vehicles.”

Consequently, the AG made a request to the GRAon January 27, 2024 for third-party confirmation from the vehicle suppliers for the total warehouse stock of 199 vehicles.

“At time of reporting, no confirmationswerereceivedbythe AuditOffice,”thereportexplained. Meanwhile, the Commissioner General of the GRA, Godfrey Statia in response to the AG’s finding noted that following the observation by the Audit Office, a

letter was dispatched to the warehouse owner on September 4, 2024 to provide an explanation for the repetitive use of invoice numbersforvarioustransactions.

According to the report, “The warehouse owner responded indicatingthattheyareunawareof

suchissueandrequestedsamplesof the invoices to engage their suppliers for clarity to update the GuyanaRevenueAuthority.”

On October 10, 2024 GRA received a response from the warehouse owner which explained “the Supplier’s numbering format corresponds specifically to the quantity of containers listed on the associated bill of lading, and each invoice includes a unique stock numberforeveryvehiclelocatedin the first column.Accordingly, it is standardpracticefortheirSuppliers across all countries to which they ship goods, and it does not pose a risk to the authenticity of the documents.”

To this end, the GRAinformed the AG that no further action was taken by the Authority, given that the prices for the specific vehicles fell within the accepted range of values for similar categories Further, these correspondences were provided to the Auditors for theirupdate.

Nonetheless, the Audit Office urged the GRAto put measures in place to continually monitor all warehouse activities to provide assurance of the completeness, accuracy and validity of all transactions.

Commissioner General of the GRA, Godfrey Statia

Auditor General, Deodat Sharma

Govt. still to release report on Exxon’s US$19.6 billion audit

The largest audit of ExxonMobil’s expense has been completed over 207 daysagobutthereportonthe findings remains hidden fromthepublicwithnoword from officials on when the documentwillbereleased.

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 terms of the 2016

(PSA), ExxonMobil and its co-

developing the resources discoveredintheblock.

Guyanahastakenabackseat approach where spending by the Stabroek block partners is concerned. The government has agreed to review business transactions after the company spends billions of US-dollars which must be paidbackbyGuyanawithits oil.Thisprocessisknownas costrecovery

Each month, Exxon is allowed to take 75% of the oilproducedintheStabroek Block for its expenses

Increasedoilproductionalso equates to higher cost recovery for the company The remaining portion of revenue is then split with Guyana as profit 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. In this manner,

Guyanacanensureitgetsthe best value for its money, prior to the signing of an agreement, as compared with verifying costs after a contractisawarded.

The third audit was conducted by VHE

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 absenceofmediapersonnel, a notable deviation from the previousprocess.

Prior to the US$19.6B audit,thesamecompanywas contracted to conduct the secondauditthroughamore transparent process where media personnel were not only invited to attend the signing, but scrutinize the arrangement.

To date over 207 days have elapsed since it was first reported that the audit was completed VHE reviewed some US$19.6B costs incurred by the contractor during the period 2021to2023.

On May 15, 2025 the minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat revealed that the audit was completed and the report handed over to government for review Five months later, in October, Bharrat informedthisnewspaperthat the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) was still conducting a technical review of the report and would make the document public after the process was

y, Bharrat was asked again aboutthereportanddirected

Ministerof NaturalResources, VickramBharrat

responded to any queries fromthisnewspaperrelating totheaudit.

As government remains tightlipped on the audit findingsofthelargestreview completed to date of the company,formerMemberof Parliament, David Patterson previously expressed concern. He noted,“Thisis the same government that reduced the amount from US$214M to US$3M, so they have no interest really in trying to upset Exxon. I think they are more prooperators than the operators themselves.” According to him, Guyanese should be worriedthatthegovernment is acting in the shadows when dealing with the multinationalcorporation.

all questions to the tax agency

Notably,theGRAhasnot

Previously, minister Bharrat said he was hesitant to disclose the initial sum that was flagged by the auditors.Heexplained,“The auditors would flag a figure and then it goes back to the company and the company might be able to produce evidence or receipts for everything so it keeps adjusting all the time so it’s nouseIgiveyouafigureand then it might raise questions allaround.”

The minister at the time urged that the GRA be granted a few more days to complete the process with t h e o i l c o m p a n y “Remembertheywouldgive thecompanytimetoprovide evidence of spending and so,” he said while assuring thatthethirdauditreportwill be made public on the website upon completion of the ongoing exchanges between Exxon and the GRA.

KaieteurNews

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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

Audits

Recentauditshavealwaysleftthethoughtofsomething missing. Howmuchwasbeingignoredoravoided,ranked amongtheunknowns. Howmuchwasbeingwatereddown, orgivenacursoryglance,butnotthekindofstudiouseffort thatthebillionsdemanded. Anauditexpertfilledinsomeof the blanks on the 2024 audit report of the PPPC Government'sactivities,andthey'redistressing. President Irfaan Ali's claim of “significant improvement in transparency and accountability” was exposed for not havingfoundation.

Former Auditor General, Anand Goolsarran, an authorityonauditpracticesandaccountingstandards,went to work on the 2024 audit report, and he tore up the impressive picture that the president painted. To begin with,theauditgeneralissuedqualifiedopinionsontwoof the eleven statements on the consolidated public accounts ofGuyana. OnewasontheStatementofCurrentAssetsand Liabilities of the Government, and the second was on the FinancialReportoftheDepositFund.

Whentheauditorgeneralfounditnecessarytoissuenot one,buttwo,qualifiedopinions,andforthemajorareasthat he did, that weakens any claim by anyone of “significant improvementintransparencyandaccountability.”

Thatiseitherthesituationofadrowningmanignoring hispredicamentandcryingoutthatheissafe(nottoworry), orsomeoneblessedwithapowerfulimagination,onethatis alsofevered. Whenaheadofstatetakesthepositionthathe didinthefaceoftwoqualifiedopinionsinthemassiveareas thatwerehighlighted,itisobviousthatpoliticalpropaganda hastakenover

Forthebenefitoftheordinarycitizen,aqualifiedaudit opinion is where the audit team cannot do otherwise, becausewhatitsmembershaveprobedhastoomanygaps, toomuchofwhatleavesunansweredquestionsandleadsto unacceptable conclusions. Broadly speaking, it could amount to professional misconduct, aiding and abetting glaring wrongs, if not red-flagged through a qualified opinion. Guyana's deposit fund involved the two-way movementofbillions,throughbillionsgoinginandbillions goingoutasadvances.

According to Goolsarran's review, as presented in his weekly Stabroek News column, the audit effort on that depositfundwasa“cut-and-paste”jobfrompastyears,with billions channeled into miscellaneous accounts, and no explanationsrecorded.

Cutting and pasting is making use of computer proficiencytosavetime,butwhenexecutedinvitalareas,it could also be of sloth, not looking too deeply, for fear of what could be uncovered. Auditors should neither pull punches,norshouldtheytrytocutcorners,butcallissuesas theyseethem.

Whenauditteamsoperatewithoutfearorfavor,theend resultisthatGuyanesetaxpayersanddebtownershavethe clearest idea of how their dollars were spent, and what concernsremain.

Goolsarran then went still further with a tough stance, when he put another aspect of the 2024 audit under his powerfulstethoscope. Wasarealauditdoneoftheaccounts reviewed, and how could that be claimed, when there are thoseseriouslapsesintheprocess,aspresented? Hethen madeanothertoughcall,whenhepointedtoareasthathave been controversial, which do not support improvement in transparency and accountability The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has not reported on reviews of public accounts for the last six years. When there is such a long span of nothing of substance coming out of the watchdog PAC,itistheheightofirresponsibilityforanyonetoclaim improvements in transparency and accountability And, how can this be so, when overpayments climbed from $300M in 2023 to over a billion dollars two years later, tripling of overpayments After the many recommendations implemented how was there still a 300

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Achieving great health and longevity for our population

DearEditor,

Within the world many countries strive to achieve greathealthcareinsupportof longevity Spain is amongst this group and has shown good results in both areas. Their healthcare system offers universal healthcare that is tax funded and

constitution They have

professionals, advanced technology and high-quality comprehensive care within their system. It is a free of

charge system that is decentralized (Reference: euro health observatory, Spain: health system review).

Longevity in Spanish society is also rooted in preventionviaahealthydiet, a healthy environment,

engagement The diet primarily linked to good health comprises of leafy greens, whole grains, dairy, reduced intake of added sugar and processed foods, and plant-based foods such

as fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds. The healthy environment of Spain benefits from a focus on renewable energy (solar and wind), and low hazardous

environmental protection agency These agencies are

, SEPRONA and OECC

Exercise in Spain is similar to that in Guyana and is primarily walking and cycling As for social

cooperatives, government

vulnerable youth and the elderly, and social activities toaidinhealthyaging.

similarities between what Spain has accomplished and the potential trajectory of G

healthcare system is in the process of being upgraded,

Constitutiondoesspeakto (Continuedonpage5)

plus percentage increase in overpayments? Where are the grounds to prove that what was overpaid was, in fact, recovered?

Some contracts awards did not meet stated criteria, generated considerable disputes, some of which have never

beenputtorest,withtaxpayersfootingthebill. Theauditorin Goolsarranexposedsignificantissueswith2024auditreport, leaving Guyanese to question what more could still be missing, and what kind of six-for-nine they are getting with theseaudits.

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox

Guyana must rise to a higher standard of empowerment, protection, and inclusion

DearEditor,

As a public analyst and community advocate serving both Barbados and Guyana, I strongly support the global 16 Days of Activism Against GenderBased Violence campaign. The period from November 25 to December 10, 2025, marks a critical moment for countries worldwide to renew their commitment to ending all forms of violence andabuse.

Guyana is at a pivotal stage in its development. While we are seeing unprecedented progress in infrastructure, investment, and national growth, our community and family structures continue to

require urgent attention and sustainedcommitmentifwe are to build a violence-free andabuse-freesociety Across the country, family-based abuse remains one of the leading contributors to moral decay. I have witnessed far too many school-age children engaging in smoking and o t h e r d e l i n q

n t behaviors symptoms of deeperchallengeswithinthe home. At the same time, many of our elderly citizens remain vulnerable, often at the mercy of relatives who neglect them, steal their money, withhold food or medication, or even subject them to physical abuse. I have received troubling

reports of elderly parents being beaten by the very children who are meant to careforthem.

Our citizens living with disabilities also continue to face serious challenges. While the Government of Guyana has implemented programs to improve their quality of life—programs I fullysupport—moremustbe done to ensure inclusion,

community

h e improvements in school i

e an

ras

educational initiatives, many children are silently suffering.Toomanycome

(Continuedonpage6)

Achieving great health and...

Frompage5

the right of every citizen to receive free medical attention. Thus, placing us on a path that allows us to benchmark Spain's healthcaresysteminorderto incorporate their best practices.The use of village and community clinics will also provide us with a path t o w a r d s a s t r o n g decentralized network that increases access to free health services across the country

On the preventative level, the health of our environment is at a major crossroad We have the opportunity to strengthen our renewable energy focus as Spain has done via increased investment in this portion of our energy portfolio And our h a z a r d o u s w a s t e management process can reach global leadership levels if we demand and achieve better performance and monitoring from our agencies responsible for protecting our environment. The current investment in food security provides an opportunity to focus on the ingredients of a healthy diet

and we must increase the emphasis placed on organic farming to protect both consumers and the environment from hazardous chemicals and fertilizers.

Infrastructure continues to be a major part of the annual budget, but there has been underinvestment in dedicated pathways along theroadwaysforpedestrians and cyclists. Going forward we must ensure that road improvement projects allow for these healthy activities.

Increasing walkability and cycling will also have the added benefit of increasing social engagement, which is also linked to longevity Guyana's social fabric is closely associated with our community activities, and thesportsandculturewithin each community is similar within each administrative region. Thus, allowing for broader social engagement andsocialinteraction.

CRG suggests that provisions be made in this year's budget, and the subsequentbudgetsoverthe remainder of PresidentAli's final term in office, for the funding of programs that

The flooding of Georgetown

DearEditor,

The severe flooding that paralyzed downtown Georgetown this week, followingonlyabriefperiod of rain, stands in stark and scandalous contrast to the recent triumphalist announcements earlier in 2025 regarding a billiondollar investment in drainageinfrastructureinthe CitymadebytheMinisterof Agriculture Mr Zulfikar Mustapha ( the newspapers ofMay2025havethedetails quotedfromhisspeech)and His Excellency President Irfaan Ali himself boasting a b o u t “ e l e c t r o n i c monitoring of the drainage systembyOctober2025”.

another loan and more debt on the poor people of Guyana) and another 100,000 gallons per minute for all the other combined pumps on the Demerara River ——the reality on Regent, Camp, Wellington, and Robb streets was one of profounddysfunction.

will foster development in theareasdiscussed.Asallof the Ministries develop their plans for the next five years there should be a coordinated effort to developajointinitiativethat focuses on fostering health and longevity for our population. This should be the overarching mission of eachadministrationwhilein office.

Bestregards, Mr.JamilChanglee Chairman

T h e C o o p e r a t i v e RepublicansofGuyana

Therecentfloodsarenot merely an unfortunate weather incident; it is a powerful indictment of the current administration's chronic failure in deliver on alltheirpromisesaroundthe drainage system. The PPP f a i l e d a t p r o j e c t prioritization,thePPPfailed at technical oversight, and the PPP, Minister Mustapha and President Ali failed at transparentgovernance.

While the Chairman of the National Drainage and IrrigationAuthority (NDIA) proudly cites a theoretical drainage capacity of over 200,000 gallons per minute from the new Liliendaal pump station (a project completedatacostof$1.054 billion and funded by

Knee-high water disrupting commerce, traffic,andthedailylivesof workers,schoolchildrenand other citizens. This state of affair raises an unavoidable question: of what tangible value is this expanded “capacity” if the core drainage network within the city itself remains utterly incapable of handling routinerainfall?

Thisdisconnectrevealsa familiar and troubling pattern of governance: the prioritization of highvisibility, capital-intensive projects over the essential, less-glamorous work of systemic maintenance and integrated urban planning.

T h e g o v e r n m e n t , particularly the Ministry of Agriculture under whose authority the NDIA falls, appears more focused on p u b l i c r e l a t i o n s gimmicks showcasing certified pumps and subroad discharge pipes—than on delivering functional, resilientinfrastructuretothe population. The fact that theseCitypumpstationsand the drainage system in the

city has proven themselves as not ready for the reality, only deepens the concern regarding who really is conceptualizing these projects – engineers or comics who are parading as politicians? Billions are beingspenteveryyearonthe drainage system and every time it is put to the test, it fails This is a clear indictment on President Ali whochooseatotalfailureto runthisportfolio.

This incident demands that we confront the g o v e r n m e n t , a n d specifically the Minister of Agriculture, with urgent questionsandIamexpecting Mr.Vishnu Panday, the lead spokesperson for the WIN PartyonagricultureandMr. Vinceroy Jordan his counterpart in the APNU to step up and expose these wrong doings happening in the Ministry of Agriculture that are bringing great harm tothecitizensofGuyana.

IcallonPresidentIrfaan Ali to focus on his job and declare to the people on the followingmatters:

1. Where is the comprehensive, city-wide drainage master plan being followed? Once that plan is in place, we can safely have clarity on the gaps in the f a i l i n g d r a i n a g e infrastructure and hopefully aworkprogramtofixthem.

2. Giventhemassive (Continuedonpage6)

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox

The future of the sugar industry hinges on transparent governance, decisions grounded in accurate data, and equitable accountability

DearEditor,

I observed that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has been in the press again and offer this perspective on the recent public letter from Mr Vishnu Panday, dated November 25, 2025, that Corporation.

While public discourse on national institutions is vital, a careful examination of the claims, alongside consultations with informed sources within the Corporation, reveals a narrative that may not fully align with documented operational histories as outlinedbyMr Panday This discrepancy warrants a dispassionate analysis focused on institutional governance.

The central concern arising from this episode transcends individual grievancesonthepartofMr Panday that has nothing to do with the way the Corporation is being managed and administered by the Ministry of Agriculture; and let no one fool you, the Minister of Agriculture Mr Zulfikar

Mustapha is the boss at GuySuCosincehearrivedin 2020. Every single senior appointmenthemadedidnot go through a professional HRprocessbutwasdoneina rather strange imposing manner His actions highlight potential systemic issues in appointment and reinstatement processes withinGuySuCo. Information suggests thatMr Panday'sowncareer trajectory marked by several departures and reappointments may not haveconsistentlyadheredto standard corporate governance and human resourceprotocols. Reports indicate these personnel decisions were reportedly influenced by exte

nal pol

cal considerations, particularly from actors associated with Freedom House, rather than through independent corporateassessment. Who appointed Mr Panday within days of the returnofthePPPtoofficein August 2020? Certainly not the professionals in the Corporation. This pattern of parachuting former officers

who have a checkered history within the Corporation into the post 2020 operations of the Corporation, points to a deeperchallengeofpolitical p

s compromised operational integrity and merit-based

demoralized many younger

Corporation since they saw no road map to career a

Corporation as these recycles keep coming and going and coming based on the whims and fancy of the Ministry ofAgriculture. As one internal source opined, this dynamic may explain the current public divergence between Mr Panday and his former politicalsponsors. A notable aspect of the critiqueisitsselectivefocus. The letter from Mr Panday heavily criticizes the President (who has four more years) and two CEOs whomheworkedwith,whoI am told have both departed GuySuCo'sdailyoperations, while omitting substantive evaluation of the former

Board Chairman and now Minister of Public Works Mr Madanlal Ramraj or the sitting Minister of Agriculture Mr Zulfikar Mustapha.

These individuals held direct supervisory authority over Mr Panday during the period in question Furthermore, I am told by insiders that according to established reporting lines, the Agriculture Director reported to the Board on policyissuesandtheCEOon administrativematters. This sort of administrative structure is extremely abnormal.

Factual clarity is also essential. Contrary to the assertionofaresignation,an HR Professional inside the Corporationtoldmethatthe available records indicate Mr Panday's contract was

not renewed a distinct proceduraldifferencefroma resignation Such discrepancies challenge the reliability of the narrative presentedbyMr Panday

The irony of alleging political interference is unmistakable, as available accountssuggestMr Panday was reportedly a direct beneficiary of such practices. Insiders note his freq

participation in high-level ministerial meetings at Regent Street in the Minister's Boardroom without the two CEOs, therefore,bypassingthetwo CEOs a privilege that raises questions about parallel reporting structures andaccountability

On technical matters, serious concerns have been raised by his former

colleagues regarding the management of agricultural data Multiple Estate Managers have told me of persistent, material variancesbetweentheirfield estimates and the figures subsequently presented to theBoardbytheAgriculture Directorate as the cane estimates.

T h e s e a l l e g e d inaccuracies, which were reportedly not adequately scrutinized by the thenBoard leadership, did represent a fundamental abandonmentoftheirdutyto make sound policy decisions. The Board of Directors is as much at fault for the state of affairs at GuySuCo as is the Minister of Agriculture since they created Mr Panday, they mindedandcaredforhim

(Continuedonpage44)

The flooding of Georgetown...

Frompage5 investmentmadebythePPP overthelast5yearssincethe last National Flood Disaster in 2021, what specific, measurable improvements in flood mitigation for central Georgetown were delivered beyond the LiliendaalPumpStationthat canensurethesefloodsinthe cityareminimized?

3. Who is being held accountable for the evident failure of coordination between the NDIA's new assets and the municipal drainage systems, resulting in such widespread disruption?

T h e s i g h t o f schoolchildren removing their shoes, vendors lamentingthe"LittleDubai" paradox of grand promises amid basic service failure, and traffic officers struggling to manage the chaosisthetruereflectionof the failure of this Irfaan Ali administration Decade comeanddecadego,butthe samesystemicissuesofpoor oversight and misplaced priorities continue despite billions being spent under the Minister Zulifkar Mustapha.

Spending billions on isolated components of a systemisnotachievement;it is fiscal recklessness unless thosecomponentsarepartof a coherent, fully functional, and well-maintained whole.

T h e f l o o d i n g o f Georgetown's commercial heartisaclearsignalthatthe whole is broken and the APNU or PNC cannot be blamed for this, the PPPhas been in power for 28 of the last33years.

ThePPPalwaysreferred tothePNC28years,notthe PPP has their own 28 years and they are no better than what the PNC did for this nation. The public deserves an explanation for this complete failure in the system.

The government must move beyond ceremonial projectopeningsandtheidle $40,000 per plate Galas and confront the hard truth: the people of Guyana are suffering because all the billions in spending being m a d e b y t h e P P P Government is ending up to be meaningless since three of the key stress for the people – floods, blackouts and high cost of living are totallyoutoforder

VishnuPrashad

Guyana must rise to a higher...

Frompage5 from unstable or abusive homes,arevictimsofsexual assault, or endure daily beatings.Theyattendschool carrying emotional burdens no child should ever have to bear

Women, too, often endure domestic violence in silence,fearfulthatspeaking out could cost them their lives.

Men facing abuse are similarlysilenced,pressured by stigma and societal expectations that discourage

them from seeking help or expressingvulnerability

Guyana must rise to a

empowerment, protection, andinclusion.

We must deepen our cultural awareness and strengthen our collective responsibility for one

Breaking the cycles of abuse against women, men, children, the elderly,

national unity, community

action, and individual courage.

The16DaysofActivism is more than a global campaign; it is a call to action for every Guyanese. Let us commit to building a societythatprotectsitsmost vulnerable, supports survivors, and fosters respect, dignity, and justice forall.

Sincerely: BlaneRBunbury Public Communications Analyst & community advocate

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 01,2025

WorldAIDSDay:Acallto protectouryouth

OnthisWorldAIDSDay, we are reminded that HIV remainsaquietbutpersistent threatinGuyana.

The Ministry of Health's reportof449newinfections in 2024, primarily among young adults aged 20 to 29,

isastarkwake-upcall.

Behindeverystatisticisa life altered, a family affected, and a future interrupted.

While advancements in treatment have transformed HIVfromafataldiagnosisto a manageable condition, prevention remains our strongestshield.

Too many of our young people are unaware or

unconcerned about the precautions that can save them. Education, access to preventive measures like P r E P , a n d o p e n conversations about sexual healtharenotjuststrategies, theyarelifelines.

We must act with urgency, compassion, and determination Families, schools, communities, and thegovernmentmustuniteto

protect our youth, reduce transmissions, and ensure thatnomotherpassesHIVto her child. Let this World AIDS Day be a pledge: to fight stigma, strengthen awareness, and safeguard the promise of life for every Guyanese.

TUESDAY–DECEMBER02,2025

Accesstopublic information

The PPPC Government has to make up its mind relative to providing Guyanese petitioners with access to vital information, in keeping with the provisions of the Access to Information Act now existingforover14years.

There is the law and its provisions, which clearly stateswhatcanberequested, whatshouldbereleased,and what could be denied. Yet, there is a line of Guyanese whohaverepeatedlywritten to the Office of the C o m m i s s i o n e r o f Information,someaslongas several years ago, and gettingnowhere.

When they have been favoured with a reply, it has been often condescending, and even derogatory, at times. It seems that there is no concern about meeting the requests of citizens, but rather a resort to mocking and disdaining what the access to information law affordsthem.

WEDNESDAY–DECEMBER03,2025

Whenslynessbecomesa strategy

ExxonMobil's slyness did not begin yesterday; it tookrootthemomentoilwas discoveredinGuyana.

The 2016 Production

Sharing Agreement remains theearliest,clearestproofof a company intent on exploiting every gap and weakness.

Fromwithholdingclarity on total reserves, to manoeuvring around taxes andissuingdubiousreceipts, ExxonMobil perfected the art of appearing cooperative while practising quiet

Many G u y a n e s e r e m a i n unconvinced that the full extent of early discoveries wasdisclosedwhenthe2016 PSA was pushed onto the APNU+AFCCoalition.

Emboldened by a weak political environment, ExxonMobil miscalculated onlyonething,theresilience oftheindependentpress.As discoveries multiplied, the once-forthcoming operator retreated into silence, spinning narratives that masked more than they revealed. The newest trend, failing to announce three 2025 discoveries, shows slyness now running unchecked.

