Kaieteur News

Nigel Hughes

Supriya Khan

‘Don't quit’

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Alliance For Change (AFC) has assigned a delegation to meet with former leader Nigel Hughes with the hope of him retracting his days' oldresignation.

The NEC met at an extraordinary session to consider, among other things, Hughes' resignation, theAFCsaidinastatement.

Hughes resigned from the party on Wednesday In hisresignationletter,hetook full responsibility for the distressing loss the party suffered at the September 1, General and Regional Elections.

The AFC contested the electionsandscrapedamere 3,610 votes, upsetting any chances of securing a single seat in the National Assembly

“While recognizing Mr. Hughes'clearintentiontoact

responsiblyanduprightlyby accepting responsibility for the Party's

al misfortunes, the NEC unanimously expressed its gratitude to him for his heroiceffortsandinvaluable contributions before and during the campaign. The NEC further affirmed that the responsibility for the P

collectively on the entire executive, and not on Mr Hughes alone,” the AFC reportedonSaturday

Further, the NEC directed that a delegation of its members meets with Hughes to appeal to him to continue serving as Leader until a National Conference is convened to elect new leadership.

“In the interim, the Party's Chairman, David Patterson, will fulfill the duties as Leader,” the AFC

said.

Meanwhile, the party noted that history is replete with examples of political movements reduced to zero seats in representative

nevertheless managed to recoverandreturnstronger

“Inthisregard,workhas already commenced on a comprehensive SWOT assessment of the AFC's 2025 electoral performance, withemphasisonidentifying what is needed for the Party toregainitsstanding.”

Further, the NEC reaffirmed its committed to rebuilding and repositioning the AFC as a strong, credible, and peoplecentered political force

“The Party remains dedicated to serving the peopleofGuyana,defending democracy, and advancing the interests of all citizens,” thepartysaid.

Nigel Hughes

“Wecallonallmembers, supporters,andwell-wishers to remain united, steadfast, and engaged as the AFC undertakes this process of renewal. Together, we will overcome this moment of difficulty, and together, we will ensure that the AFC risesagaintoplayitsrightful role in shaping a brighter

...AFC sends urgent delegation to beg Hughes to stay on

future for Guyana,” the statementconcluded.

On Thursday, Kaieteur News reported that General Secretary of the AFC RaphaelTrotmansaidthatit is common for leaders of political parties “to fall on their sword” in cases where therearedevastatingdefeats.

Trotmanwasresponding toqueriesby Kaieteur News about Hughes' resignation who submitted his resignationonWednesday

Hughes, who assumed theleadershipofthepartyin July 2024, had campaigned feverishly across country on a slogan he adopted “better must come,” admitting that he had much to offer Guyana.

He said the country needed a break and was willingtopoolhisideaswith others to fashion a new and modernGuyana.

But with the crushing

loss at the polls, Trotman saidthemovebyHughes“is thehonourableapproachthat is observed worldwide

However, it is the party's leadership and members to acceptorrejectthatoffer.”

Hesaidhowever,thatthe resignation is somewhat surprising, since there was no indication that the party leader was contemplating resigning “Recently as Saturday last, the executive met and the meeting was chaired by Mr Hughes Therewasnohintthathewas considering resigning, and noindicationfromwithinthe executive that anyone wanted him to resign,” he said.

At the time of Hughes' recognition, the AFC said thattheparty'sconstitutional provisions would be used to guide the way forward shouldheremainadamantin hisdecision.

Eco Atlantic in talks with prospective partners for Orinduik Block as January 2026 deadline looms

Though Canadian exploration companyEco(Atlantic)Oil&Gas Ltd. is yet to find a partner to complete the formal farm-out process to attract partners for the next phase of exploration in the Orinduik Block, located offshore Guyana – the company has disclosed that it is in talks with a numberofprospectivepartners.

Eco Atlantic holds a 100% working interest in the block.This follows the exit of former joint venturepartnersTotalEnergiesand QatarEnergy, who withdrew for strategicreasons.

The company had announced the initiation of a formal farm-out process and in a statement issued this month on its results for the three-months ending June 2025, Eco Atlantic reminded that it is advancing an active farm-out process while evaluating its two previous discoveries in the block Jethro and Joe, both of which containedheavyoil.

TheOrinduikBlockhasalready demonstratedaworkingpetroleum system, with two confirmed discoveries Jethro-1 and Joe-1 made in 2019 in the Lower and UpperTertiaryformations.

While both finds contained heavy oil, further analysis is ongoingtodeterminedevelopment feasibility Thecompanyhassaidit continues to evaluate discoveries while assessing deeper Cretaceous prospects, which are believed to holdpotentialforlightercrude.

Eco had disclosed that it is advancingplansfora2025

Eco Atlantic President and Chief Executive Officer Gil Holzman said in the recent statement, “In Guyana, we have continued to hold positive discussions with a number of prospective partners where we are working hard to realise the potential of the Orinduik block.” Eco is actively seeking new partnerstosupportits2025drilling campaign targeting multi-millionbarrel reserves in the Cretaceous formation.

The Orinduik block covering 1,354 square kilometers is located approximately 170 kilometers offshore Guyana is adjacent to the prolific Stabroek Block which is operated by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited that is estimated to hold 11.6billionbarrelsofoil.

This update that Eco is in talks withprospectivepartnerscomesas the January 2026 deadline looms for the oil company to drill an exploration well on the block in keeping with its petroleum agreement.EcoenteredtheSecond Phase of the Second Renewal Period of the Orinduik License on January 14, 2024 This phase requires the drilling of one exploration well targeting the Cretaceous formation before the license term ends on January 13, 2026.Notably, in November 2023, Eco Atlantic completed the acquisition of a 60% operated interestintheOrinduikBlockfrom TullowGuyanaforUS$700,000in cash, along with future contingent royaltyconsiderations.

drilling campaign at the Orinduik Block offshoreGuyana,targetingstacked Cretaceous reservoirs similar to

thosefoundintheprolificStabroek Block The company's latest Competent Person's Report (CPR)

The Orinduik Block

KaieteurNews

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Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

EDITORIAL

Gaza burning

Gaza is burning. The ground is being scorched as Palestinianmen,women,andchildrenareforcedtofleefrom what was once their homes. The Israelis war machine and their allies, those who are responsible for what is this barbarous inhumanity are so shameless, so depraved, that they see no contradiction in “humanitarian area” dripping from their callous lips. Day after gruesome day, dozens of Palestiniancivilians,withnoconnectiontothecombatants, arekilledintheirbeds,whatisleftoftheirstreets,asifthey are the lowest forms of animals. Those hunted down with impunity,anderadicatedlikeunwanteddogsfromthefaceof theearth.

An ancient maxim is that the greatest evildoers are not the actual perpetrators of blatant evils. The greatest evildoers are the ones that support those who only know devastation, and have the diabolical written all over their soul. ItwassoinNaziGermanythatgoodmenanddecent womenturnedtheirfacesfromtheevilsinfrontofthem,and latereithersaidthattheydidn'tknow,orthattheywerejust following orders. It was so in the old Yugoslavia that fragmented into Serbia, Croatia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina, where massacres and other evils were the order of the day under the flag and fog of what was called war By what stretchoftheimaginationcouldwhatisdestroyingapeople andawholewayoflifecouldbesaidtobewar,thatwewould liketoknow? Iftheobjectsofthisongoingslaughterwereof Caucasian or some other European heritage would this utterlygrislyinhumanitybeenallowedtolastamonth,much less closing in on two years? The thirst for vengeance has notbeenslaked,northeanimalisticpassionstodestroyevery single last Hamas fighter diminished, so that that tragic Octoberisneverrepeated.

It is the US that prides itself in its standards, in its exceptional moral calling, that has been in the forefront of pressuresondifferentregimesaroundtheworldtodealwith their disastrous human rights record, or know what it is to facethewrathofapotentAmerica. InthecaseoftheIsraeli war machine, the arrogance of Prime Minister Netanyahu, thereisanewstandardatwork. Onethatischaracterizedby looking the other way, one that features an America that pretendsathavingnovoice,orwhenitdoessaysomething,it wasbetterthatthehypocrisieswereleftunsaid,tosparethe country that lectures the world about good and evil the disgraceofitscontradictions.

Noncombatants are being murdered and massacred by the hundreds weekly in Gaza, and US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, searched diligently for the right words, and thenvoicedthisbeforeaworldthatcondemnstheUSforits silence, its condoning of endless atrocities. “Sometimes when you're dealing with savages like Hamas, that's not possible…” Thesubjectwasofanegotiatedsettlement,for thegunstostopfiringandbringanendtothekillingthatis like the Grim Reaper's scythe operating at maximum acceleration.

We must be appreciative when a US official as high as secretary Rubio can be frank enough to give political correctnessandcivilstandardsthebackofhishand. When heemployedawordsuchas“savages”,thenthatconveysto the world where the objects of Israeli hatred and Israeli revenge stand in the eyes of the US at its highest official levels. Because the extermination of “savages” is the ultimateobjective,thenGazaburningandPalestiniansdying like so many inconvenient pests are a small price to pay, nothingbutthecollateraldamagetobeabsorbed,condoned. Inwhathasunfolded,whatiscontinuinguninterruptedly,in Gaza for the last devastating months, there is the savage irony of the Final Solution returning and revealing its monstrous head. On this occasion, the Final Solution is turned on its head. Today, the descendants of the tragic victimsofakillingmachinefromalmosthundredyearsago arenowtheplannersandimplementersofhumandestruction taken to a nauseatingly inhuman level. When humans are seenassavages,thisistheresult.

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Delusions of grandeur became the entrapment where all were lured and consumed

DearEditor, Ever since the days of ForbesBurnhamandCheddi Jagan, Guyanese politicians are known for their capacity and tenacity to 'fight tooth andnail'tofendoffpolitical adversaries,exploitandseek to widen cracks in the ranks of their political opponents and deny them oxygen to survive politically Also, they are known to win friendsandinfluencepeople. But their actions, save and except the anti-democratic and perilous episodes, were and continues to be done within the meaning of the Constitution and the laws of Guyana.

Experienced Guyanese politicians know that occasionally,theyhadtopay keen attention to, and address rifts at the top that had the potential to become p o l i t i c a l l y a n d organizationally divisive Their fundamental task was, andhasalwaysbeentokeep the membership united behind settled policies and goals, keeping the base intact, mobilized physically and psychologically; and to have the party machinery always well-oiled and in a state of readiness to

successfully contest and to winpoliticalpower

Recent political developments in Guyana have shown that long before theSeptember1,generaland regional elections, serious political and tactical differences had emerged at the leadership level of the PNC, the APNU and AFC. The differences had become so untenable, if not irreconcilable, that at a certainpointintime,'allhell broke loose'. Leading party membersbeganstabbingone of their own in the back riskingbeingstabbedintheir own back by the more ambitiousones.Thepolitical fallout seemed temporary, it was a period that could be characterized the Hobbesian way as, 'nasty, brutish and short',butaswehaveseen,it proved unstoppable and farreaching.

The victims who could bear no more, scattered in different directions within theextantbodypolitick,they sought refuge where they were accepted and felt comforted; while those who wanted to 'save their skins' politically, either sat on the fence or faded into irrelevanceornothingness.

ThePNC,AFCandWPA insteadofbeingrealisticand magnanimous towards each other as erstwhile political allies, chose to spit on each other thus jettisoning any prospect for embracing each otherinanelectoralalliance. Consequently, egomaniacal hubris, and a narcissistical convictionstookoverand,as it turned out, it was only a matter of time before the masks fell revealing the pretentiousness and shallow political astuteness of all involved resulting in their disastrousshowingatthelast election.

With the unprecedented loss of seats in parliament, a mood of disbelief and anger coupled with somatic reactions was felt. Nausea and giddiness accompanied by the pain and apparent insultbyWINtothestatusof the PNC as a major political forceleftthepartypondering at the crossroads which path itshouldtaketoredemption.

Hughes' resignation was clearly an extension of the fallout.TheAFC'srefusalto enter into an electoral alliance with theAPNU was at least foolish. Thus, in recompense to the party's membership Hughes resignedaspartyleader

But Norton was himself equally foolish to believe that as helmsman of the APNU, his rickety alliance would be victorious at the polls, more so, since the WPAwasmorebaggagethan anything helpful to his party'scause.

Both Norton's and Hughes' unwillingness to meet each other half-way wasduetooneoftwocauses, either they hubristically overestimated each other's ownworthortheirwinnable capacity By mistakenly unwilling to accept the mutuality in their weaknesses whether due to hubris or to existential repudiation,theybothended up badly beaten, humiliated and shaken in the eyes of theirownsupporters.Atleast the WPAwas clever enough to hold on to the already tattered skirt of the PNC giving them a seat in parliament.

Like the spider's invitation to the fly to come intohisparlour,delusionsof grandeur became the entrapment where all were luredandconsumed.

Yoursfaithfully, ClementJ.Rohee

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox

President

Ali's approach at Skeldon is not a “smoke screen”

DearEditor,

I read with concern the article on the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) published in the Kaieteur News on September 19, 2025.The piece appeared to suggest that His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali is seeking to move away from sugarproduction,despitehis repeated and emphatic statementsthat“sugarishere tostay.”

I have remained largely silent on matters relating to theGuyanesesugarindustry

while awaiting the completion of the 2023 audit, believing it was my professional responsibility to allow for an independent and objective assessment of my tenure (2020–2023) before engaging in public commentary With the publication of the 2023 Audited Financial Statements, it would be remiss of me, as a former ChiefExecutiveofGuysuco (with operational oversight from September 2020 to December 2023), not to r e f l e c t o n r e c e n t developments.

Editor, please allow me to provide some context beforeaddressingthearticle. Upon assuming operational leadership at GuySuCo in September 2020, the last published audited financial statements dated back to 2015. Over the next three years, I assembled a dedicated finance team to prepare audit working papers for 2016 through 2 0 2 3 T h i s w a s accomplished while leading a financially distressed and

complex corporation, heavily impacted by the GreatFloodsof2021,which destroyed 28% of standing cane after 65 days of flooding in Berbice

Completing eight years' w o r t h o f a u d i t documentation (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023) in three years wasnosmallfeat,andIwish toformallyacknowledgethe professionalism and dedicationoftheteamunder my leadership that made it possible.

R e g a r d i n g t h e newspaper article, the statements throwing shades on His Excellency public pronouncements while he was meeting farmers at Skeldon on September 17, 2025, were rather unfortunate and the newspapers should have done more research on this matterbeforerushingtoprint this one-sided article. As an example, the piece claims from a quoted source the following:

“Now,fromhis(meaning the President) statements and deliberations, he placed a lot of emphasis on citrus and other crops at Skeldon, as if he was psychologically telling the people, don't worryaboutsugar Itisthe intention of the PPP not to rehabilitate the sugar industry.”

Such assertions prematurely prejudge the President's strategy without understanding the broader policy context Any thoughtful Guyanese must considerthefollowing: GlobalCaneSugar

IndustryDynamics

While cane sugar remains in demand, global competition, price volatility, and the rise of alternative s w e e t e n e r s h a v e transformed the industry Even historically strong sugareconomieshavehadto modernize, diversify, or subsidize production to

mple

pe misrepresents economic realities.

GovernmentAction isNotNeglect

President Ali has consistently demonstrated commitment to revitalizing sugar, exemplified by the G$7 billion investment to reopenRoseHallEstate,and at the same time creating over 1,400 sustainable jobs. Revitalization does not imply that all land must remaininsugarcane;rather,

d profitability Introducing complementary crops such ascitrus,coffee,andcocoaat Skeldoncanenhancereturns andsupportsthesugarsector directlyandindirectly

PragmaticCrop

Distribution

Theintroductionofother foodcropspartiallyonlands previously occupied by sugar cane is a crosssubsidization strategy designed to make the agricultural operations at S

agricultural policy rarely relies on a single crop. By incorporating (Continued on page 6)

Will APNU or WIN make deals with the PPPC?

DearEditor,

What would the PPPC seek in return to allow the Opposition Leader to make its choice of GECOM commissioners since the present commissioners are refusing to resign? Which partyislikelytomakeadeal withthegoverningPPPC?

In return to change the Guyana constitution to empower the Opposition Leader the PPPC could seek to extend the term of office from more than the present two terms by which a Presidentcanserve.

Next the PPPC can seek

to getWIN support to select thechairmanofRegion4and Region8becausetheparties aretiedinadeadlock.

This would create some goodwill between the two parties.

Additionally, the governing party should a c c e l e r a t e t h e decentralization of the government apparatus. The chances are the PNCR can come back to power in the future and they will victimize PPPC supporters who mainly live in the countryside.

In an opinion article in

DemeraraWaveson9-18-25

Mr NevilleBissemberwrote that"Theresultsofthe2025 elections dictate that the parliamentaryrepresentation on the opposition benches between 2020 and 2025 (mainlyAPNU/AFC) which had resulted in the (continued) appointment of t h r e e o p p o s i t i o n CommissionersonGECOM, hasnowcometoanend." Mr Bissember is not exactlycorrectthattheissue of the commissioner "has now come to an end". The leaderoftheWINpartywith

(Continuedonpage6)

In agreement with Hammie on History

Dear Editor,

I am in agreement with Mr Hamilton Green that we should have an intimate knowledge of our history (KNSept18).Unfortunately, very little of Guyanese history is taught in our schools. Local history and our political system are not priorities in our school or university curriculum History is a mandatory subject in high school; it is mandatoryinallcountriesat all grade levels Every country teaches its own history and civilization in addition to that of other countriesorcivilizations But inGuyana,Guyanesehistory and the civilizations of its varied people, at least six groups,arehardlytaughtand worsemarginalizedinschool

And our history and civilization of the different ethnic groups are hardly featured in regional exams (CXC,CAPE)inhistory The same is observed in teaching literatureinhighschool.

In contrast with Guyana,

inUSAwhereamillionwith Guyanese ancestry live,

American history is dominant at every grade level or every form in high school. At every class level from kindergarten to high school, history is mandatory for a daily period in which American history, in addition to global history or events, is taught Before graduatingfromhighschool, students must pass the state examinAmericanhistory In high school, a state examinglobalhistoryisalso required. In high school, duringthefouryears,before a student graduates, he must take two semesters of Americanhistoryinaddition to four semesters of global history plus one semester of economicsandonesemester of the workings of the American government; history of economics and government is also taught in thelattertwosubjects.When a student finishes high school, there is a solid foundation of knowing the

country's history as well as the history of one's own ethnichistoricalbackground or civilization Even in college in USA, history courses are mandatory regardless of one's major (Chemistry, Biology, politicalscience,etc.).Other countries, like India, China, Japan, UK, Germany, Israel, Morocco, Brazil, Fiji, Mauritius,SouthAfrica,etc., all of which I visited and examined their basic school curriculum, teach their own history in addition to others. In contrast, Guyana and the Caribbean region do not place much emphasis on studentsmeetingaminimum level of knowledge about their own country's history and knowing the history of theirowncivilization.

The new Minister of Education and the Ministry should re-examine the history taught in school and questions in regional exams andpursueamendments.

Yourstruly,

VishnuBisram

GDF officers receive Instruments of Command for new appointments

Chief of Defence Staff, BrigadierOmarKhan,MSS, on Thursday presented Instruments of Command to Officers as they formally assumed responsibility for unitsacrosstheForce.

Accordingtoastatement issued by the GDF on its Facebook page, the InstrumentofCommandisa formal document that bestows command authority on an officer, empowering them to make decisions, exercise leadership, and oversee the effective functioningoftheirassigned units.

As part of the ceremony, the officers also took a Command Affirmation, pledging their commitment to lead with integrity, discipline,anddedication.

The recently appointed officers are Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Drumson

McCaulay ( Acting Commanding Officer, Training Corps), Lt Col Andy Pompey ( Base Commander, Base Camp

Stephenson), Lt Col

An officer takes his command affirmation before Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, on Thursday

Courtney Mendonca (Base Commander, Base Camp Seweyo), Lt Col Dominic Shepherd (Commanding

Officer, 3 Infantry Battalion), Lt Col Harold Fraser(2InfantryBattalion), Lt Col Gordon Nedd ( Base Commander, Base Camp Ayanganna), Lt Col Joslyn

A s s a n a h ( A c t i n g Commanding Officer, Air Corps) and Lt Col Cranston France ( Commanding

Officer, 4 Engineers Battalion).

In his address, Brigadier Khan reminded the officers

o f t h e w e i g h t o f responsibility that comes

with command. He urged them to draw on their careers, ranks, and experiencetogivetheirvery best, noting that the Guyana Defence Force expects excellenceandthepeopleof Guyanadeservenoless.

He emphasized that the InstrumentofCommandisa clear reminder of explicit authorityandaccountability, encouraging each officer to strive to make their unit the best Brigadier Khan extended congratulations to the officers on their new appointments and wished themsuccessastheytakeup theirnewleadershiproles.

In agreement with Hammie on...

Frompage5 his 16 seats is expected to become the official Opposition Leader when parliament convenes He will supposedly be empowered to appoint replacement commissioners to GECOM. But first, the present commissioners will have to be removed. But he cannot as the opposition commissioners are refusing toresign.

In fact, the three opposition commissioners appointed by the PNC who are refusing to resign with the change in the 2025 opposition camp have cited Article 161(3)(b) of the

Constitution which empowersthemtoremainin office. Mr Bissember wrote that, "The view is widely heldthatCommissionerscan onlyberemovedforreasons of sickness, mental illness, or misbehaviour (Article 225(2)); in other words, the contention is that they are appointedforlife!"

What will Azruddin Mohamed of WIN do to get his choices of GECOM commissioners when he becomes Opposition Leader? WIN can try to make a deal with the governing PPPC with its 36 seats to change the Guyana

Constitution. It will have to offer something in return to thePPPC.

Alternatively, the PPPC may do nothing and let the statusquoremainasis.

This combination of votes (36 plus 16) amounts to more than two-thirds of votes needed to change the Guyana constitution to empower Mr Mohamed's WIN to appoint the three commissionersoftheparty's choice to GECOM To accomplish this goal, the OppositionLeaderwillhave to first make a deal with the PPPC.

Yoursfaithfully, VassanRamracha

Kaieteur M@ilbox

Local Government Renewal: Building Communities of Dignity

DearEditor, Guyana is changing. Roads, bridges, and street lights are reshaping our landscape, and for that we mustacknowledgeprogress. Yet beneath these visible signs of development, many communities remain burdened by challenges that undermine the very quality of life these projects are meanttoimprove.

T h e u n c h e c k e d occupation of drainage reserves by businesses continues to block water flow and heighten flood risks Bushy, overgrown properties, derel

ct structures diminish safety and aesthetics, while building materials and derelict vehicles left on parapets obstruct roadways. I n t o o m a n y neighbourhoods, livestock rearing in residential areas damages new infrastructure, creates health hazards, and undermines efforts to beautifyoursurroundings. Other issues are equally pressing:

Ÿ Uncontrolled betting and gambling shops t h a t p r e y o n vulnerablefamilies.

Ÿ Poor water supply in

both quality and availability.

Ÿ Littleornodrainagein somecommunities.

Ÿ Inconsistent garbage collection, leaving residents exposed to healthrisks.

Ÿ Noisy and polluting workshops from spray painting to fabrication operatin ginresidentialzones.

Ÿ The abs

f s t a n d a

d , enforced building codes that ensure safetyandresilience.

These are not minor inconveniences They are systemic problems that weaken our communities anderodethedignityofdaily life. Ifweareseriousabout t r a n s f o r m a t i o n , Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) must be more than caretakers of routine services. They must understand that they are empowered to provide recommendations on policies for Parliament to create or update, ensuring that local governance is not reactivebutvisionary

One practical step forward is the introduction of a mandatory monthly

public day for all NDCs. Separate from statutory meetings,thiswouldprovide a dedicated space for residents to meet councillors, raise concerns, offer suggestions while minuteforactions.

Use social media to publish these actions not for photo ops. Such a measure would deepen trust, strengthen accountability, and ensure that governance isrootedinthevoicesofthe people The challenges beforeusareopportunitiesin disguise They call for principled leadership that balances economic survival with environmental responsibility, and for policies that place health, safety, and dignity at the centerofdevelopment. Guyana is ready for this transformation. With bold action and a renewed commitment to grassroots empowerment, our communities can become living testaments to progress, not just in infrastructure, but in the quality of life we build together

Sincerely

H e m r a j Vi s h a u l Kissoon

President Ali's approach at...

Frompage5 complementary crops with their associated value-added industries like juice plants, the Government is ensuring food security is advanced, jobs are created, and the local farmers are given a fighting chance as partners in the modernization efforts intheUpperCorentyne.

Expert Engagement andKnowledgeTransfer

The engagement of Brazilian experts, alongside consultation like the late Guyanese soil scientist Dr Udho Homenauth, was instrumentalinshapingland conversion strategies for the sugar industry between 2021–2023.

Further support from international expertise, including EMBRAPA (the Brazilian Agricultural Research Agency), has also facilitated sustainable and profitable conversion of intermediate savannah lands, allowing local productionofcorn,soya,and stockfeeds on lands previously not contributing tothefoodsecurityambition of the people of Guyana.

T h e s e i n i t i a t i v e s demonstrateaclearbusiness caseforprofitable,evidencebased agricultural transformation using our partners in Brazil and now Dominican Republic to move up the food value chain. Isn'tthatwhatweall want,moreprofitfromevery acre?

In conclusion, President Ali's approach at Skeldon is not a “smoke screen” but a responsible strategy to maximize underutilized resources, create jobs, and p r o m o t e n a t i o n a l development GuySuCo's

D r H o m e n a u t h demonstrated that much of the so-called topsoil was depleted (mainly situated in the trenches), confirming that previous land conversion strategies were ineffective By adopting modern techniques, the Corporation increased mechanically plantable and harvestable acreage from 18%in2021to40%in2023 a t l o w e r costs unprecedented progress compared to the previous20years.

challenges are structural, requiring modernization, investment, and crosssubsidization, which the Government is actively pursuing in partnership with the private sector Misrepresenting these initiatives as failures, undermine the tangible progressbeingachieved.

T

y crops alongsidesugarcanereflects foresight, pragmatism, and commitment to sustainable agricultural development These actions align with a vision of profitability, resilience, and food security for Guyana. With a 36-seat majority, I believe the Guyanese people have entrusted His Excellency to advance these initiatives to fruition, and patience and understanding are essential as these projects continue to mature.

Sincerely, Sasenarine Singh Former Chief Executive Guyana Sugar Corporation

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–SEPTEMBER15,2025

Mervynbeatout

The ink has barely dried ontheofficialdeclarationof results, and already the first political body has hit the floor PNCR stalwart Mervyn Williams has called itquits.

The Coalition's heavy defeat has begun to take its toll and if history is any guide, this is only the opening act of a very long tragedy We recall the 2020 elections when, in the a

of loss, resignation letters fluttered aboutlikeconfetti.

This time, it promises to bebloodier

T

we

e bad enough stalwarts like James Bond, Jermaine Figueira,RonaldBulkanand Amanza Walton-Desir abandoned ship before the vessel even left the harbour Now, after the iceberg of electoraldefeat,thebleeding isexpectedtoworsen.

Aubrey Norton and his crewmuststockupongauze andtransfusionkits,because the hemorrhaging is real. Norton had promised to purge the disloyal and strengthen the tested and proven. Instead, it is the

“tested” who are sprinting for the exit while the “proven” appear more proven at resignation than resilience. Norton needs not only blood donors but miracle workers And miracles,asweallknow,are inshortsupplythesedays.

TUESDAY–SEPTEMBER16,2025

NortonMustGo

When you lose and lose as badly as Aubrey Norton did you do not linger You packyourbagsandleave. That is the honourable course of action for any leader with a shred of selfrespect Already Mervyn Williams and PNCR Chai

Holder have resigned. Yet Norton clings on, promising to rebuild what he himself helpedtodestroy It is delusion, plain and simple.Nortonhasoverseen o n e o f t h e w o r s t performances of the PNCR in recent memory His leadershiphasbeendivisive, uninspiring, and disastrous. Now, rather than accept blame, he parrots tired excuses about elections rigging and vote-buying Guyanese are not fooled. The electorate rejected

Norton,notbecauseoffraud, butbecauseofhisfailure.

The PNCR deserves better Its members must summon the same courage they did in the aftermath of the2020electionswhenthey moved against David Granger Norton is no saviour; he is an albatross around the party's neck. To delay his departure is to prolong the suffering of the PNCR.

Nortonshouldnotwaitto be shoved aside. He should stepdown.Thepartycannot rebuild under the man who wreckedit.

WEDNESDAY–

SEPTEMBER17,2025

AtAFC'sgraveside

TheAllianceForChange (AFC) stormed onto the politicalstagein2006likea cockypeacock,promisingto be the “third force” that would break the duopolyheldbythePPPandPNC.

Today, that same peacock looks more like a featherless yard fowl pecking at scraps. Since its recent electoral thrashing, theAFChasbeeninpolitical limbo, silent like a church mouse. Its chairman, David Patterson, now chants the tired mantra: “We will

rebuild and come back strong.”Ironically,thatsame sloganisthePNC'slullabyto its battered supporters. Two patients in the ICU telling the world they will run a marathonnextweek.

But while AFC snores, Azruddin Mohamed and his WIN are buying up oxygen tanksintheoppositionward, andAmanzaWalton-Desiris quietly making her parliamentary moves. The AFC's relevance now is somewhere between zero and minus ten. Voters no longer ask what AFC is doing, they ask if it even exists.

Thetruthis,AFCmissed itslastchancewhenitfailed to ink a deal with APNU. Now, the party looks like a politicalcorpsewaitingfora pastor to mumble “ashes to ashes, dust to dust.” The graveside is ready, the mourners are few, and the burialhymnisshort.

THURSDAY–SEPTEMBER18,2025

PresidentAli'ssecond termlookslikehisfirst

President Ali hasn't wasted time. He's already dividing the press. Some invited to his first press conference, some not. How

can that be constructive? What is democratic about that?

President Ali is already chewing on his words, swallowinghard.Themedia is essential, said the president.

T h e n a l m o s t immediately,heforgets. Or changes his mind. Or plays his games. The media isapartner,shouldn'tbeseen as a terror Media independence helps leaders, governments. President Ali should see that as reality, necessity He will be better forit.

His government and record will be better for it. No one wins when the government attacks the media.

The government doesn't, the president looks pitiful. Thepeopleareblockedfrom receiving the whole truth. The country loses, the messages distorted, the record fouled Warring againstthemediaguarantees a government that will be a loser

FRIDAY–

SEPTEMBER19,2025

NortonvsNigel

In our Wednesday edition we spoke frankly about the death of the

Alliance For Change. What wedidnotexpectwasthatits leader,NigelHughes,would have resigned so quickly But in truth, Hughes has done the honourable thing. He has accepted political reality, laid aside pride, and stepped down after leading hispartyintooneofitsworst defeats That is what leadership demandsaccountability

Contrast this with Aubrey Norton. Under his stewardship, the PNCR has been reduced from 31 seats toamere12.Thatcollapseis historic in its scale, yet Norton clings to office, telling the nation he will be there to “rebuild” the party Rebuild what? He presided overthedestruction.

IfNigelHughescantake responsibility, why not Aubrey Norton? Leadership is not about stubbornness or self-preservation. It is about servicetopartyandcountry Nortonshoulddothedecent thing and go—before he is pushed. The PNCR needs renewal, not recycling. If Nortonrefusestostepaside, the party risks sinking furtherintoirrelevance. Sometimes the blunt truth is this: leaders who preside over collapse must leave.

Hand-in-HandInsurancepartners withJIPANetworktoexpandoverseashealthcare accessforGuyanesefamilies

He Company, one of Guyana's oldest and most trusted insurers, has entered into a strategic partnership with Joint Independent Providers Association (JIPA) Network to offer policyholders greater access to coordinated medical care abroad.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the company said that the new collaboration allows Hand-in-Hand's clients to receive care through JIPA's robust network of accredited hospitals and specialists across the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The agreement is designed to help more Guyanese families access advanced care for complex or urgent medical needs, while receiving logistical and clinical support every stepoftheway Speaking on the agreement, Hand-in-Hand

Managing Director stated, “We are delighted by this partnership with the JIPA Network to provide expert overseas care coordination services to our customers. We have admired JIPAfor a long time and are pleased that our clients will now be able to benefit from their extensive network and expertise that will result in betterhealthoutcomes.”

Inresponse,CEOofJIPA Network Dr Kester Nedd stated that “The partnership withHand-in-Handcreatesa significant opportunity for Guyana's population to gain greater access to affordable healthcare through JIPA's provider network. It will strengthen local healthcare ventures, expand Guyana's connec

ns to the international medical community, and enable providers to engage with global centers of excellence incare.”Withover160years of service to the Guyanese people, Hand-in-Hand has

; Chief Growth

;Assistant Life Manager Hand-in-Hand, Kester Need; CEO JIPA Network, O

Singh; Managing Director Hand-in-Hand, Christina Rajcoomar; Network Director JIPANetwork, Paul Bram - Legal representative Hand-in-Hand).

consistentlyevolvedtomeet the changing needs of its p

Th

s partnership with JIPA reflects the company's continued commitment to ensuring clients have access not only to trusted care locally, but also to highquality, coordinated options overseas when needed. The agreement allows clients access to JIPA Network's extensive global provider network of over 300,000 physicians, hospitals, and

specialty centers across the

America,andtheCaribbean.

coordination, expert clinical oversight, pre-negotiated pricing, and logistical support throughout their treatment journey The agreement will bolster local healthcare providers by facilitating patient support and coordinating access to overseas treatment where necessary Atthesametime,

JIPA is collaborating with hospitals and medical institutionsacrossGuyanato strengthen local capacity, with the aim of building on the government's significant investments in the health sector and positioning the countryasaregionalhubfor specialized care in the Caribbean. JIPA Network is a Miami-based healthcare organization with a panC

, connecting providers across

America, the United States, and West Africa. For more than two decades, JIPA has delivered patient-first solutions in international carecoordination,concierge c

ment, healthcare technology, and Third-Party Administration (TPA) Through referrals, m

, care coordination, and claims processing, JIPA has helped thousands of patients access high-quality care across borders.

From L-R: Mrs. Lalita Sukram; Deputy Life Manager Hand-in-Hand, Wiebe Boer

officer JIPA, Elizabeth Gopie

madatt

The Government is on a High-Carb Diet

I have always been skepticalofdiets.Itriedone once,butitdidnotlastlong. NowIfindmyselffascinated by the government’s new diet—not the keto, not the paleo, but the “bureaucratic bloat”diet,whereinsteadof trimming fat, you add ministers, advisers and deputy permanent secretaries like butter to bread.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, which in Burnham days could be a desk with a filing cabinet tuckedinsomecornerofthe Ministry of Education, now hastwoministers.Two!This is not a desk anymore; it’s a fully furnished Ministry withitsownBudgetandtwo ministersintow

Apparently, doubling-up is now the new form of efficiency. The Ministry of Local Government, a ministry so modest that it onceflewbeneathradaralso has two ministers. One is evensomeonewhowasonce asubstantiveMinister

And this ministry now has both a Permanent Secretary and a Deputy Permanent Secretary, and rumour has it an office for a former Minister I don’t know why we need Deputy Permanent Secretaries

Maybe they’re like understudies in a Broadway show If the Permanent Secretary falls ill, the Deputy can rush on stage, arms flailing, to approve memoswithheroicurgency But wait, there’s more. The Ministry ofAgriculture also has its own Deputy

Permanent Secretary That’s a lot of deputies for a ministry whose greatest achievement of late is ensuring that rice doesn’t rebelandsugardoesn’tstage acoup.Whyallthedeputies? If this were the Wild West, I’d understand sheriffs needed deputies. But in a ministry, unless cows have begun rustling tractors, I’m notconvinced.

And then there are the advisers. Retired ministers, ratherthanretreatingtowrite their memoirs now hover around their old ministries, haunting the corridors like political ghosts They shadow the new ministers, whispering, “In my day, the air conditioning worked better.” These advisers are less about advice and more about real estate they occupy offices, chairs, and most importantly, the public purse.

Now, let’s talk about the newest character on this stage: the Director General. This position pops up everywherelikemushrooms after rain. The Ministry of Agriculture once had one, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs once had one who was considered the Chief Diplomat.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is my favourite example In Britain, the Foreign Secretary is the Foreign Minister Here, we haveboth.Whichmeanswe effectively have two foreign ministers, like Noah’s Ark but with politicians instead of animals. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education,

which oversees literacy in a country that desperately needs it, gets one minister One!Ifthiswereamarriage, the Ministry of Education wouldbefilingforneglect.

The Public Service Ministryalsonowhasanew tagline— “Implementation and Efficiency.” Efficiency! This is like naming a sumo wrestler “Slim.” Efficiency, in any normal dictionary, meansdoingmorewithless. Ingovernment,itnowmeans doing less with more and announcing it with a press release.

To top it off, we have a brand-new Ministry: Aviation and Publ

Utilities. I imagine this is a Frankenstein’s monster of water taps and airplanes, where air traffic controllers alsomonitoryourelectricity bill. This ministry exists presumably because Public Works was stripped of aviation and Housing stripped of water. And yet—bothPublicWorksand Housing still have two ministers each It’s like cuttingoffthearmsofachair and then giving it extra cushions.