From PSA negotiations totaxpractices,thepatternis unmistakable.Whenslyness becomes a strategy, people eventually catch on. ExxonMobil may call it sophistication; Guyanese knowbetter

FRIDAY–DECEMBER 05,2025

Thetintpolicy

The Government of Guyana's recently announced vehicle-window tint policy setting a 35 percent light-penetration limit and scrapping the old waiver system is a welcome step toward fairness, transparency, and road safety

Under the new rules, all

vehicles may legally carry basic tint without needing bureaucratic approval Police will soon wield tintmeters to crack down on heavy, non-compliant tints, and fines will climb to $75,000 for violators after the December 31, 2025 compliancedeadline.

This overhaul removes the old waiver-system loophole that bred inconsistency and favoured only a handful. It puts every motorist on equal footing clear laws, measurable enforcement, and no special exemptions for the well connected. But the policy's success depends on consistent enforcement and publicawareness.Itmustnot be reduced to a source of heavy-handed fines or selective policing If implemented fairly, the new tintrulescanhelpstrengthen road safety, restore public confidence, and build a fair regulatoryframeworkforall vehicleowners.

SATURDAY–DECEMBER06,2025

A$50,000grantisnot enough

The government's announcement of a one-off $50,000 cash grant for persons with disabilities is a welcomegesture,butitfalls farshortofwhatisneeded.

A society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable, and on that measure, Guyana still has a long road ahead. Persons withdisabilitiesfacebarriers thatmostcitizensneverhave to consider: inaccessible transportation, higher medical costs, limited employment options, and chronic underrepresentation in policy decisions that affect their lives. A single payout,roughlythecostofa week'sgroceriesforafamily cannot meaningfully ease the long-term financial pressurestheycarrydaily

Real support requires structuralchange:disabilityfriendlyinfrastructure,yearround financial assistance, workplace inclusion, and genuine consultation with advocacy groups. A caring statemustdelivermorethan seasonal relief; it must guarantee dignity and opportunity $50,000 may brighten a moment, but it cannot transform a life.And tr

, not tokenism,shouldbethegoal.

Shadows of a broken fellowship

There are certain deaths that arrive not simply as the extinguishingofalifebutas thereopeningofoldwounds. Theannouncement—almost furtive, tucked away in the letter pages of another newspaper—that one of the oldbutnotwell-knownantidictatorship warriors had passed on, alone and apparently after difficult years,carriedwithitthesoft rustlingofunease.

It triggered, as these things do, a private sorrow and a quiet interrogation of history Not the history writteninbooksorlaidoutin speeches, but the more delicate one, the one that livesinthememoryofthose who survived the long night and long knives of the Burnhamdictatorship.

T h a t dictatorship people are now inclined to speak of it with the politeness that nostalgia allows was brutal. Extremely brutal.The kind of brutality that deforms the inner life long after the outward violence has ended Those who resisteditdidsonotbecause they imagined a reward but because something in them refusedtobow

Manycamefrommodest circumstances, from lives without great promise. Yet they risked everything. To see one of them die in obscurity, after the great wheel of politics had turned and turned again, is to be reminded of the fragility of gratitudeinpubliclife.

There is a narrative,

polished by repetition, that the PPPC became the ungrateful heir of the democratic struggle after 1992. In this telling, the party turned its back on its comrades in the WPA, men and women whose courage helped loosen the dictatorship'sgrip.

Someofthesefighters,it is said, slipped into lean times—into the crevices of society where memory is short and assistance shorter Fromthisemergestheclaim that the PPPC somehow mutated into a dictatorship of its own, or at least into something cold, dismissive ofitsownpast.

It is a seductive narrative All stories of betrayal are They give shape to hurt; they give the comfort of clarity, even whenclarityisnotdeserved. Yet, when one strips the emotion from the story, s o m e t h i n g m o r e complicatedappears.People usually part ways not throughasinglebetrayalbut through accumulation: misunderstandings, egos, unmet expectations, the intoxication of power, the quietbitternessofunrealized dreams. It is tidier to lay responsibility at the feet of one party. It absolves the other.Itallowsonetomourn without the burden of introspection.

Buthistory,thatimpolite companion, insists on reminding us that mistakes were made on both sides. The PPPC, victorious and triumphalist in 1992 after a

prolonged and righteous struggle, bore the greater responsibility to be magnanimous Victors always do; it is the tax successimposes.Andyetthe party,findingitselfsuddenly in the seat of power after decades of exclusion, began t o s p e a k a n e w language—the language of thestate.Itisalanguagethat can estrange even old friends.

The WPA, for its part, confronted the difficult t r a n s i t i o n f r o m revolutionary opposition to an obscure party Some saw compromise as betrayal; others saw it as necessity Principles, once clear in the harsh light of dictatorship, became murkier in the softer, deceptive glow of democracy

What was once a fellowship forged in danger slowly dissolved into suspicion.Oldjokesbecame sources of irritation; small slights became symbols of disrespect; ideological differencesthatonceseemed manageable became insurmountable It is astonishing how quickly affection can turn to estrangement when history movesonandrefusestowait fortheunprepared.

M e a n w h i l e , opportunists those agile figures who always survive regime changes found easy purchase in the new order Some who had cheered the dictatorship walked untroubled into the warm embrace of the new

DEM BOYS SEH

When de weather get more sense than we

Sometimes,believeitornot,deweather does behave itself. Yesterday was one ah dem days. After de sky buss open de day beforelikeithadapersonalvendettaagainst Guyana, yesterday morning de clouds did comeout,lookdownponwecanals,seede water mark nearly kissing de top, and seh, “Nahman,lehwegivedemalilchance.” Is like de weather does watch de incompetence ah de drainage system and feel sorry fuh we Even nature got compassionmorethansomeahweleaders. If yesterday did try any funny business, halfahweGDPwouldabeunderwater And youknowwhathatmean?Perfectexcuseto stop any future cash grant “National disaster,” dem woulda announce “Unprecedented flooding,” dem woulda declare. “Cash grant suspend until de next century,” dem woulda whisper behind de curtains.Yes,deweatherconsiderate.

But leh we be honest: we living on a coastline that sit down lower than some people m

s

government. They were not weigheddownbymemories oroldloyalties.Theyhadno scars. They came bearing usefulness, and usefulness became the currency of the new PPPC politics. These opportunists prospered where genuine fighters faltered. It added to the bitterness; it deepened the wound.

But it is too simple to speakofingratitudealone.It is too easy to romanticize unity that was always fragile, always contingent oncircumstance.Intheend, what lingers most painfully is not the fact of the parting buttherefusal,bybothsides,

responsibility Selective amnesia has become the quiet author of the modern n

mits nostalgia but not truth. It allows mourning but not reconciliation.

The death of the old warrior, then, is not merely thepassingofaman.Itisthe resurfacingofanunresolved past. It forces us to inhabit againthatbriefmomentafter 1992whenthedarknesshad lifted and the country imagined itself capable of generosity, gratitude, and healing. That promise was lost, squandered perhaps by both friend and friend-

turned-stranger And so, the memory of that untidy ending continues to poison ourreflections,remindingus that the wounds of victory cansometimesbeasdeepas thewoundsofdefeat.

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

understatement. De place flood if a man sneezetoohard.Andyet,everyrainyseason, wedoesactshock,shock,shocklikeweain't know dem canals got de same maintenance scheduleasHalley'sComet.

But yesterday de weather behave. It tek onelookatwefragiledrains,shakeithead, andseh,“Ifahdropraintoday,thesepeople gon need ark, not pump.” So it hold back. Maybe it was mercy Maybe it was pity Or maybe it just want to see if we gon do anythingsensiblebeforedenextdownpour

Solehwekeepwefingerscrossedtighttightthatdewaterdrainoffbeforedeclouds changedemmind.Becauseifdeskiesopen again before de kokers finish catching themselves, we gon all be swimming to work while leaders blame climate change likeissomecousinwhoforgettopickupde childrenfromschool.

Yes,sometimesdeweatherdoesbehave. But de real question is: when last we behave? Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

What's new in Guyana, troubles Guyanese

Iambeginningtofeellike Julius Caesar Watching, listening, overcoming What's going on in Guyana Then I thought better of it; I recalledhowthepowers,the hatchers of plots, got rid of him. No more Caesar for me, prefer being Mohamed Ali Respectfully, not Mohamed Irfaan Ali. But humbly, Mohamed Ali, the greatest. In looking on in Guyana,andkeepingmyear

close to the ground, revelations come: this is a haunted place, one troubled byrestlessspirits. Firstup,I trywithtint.

A hundred years after motor vehicles took the road bystorm(pluslotsofexhaust aromas), there are these pros and cons about tint on vehicles. I notice that even some bicycles and horse carts are favoring a darker outlook on life. Traffic is a

part of the problem. I hear well-spiced, well-kneaded, arguments of those in love withtint,andIsaythat'sfine during the holiday season. Afterall,drunkdrivershave a right to fight to maintain obscurity behind dark shades, the darkness of night, and dark tint. Who was drivingthathigh-priced luxury vehicle? Somehow, italwaysseemstobeasfresh and sober as a macaw

volunteer Justiceinaction; debt to society and the injured(ordead)paidinfull. Guyana's dollars accepted gratefully,withthearrangers gettingtheircut. All's well that ends well, but who wants to live in a gated community to which the world beats a hasty path, only to discover that all the houses and fences are painted black? Oil is black. Nomatterhowsweetitis,it is still crude and viscous. But do the vehicles of the princesandprincessesofthis local Roman amphitheater allhavetobeshroudedinthe blackest, most ominous appearing tint? Funny how when the rich and powerful startafashion,howeventhe not as rich, nor anywhere near power, (the poor) in Guyana decide that they havetoimitatethoseclowns. Sorry for any hurt feelings, so that's recalled No clowns, just comrades and fellow citizens. Here is my bottom line on tinted vehicles: each time that I encounter a wall of menacinglytintedGuyanese chariots-Germans, Italians, or cheaper Japanese and Koreans-the thought that springs is that Guyanese have made mourning a national industry, a thriving offshoot of the diversified economy of which I hear so much. Goodgoingladsand lasses. But know that I am againsttint,especiallywhen

it is flaunted as a badge of arrival at 135 percent Bharrat Jagdeo helped unwittingly Thereisaman with a known fear of the light, and he is against tint beyond 35 percent. He and meeiswaanpundisone.

Now savor this beauty Parkingisachronicproblem in the big city, but Guyanese haveaproblemwithconcrete drains erected, fenced over, and being charged for the space. Guyanese are so lawless that a little discipline, toeing the line, is acute appendicitis for them. I ally with cash grant magician, Dr Ali on drainage and parking. Now for something better A driver passed a home, saw something on the people's bridge and objected Against the law, City Hall said so When will Guyanese return to the joys of reading, hopefully gain some wisdom? City Hall cautioned against impediments on public spaces,suchasparapets. So, how do citizens boasting of education mistake a private bridge for public convenience? Happened to some people I know, where the driver parked on their bridge, and insisted that it's government property On occasion, I think that flying outanddealingwithDonald John might be more wholesome,invigoratingfor the brain cells. I knew that

Guyana had them, but so many problem children everywhere are just too muchtomanage.

Indeed,Ihearthescreams from Freedom House and Office of the President: go back whence thy came The trouble begins when the people up north insist that the boat came on should be rejoined, taken the other way It's a tuff world. I'll take my chances here, am nobody's fool America doesn't have cash grants. Nor the cast of characters andtheaterthatmakelifeso excitinghere. Onelastone, an appeal to Drs. Ali and Jagdeo There is no vehicular noise nuisance destroying the ambience around private hospitals Excellent! So, why not the same standard for poor patients at the Big Hospital (GPHC)? Poorshouldn'tbe punishment. Why are their eardrums ruptured, rest interrupted, and pain intensified? Roaring engines. Thunderingmusic. Please don hospital gowns, Drs. Ali and Jagdeo and deliver Notanewborn,but no horns, no breaking of the soundbarrier

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

Govt. engaging contractor on revised timeframe for completion of GTE in 2026

The Government of Guyana is engaging the contractor for the Gas-toEnergy (GTE) project on a revised timeline, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram BharratsaidonFriday

Speaking at an event in Georgetown, the minister stated, “We would have indicatedinthepastthatwe're very concerned about the delay It's not something that we would have planned for, orwewouldhavewishedfor Wewouldhavelovedtohave thatprojectcompletedbythe end of this year, at least However, we are working withthecompany.”

TheGTEproject,located atWalesontheWestBankof Demerara,includesaNatural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility and a 300-megawatt (MW) power plant and is expected to cut consumers electricity billby50percent

“Therewereafewissues wellventilatedinmediawith thatcompany Wewouldhave sort of that those issues, I'm happytosaythatalltheissues have been sorted, and the company is working, and they've made a commitment that they're going to actually

add more hours to the work dayssothattheprojectcanbe 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 Governmentofficialshad previously noted that the 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 millioncubicfeet(MMCFD) of gas will be converted to electricitydaily

The GTE project has faced significant delays due to ground instability Chairman of Lindsayca, Nelson Drake, had revealed that a staggering US$100 millionwasspenttostabilise theunstablesoilattheproject site, a challenge that set the massiveundertakingbackby 14months

He had outlined that the project's timeline was severely impacted by unexpected ground liquefaction at the West Bank Demerara site In October,itwasrevealedthat the project is at 68.03% completion,with89%ofthe engineeringdone,90.46%of the procurement done, but the construction completion isonlyat23%.

Ahead of the completion oftheWalesGTEproject,the government awarded a US$422 million contract for theextensionoftransmission lines for the Guyana Power andLight(GPL)

Thetransmissionlinesare being constructed along the eastern corridor of the D e m e r a r a - B e r b i c e Interconnected System (DBIS)

Ramp up declarations to meet 2025 national targets – GGDMA tells miners

The Guyana Gold and D i a m o n d M i n e r s Association (GGDMA) on Saturday called on “all miners to intensify their efforts to meet the 2025 national gold declaration targets.”

In a statement, the GGDMA reminded miners that the sustainability of the sectorrelieson“compliance, transparency, and the rejection of illicit trading channels.”

“The GGDMA reminds all miners that gold MUST only be sold to the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) or to authorized buyers

Authorized buyers are strictly defined as Dealers licensed by the GGB and Licensed Traders in gold as approved by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission(GGMC).”

Further,theminingbody advised miners to avoid "roving traders " or illegal

landings, where illegal gold buyers set up shop to buy directly from unethical miners without any paper trail.

“These unregulated channels are often linked to gold smuggling operations, which result in massive losses of taxes and royalties to the state and have been linked to other nefarious activities,”thebodysaid.

Miners were also reminded to keep copies of

their transactions, including all receipts. “This will serve to protect their interests and ensure their contributions to the national economy are recorded.”

The GGDMA advised miners of the following protocols when transacting business:

D e m a n d

Documentation: Whenever selling gold to licensed buyers, miners must ensure that proper documentation for the transaction is received.

Verify Records: It is in the miners' interest to request a periodic statement oftheirtransactionsfromthe LicensedGoldDealer Cross-Check with GGB:Thisstatementshould be taken to the GGB to ensure it concurs with the gold dealer's records presentedtotheGGB.

S e c u r e T a x

Payments: This verification is vital as it ensures that the gold is properly accounted for and that taxes are being correctly paid to the Government.

Theassociationurgedall miners to check the validity of buyers before selling. A list of approved dealers can be found on the Guyana GoldBoardwebsite https://ggb govgy/docu mentations/dealersdeclarations-2020/ and approved traders on theGGMCwebsite https://www.ggmc.gov.g y / g g m c w e b / w pcontent/uploads/2025/05/A ctive-Trading-Licences-asat-May-7-2025.pdf

“The Association also reminds miners that it is illegal to pay workers with gold and miners must not allow,forwhatiscommonly referredtoas,the“Blaibox”. Gold can only be used as transactions with approved buyersandtheGuyanaGold board.TheGGDMAcallson all legitimate small and medium-scale miners to separate themselves from "rogue elements" and criminals who falsely identifythemselvesassmall miners. Illegal mining and smuggling has no place in Guyana.”

The GGDMA also reminded miners that it is partoftheirresponsibilityto ensure fair and true declarations, increase production, and work with the government to reduce illegal operations in the sector

“Since the current administrationhasreinstated incentives beneficial to the industry,itisimperativethat miners reciprocate by ensuring full declarations. The Association remains committedtosupportingthe Government in taking necessaryactionstoincrease production and declarations while curbing smuggling,” thestatementsaid.

The GGDMA said it firmlybelievesthatdecisive action is required to stamp out illegal activities that precedesmuggling.

“Illegal mining and the operation of illegal shops fuel other associated illegal activities, and the Association supports the Government's continued crackdown on these elements.”

‘ExxonMobilisheretostay’–Routledgedeclares

Pr e s i d e n t o f

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited ( E M G L ) , A l i s t a i r

Routledge,onFridaymade it clear that “Exxon is not

g o i n g a n y w h e r e , ” dispelling concerns about any potential pullback from the oil giant in face of the tensionbetweenGuyanaand Venezuela.

At the launch of the

fifth annual Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, Routledge was asked if at the conference, scheduled for February, Exxon would address topics such as contingency plans in the event of any spillover from conflictwithVenezuela.

Henotedthatmattersof internationalaffairsarethe responsibility of the Government of Guyana to manageand“takecareof ” Routledge added, “We are not going anywhere, ExxonMobil is not going anywhere, we have a contract here, we are executing our commitment underthecontractandthat's whatwearefocusedon.”

EMGL is the operator of the Stabroek Block

President of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL),Alistair Routledge

alongside partners Hess Corporation and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited The 6 6-millionacre block is estimated to hold 11.6 billion barrels of oil equivalent resources, with daily production reaching 900,000 barrels from four projects, and four more scheduled to come onstream before the end of thedecade.

T h e P r o d u c t i o n 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 splitevenlybetweenGuyana

and the consortium, each receiving 12.5 per cent.The consortiumalsopaysa2per cent royalty to Guyana However, the PSA also stipu

at the Government of Guyana must pay the oil companies taxes from its share of oil revenues.

Notably, ExxonMobil Corpo

C

f Executive Officer (CEO), D

d previously stated that he is unfazed by the territorial c

w

en Guyana and Venezuela, assertingthatitwon'thinder theoilgiant'sactivitiesinthe region.

He underlined Exxon's commitment to continue its

development of massive offshoreoilfieldsinGuyana, undeterred by external geopoliticalchallenges.

Routledge's remarks f

f United States military strikes in the Southern C

drug traffickers and putting

pressureonVenezuela.

Moreover, Guyana and Venezuela are also before the 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 Madurometandsignedthe Argyle 'Peace' Declaration onDecember14

‘Work hard, be dedicated and strive for excellence’ – Deputy Director of Prisons tells new recruits

Deputy Director

of Prisons Kevin Pilgrim on Saturday charged the graduands of the Basic Recruit Training Courses Two and Three of 2025 to never 'hang their hats where theirhandscannotreach'but insteadworkhardandstrive forexcellence.

Pilgrim reminded them that it was now their responsibility to contribute positively towards the accomplishment of the mission statement of the Guyana Prison Service (GPS). “ as you're officers, now you have to execute yourmission,”hesaid,while reminding the new officers to constantly recite the mission statement as a reminderoftheirpurpose.

moving into a new direction as is the organization, however Pilgrim noted that when he joined the GPS it was different from what current members are exposedto.

Thecountryasawholeis

“IhopethatI'mspeaking to a future director here, or some senior officer I am hopeful that as I'm speaking you could remember or you areinspiredtowanttomake this (your life long career Everything that I have is because of this service,” Pilgrimsaid.

The senior officer told the graduands that he was affordedmanyopportunities by way of his dedication to service.

H e s a i d t h o s e experienceshelpedtomould himintothemanheis.

“I know that given the circumstances then that we hadtoworkunderandgiven the salary that you have

Deputy Director of Prisons, Kevin Pilgrim

started with now, and the circumstancesthatyouhave to work under, I know that themoneyisenoughtogive you every single thing that youneed,”Pilgrimsaid.

He cautioned the new officers, “Don't run according to nobody else pace.Don'tmeasureyourself tonobodyelse.Takethetime and make good use of the money you have Don't forsake your family during this process because they

keep you grounded. Don't hang your hat where your hand can't reach because temptations in that yard is great.”

Pilgrim urged the graduandstotakenoteofthe Guyanese proverb, “one, one dutty does build ah dam”. He reminded them that through hard work and dedication, anything can be achieved.

The ceremony, held at theheadquartersatLusignan Prisons, saw the GPS strengthening its team with theadditionof25newprison officers, of which nine are females.

The new recruits were exposed to over 20 subjects for the duration of their programme.

They will now be assigned to different prisons across the country, with the majority remaining at the LusignanPrisons.

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister for ForeignAffairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin JassimAl Thani, attends a session on the opening day of the Doha Forum [Mahmud Hams/AFP]

Aljazeera – Qatar’s Prime Minister has warned thattheGazaceasefireisata “criticalmoment”andcould unravel without rapid movement towards a permanent peace deal, as Turkiye’s foreign minister also cautioned that the process could lose momentum.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani told the Doha Forum on Saturday that what exists on the ground amounts to merely a “pause” in hostilities rather than a genuineceasefire.

He said a true ceasefire “cannotbecompletedunless thereisafullwithdrawal”of Israeli forces, alongside restored stability and freedom of movement for Palestinians, none of which havematerialised.

Turkiye’s top diplomat Hakan Fidan echoed that messageattheforum,saying that without timely United States intervention, the peace process risks stalling entirely

FidansaidthatseniorUS officials “need to intervene inatimelymannersothatwe cangointothesecondphase, otherwise we can lose momentum”, adding that Hamas has largely fulfilled

Gaza ceasefire deal at a ‘critical moment’, mediator Qatar says

event referring to the Israeli prime minister, adding that he “openly doesn’t want to seeTurkishtroopsthere.”

Norway’s foreign minister went further, insisting the force and an international peace council “must be formed this month”.

Espen Barth Eide said

ambiguitiesthatallow“each ofthesidestostallondoing theirrequiredparts”untilthe other fulfils its obligations first.

its obligations on returning captives.

Only one captive’s body is still in Gaza, as all living captives and the remains of alltheresthavebeenhanded toIsraeliauthorities.

Their warnings come as Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza continues unabated, with some 600 violations of theceasefireinthelastseven weeks, and with three Palestinians killed on Saturday in the latest Israeli attack in the northern town ofBeitLahiya.

Israel has killed at least 360 Palestinians since the October 10 ceasefire began, according to Gaza authorities.Among the dead are at least 70 children, UNICEF has reported, adding that the ceasefire “must translate into genuine safetyforchildren,notmore loss”.

Fidan said several Muslim-majority countries that could send troops to Gaza for a proposed international stabilisation force, now endorsed by the United Nations Security Council, want Turkiye to contribute troops, but Israel’s government is opposed.

“Mr Netanyahu doesn’t hide it,” Fidan said at the

Egypt’sForeignMinister Badr Abdelatty proposed deploying the international forcealongGaza’sso-called yellow line immediately to verify ceasefire compliance, noting that “Israel is every day violating the ceasefire andclaimingtheothersideis theonewhoisviolatingit”.

He emphasised the

Palestinians lacking shelter following what he called

’s “

destruction”oftheterritory

Badr met with Qatar’s prime minister later on Saturday,duringwhichboth countries called for the expedited formation of the international peacekeeping forceforGaza.

The call came as eight Muslim-majority nations, includingEgyptandQatar–bothkeyceasefiremediators – issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s plan to open the Rafah border crossing exclusively for Palestiniandepartures.

The countries expressed alarm that the one-way arrangement breaches the US-brokeredpeaceplanand could facilitate the permanent displacement of Gaza’s population, only allowing Palestinians to leave their territory, but not

toreturn,andblocktheentry ofhumanitarianaid.