The most powerful position of all, however, is nottheForeignMinister,the DirectorGeneral,oreventhe Deputy to the Deputy PermanentSecretary,butthe exaltedfigureoftheMinister without Portfolio. This is a minister who, by some cosmicstrokeofgenius,has no ministry His job is to hover above it all, like a hanging ornament The Minister without Portfolio

DEM BOYS SEH

Dechildrenknowmore thandemadults

Langtime,olepeopleusetuhtelldem pickney, “When big people talking, yuh musn’tputyuhmouthinyuheldersstory.” If yuh slip up an’ forget, yuh mighta get one eye-open slap before yuh could seh “excuse me.” Pickney use tuh know dem place— sit down quiet,ears open, mouth shut.Whenauntyan’unclecomevisiting, demchildrendoesgetexcited.Butassoon asdemadultsstarttalk,islikeoneinvisible broomsweepdempickneystraightoutside fuh play Big people story was big people story

But nowadays? Boy, the world upside down. Children ain’t waiting fuh hear nothing—demtellingdenewsbeforebig peopleevenopendemmouth.Longbefore aunty take off she shoes, dem done post pon TikTok how she bun de saltfish this morning. Before uncle sip he first glass a Mauby, dem done share pon WhatsApp how he ketch he neighbour cow eatinghe

enjoys the singular advantage of presiding over nothing And in a government where responsibility is radioactive, beinginchargeofnothingis the safest, most powerful positionofall.

What we are witnessing is not governance but gastronomy The political directorate is fattening like geese destined for foie gras. Itisagovernmentsobloated that one worries whether State House should install reinforced floors If efficiency is the goal, then s u r e l y t h e l e a n e r

ministries Education, Natural Resources—are the role models. But instead, they remain starved of additional ministers while Culture, Sport, and Local Government gorge themselves on political calories.

This is not merely bureaucratic obesity—it is bureaucratic art Each appointment is like a new brushstroke on a canvas of excess.Andsoon,ifthetrend continues, we will need a Ministry of Ministers, staffed by two ministers, a Permanent Secretary, a

Deputy,threeadvisers,anda Director General. Their job willbetokeeptrackofallthe otherministers,whobythen will outnumber the mosquitoes in the rainy season.

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

cassava.

An’whenbigpeopletalkingnow,isnot thatchildrenquiet.Isdemwholeadingde conversation.Demknowwhogetlockup, whogetdivorce,whobuynewcar,an’who get evicted — all before de radio man comeon.Demparentsstillwaitingponsix o’clock news, while dem pickney already upload video, put filter pon it, and get a hundredlikes.

Imagine dat — lang time children couldn’tevencoughtooloudwhenelders around. Now is elders who begging pickney,“SharedeWi-Fipassword,nah,” or “Check if dem post back de funeral programmeponFacebook.”

Dem Boys seh is one upside down world.Dechildrenrunningdenewsdesk, de gossip corner, and de information ministry An’ de big people? Dey just de audience,clappingalong. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

The Leader of the Opposition in waiting

AgoodnumberofGuyaneseexpectsalotfromMr AzruddinMohamed,theLeaderofthe Oppositioninwaiting. Hecannotbeordinary Aboveaverageisnotgoingtocutthemustard. Hehastobeextraordinary ForthosewhothinkthatIamraisingthebaralittletoohighforthe newlyarrivedMr Mohamed,myresponseishoneyitself:getusedtoit. Notjustforhim,but for Pres.Ali,Vice Pres. Jagdeo,Terrence Campbell, Ms.Walton-Desir, and anyone else that attracts the moment, or is not quite up to scratch for the Guyanese people. Holding public officecomeswithitsprices,callsforatoughskin,andawillingnesstotaketheroughseaswith

thesmoothones,andcarryonasiftheyarethesame.

WhatIhavegenerouslyextendedtoPres.Aliisextendedto Mr Mohamed and Dr Campbell. The leeway of the first hundreddays. Getfeetwet,keepnoseclean,andfriendshipwillprevail,maybeevenblossom. Frankly, my preference is for a barren tree line, thornbush groves. Mr Mohamed. He is a politicalneophyteuntutoredinthenuanceofnationalpolicy,andthecutandthrustofbruising, oftenbattering,debate. Hehadbetterbeagoodlistener,aquicklearner,amanwhosurrounds himself with people who will guide him, tell him as it is, and be ready to adjust to changing circumstances. He has earneda namefor himselfin therealmof commerce,and thatisn't a picnic,especiallywhenthebusinessisontheprecariousside. Hemustneithershrinkfromthe challenge nor be afraid of making mistakes. What I have said to the president and vice presidentonmorethanoneoccasion,InowofferfreeofchargetoMr Mohamed. Spendless timelookinginthemirror,andmostofthetimelookingattheneedsandinterestsandhurtsof Guyanese.

The people don't need prima donnas. They are desperately in need of godfathers, soul brothers, and psychic motivators. Money is a good balm. Effort is better Sincerity and compassioncannotbebeat. Guyanesehavebeenconnedsooftenandsolong,theycansmella rat from a mile away, and that is in the middle of a thunderstorm. How Mr Mohamed will preparehimselfforthejobthatisbeforehimishisbusiness. ButsinceIamMr Helpfularound here,hehastodohishomeworkbyout-preparingandouthustlingallofhiscompetitors. Heis thepoorman'sandhopelessGuyanesewoman'scandidate. Assuch,hisconstituencyisnoton thelookoutforblindingflashesoforatoricallightning. Theywantaleaderwhowalkswithhis ownlunchbucket,onewhodealsintheirbread-and-butterissues,andmakesthemfeelgood aboutthemselvesforhavingvestedtheirtrustinhim.

Mohamedissupposedtoberepresentingthehopesanddreamsofthegrassroots. Hemust continuewithbootsonthegrassofthehood,andnotforgetforamoment,therootspeoplewho shovedhimtowhereheis. ThePNCmadethatmistakeduringits2015-2020reign. Hiscallis fightfortheminparliament,despitetheoddsandhostiletemperature. Nobodyisgoingtogive himaninch. Buthemustalwaysbereadytogivehisalltothepeoplewhobelievedinhim. On paper, he is not a man, a leader, that generates a great deal of excitement. But that is no yardstick,asGuyanahashadcropaftercropofmenwholookedgoodonpaper(andsounded sweetfromthepoliticalbullypulpit)onlyfizzleoutlikeapuncturedballooninreallife,which isallthatcounts. Forthosewaitingfornames,thetimeisbetterspentreadingacomicbook,or lookingatoneofthoselocalsoapoperas.Also,IamawareratherhazilythatGuyanahashada galaxyofoppositionleadersthatincludedadentist,alawyer,aneconomist,adiplomat,anda tired streetfighter How much better is this country and its citizens for that gang of great Guyanese, that's the question for contemporary domestic observers, and future historians. I give a little sneak preview: they have done well for themselves, with an exception or two. Regardingthelotofthepeople,well,theyarestillliningupandmakingabigstinkofbeing pushedtothebackofthelineforahouselot.ThebottomlineisthatMr AzruddinMohamedhas shown that he can campaign and come out intact, while somehow holding a winning hand. Now he must demonstrate that he can withstand warm, flat champagne, the brackishness of blacktea,andthepungentstingofbushrumwithasmileonhisface. Ijustgavehimanintroto parliamentarypoliticsusingliquidlanguage.

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

WIN'sparliamentarylistincludesANUGpartyrep.

A New and United Guyana (ANUG) on FridayconfirmedthatMs. Nandranie Singh is the party's parliamentary representative under the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN)banner

In a statement, the party said the decision is basedontheWIN-ANUG collaboration Kaieteur News reported that back in June, both parties signed an agreement to contest the 2025 General andRegionalElections.

“This historic step reinforces the growing strength and momentum of the WIN campaign. With ANUG's addition undertheWINbanner,the movementgainsvaluable electoral experience and national reach, making ANUG the first political partytoofficiallyjointhe WIN platform,” ANUG expressedatthetime.

On Friday, ANUG stated that Ms Singh inviolably pledges to be non-discriminatory in serving the people with distinction, dedication,

immutable commitment to the principles upon which ANUG w

founded.

“T

c opportunity leverages ANUG's ability to certify that the voices of our members and supporters are represented at the highestforumofdecision making- an opportunity that eluded ANUG postElection 2020,” it said in its statementThe party saidthatitsrepresentative

Pa

committed to be guided

meritocracy and together, the parties will continue tostriveforaGuyanathat is inclusive and the Human Development I

accelerated, to benefit all citizens Further, ANUG

A

Mohamed, and WIN for aff

ding ANUG a platform to represent the p

(Continuedonpage40)

- ANUG

WIN's 16 representatives that will sit in the NationalAssembly.

The Waterfalls Waterfalls

Contributing to Guyana’s literary landscape for in excess of 15 years…

Journalist and newly published author,

Jasmaine Payne is a ‘Special Person’ P

A SWEET NEW TREND COMES TO GUYANA:

CakePicnic

Camilla Thaina Benjamin

Camilla Thaina Benjamin

“Ourcultureis ourcrown,ourtalentisourpower,andour voicesareourlegacy”isafavouritephrasebythisweek’sbeauty, CamillaThainaBenjamin whoisknownas‘Titi.’Thisbelleisa nativeofYakarinta,NorthRupununiRegionNine.Shegrewupsurroundedbytheendlessgreen savannahsandlivedjusttenminutesawayfromthemajesticRupununiRiver.Hercommunityishome totheMakushipeople,knownfortheirskillsinhunting,fishing,cottonweavingandcattlerearing.Camilla isamarketingAssistant,whodreamsofbecomingaprofessionalmakeupartist.Shebelieves“wearegifted resilientandcapableofachievinganythingweputourmindstoandthateachofuscarriesauniquetalent.” Beyondthemakeup,Camillaenjoyssocializing,meetingnewpeopleandpracticinghercraftonherfriends.

Haiti Needs a Single Strategy, Real Money, and Political Discipline

I return to a focus on Haiti because it is too easy for the world to discard the situation in that beleaguered country

In part, it is precisely

because insufficient attention has been paid to Haitiinaholisticwaythatits circumstances worsen and its people continueto suffer This assessment draws on recent reporting by the Réseau National de Défense

des Droits Humains (RNDDH) - “Laboderie Massacre-InternalSituation Report”and“CallstoReturn Issued to Citizens byArmed Gangs”aswellasananalysis by the Global Initiative Against Transnational OrganisedCrime(GI-TOC), “Addressing Haiti’s Escalating Crisis: From Criminal Governance to Community Fragmentation” (September2025).

On security, the strategy in Haiti - if one exists - is fragmented and ineffective. Several separate activities, such as a prime minister’s task force, scattered drone

projects by private contractors, and a Kenyanled Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, do not add up to strategy The bottomlineisthatthereisno real security The Haitian National Police - even with helpfromtheMSSmission–it’s thin and overstretched, and results are inconsistent. Meanwhile, gangs control roads, neighbourhoods, and revenuestreams.Plainly,this

is criminal-style governance (a pattern documented by GI-TOCandRNDDH).

Politics is equally stuck. TheTransitionalPresidential Council (TPC) has stalled; elections in November 2025 arenotgoingtohappen;and thereisstillnocredibleplan for the period after 7 February 2026, when the TPC mandate ends. Power plays among politicians and elitesareconsumingtimethe countrydoesnothave.Every week of drift strengthens armed groups and weakens thestate.

Yet a workable path is available, but it must be executedasasinglepackage, not as isolated efforts Haitian authorities have to secure critical transport infrastructure, such as airports, ports, fuel depots, bridges, and the national road corridors. Without safe movementofgoods,people, and services, every other effort fails. To achieve this, there must be an organised and funded apparatus that includes mobile response teams, clear rules of e n g a g e m e n t , a n d humanitarian corridors that aid agencies can actually use. At the same time, the Haitian authorities and their international partners must cutoffthearms(excepttothe Haitian Police) and illicit finance that keep gang structures alive. Interdiction at entry points, surveillance of organiser-financier networks, and real-time

financial intelligence must beroutine.

U.S. sanctions on gang leaders and enablers should be matched with seizures, arrests, and prosecutions so the cost of doing business rises for organisers and financiers, not just street enforcers.

Justice institutions must prioritise prosecution of those persons behind the networks that procure, launder, and shield criminal enterprise. If the logistics and money persons remain u n t o u c h e d , g a n g s regenerate. We know these thingstobetrue,buttoolittle isdone.

Finally, the UN, the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) should act

incorporates security,

, governance transition, and economicmeasures.

That plan must include a clear transition architecture fortheperiodafterFebruary 2026 that avoids a governancevacuum(already within Haiti, influential groups are crying out for actiononthis).

The OAS Secretary General’s Haitian-Led Roadmap provides the framework; what’s missing is one budgeted operational plan, a unified Security Council mandate, and a fundedUNinstrumenttorun it.

WhileaUNtrustfundfor the MSS mission already exists, it is voluntary and insufficiently capitalised; the United Nations should therefore operationalise one Haiti Fund that is transparent,audited,andtied to results across the whole plan.Thisapproachwillcost money and requires sustained attention

However, we should remind ourselves that UNcoordinatedappealsforHaiti drewroughlytwo-thirdsofa billion dollars from 2023 to 2025; it is far less than what Sudan’swar,theGazacrisis, orUkraine’swarreceiveina singleyear

The Fund should be financed in particular by the United States and France, joined by other states that have benefited from their involvement with Haiti, its labour and its markets. This is not charity; it is responsibility

Disbursements for projects in Haiti should be linked to concrete milestones: keeping open essential corridors for the movementofpeople,goods, and humanitarian aid; stopping extortion on nationalroutes;seizingarms and cash connected to criminal networks; reopening schools and

health-care centres in secured zones; and completing agreed steps toward the post-February 2026transitiononschedule.

The UN Security Council’s veto-holding membersmustbackasingle, coherentstrategy

No mixed signals, no competingmandates,andno symbolic resolutions that excuse meaningful action. Mandates, money, and operational support need to line up behind the unified plan. If the Council will not support a plan that can actually be executed, it should say so plainly and accepttheconsequences.

Also, external support without internal discipline will fail. Haitian political andeconomicactorsneedto stop manoeuvring for advantage while the state erodes. The country needs one focused government with a limited, public programme: restore security along lifelines; stabilise essential services; support justice operations against organiser-financier networks; and set a realistic timeline for elections when minimum security conditions exist. Anything else invites more violence anddeepercollapse.

The Haitian people have

beenpromisedalot,buttheir situation has worsened. The nextphasemustbedifferent: one integrated security design; one transition path; one financing vehicle; and one set of performance measures.

Haitian authorities must owntheplanbyshowingthat theyhavethecapacitytoact in their nation’s interest; international partners must support it; and the Security Council must stop treating Haiti as an inconvenient intrusion.

Ifactionisnottakennow, theHaitianstatewillcontract further and armed groups will expand, with spillovers acrosstheCaribbeanandthe Americas in migration, security and human suffering.

(The author is the Ambassador ofAntigua and Barbuda to the United States and the OAS, and D e a n o f t h e O A S Ambassadors accredited to the OAS. Responses and previous commentaries: w w w . s i r r o n a l d sanders.com)

Sir Ronald Sanders

WEEK-INREVIEW

SUNDAY

Fewchangesto Pres.Ali’sCabinet …Manickchandmovesto LocalGovt.,Paragheadsto Education,Oneidgetakes chargeofHomeAffairs …KeomaGriffith, StevenJacobs,Sarah Browneamongnewfaces

President Irfaan Ali on Saturdaynightappointedmembers of his cabinet and announced the names of other parliamentarians and advisors at a ceremony held at StateHouse,Georgetown.

Most of the ministers who served the last five years were retainedwhile,afewnewfacesand newministrieswereannounced.

Attorney General and Minister of LegalAffairsAnil Nandlall has retained his portfolio while Ministers Dr Vindyha Persaud (Minister of Human Services), Dr Frank Anthony (Minister of Health),VickramBharrat(Minister of Natural Resources), Charles Ramson (Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport), Gail Teixeira (Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance), Dr Ashni Singh (SeniorMinisterintheOfficeofthe President with responsibility for Finance), Hugh Todd (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations), Kwame McCoy (Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister), Collin Croal (Minister of Housing), Juan Edgill (Minister of Public Works) and Zulfikar Mustapha (Minister of Agriculture) also retained their portfolios.

Meanwhile, former Minister of Education,PriyaManickchandhas been assigned to the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.Shewillbejoinedby former Minister of Amerindian Affairs,PaulineSukhai.Sukhaihas been replaced by former Parliamentary Secretary, Sarah Browne.

Minister Sonia Parag who was MinisterofPublicService,beforeit was absorbed by the Office of the PresidentandservedasMinisterof Local Government and Regional Development, will now replace Manickchand as the education minister

MinisterOneidgeWalrondwill replace former Minister Robeson Benn as the Minister of Home Affairs, while Benn will serve as her advisor Former Minister of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues will take Walrond’s place as Minister of Tourism, IndustryandCommerce.

Minister Deodat Indar was named Minister of Public Utilities andAviation,anewministry Inthe last cabinet, he served as Minister within the Ministry of Public Works.

Amongst the new faces, Attorney-at-Law, Keoma Griffith will replace Minister Joseph HamiltonastheMinisterofLabour and Manpower Planning, while Hamiltonwillserveashisadvisor Businessman and former national cricketer, Steven Jacobs hasbeenappointedMinisterwithin the Ministry of Culture,Youth and Sports with Minister Charles RamsonJr retaininghispostasthe senior minister.Another new face, ZulfikarAlly, was named Minister of Public Service, Government EfficiencyandImplementation.

Additionalnewcomersinclude Vickash Ramkissoon, who was namedMinisterwithintheMinistry ofAgriculture, Mandanlall Ramraj Minister within the Ministry of Public Works and Vanessa Benn namedMinisterwithintheMinistry ofHousing.

Meanwhile, in his address, PresidentIrfaanAlisaid,“Thenew cabinet today has been put on notice that… This government is notaboutpowerandIwanttomake thatveryclear.”

Hesaidthatministerswhowish to exercise power will find themselves out of a job very quickly, as the government stands on responsibility, service, and humility “…noegos,noegos.The journey ahead is going to be accelerated. You’ll see that we at the Office of the President, we intend to lead by example,” said President Ali who himself took the oathofofficelastSunday

The head-of-state reminded that the victory of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) was as a result of hard work, relentless sacrifices and commitmentofmen,notonlyinthe cabinet.

Praising the work of his ministers, President Ali said that theylabouredandtrustedthevision of the PPP/C, “…that mission and the plans we advance are what we wanttoachieveasapeopletogether in this country, and tonight, I ask you to applaud them. I want all of themtoknowthatwhilsttonightis

a representation of one aspect of government, their work is the hard piece, the foundation and strength, upon which we stand, and we will continue to be part of this journey oftransformation.Andtheywillbe the foundation of transformation thatliesaheadofus.”

The president announced several presidential advisors: Dr Mahendra Carpen – Presidential Advisor on Science & Healthcare Modernization; Sham Nokta –Presidential Advisor on Climate Change and Biodiversity, Ruel Johnson – Advisor in the One Guyana Commission, Robeson Benn–Advisor(MinistryofHome Affairs/Natural Resources); Joe Hamilton –Advisor in Ministry of Labour&ManpowerPlanning.

Additionally, James Anthony Bond, Zamal Hussein, Peter Ramsaroop, Anand Persaud, SureshSingh,MahendraBudhram, JenniferWestford,SanjayDatadin, Alistair Charlie and Sonia Lachman will serve as PPP/C parliamentarians.

Thandi McAllister and Mishka White-Griffithhavebeenidentified asParliamentarySecretaries.

President Ali disclosed that additional appointments will be madenextweek.

WINreleasesfulllistof representativesforparliament

Leader of the We Invest in Nationhood(WIN)partyAzruddin Mohamed on Saturday night released the names of the 16 persons who will represent his partyintheNationalAssembly

His announcement came shortly after President Irfaan Ali sworn in members of his Cabinet andthepersonswhowillbepartof his government for the new five years.

Among the list of Members of Parliament(MPs)oftheWINparty are Mohamed, Tabitha SaraboHaley, Dawn Hastings Williams, General Secretary, Odessa Primus, Natasha Singh-Lewis, Duarte Hetsberger, Leslyn Gale-Lowe,

VishnuPanday,BeverlyCornelius, Gobin Harbhajan, Deon LaCruz, Nandranie Singh, Dr. Gordon Barker, Janelle Sweatnam, Dr Ryan Richards, and Dr Andre Lewis.

WIN secured the second highest votes at the elections gaining 16 seats in the National Assembly

With his eyes set on taking government at the next general elections, Mohamed disclosed that asWINpreparestotakeuptherole as the main opposition party, “We willbeworkingtirelesslytoensure we hold the PPP accountable, whatever they promise in their manifesto, they have to deliver, whateverwehaveinourmanifesto, wewillpitchittothemtoo.”

“Wewillbeontheirnecksevery singleday,”hesaidnotingthatthey have persons to focus on all the varioussectors.

MONDAY

‘7thoilprojecttobeapproved verysoon’–Min.Bharrat …butstillnoword onanyadditionalfiscal benefitstoGuyana

ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL)could“verysoon”receive approval for its seventh oil developmentintheStabroekBlock – the Hammerhead project, according to Minister of Natural Resources,VickramBharrat.

Bharrat, who served in the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) cabinet in the same capacity, was sworn in on Saturdaynightalongwith24other ministersforthe2025to2030term.

During an interview with this publication on the sidelines of a reception at State House, the Minister said the Petroleum Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources has been focused in recent weeks on reviewing EMGL’s Field Development Plan (FDP) for the Hammerheadproject.

“The Ministry of Natural

Resources, we have been doing that, ensure that we follow every single procedure laid out and due diligence necessary, is also done before any approval,” the natural resourcesministersaid.

Similarly, he noted that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also been occupied reviewing the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project. Bharrat added, “So that has been ongoing for a while now EPA has been reviewing with the intention of granting the environmental permit, once that due diligence is done, due process isfollowed.”

Minister Bharrat continued, “Soonceeverythinggoeswell,we couldexpectanapprovalverysoon and the signing of that licence at somepointintimesoon,providing thatallrequirementsaremet.”

Notably, the Minister’s disclosure comes amid lingering questions about whether Guyana will secure any additional fiscal benefits from the Hammerhead project. On multiple occasions, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, the country’s chief policymaker on oil and gas, had been asked by Kaieteur News whether improved fiscal terms would apply to ExxonMobil’s seventh development. InApril,Jagdeohad statedthatathoroughassessmentis being done and once completed, Guyanese would be informed of additionalfiscalbenefits.

In April 2024, Exxon sanctioned its sixth project named Whiptail Shortly after, Exxon began its work to seek regulatory approvalfortheseventhprojectand earlier this year, the EIA for the Hammerhead project was submitted.Thecompanyhadmade apartialsubmissionoftheproject’s FDPbackin2024.

Hammerhead was announced as Exxon’s ninth commercial discovery in August 2018 The Hammerhead-1wellwasdrilledin a new reservoir, encountering approximately197feet(60metres) Continued on page 17

President IrfaanAli, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo with the newly appointed Ministers of Government last Saturday night at State House, Georgetown. (NCN)

From of h sandstone safely metres) metres) target per day commence 2029 approvals.

Notably capa significantly last t which bpd appro kilometres) well discoveries at Liza, Turb Longtail. St 26,80 million have development.

One,Liza Uaru projects producing with 900,000 bpd. Exxon has already submitted an application for an eighth project, Longtail. The oil companyisaimingtobringalleight developments into production by the end of the decade, targeting a combined output of 1 7 million bpd.

hospital.

The dead woman’s sister divulged that for all the years the couple was together, Alisha suffered endless physical abuse at thehandsofSingh.

Manchopswifeto death,thenendshislife

Shockwavesrippedthroughthe Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice community on Sunday morning, after a man went berserk brutallychoppinghiscommon-law wife of 15 years to death before endinghisownlifebyconsuminga poisonoussubstance.

DeadareAlishaNarine,36,and Ram Singh, who according to policereports,ingestedapoisonous substance after committing the heinous act. The police confirmed that Singh died while under guard attheNumber75VillageHospital, Corentyne.

The shocking ordeal unfolded at the Vishal Singh Sawmill compound at Crabwood Creek, wherethecouplelived.

Speaking to Kaieteur News, MeenaNarine,38,sisterofthenow dead woman, related that “this morning, my cousin from New Yorkcalledher,andhe(Singh)was behind her, and he turned and tell mycousinthathe’sgonnakillher.”

The threat was made while Singh brandished a cutlass, as he ordered Narine to cut the call, the sisterrecounted.Notlongafter,her cousin contacted her and quickly updated her on the disturbing details, but according to her, while shewasstillonthephonewithhim,

“He always ill-treats her, beat her, threaten her. Last couple months (ago) he threatened she in themarketandtriedtojooksheup right in front of everybody and the security guard in the market catch he and he was four months in prison.”

Even though she underwent endless cycles of assault, the deceased Narine, a domestic worker, always warmed up to Singh’s apologies and assurances of changing, her sister told this newspaper. Multiple pleas for her to end the relationship with the abusive man were dismissed, the sistersharedingrief.

Meenaalsotoldthisnewspaper thatSinghevenattemptedtosether mother’s house on fire twice and vowed that if he could not get to harm Alisha, he would extend his plottoherfamily.Meenareasoned thathersistermayhavestayedwith Singh over fear of him making good on his threats to harm her family

Police said the couple’s bodies are at the Skeldon Hospital Mortuary awaiting port-mortem examinations.

TUESDAY

HolderquitsasPNCR chairman …as fallout over APNU’s crushing elections defeat deepens

frustration over the internal decision-makingprocess,claiming that his name was removed from the PNCR’s national top-up list by Carol Smith Joseph, with Norton’s knowledge.Instead,hewasplaced only on a regional list, a move he felt undermined his contributions t

y These resignations come shortly

Williams,alongstandingexecutive member of the PNCR. Williams announced his resignation during his weekly Nation Watch program in an interview with newly appointed MP Terrence Campbell. Hisexitfromboththepartyandits Central Executive Committee reportedly caught leadership and membersbysurprise.

position on Monday In an email addressed to PNCR leaderAubrey Norton, Holder wrote, “I hereby tendermyresignationasChairman of the People’s National Congress Reform with immediate effect. I would like to thank you as Party Leader, the Central Executive Committee,andthemembershipof the Party for the confidence reposedinmeovertheyears.Iwish you and the Party well in your effortstorebuildandrevitalise.”

When contacted by Kaieteur News for comment, Holder declined to go into detail about his reasons for resigning. He stated onlythathehasnopoliticalplansat themomentandintendstofocuson his family and personal development. Holder previously served as a PNCR Member of Parliamentfrom2020andplayeda central role in the APNU+AFC campaign, particularly on the EssequiboCoastandacrossRegion

where he also served as the partyrepresentative.However, not chosen as one of 12 candidates selected to serve in the rliament, a decision that s to have triggered discontentwithintheparty the same day, another r of the PNCR, Robert Maison, also confirmed his resignation Maison, who has been involvedwiththepartysincetheera of former leader Desmond Hoyte, currently serves as a Councillor for Constituency Seven (StabroekBourda) at the Georgetown Mayor andCityCouncilandisanexecutive of the PNCR Georgetown District Despite resigning from the PNCR, Maison said he will continue in his councilroleuntiltheendofhisterm

Maison,speakingwithKaieteur News on Monday, noted that he followed party protocol in submitting his resignation to Norton, stating, “Based on the structure of the party that I have beenapartofsince1997,Iresigned accordingly.”Healsorevealedthat his resignation was in protest of howHolderwastreated,describing it as “disrespectful” that he (Holder)wasexcludedfromthelist ofparliamentarycandidates.

Maison further expressed

discontent within the party ranks, PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton has remained silent. Multiple attempts byKaieteurNewstoreachhimfor commentwereunsuccessful. The departures follow the PNCR-led coalition’s recent announcement of the 12 members who will represent the party in the 13th Parliament over the next five years. Notably, Norton will not be returning to Parliament but will remain as party leader The parliamentary team will be led by Terrence Campbell and includes returning MPs Coretta McDonald, Ganesh Mahipaul, and Nima Natasha Flue-Bess Several newcomerswillalsojointheranks, including political commentator Dr David Hinds, Riaz Zakeer Rupnarain, SherodAvery Duncan, Linden Mayor Sharma Raheem Solomon, attorney and peace ambassador Dr Dexter Todd, gospel artiste and entrepreneur Saiku Andrews, and PNCR ViceChairmanVinceroyH.Jordan,who represents Region Five. This announcement comes on the heelsofthePNCRanditscoalition APNU’s disappointing performance in the September 1 elections. The newly formed We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, led by businessman Azruddin M o h a m e d , s e c u r e d 1 6 parliamentary seats, pushing APNU to third place. The ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), led by President Irfaan Ali, won 36 seats, securing Ali a second term in office. As Norton continues to grapple with the fallout from the party’s electoral defeat, he now faces the unexpected resignation of one of the PNCR’s most longstanding members.

Govt.willingtomeetwith CGXtofacilitateinvestment …but maintains Corentyne Block licence expired

ofNaturalResources, Continued on page 18

Minister

Dead:Alisha Narine Ram Singh

Chairman of the PNCR Shurwayne Holder resigns

Frompage17

Vickram Bharrat, has clarified that any future engagement with the joint venture (JV) between CGX Energy Inc. and Frontera Energy

Corporation will focus on determiningthewayforward.

During a sideline interview with Kaieteur News on Saturday night at State House shortly after being sworn in for a second term, MinisterBharratconfirmedthatthe ministry did receive a correspondencefromtheJV

He said it was then decided to have a meeting with CGX and Frontera, “at some point in time.”

Lastmonth,theJVdisclosedthatit received a final communication from the Government of Guyana informing them of the state’s willingness to possibly a final meeting. The JV said government maintaineditspositionandrejected theoilcompanies’claimsregarding the status of the Corentyne Block licence, reaffirming that the JV’s interestintheCorentyneBlockhad expiredonJune28,2024.

“At this time, I can’t say what thatengagement,whenitwillbeor what nature that engagement will take, but we maintain our position thatthelicencehascometoanend andweareopentotalksonhowdo we move forward,” the minister said.

Minister Bharrat noted that whilethegovernmentmaintainsits position, it is willing to meet investorsandfacilitateinvestment. He stressed that the government’s roleistofacilitateinvestmentinthe country’s best interest “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,” the ministeradded.

Aftermorethantwodecadesof exploration, the JV finally struck oil at the Kawa-1 well in January 2022. Just ahead of the June 28, 2024 deadline for the block’s appraisal programme, the JV submitted a Notice of Potential

Commercial Interest to government for theWei-1 well, on June26.Thegovernmentlatersaid stringent conditions would need to bemettoretaintheblock.InMarch 2025, the government issued a 30-

day notice and gave the oil companies a chance to make representations. Government was open to good-faith negotiations withinthespecifiedtimeframe.

Governmenteventuallycutties with the JV in relation to the Corentyne Block and said that it is of the view that there are no reasonable grounds to grant an extensiontoCGXandFronterafor their exploration and appraisal obligations.

However, the JV has maintained that its interest in the Corentyne Block remains valid, even after receiving a formal communication from the government stating that the Petroleum Prospecting Licence (PPL) and Petroleum Agreement hadended.

WEDNESDAY

Ricefarmerscryout: Nopriceincrease,nowayto repayloans,payworkers

RicefarmersinRegionFiveare clamoring at the shockingly low prices being offered by millers for thiscrop,contendingthatifthereis notanincrease,theywillbeunable torepaytheirloans,paytherenton theirlandsandpayworkers.

This publication received reports that some millers are now offering a mere $2,800 per bag of paddy, $1200 less than what they received last crop, when the $400 governmentsubsidywasadded.

While attempts to contact millers for details proved futile, Carlos Carbo, general manager of SAJ Rice Group in Burma Road Mahaicony,explainedthattheprice being offered for paddy is in accordance with international market price. He said over the last twoyears,ricepricehasbeenonthe decline.

“So,thisisacommodity,andit depends on how the world market andtheworldpricesare.Theworld pricedroppedin45percent,andso itgoesaccordingwiththat,because if it doesn’t drop, we cannot sell…Themillhavetobuyfromthe farmers, and the mill has to export it And when we export, we compete with the international price,”hesaid.

Roopnarine Etwaroo, a rice

farmer from Mahaicony told this publication that in Region Five millers are offering $2800 per bag of paddy, which is a big fall compared to the $4000 they enjoyedlastcrop.

“Socurrently,thepriceissetat $2800 which is like a break-even point, or even under a break-even point, because last time, our yield was higher because we hadn’t muchincidenceoflikegandiandso on.Rightnow,atleastabout80-90 per cent of the farmers are being affectedbybugswhichhasaffected theyieldoverall,”hesaid.

Speaking on behalf of the farmers in his area, Etwaroo said theloweryieldsaswellasthelower prices,willcausefarmerstoleave.

He explained that at $2800, by the time farmers offset their expenses, like fertiliser, labor, harvesting and transportation and the reparation for seed paddy, they mayfallintodebt,aseveryonehas raised the prices for their services, butpaddypricesranintheopposite direction.

Etwaroo added, “The lands on which we are planting too, are not owned by the farmers We are leasing from people to us.Well, so by the time you pay all your expenses and your juice, farmers leftwithalmostpracticallynothing to go back to the fields, because right now it’s a drop of $1,200 in pricefromthelastprice.”

Askedifhewouldbereturning to the fields, the farmer revealed that he already has his seed paddy which was bought before he becameawareofthegoingprice.

Another farmer, Mark (only name given) from Weldaad West CoastBerbice,toldthispublication thatwhilethepricessurprisedhim, his crop is almost at the harvest point.

“We gotta do and try and see what to do with it. I don’t take it on…The paying system for paddy istight.Theygiving15percentand then60-90dayyougettingtherest. ImagineIwenttodosomeworkbut Ijustsignedoff‘causeIwasn’table no more. I got loans to pay, I have no idea how it will pay off,” the manlamented.

Meanwhile the Government of Guyana, has committed to engaging with rice farmers and millers in order to assess the

situation with current prices of paddy and address it as soon as possible.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha told Kaieteur Newssubsequenttobeingswornin as a member of cabinet that “In relationtothepricesforpaddy,the farmers recently start to harvest it, harvestpaddy,andI’llbelookingat that…Ihaven’thadachancetotalk to farmers to find out what are the real issues So, in the coming weeks, I’ll be meeting with the farmers, meeting the millers to work with (and) see what systems areinplace,”hesaid.

Mustaphaaddedthatheisonly nowawarethatpriceshavefallento $2800,sohewillhavetomeetwith the Guyana Rice Millers Association (GRMA) as well to have a better understanding of the issueathand.

“Remember,overthelastcrop, we would have implemented a systemwherewemakeuptheprice ofpaddy SoI’vebeenlookingatit. I’m not saying that we’ll do it immediately,butIhavetolistento the concern, analyze the situation, see what we can do to resolve the matter,”heassured.

He continued, “in relation to paddy bugs, we have a system in place where we are working with farmers to eradicate it and, first of all, to control it and eradicate it. I thinkwehavebeenverysuccessful overthelastthreecrops,”hesaid.

Theministeraddedthatfarmers are provided with chemicals and theexpertiseoftechnicalstaff,who work along with them directly to getthepestsundercontrol.Itishis opinion that over the last three to four crops damages have been limited.

On Tuesday at a press conferenceheldattheOfficeofthe President, President Ali said that this crop is yet another exciting one, however “the international market and international prices is not as exciting as the production itself. So, I wanted to give some amount of information on what is happening in relation to the global market.Now,whenyoulookatthe riceproductionglobally,isitanalltime high, with major producers, exporters such as India, Vietnam and Brazil, having record levels of production, not only record levels

of production, but record level of stockpile.”

Heexplainedthatthisglutinthe market is as a consequence of it beingfloodedhencethelowprices. The weighted average per ton of whitericeis$450thisisaccording to export quotas at the end of August. This is a $14 reduction fromamonthagoanda$228froma yearago.

“So not withstanding this, the Government of Guyana, as you know,hassupportedthericesector enormously Recently, we had $2 billion of price support to farmers, which ensure farmers receive a price of $4,000 per bag We provided farmers with $3.6 billion in fertilizer, flood relief and seed paddy assistance,” the president reminded.

Going on to remind of everything else that was done he addedthat,“Nowthattellsyouthat whenyoulookatit,wehave,whilst wearelookingatwaysinwhichwe confront this challenge, we have exhausted many of the tools available to assist farmers and Millers Nonetheless, today, the Minister of Finance and Agriculture had a meeting with Millers. They’re expected to meet again later this week, and then to have meeting with farmers across thedifferentregion,forustocome up together with ideas to ease the impactandtheburdenofthis,ofthe fallingglobalprices,theglutonthe market and the record level of stockpile so that our farmers the burden can be minimised on our farmers.”

StabroekBlockoilquality, largereservoirmake deepwaterprojects commerciallyviabledespite challenges – new IEA report

The International Energy Agency(IEA)hascitedfavourable crudequalityandreservoirvolume in Guyana’s Stabroek Block as advantages that shortens the time fromdiscoverytofirstoilandboost production rates – despite challenges associated with developinganewdeepwaterarea.