Saudi Arabia’s minister plenipotentiary Manal Radwan warned against treating Gaza as an isolated crisis, stressing it remains inseparablefromthebroader Palestinian struggle for selfdetermination.

Without addressing “the core of the conflict,” she said, the international community risks repeating familiar cycles of violence, followedbypoliticalfatigue.

The ceasefire’s second phase – calling for an

international stabilisation force (ISF), a technocratic Palestinian government, Hamasdisarmamentandfull Israeli withdrawal – has yet to begin. Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza has killed at least 70,125 Palestinians sinceOctober2023.

The Waterfalls Waterfalls Waterfall Wate s

Showcasing Guyana’sAfro Heritage at the World Expo in Japan

Xabisa receives her first-place prize at the IAD bible connection 2025

Natalya

TheUNIsFading-WeShouldWorry

The United Nations is being starved quietly This month in New York, the Secretary-General, António Guterres, warned the General Assembly’s budget committee that the UN is entering a “race to bankruptcy.”

The organisation ended 2024 with about US$760 million in unpaid contributions from Member States most of it still outstanding.

A further US$877 millionduefor2025hadnot yet been received. In all, MemberStatesnowowethe UN regular budget roughly US$1.6 billion in arrears. Any institution asked to safeguard global peace, development, human rights, public health, and humanitarian relief would buckleunderfarless.

Facedwiththisshortfall, the Secretary-General had no choice but to propose painful cuts for 2026: a 15 per cent reduction more than US$577 million—and the elimination of 2,681 posts, almost one in five. Some of the steepest reductions fall on Special Political Missions, the very operations that help hold fragile peace processes together.

Yet even these cuts will not repair the cash crisis, because while inefficiencies existineveryinstitution,the centralcauseisneitherwaste nor mismanagement. It is i n s u f f i c i e n t a n d unpredictable financing—a condition that the Organization of American States (OAS) knows all too well. For more than fifteen years, the OAS has also struggled with inadequate funding Next year, its regular budget will be significantly lower in real terms than in 2010, even though mandates have m u l t i p l i e d B o t h organisations global and hemispheric—are caught in the same bind: overreliance on a handful of countries to pay the lion’s share and delayed or withheld payments from key contributors. Whoisnotpaying—and whyitmatters

TheUN’sregularbudget is apportioned according to nationalincome.TheUnited States is assessed at 22 per cent,thelargestshare.China is second at close to 20 per cent. When either of them payslate,theUN’sfinancial circumstances immediately deteriorates.

In the United States,

debates over federal

spending especially foreign expenditures—have led to repeated delays. The current administration has added another dimension: postponing payments while it reviews certain aspects of UN operations China continues to meet its obligations but has in recent years tended to pay much later in the year, leaving the UN short of cash. Other Member States, including several middle-income countries, are also paying behindschedule.

Buttheimpactisgreatest whenthelargestcontributors arelate.Apredictablebudget cannotsurviveunpredictable cashflow

Smallstates:exposedand atrisk

For the Caribbean and Latin America—regions of small, open economies and c l i m a t e - e x p o s e d societies—theconsequences areimmediateandsevere.

UN development and humanitarian programmes are already shrinking

D e v e l o p m e n t financing long the backboneofsupportforleast developed and small island states—iserodingatthevery moment climate impacts are accelerating.

For Small Island

Developing States (SIDS), thisisasurvivalissue.Every dollar removed from UN development and climateadaptation programmes widens the gap between the threats faced and the ability torespond.Astheimpactsof climate change worsen, the lossofUNsupportwillcarry realhumancosts.

Peacekeepingata crossroads

The picture in peace and securityisequallytroubling. Peacekeeping is often the last buffer before catastrophe. When budgets shrink and reimbursements slow, missions are forced to operate with fewer resources,weakermandates, and diminished capacity to protectcivilians.

Some major capitals are nowconsideringreducingor restructuring their c o n t r i b u t i o n s t o peacekeeping. Such debates are understandable; taxpayers everywhere want accountability for money spent abroad. But if the UN retreats, the world will rely more heavily on ad hoc

coalitions or regional deployments, often with fewer safeguards, less transparency, and less legitimacy

As with the OAS, when resources dwindle, only the activities preferred by the richest countries survive That is not a recipe for balancedmultilateralism.

AnarrowingUnited Nations

As budgets tighten, the U N i s b e i n g r e s h a p e d o f t e n unintentionally into a narrower institution. It will still debate, negotiate, and set norms, but without adequate financing, its capacityforfieldoperations, development support, and humanitarian action will decline.

That is not the UN that the world needs. In disaster recovery, health crises, climate resilience, arms control, and the defence of small-state sovereignty, we rely on the UN to deliver support.

If insolvency forces the UN into retreat, the weakest and smallest states will be the first to feel the vacuum. And vacuums rarely remain empty; they are filled by the interestsofthepowerful.

WhatMustChange

The way forward requires only practical steps that Member States have alreadycontemplated.

The UN’s financial instabilityisfundamentallya problem of timing Contributions that arrive late, especially from the largest economies, create liquidity shocks that no amount of internal belttightening can absorb. The organisation would be strengthened considerably if allMemberStates,largeand small, regarded timely payment of assessed contributions as integral to the mandates they approve. Such predictability is essential not only at the UN butalsowithintheOAS.

There is also an outstanding proposal before the General Assembly to suspendtheautomaticreturn of unspent budget credits when liquidity falls below a safe threshold This is financiallyprudent.Itmakes little sense for the UN to refund credits while simultaneously cutting staff a n d s c a l i n g b a c k

programmes due to lack of cash.Amodest buffer could prevent unnecessary disruption.TheOASfacesa similar anomaly: states receive a bonus for paying dues on time, while others incur no penalty for paying lateornotatall.

TheUNisnowneeded morethanever Small countries need the UNmost.Itisintheirinterest to lead by example—paying contributions on time, honouring obligations, and encouraging the richest

nations to do the same. The alternative is a weakened, less effective international system and a drift toward a world governed less by law and morebypower

The UN is already in a racetobankruptcy Shouldit stumble,theworldwilllearn quickly that when multilateralismweakens,the strong grow stronger—and thesmallstandalone.

(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

Guyanatotakeownershipof assetsaftercostsrecoveredby TotalEnergies–NewPSA -asExxonmaintains griponoverUS$40B inassetsalready paidforbyGuyana

Guyana’s oil has been used to repay ExxonMobil more than US$40Bthecontractorhasspentso far to develop the resources in the StabroekBlock,buttheseassetsare stillownedbytheoilcompany

This has been a major controversy for some time, as stakeholders argue Guyana has paidfortheassetsandaretherefore the rightful owners While government previously defended thearrangementwithExxon,ithas moved to correct this provision in the new oil contract it has signed with Total Energies for a shallow wateroilblock,morethantentimes smaller than the massive Stabroek Blockconcession.

The Stabroek Block now measures about 24,000 square kilometers, following the completion of 20% relinquishment this year In the meantime, Block S4, which was awarded to a consortium led by Total Energies barely measures 1,788 square kilometers.

According to the oil deal with Total, “All assets purchased by the Contractor for use in Petroleum Operationshereundershallbecome the property of the Minister upon recovery of costs under Article 35 notwithstandinganycoststhatmay be under dispute. The Contractor shall be liable to keep the assets in good repair and working order in accordance with the Act and Best International Industry Standards andPractices.”

Notably, Section 24 of the Petroleum Agreement goes on to highlight that upon expiry or termination of the contract, the contractor shall upon notification by the Minister deliver all machineryorassetstotheminister freeofcharge.

While the new contract is clear regarding the ownership of assets paid for with the country’s oil, ExxonMobil has been extended what some refer to as questionable contract terms which politicians say allow the company to remain owners of property that was financedthroughcostrecovery

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo previously told reporters that although Guyana was repaying ExxonMobil for the assets in the Stabroek Block, they belong to the operator

He said, “So first of all, the assets still belong to the company Theydon’tchangeownershipfrom the company But, so these assets are still working, so what happens

isthatifyoupayoffwiththeassets, thenyouhavemoremoneyleftnow todistributeasprofits.”

Jagdeo said that the country does not become the owner of the assets after the costs have been recovered,butstillstandstobenefit fromanincreasedshareofprofitsas aresult.

“So now we will have more money to distribute as profit, because we paid off for the assets. They are off our books. So, what happens is the government’s share of revenue skyrockets, which will happen in future years So, the assets ownership don’t change, it’s just the composition of the distribution, or the share, the proportion of the revenue set aside fordistribution,togovernmentand the investor, as profit, their share goesup,”thechiefpolicymakerfor thesectorinformed.

He pointed out that Guyana currently pays 75% towards cost recovery while the remaining 25% is shared with the operator as profits,withthecountrygainingan additional2%inroyalty

As the value of the cost bank declines, he reasoned that the country will experience a higher flow of revenue, although the ratio willremainthesameforcalculating profits.

“So,we’llget50%oftheprofit, nowinthefutureour50%wouldbe ofabiggerpool.Thesameratiowill maintain,50%,butofabiggerpool ofresources,andthenplus2%,”the VPnoted.

Jagdeo previously told reporters that Exxon is free to sell the assets paid for by Guyana to handle costs related to an oil spill, as the country is not a co-owner of theinfrastructure.

Subsequently, former head of the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA),Dr VincentAdams, in a scathing response, argued that theVP’sexplanationwasillogical.

Dr Adamssaid,“Heneedtogo read the (oil) contract. They have gottoturnoverallofthoseassetsto us, free of charge, and now he talking ‘well, we would freeze the assets and sell it.’It’s the stupidest

thingIhaveeverheard.”

Furthermore, he believes, “Exxonseesthatthisgovernmentis reckless and spineless and weak and they are taking advantage of them”.

Guyanaexported195,486of 208,756ouncesofgolddeclared infirsthalfof2025–BOG ...exportpricepegged atUS$2800peroz.

Ofthe208,756.8troyouncesof golddeclaredinGuyanaforthefirst six months of 2025, the total volume of gold exported was 195,486 ounces. This is according totheBankofGuyana’s2025HalfYearReport.

Centralbankreportedthatgold export receipts amounted to US$556.3million,a36.1percentor US$147 5 million increase compared to the end-June 2024 level of US$408 9 million This performance was attributed to higher export volumes as well as a significant rise in global prices, with the average export price per ounce climbing by 35.6 percent or US$746 91 to US$2,845 95, up fromUS$2,099.04oneyearearlier

This revelation comes on the heels of comments made by President Irfaan Ali, in relation to goldbeingrefinedhere.

With five Canadian mining companies collectively controlling anestimated15.5millionouncesof gold across various stages of development in Guyana and these projectsexpectedtocomeonstream before the end of the decade, President Irfaan Ali is hoping that the future entails less gold leaving Guyana’sshoreunrefined.

During an event held back in October, President Ali urged Canadian investors to partner with Guyana in advancing value-added production in the gold industry, notinghisvisionforafuturewhere the country exports less unrefined gold and more refined, branded luxuryproducts.

“You must look towards a futureinwherelessgoldleavesour shores unrefined, and more leaves

asrefinedgoldcraftedjewelryand brandedluxurygoods.Andwecan do this together, especially given

investment,”PresidentAlistated.

Moreover, Guyana recorded a 14.9%increaseingolddeclarations withinthefirsthalfof2025,driven bysmallandmedium-scaleminers, whodeclared137,440.6ounces.

Central Bank attributed this performance to recent government relief measures, including a 10% reduction in tributors’ tax and the removalofthe14%VATonmining equipment and lubricating oil.The bankalsocreditedanincreaseinthe distributionofconcessionstosmall and medium scale miners, leading to a reduction in illegal mining practices, thus positively affecting thesector

Further, it stated that the sole foreign company, Aurora Gold Mines(AGM)declarationgrewby 4 percent to 71,316.2 troy ounces, as the company’s underground mining operations remain favourable.

AGM is owned by Chinese state-runZijinMiningGroupandis theonlyforeigncompanyoperating alarge-scalegoldmineinGuyana. TheAuroraGoldProject,locatedin Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), iswhollyownedbyAGM.Itholds estimated reserves of 184 tonnes (approximatelysixmillionounces) ofgold.

In August, this publication

reported that AGM earned

RMB1.4789 billion (over US$200 million) from the Aurora Gold Mine during the first half of 2025. The company’s interim report valued the mine’s total assets at RMB4.5287 billion and disclosed that it produced 2,039 kilograms (over 71,000 ounces) of gold betweenJanuaryandJune.

MONDAY

‘Endthepettypolitics’–Walton-Desircallsforswift electionofOpposition Leader,activationof parliamentarycommittees -sayspoliticalstandoff puttingcitizensatrisk

Opposition MP and leader of Forward Movement Guyana (FMG), Amanza Walton-Desir, is demanding the immediate reconvening of Parliament and the activation of key oversight committees, as the political deadlock over the swearing-in of new Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohameddragson.

In a forceful social media statementonSunday,Walton-Desir warned that the paralysis in the National Assembly is eroding the country’s credibility and putting citizensatrisk. Shealsocalledfor the Speaker Manzoor Nadir to call the meeting for the election of

Mohamed, leader of We Invest in Nationhood (WIN). “I’m asking a serious question, how are we to be taken seriously when we have a parliamentthatwilldeliberatelynot meet to appoint a leader of the opposition?Howarewetobetaken seriouslywhenweareontheverge of such a shift geopolitically, and we do not have a foreign relations sectoralcommitteemeetingsothat we can go and in a bipartisan manner,continuetohelpthepeople ofGuyanatoremaincalm,because panic is not going to serve anybody,”shestated.

T h e O p p o s i t i o n parliamentarian stressed that the refusal to convene committees jeopardises public safety WaltonDesirsaid,“Doweunderstandwhy peopletakeusforgranted?Because we take ourselves for granted, and wetakeoursafetyforgranted,and wetaketheaffairsofthisnationfor granted.Whatismoresadformeis that there are Guyanese who chair that posture on, ‘oh yes, don’t convene no committee for them’ not understanding that they’re endangering and jeopardising themselves.”

Further, she called for unity acrosspoliticallines.Shenotedthat leaders and citizens alike must demand that Parliament resume its work, including the swearing-in of thenewOppositionLeader

“Even if you don’t like Azruddin Mohamed, he is to be sworn in as the leader of the opposition simply because our Constitution demands it…and so when we begin to embrace that mindset as the people of Guyana, we are going to see our lives radically shift.We are going to see this government understanding a bunch of people who understand thattheyhavethepower,”shesaid.

The13thParliamentofGuyana was convened early November, with the government and opposition MPs taking their oaths. However,sincethentherehasbeen nowordonwhentheSpeakerwill Continued on page 21

Daniel Larranaga, Vice President of Total Energies

ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge

From page 20 chair the meeting for the s w e a r i n g - i n o f t h e

OppositionLeader

In relation to the s w e a r i n g - i n o f t h e

O p p o s i t i o n L e a d e r, President Irfaan Ali last Thursday said that Speaker, is currently out of the country, and as a result, the meeting to elect a Leader of the Opposition cannot be held until he returns His commentcomesamidthreats oflegalactionfromtheWIN, over the Speaker’s failure to convene the meeting with opposition MPs to elect the leaderoftheopposition.

Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs explained that while the constitution outlines the process for electing the opposition leader, it does not specify when the meeting m u s t b e h e l d “ T h e constitution doesn’t say when the meeting is to be held, if it’s at the first sitting or the second sitting or third sitting; it’s at the discretion of the speaker,” Isaacs had explained.

‘Toxic campaign trail’–ERC flagged over 100 racist online breach during elections

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has reported 111 social media infractions involving racially discriminatory content during the 2025 elections period. In a report released on Sunday, the commissionstatedthatracial slurs and prejudicial or intolerant statements accounted for the highest number of violations, with 35 and 32 cases respectively, followed by 15 instances of racially charged comments. According to the ERC, “racially divisive remarks which would primarily feature negative sentiments expressed toward the two dominant groups (Afro and Indo-Guyanese) accounted for eleven (11) infractions during the three-month period.”

T h e c o m m i s s i o n explained that infractions were manually tracked from public pages of media

houses, social media programmes, and political party platforms. To manage the high volume of content reviewed, the ERC noted

that “three in-house temporary monitors were hired to offset the volume of content that was assessed.” Comparingitsfindingstothe

previous election cycle, the ERC stated that “when compared with 2020, it was observed that thirteen (13) times, the unit observed social media infractions: one was elevated to the level of t h e s w i f t R e s p o n s e Committee involving a post by political party ANUG (A New and United Guyana), while twelve (12) resulted in the Unit issuing cautionary warnings.”

For the 2025 elections, the ERC reported that 37 cautionary warnings were issued in July and 27 in August, while 47 warnings were issued in September, marking the highest singlemonthtotalfortheyear “The total figure for the pre and post-election periods was one hundred and eleven (111),” the commission confirmed.

T h e E R C f u r t h e r revealed that “the highest number of infractions was found on the News Source page with 16 infractions,” while KAMS TV recorded eight and Credible Sources seven Among political parties,APNUaccountedfor four infractions, while the PPP/C recorded 11. Despite these online violations, the commission said there were “no reports of racial discrimination in political participation.” According to the ERC, “voters were treated with respect and professionalism by GECOM personnel, and ERC o b s e r v e r s n o t e d n o disenfranchisementonracial or ethnic grounds, nor otherwise.”

Reviewing issues observedduringtheelectoral process, the ERC stressed theneedforimprovementsin s e v e r a l a r e a s T h e commission stated that

Thecommissionemphasised that addressing these issues is essential to strengthening i n c l u s i v e n e s s a n d safeguarding the integrity of futureelections.

TUESDAY

$75,000 fine for illegal vehicle tint after Dec. 31

After December 31, Guyanesemotoristswillface strict penalties including a $75,000 fine, if they are found in violation of the c o u n t r y ’s n e w t i n t regulations.

This was announced by Minister of Home Affairs

Oneidge Walrond during a p r o g r a m m e o n t h e

improvements must be made in accessibility for persons w i t h d i s a b i l i t i e s , standardised voter education and signage and stronger uniform procedures to ensure ballot secrecy in future elections. Although novoterwithadisabilitywas d i s e n f r a n c h i s e d , “accessibility challenges persisted,” the ERC noted, r e c o m m e n d i n g t h a t GECOM establish criteria forselectingpollingstations, conduct site visits, install ramps, remove obstructions, and provide suitable polling compartments It also advised implementing “standardised protocols for pollingstaff.”

The ERC reported that “votereducationandsignage were largely effective. Clear instructions were provided on voting procedures, locatingpollingstations,and p r o h i b i t e d d e v i c e s . Information clerks assisted voters effectively at most stations. Minor issues included improperly placed signage and inconsistent engagement by information clerks ” To address these issues, the commission recommended that GECOM “ensure all signage is consistently placed at eye level and clearly visible,” “maintain proactive engagement by information clerks,” and “standardise verbal instructions and public messaging to reinforce voting procedures andballotsecrecy.”

The ERC also called for enhanced public education efforts, stating that public awarenesscampaignsshould be expanded to educate voters with disabilities about their rights and available s u p p o r t , i n c l u d i n g guidelines for proxy voting.

whatGuyanesecanexpectas the country moves toward strict enforcement of its new tint policy She explained that police officers will soon be equipped with tint meters to conduct on-the-spot checks. “For one, there will be tint meters, every police officer will have specific meterstotestyourtintonthe spot and if you are found not be in compliance then they will be heavily fined, $75,000 being levelled for not having your tint in compliance,”Walrondsaid.

grace period ends, ensuring citizenshavetimetocomply “So, this is just one in a slew ofdifferentmeasuresthatwe are implementing to respond to public sentiment, to make our citizens’ lives less burdensome, and to make them less open to bad actors and people who would want t o b e h a v e unscrupulously to take advantage of the system,”

Walrondsaid

Department of Public Information (DPI) Facebook pageonSunday

The minister announced last week that drivers are now allowed to have up to a 35 per cent light penetration on their vehicles without a waiver issued by the MinistryofHomeAffairs.

This measure, the minister said, will apply across the board. However, restricted waivers for high security categories are to be introduced The first and second categories will be strictly applied to diplomats, government officials, high profile security related persons and other specific categories expressly approved by the Minister of HomeAffairs.

The minister stated that drivers will be given a grace period until December 31 to bring their vehicles into compliance.

D u r i n g S u n d a y ’s programme, Minister

Oneidge Walrond outlined

The minister added that therelevantamendmentsand enforcement penalties will b e b r o u g h t b e f o r e parliament. “We will outline the compliance, the categories of persons that will be exempt from the policy—such as diplomats, government officials, [and] security It outlines how enforcement will be rolled out,intermsofthetintmeter, how that is going to be executed, the fine, [and] the periodforthefine.Mostofit hasalreadybeendraftedwith a few adjustments,” she stated.

Walrond also clarified that all motor vehicles will be required to maintain 70 per cent light penetration on their front windshields. “It is lighter than the 35 per cent, but it certainly offers protection. It is not safe to have a heavily tinted front windshield, which we have seenaswell.Wearetryingto make the system fair across the board so that it applies to everyoneequallyandfairly,” sheexplained.

Shefurthernotedthatthe Guyana Police Force is e x p e c t e d t o d e l a y enforcement until after the

Last week, in a short Facebook live stream via her Facebook page, Minister Walrond said that it was observed that there was an exponential increase in requestsfortintwaiverswith simultaneous complaints in relation to “unscrupulous practices and individuals” who are abusing the current systeminplace.

She said it had become clear that the system is burdensome, inconsistent a n d v u l n e r a b l e t o manipulation. The minister disclosed that after taking this into consideration, a comprehensiveevaluationof the system was conducted in addition to consultations with the GPF and technical expert.

It was decided that, “ T h e r e w i l l b e t h e introduction of three clearly d e f i n e d t i n t w a i v e r categories based on assessed risk profiles in the interest of equity and to eliminate administrative delays, there will be a universal provision for basic tint without waiver, which stipulates that all motor vehicles will now be allowedtintwithnolessthan 3 5 p e r c e n t l i g h t penetration.”

This measure, the minister said, will apply acrosstheboardanddoesnot r e q u i r e a w a i v e r Nevertheless, restricted waivers for high security categories are to be introduced The first and second categories will be strictly applied to diplomats, government officials, high profilesecurity

Manickchand washes hands of Region 10 deadlock - says REO is in charge of the process

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand says she has no role in determining the chairmanshipofRegionTen, as the process is out of her hands.Theelectionwhich Continued on page 22

Chief Executive Officer of ERC Gomin Comancho

Frompage21 was held on October 10, endedinadeadlockwitha99 tie between candidates of theWeInvestinNationhood (WIN)andAPartnershipfor NationalUnity(APNU).The election, overseen by the Regional Executive Officer and Clerk of Council, Dwight John, referred the matter to the Minister of LocalGovernment.

A p p e a r i n g o n GoMoseley Radio ‘New Day’ programme on Monday, the minister was asked about the ministry’s roleinaddressingtheissue.

“The minister no longer has a role to determine who is going to become the chairman if you have a tie. There’s a process, and that process has to be engaged. So, I hope that they do that shortly.”

She said previously, it wastheminister,apolitically partisanpersonregardlessof which government is in office, who would decide who become the chair in such situations She noted that the law has since changed and the minister no longerhasthatrole.

Agreeingthatitwasright to change the law, the local government minister added that “Here you have a politically partisan minister who is going to go into a place to tiebreak. How do you think that is going to work? It’s not even if the minister is fair, it’s that it would appear unfair and justice must appear to be fair.”

She said the clerk is in chargeofthatprocess.

Questionedfurtherifshe has engaged the clerk, the minister said “I have no doubt Region 10 is going to have their process moved forwardandachairandvice chair would be determined. Sometimesit’sfarmorethan you see on the surface I think the parties there have their own issues going on too.”

The chair and vice-chair ofRegion10wereabsentlast week when regional chairs and vice-chairs were sworn in by President IrfaanAli at t h e A r t h u r C h u n g Conference Centre (ACCC) atLiliendaal.

President Ali later addressedconcernsaboutthe unresolved leadership in Region10.