The IEA in “The Implications ofOilandGasFieldDeclineRates” reportpublishedonSeptember16, Continued on page 28

Some farmers have began to harvest despite low prices.

Towards a better life with your psychologist Bullying:A Silent Loud Mental Health EpidemicAtCrisis PointInGuyana

Should parents invest in their child’s physical defense against bullying in schools? Given the profoundandlastingrepercussions of bullying, unless legal recourse against the school is feasible to a successful lawsuit to the tune of 100 million or—potentially for substantialsumsduetotheschool’s creation and maintenance of an unsafeandtoxicenvironment—the answerisintheaffirmative.

I, Doctor Telford Layne – a developmental and clinical psychologist, hereby assert that bullying is an epidemic and public health crisis in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana Statistics show a high and ongoing prevalence of bullying in various forms, with significant negative impactsonmentalhealthandwellbeing for both victims and bullies. Bullying is a severe form of traumatic experience similar to sexual abuse. Homes, schools and the Ministry of Education are no longer in control. Even though the Ministry of Education says they haveaZerotoleranceonbullying, they do not have a structure, response or programme to address bullying.

Theprofilesofbulliestypically reflect a range of backgrounds, vary, but they may come from homes with poor discipline, emotional, mental, physical and spiritual abuse and neglect, sexual abuse especially boys, growing up in a community or experiencing community violence, poverty, political victimized groups, a lack of acceptance, attention, affirmation,approvalandaffection from their parents, their own history of being bullied. These individuals include falling to societal pressures to be popular, jealousy, low self-esteem, anger, andadesiretogainsocialstatusor control over others. Dysfunctional homes, absent parents, witness or grown-up domestic violence or inter-partnerviolenceinthehome

Bullies may be struggling with more severe psychological imbalances, antisocial personality disorder (The only personality disorder that shows up as early as age4ratherthandevelopingbylate adolescence), sociopathic and psychopathic tendencies, conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, drug-induced psychotic behaviour, and mental illness

Having parents with personality disorders or mental illness. Selfhate,AngerandFrustration,bullies might bully out of anger, frustration, or a desire to assert dominance Jealousy and Inadequacy:feelingsofjealousyor inadequacycanmotivateabullyto pickonothers.PeerPressure,some children may bully because their friendsdo,indicatingtheinfluence of group dynamics. Especially for boys with absent fathers

Challengingparentandchildissues

withattachment. I have observed firsthand the deleterious consequences of bullying, which extend from immediate to long-term impacts.

As part of my treatment plan and strategyfor36victimsofbullying,I engage with the child’s class teacher to comprehend classroom dynamics, thereby fostering a secureandsupportiveenvironment foraffectedindividuals.Itiscrucial to note that the emergence of bullyingbehavioursdoesnotoccur overnight,norcansuchbehaviours beextinguishedabruptly

Forinstance,atwelve-year-old client was subjected to harrowing comments each week as he leaves school for the weekend, such as, “Donotforgettokillyourself;your parents can never love someone like you.” Likewise, a seventeenyear-old student, having withdrawn fromformaleducationasaresultof bullying, now engages in homeschooling while grappling with suicidal ideation She has reported derogatory remarks regardingherappearance,including comparisons to vampires and insinuationsabouthercomplexion.

These experiences have engenderedprofoundself-hatred.

Additionally, a nine-year-old victimhasenduredbullyingfortwo

years,leadingtosignificantanxiety whenfacedwithschoolattendance. Thisanxietyhasescalatedtopanic attacks, resulting in self-starvation as a means of coping. Now a bully blowneatingdisorder

ThePublicHealthCrisisof BullyinginGuyana Pervasiveness and National Scope: Bullying constitutes a significant national concern, impactingchildrenandadolescents across the United States, with enduring repercussions on their healthextendingintoadulthood.

Broad Spectrum of

Consequences: The adverse effects of bullying extend beyond thevictims,inflictingharmonboth perpetrators and bystanders. This phenomenon results in physical, mental, social, and emotional challengesforallpartiesinvolved.

Serious Health Outcomes: In Guyana, the ramifications of bullyingarelinkedtoseverehealth issues, including heightened risks of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and substance use among children as young as five, with effects persistingintoadulthood.

Physical Manifestations: In addition to psychological damage, bullying may manifest physically, leading to symptoms such as

disrupted sleep, headaches, and gastrointestinal problems, as evidenced in clients aged 5 to 17 years.

Impact on Development: Bullying adversely influences cognitive function, disrupts the brain’s stress response mechanisms,andnegativelyaffects self-regulation—all of which are v

developmentinchildren.

KeyIndicatorsofBullying EpidemicInGuyana

High Prevalence: Statistics show a substantial portion of students experience bullying. For example,theprimeageofbullying ofstudentsis12-18.Whileonly3% of bullying cases are reported, in which both the victim of bullying and the bully are punished or the matter is inadequately dealt with. The victims gain a new bully or continuetobebullied,andtheyget a “free pass” warning with a few days’suspension or are transferred toanewschool.

Cyberbullying is Common: Cyberbullying is a growing component, with a significant percentage of middle school students reporting weekly incidents.

Global Problem: Bullying is notlimitedtoGuyana;UNESCO

By

estimates that one-third of the world’syouthexperiencebullying.

School Violence Link: A significant portion of school fights in Guyana are incidents that have been linked to bullying and harassment.

Mental Health Impacts: Bullyingisamajorcontributortoa mentalhealthcrisisamongschoolagechildren,leadingtodepression, anxiety, lower self-esteem, and other long-term effects on both victimsandthosewhobully.

Lack of Intervention: A high percentageofbullyingincidentsgo unreported or unaddressed, above 91%, highlighting a significant systemicgap.

Response: There is no treatment plan to alter the behaviourbyaddressingthefamily dynamics of the bully and his family, or the origin or meaningful protectionofthevictim.

Tobecontinued…

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

PROMOTESSTANDARDSFORINDIGENOUSWOODENCREATIONS

Wooden craft

i t e m s i n Guyana are morethandecorativepieces; theyaretreasuresofculture, identity, and skill, reflecting thecreativityandheritageof Indigenouscommunitiesand other peoples including those of African descent. From intricately carved utensils and ornaments to furniture and keepsakes, thesecraftscarrystoriesthat connect generations and inspirepride.

As we continue to

September, the Guyana

Standards (GNBS) is proud to highlight the GCP 31:2010–CodeofPractice f

Wooden Craft Items,

Standardadoptedtopreserve thetraditionalcraftindustry,

enhance the livelihood of artisans.

Thiscodeofpracticesets the minimum requirements for the manufacture of woodencraftitems,focusing on performance rather than rigidprescriptions. Itensuresthateachpiece, whether carved, painted, or polished, reflects durability, cultural authenticity, and safety

Wooden crafts, often madebyhand,arecelebrated for their uniqueness, but the standardalsorecognisesthat artisans may use tools and technology to improve effic

g craftsmanship.

Likestandards,materials matter, and this standard

requires the use of mature, well-dried, and defect-free wood,whetherkiln,solar,or air-dried, to ensure the strength and longevity of craftpieces.

Adhesives should be non-toxic, food-safe for items like bowls and utensils,andflexibleenough to accommodate natural woodmovement.

Finishes such as paints, varnishes, and lacquers must be approved as safe, while hardware must be corrosion-resistant and properlyfitted

Importantly,fortoysand children products, always use non-toxic paints to protecthealth.

The GCP 31 also emphasises safety and e n v i r o n m e n t a l responsibility Craftspersons are required to follow local

health and safety regulations, ensuring proper ventilation in workspaces, wearing of protective gear, and the storage of materials responsibly

Reclaimed wood is prohibited for food usage unless its history is fully known.

To further protect the environment, artisans are encouraged to implement eco-friendly practices such as waste reduction or tree planting.

Beyond materials and safety, the Code celebrates the art of craftsmanship

Finished work should show technical fluency, consistency, and attention to detail.

All surfaces must be smooth, well-sanded, and free from hazards, while decorations should enhance

the design and function of the piece. Whether it’s a carved stool, a polished bowl,orapaintedtoy,every item must meet high standardsofworkmanship.

Labels and packaging areequallyimportant Items must be clearly labelled with the manufacturer’s name and address, type of material, finish, and care instructions, ensuring consumers can make informed choices while artisans showcase their identityandpride By conforming to this standard, artisans and manufacturers ensure their wooden craft items are not only beautiful but also durable, safe, and exportready, helping to grow the tourism sector and strengthenGuyana’scultural economy

This September, as we celebrate Amerindian Heritage Month under the theme “Igniting Unity, Celebrating Progress and Advancing Our Culture”, GNBS encourages artisans across the country to embracetherequirementsof GCP31:2010.

Let standards help preserve local artistry while g i v i n g c o n s u m e r s confidence in the quality of theitemstheypurchase.

After all, wooden crafts arenotjustproducts,theyare timeless pieces of culture, passed from the skilled hands of artisans to homes, markets, and generations to come.

Formoreinformationon this and other standards, contact GNBS at 219-006266,WhatsApp692-4627,or visitwww.gnbsgy.org

Scotiabank Guyana earns top honours at the Global Finance Best Digital Bank Awards 2025

Nafeeza Gaffoor, Country Manager

Scotiabank Guyana

Scotiabank Guyana has earned top honours at the GlobalFinanceBestDigital Bank Awards 2025, reaffirming its leadership in digitalinnovationandclient experience.

TheBankreceivedthree major awards: - Best Corporate/Institutional Digital Bank - Best Consumer Digital BankBest Mobile Banking App

The Global Finance Best Digital Bank Awards are amongthemostrespectedin the industry, with winners selected based on digital strategy, success in driving adoption, growth in digital users, breadth of services, measurable benefits of digital initiatives, and excellence in design and functionality

“As digital banking continues to evolve at a rapid pace, financial institutions around the world are embracing AI, cloud technology, and mobile-first strategies to deliver seamless, secure, and highly personalized experiences,” said Joseph D. Giarraputo, Founder and EditorialDirectorofGlobal Finance.

“The winners of Global Finance’s 2025 World’s Best Digital Bank Awards exemplify the innovation and leadership shaping the

futureofbanking.”

commented “We are proud to be recognized for our digitalleadershipwiththese prestigiousawards.Overthe past few years, we have investedsignificantlyinour digital transformation, ensuringthatbothcorporate and retail clients benefit from secure, fast, and convenient solutions. This success is driven by our employees,whocontinueto deliver world class digital options and an even better banking experience for our clients We

main committed to innovation and thank our clients for their continued trust and confidenceinus.”

Inadditiontoitswinsin Guyana, Scotiabank was also named Best Corporate Digital Bank 2025 in the B

, Ba

, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and Turks & Caicos; and Best Consumer Digital Bank 2025 in the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Turks&Caicos.

The Scotia Caribbean App was also recognizedas the Best Mobile Banking App across these countries, includingBarbados.

A SWEET NEW TREND COMES TO GUYANA: CakePicnic

ByRenaySambach

Afreshandsweettrendismakingitsway to Guyana and it’s all about cake. On Sunday, October 19, 2025, Promenade Gardenswillhostthecountry’sfirst-evercakepicnic that has made waves across social media platforms, with several countries already hosting their own event.

This event is curated to bring people together through one of Guyana’s favorite traditions, baking andsharingofcake.

The Cake Picnic idea first gained popularity on TikTok before spreading to Instagram, immediately caught the attention of its local organizer, Ronetta AlexisAustin.

“I wanted to create something fun, fresh, and lightheartedthatbringspeopletogetheraroundfood andwhatbetterwaythancake?Isawhowpopularthe trendwasoverseasandthought,whynotintroduceit herewithaGuyanesetwist,”Austinexplained.

Austin is the owner of Sweet Confections. She beganbakingforherfamilyandclosefriendsinJuly 2019, and later launched her business officially Austin initially started with cakes, cupcakes and othersweettreats,butduetothehighdemandforher cheesecakes on a daily basis, she eventually transitionedtosolelymakingcheesecakes.

Atthecakepicnic,attendeescanlookforwardto muchmorethansweettreats.Theeventpromisesthe perfectpicnicatmosphere,networkingopportunities for bakers, suppliers, and cake lovers, along with cake-inspiredgamestokeepthecrowdengaged.

Since it’s a bring-your-own-cake event, creativity is at the heart of the experience Participantsareaskedtoshowupwithcakesthey’re proud of whether traditional black cake and fruit

cake, or intricate designs and modern takes like cheesecakes.

Austin said, “Everyone must bring a cake that expressestheircreativity,somethingthey’reproudto share The whole idea is about showcasing individualityandcreatingaspacewherepeoplecan enjoyeachother’sefforts.”

Thecakepicniceventalsotapsintotherolecake plays in life’s biggest celebrations. From weddings andbirthdaystothetraditionalChristmasblackcake, cake has long been a symbol of togetherness. The picnic aims to celebrate this cultural love while blendingitwithamodernsocialtrend.

Austinsaidtheresponsesofarsinceannouncing theeventhasbeenoverwhelming.“Peoplearereally excited,evenmorethanIexpected.I’vehadbakers, families,andevenbusinessesreachingouttobepart ofit.Somepeopletoldmetheywerejustwaitingfor somethingfunanddifferentlikethistohappen,”she shared.

Lookingahead,AustinenvisionstheCakePicnic becomingasignatureannualeventorevenbranching out into themed versions across communities. Beyondthecakesthemselves,shehopesparticipants leave with new connections and lasting memories. “It’s not just about cakes it’s about building communityandsharingjoy,”shenoted.

TheinauguralCakePicnictakesplaceonSunday, October 19, 2025, from 14:00 hours at Promenade Gardens. Participants are encouraged to register by contacting(592)612-2189.Thedresscodeisflorals, andattendeesshouldwalkwiththeirpicnicblankets, bringacaketoshare,andbereadyforanafternoonof fun,laughter,andplentyofsweetness.

Some images taken from Cake Picnics held in other countries

Some of Ronetta’s work at Sweet Confections

Last Thursday, I had the privilege of addressing studentsoftheUniversityof Guyana’s Faculty of Social Sciences at their freshman orientation. Standing before them, I was as inspired as I hoped they were The experience made me reflect not only on the journey they are about to begin, but also on the guidance I share with my own children and with the young people of STEMGuyana as they navigate high school, college, and internships and as they step into the professional world for the first time. That advice, I believe,isimportantenough tosharemorewidely

My own path has taken mefromHowardUniversity

and California State University, where I earned degreesinbusiness,theninto corporate America, some time in entrepreneurship, and now into nonprofit and public service alongside an academic foray into education. Through every stage,technologyhasbeena constantpresence.

Today, I am a doctoral candidate at the University of Florida where I am researching the effects of artificial intelligence interventionsonengagement and academic outcomes for vulnerable Guyanese students. It is my belief that t e c h n o l o g y, u s e d thoughtfully, can shape stronger futures for our young people, regardless of their socioeconomic background, but it is

important to gather empirical evidence to support or discredit such beliefs.

Guyana’s students are beginning their tertiary studies at a remarkable moment in our nation’s history Oil revenues, a return to free education, a rapidly expanding economy, and unprecedented global attention are reshaping our landscape This country urgentlyneedsprofessionals in every field; law, economics, sociology, international relations, health sciences, and more, who can help guide the nation’s development in ways that will benefit all citizens.

The world is also

Advancing Education, Technology & Innovation in Guyana…

Why Technology + Expertise Defines the 21st Century Professional BeyondKnowledge:

witnessing how artificial intelligence is transforming industries at an astonishing pace. The World Economic Forum projects that 41% of companies expect to reduce workforcesoverthenextfive yearsbecauseofautomation, even as new jobs emerge in technology-augmented fields (World Economic Forum,2023).ForGuyanese students, this means that to beeffectiveandcompetitive, at home and globally, they must complement their academic focus with technologyskills.

Studies consistently show that disciplinary expertise combined with digital and technological skills creates a powerful advantage in today’s workforce The World Economic Forum (2023) notesthatdemandisshifting toward “hybrid skills”, where domain knowledge (yourmajor)iscoupledwith digital fluency and adaptability. Workers who integrate their subject expertise with emerging technologiessuchasAI,data analytics, and automation are more likely to be recognized for innovation and leadership within organizations.

Educational researchers have also emphasized the need for “T-shaped professionals,” individuals with deep expertise in one areabutbroadtechnological and collaborative skills across disciplines (Demirkan & Spohrer, 2018). These professionals are highly valued because they not only master their ownfieldbutalsoknowhow toapplytechnologytosolve complex, real-world problems.

The National Research Council (2012) argued that 21st-century skills extend beyond content knowledge, requiringlearnerstodevelop transferable abilities such as p r o b l e m - s o l v i n g , collaboration, and digital literacy to add value in professional and civic life. Similarly, UNESCO’s 2021 report on the ‘Futures of education’ highlights the integration of technology with domain expertise as centraltopreparingglobally competitivecitizenswhocan bothinnovateandadapt.

In short, the research makesclear;deepknowledge remainsessential,butwithout the ability to leverage technology, its impact is limited Those who can bridge the two are the ones organizations recognize as t r a n s f o r m a t i o n a l contributors

Imagine a sociology student here using AI to analyze how oil wealth is changing migration patterns into Georgetown, or an economist building models to forecast how fluctuations inoilpricesaffectfoodcosts and transportation. A law student could master digital forensicstofightcybercrime and corruption tied to oil revenues. A health science student might track respiratory illnesses in mining regions using predictive analytics An environmental scientist could use drones and GIS t o o l s t o m o n i t o r deforestation and coastal erosion, just as their counterparts in Brazil and CostaRicado.Thesearenot

futuristicscenarios.Theyare opportunities already within reach for students willing to marry their disciplines with technology Myadvicetothe first year UG students was simple; start small, dedicate a few hours each week to learning tools like Replit, ChatGPT,oropen-sourceAI platforms.

Experiment, prototype, and build skills; the goal is not to necessarily discover something revolutionary overnight,thegoalistobuild habits of inquiry and problem-solving.Employers everywhere are looking not just for those who can execute instructions, but for those who can think critically, adapt, and innovate.

Of course, technical skills alone will not make anyone successful The ability to communicate clearly, collaborate, demonstrate empathy, and adapttochangeremainsjust as essential. These “soft skills” are the qualities that make people stand out in w o r k p l a c e

n d communities alike They cannot be replaced by algorithmsorautomation.As I reminded students, anyone can wear AI-powered glasses and access vast amounts of information, but wisdom, compassion, and teamwork are what make leaders.

Ialsourgedthemtoseek experience early Volunteer, intern, join organizations, andcontributemeaningfully Even unpaid opportunities can sharpen skills, expand n

reputations for excellence.

Too often young people dismiss internships as simply an opportunity to create a check mark on their list of experiences, but real growth happens when they approach every opportunity asachancetolearn,improve processes, and solve problems.

Finally, I shared with them something of which I remind my own children; youarenotinarace,youare already enough Setbacks will come, but they do not define you. Keep moving forward, be the kind of personyouwantinyourlife, and you will attract those very qualities back to yourself.

Speaking to the students of the University of Guyana filledmewithhope.Guyana iswaitingfortheirbrilliance. Theworldiswaitingfortheir contributions.And for all of us, whether students or seasoned professionals, the message is the same; take pride in your field, embrace technologyasapartner,hone your soft skills, and never forgetthatyoubelonghere.

Equally important, I stressed the value of relationships. People may forget your exact words, but theywillrememberhowyou made them feel The classmates UG students meet today may be their collaborators, employers, or partners tomorrow Building circles of trust, respect, and shared purpose will pay dividends in ways that last a lifetime.

Frompage18 2025 pointed to the global evolution of oil and gas finding and development (F&D)andsaidthatthecost per barrel of discovering conventionaloilandgasrose byaround50%inrealterms between2015and2024.

It was stated that exploration efforts yielded

lower returns, while exploration expenditure fell

by roughly 50% and discovered resources dropped by about 65% duringthesameperiod.

Notably, the agency said development costs for conventional oil and gas have fallen by more than one-third since peaking in 2017.IEAnotedtoothatthe largest reductions occurred in oil fields, where costs have almost halved to an averageofUSD14perbarrel ofoilequivalent(boe).

“All regions except the Middle East saw cost reductions between 30–50%, with countries in Africa seeing some of the steepest declines These gainsoccurredmainlydueto lower costs in developing offshoreprojects,”thereport stated.

The IEA attributed the reduction in development costs over the last decade to threekeyfactors:changesin the types of projects executed, improvements in project design, and cyclical factors affecting the cost of implementation.Theagency noted that the clearest example of changes in project types is the preference for projects with shorter intervals between approvalandfirstproduction andshorterpaybackperiods.

“Reservoir and fluid quality also come into play; light fluids in high quality reservoirsreducethetimeto first oil and support higher subsequent production rates High grading of assets leads to an overall reduction in the average capital cost of the projects that proceed,” the IEA said, citing Guyana’s Stabroek Blockasaprimeexample.

The Stabroek Block whichisestimatedtohold11 billion barrels of oil equivalent is operated by American oil giant

ExxonMobil Corporation through its subsidiary ExxonMobil Guyana

Limited (EMGL) Exxon holds 45% interest while its partners Hess and CNOOC hold 30% and 25% interest respectively

“IntheStabroekBlockin Guyana,thefavourablefluid qualityandreservoirvolume made projects commercially viable despite the economic challenges of developing a new deepwater area,” the IEAsaid.

Oil was discovered offshoreGuyanain2015and by December 2019, oil production commenced Stabroek Block measures 26,800 square kilometers or 6.6millionacres.Todate,six projects have been sanctionedfordevelopment. These include, Liza One, Liza Two, Payara, Yellowtail, Uaru and

Whiptail The first four projects are already in operation, producing an average 650,000barrels of oil per day (bpd), with an installedcapacityof900,000 bpd.

Exxon has already submitted an application for an eighth project, Longtail. Theoilcompanyisaimingto bringalleightdevelopments intoproductionbytheendof the decade, targeting a combined output of 1 7 millionbpd.

THURSDAY

ControlofRegions4,8& 10headedforbitterfight …seatallocationby GECOMonRDCsgives nopartysupermajority …collaborationneeded forelectionofchairman, vicechairman

With the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) having officially released the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) resultsfromtheSeptember1 elections,ithasbecomeclear that in at least three regions, twoofthemajorpartiesmust unitetoelectachairmanand vice chairman and also pass motionsandothermatters.

As published in the OfficialGazetteonTuesday, the seat allocations for Regions 4, 8 and 10 will

forcepartiestonegotiateand form alliances to elect chairpersons and vice chairpersons.

Regions4,8,and10have emerged as the most contested.Intheseareas,the newly formed We Invest in Nationhood(WIN)party,led by businessman Azruddin M

a potentially decisive role Historically, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) controlledRegions4and10, but this year, WIN’s strong showing has turned over the traditional balance of power betweenthoseregions.

In Region 4 (Demerara Mahaica), the seat tally shows that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)wonapluralitywith 17 seats and 87,028 votes, followed by APNU with 9 seats (46,770 votes) and WIN with 8 seats (41,936 votes).TheForwardGuyana Movement (FGM) captured 1 seat with 2,689 votes.The opposition parties combined hold just one seat more than the PPP/C, meaning PPP/C cannot dominate decisions alone, it will need coalitions tomaintainleadershiporthe opposition can unite to shut outthePPP/C.

In Region 8 (PotaroSiparuni), the results reveal aneventighterrace.Boththe PPP/C and the WIN party secured 7 seats each, while APNUmanagedtowinjust1 seat The vote totals were approximately 2,847 for PPP/C, 2,558 for WIN, and only253forAPNU.Withno party holding an outright majority, the election of a Regional Chairman will depend on alliances.APNU, holding the balance of power, will now be required toeitheralignwithPPP/Cor WINtodeterminewhotakes control of the region’s leadership.

For Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice),aformer stronghold of APNU, saw a dramatic shift, with them

losing to WIN The WIN party won 9 seats with 10,262 votes; APNU followedwith5seats(5,370 votes); PPP/C got 3 seats (4,197), and FGM managed to grab 1 seat (818 votes). Withthesenumbers,WINis the favourite to lead, but again must persuade others toformacoalitionforformal leadership.

In an interview with Kaieteur News, WIN’s leader, Azruddin Mohamed statedthathispartyisopento alliances but had not c o m m i t t e d t o a n y partnership with a specified party at the time He emphasised that whichever party approaches WIN first with cooperation will likely betheonetheyjoin.

Hesaid,“Wehaven’thad discussionsasyetinrelation to that We are good in Region 10 in attaining our chairmanship. We are still leading there. For Region 8, we got to see what APNU will do if they want to come with us or go with the PPP ForRegion4,APNUdidnot reach to us, we didn’t reach outtothemasyetnordidthe PPP, so on the way forward withthis,wearegoingtosee as it relates to if any parties reach out to us and then we are going decide where to takeitfromthere.”

Meanwhile, APNU member Ganesh Mahipaul said his party will wait for the swearing in of the RDC councillors before deciding itsstrategy,notingthatthese situationshaveariseninpast electionsandrequirecareful negotiation.

FGM leader Amanza Walton Desir, when contacted for a comment on collaboration, Walton-Desir refused to comment at the time.

Meanwhilecontactmade with the Vice President, and Secretary General of the PPP/C Bharrat Jagdeo for a comment on the matter provedfutile.

TrotmanonNigel Hughes’resignation… “Itiscommonfor politicalleaderstofall ontheirswords”

General Secretary of the Alliance For Change (AFC) Raphael Trotman said Wednesday that it is common for leaders of political parties “to fall on their sword” in cases where therearedevastatingdefeats.

Trotmanwasresponding toqueriesby Kaieteur News about party leader Nigel Hughes, who submitted his resignation on Wednesday Inhisletter,Hughestookfull responsibility for the distressing loss the party suffered at the September 1, General and Regional Elections.

The AFC contested the electionsandscrapedamere 3,610 votes, upsetting any chances of securing a single seat in the National Assembly

Hughes, who assumed theleadershipofthepartyin July last year, had campaigned feverishly acrosscountryonasloganhe adopted“bettermustcome,” admitting that he had much toofferGuyana.Hesaidthe country needed a break and waswillingtopoolhisideas with others to fashion a new andmodernGuyana.

But with the crushing loss at the polls, Trotman saidthemovebyHughes“is thehonourableapproachthat is observed worldwide However, it is the party’s leadership and members to acceptorrejectthatoffer.”

Hesaidhowever,thatthe resignation is somewhat surprising, since there was no indication that the party leader was contemplating resigning “Recently as Saturday last, the executive met and the meeting was chaired by Mr Hughes Therewasnohintthathewas considering resigning, and noindicationfromwithinthe

executive that anyone wanted him to resign,” he said.

Later, in a statement to themedia,thepartyrevealed that the general secretary received a letter on Wednesday from Nigel Hughesonhisresignationas leader of the party with immediateeffect.

The party disclosed that the National Executive Committee will hold an emergency session to discusstheramificationsand consequences of the letter and will use the opportunity to encourage Mr Hughes to retractit.

“Should he remain adamantinhisdecision,then the party’s constitutional provisions will be used to guide the way forward It wasonlyafewdaysagothat the National Executive Committee met and reposed fresh confidence in Mr Hughes’ leadership,” it added.

Thestatementwentonto say that the party thanks its members,andsupportersfor their well-wishes and courageshowninthefaceof fortitudeandchallenges.

This is not the first time Hugheshasresignedfroman executivepositionwithinthe party In 2013, he resigned from his position as party chairman His then resignation had come on the heels of an article published inthisnewspaper’sAugust6 edition,titled“NigelHughes is Company Secretary for AmailaFallsHydroInc.” Hughes tendered his resignation once again in 2016andthishadtodowith an ongoing controversy involving Minister of State, Joseph Harmon at the time. Hughesisreportedlyagainst thepartysupportingHarmon atatimewhenheseemedto be wrapped in corrupt practices.

FRIDAY

APNUwipedoutin Regions1&9 -Scrapesjustone seateachacross Regions2,7&8

With the official release of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) election results by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) following the September 1, 2025, regional elections, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), whichhashistoricallybeena dominantforceinseveral Continued on page 29

Leader of FGM, Amanza Walton-Desir

Leader of WIN, Azruddin Mohamed

General Secretary of PPP/C, Bharrat Jagdeo

Frompage28 hinterland regions, has suffered significantlosses.

The party managed to secure onlyoneseateachinRegions2,7, and 8, while failing to obtain any seats in Regions 1 and 9, two prominenthinterlandareaswhereit previously held considerable support. The results, published in the Official Gazette on Tuesday, markasharpdeclinefromthe2020 regionalelectionswhenAPNUhad garnered multiple seats in these areas.

InRegion1,APNUcollecteda mere344votes,whichtranslatedto zero seats, a drastic fall from the 3,843 votes and five seats secured in the 2020 elections. Similarly, in Region 9, the party attracted only 430 votes, also yielding no seats, compared to 4,824 votes and six seatsjustfiveyearsprior

InRegions2,7,and8,theparty scraped together only single-digit seats one seat in each region. In Region 2, APNU received 1,791 votes; in Region 7, 980 votes; and inRegion8,only253votes.

These figures represent a significantdeclinecomparedtothe 2020 elections, when the party secured 7,290 votes and five seats in Region 2, 4,839 votes and eight seats in Region 7, and 2,091 votes withsevenseatsinRegion8.These figures also reflect a significant downturn from the 2020 regional election results where APNU held five seats in Region 2 (with 7,290 votes), eight seats in Region 7 (4,839 votes), and seven seats in Region8(2,091votes).

It is to be noted that despite September 1 being declared a nationalholidaytoencouragevoter participation, turnout at many pollingstationsappearedlow,with only a trickle of voters casting ballots across the country With 757,690 electors registered to cast their ballots, the number of votes recordedforthepartiesdiffered.

Meanwhile, other regions, APNU still managed to maintain some presence. The party secured four seats in Region 3 with 8,907 votes; nine seats in Region 4 with 46,770votes;fourseatsinRegion5 with 6,440 votes; three seats in Region6with6,251votes;andfive seatsinRegion10with5,370votes.

Speaking with Kaieteur News on Thursday, Juretha Fernandes, soontobeamemberofparliament representing the Hinterland for APNU, expressed her thoughts on theparty’srejectionbyIndigenous communities. While she could not fully explain the reasons behind thisshift,Fernandesassuredthatin regionswhereAPNUdoesnothave designated councillors, those areas would not be neglected and would continue to receive representation fromtheparty “Atnopointintime where we do not have seats will thosepersonsbeleftunrepresented. IbelieveasIwillbegoingbackinto parliament, it is my duty to

represent everyone, particularly Indigenous people that have been deprivedofresourcesforanumber of years. It is our responsibility to get on the ground in these regions regardless of having a seat or not, we have to go there and do the work,”shesaid.

When asked about

, Fernandes responded that the reasons behind the electorate’s decisions were ultimately for the voters themselves to explain. “We could have a lot of assumptions as to why it went in a various direction, but the electorate went intoacertainwayanditisourjobto get on the ground to speak with them and hear from them, themselves to hear what is the reason and what is that they need from us to do for themin order for us to regain the confidence and theirsupport,”sheexplained.

Additionally, Ronald Cox, APNU’s representative for Region 1,admittedinapreviousinterview with Kaieteur News that the party failed to effectively campaign in many communities. He noted that manytraditionalAPNUsupporters had shifted allegiance to WIN, which benefited from APNU’s weakened grassroots structures. Cox stressed the need to revitalise the party’s organisational presence at the community level by reinstating active party groups in every major locality “We have to start back with our party groups in the various communities. Back in thedays,wehadeverycommunity, atleasteverymajorcommunity,we had one active party group. And thatissomethingthatworkedinthe past, and I believe that once that is activated, that can work again,” Coxstated.

Cox expressed mixed satisfaction with APNU’s campaigning in Region 1. While campaigning in Mabaruma was active and visible, areas such as Moruca and Port Kaituma were neglected due to limited resources andinactivelocalgroups.“Itwasa great challenge getting our campaign effectively going across

Region1,”hesaid.

Looking forward, Cox emphasised the urgent need for APNU to regroup and restructure. He suggested that forming a Coalition, perhaps similar to the previousalliancewiththeAlliance For Change (AFC), might be the only viable path to mounting a credible challenge against the dominant PPP/C party However, he noted that such strategic decisions ultimately rest with the party’scentralleadership.

Amidst this challenging political landscape, APNU has announceditsdesignatedRegional Democratic Councillors for the regions the party attained seats in. Thelistincludes:

Region 2: Prince Holder

(Henrietta, Anna Regina, EssequiboCoast)

Region 3: Joel Dain Dodson (Tuschen, EBE), Shana Natasie Fortune (Bagotville, WBD), Gangadai Lloyd (Tuschen, EBE), Lashana Avis Phang (Tuschen, EBE)

Region 4: RudolphTerrence Adams(Mocha,EBD),Ravoldo Romario Birbal (Mahaica, ECD), Marcia Amanda Chattoor-Gordon (N

Enmore,ECD),JasmainCassey

H

, G/Town), Shaneika Odessa Haynes (LBI, ECD), Dillon Andrew Mohamed (Cummings Lodge, G/Town), Robin Nadata Althea Simon (Haslington, ECD), Shirley Hermina Witter

(Paradise, ECD), Sheik Mohamed Muazziz Yaseen (Ogle,ECD)

Region5:EmersonSilvanas Benjamin (Catherina’s Lust, WCB), Junior Edmund Henry (Catherine, Mahaicony), Angela AsanteMcDonald(GoldenFleece, WCB), Selma Amanda Sealey (Ormsary,Mahaicony)

Region 6: Mehalai Natasha McAlmont (Timmer Dam, New Amsterdam), Colin Emmanuel Moore (Kildonan, Corentyne), Candy Ramona Stewart (Springlands,Corriverton)

Region7:SherryAnnSimmons

(PotaroRoad,Bartica)

Region 8: Samantha Laverine Edwards-John (Cambelltown, Mahdia)

Region 10: Dominique Hubert

Blair (Lower Kara Kara, MacKenzie), Suzette Ann Gordon (Amelia’s Ward, Linden), Donna Patricia Perry (Wismar, Linden), Faye Rodrigues (Kwakwani, Berbice River), Orlon Renswick Rogers(Block22,Linden)

Magistrateslams GPFovermisleadingclaimson bailgrantedtoacidattacker

Acting Chief Magistrate Faith McGusty has publicly condemned what she describes as “inaccurate and misleading” comments by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) followingherdecisiontograntbail toKeronDaniels,asuspectaccused of dousing two women with acid earlierthismonth.

Magistrate McGusty, visibly upset, opened Thursday’s court proceedings by addressing the police’s statement released on Wednesday evening, which criticisedherforadmittingDaniels to bail despite his charge of allegedlythrowingacidonthetwo women.

Magistrate McGusty said she felt compelled to take time out of her court schedule to correct what she termed false claims She expressed surprise that the Police Forceactedonwhatappearedtobe incorrect information and emphasised that many of the assertions made in their statement wereneverraisedinhercourtroom.

T o p r e v e n t f u t u r e misrepresentations, McGusty announced that henceforth all proceedings in her court will be

do trials by public opinion,” McGustydeclared.

The dispute centres around Daniels, who was remanded to prison on Tuesday for allegedly throwing a corrosive substance on 25-year-old Jilicia Leitch and NirmalaSukrajonSeptember3,an attack that left Leitch visually impaired.

Duringtheaccused’sfirstcourt appearance, the prosecution strongly objected to bail, emphasising the severity of Leitch’s injuries noting that she is scheduled for surgery “Due to the seriousness of the offence, the prosecutioncannotletsuchactsgo lightly,” the prosecution told the court.

Daniels was charged with two counts of throwing a corrosive substance with intent to maim, disfigure, disable, or cause grievous bodily harm. He was not requiredtoenteraplea.

During the court proceedings, Daniels’ attorneys, Ronald Bostwick and Ronald Daniels, countered the prosecution’s claims of possession of CCTV footage identifying the accused as the driver of the getaway vehicle. The prosecution also told the court that Daniels confessed to the crime However, his lawyers argued that they were not privy to the footage the police referenced. Further, the lawyers posited that any footage presented would show that the attacker was masked and thereby unidentifiable.

The lawyers said too that despite the police’s claims, no evidencewasproducedincourt.

Magistrate McGusty had initially remanded the accused to allow time for review However, sincethefootagewasnotavailable at the next hearing, she granted KeronDaniels$500,000bail.

recorded,placingspecialemphasis on prosecutions statement She stressed that prosecutors must ensure that the information they present in the public reflects accuratelywhattranspiredincourt.

“I previously served as a graduated lawyer and once as a prosecutorandIwouldnevermake apublicstatementaboutanyonein a senior position like that. I do not

TheGPFinapressreleaseon Wednesday evening said it was “gravely disappointed” with the bail decision, citing the seriousness of the offence, the accused’s alleged relationship with one of the victims, the victim’spleaforjusticefromher hospital bed, and the risk of offences being repeated given the accused reported access to thevictim.Thestatementfurther claimed the police had in their possession a recorded confession and video evidence oftheattack.