“I’m sure that within the ambitoftheconstitution,and within the ambit of the rules governing the elections, that the chair and vice-chair of

Region10willbesworninat the appropriate time when they conclude their elections. As you know that is a process that is still ongoing,” the president told journalists.

R e g i o n 1 0 h a s traditionally been a stronghold of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR). However, the PNC ledAPNU was dethroned at the 2025 general and regional elections by newcomerWIN.

For this region 18 councilors were sworn in: nine for WIN, five for APNU, three for PPP, and one for the Forward Guyana Movement(FGM).

T h e r e w e r e t w o nominations for regional chairman, WIN’s Mark Goring and APNU’s Dominque Blair Both men receivedninevoteseach.

SincetheRDCelections, WIN has been complaining bitterly about the absence of the chair and vice chair and has noted that the absence has created a serious governance vacuum within the RDC, impeding the statutory and developmental functions of the region’s highest decision-making body

WEDNESDAY

‘CARICOMCalledOut’–Mohamed demands action on opposition leader crisis

Leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, Azruddin Mohamed, has formally appealed to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) SecretaryGeneral Dr Carla Barnett to intervene in what he describes as Guyana’s “stalled and troubling” process to elect a Leader of theOpposition. In a letter dispatched Tuesday evening to the CARICOM Secretariat and

later released on WIN’s Facebook page, Mohamed urged the regional body to offer “direct intercession” at what he says is a critical moment for Guyana’s democraticstability Mohamed expressed hope that Dr Barnett would respond swiftly and meaningfullytotheconcerns raised. He noted that since Guyana has hosted the CARICOM Secretariat for nearly five decades, the organisation should be motivated to defend the democratic principles it promotes. “It is my sincere hopethatyou,too,willwish to contribute meaningfully t o s a f e g u a r d i n g constitutional governance in a member state that has hosted the CARICOM Secretariat and given you a place to call home ” “ N o t i n g t h a t t h e observations of your own countrywoman and distinguished envoy whom you selected to lead the CARICOM Election

Observation Mission, highlighted the need for a levelplayingfield,inlightof those findings, it is reasonable to expect that CARICOMwouldbemoved to act in defence of the very principles it champions,” he said.

Addressing recent political developments,

Mohamed pointed to the aftermathoftheSeptember1 elections and to President Irfaan Ali’s announcement that Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir is currently out of the country He argued that Deputy Speaker Dr Vishwa Mahadeo is constitutionally empowered to preside in the Speaker’s absence, but that the government has ignored this,resultinginthedelayof the constitutionally required meeting to elect the Opposition Leader “This logicisclear,yetignoredby the sitting government Becausethisconstitutionally mandated process is being held in abeyance by the Speaker of the National Assembly, the people’s businessoftransparencyand accountability has been buried and undermined by the refusal to convene the meeting required for the election of the Leader of the Opposition,”Mohamedsaid.

Mohamed also criticised CARICOM’s failure to respond to earlier appeals, claiming that letters sent between August 20 and September 11 went unanswered These letters highlighted the closure of more than 76 bank accounts b e l o n g i n g t o W I N candidatesandmembers. “It is troubling that, despite repeatedappealstotheoffice

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat

binding CARICOMbrokered Code of Ethical PoliticalConducttopromote respect,tolerance,andissuebased politics among Guyanesepoliticalparties.

Govt.optsfor monthlyroyaltypayments innewoildeal

The Government of Guyana (GoG) in its revised Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) has opted forroyaltytobepaidintothe Natural Resource Fund (NRF)onamonthlybasis.

of the Secretary-General, and the extensive public coverage of these violations that no doubt reached your attention, CARICOM has taken no action in response to these instances of grave political persecution and injustices,”hesaid.

WIN’sappealsrequested CARICOM’sinterventionto engage the Bank of Guyana and commercial banks, to issueapubliccondemnation of what the party called politically motivated account closures, and to demand that all accounts be reinstated. Mohamed stated that all WIN candidates’ accounts remain closed, which he argued violates their basic human and politicalrights.

The WIN leader further outlined what he described as political persecution targeting him, his family, party candidates, and supporters Among the allegations were the revocation of his firearm licences, raids on his property, attempts to restrict his travel, a late-night attemptedarrest,harassment during regional travel, disruptions of community meetings, cyberbullying and stalking, drone surveillance, vehicle tracking, and denial ofaccesstopublicspacesfor WIN meetings He also claimed that supporters faced victimisation, including dismissals, forced transfers, cancelled contracts,andharassment.

M o h a m e d u r g e d CARICOM to take three specificactions:

Request that Speaker ManzoorNadirimmediately convene a meeting to elect theLeaderoftheOpposition. Assist in strengthening Guyana’s institutional frameworks to ensure constitutional rights and responsibilities of the Oppositionarerespected. Supporttheadoptionofa

Accordingtothetermsof the new oil deal, signed on November 11, 2025 with TotalEnergies,QatarEnergy and Petronas, the payment shall be made in cash following the end of each month.The10%royaltywill be payable on all petroleum produced and available for allocation and does not include oil used by the contractor for fuel and transportation.

Article 37 2 of the Shallow water PSA states “ cash payment shall be due monthly, thirty (30) calendar days following the endofeachCalendarMonth. Upon payment of the royalties,eitherinkindorin cash, assessment receipts evidencing payment of the Contractor’sroyaltyshallbe furnished by the Minister to the Contractor stating the amountandotherparticulars customary for such receipts within forty-five (45) calendardays…”

Notably, this provision varies from the 2016 Petroleum Agreement with ExxonMobil and partners. That contract requires the contractor to pay a meagre 2%royaltytotheGoGatthe end of each calendar quarter orthreemonths.

Further, the lopsided arrangement with Exxon in Article 15.7 also gives the minister powers to remit “in wholeorinpart”ordeferthe royaltypaymentowedtothe county No such favours have been extended to Total Energies in the revised PetroleumAgreement.

Theagreementisthefirst to be signed since government introduced a revised PSA with greater fiscalbenefitstothecountry Amid the package is 10% royalty, 10% taxes and cost recovery capped at 65% monthly with profits to be split50/50.

Notably, the GoG securedaUS$15Msigning

Continued on page 32

LeaderofWeInvestinNationhood,AzruddinMohamed

General Secretary of CARICOM, Dr. Carla Barnett

MTowards a better life with your psychologist

Fear of abandonment in men

en benefit

more than

women in a relationship. But it's men that behave the most recklessly to jeopardize the relationshipthanwomen.

Men are terrified of beingabandonedbywomen. So we try to maintain the peace but ended up doing more harm than good. Men

are dissatisfied and unfulfilled and concerned, evenlonely Theseaffecthis daily function and relationship His woman noticed and ask what was happening.

He says nothing to maintain the peace, or from sayingsomethingtohurther feeling,whichheknowswill driveheraway

Somenstayquietinthat discomfortbutafterawhile, this discomfort manifests itself in infidelity, flirting, longer hours at work, anger, resentment, etc. As he tries to find fulfilment All because he is fearful of abandonment.

The origin of this fear rest in his relationship with hisparentsfrombirthtoage 7.Thereit'sbeennurturedall his life until this point. Our behaviours and actions in current relationships are all due to be the result of old fears and learned concepts thattakeplaceinchildhood.

Men that are fearful of abandonment

Attachquickly—evento unavailable partners or relationships

Failtofullycommitand havehadveryfewlong-term relationships

Moveonquicklyjustto ensurethatyoudon'tgettoo attached

Aimtoplease

Engageinunwantedsex

Stay in relationships no matter how unhealthy they are

Strugglewithbeinghard topleaseandnitpicky

Have difficulty experiencing emotional intimacy

Feel insecure and unworthyoflove

Find it hard to trust people

Are often jealous of everyone

Experience intense feelings of separation anxiety

Havefeelingsofgeneral anxietyanddepression

Tend to overthink things & figure out hidden meanings

Are hypersensitive to criticism

Contain repressed anger andcontrolissues

Engage in self-blame frequently

Most importantly men withfearofabandonmentby theirwomenare:

AngryMan

When men lash out in anger against those they love, it damages the relationships they are most dependent on for support and love Why would anyone engage in such blatant self-sabotage? The answer is that most men don't realize that their anger is a secondary emotion and

thattheirprimaryemotionis fear An angry outburst is oftenonlythevisible“tip”of an iceberg composed primarilyofadeeperfearof abandonment that looms ominously beneath the waterline.

Most of the time, the existence of this fear is unconscious,whichmakesit difficultfortheangrymanto realize that he is frightening away the very person he is afraidoflosing.Men'sanger is often an instinctual reaction to a perceived threat, like a blaring siren that sounds during an air raid The greater the perceived danger, the more intense and hostile the reactionaryanger

Whensomethingsetsoff alarm bells in a man with a fear of abandonment, the part of the brain that would helphimsurviveinanactual crisis takes over, and he often lashes out verbally with the same intensity and energyhewouldusetofight off a human intruder or to escape a life-threatening naturaldisaster

Rememberthatinavery real way, his emotional survival does feel threatened.

The abandoned infant's cry is rage, not fear.” In the same way, men who fear they will be abandoned and left all alone respond with a ragethatindicateshowdeep their need for connection and nurture truly is. We do not lose this dependence on love when we grow beyond infancy Men are simply taughttodenyorsuppressit.

TimidMan

Menactoutasaresultof

a fear of abandonment and become timid men. Timid or apprehensive behaviour seems to be intuitivelyconnectedto a deep-seated fear of isolation, so this is the type of man who is usually labelled as having abandonment issues Unfortunately, anxious or insecure behaviour does not produce the result the timid man is after intimate, secure connection with another self. It often drives people away

By Dr. Telford Layne Jr. PsyD, MSc. Postgrad, BSc. Clinical and Developmental

weakens or risks destroying the very relationship it is desperatelytryingtosustain.

SuperficialMan

Any potential adult attachmentfigureisgoingto gravitate toward a man who at least appears to be secure in himself Abandonment issues usually come to the surfacewhenatimidmanis already in a relationship. There is usually some triggering event or experience that sounds the alarm within him, telling himthatheisatriskofbeing rejectedandleftallalone.

Attachment theory teachesusthatourlovedone is our shelter in life. When that person is emotionally unavailableorunresponsive, wefacebeingoutinthecold, aloneandhelpless.

We are assailed by emotions – anger, sadness, hurt,andaboveall,fear This isnotsosurprisingwhenwe remember that fear is our built-in alarm system; it turnsonwhenoursurvivalis threatened Losing a connection with our loved ones jeopardizes our sense ofsecurity

Theproblemcompounds when the resulting anxious, fearful behaviour either

Men with abandonment issues sometimes act out to play the role of “the superficialman.”Someguys keep everyone at a distance, maintaining only surfacelevel relationships with people This type of behaviourisoftenadefence mechanism that essentially says,Iwon'tletyougetclose enoughtohurtme.

This type of man won't strike you as having abandonmentissues.

He probably looks like the most well-adjusted, popular, confident guy around. After all, everyone seems to like him and be on good terms with them However, when you look a little closer you will notice that while everyone in the room seems to be an acquaintanceofhis,he'snot a true, loyal friend to any of them His network of relationships is a mile wide andaninchdeep.

Men with abandonment issues,nomatterhowoldhe is, need professional intervention.

Getting back into his pass And change his cognitive narrative, which willempowerhimtochange hisbehaviour

byArrianaMahase–Entrepreneur,STEM GuyanaAdvisor, Technologist

Running a small

business in

Guyana can get hectic quickly, especially

Advancing Education, Technology & Innovation in Guyana…

How I Use Technology to Keep My Small Business Running Smoothly

whenyou'rebalancingwork, home life, and motherhood all at once. Over time, I realized that if I wanted thingstorunmoresmoothly, Ineededpropersystems,not more stress Thankfully, with my background in computer science and the

years I spent in robotics through STEMGuyana, technology has always been familiargroundforme. Insteadofwrestlingwith piles of paper, mental calculations,andanotebook that always seemed to disappearattheworsttime,I

started leaning into digital toolsthatcouldhelpmestay organized. Bit by bit, I've been shifting the business away from manual processes and into a more structured, efficient digital workflow Here's how that journeyhasunfoldedsofar QuickBooks: My TransitionAwayFromPaper

When I first started the business, everything was h

written I kept notebooks filled with invoices, and customer balances At first it felt manageable, but as the business grew, I found myself spending hours flipping through pages just to answer simple questions like who owed money, how much was outstanding, or when someone last made a payment Sometimes I would repeat calculations severaltimesjusttoensureI didn'tmakeamistake,andit becameclearthatthesystem wasn'tsustainable.

A few months ago, I finallydecideditwastimeto m o d e r n i z e . A f t e r researching options that wereaffordableandflexible enoughforasmallbusiness, I settled on QuickBooks. What I love most is the convenience. I can enter invoice details from anywhere, at home, on the road, or at the business, and everything updates automatically Instead of juggling multiple books, I now have one clean dashboard that shows me every outstanding balance, thetotalamountowedtothe business, and the entire payment history of each customer

It even lets me send invoices directly by email, whichremovestheextrastep ofwritingthemoutonpaper first.

The difference feels like night and day I spend less time doing repetitive work and more time focusing on customers and planning for growth. And I haven't even exploredallthefeaturesyet, just the basic ones have alreadychangedhowIwork.

BuildingMyOwn AttendanceAppWithAI

One unique challenge in my business is that my employees don't work fixed hours. Some might work a full day, others half day or

quarter day, and many request partial payments throughouttheweek.Trying tokeeptrackofallofthisina traditional attendance book quicklybecameconfusing.I needed a system that could record exactly how much of the day someone worked, how much money they collected on that day and thencalculatetheirfinalpay for the week by subtracting deductions. It was a lot to managemanually I searched for readymade attendance or payroll apps, but none of them addressed the specific way we operate Instead of settling for something that wasn'tagoodfit,Idecidedto build my own solution

Using an AI software builder, paired with my coding background as a computersciencegraduate,I began designing an app tailored exactly to our workflow It records each day'sattendanceinportions, tracks midweek payments, calculates the total number of full and partial days worked, and automatically generates the final salary based on our day-rate system.

It's not fully rolled out yet, but even in its testing stage,Icanalreadyseehow muchtimeit'sgoingtosave. It removes the guesswork and lets me focus on managing people instead of managing numbers. One of thebiggestlessonsIlearned in STEMGuyana is that if theperfecttooldoesn'texist, you can build it — and this appistheperfectexampleof that.

TickTick: Keeping My LifeandBusinessOrganized With a business to run andababyathome,mydays are full before they even start.Foralongtime,Itried keeping everything in my head, which lasted until I forgot something important one too many times TickTick has become the tool that holds everything together I use it to separate home

t a s k s , b u s i n e s s responsibilities, and personal goals while keeping them in one place where I can see the bigger picture. I plan my days and weeksinsidetheapp,which helpsmestayrealisticabout

what I can actually accomplish. The calendar gives me a clear view of upcoming deadlines, meetings, or busy days.The notes section allows me to jot down ideas, important information, and anything else that pops into my head before I forget it. And the abilitytoorganizetasksinto listsmakeseverythingeasier tomanage.

One of my favourite thingsaboutTickTickishow easy it is to adjust plans. If something changes, which happens often when you're juggling motherhood and business, I can move tasks around without losing track ofanything.Recurringtasks also help me stay on top of routine jobs in the business, soIdon'tscrambleattheend oftheweekormonth.

Overall, TickTick has helped me feel less overwhelmed and more intentional with my time. It reminds me that good organization doesn't have to becomplicated. WhyTechnologyMatters forSmallBusinesses

A lot of small business owners feel intimidated by technologyorthinkit'sonly forlargecompanies,butmy experience has been the opposite.

You don't need expensive, complicated systems to see a real difference Even simple tools, the right tools, can improve accuracy, reduce stress, and create a more professional experience for both you and your customers.

F o r m e , u s i n g technology is not about being fancy It's about keeping things under control, saving time, and building a business that can grow without burning me out.

My background in Computer Science and Robotics taught me to look atproblemsthroughthelens of systems and efficiency and bringing that mindset intomybusinesshasmadea hugedifference.

Andhonestly,thisisjust the beginning. There's so much more I want to implement over time, and I'm excited to continue improvinghowmybusiness operates.

MILEY CYRUS OPENS UP ABOUT GODMOTHER

DOLLY PARTON'S HEALTH: 'THE SHOW MUST GO ON’

(BILLBOARD) Miley Cyrus is giving an encouraging updateonDollyParton'shealth.

The 33-year-old pop star spoke about her godmother's recent health challenges while attending the Avatar: Fire and AshpremiereinLosAngelesonMonday(Dec.1).

“She's always gonna keep the show going,” Cyrus told Entertainment Tonight. “The show must go on. She's just excitedtogetbacktowork.”

In late September, the 79-year-old country music icon announcedshewaspostponingherLasVegasconcertresidency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace due to undisclosed medical procedures.Theresidency,originallysettostartinDecember,is nowscheduledtobeginin2026.

The following month, Parton addressed her health publicly afterrumorsaboutherconditionbegancirculatingonline.

“I don't think God is through with me and I ain't done workin',”theCountryMusicHallofFamerDollyPartonsaidin avideoonOct.8.

“I wanted you to know that I'm not dying,” she added. “There's just a lot of rumors flyin' around and I figured if you hearditfromme,you'dknowthatIwasOK.”

PartonandCyrussharealong-standingbondasbothfriends and collaborators In 2024, genealogy-tracking website Ancestry.com revealed they are distantly related. Parton also appeared as “Aunt Dolly” on Disney Channel's Hannah Montana, and the duo collaborated on a reimagined duet of Cyrus'hit“WreckingBall”forParton's2023album,Rockstar Meanwhile, Cyrus who recently confirmed her engagement to musician Maxx Morando — contributed the song “Dream as One” to the Avatar sequel. At Monday's premiere, she attended with her fiancé, showing off a sparkling goldbandonherleftringfinger

Thecouple'sengagementcomesfouryearsaftertheystarted dating in 2021. The former Hannah Montana star was previouslymarriedtoLiamHemsworth.

Interesting Creatures...

Okapi

The okapi (Okapia johnstoni),alsoknownasthe forest giraffe, zebra giraffe and Congolese giraffe, is an artiodactyl mammal that is endemic to the northeast Democratic Republic of the Congo in central Africa. However, non-invasive genetic identification has suggested that a population has occurred south-west of theCongoRiveraswell.Itis the only species in the genus Okapia. Although the okapi has striped markings reminiscent of zebras, it is most closely related to the giraffe. The okapi and the giraffe are the only living members of the family Giraffidae.

The okapi stands about 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) tall at the shoulder and has a typical body length around 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in). Its weight ranges from 200 to 350 kg (440 to 770 lb). It has a long neck, and large, flexible ears. Its

coat is a chocolate to reddish brown,muchincontrastwith the white horizontal stripes and rings on the legs, and white ankles. Male okapis have short, distinct horn-like protuberances on their heads calledossicones,lessthan15 cm (5.9 in) in length. Femalespossesshairwhorls, andossiconesareabsent.

Okapis are primarily diurnal,butmaybeactivefor a few hours in darkness. They are essentially solitary,

coming together only to b r e e d O k a p i s a r e herbivores, feeding on tree leaves and buds, grasses, ferns, fruits, and fungi. Rut in males and estrus in females does not depend on the season In captivity, estrus cycles recur every 15 days. The gestational period is around 440 to 450 days long, following which usually a single calf is born. The juveniles are kept in hiding, and nursing takes place infrequently Juveniles start taking solid food from three months, and weaning takesplaceatsixmonths.

Okapis inhabit canopy forests at altitudes of 500–1,500 m (1,600–4,900 ft). The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources classifies the okapi as endangered. Major threats include habitat loss due to logging and human settlement.

Illegal mining and extensive hunting for bushmeat and skin have also led to a decline in populations The Okapi Conservation Project was established in 1987 to protectokapipopulations.

Xabisa Hamilton, proves that reading can take you places

By Shermon Hawker

In an age themed with tokens of technology, and where leisure and entertainment come fastpaced, the lure of same steers many minds away from an already dying culture of reading, more so, elements of religious literature. The likelihood of such engagement remains so bleak that one would be rendered awestrickentodiscoverayouthin this era committing to the sacred pages with consistency and purpose.

Xabisa Hamilton, embraced by and large within the Guyana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, shows there are youthswhopositivelybalancethe advances of modern amusement with the sacred responsibility of outfitting the mind with knowledgesourcedfromtheword ofGod.

Adventist celebrity

Within the local SDA community, those who mounted to great peaks of recognition are seasoned singers, ace musicians, prominent athletes, alongside the leadership of the conference. One could also be established within the conference for other notable exploits. Having shouldered the conference at international events for most of her young adult life in sixcountries,itisthereforefitting to affirm Xabisa's status as an Adventist celebrity in Guyana.To date, her passport has been stamped in Trinidad and Tobago, Curacao,Antigua,ElSalvador,St. Vincent,andColombia.

Who is Xabisa Hamilton?

The SDA youth, of North Sophia, Georgetown, is wrapped up in studies as a third-year medical student (Bachelor of Medicine,BachelorofSurgery)at the University of Guyana (UG),

aiming to advance the health system with her passionate service.

The 24-year-old is fourth among seven-siblings, and is a “very active” member of the Sophia SDA Church. Painting, massaging her mind with music, engaging in meaningful and rewarding conversations with friends, and wallowing in premium family time are foremost on the list of things she dearly enjoys Our featured individualisstimulatedmuchbya challenge, and has the disposition to pursue and cope with the new and the unknown. She is also a natureenthusiast.

“I'm very adventurous. I love nature. I love going for trips even in the backdams with all the mud and everything. I like horses. That's my favorite animal. I've been on like two horsebacks before,” she shared with Kaieteur News Setting no limits on herself, Xabisa, whose African name signifies completion, sets lofty goals and prayerfully

Ever since, she's never looked back with regret. In fact, she has been able to soar among the very clouds that drifted in her dreams while she is en route each year to another country Hamilton won her first local bible connection in 2019.

Afoundation established

endeavors to achieve them with God'shelp.

Her upbringing was characterised with a sturdy tomboyish incline, where in the place of dolls and make-believe kitchens, she was instead testing herownlimbsonthelimbsoffruit trees, crossing trenches and going fishing. Sheprofessedmuchlove for water, despite being unable to swim. She also revisited with this publication,herathleticerawhere she participated in track and field events; Hamilton threw the javelin, heaved the shot put, and also hurled the discus, activities long since discontinued back in high school. Outside of athletics, she stroke drums professionally and is gearing herself to play the violoncello (cell) soon, as music is a language she interprets. She also articulates some amount of Spanish.

Ontherise

"When I was younger, I told my dad when I grow up, I want to

go in a plane, open the window, collect a piece of cloud and bring it back Of course, that's impossible, but that was my dream:toalwaysfly Iwasalways intriguedbythat."

An opportunity would present itself, which narrowed that seeming impossibility down to as near a possibility as could be, for in 2016, she caught wind that participation and success in the bible connection challenge afforded persons the chance to travel overseas to represent the local conference The bible connection is an annual bible study and quiz initiative of the SDA church that assesses the biblical scope of the participants drawn from multiple SDA conferences, and which climaxes at the international level of the Inter-AmericanDivision(IAD).

Seeingherchancetobringher dreams to life, she plunged in head-first. "Cool, sign me up. ThatwasallIneededtohear."

The various churches in Guyana would first conduct their individual bible connection challenges, from which the victorious participants would be taken to the district/zone level.At the conclusion, those successful would then ascend to the conference level, which then extracts the most ideal performer to represent the country (in the SDA context) at the Caribbean Union Conference (CARU) level, and ultimately, the wider IAD stage.