“Despite the heavy prevalence of violence against women in Guyana, magistrates continuetoomittotakethiscrucial factor into account in exercising their discretion in respect to the granting of bail The matter is further compounded by the high likelihood of these types of offencesbeingrepeated,especially when the alleged offender continues to have ready access to thevictim,”thepolicesaid. Continued on page 30

ActingChiefMagistrateFaithMcGusty

Leader of theAPNU, Aubrey Norton

Representative of the hinterland forAPNU, Juretha Fernandes

Frompage29

Meanwhile, Attorney Ronald Daniels on his Facebook page, Wednesday evening in response to the police force’s statement criticised what he called an unjustifiable public attack on McGusty’sintegrity Hearguedthat the police provided information to the prosecution which was not supported by actual courtroom presentation.

“It warrants noting that there has been some public pushback against Magistrate McGusty being at risk of being passed over for confirmationaschiefmagistratein the traditional system of appointmentbyseniority Icanonly hope that this is not some deeper ploy to render her unsuitable and mitigate against any sentiments over this appointment,” the attorneysaid.

SATURDAY

Womankillsabusivepartner …asdomesticviolencecrisis deepensinGuyana

A 19-year-old woman is in police custody after she fatally stabbed her 20-year-old partner at Baramita, North West District (NWD)onThursday

The dead man has been identified as Kevin Smith, an Amerindian miner of Baramita while the accused was named at NadriaJamesalsofromIndigenous community.

Police said the incident occurred at approximately 17:00hrs.

“Investigations revealed that the victim and the suspect were in a relationship and had been living together in a wooden and plastic camp for about a year On the aforementioneddateandtime,the suspect returned home after consuming alcohol and found the victim lying in his hammock When the victim noticed the suspect, he grabbed a cutlass and struckherontheleftshoulderand her right hand, which led to her becoming agitated The suspect then pulled out a handmade knife from her waist and stabbed the victim in the chest,” police reported

After being stabbed, Smith reportedly stumbled out of the camp and collapsed in a patch of bushes.

“Thesuspectfledthesceneand made her way to the Baramita PoliceStation,wheresheprovided a statement regarding the incident. Police officers then accompanied thesuspectbacktothescene,where they found Smith lying motionless on his back. There was visible bloodonhisbody,alongwithwhat appeared to be a stab wound in hischest.”

Smith’s body was taken to the BaramitaCottageHospitalwherea medex pronounced him dead. His

19-year-old

bodyremainsatthehospitalwhere

examination.

The domestic violence crisis continuestodeepeninGuyana.For thisyear,anumberofwomenandin some cases, their female relatives have lost their lives to domestic violence.

MeanwhileLeaderofWeInvest in Nationhood (WIN) Azruddin Mohammed in a statement on his Facebook page said the tragedy highlights the need for more to be done to address the issue of domestic violence in Guyana, as too many families are being destroyedbyit.

“This is no isolated incident; daysago,weweregrapplingwitha man stabbing his wife and then ingesting poison.And here we are again.Domesticviolencedemands our collective attention and collaborative action We must prioritise counselling and mental health support for both men and women,”thestatementadded.

Additionally, Mohamed said violence is never the answer and that the responsibility is on each Guyanesetobreakthecycle,sothat tragedies of this nature do not continuetoplaguethecountry

A deadly year!

On September 16, a Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice man went berserk brutally chopping his common-law wife of 15 years to deathbeforeendinghisownlifeby consuming a poisonous substance. Dead are Alisha Narine, 36, and Ram Singh, who according to policereports,ingestedapoisonous substance after committing the heinous act. The police confirmed that Singh died while under guard attheNumber75VillageHospital, Corentyne.

The dead woman’s sister divulged that for all the years the couple was together, Alisha suffered endless physical abuse at t h e h a n d s o f S i n g h

”He always ill-treats her, beat her, threaten her Last couple months (ago), he threatened she in the marketandtriedtojooksheupright

boyfriend Ghalee Khan who was a convicted drug trafficker In July, JenelPollydore(26)wasshotdead at a wedding by the father of her child In August, Teekadai Solomonwasshotatleast10times by her husband Alroy Solomon who then turned the weapon on himselfendinghislife.Healsoshot their son during the ordeal. In the same month, 45-year-old Bibi ShazidaHanifwasstabbedtodeath byherex-husbandMartinTrue.

‘Newoppositionleadershould decideonrepsfor ConstitutionalReform Commission’–Hughes

of the parliament. He said his resignation was done to allow the new opposition to identify the persons he wishes to sit on the commission.

Theattorneyappearstobeona resignationspreefromhispolitical positions, as he has also tendered his resignation as leader of the AFC.

in front of everybody and the security guard in the market catch he and he was four months in prison.”

Even though she underwent endless cycles of assault, the deceased Narine, a domestic worker, always warmed up to Singh’s apologies and assurances of changing, her sister told this newspaper Multiple pleas for her to end the relationship with the abusive man were dismissed, the sistersharedingrief.

FromJanuarytolateAugust,13 women lost their lives in domestic violence encounters. In January, 16-year-old Janelly David was beaten to death and left in a hammock in Region One by her partnerEonMoore.

Also in the same month, 34year-old Bibi FazilaAlly (34) was killed by her ex-partner Bidraj Ganesh.

Her body was left in a pool of blood and was discovered by her eight-year-oldson.

In February, 27-year-old, KeneshaVaughnwasshot12times by her husband Marlan Da Silva during an argument, while he was allegedly intoxicated at their Diamond Housing Scheme, East BankDemerara.

Also, in the same month Shameeza Mohamed was brutally beatenbyherson-in-lawParsuram Arjune subsequently succumbing toherinjuries.

The month of April saw five women losing their lives: Mezona Ronaldo was set on fire by her partner Kevin Cadogan and subsequently succumbed to her injuries Reports from family members revealed that he had cut herhairoffafewweeksbefore.

Also,inApril,MalineLaCruz, her sister Sueann La Cruz and her mother,WaveneyLaCruzlosttheir livesatthehandsofherex-partner Parmanand Ramdehol, when he shot them at their Waiakabra Vi

Inthesamemonth,30-year-old Marissa Beete was shot by her ex-

Announcing his resignation from the Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC), a day after stepping down as leader of the Alliance For Change, attorney Nigel Hughes said Friday that the new opposition leader, Azruddin Mohamedshouldhaveasayinwho sitsonpanel

Hughes was appointed inApril of last year alongside 19 other personsandservedasoneoffiveof the A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change’s (APNU+AFC) representatives Now that Mohamed will lead the opposition in the National Assembly, Hughes is adamant that thewaymustbemadeclearforhim todoso.

Speaking with Kaieteur News, Hughes said he “tended the resignation by email on Sunday to the chairman of the Constitution ReformCommissionandhardcopy on Tuesday, and in the letter, I provided the reason that a new leaderoftheoppositionoughttobe given the opportunity to identify who he wants to sit on the Constitutional Reform Commission.”

Hefeltthathisappointmentwas done with the aid of the previous opposition, however, there has been a change in the configuration

The party was battered at the recently concluded general and regional election on September 1, scraping a meagre 3,610 votes, upsettinganychancesofsecuringa single seat in the National Assembly AFC’s General Secretary, Raphael Trotman told Kaieteur NewsWednesdaythatitiscommon for leaders of political parties “to fallontheirsword”incaseswhere therearedevastatingdefeats.

Inhisresignationletter,Hughes took full responsibility for the distressinglossthepartysufferedat theelections.

The renowned lawyer, who assumed leadership of the party in July last year, had campaigned feverishly across country on a slogan he adopted “better must come,”admittingthathehadmuch to offer Guyana He said the country needed a break and was willingtopoolhisideaswithothers to fashion a new and modern Guyana.

Butwiththecrushinglossatthe polls, Trotman said the move by Hughes “is the honourable approach that is observed worldwide.

He said however, that the resignation was somewhat surprising, since there was no indicationthatthepartyleaderwas contemplating resigning “Recently as Saturday last, the executivemetandthemeetingwas chaired by Mr Hughes. There was no hint that he was considering resigning, and no indication from within the executive that anyone wantedhimtoresign,”hesaid.

Nadria James

Attorney Nigel Hughes

Autumn Leaves and Happy Hearts

Once upon a time inthelittletown of Maplewood, autumnhadjustarrived.The trees were bursting with colours bright oranges, fiery reds, and golden

yellows and the air smelled like pumpkins and cinnamon.Thewinddanced through the trees, sending leavesswirlingandtwirling to the ground like confetti fromthesky.

InacozyhouseonAcorn Lane lived a cheerful girl named Mia and her curious little brother, Leo. The two of themloved autumnmore thananyotherseason.They loved the crunch of leaves under their boots, the cozy scarves, the warm drinks, and, most of all, they loved autumncrafts.

One breezy Saturday morning, Mia stood by the windowwatchingtheleaves fall. Her eyes sparkled with anidea.

“Let’s go outside and collect leaves,” she said to Leo. “We can make some funautumncrafts!”

Leo jumped up, already excited. “And maybe... we cangivethemtopeopleand makethemsmile!”

The two of them grabbed their baskets and ran out into the crisp air They searched all around the neighbourhood park and under the big oak tree in their yard, collecting the brightest, crunchiest leaves they could find. Mia found some red maple leavesshapedlikestars.Leo picked up a pinecone that lookedlikeatinyhedgehog.

FALL Leaves craft

5.AddtheEyes:

Gluetwobuttonsorgooglyeyesinthe centerofthefacetocreatetheeyesofthe cat.Thelargertheeyes,thecuterandmore whimsicalthecatwillappear

Back at home, they spread all their treasures on the big kitchen table

With glue, paper, markers, and a lot of imagination, they began creating Mia turned a bunch of orange leaves intoapictureofafox. Leo glued googly eyes ontoapineconeandturnedit intoanowl.

Together, they made cards from coloured paper and decorated them with leaf borders and cheerful messages One card said, “You are tree-mendous!”

Anotherread,“You’reunbeleaf-able!”

Astheylookedattheir colourful creations, Mia smiled “These are too special to keep for ourselves Let’s give them to people who could usealittlejoy”

They gathered twigs, acorns,andevenafewdried flowers.

The next day, the two of them walked down the street, carrying th

r basketofcrafts

Their first stop was Mrs Willow’s house She was an elderly woman who had been feeling a little under the weather Miahandedherthefoxcard with a gentle smile Mrs Willow’s eyes lit up as she read the message, and for the first time in days, she laughed.

Later, they waited for the mail carrier, Miss Tilda, who always delivered letters with a wave but rarely had time to chat When Leo handed her the pinecone owl, she laughed and tucked it into herpocket.

“This made my whole day,”shesaidwarmly

At the town library, theyleftafewoftheirleaf animals on the front desk, each with a small note thatread,“Takemehome if you need a smile ” By the end of the day, every singleonewasgone

MaterialsNeededAssortedautumnleaves (differentsizesandcolours)Asheetofbrown or beige cardstock (for the base) Black constructionpaper(forthenoseandwhiskers) Twobuttonsorgooglyeyes(fortheeyes)Glue stick Scissors Pencil Optional: Crayons or coloure pencilsInstructions:

1.GatherLeaves:

Takethekidsonafunnaturewalkandask them to collect a variety of autumn leaves in differentsizesandshades(yellow,orange,red, brown). This adds a hands-on element to the projectand connectsthemwithnature.

2.PreparetheBase: Giveeachchildapieceofbrownorbeige cardstock. This will serve as the background forthecatfacebutterfly

3.ArrangetheCatEars (TopoftheHead):

Select two medium-sized leaves with pointyendstoformthecat’sears.Placethem at the top of the cardstock, pointing upward. Oncepositionedcorrectly,gluethemdown.

4.CreatetheFace:

Choose several medium to large leaves with a smooth surface and arrange them to form the cat’s face, fanning out from the center Overlap the leaves to create a fuller effect. Use orange or yellow leaves to mimic thelookofafurryface.Gluetheminplace.

6.MaketheNoseandWhiskers: Cutasmalltriangleoutofblack constructionpaperforthenose.Glueit betweentheeyes. Forthewhiskers,cutthinstripsofblack paperandgluethemtoeachsideofthe nose.

7.AddFinalDetails:

Usesmallleavestoenhancethewhiskers orcheeks,addingtextureanddepthtothe cat’sface.Encouragekidstousetheir creativitytoaddmoreelements,suchas additionalwhiskersordecorative elementsaroundtheface.

8.OptionalBackgroundDecoration: Ifdesired,childrencanusecrayonsor colouredpencilstoaddextradetails,such aspaws,backgroundscenery,orother animals.Display:Onceallthecatfaces arefinished,letthegluedrycompletely Hangthecompletedcraftsonthe classroomwallorsendthemhomefor parentstoadmire!

Additionalcraft:youcancreateendless fallleafcraftsusingthisstep-by-step guide.

Eachdigitfrom1-9occursoncewithineachrow,column,and3×3block (includingthefourgrayblocks).Digitsinsquaresseparatedbywhitecircles arealwaysconsecutive.Digitsinsquaresseparatedbyblackcircleshavea2:1 relationship.Allotherpairshaveneitherattribute.Thereisonlyonesolution.

Isometimeswonderwhy Ihavetogotoschool–Youhavetodosomuchwork, Andfollowsomanyrules.

ButthenIlookatpeople, Withnoeducationyoucansee, Theyoftenseemtobesopoor Thattheynevercouldbehappy

Andthentherearethose, Whoyouknowareeducated–Theymosttimeshavethebestjobs, Andbyallothersarerespected.

SonowIhavemadeupmymind

Toworkhardformyeducation; Iknowitsometimescanbetough, ButintheendIwillgainsatisfaction.

Allweeklong,Miaand Leo continued their mission of spreading happiness Each time someone smiled or said thank you, the two siblings felt a warm glow in their hearts They were using leaves, glue, and kindness and it was working.

That night, as the wind rustledthetreesoutsideand golden leaves danced across the lawn, Mia snuggled into her blanket and whispered, “We made people happy with just leavesandlove.”

Leo, already half asleep, mumbled, “Best autumnever.”

Andittrulywas.

TheEnd.

TEEN TIME

DetermineandpursueyourGoals diligentlytomakethebestofyourself

Anyone who sincerely wants to make the best of himself/herself should see thenecessitytotakingsome time to consciously decide the goals he/she wants to achieve, and take the necessary action to keep on the path to achieving these. Most teenagers do not take thetroubletolookaheadand determinewhattheyneedto dotobesuccessful,bothona long-term and short-term basis. As a result they go through life drifting along, and most times not only waste energy and time in activities not beneficial, but endupmovinginthewrong direction and doing things that can get them into trouble.

This can be readily seen when we realise that world is in such a turmoil that it is now very hard to identify the right way by

which people should be conductingthemselves. Ina world where children are exposed to all sorts of indecency and violence, we need to determine our own courseofactionsoastoreap the lasting success and happinessweareallstriving for Fromtheactionsforthe legalisation of drugs and same-sex marriages to the killingofinnocentpeopleso that others may live abundantlives,itseemsthat it is now more urgent than ever that we establish the thingsweneedtodotomake thebestofourselves.

In this effort to determine your goals, both fortheshorttimeaheadand forthelongterm,youwillbe more successful if you take some time and assess your specialskillsandtalentsand what you really need from life. Youwillfindthatwhen

Failing to plan is the same as planning to fail, so it is always necessary to determine what you need to improve your life and work tofulfilling this.

you do this, even when you arenotdeliberatelyworking to achieve your goals, your subconscious mind will be always keeping you on the pathtoyourdreams. Itwillalsohelpifyou attune yourself to become passionate about these dreams. When you are excited about pursuing the goals that will make these possible, your energies will be most directed to this effort It will also be necessary in this effort to have patience. Remember always that “Rome was not built in a day”. This means that everything worth getting takes some time in the making. Therefore, we always need to be patient

and not expect the exact results we want to be accomplished in a short time. As long as you know thatyouaredoingyourbest, theresultswillcomeingood time By practising patience, you are also developingyourpersonality inmanywaysthatwillprove ahelptoyouinotherefforts. Thistomymindalso encourages us to have faith inanAlmightyCreatorwho willhelpustoachieveallthe good things we desire, as longaswehavefaithinHis powertodoallthings. After all,HecreatedtheUniverse, andsomusthavethemeans to do anything we ask, as longaswedevelopthisfaith inHim.

ChartyourCourse

By Uncle Roy

(This poem is the first in the book “Shape up your Personality” by

Roy Paul (Uncle Roy)

which has recently been published in Guyana) Is there a ship that goes to sea That has no stated port of call, Without a means of staying on course, Where wind and tide dictate and chance befall?

Is there a bird or fish or beast That has no purpose to its being? Nay, each is counted and serves its aim, In the Good Lord’s reckoning.

Why then should a man live on this earth With no set goals to meet, To pitch and toss in the sea of fate, And thus end his life in defeat?

A life thus lived is worth much less Than any of God’s dumb creations, If man should claim a higher destiny, He must seek his given mission. So each of us need take the time To form the goals we cherish, To give true meaning to our lives, And thus gain fulfillment and happiness.

Solutions to last week’s

From where I stand... President Ali is striking the right chords but can we play the full tune?

“Iamnotthepresidentof some Guyanese. I am the president of all Guyana,” declaredPresidentIrfaanAli at his inauguration. “One Guyanaisnotaslogan,itisa lived ethic. Each of us is equal in dignity, equal in opportunity, and equal in respect.Tothoseofyouwho did not support me, know this: I am your president too.”

Those words struck the right chords They acknowledged division, but also promised inclusion Theywerefollowedbyother s i g n a l s t h a t t h e administrationislistening:a commitment to fight corruption, to move “One Guyana” beyond mere branding, and to reshape ministries in ways that, if done seriously, could

addressdeepinefficiencies.

The Cabinet changes are a case in point. We saw the addition of “Manpower Planning” to the mandate of the Ministry of Labour, a portfolio that, if delivered, could help Guyana finally align skills training with labourmarketneeds.Wesaw a Ministry for Government E f f i c i e n c y a n d Implementation, led by

Zulfikar Ally, a direct admission that bureaucracy and bottlenecks are choking delivery There were other shifts too: new faces in Amerindian Affairs, Youth, and Sport; a mix of energy and experience; even a few long-time figures moved aside. These early choices reflect both recognition of past shortcomings and a willingnesstoreset.

But we must be careful: announcementsalonecanbe performative.“OneGuyana” cannotsurviveasaslogan.It requires statutory footing, inclusive membership, (government, opposition, Indigenous and other minority leaders, youth, private sector etc ) and measurable cohesion goals: integrated school pilots, shared services across “opposition” local governmentauthorities,antidiscrimination enforcement data, possibly tabled in Parliament annually Only then will “oneness” travel from lectern to life Likewise, an AntiCorruption Unit must be independent with clear checks and balances: who watches the watchdog?And it must have teeth: public asset declarations, random

audits,prosecutionstatistics.

Jamaica’s Integrity Commission offers lessons (good and bad), the strength of a unified authority, but also the weakness of a gag clause that delays public disclosure.Guyanawoulddo welltolearnfromboth.