Xabisa participated and rose through the ranks by virtue of her famed retention skills and her tenaciousgrasponthegivenfocus areas (bible chapters, SDA literature), edging out competitors at the many local levels and confirming at breakneck speed that she was one to be onthelook-outfor

Her dominance having been cemented,shehasrepresentedthe Guyana Conference seven times at the CARU level, where she returned home an impressive 6 timeswithfirstplaceandisaonetime third place finisher, bolstering Guyana's high standings in the completion. With each turn of the year, all eyes rest onher,beingtheprominentfigure in that arena to represent Guyana, and she never toys with the hope ofmany

At the IAD level, the proverbial heat came on. She has beenaconstantatthatgrandstage but never managed to clinch first place. It must be explained that questions are answered based on specific materials. The person with the most correct answers, in the fastest time, is declared the winner This is to suggest that one mayhavethecorrectanswers, but could still lose on account of a slowertime.

Clustered among laser(Continuned on page 48)

Just a simple girl, Xabisa Hamilon

Xabisa receives her first-place prize at the IAD bible connection 2025

Horseback riding, one of her favourite hobbies

The holiday shopping season is at its peak, with irresistible deals and flashy discounts, making it easy to get swept up in the excitement of saving. But beneath the sparkle of seasonal sales, consumers must be reminded that choosing long-lasting and suitable items is just as importantasfindingthebest bargain.

Manypeopleareinclined toreplacetheirelectricaland electronic appliances, or purchase them as gifts for Christmas, and, in doing so, it is critical to prioritise quality and safety to ensure the joy of the holidays isn’t overshadowed by faulty products or unexpected hazards.

Electrical and electronic appliances are among the seventeen (17) categories of products monitored by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS)

Monitoring is conducted in

Specification for Labelling of Commodities – Part 7, which outlines the labelling requirements for Electrical Equipment, Fittings, and Household Electrical Appliances.

The standard mandates that every appliance must clearly display essential information, including the country of origin, manufacturer’s name,

trademark or identification number, rated voltage, frequency, power or current, model and serial numbers, and the certification mark.

Shoppers are also encouraged to check for warranties or return policies beforemakingapurchase.

These details are crucial not only for identifying the product’ssourcebutalsofor ensuringaccesstoafter-sales serviceorredressshouldany issuesarise.

During this busy shoppingseason,theProduct Compliance Department of the GNBS has increased surveillance activities to ensure that products on the market meet quality and safety requirements. These

products include electrical appliances such as refrigerators, electric stoves and cookers, televisions, blenders, microwaves, food processors, toasters, and fans,amongothers.

To enable effective monitoring at ports of entry, importers’ bonds or warehouses, and sales outlets, importers and local manufacturers of electrical andelectronicappliancesare required to register with the GNBS annually Dealers, meanwhile, require a permit to sell. This permit must be displayed at the business premises and visible to customers visiting the sales outlets.

The GNBS advises

consumers to look for the Permit to Sell certificate, whichisrequiredforvarious products, including electricalappliances.

The certificate confirms thatthebusinessisregistered with the GNBS and has undergone the necessary inspections.

Appliances that carry recognised certification markssuchasUL,CE,CSA, or NOM indicate that the product has been tested and meets acceptable safety standards.

Ifthesemarksareabsent, the GNBS requires importers and dealers to presenttestcertificatesfrom independent, accredited third-party laboratories

Visibly damaged or defective items are also removedfromshelves.

As the Christmas shopping frenzy grows, the GNBS is urging consumers to take a moment to inspect electrical and household appliances and to test them carefully before purchasing during the holiday period. Further, ensure receipts and warranties are collected for future redress if necessary This season, let your smartest purchase be peace ofmind.

To purchase a copy of this labelling standard or learn more about this topic,contacttheGNBSon 219-0064-66orWhatsApp: 692-4627.

Frompage22

bonus as part of the successful negotiations that were held with the consortium. Total Energies has been awarded block S4, located in shallow water, offshore Guyana The French company leads the consortium with a 40% interest in the block, along with its partners, Qatar Energy and Petronas with 35% and 25% respectively Block S4 spans an area of approximately 1,788 square kilometres,located50to100 kilometres off Guyana’s coastinwaterdepthsranging between30and100metres.

The company said it is targeting the latter half of 2026 to commence seismic acquisition.

In the meantime, it was revealed that three other contracts are also being negotiated to be signed for theblocksS5–International GroupInvestmentInc.;S7–Cybele Energy; and S10 –International Group InvestmentInc.

Thesecontractsarelikely to mirror the terms of the Totaldeal.

THURSDAY

CGXsecures

US$2.5Mlifeline - insists Corentyne Block licence still alive despite Govt. declaring it dead

Despite the Government ofGuyanapositionthatjoint venture (JV) partners CGX Energy Inc and Frontera EnergyCorporationfuturein the Corentyne Block has come to an end, Canadabased CGX has tapped a US$2.5 million loan from Frontera to fund its share of corporate working capital and other agreed-upon expenditures.

TheJVhasbeenadamant that their licence is still active.AccordingtoCGX,it hasalreadydrawndownand received US$1 9 million under the facility The loan agreement was executed by CGX’s subsidiary, CGX Resources Inc , through a Senior Secured Loan Facility with Frontera Energy Corporation via one ofitssubsidiaries.

maintainedthatitsinterestin the Corentyne Block remains valid, even after receiving a formal communication from the government stating that the Petroleum Prospecting Licence (PPL) and Petroleum Agreement had ended.

$50,000cashgrantfor personswithdisabilities - as Pres. Ali unveils plans for 5,000 jobs, new rights revolution for PWDs

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Wednesday announced a major national intervention: every person living with a disability in Guyana will receive a oneoff $50,000 grant before the endofthismonth.

Theinitiativeamountsto $1.4billionindirectsupport to more than 27,000 Guyanese.The head of state made the announcement duringanationalobservance that celebrated dignity, inclusion, and the shared responsibility of building a society where every citizen canthrive.

underscored that sustainable employment is a powerful tool to advance dignity, independence and equal opportunity He reminded the gathering that disability is a universal human condition, touching families in every community As a nation grounded in compassion,hesaid,Guyana must “bear one another’s burdens,” especially the m o s t v u l n e r a b l e

“Regardless of where you sit, in public or private life, wemustmakeitacollective responsibility to uplift those who are underserved or struggling,”heaffirmed.

He stressed that true development cannot be measuredsolelyineconomic growth but in how well the society supports and includes persons with disabilities Highlighting

programmesinRegionsFive and Six, developed through government–private sector collaboration, the President announcedthatthesemodels will now be expanded nationwide. “If we replicate this model across sectors, government, private enterprise, community spaces,wecaneasilyturnthe tide,”hesaid.“ThatiswhyI want us…to target at least 5,000jobsforpersonsliving with disabilities over the nextfiveyears.”

Moreover, CGX had disclosed that on November 4,2025,governmentthrough itscounselcommunicatedits willingnesstoparticipateina final “Without Prejudice” meeting with the JV to discussthedispute.

“The Government proposed November 25 or December 2, 2025, as possible dates for this meeting,” CGX said It remainsunclearwhetherthis meeting was held. Kaieteur News on Wednesday

contacted Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharratforanupdate,butup to press time none was received.

The JV has stated that they remain open to engaging in good faith

discussions with the government and, “continues to firmly maintain that its interests in, and the license for, the Corentyne block

The US$2.5 million will beavailableintranchesona non-revolving basis for six months, commencing once conditions precedent to the first drawdown are met.The loan and accrued interest becomedueoneyearafterits start date, with interest accruing at 19 32% per annum, compounded monthly The company noted that the loan remains subject to customary conditions, including regulatoryapprovals.

remain valid and in good standing and that the Petroleum Agreement for such block has not been terminated.” However, government has repeatedly reaffirmed that the JV’s interest expired on June 28, 2024.

InaSeptemberinterview with this publication, Minister Bharrat reiterated government’s stance while signalling openness to broader investment talks “At this time, I can’t say whatthatengagement,when itwillbeorwhatnaturethat engagementwilltake,butwe maintainourpositionthatthe licence has come to an end and we are open to talks on how do we move forward,” hesaid.

H e a d d e d t h a t government remains willing to meet investors. “As you know, we are government that facilitates investment and investors, so we’re willing to meet with any partner once it’s in the interest of Guyana and development of our country,”theministersaid.

Kaieteur News had reportedthataftermorethan two decades of exploration, theJVfinallystruckoilatthe Kawa-1 well in January 2022. Just ahead of the June 28, 2024 deadline for the b l o c k ’s a p p r a i s a l programme, the JV submitted a Notice of Potential Commercial Interest to government for the Wei-1 well, on June 26. The government later said stringent conditions would need to be met to retain the block. In March 2025, the government issued a 30-day notice and gave the oil companiesachancetomake r e p r e s e n t a t i o n s Government was open to good-faith negotiations within the specified timeframe.

Government eventually cut ties with the JV in relation to the Corentyne Blockandsaidthatitisofthe view that there are no reasonable grounds to grant an extension to CGX and Fronterafortheirexploration and appraisal obligations However, the JV has

The national observance was organised by the Office of the President in collaborationwiththeOffice oftheFirstLadyandheldat the Railway Courtyard in Georgetown on Wednesday morning President Ali began his remarks with a reminder that disabilities, whether congenital, acquired, temporary, or lifelong, are part of the human experience. They touch families in every community and represent not a deficit, but another dimension of human knowledge.

He said that, as a people grounded in faith, empathy and community, Guyanese must “bear one another’s burdens”, noting that true national development is measured by how well society supports those most in need “Regardless of where you sit, in public or privatelife,wemustmakeit a collective responsibility to uplift those who are mourning, struggling or underserved,” the President affirmed.

Meanwhile, President alsoannouncedanambitious disability-inclusiveinitiative to create at least 5,000 jobs for persons living with disabilities(PWDs)overthe nextfiveyears.Accordingto a Department of Public Information (DPI) press release, the President

In a sweeping new directive, President Ali announced that every new government project from parks and community centres to offices and sports facilities must dedicate a minimumof10%ofitsspace to serve persons with disabilities.

He said based on consultations with the disability community and advocacy groups, eight majoractionareaswillguide thegovernment’swork: Caregiversupport Education and digital learningaccess

Ÿ C o m m u n i t y empowerment

Ÿ Transportation support

Ÿ Healthservices

Ÿ Housingaccess

Ÿ Government service accessibility

Ÿ Skills training and incomegeneration Dr Ali also highlighted significant advances already made,including:

Ÿ The Prevention of DiscriminationAct

Ÿ ThePersonswith Continued on page 33

Frompage32

DisabilitiesAct

Ÿ The National Policy

on the Rights of

P e r s o n s w i t h Disabilities

Ÿ Apermanentdisability benefitsystem

Ÿ Creation of the first national Learning Lab for PWD education anddigitalskills

Ÿ Online disability benefitapplications

Ÿ Anationaldatabasefor

c h i l d r e n w i t h disabilities

Ÿ Distribution of thousands of assistive andmobilityaids

Ÿ The establishment of the Empower Guyana Centre, the first of its kind in the Caribbean, which provides

employment and training to more than 120PWDs

The President outlined several transformative interventions that will be rolledout,including:

Ÿ Early identification andtreatmentsystems

Ÿ Special-needs school expansion and homeschoolingsupport

Ÿ Increased access to mobility aids and digitaldevices

Ÿ New business centres forPWDs

Ÿ A national caregiver trainingprogramme

Ÿ Remote monitoring and emergency alert technologies

Ÿ Special housing support and subsidies for parents of children withdisabilities

Ÿ Tax incentives for families

Ÿ Grants for caregivers who provide in-home support

A n e w N a t i o n a l

Development Bank financing window offering interest-free, collateral-free loanstoPWDs

“Ourmissionistocreate an environment where persons with disabilities can fullyparticipateinallaspects

of national life and contribute meaningfully to our nation’s growth,” he said. “Let us embrace this community with love, understanding and dignity, andletuscontinuetobuilda Guyana where no one is left behind.”

FRIDAY

Mankilledby girlfriendduringrow Police are currently

investigating the fatal stabbing of a 42-year-old porter identified as Michael Rawlins which occurred at Recht Door Zee, West Bank Demeraraataround17:00hrs onWednesday

The now deceased was stabbedbyhispartner Inastatementreleasedto the media on Thursday p o l i c e s a i d t h a t investigations revealed that thedeceasedandthesuspect, a27-year-oldfemaleSpecial Constableresidedatthesaid address.Themansustaineda stabwoundtohisupperright leg during an alleged argument.

An injured Rawlins was rushedtotheWestDemerara Regional Hospital and was subsequently pronounced dead by a doctor on duty during the course of receiving treatment The female was arrested and remains in police custody assisting with the ongoing investigation Rawlings’ remains are presently at the Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Copthrowninjailover AK-47gunplay

A20-year-oldmemberof theGuyanaPoliceForcewas on Thursday remanded to prison after a viral video showed him brandishing an AK-47riflewhilereportedly intoxicated.

The accused, Daniel Henry, who is attached to RegionalPoliceDivision#1, has been charged with possession of a firearm with

intent to injure, an offence under Section 37 of the Firearm Offences Act, Chapter16:05.

Henry appeared via Zoom before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Port Kaituma Magistrate’s Court,wherethechargewas read to him He was not required to enter a plea and was subsequently remanded to prison.The case has been adjourned to January 14, 2026.

According to reports Henry was placed under closearrestonNovember30, after a video circulated on social media showing him walking through Port Kaituma, N

We

District, with a force-issued AK-47 while allegedly intoxicated.

The video depicts the rank, dressed in casual clothing, holding the rifle and arguing with another individual. At one point, he threatened to shoot the person while pacing up and down the street. During the exchange, two gunshots were heard and several persons, who referred to the rank as “Henry,” attempted to calm him down and eventually got him to walk away

Following the video’s circulation, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) issued a statement indicating that the CommissionerofPolicehad ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.

“The contents of the video form part of the ongoing investigation,

whichwilldeterminethefull extent of both disciplinary and criminal actions to be taken,”theGPFstated.

The Force added that it remains committed to maintaining the highest standardsofprofessionalism and accountability and will release further information as the investigation progresses.

SATURDAY

Israelicompanytopay CanadianfirmUS$2.5M tofarm-inGuyana’s OrinduikBlock, becomeoperator

Canadian exploration company Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd. has entered a binding framework agreement and two option agreements with Israeli firm

Navitas Petroleum, for the Orinduik Block offshore Guyana and Block 1 CBK offshoreSouthAfrica.

Eco announced on Thursday that Navitas will pay an initial US$2 million to secure the Orinduik Option and Block 1 CBK Option. This was signed on December3,2025. The Canadian firm has been in talks with prospective partners for some time in relation to the farm-in of the Orinduik Block, for the next phase of exploration The Orinduik option grants Navitas the right, within 12 months and upon paying an additional US$2.5million,tofarm-into the Orinduik Block and taking up 80 per cent working interest and operatorship

remaining 20 per cent share will be fully carried for upcoming work, including drilling an exploration well or appraising the Jethro-1 and Joe-1 heavy oil discoveries Also, the Orinduik carry is capped at US$11 million net to Eco, excluding mobilisation costs.

Eco has been assessing its Jethro-1 and Joe-1 discoveries, which are located in the lower and upper tertiary formations of the Orinduik Block Both contain heavy oil, and Eco had been conducting further a

e whether development is feasible.

Thecompanypreviously noted that the proximity of the Orinduik Block finds to ExxonMobil Guyana Limited’s Stabroek Block, where the Government of Guyana recently approved a Petroleum Production Licence (PPL) for Exxon’s s e v e n t h p r o j e c t (Hammerhead) has renewed its interest in the Jethro discovery Ecopointedoutthatuntil t h e H a m m e r h e a d development, Exxon’s first six sanctioned projects were light oil cretaceous discoveries Eco said Exxon’s move to develop Hammerhead has proved that a heavy oil discovery in the tertiary can be made economic It was Eco’s president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gil Holzman who said that Exxon’sdecisiontoadvance H a m m e r h e a d h a s encouragedEcotorevisitthe 1-billion-barrelJethroheavy oil discovery made in 2019. He had also disclosed that it is in discussions with the g o v e r n m e n t a b o u t potentiallyre-evaluatingand recalling the noncommercialisation notice previouslyissuedbyTullow, withaviewtotakingafresh look at the heavy oil developmentpotential. Moreover, as for the Block 1 CBK Option allows Navitas to acquire up to a 47 5 per cent working interest and operatorship in the South African block within six months, on payment of US$4 million Eco’s carried amount in Block 1 CBK is capped at US$7 5 million Eco said Navitas will also have the o p t i o n , s u b j e c t t o commercialterms,toacquire at least 25 per cent of Eco’s workinginterestsexcluding Continued on page 34

Jailed: Police Constable Daniel Henry

Frompage33 Guyana and Block 1 CBK and potentially assume operatorship in other assets includingNamibia’sPEL97, PEL99 and PEL100, as well as Eco’s stake in Azinam Limited, which holds South Africa’s Block 3B/4B. As part of the partnership, Eco shall invite Navitas to join futurenewventuresona5050basis.

Moreover, commenting on the agreements, Eco’s CEO said, “This strategic partnership with Navitas, a

multi-billion-dollar company with a strong record in acquiring, financing, and developing high-impact oil and gas

projects , is truly transformational for Eco Atlantic.”

He noted that the proposed Guyana and South Africa farm-ins will accelerate growth across its portfolio “Navitas’ excellent leadership team,

technical strength, operational expertise, and financial capacity provide exactly the strategic support needed to unlock the full potential of our assets in South Africa and Guyana,” Holzmansaid.

He disclosed that there will be a joint visit by Eco andNavitasteamstoGuyana later this month. Following this trip, Holzman said Eco expect to gain clarity on the work programme and appraisal plan for Orinduik. “We believe this partnership paves the way for our planned exploration and appraisalprogrammesonthe b l o c k t o w a r d s commercialisation, which will be carried and operated byNavitas,andwillserveas ahigh-impactcatalystforthe company,”headded.

APNUsays$150kcash grantpossibleforcitizens

With an estimated 604,000 citizens qualifying by this month for the government promised cash grant,andatotalexpenditure of $90 6 billion, the A Partnership for National Unity(APNU)hascalledon the PPP/C government to distribute at least $150,000 to citizens in time for the Christmasseason.

The APNU believes that the amount represents a manageable percentage of the total projected governmentrevenues,which proves the feasibility of the proposal.

Lead member in the National Assembly, Dr. Terrence Campbell said the president and his Cabinet have had several public discussions on one-off cash payments and other benefits tiedtoGuyana’soilwindfall.

“President Irfaan Ali recently told Guyanese that “Ifyoubehaveyourself,you get it this year,” language that is disrespectful, improper, politically coercive and entirely unacceptable as national social policy,” Dr Campbell said Friday during a press conference.

Considering the ongoing economic challenges faced by Guyanese, specifically those living in poverty, the APNUisproposingaprompt increase in the cash grant to be distributed to citizens above the age of 18 Campbell said a distribution no less than $150,000 will helptoalleviatethefinancial burdens and to stimulate local economies during the criticalholidayseason.

T h e p o l i t

c i a n highlighted that a Christmas relieftocitizensisneededso that persons will be able to

cope with rising cost-ofliving.

Thisjustificationisbased on the projected growth in revenue the government has put forward alongside increased population demandsandtheurgentneed oftheimpoverishpopulace.

Dr Campbell reminded thatlastyear,acashgrantof $100,000 was allocated to eachcitizenage18andover to provide financial relief amidst the rising economic challenges. With population growthprojectedaswelland an increase in revenue, he believes it is imperative to reassess the grant amount in ordertobettermeettheneeds ofcitizens.

He reasoned that with currentrevenuetrendswhich show, “mid-year revenues for2025showanincreaseto $497.3 billion, a 44.7% rise from 2024. 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. Given the ea

Yellowtail FPSO and the expec

ed rise in oil production, this estimate

maybeconservativelylow.”

The MP reminded the media that the InterAmerican Development B a n k , s a i d t h a t approximately 58% of Guyanese currently live in poverty

See document here (https://publications iadb or g/publications/english/docu ment/Ten-Findings-aboutPoverty-in-Latin-Americaand-the-Caribbean.pdf).

In this light, the cash grant is necessary for persons struggling with basicneeds,asitwillprovide immediate support and enhance their quality of life. It will also influence the increaseofcashflowamong citizenswhichisexpectedto boostlocaleconomies,asthe beneficiarieswillmostlikely spend the grant on essential goods and services Additionally,theinfusingon cash has the ability to create thedemandinseveralsectors in turn promoting job creation and economic revitalization.

“Theproposedcashgrant of a minimum of $150,000 per citizen is not merely an expenditure; it is an

investmentinthewell-being and future of the Guyanese population. By taking into account the current economic climate, projected revenue growth, and the pressing needs of citizens living in poverty, theAPNU s t a n d s f i r m i n recommending the disbursement of this cash transferbeforetheChristmas holidays. This initiative will help in alleviating financial strains faced by many families and further contribute to a vibrant and resilient economy in Guyana,”Dr.Campbellsaid. APNU is recommending that there be immediate approval for the cash transfer It is also urging the government to approach parliament and have the process initiated for the approval process for the proposed cash transfer to ensurepromptdisbursement.

The party is also calling for government to launch a campaign that will inform citizens about the cash transfer and encourage responsible spending to maximise economic benefits It believes that

there should also be the establishment of a framework to continually assesstheimpactsofthecash transfer on poverty levels and economic activity, ensuring that future policies areinformedandeffective.

“This serves as a call to actionforallstakeholdersin Guyanatouniteinsupportof the citizens and elevate the standard of living through strategic financial interventions APNU supports intelligently designed and predictable cash transfers that are properly budgeted and clearly communicated. We reject ad-hoc public pronouncements that raise expectations without setting out who qualifies, how and when payments will be m a d e , a n d f u n d s appropriated.

APNU affirms that Guyanese households must receive the promised cash grant before Christmas.Any delay or confusion arises solely from the PPP/C’s failure to publish eligibility rules, timelines, and proper appropriations, ” Dr Campbelladded.

The Snowflake Fairy Christmas Paper Chains

High above the clouds lived a tiny fairy named Fern, the Snowflake Fairy Every winter, when the air turned frosty, Fern came out with her silver paintbrush and painted snowflakesinbeautifulpatterns.Notwowere ever the same. Some snowflakes got swirls. Some got stars. Some got little hearts hidden inside.ThenFernwouldreleasethemintothe wind and watch them tumble down to Earth like glitter from the sky Fern loved her job. She loved seeing children press their faces to windows, trying to catch snowflakes on their tongues She loved hearing people gasp, “Look how beautiful!” even though they didn't know she was the one who painted them. One December morning, as Fern was painting snowflakes over the town of Silver Pine, she twirled happily in the air — a little too happily. Her fingers slipped Her paintbrush tumbled out of her hands and dropped straight through a gap in the clouds. Ferngasped.“No,no,no!Mybrush!” Without the brush, snowflakes would fall plain and blank — just white little blobs with nopatterns,nomagic. Fern darted down after it, but she couldn't fly lower than the cloud line. Fairy magic couldn'treachtheground.Shesatontheedge of the cloud and cried softly as plain snow began to fall onto the town below Down on the ground, a girl named Mia stepped outside tocatchthefirstsnowofwinter Shetwirledin her boots and held out her mitten. But when the snowflake landed on her glove, she frowned.“Itlooks…blank,”shewhispered. Mia bent down and noticed something half-buried in the snow It was tiny — no bigger than a toothpick — and it shimmered like silver moonlight A paintbrush. She picked it up and held it close. “This isn't normal,” she said. “This feels like magic.” That night, she took a sheet of dark paper and gently touched the brush to it A white snowflake pattern appeared — sparkling and p e r f e c t M i a g a s p e d “Thismustbelongtoasnowfairy!”Sheranto the window, searching the sky High above the clouds, Fern saw her — a girl holding up thepaintbrushasifasking, Is this yours? Fern jumpedupanddownexcitedlyandwaved.

“I think someone needs help,” Mia whispered. The next morning, Mia bundled upandranoutside.Shepointedthepaintbrush to the sky and swirled it gently. A snowflake driftedout—morebeautifulthananyshehad ever seen. Fern cheered from above. Mia laughed.Together—oneintheclouds,oneon theground—theypaintedsnowflakesacross

the whole sky Mia twirled her arm to make big snowflakes. Fern added the tiny details. Hearts, stars, spirals, snow animals, dancing patterns—magicfilledtheair Soonpeoplein thetownstartedcomingoutside.“Lookatthe s n o w ! ”

“I've never seen anything like it!”

“It's beautiful!” Children held out their hands to catch snowflakes Adults stopped and stared in wonder Even dogs looked up, watching the shimmering swirls in the sky Fern pointed to the church clock — it was almostChristmasEve.

She mimed a hug and waved goodbye. Mia understood. It was time for Fern to go finish her winter work She lifted the paintbrushandblewonitgently,likeblowing outacandle.Asoftwindrosefromtheclouds — the brush lifted from her hand and floated up, up, up. Fern caught it and twirled happily She bowed to Mia in midair before disappearingintothesnowysky

OnChristmasEve,snowflakesfellthicker than ever Mia sat by the window with a mug of hot chocolate. She whispered, “Happy Christmas, Fern. Thank you.” A snowflake drifted down and landed on the glass right in front of her. It had a tiny heart inside. Mia smiled.“You'rewelcome.”

Andfromthatwinteron,everytimesnow felloverSilverPine,Mialookedupatthesky and wondered if Fern was painting just for her Theend.

MATERIALS:

v CARDSTOCK

v GLUESTICK

v RIBBONS

v GOOGLY EYES

v POM-POMS

How to Make:

1. Using the template, cut out Santa's hat, beard, moustache, nose, belt, and buckle.

2. Cut a small square of red paper and stick it to the back of the beard, then stick the moustache and nose on top.Assemble the hat and belt then set aside the features.

3. Measure, draw and cut out 1

rectangle from skin tone card and 7 rectangles from red card (25cm x 5cm).

4. Make the skin tone rectangle into a ring by stapling the ends together

5. Loop a red rectangle through the ring previously made and staple the ends together. Repeat until all 8 rings are joined together

6. Stick the features to the paper chain, with the belt stuck on the 5th ring.

7. Hole punch 3 black circles for the buttons and stick them to the front of the 3rd ring.

8. To finish, cut a length of ribbon, then loop and tie it through the skin tone ring at the top of the paper chain. Repeat these steps to create the elf and snowman using the photo as reference.

Good morning, God

Good morning, God, and thank you For the glory of the sun, And thank you for the health I have, To get my duties done.

I shall devote the hours Of this golden day to You, By honouring Your holy name In everything I do.

I shall pursue my daily tasks Without complaint or fear, And spend my every effort To be friendly and sincere.

Once more, good morning, God, And please depend on me, Because I want to honour you For all eternity

Writing poetry can be a useful and satisfying way to use your holiday time

WiththeChristmasand New Year holidays coming up soon, it would be good to indulgeinsomeactivitythat would help you to spend the time usefully Apart from indulging in some form of art, reading and visiting places of interest, a worthwhile activity, which can utilise your talents as well as provide much entertainment to you and others who will be reading them,iscomposingpoems.

andstudythese. Here are a few tips to help you to start in this satisfyingpastime:

1.Know the purpose of your writing. As we said before, this is to express the poet's feelings or generate some emotional response in thereader

Waste not the Precious Hours Hour

by Edgar Guest

People write poetry for two main reasons: firstly, to capture feelings that they have experienced, and secondly, to communicate some message or feeling to their readers so as to get an emotional response in them.

express purpose of getting your own or other people's emotions involved, and so the topic must be chosen withthisinmind.

It must be recognised that themaindifferencebetween poetry and prose is this

Uncle Roy is once again appealing to all teens to write tohimaboutanyproblemyoumaybefacingforwhichyou needasolution.

He would also like you to contribute to this Page by submitting other material that he can include here. These include:

1. A poem, short story or bit of advice that you have writtenandwouldliketosharewithyourfellowteens.

2. Any significant event that has happened, or any interestingitemaboutwhatisgoingoninyourcommunity

3. A commentary about where you live to acquaint othersaboutit.

4.Anyadviceyouwouldliketopassontothoselikeyou whichwouldservetomakethembetter,andbeofbenefitto ourpeople.

As mentioned before, you can email me at: roypaul2002@yahoo.com

Writing a poem involves observing the world within or around you. A poem can be about anything, from love to the place you live. With the right inspiration and approach, you can write a poem that you can be proudtosharewithothersin classorwithyourrelatives.

Having decided on a topic, you need to think of the style that you will be employing. There are various forms, which depend mainly on rhythm, rhyme and the number of linesineachverse. Itwould be useful here to get hold of a variety of poetry books

Time

2. Use images to make your message vivid. This can be done by referring to thingsthatyoubelievethose reading your work are familiarwith.

3. Try to communicate the topic clearly Try to use language that is clear and notcomplicated.

4. Use similes, which tend to clarify what you need to express, e.g. as happyasalark.

5.Likeallwriting,revise continuously so as to get the best version of what you wanttosay I hope you enjoy this wonderful pastime, and I will be delighted to publish any good efforts that you can send to me at: roypaul2002@yahoo.com

is the one benefit we are gifted with that cannot be replaced – make sure you spend it usefully while you have it.

I am rich, I have twenty-four hours to spend, Like golden coins they shine for me; Let me not waste them, Neither let me spend them in hectic, nerve-shattering activity I would have thought before using them: Let me spend a good portion of them for my daily work, and some form of creative activity; Let me save some for friendliness and helpfulness to others; Let me spend at least one in looking up for guidance, with moments for quiet enjoyment of the wonderful worlds of nature, books, art and music; Alittle I must save for fun, and then a number of the coins for a well-earned rest; And if, at the day's close, I find that some have been spent other than the way I had planned, let me not despair, for when I wake up tomorrow, my purse will be filled with twenty-four more coins, shining and new! And I shall be twenty-four hours richer, and older and wiser than I was today

From where I stand...

We seem to be Performing Progress

ByJanelleA.NPersaud

There is much to commend about

G u y a n a ' s ongoing transformation. I see it in the pace of road construction, the push for digitization,andthepolitical will to build schools, hospitals, and infrastructure across regions I see ministers showing up. I see effort.And as someone who has never taken pleasure in criticising for criticism's sake,Ilongforthedaywhen I can write a column filled only with praise; an earnest celebration of a government hardatwork. Buttodayisnotthatday

Because development

that fails to address the humanandsocialrealitiesof the people it claims to serve isnotdevelopmentatall.Itis the performance of progress withoutitssubstance.

Twodaysago,Iwatched an ambulance break down mid-transferwithnojumper cable,andnotevenaspanner to change the battery I have watched a man with what appeared to be a cracked skull placed into the backseatofaprivatecar,still in trauma because the hospital could not provide functional emergency transport.Ihavespokenwith teachers who never had full textbook sets for their

students I continue to encounter children who are progressingthroughprimary into secondary school and cannotread.

Allofthisistakingplace in the same breath as smart classrooms and biometric IDs.

Suchisthiscontradiction thatgnawsattheheartofour nation's development story One where we leap to build the visible before fixing the functional. We are all too eager to check the box that weforgettoaskwhetherthe peopleweclaimtoservecan even read the forms we're digitizing.

From where I stand, development in Guyana is

sadly performed for public consumption and rarely grounded in people's lived realities. And the people, u n d e r s t a n d a b l y disillusioned or perhaps distracted, are seemingly more invested in influencer gossip and social media quarrels than in the policy decisions that shape their everyday lives. There is a danger in this distraction because it leaves space for governance without accountability

Andsowefindourselves here; building fast, but not always well Moving forward, but not always together The data confirms this story According to the I n t e r - A m e r i c a n Development Bank's 2023 working paper titled “Ten Findings about Poverty in Latin America and the Caribbean”byJulianChang, David K Evans, and Carolina Rivas Herrera, an estimated 58% of Guyana's population lives in poverty, with 33% experiencing extreme poverty These figures are visualised in the report's comparative chart on “Percentage of

Population by Poverty Status,” and Guyana stands out starkly; not only surpassing the regional average of 33% in total poverty,butnearlydoubling the rate of extreme poverty. While the study also analyses how poverty disproportionately affects women, children, Afrodescendants,andIndigenous peoples across the region,

G u y a n a - s p e c i f i c disaggregated data was not provided. Still, the overall finding is a sobering one: more than half the country remains in poverty, even as the national economy experiences unprecedented growth.

What's most troubling, however, is the way these realities are often met with deflection rather than reflection. Whenever data like this surfaces or whenever citizens raise legitimate concerns, the instinct is to attack the messenger But we cannot selectively embrace the opinions of international financial institutions when they praise our projected growthandthendiscardtheir findings when they reveal that more than half the countrystilllivesinpoverty If we are serious about buildingatrulyinclusiveand resilient nation, then these numbers must not be

dismissed. They must be acknowledged, openly and honestly, and allowed to informpolicy

And while it is true that constructing hospitals, schools, and other public infrastructure can be essential tools in addressing poverty, they are not silver bullets Access without quality solves very little. A newhospitalmeanslittleifit is understaffed or underequipped.Anewschooldoes not solve the learning crisis if it fails to address why so many children still cannot read. We must go beyond concrete and contracts and begininvestingincapability andcare.

Listen, I understand the political urgency to deliver on party manifestos Electionsarewonnotjuston plans, but on what can be seen: roads, buildings, digital IDs. The electorate demands delivery, and politicians must be seen as doing. The need to “tick the boxes” is real, and I do not dismissit.

But development that is visible is not always development that is transformative.

Thistensionbetweenthe performative and the substantive in development has long been critiqued by theorists across the Global South. Arturo Escobar, in Encountering Development, warns of how development is often practiced as a “technical, depoliticized” process measured by outputs rather than outcomes, by form rather than function When developmentbecomesabout appearances,thelivedneeds ofpeopleareobscuredbythe aestheticsofprogress.

Amartya Sen, too, reminds us that true development is about expanding people's capabilities their actual freedoms to live lives they value. A road is not just a road; it is meaningful only when it leads to access; access to healthcare, to education, to opportunity Otherwise, it becomes what JamesFergusondescribedas “anti-politics machines”,

By Janelle Persaud

projects that look developmental but do little to address the structural inequalitiesontheground. And so I ask: can we afford to digitise public services when the human infrastructure to manage them is still absent? Can we call a hospital “modern” when it lacks a functioning ambulance? We must be careful not to confuse the velocity of development withitsdepth.

Guyana is at a historic juncture.Wehaveresources, attention, and momentum. But we must resist the temptation to develop just forthephotoop.Thatmeans listening and co-designing with communities, not just announcingprojectsontheir behalf. That means moving beyond a model of charity, wherehelpisgivenasfavour and returning to a model of leadership that assumes responsibility, that recognises public service as asacredduty,notastepping stone to self-enrichment Andthatshiftfromserviceto self has profound consequences for how we approach development, for how we see accountability, and for how the people experiencethestate.

Leadershipusedtomean service. It used to mean that I,byvirtueofmyeducation, my access, or my platform, aminapositiontohelp,and therefore I must. Today, it seems the definition has shifted to which party I'm aligned to, how can I secure for myself and those closest to me, and everything else I do for the public apparently isafavour

W e m u s t a s k : development for whom, by whom,andtowhatend?Are we building to transform lives or to decorate a narrative?

If we are serious about development in Guyana, we must be equally serious aboutsocialsystems,human capital, and participatory processes That means rethinking what we call success and understanding that development, as I said lastweek,mustbedonewith us,nottous.

Celebrating two decades of uninterrupted, excellent service to the tourism sector…

Liloutie ‘Amanda' Mangra,

Deputy Director of the GTA, is a 'Special Person'

When she landed her first job as an

administrative officer of a garment factory, no one could have told Deputy Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Ms. Liloutie 'Amanda' Mangra, she would assume a role that would allow her to function as a true pillar of the tourism sector But here she is today with 20 years in uninterrupted service to the industry.

In fact, the functions, of this week's Special Person, are so essential to authority that she is being considered as the “glue” within her professional ranking. Somuchsothatwhenshemarked 20 years in September, the GTA celebrated her accomplishments inasocialmediapost.

Inthepost,theGTAnotedthat Ms. Mangra oversees the Finance D e p a r t m e n t , e n s u r i n g accountability, transparency, and efficiencyacrossalloperations.

Beyond her financial duties,

responsibility with confidence, grace, and excellence, consistentlygoingbeyondthecall ofduty

“She has often been described as the social butterfly and glue of the GTA, bringing warmth, energy, and unity to her colleagues.

the GTA said she has also been appointed as the Commissioner General representing Guyana at Expo Japan 2025, a prestigious role that reflects both her expertise and the confidence placedinheratthenationallevel.

According to the tourism authority, over the past 20 years, Ms. Mangra has carried out every

official, who worked her way t h r o u g h t h e r a n k s o f administration and finance to serve her portfolio with distinction.

CULTURED

This publication caught up withMs.Mangraasshewasfresh

(Lynette)

Mangra, s h e i s affectionate ly known to m o s t 'Amanda' name tha f o l l o w e throughout andprofessional

Mangra told this magazine that she grew up almost entirely inLaBonneIntention(LBI)East Coast Demerara (ECD), surrounded by strong family values and a communityorientedenvironment.

“My parents were both hardworking individuals who believed deeply in raising their children with integrity, discipline, and humility I am the younger of two children; my older brother, Seeraj Mangra, was also part of my life,” she revealed.

From a very young age, Mangra said her parents instilled

Whether leading the Finance Department, assisting with major projects, or contributing to events outside of her official role, Amanda has always stepped forward to ensure success,” the authoritystated.

Today, The Waterfalls joins the GTA in highlighting and celebrating the efforts of the GTA

off coordinating activities for Tourism Awareness Month, observed annually in November She told The Waterfalls that she was happy to share her simple yet profound journey in her chosen vocation.

Although she was born Liloutie Mangra, to Jaimangal (Winston) and Surmattie

inustheimportanceofhardwork, respect, honesty, spirituality, and familyunity

“My mother and father were committed individuals who workedhardandlonghoursinour family business and made many sacrifices to ensure we had a stablefoundation.”

She said that the experience

Ms. Mangra distributing flags and tokens as part of celebrating Amerindian Heritage Month in Japan

gave me my earliest lessons in responsibility,earninganincome, managing tasks, and taking pride inwhatever,sheputsherhandsto.

“Mydadwasstrictbutloving, and he believed strongly in preparing us for independence. After I completed school, he guidedmeintotheworldofwork, which formed the beginning of myprofessionaljourney.”

“We were taught to honour our elders, dedicate time to the Almighty, value education, and appreciate the little things in life. Some of my fondest memories I hadgrowingupasachildwithmy parents and my brother,” the GTA DeputyDirectorsaid.

She told this publication that her father, a remarkably skilled cook, taught her how to prepare many traditional dishes—from c u r r y t o c o o k - u p rice—experiences which formed some of her fondest childhood memories.

Mangra recalled that “Family gatherings were treasured moments; we always came together for important dates, celebrated milestones, and s u p p o r t e d e a c h o t h e r unconditionally Old Year's night was one we used to look forward to,wherewewouldthrowupabig pot of cook-up rice and have (Continued on page 40)

Deputy Director of the GTA, Liloutie Amanda Mangra

The GTA Deputy Director receives the Bronze Prize at Expo Japan 2025 for exhibition design under the category “Connecting Lives.”

Mangra and her very supportive husband attend an award ceremony held by GNBS

Showcasing Guyana's Afro heritage at the World expo in Japan

Deputy Director of the GTA...

Frompage39

theneighboursovertocelebrate.”

"Weekends, no matter what meals were cooked, my parents were always in the back of my vehicle,andwewereateverynew restaurant or mall sharing those priceless moments. Daily, before Iwasmarried,Ilookedforwardto reaching home on time to eat dinner with my parents and share those times with them. Growing up, my parents were my everything,”shereflected.

PROFESSIONAL PROGRESS

Ms. Mangra said her solid traditional background continues to guide her approach to life. As such, she said she continues to value attributes such as service, commitment, humility, and discipline—principles that have shaped both her career and relationships.

While her professional journey began at a garment factory where she was employed for a short period just after she completed high school as an Administrative Officer, she quickly moved on to climb the corporateladderinfinance.

She revealed, “I later moved to the Audit Office of Guyana, where I spent 7.5 years, gaining a strong foundation in financial systems, accountability, and public-sectorprocedures.”

However, the tourism official noted that her brief stint in administration taught her the importance of structure, communication, and office management.

Her most significant professional journey is at the GTA.

On September 1st, 2005, she was employed by the GTA as an Accountant Her dedication, professionalism, and financial expertise quickly distinguished her

Beyond finance, Mangra immersed herself in many other areas of theAgency. She planned and executed events, supported teams during national and international activities, and even stepped into different roles when necessary

“No roles were too small or too big for me to carry out. My work at the GTA taught me that leadership means versatility, humility, and a willingness to servewhereversupportisneeded.

I became not just a finance professional, but a true ambassador for Guyana's tourism sector,”shesaid.

As a result, she quickly progressed through several roles Accountant, Finance Manager, Senior Finance Manager, and eventually Deputy Director

“The GTA was more than a workplace; it became a platform through which I represented my country with pride,” the tourism ambassadorstated

She noted that though her work in tourism started unexpectedly,itquicklybecamea passion that shaped the direction ofherlife.

“Over the years, I came to love the sector deeply its vibrancy, its purpose, and its role in showcasing and uplifting our nation The tourism industry connects people, cultures, and communities, and being part of that narrative has been one of the greatesthonoursofmycareer

What kept me committed for more than twenty years was my desire to contribute meaningfully to Guyana's growth Every task whether financial oversight, event management, or representing the country locally and internationally was an opportunity to reflect excellence andintegrity.”

As she progressed to Deputy Director, her responsibilities expandedsignificantly

Her duties include overseeing various administrative and operational functions, supporting policy formulation and implementation, ensuring accountability and efficiency within the agency, leading teams

and building capacity, representing Guyana at national, regional, and international engagements and contributing to the strategic direction of the tourismsector

The tourism ambassador said her ultimate objective has always been to strengthen the systems that support sustainable tourism, ensurethesuccessfulexecutionof projects, and build trust—both within the agency and stakeholders.

Shesaid,“Ibelieveleadership is measured not only by results but also by the confidence others place in your ability to deliver Every task assigned to me was

fulfilled with excellence and a deepsenseofnationalpride.”

As an official of the GTA, Mangra said one of her most rewarding experiences is leading major cultural or tourism events that bring communities together and showcase the richness of the country

She noted that coordinating activities, managing teams, engaging stakeholders, and seeingweeksofplanningcometo lifeisincrediblyfulfilling.

“One of the most fulfilling projects I led was the Diwali Mahotsav, which was widely regardedasanationalsuccess.”

REPRESENTING GUYANA

Outside of this, the Deputy Director said that leading delegations or managing internationalshowcases—suchas WorldExpos-isalsoasignificant highlight of her career She said one of her most significant achievements was earning the Bronze Prize at Expo Japan 2025 for exhibition design under the category“ConnectingLives.”

“It was a moment of great pride, not only for me but also for Guyana.” In addition, her two d

and commitment to the Guyana Tourism Authority stand as a personalreward.

She said, “Promoting Guyana globally, interacting with international partners, and securing recognition for the country contribute directly to n a t i o n a l d e v e l o p m e n t . Achievements like winning awards or receiving international praise make the experience even moremeaningful.

B e i n g a p p o i n t e d Commissioner General for Expo Japan2025,aprestigiousrolethat allowed me to represent Guyana internationally and successfully execute one of the country's most impactfulshowcases.”

A major joy of her leadership role,Mangranoted,isdeveloping others especially young professionalsenteringthesector

She said coaching staff, creating opportunities for professional growth, transferring knowledge, and watching team membersexcelgivesadeepsense ofaccomplishment.

“When your team succeeds, it reflects your leadership. Tourism leadershipisnotjustaboutevents

or visitor numbers—it is about contributing to employment, community development, cultural preservation, and national branding. Knowing that your work helps build the economy, supports families, and showcases Guyana's identity is a profound source of pride,” she said.

Mangra continued, “Whether it is a successful event, an international exhibition, a product improvement, or the growth of a young team member, one of the greatest experiences is seeingthetangibleimpactofyour leadership These moments reaffirm your purpose and passionforthesector.”

Among those who inspire her to continue serving are the President, Minister of Tourism, the Director of the GTA, and her husband.

“Their confidence in me keepsmecommittedtodelivering mybest,”shesaid.

SUPPORTIVEFAMILY

On a personal level, Mangra describes herself as being blessed with a deeply supportive husband.

She noted, “Balancing my professional responsibilities with personal life is one of my greatest challenges,butmyjoboftentakes priority because of the level of commitmentitrequires.”

Mangra continued, “I am blessed with a deeply supportive husband, Chetnauth Persaud, whose encouragement and support give me the strength to keepgoing.”

Additionally, she said my family has always supported my decisions, even when my responsibilities meant spending lesstimeathome.

Adownsideofthat,shenoted, however, is that although she once served actively in community roles—such as an executive member of her temple and Secretary of my community's policing group—time constraints eventually forced her to step back.

“Over the years, I have been involved in several community and religious groups, offering my time and skills where possible. Although my professional obligations limit my involvement today, I remain committed to serving others whenever I can,' sheexplained.

Nonetheless, the tourism ambassador counts her career, husband,family,andherabilityto contribute meaningfully to the development of Guyana among her greatest accomplishments “BeingabletoserveGuyanawith pride, integrity, and dedication is something I treasure deeply,” she said.

Ms. Mangra and her loving intimate family

3MWsolarfarmcommissionedatProspect,Berbice

DPI - The government has commissioned a new 3megawattpeak(MWp)solar farm at Prospect, Berbice in RegionSix.

The farm adds another trancheofrenewableenergy to Guyana's grid, helping to stabiliseelectricitysupplyin theregion.

PrimeMinisterBrigadier (Ret'd)MarkPhillipsledthe commissioningonSaturday, describing the project as both a technical milestone and a reaffirmation of the government's commitment to a sustainable energy future.

“

project that we commission

is another step toward an energy system that is modern, affordable and resilient, and by extension will lead to a brighter future forGuyana.

Beyond that, each projectreflectsthevaluesof our government that is committed to lifting the quality of life for every Guyan

se in every community throughout the length and breadth of Guyana,” Prime Minister Phillipssaid.

Residents in Berbice welcomed the solar farm, saying it brings the region closer to reliable and more affordablepower

YoudhisthirPersaudsaid the project will benefit communitiesacrossCanje.

“The government is doingawonderfuljobforthe people of this country, and wemustthankthemforwhat they are doing. I love the project; it will support the peopleinthisarea,” Persaud said,addingthat,“asasenior citizen, I am so jealous to know that the young generationwillenjoysucha wonderfulthing.”

Another resident, Frank John, noted that the transition away from fossil fuelswaslongoverdue.

“Ithinkitisanexcellent idea to have solar panels to

supplement our electricity generation.Fortoolong,the country has relied totally on fossilfuels.”

SeanSmithsaidthe (Continuedonpage44)

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips at the commissioning of the new solar farm at Prospect Berbice

3-megawatt peak (MWp) solar farm has been commissioned at Prospect, Berbice

Lengthy power outage due to GPL linking Gas-to-Energy line to Sophia substation

The Guyana Power and LightIncorporated(GPL)on Saturday said that the lengthy power outage faced by some communitieswas a result of its support to the gas-to-energyproject.

In a statement to the media, the power company said that it de-energised a section of its transmission network from 06:00 hrs. to 12:00 hrs. to divert the L10 Transmission L

n

o accommodatethenew69kV double circuit line which is connecting the new Georgetown substation to Sophia.

Maintenance was also conducted at the new Georgetown substation and the line connecting the powershiptothesubstation.

“As a result, customers in the following areas will experienceaninterruptionin electricity supply: South & North Ruimveldt, Tucville, Lamaha Park & Springs, Guyhoc Park & Gardens, RoxanneBurnhamGardens, ShirleyFieldRidleySquare, Cane View Avenue, Industrial Estate &

Frompage44

investment will have farreaching benefits for Guyanese.

“This is a massive project,theentireEastCanje will benefit, and soon all Guyanese will benefit, the country at large, but what is more impressive, is how it will contribute to the mitigation of fossil fuel and how easier and accessible energy will be for us in Region Six. I think this is great planning from the government,”Smithsaid.

The Prospect solar farm is the latest in a series of renewable energy projects acrossGuyana.

Earlier this year, a 750kilowatt solar installation

Industrial Site to Agricola, Republic Park & Gardens, Nandy Park, Continental Park, Anaida Avenue & UbaniAvenueEccles,”GPL said.

Additional switching was done resulting in customers in South Georgetown and along the East Bank to Eccles experiencing short outages from 05:00–06:00 hrs. (start of works) and 11:00–12:00 hrs.(restorationswitching).

The scope of works included the diversions of the L10 Transmission Line and a transfer of the “aerial fibre-optic cable to new structures to enable the L10 diversion, from the new Goedverwagting to Sophia Substation. Transfer of the L10structurestosupportthe interconnection of the Gasto-Energy 69kV line from the Goedverwagting Substation to the Sophia Substation.”

Maintenance work was also done on the new transmission line that connectsthepowershipto (Continuedonpage45)

n Wakenaam.

Additionally, in Region Two, sustainable energy e f f o r t s a d v a n c e d significantly with the opening of the US$10 4 m i l l i o n , 5 M W p Onderneeming solar farm, the country's largest hybrid solar-plus-storagefacility Construction of another solar farm at Charity, Essequibo Coast, is nearing completion.

Prime Minister Phillips saidtheseprojectsformpart of the government's longterm strategy to strengthen energy security, reduce fuel costs and transition Guyana toward a low-carbon electricitysystem.

The future of the sugar...

Frompage6 andtheyencouragehispoorleadershipbehaviours.

Therecouldverywellbe a reason for this – the Skeldonconnection

The future of the sugar industry hinges on transparent governance, decisions grounded in accurate data, and equitableaccountability

It is imperative that all stakeholders, including the current political oversight andthenewparliamentary platform from which Mr Panday now operates,

commit to consistent, evidence-basedscrutinythat leavesnoentityorindividual aboveexamination.

TheAPNU has failed to properly understand what really happened at Skeldon Estate over 2024-2025; it a clearcaseoffraud.

The nation expects and deservesadiscoursefocused on the sustainable future of this vital sector, free from the cycles of recrimination that have historically hinderedprogress.

Sincerely, LancelotHyman

At least 11 killed in South Africa mass shooting

The incident is the latest in a string of mass shootings that have rocked SouthAfrica in recent years. (Reuters)

BBC - The incident is the latest in a string of mass shootings that have rocked South Africa in recentyears.

At least 11 people –including a three-yearold child – have been killed in a mass shooting atahostelinSouthAfrica.

Fourteen others were wounded when gunmen stormed the venue in Saulsville township, west of thecapitalPretoria,early onSaturday

A t l e a s t t h r e e unknown gunmen began firing "randomly" at a groupofpeoplewhowere d r i n k i n g , p o l i c e spokesperson Brigadier AthlendaMathesaid.

The motive of the shooting is unknown and no arrests have been made It is the latest in a stringofmassshootingsthat have rocked the crimeridden country in recent years.

T h e g u n m e n reportedly entered the premise at 04:30 local time (02:30 GMT) and opened fire on a group of men who were drinking. A 12-year-old boy and a 16-

year-old girl were among thosekilledintheattack.

"I can confirm that a total of 25 people were shot,"Mathesaid

Describing the hostel as an "illegal shebeen",

challengewhenitcomesto these illegal and unlicensed

shootings occur

"Innocent people also g

e crossfire," she told public broadcasterSABC

In a major crackdown, police shut down 12,000 such premises outlets

between April and September this year and arrested more than 18,000 peopleacrossthecountry

South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world, at 45 people per 100,000 according to 2023-24 figures from the United NationsOfficeonDrugsand Crime.

Some 63 people were killed every day between April and September, accordingtopolicedata

Lengthypoweroutagedue...

From page 44

the new Georgetown substation to correct hot spot issues revealed by thermalimaging.

A t t h e n e w Georgetown substation there was the testing and commissioning of a new mobilesubstation,aswellas maintenance of substation

equipment, including

circuit breakers and transformers.

“These activities are essential to improving

network stability, reducing the risks before the holiday season, and preparingthegridforfuture power integration from the Gas-to-EnergyProject. GPL apologises for any inconvenience caused and assures the public that our teams will work to complete these activities withinthetimeframe,”GPL said. The company vowed to provide additional updatesonitssocialmedia platforms

Nine bid to install metal bleacher at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport will soon install a fixed metal bleacher with retractable seats at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. This was revealed recently

bytheNationalProcurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) when bids wereopenedfortheproject. Nine companies have applied for the contract and submitted bids

Below are the companies and their bids:

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport

Procurement and installation of fixed metal bleacher with Retractable Seats - CliffAnderson Sports Hall

S&K

commenced the Sports Hall's rehabilitation project in2022.

Completion of Multi-Purpose Hall Mabaruma. Bidder

MarshallContractingandLandscapingServices

PBSConstruction

$149,353,785

$156,857,925

RabinConstructionandTransportationServices $160,007,925

K&SCivilEngineeringContractingServiceInc

$147,463,180

TrevorandSonsGeneralConstructionServices $146,144,040

A&KConstructionandMaintenanceServices

BuildersEngineeringandArchitecturalConsultancy $170,105,250

MetalandFabr icationInk

GBSInvestmentInc

EzeWayConstructionInc

$148,000,000

$154,909,860

$125,243,224

HolisticContracting $190,189,650

ShuryEnterprise $151,129,880

SinghandSonConstruction $192,925,320

BlacksandSonConstruction $206,046,947

PankoSteelFabricationandConstruction $219,897,615

AvionicsEngineeringInc $145,981,531

DynamicinnovationCivilEngineering

KBBEnterpriseInc $151,606,665 D ChowkaiandSonsConstruction $187,123,650

GopieInvestmentsInc

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Xabisa Hamilton, proves that reading can take you...

From page 30 focused participants from across the world, Xabisa secured various spots over the years;sheoncefinished12th, 7th, and even 6th, with that trend indicating somewhat that she was closing in on the ultimatefirstplace.

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Forthe2025editionofthe bible connection at the IAD level, participants were assessed on their knowledge of the book of Luke and chapters taken from the Desire of Ages. The grand finale was held in Trinidad and Tobago on November 15. With GuyaneseSDAsathomeand beyond staying abreast with the event, celebrations rang

throughtheconferencewhen it was declared that Xabisa Hamilton, no stranger the international stage, was the winner of bible connection 2025.Stunned?Yes,shewas, but then again, not so much, she expressed.

“I was surprised because IknewIansweredallthequestions correctly, but I wasn’t sure if I did it fast enough. I know other persons would answer all the questions correctly but then the timing would decide the placement. When I saw third place announced and that it wasn’t me, I was like alright, you have to work on timings for nextyear.WhenIsawsecond place (announced, and it was notme),Iwaslikeyeah,defi-

nitely got to work on timing for next year And then when I saw (that I was) first, I was very surprised because I wasn’t really expecting it, to be very honest.”

After participating for so many years and not being in the top spot, she felt that it was expected at some point eventually. Her win came after an unyielding 7 years of persistence, backed by much local support.

Upon her return to Guyana,thedeservingwinner wasgivenauniformwelcome and salute, as well as treated toawarmformalreceptionby youthministryofficialsofthe GuyanaConference.

Just a simple girl Minus the attention, the

expectedfanfare,andtheworthy accolades, you’ll only have a girl who just wants to go horseback riding, soil her hands by painting.

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Cuban man killed during robbery at La Penitence

ACuban-national wasonSaturday afternoon killed during a robbery at Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown.

The Guyana Police Force(GPF)isyettoissuea statement on the murder but Kaieteur News understands that the victim is Ariel Betancourt Ramírez of Lot 128 Middle Road, La Penitence.

Ramírez was reportedly stabbed by two men on bicycles at around 14:00h. Eyewitnesses said that the menattemptedtorelievethe manofhisvaluables.

Residents told Kaieteur News that Ramírez fought the duo and was stabbed in the process. He was seen lying on the road and residents said they quickly called the police. Shortly after,theCubannationalwas pronounced dead and his body was taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral

Home.

Residents said they heardnoiseanddogsbarking foraprolongedperiodwhich alerted them that something waswrong.

“I was inside and then I heardthedogsthembarking and when I come outside, I saw the guy lying on the ground near a taxi man and the neighbours them outside…Istartcalling911, causeatfirstIthinkitwasan accident, is the taxi driver whatsaweverythinghesaid

no it's not an accident, two skinny guys on the bike rob he and gone riding up the road and like he fight back with them,” a Middle Road residenttoldKaieteurNews.

The woman explained that she does not know the victim personally but would seehimwalkingthroughthe street daily to pick up a woman, believed to be his wifefromwork.

“Normally pun ah afternoon, his wife does come off at the head of the

The lifeless body ofAriel Betancourt Ramírez lay on Middle Road, La Penitence Saturday afternoon.

roadwithbussohenormally go and pick up his wife and walk her back in as protection but they coming from that same direction whichhewalkingtoandthey seeheandrideandturnback forhe,”thewomanrelated.

Another resident said he wasinsidehishomewhenhe heard the commotion which

prompted him to look outside.

“WhenIcomeout,Isee two boys jump on their bicycles and the man on the ground…oneofthemwitha knife in their hand and they ride and gone, ” he recounted.

The man told Kaieteur Newsthathetoowouldoften

seethevictimwalkinginthe streetwithhiswife.

Meanwhile, shortly after thestabbingdeath,theman's wife was seen in the street. She identified the man and was subsequently taken to the police station The distraught woman is said to be assisting with the investigation.

Cash advance for public officers before Christmas – Persad-Bissessar

Trinidad ExpressPrime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) is an independent office and her government cannot dictate how Public Services Association (PSA) membersaretobepaidtheir salary increases and backpay

However, she assured yesterday that an initial cash payment will be made to thousands of public officers before Christmas, while the PSA and CPO Dr Daryl

D i n d i a l c o n t i n u e negotiationsontherolloutof otherpaymentsowed.

In a statement to Parliament yesterday, the Prime Minister said her government will find the resources to honour the 10% salary increase and backpay owedtoPSAmembers.

She emphasised that whiletheincreaseappearsto be 10% on the surface, the actual numbers, including allowances, work out to approximately15%.

M

Following the Prime

Pennelope Beckles asked if Persad-Bissessar would be giving any directive to the

C P O f o r f u r t h e r consideration of cash payments for the balance of the $3.8 billion owed to publicofficers.

The Prime Minister reiterated that the CPO is an independent office, but Government is responsible forsettingpolicyguidelines.

“So,wewillnotgodown insidethenegotiationandsay givethemapieceofland,pay their mortgages, give them a car No, no, no, not item by item but broader policy direction, certainly, the Cabinet and myself can assist in the deliberations. Everything else is under negotiations, so there's not much more (the Finance Minister)ormyselfcansay,” shesaid.

There has been an ongoing disagreement between the CPO and the PSAoverfurtherpayments

PSA president Felisha Thomassaidhermembership mandatedhertoinsistoncash onlyandaccusedtheCPOof beingan“obstructionist”.

The CPO responded, saying that non-cash payments must remain an option

'Arrears will be finalized through lawful negotiations'

In her statement to Parliament, the Prime Ministersaidthematterisnot simplyaboutnumbers,noting it affects more than 16,000 publicofficers.

She said during the 2025 general election campaign, she committed that her government would end the wage freeze and settle the PSA negotiations. She said barely seven months into office, that commitment has beenfulfilled.

Explainingtheroleofthe CPO, the Prime Minister emphasised that the office is independent and that her government respects this independence. At the same time, she noted that Governmentmustsetpolicy direction and accept responsibility for decisions that affect public finances andhouseholds.

Persad-Bissessar said her government's position has been clear: the 10% settlementwillbehonoured “A cash advance will be paid before Christmas, and the remaining arrears will be finalised through lawful negotiations by the parties,” shesaid.

She noted that while a

Prime Minister does not negotiate clause by clause, it is her duty to speak clearly, adding that her government stands firmly behind the settlement and relief for workers.

Persad-Bissessar acknowledged that recent exchanges between the PSA a n d C P O h a v e understandably created concern among workers and within the wider national community

“Strongviewsarenormal after years without progress However, progress is best achieved through calm, respectful dialogue I therefore encourage all parties to allow the established process to proceed professionally and responsibly,”shesaid.

She noted that in November2025,thePSAand CPOagreedto:a10%salary increaseCOLAconsolidation forthe2014-2016and20172019 periods backpay estimated at $3.8 billion, withanannualrecurrentcost of approximately $420 million.

The Prime Minister said this brings an end to more thanadecadewithoutasalary adjustment and stands in

sharpcontrasttotheprevious 2% and 4% proposals. She said current negotiations focus on the initial cash advance and the structured, mutually agreed and lawful payment of remaining arrears.

“Whatissettledisthis:the agreement exists, and this Government will honour it,” sheassured

An investment in productivity

On whether the country can afford the settlement, Persad-Bissessar said her government recognises that the obligation is significant and thatfiscalresponsibility isessential. She added that Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo was structuring the financing and will report to theHouse

However, PersadBissessar emphasised that fairwagesstrengthenmorale and productivity, increase disposableincome,stimulate business activity, and supportsocialstability

“Weseethissettlementas acarefullymanagedstimulus that places resources in the hands of workers who have carriedtheburdenforfartoo long.Properlymanaged,itis

notacost;itisaninvestment in productivity, human dignity,andamoreinclusive nationalrecovery,”shesaid. The Prime Minister provided historical context, noting that under her former administrationthe2011-2013 periodconcludedwitha14% increase for PSArepresentedworkers,closing that cycle and providing relief.

She said that during the former People's National M o v e m e n t ( P N M ) administration, negotiations remained unsettled and workers were left without anyincreasefor11years.

It was publicly acknowledged that workers received no increase after 2014

“What this meant is the therewasanear-decade-long wagefreeze,duringwhichthe cost of living surged,” she said.

Chief Personnel Officer Dr. Daryl Dindial.

VerstappenonpoleforF1title-deciderwithNorrisalongside

ABU DHABI, (Reuters) - FormulaOne’s title contenders seized the top three grid slots on Saturday to set up a tense season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with a jubilant Max Verstappen on pole ahead of McLaren’s championshipleaderLandoNorrisandOscar Piastri. In a tactical move by Red Bull, fourtimes world champion Verstappen was given an aerodynamic tow by teammate Yuki Tsunoda, who will start 10th, to go top on his firstflyinglap.

Hethenwent0.088fasterwithhissecond unassistedefforttoclockatimeofoneminute 22.207seconds,0.201fasterthanNorris.

Norris moved up from third to second with his second effort after teammate Piastri hadlookedlikequalifyingahead.

NORRIS WILLTAKE TITLE IF ON THE PODIUM

The Briton is 12 points clear of Verstappen, and a further four ahead of Piastri,andwillbechampionifhefinisheson the podium in Sunday night’s floodlit race at theYasMarinacircuit.

That may not be so straightforward, with Mercedes’s George Russell — fastest in the second phase and in final practice — lurking in fourth place on the grid and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc fifth. “I am incredibly happy to be in first.That’s the only thing we can do, we can control, to maximise what we have and what we can do with the car and we definitely did that in qualifying,” said Verstappen. “Of course I’m excited, I’m

looking forward to it. I’m going to try to win that race,” added the Dutchman, who will needotherdrivers’resultstogohisway

Norrissaidhewasdisappointednottoend the season with a pole but his effort was the besthecoulddoandhewouldtakethefightto VerstappenonSunday

“Today when you look at it we weren’t quite quick enough,” he said. “I still want to win tomorrow and that’s going to be the goal.”Piastri,wholedformuchoftheseason before suffering a devastating drop off, agreedhetoohadnotleftalotonthetableand

Sunday December 07, 2025

ARIES(Mar 21–Apr 19)

You're in a good position to make a major breakthrough. Your sensitivity works to your advantage.Itgivesyouinsight intothingsthatothersmiss.

TAURUS(Apr 20–May20)

Don't get too hooked on the free spirit that may dominate the morning hours. Have your fun at that time, but all good things must come to an end at somepoint.Youmaybecalled onforamoreseriousjobwhen eveningrollsaround.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Youmayfeelyou'recomingto a dramatic emotional climax regarding an issue that you take personally There's a strong force stirring up your feelings,butthatdoesn'tmean youhavetospinoutofcontrol.

CANCER(June21–July22)

Be careful of letting your erratic, willful nature dominate the scene. Go with theflowandbemoresensitive tothepeoplearoundyou.Stay grounded, focused, and aware ofyouremotions.Thismaybe easiersaidthandone.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

You may be scolded for something you failed to take care of properly There's a wonderfully expansive feeling to the day that you shouldcapitalizeon.Don'tget too bogged down with the littlethings.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

The beginning of the day may start out boisterous and easygoing. The object of the game for you will be to have somefun.Asthedaywearson, you'll feel like you need to get moreorganized.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

You may experience a bit of tension and resistance with someone during the early part of the day, but things will ease aseveningdrawsnear

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

You may be caught in a difficult quandary Your attention to other people's needs may draw you into dramas that you don't want to be part of.As a result, you may be indecisive and unsure of howtoproceed.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Once you have your feelings under control,you can be more expansiveinotherpartsofyour life. You can branch out, reach toward others, and make importantconnectionsthatwill help move you toward success andgoodfortune.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Instead of directing all your e n e r g y o u t w a r d a n d dominating the conversation with your ideas, consider listening. Let ideas flow your way Be receptive to opinions andideas.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)

Things will be moving more in your favor as the day wears on. Aneasygoing,sensitiveenergy dominates the atmosphere. It will be easier for you to be yourself Your loving, nurturing qualities are accentuated.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

ou may feel like you're spinning your wheels today, especially as the end of the day draws near Nothing seems to be going your way Things aren't really as bad as you think.

wasnotwritingoffhischanceseither

“It sets up a pretty exciting day tomorrow,” said the Australian, who could face team orders to sacrifice a podium if Norris is fourth heading for the finish with Verstappenabouttowin.

The possibility of Verstappen going slowerthanhemightotherwisetobackupthe field behind him — as Lewis Hamilton tried to do to Mercedes teammate and title rival Nico Rosberg in 2016 — and make the McLarens drop into Russell’s clutches was alsodiscussed.

FrenchGuianaedgeSuriname44–40at...

From page 53 hasevercomebackfrom2-0 down to win a series — Don Bradman’s Australia in the 1936/37Ashes.

NIGHT-SESSION COLLAPSE

Michael Neser and Scott BolandjoinedStarcwithtwo wickets apiece as England lost 6-89 in a calamitous night session in front of a crowdof35,574.

The collapse came after openers Zak Crawley and BenDucketthadracedoutof the gates with an unbroken 45-run partnership in six overstothedinnerbreak.

“Great fun. We thought

the ball was going to come alive in the night session and we just wanted to put as manyballsaswecouldinthe rightareas.Webowledpretty well,” said Boland, who bowledDuckett(15)andhad Harry Brook (15) caught behind.

Neser missed a tough caught-and-bowled chance to remove Duckett but got the next two to dismiss Crawley (44) and Ollie Pope (26),bothbattersfallingwith loosedrives.

Joe Root (15) was also culpable, driving away from thebodytosendanickflying to wicketkeeper Alex Carey

offthebowlingofStarc,who laterhadJamieSmithcaught behindforfour

Starcnowhas18wickets intwotestsoftheseries.

Earlier, though, it was all about the big left-arm quick’sbatting.

TAILEND PARTNERSHIPS

He grabbed his 11th test fifty and fifth against England to go with his six first-inningswickets. Starc smashed 13 fours and combined with tailender Boland (21 not out) in a record75-runpartnershipfor the ninth wicket at the Gabba.

When Starc finally holed out with a miscued slog, Brendan Doggett (13) and Boland soaked up another seven overs before Doggett mercifully nicked the spin of all-rounder Jacks to wrap up theinnings.

Australia put on 133 for the day after resuming on 378forsix,denyingEngland any chance of batting during saferdaylighthours. Carey, dropped twice on day two, ended up scoring 63,oneoffivehalf-centuries inAustralia’sfirstinnings.

Seamer Brydon Carse finished with 4-152 for England, but conceded more thanfiverunsanover Stokes was nearly as expensive for thisthreewickets.

As to England’s shot selection, coach Marcus Trescothickwaslefttoshield England’s batters in postmatchinterviews.

“We get it right sometimes and when we do we dominate opposition,” he said.

“And when we don’t.... we play bad shots and that gets highlighted. It is what it is. You’ve got to have some way of trying to play the game.”

Scores: England 334 & 134 for 6 (Crawley 44, Neser 2-27, Boland 2-33, Starc 248) trail Australia 511 (Starc 7 7 , We a t h e r

Kashif and Shanghai’s 3rd Annual President’s Futsal Cup kicks off December 9

- Teams Briefed as Countdown begins

Team representative participating in the fixtures draw yesterday during the team briefing exercise.

With less than a week before kickoff, the KashifandShanghai Organisation yesterday hosted its customaryteambriefingforthe3rd Annual President’s Futsal Cup at theCliffAndersonSportsHall.

The event, led by Co-Director Kashif Muhammad, brought

t o g e t h e r s e v e r a l m a j o r stakeholders, including Minister of Sports Charles Ramson Jr , Assistant Director of Sports Franklin Wilson, and other notable figures in the local sporting fraternity

Teams were formally updated on tournament rules and regulations before the official draw was conducted, confirming their placement in the fixtures. The tournament is scheduled to kick off on Tuesday, December 9, at the CliffAndersonSportsHall.

This year’s senior competition willseeamassive48-teampoolvie fortophonours.Sixteenteamshave already booked their place in the second round, while the remaining 32 teams will contest the opening round.Winnersfromthatstagewill advance to face some of futsal’s

biggestnamesintheroundof16.

In addition to the senior men’s championship, the 2024 edition will feature a schoolboys’ division comprising 20 schools, running concurrently with the main competition.An eight-team female segment is also set to commence during the business end of the tournament.

D u r i n g t h e b r i e f i n g ,

Muhammad underscored the importance of punctuality, particularly for the march-past and match days. He reminded teams that the organisers are covering transportation costs, and as such, lateness will lead to automatic disqualification. “If a team arrives late,whetherforthemarch-pastora match, they will be immediately disqualified,”heemphasised.

2025 Inter-Guina Games...

In his remarks, Minister Ramson encouraged players and team officials to demonstrate discipline and professionalism throughouttheevent.

“What we are trying to achieve with this tournament is to build a brand, one that we want to take internationally,” Ramson said “There is no other futsal-playing country in this region doing what

Team Guyana see mixed results on opening day at Aquatic Center

we are doing right now. The government sees this as an opportunity to invest in something wealllove,butwithabiggervision of elevating Guyana to the internationallevel.”

The tournament runs from December 6 to January 2 and will feature eight matches per day d u r i n g t h e p r e l i m i n a r y stages—four senior fixtures and fourschoolboys’encounters.

The prize structure includes $3,000,000, medals, and a championship trophy for the senior winners The schoolboys’ championswillreceive$750,000in kind, along with medals and a trophy, while the women’s champions will secure $500,000 in cash Rewards will also be presented to second-, third- and fourth-place finishers across all categories.

The Kashif and Shanghai President’s Futsal Tournament continues its mission to provide high-level opportunities across all segments of the sport, along with attractive financial incentives for male, female, and schoolboy athletes.

he Guyanese swimmers

saw mixed results when the National Aquatic Centre opened their leg of the 2025 Inter-GuinaGames.

In the Girls age 12-18 50m Backstroke,IsmaelHoltuincopped Gold, while Guyanese Elissa Shipley-Thompson won the

Bronze. Guyana’s shining moment wasAaravSinghbaggingGuyana’s only Gold medal in the Boys 12-18 100mBreaststroke. Brothers Jeremy and Jeron Sookram of Guyana bagged Silver and Bronze in the 12-18 50m Backstroke category In the 200m Mixed Medley Relay race, Guyana

grabbed the Silver medal after Jeremy Sookram, Jessica Sookram andShipley-Thompson. The swimmers from Suriname and French Guiana controlled the pool and the home swimmers will hope for an improved showing in today’scompetitionwhichresumes todayfrom10:00h.

Kashif and Shanghai facilitated a detailed team briefing with participating teams. Several team representatives were also present.

Head Panel: Co-Director of the K&S Organisation, Kashif Muhammad and Minister of Sports, Charles Ramson explaining the in’s and out’s of the tournament during the President’s Futsal Cup team briefing exercise.

Team Guyana’s Aarav Singh copped Gold in the Boys 12-18 100m Breaststroke.

FrenchGuianaedgeSuriname

44–40atIGGWomen’sB/ball

…TITLE DECIDER

AGAINST GUYANA TODAY

French Guiana battled to a hard-

fought 44–40 victory over Suriname last evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, keeping their Inter Guiana Games (IGG) women’s basketball title defence alive and setting up a decisive final showdown against hosts Guyana today from1:00pm.

Suriname, coming off an impressive 77–52 opening win over Guyana, entered the matchup with confidence. However, French Guiana immediately showed their poise and structure, controlling the early tempo and applyingpressureonbothendsofthefloor

Thevisitorsestablisheda10–8leadatthe endofthefirstquarterbeforetighteningtheir defencesignificantlyinthesecondperiod.

Suriname struggled to find scoring opportunities as French Guiana held them to just five points while adding 15 of their own to take a commanding 25–13 halftime advantage.

Suriname responded in explosive fashion

after the break, dominating the third quarter, outscoring French Guiana 18–6 to cut the deficit to four (31–35) heading into the final period.

The fourth quarter featured several lead changes, with both sides trading baskets and matching each other’s intensity Each team scored nine points in the final period, but FrenchGuiana’searlycushionprovedvitalas they held firm in the closing moments to securethenarrowvictory

French Guiana captain Avore Esope led all scorers with nine points, while Moely Francois contributed seven and Stephanie Brown added six in a balanced offensive effort.

With Suriname now finishing at 1–1, the championship will be decided when Guyana and French Guiana clash this afternoon. A win for the visitors will seal another IGG women’s basketball title, while Guyana will be aiming to play spoiler on home court and forceadramaticfinishtothetournament.

Guyana and French Guiana’s men’s basketball clash at the Inter Guiana Games (IGG) lived up to its billing, as both teams delivered a fiery and physical contest last eveningattheCliffAndersonSportsHall.

After four intense quarters, French Guiana prevailed 58–47, a result that now sets up a mouthwatering showdown between GuyanaandSurinameinadecisiveencounter that will determine the men’s basketball championofthetri-nationtournament.

Suriname opened their campaign with a win over French Guiana on Friday, which means all three teams remain in contention headingintothefinalday

Guyana started brightly, taking a 19–16 lead at the end of the first quarter However, French Guiana remained composed, chipping away at the deficit before outscoring the hosts in the second period to enter halftime with a narrow 35–33 advantage.

The momentum shifted firmly in the visitors’ favour during the third quarter. French Guiana’s defensive pressure forced Guyana into several costly turnovers, which theyconvertedintopointsontheotherend.

Jaden Simon goes to the basket for Guyana against French Guiana.

The home side managed only five points in the quarter, allowing French Guiana to extend their lead to 42–38 heading into the finalperiod.

Guyana’s Jaden Simon, who finished withateam-high12points,workedtirelessly to keep his team within striking distance. But French Guiana continued to apply relentless pressure, led by captain Henrick Banis, who delivered a game-high 19 points and proved unstoppableatkeymoments.

Warren Campbell also made a significant impact for French Guiana with 15 points, repeatedly slicing through the Guyanese defence.

Despite strong contributions from Simoen Sinclair and Stephan Duke, who scored 10 points each, Guyana struggled to find rhythm offensively in the closing minutes.

Tomorrow’s clash between Guyana and Suriname, scheduled for 3:30 pm, will bring thecurtaindownonthisyear’sIGG.

With the home side needing not only a winbutonebyasizeablemargintochallenge forthetitle,thematchuppromisesadramatic conclusiontothe2025championships.

(Reuters) - Mitchell Starc made a latecareer bid for all-rounder status when he scored a half-century and grabbed two wickets under the Gabba floodlights to push Australiatothebrinkofvictoryatthecloseof day three of the second Ashes test on Saturday

Tailender Starc made 77 in a sparkling 141-ball knock to helpAustralia to a 177-run lead before working his magic with the pink ball as England staggered to 134 for six at stumps,still43runsshortofmakingAustralia batagain.

BenStokesandWillJackswerebothfour not out, tasked with restoring a shred of dignity to an England side who were ineffective with the ball and foolhardy with

thebat.

England have had many lows on Australian soil since their last test win in Sydney 15 years ago but day three at the Gabbamayrivalthemforinfamy

Theystartedthedaywithgenuinehopeof at least containing Australia, who had a 44runleadwithfourwicketsinhand.

They finished it demoralised, with Australia putting 511 on the board before scything through their batting order like a knifethroughwarmbutter

Stokes’s team are now staring at a 2-0 series deficit that should prove impossible to turnaround.

Onlyoneteaminthehistoryoftestcricket

Continued on page 51

Action between Suriname and French Guiana at IGG basketball.

2025 Inter-Guiana Games…

TeamSurinamerecoversversus Guyanese,tograbhonours followingDay2chessduel

The Suriname Men and Women’s team inflicted some revenge on their Guyanese opponents yesterday when the Chess leg of the 2025 IGGcontinuedattheNationalRacquetCentre.

Guyana’s Male team of Kyle Couchman, Sachin Pitamber, MicaiahEnoe,AlexanderZhanghadagreatopeningdayafterbeating SurinameonFridaynight.

The Female squad led by Aditi Joshi, Maliah Rajkumar, Ciel Clement and Italy Ton-Chung also won their encounter versus the Dutch. The Dutch then gained some revenge on their Guyanese opponents,winninglastnight’sencounterwiththeBoyssecuring2.51.5.

Meanwhile, the Suriname Girls also got their revenge, overpoweringtheGuyanese1-3.

Team Guyana Men won 2-0 with a 3.5-0.5 scoreline, while the Girlssecureda2-0,withasimilar3.5-0.5scorelineduringtheopening rounds Friday Rounds continue today, with Guyana and French Guianaengaginginbattle from10:00h.

Team Suriname grabbed honors on Day 2 following tense duel versus Guyanese yesterday

Guyana, French Guiana play to exciting 6-6 draw in IGG Futsal

…home side sets up dramatic Finale today against Suriname

By Rawle Toney

French Guiana were denied the chance to tighten their grip on the Inter Guiana Games (IGG) futsal title last evening, after a spirited Guyana battled back to earn a thrilling 6–6 draw inside the Cliff AndersonSportsHall.

Entering the match confident after their opening 3–2 win over Suriname, the French men knew that a victory over Guyana would place the IGG Futsal trophy in their hands to head back to Cayenne

Instead, French Guiana were drawn into a frenetic, end-to-end contest that now leaves today’s final game between Guyana and Suriname not only a must-win encounter for the home side, but one that will likely be decided by goaldifference.

French Guiana came out firing, moving the ball quickly and pressinghighupthecourttodisrupt Guyana’searlyrhythm.

Dylan Edouard and Yan Brito Gomes were constant threats from the opening whistle, with Edouard breakingthedeadlock.

AlessandroIpirangadelivereda standout performance of his own, netting twice and causing repeated problems for the Guyanese defence.

Just before halftime, Rodrigue

Anawondoe added another, pushing French Guiana into a strongposition.

But Guyana was far from finished. Anchored by the brilliant Quancy Fraser, who was undoubtedly Guyana’s standout performer with four goals, the home team clawed their way back withdetermination.

Dexter Milo and Jaden Harris also struck crucial goals, helping turn the momentum and forcing French Guiana to tighten defensively.

As the pace intensified, the match became a showcase of classic futsal, with every time one

Part of the action between Guyana and French Guiana in the IGG Futsal championship at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The game ended 6 - 6.

slim+1goaldifference.

side seemed poised to pull ahead, theotherfoundareply

In the closing minutes, with the game balanced at 6–6, both teams went for the winner, with French Guianaeagertosecurethetitle,and Guyana desperate to keep their hopesalive.

Several late chances sparked roars from the crowd, but neither team could convert the decisive strike.

The result leaves French Guiana still in contention, though their path now carries added pressure. Despite scoring nine goals across two matches, they haveconcededeight,holdingonlya

Guyana, meanwhile, face a straightforwardbutdemandingtask in today’s showdown with Suriname,sincetheymustwin,and win by at least two goals, to stay aliveinthetitlerace.

Witheverythingstilltoplayfor, the IGG futsal title hangs in the balance.

All roads now lead to the 10:00 am kickoff, where Guyana and Suriname will battle in what promisestobeagrippingfinale.

Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle and Vice Chair of the NSC, Cristy Campbell, visited the team after the game and offered wordsofencouragement.

Quancy Fraser netted a helmet-trick

Berbice and Essequibo

recorded resounding wins yesterday as T20 action bowled off across the East Coast, following a good 50-Over tournament.

Berbice beat Hinterland Women by 94 runs

Batting first, Berbice posted a decent 139-6 from their 20 overs, with a whopping 44 extras being gifted to them courtesy of the still learningHinterlandbowlingattack.

The Ancient County top-order had a good batting innings, with opener Sheneta Grimmond leading with26off27(3x4).

Fellow opener Tiea Isaacs (16), Sherica Campbell (13), Crystal Durant (17) and 15 not out from

Daniella Hicks, helped steady the Berbicebatting.

Kelcy Couchman (1-17), Feona Benjamin(1-23)andGrazilThomas (1-22) had reasonable spells for the Hinterland Women, who were moweddownfor45alloutinjust13 overs.

Only Tifeny LaRose (12) got a start, with Kianna Leach snaring an impressive (4-3), as Grimmond (27)andDurant(2-6)chippedinsome wickets.

Essequibo beat Demerara by 5 runs

Tramaine Marks (20), Shonette Belgrave (22), Laurene Williams (18) andAnnestecia Vanezula (18*) carried Essequibo to 101-7 after 20 overs.

Demerara skipper Kaysia Schultz spun her way to the match MVP award for her 4-16, with a bit of help from Tilleya Madramatoo (2-15).

The Essequibians then continued from where they left off after winning the Super50 title, by restricting Demerara to 96-7 in their 20overs.

Madramatoo led with 20 while Schultzscored17andopenerNaomi Barkoye (14), as Demerara found themselvesshort.

Action continues today with Berbice playing Essequibo at LBI Ground, while Essequibo face the Hinterland Women at Lusignan, with both games bowling off from 9:00h,respectively (Clifton Ross)

Guyana’s Jaden Harris, on the attack in the IGG Futsal championship against French Guiana.

for Guyana.

Demerara captain Kaysia Schultz copped the MVP award despite the loss.

West Indies snatch thrilling draw after epic Greaves double hundred

(Reuters) - Justin

Greaves produced an epic u n b e a t e n 2 0 2 i n a remarkable fourth innings display to help West Indies thwart an injury-depleted New Zealand attack and snatch a thrilling draw in the opening test in Christchurch onSaturday

Chasing an improbable 531, West Indies, who were bundled out for 167 in their first innings, displayed remarkable character to reach 457-6, the second highest fourth-innings total in test match history, when players shook hands at HagleyOval.

Player-of-the-match Greavesledtheirremarkable fightback first with a 196run stand with Shai Hope (140) and then a 180-run partnership for the unbroken seventh wicket with Kemar Roach,whomade58notout.

“Obviously, a Herculean effort by Justin Greaves,” West Indies captain Roston Chasesaid.

“He’s someone that I grew up playing cricket with, so I’m very proud for this moment, for him, and obviously for Kemar Roach

He’s a modern day legend, and I’m happy for these guys, and happy that we could achieve what we did ”

Having setWest Indies a mammoth victory target, New Zealand would have been justified in believing their victory was just a matter of time but they could not get the job done with their thin bowling resources

Having lost the services ofNathanSmith(sidestrain) and Matt Henry (calf) through mid-match injuries, they relied heavily on the

Newcomer to the chess scene, FIDE Master

Rawle Allicock, played unbeaten in the eight-round classical style I-CEE sponsored competition, which concluded last Sunday at the School of the Nations.

The fifty-five-year-old Guyanese by birth returned home to join the local ranks in the chess arena. Allicock finished with an astounding 7 5 points after playing unbeaten in the Open Category His only point drop was his draw against fellow FIDE Master AnthonyDrayton.

Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Aditi Joshi, and National Women’s Chess Champion, also

part-time spin of Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra but it could not compensate for the absence oftwofrontlinebowlers.

To make things worse, New Zealand ran out of reviews and could not challenge a couple of close calls that went against them onthefinalday

After West Indies resumed on 212-4, New Zealand prised out two wickets in the morning sessiontostayinthehuntfor avictory

Jacob Duffy, who bowled 60 overs in the match, ended Hope’s stellar knock when he bounced out the batter, and Zak Foulkes dismissed Tevin Imlach for four Greaves and Roach batted resolutely to deny New Zealand any wicket in the second session, and

continued their fightback aftertheteabreak.

Greaves looked rock solid while Roach had an eventfulstayattheotherend, where the lower-order batter survived two dropped catches, one run out chance and a couple of strong lbw calls.

Greaves hit Duffy for a four to bring up his maiden testdoublehundred.

“It was a test match that had it all,” New Zealand captainTomLathamsaid.

“It was a great test match to be involved in, but unfortunately, we weren’t abletogetthebreakthroughs that we wanted to put some pressureonthatlowerorder

“When you have two of your seamers go down duringatestmatch,it’snever ideal.”

The second test is scheduled in Wellington

fromTuesday Scores: West Indies 167 (Hope 56, Chanderpaul 52, Duffy 5-34) and 457 for 6 (Greaves 202*, Hope 140, Roach 58*, Duffy 3-122)

drew with New Zealand 231 (Williamson 52, Bracewell 47, Seales 2-44, Roach 2-47) and 466 for 8 dec (Ravindra 176, Latham 145, Roach 578).

Allicock and Joshi win I-CEE Grand Prix 2 Chess Tournaments

after, giving the FM the full point.

CM Sachin Pitamber placed fourth with 5.5 points after a surprising loss to Prince Dunn early in the competitioninRound2.

In the final Round of the tournament, Allicock faced Pitamber, and both players displayedaggressiveintent.

The intense battle between the two was evidently a clash of generations.

played unbeaten in her category, finishing with 7.5 points, with her only draw in the tournament coming againstyoungKataleyaSam. In the open category, second-place winner FM Drayton settled for a draw after the duel with his counterpart CM Sachin Pitamber Keron Sandiford took thirdplace,finishingwithsix points, losing to FMs Drayton in the fifth round and Allicock in the penultimate round of the tournament.

Sandiford’s game with Allicock ended after 45 moves Allicock’s Rooks posed a serious threat to Sandiford’s King and threatened checkmate Sandiford resigned soon

The young Candidate Master (CM) experienced severe time trouble as he resisted his FM opponent andfoughttoholdhisKing’s delicate position. In the final move of their match, Allicock’s extra pawn was poised for promotion to a strongerpieceandtoexecute checkmate Pitamber resigned on move 53. His half point resulted from a draw against Drayton in the sixthround.

Kyle Couchman (5 points) also went down to Allicock and Drayton in the sixth and eighth rounds, respectively. Couchman suffered a crushing defeat against Joshua Gopaul in the second round Couchman lost in an endgame with DraytoninthefinalRoundas well. The National Junior Champion played with only

a pawn down but resigned after just over 60 moves to Drayton’s decisive position.

Gilbert Williams, Prince Dunn, Alexander Zhang, Micaiah Enoe and Alex Ubaldo-Singh rounded up the top ten positions with 5 pointseach.

WCM Joshi scored a full point in her match with former Women’s Champion WCM Jessica Callender in RoundSix.Callender’sKing was lured and entrapped on her opponent’s side with no defence against checkmate. Their hard-fought battle

endedafter40moves.

Earlier in Round Three, the reigning Women’s Champion met WCM Sasha Shariff, who was outplayed and conceded after losing a Rooktoheropponent.

Ciel Clement finished with an impressive second place with 6.5 points. Her only lost game was against Joshiinthefourthround.Her draw was against Shariff. Shariff took the third spot with5.5points,withheronly lossagainstJoshi.

Kataleya Sam, the National U-12 Girls Chess

Champion, performed splendidly with 5 points, with her only loss against Ciel Clement. Sam drew with Joshi, Shariff, Callender and Italy TonChung.

Callendar also finished on 5 points, and Italy TonChung 4 5 points, while Saura Ruplall, Parnita K i s h u n , S a n a Sreebalakumar, Olivia Rajmangal and Maliha Rajkumar all finished on 4 pointseach.

The tournament was overseen by FIDE Arbiter John Lee, who also livestreamed the top twelve boards for viewers at home. Results were published on chess-results.com.

Cash prizes, sponsored byI-CEE,totalling$100,000 wereawardedtothetopthree playersforeachcategory

The Guyana Chess Federation(GCF)wouldlike to extend its gratitude to ICEE for once again coming on board to support chess in Guyana and to the School of theNationsforprovidingthe venue.

Interested persons can followtheGCFonFacebook and Instagram All information about chess clubs and how to join the federation can be found on guyanachess.gy

Justin Greaves scored his maiden double hundred in Tests. (Getty Images)

FM Rawle Allicock receives his prize from GCF’s President.

WCM Aditi Joshi receives her prize from GCF’s President.

Santa Rosa crowned 2025 MVP Girls U-11 Football champions in thrilling 3–2 finale

S A N T A R O S A PRIMARYsealedtheirplace in youth football glory yesterday, edging Waramuri Primary 3–2 in a gripping all-Region One showdown at the Ministry of Education ground to lift the sixth Annual MVP Sports Girls Under-11Footballtitle.

Arriving with an unbeaten record, Santa Rosa wasted little time stamping their authority. Twelve minutes in, tournament topscorer Roveena Johnson broke the deadlock, reacting brilliantly to a looping throw-in and nudging the bouncing ball past a stunned Waramuri defence for the opener Waramuri, however, refused to wilt. Just before halftime, Atia Marks unleashed a spectacular drive from the edge of the penalty area, her strike ripping into the back of the net to level the match 1–1.

The crowd erupted, supporters standing shoulder-to-shoulder, riding every touch until the halftime whistle finally brokethetension.

Three minutes into the second half, Santa Rosa again pulled ahead. Naomi Henry, fed by a sharp rightwing assist, danced past two defendersbeforehammering home a close-range finish thatrestoredtheleadat2–1.

With Waramuri pushing desperately for an equalizer, Santa Rosa struck again. In

the 39th minute, Johnson driftedintospaceonacorner and powered home her second goal of the match, seemingly sealing the contestat3–1.

But Marks wasn’t done. She fired in her second consolation strike a minute later, trimming the deficit to 3–2 and sparking hopes of a

dramatic comeback. Time, though, was not on Waramuri’s side. When the final whistle sounded, Santa Rosa’s bench erupted, another championship secured, another proud momentforRegionOne.

Earlierintheday,Marian Academy edged St John the BaptistPrimary1–0toclinch third place, courtesy of a decisive 21st-minute strike from Haley Haberkron Meanwhile, West Ruimveldt Primary outplayed Agatash Primary 3–1 after their opening exchanges ended lockedat1–1.

The presentation ceremony capped off the tournament in fine style.

Johnson, who finished with an astonishing 19 goals, claimed both the Highest Goal Scorer award and the prestigious 2025 Most Valuable Player accolade for her final-day heroics, scoring a double to lead her t e a m t o a n o t h e r championship victory The champions also received a $750,000 Personal Accident Insurancepolicypackagefor

Deputy CEO, Ministry of Education responsible for Hinterland development, Marti De Souza presenting Roveena Johnson with her MVP trophy during yesterday’s presentation ceremony

every player and coach, courtesy of Demerara Mutual Fire and Life Insurance.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Sarah BrowneShadeek was on hand to assist with the awards, adding an extra layer of significance to what was already a special day for youthfootball.

Santa Rosa’s triumph was not just a win, it was a statement, defeating arch rival Waramuri Primary in the 2025 Primary Schools final, witnessing this was a packed region one crowd. And with talent like this emerging from Region One district, the future of girls’ football looks incredibly bright.

Inter Guiana Games – Athletics…

Team Guyana steamrolls Day two to claim title

Team Guyana completed a

sensational two days of competition with another commanding performance on the final day of the Inter Guiana Games 2025 Athletics Segment, on Saturday, at the National Track and FieldFacilityinEdinburgh.

Day two was filled with glorious sunshine,whichallowedtheathletes to give more spirited efforts on a dry surface in contrast to the opening day, which was afflicted by inclementweather

When the dust settled, Team Guyana secured 442 points to win the Athletics Championship, while French Guiana accumulated 298 points to claim second place and Suriname’s efforts amassed 215 pointstolocktheminthirdplace.

Saturday’s action featured the highly anticipated 200m and 800m races among the card as Quinyla Burnette (GUY) completed the sprintdoublewithatimeof25.20sin the Girls 200m, while Nyah Gravesande (GUY) and Jozuana (FG) finished second and third with 26.00sand26.50s,respectively In the Boys 200m, the Guyanese

pair of Deuquan Farrel (21.60s) and Tishawn Easton (21.80s) topped the pack as Romensio Aminibo was thirdwith22.60s.

Amongst the 800m events, Guyana’s Adanya Glen (2:28.60s) and Kaidon Persaud (1:57.90s) won theGirlsandBoys,respectively For the Girls, Kamayra Lacon (GUY –2:39.20s) was second and Victoria Dalphrase (FG – 2:48.00s) was third In the Boys showdown, Persaud defeated Jonathon Bristol (GUY - 2:00 80s) and Nevilio Raafenberg (2:02 90s), who followedinthatorder Ebo McNeil was amongst the winnersonDaytwoashedominated the Boys 5000m with a time of 17:06.17s while French Guiana’s Loris Innocent (18:25 84s) and Daniel Samuel (20:18.78s) were secondandthird.

Meanwhile, in addition to the 4x400m wins on the opening day, Guyanawasabletosecurevictoryin every other relay that followed. The 4x100m Girls was won in a time of 47.68s, while Suriname (51.80s) was second and French Guiana (52.31s),third.

The Boys won in a time of 43 10s, while French Guiana (45 20s) and Suriname 46 60s) followed in that order The Mixed 4x400m relay was won in a time of 3:51 40s ahead of Suriname (4:04 40s) and French Guiana (4:05.10s).

Field Events DaytwoonlyhadtheLongJump andJavelinastheoutstandingevents to be completed. Deuel Europe (GUY) won the Boys Long Jump with a leap of 6.93m ahead of Michael Kyte (GUY – 6.63m) and Jean-ElieHenry(FG-6.01m).

For the Girls, Guyana’s Kenetha Fraser leaped to victory with 5.00m while FG’s Emilie Panelle (4.98m) was second and Shellyann Sampson (GUY–4.92m),third.

IntheBoysJavelin,Persaudwon with a throw of 54.17m, Lesley Maiti(FG–42.50m)wassecondand Sonario Noordwijk (Sur – 31.46m) was third. In the Girls event, FG’s Malaina Joli was the victor with a throw of 27.79m, Tamara Mingo (GUY – 26.22) finished second, while Murcy Amalenie (24.62m) wasthird.

Fantastic final! Santa Rosa Primary delivers thrilling 3-2 finale to lift Girls U11 Football crown.

Team Guyana was flawless in all six relay events. (Photo: Newsroom)

Guyana, French Guiana play to exciting

6-6 draw in IGG Futsal

…home side sets up dramatic finale today against Suriname

SANTA ROSA

Guyana drew 6-6 with French Guiana in Futsal this afternoon at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Santa Rosa Primary clinch 2025 MVP Sports Girls U11 Football title.