So yes, the chords are right. But the full tune will depend on execution, accountability, and crucially trust.Andtrustrequiresmore than technical fixes It requires a political culture that does not punish dissent. Toooften,citizenshesitateto speaktheirmindsbecauseof the fear or at the very least, theperceptionofretribution. If this government truly wantscitizenstoparticipate, itmustfosteranenvironment where criticism is not met with attack but with engagement. Much of the early announcements tell us thatPresidentAliislistening and with a more enabling environment for dissent,

By Janelle Persaud

governance will not only be richer, but will benefit from theexpertiseofawidercross section of Guyanese both homeandabroad.

That is where we come in. Citizens cannot sit back andhope.Ourresponsibility is to do our part: to hold leaders accountable, to perform our duties honestly, to raise our voices when systems fail And government’s responsibility is to make sure those voices are welcomed, even when theyaresharp.

The president has struck therightchords.Canweplay thefulltune?

Thatdependsonwhether leaders deliver, whether institutions hold firm, and whether citizens demand better without fear The music of “One Guyana” and a “Transformed Guyana” will only be real when all of us, government and governed alike, decide to playittogether

Journalist

Jasmaine Payne is a ‘Special Person’

By Shania Williams

Inacountrywherecareersin engineering, medicine, and law often dominate, the fieldofEnglishandtheliteraryarts cansometimesbeoverlooked.

Yet, 37-year-old Jasmaine Paynehasproventhatapassionfor language and storytelling can be fulfilling.

A proud mother and now a publishedauthor,Payneisnotonly making her mark in the world of literature but also contributing meaningfully to the English landscape in Guyana, earning her the title of this week’s “Special Person.”

On Saturday September 20, 2025, the new author officially launched her debut novel Leech, a psychological thriller that marks the beginning of what promises to be a prolific writing career In an interview with The Waterfalls, shared her background communications and the journey that led her to authorship.

Payne has 15+ years in journalism and a passion for psychological thrillers Her debut novel, Leech, makes her thefirstfemaleGuyaneseauthor to publish a full-lengt psychologicalthriller

“I’ve spent over a decade the communications fie working across media and energy sector, but storytelling always been at the heart everythingIdo,”shesaid.

MODESTUPBRINGING

BorninGeorgetownandraised partly in Berbice (Region Six), Payne grew up in a disciplined, faith-based household that laid foundation for her values. “My upbringing was deeply influenced by my mother, who is very Christian. I was raised with strong values discipline, time management, and honesty My Guyanese upbringing instilled in me a solid foundation, and I see thosevaluesplayoutineveryroleI take on today I’m extremely gratefulforthem,”shesaid.

Though her h eart was set on English, Payneinitiallyhesitatedtopursueit at the tertiary level due to societal discouragement. “After QC, I initially wanted to pursue a bachelor’s degree in English, but I wasdiscouragedbythosewhosaid itwouldonlyleadtoteaching,”she shared.

Payne attended St Agnes Primary School before moving on toSt.Rose’sHighSchoolandthen Queen’s College for sixth form. Evenduringherearlyschoolyears, shedevelopedapassionforartsand writing.“Iwasalwaysartistic,and in the arts stream at St. Rose’s, I reallybegantonurturemylovefor writing. I actually won my first competition at age 11, but it was during my time at St Rose’s studying English literature and writing fan fiction with friends—that writing truly begantoflourish,”sherecalled.

However, she eventually followedherpassion,completinga Bachelors Degree in English through the University of London and later earning an MBA in Marketing from the University of Bedfordshire.

“Throughout it all, my love for writing never left me, and I’m grateful I stayed true to that path,” shesaid.

PROFESSIONALJOURNEY

Herprofessionaljourneybegan in an unlikely place—as a bank teller, where she was responsible

GuyaneseAuthor Jasmine Payne with her freshly published hardcopy book of the psychological thriller Leech

for writing loan proposals. Her manageratthetimerecognizedher writing talent and encouraged her to explore it further This led her intojournalism,andeventuallyinto marketing and communications roles “She encouraged me to exploreitfurther,andthatledmeto journalism. I loved the writing aspect, but the job itself was too taxingatthatstageinmylife.Ithen

moved into marketing, which allowed me to combine creativity and communication something that’sservedmewellinpromoting myownwork,”shesaid.

Even as she advanced professionally, Payne continued to freelance, keeping her writing skills sharp and her creative spirit alive.

Thenin2013conceptforLeech cametoher Whatbeganasanidea eventually grew into a project she nurtured for 12 years before it finally reached readers in 2025. “I’ve always wanted to be an author For anyone deeply in love with writing, authorship feels like the ultimate goal While I’ve written short stories, I’ve always been drawn to long-form work. When the idea for Leech came to mein2013,IknewIhadtocommit. It took time (twelve years, in fact)butI’mthrilledthatit’sfinally complete and about to reach readers. I gravitate toward horror andpsychologicalthrillersbecause theydemandadeepunderstanding of the human psyche, and I enjoy thatchallenge,”sheexplained.

JASMAINEPAYNETHEAUTHOR

Over the years, Payne’s work and contributions have been recognizedthroughseveralawards. She received the 25 Influential WomenLeadersAwardin2025for her impact in communications and corporatesocialresponsibility Her debut novel Leech was also shortlisted for the Page Turner Awards, under both the Writers Award and the Phoenix Award subcategories.

Reflecting on her proudest moment,Paynesaid,“Inmycareer, publishing Leech is without question my greatest achievement. Iworkedonitforoveradecade.As someonewhooftenletsgoofthings when they get too difficult, I’m proudthatIstayedcommittedto Continued on page 42

GuyaneseAuthor, Jasmaine Payne

Author Jasmaine Payne holding her book alongside Prime Minster Mark Philips

Some of the pieces by indigenous artists hang at Castellani House

Amerindian Art Exhibition

OPENS AT CASTELLANI HOUSE

The annual Art Exhibition and Pop-up FashionShowrecentlylaunchedbytheMinistry ofAmerindianAffairsincollaborationwiththe NationalGalleryofArtsatCastellaniHouse,is part of the celebration of indigenous creativity andcultureduringHeritageMonth.

The event showcases indigenous artists, giving them a platform for creativity and be recognisedfortheircontributionstothecultural industry

The collection of art on display, curated by Ohene Koama, features several Guyanese indigenousartistswho,intheirownuniqueway, tellstoriesthroughtheartofexpression.

The exhibition featured pieces from Ransford Simon, Calvin Roberts, Courtney Douglas,DillonCraig,MerleanEllis,andother renowned artists whose representations of Amerindian heritage highlight the adaptability andinnovationofindigenouscreativity

The expressions of the featured artists encompassed a variety of mediums, including traditional paintings, sculptures, and handwoven textiles, as well as craft, all fused in a blendofdiversematerialsandtechniquesrooted

inindigenoustraditions.

Meanwhile, the fashion display features designsfromVandaAllicock,KatiaFitzpatrick, Courtney Douglas, ManicyAllicock and Jelina Da Silva, who all gained the opportunity to display pieces that merge traditional craft with contemporaryfashion,expandingtheirreachof Indigenousartistry

The newly appointed Minister of AmerindianAffairs,SarahBrowne,highlighted that she plans to focus on creating more opportunities for artists to grow in efforts to promote and preserve indigenous heritage through youth involvement and cultural programmes.

“Ourcultureiswhoweareasapeople,and we must be proud of it. We need to do more to promoteourartistsandgivethemaspace,”she stated.

The exhibition is open for viewing at the National Gallery of Arts at Castellani House throughout September, allowing attendees and art enthusiasts to be immersed in the artistic expressionsofindigenousartists.

(AdaptedfromDPI)

Girl, 8, dies in Parika accident

An eight-year-old girl, on Friday, was killed in an accident on the Parika Backdam (mainaccessroad),EastBankEssequibo.

ThechildwasidentifiedasSupriyaKhan ofNaamryckKoker,EastBankEssequibo.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a statement on Saturday said that the accident occurred “at about 15:05 hours and involved Motor Pick-Up GAB 8162, driven by 22year-old Arif Alli of Parika, East Bank Essequibo, and an Electric Cycle (bike), operated by 32-year-old Imran Khan of Naamryck Koker, along with 8-year-old SupriyaKhan,whowasthepillionrider.”

Reports are that the electric bike was headingeastalongtheroadwhenthepick-up, which was proceeding in the same direction behindtheelectricbike,attemptedtopassthe bike and, in the process, collided with Imran andSupriyaKhan.

The collision resulted in both Imran and Supriya Khan falling onto the road and receivinginjuriesabouttheirbodies.

"Supriya Khan was picked up by the driverofthePick-Upinanunconsciousstate andtakentotheDeKinderenPublicHospital, whereshewaspronounceddeadonarrivalby adoctor,"policesaid.

Imranwasalsorushedtothehospitaland admitted.Hewastreatedforafracturedskull. Meanwhile, Supriya's body was taken to the EzekielFuneralHomewhereitawaitsapostmortemexamination.

"Breathalysertestsconductedon22-yearold Arif Alli showed his BAC at 128% and 134%. Investigations are ongoing," police said.

Thepoliceremindedthatthelegallimitis .35 micrograms of alcohol in one's system, however, the "results of the two breathalyer tests conducted on the driver were 128 and 134micrograms,"respectively

Mannabbedwithganjainmilkpowder

A50-year-oldman,onSaturday,wasnabbedwithover420 gramsofmarijuanastashedinmilkpowderatSherimaPolice Station,RegionSeven.ThemanhasbeenidentifiedasHector Clarkson.Clarkstonwasridingamotorcyclewhenpolicestopped him.Whileconductingaroutinesearchonhisbike,policefound milktinswiththesealstamperedundertheseat.Whenpolice openedthetins,theyfoundtransparentbagsofmarijuanastashed inthemilkpowderthatthetincontained.

Questionedaboutthepossessionofganja,Clarkstontoldpolice thatheuseditforsmokingpurposes.Clarkstonwasarrestedand remainsinpolicecustodyassistingwithinvestigations.

Supriya Khan

Arrested for ganja possession, Hector Clarkston

Signing autographs at age 10, Chasidy Forde

is Guyana's newest author

ByShermonHawker

The Guyana Prize for Literature will one day surely etch her name on its distinguished catalog of honorees,aslittleZoeisalready carvingoutapaththatwilllead her to that stage and beyond, in theforeseeablefuture.

Evenatthetenderageof10, Chasidy Zoe Nadale Forde, of Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Georgetown, already has a publishedworktohernameasa budding author The promising young writer, a student of the New Guyana School, has launched her own book titled 'Chasidy'sfunstoriesforkids.'

Speaking to Kaieteur News on her daughter's achievements and prospects, Zoe GrenvilleForde detailed that it was a simple classroom assignment

which set the wheel in motion for her eldest of three children aspiring more than most other prospectstobecomeanauthor.

Every line structured, every literary element enacted, and the entirety of the book's concept is wholly attributed to the imaginative mind of young Chasidy, her motherconfirmed.

ATHEROWNPACE

Chasidy has grandiose ideas for her future. She sees herselfas a

Chasidy displaying a copy of her book “Chasidy's fun stories” At her book launch

Chasidy and her mom, Zoe

“When she was in grade two,shehadaproject,andthat is how she learned to write stories,”herproudmothersaid.

teorologist, and as one wouldexpect,anauthor Until such time as she is a full-fledged adult settled into either or both of those rewarding careers, she continues to be her hulahoop loving, bicycling, ntricate details-decoding

(Continuedonpage42)

CENTAUR HOLDINGS

What if every sip of tea, every bite of cassava bread, and every drop of cassareep told a story of heritage, tradition, and national pride? Well, that is what Green Diamond Foods, the agroprocessing brand under Centaur Holdings, has been doing since its establishmentin2016.

Rooted in the Pomeroon's rich Amerindian traditions, Centaur Holdings,infusesitsproductswith cultural authenticity, ancestral wisdom, and a deep reverence for nature.Fromcassavacassareepand cassava bread to plantain flour, powermixporridge,teas,andeven carambola fruit mix, each item represents a blend of Indigenous heritage and local agriculture, crafted for Guyanese consumers, the diaspora, health-conscious buyers, tourists, and international markets.

This Amerindian Heritage Month,theGNBSproudlyfeatures Centaur Holdings f

s commitment to Indigenous ingredients and farm-to-table authenticity The company stands apart as more than an agroprocessor; it is a cultural amb

n

Approved Made in Guyana Certified Product Line.

ng Pomeroon heritage, community empowerment, and innovation groundedintradition. On October 24, 2022, the company secured the rights to use the GNBS Approved Made in Guyana Standards Mark on its various products General Manager, Michellina Richmond noted, the impact of the Made in Guyana Standards Mark, earned through GNBS certification, has beentransformative.

“For Centaur Holdings, certification has meant trust and credibility, stronger brand rec

conformance to

traceability, hygiene,andproductionprotocols, ensuringthattherangeofproducts meets specified requirements. Ms. (Continuedonpage42)

Aclose up of some of the products sold by Centaur Holdings

Centaur Holdings' GNBS

Govt. to intensify efforts to support victims of domestic violence – Min.Persaud

The government will be intensifying its efforts to strengthen existing measures toprotectvictimsofdomestic violence Minister of Human ServicesandSocialSecurity, Dr Vindhya Persaud told Kaieteur News recently that herministryisexploringways inwhichitcanintroducefree care in each community for victims

She said the idea is birthed from the number of domestic violence cases that are before the courts being droppedduetodependencyon the victims' partners Often time, victims return to their abusers and are battered to death “ alotofworkwillbe doneonthat Iwouldsay,the psyche of women because wehaveseenwomengotothe courts,begforthegentlemen, go to the police station, withdrew Thosearepractical, serious issues we deal with everyday,andsometimeswe takeherallthewaytothepoint of prosecution, and then she says, I don't want to go any further,” Minister Persaud said Additionally,theminister said many domestic violence casesremainunreportedtothe authorities,“[andthenyousee persons killed] and it bothers every one of us very deeply, becauseforus,theworkwedo is premised on saving lives, saving lives every day” Minister Persaud reminded that there exists a day and

Minister of Human Services and Social Protection, Dr. Vindhya Persaud

night care shelter in Region Three. She told Kaieteur News that similar shelters willbeestablishedinRegion Four and then across the country Further,thehuman services minister said her ministry will work to create jobstherebyhelpingwomen whoarevictimsofdomestic violence to obtain financial independence and empowerment. Dr Persaud noted that there are measures inplacetoassistvictimswhile pointing to the 914 hotline, a tollfreenumber–thefirstofits kindinGuyana Thathotlineis complementedbytheI-Matter App which was recently upgraded to include a chat feature, making navigation easier “Wehavehadatleast14 to15,000callsmadethereper year, and this is both adult casesandchildren'scases So, in the arena of reporting, we also want to look more at in persons reporting As you know, Guyana has two Hope andJusticecenters,theonlyof

Govt.startsdistributionof$2B fertilizersubsidyinRegion10

Govt. starts distribution of $2B fertilizer subsidy in Region 10

The government has started rolling out its $2B fertilizer initiative to farmers in Region 10. The nationwide distribution programmewillseefarmers receiving one bag of fertilizerperacreofland.

“Thisinitiativeispartof a commitment made by H.E.PresidentDr IrfaanAli to support farmers, boost foodproduction,andensure affordable access to agricultural inputs across thecountry,”theMinistryof Agriculturesaid.InApril,at acommunityengagementat the Hydronie Market

Tarmac in Parika, Region Three, President Ali announced that $2B would

its kind in the entire region, as Caribbean and Latin America so we are intending to have more of these kinds of spaces where people can go and have reportingdone,theirmedical done, legal counsel, counseling, and all the supportservices,”shesaid.

MinisterPersaudassured that the best thing a government can do for survivors is to ensure they can have easy access to services The minister disclosed that rental spaces are also being provided to victims to help them get away from perpetrators, and getbackontheirfeet.

Additionally, Minister Persaud disclosed that all services provided by the governmenttoassistvictims will be ramped up. These includecounselling,therapy, a n d c o a c h i n g f o r employment. “…sometimes a lot of persons who are survivors, especially women,theydon'thavejobs, they don't have financial independence, a lot more emphasis will be placed on that, because when children are in equation, that is usually a consideration for personstostayinthesekinds of, you know, violent relationships, and in all of the shelter arrangements we have,childrenarealsotaken care of, not like either or everyone,” the minister stressed.

New US$35M Mackenzie - Wismar

River Bridge is 72.8 per cent complete

DPI - Traffic congestion andlengthydelayswillsoon be a thing of the past for Lindeners, as construction on the new US$35 million Mackenzie-Wismar River Bridgeisadvancingswiftly

The 220-metre-long precast concrete bridge's overall physical progress is 72.8percentcomplete.

According to a recent updateprovidedbyMinister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, the landmark project is well ahead of its schedule.

Contractor, China Railway Construction (Caribbean) Co Ltd has managed to complete the construction and installation of all eight precast anticollision beams on Pier

Three, f

w

ng the chipping of over-poured concreteatthepileheads.

For context, a pier is a vertical structure, usually made of concrete or steel, that supportsthe spans of a bridge and transfers the load down into thefoundation.

They are numbered (Pier One, Pier Two, Pier Three) for identification during construction

All other works on Piers One,Two,Four,FiveandSix arealsocompleted.

Remaining works involve the fabrication of precastgirdersforspansone, twoandthree.

At span one, 20 per cent of the precast girders are completed, while on span

two, 23 per cent are completed.

However, at span three, only 10 per cent of the precast girders have been fabricated.

Once complete, the new Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge will be a Prestressed PostTensioned Concrete Box GirderBridge.

It will facilitate four lanes of vehicular traffic, two barrier-separated pedestrian walkways and allow for the uninterrupted passageofhopperbarges.

Importantly, the bridge will enhance connectivity and efficiency in Region Ten, positioning it as a key player in international commerce and economic growth.

CANU nets 66 kilo cocaine at CJIA ...one in custody

betransferredtosupportall of the farmers and ease expenses. “We are going to transfer within the coming days that $2 billion in fertilizer subsidy to ensure thatforeverysingleacreof agriculture,wearegoingto give one bag of fertilizer That this is not only this year This has been our efforts continuously since we came into office,” he said at the community meeting In 2023, the government provided $1 billion in fertilizer support forfarmers.Thisincludeda $900 million allocation for rice farmers and $100 million for cash crop farmers.

One person attached to the New Timehri Handling Service is in custody following a 66-kilo cocaine bust at the Cheddi Jagan InternationalAirport(CJIA), Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD). The bust was made by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).Theunit'sdirector, James Singh told Kaieteur News, that “One individual with the handling company is in custody assisting with investigations”.

KaieteurNewslearntthat the 50 kilos of cocaine were found just moments before cargowasabouttobeplaced onaKLMflightdestinedfor Amsterdam,Netherlands.

Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond

praised CANU for making thebust.InaFacebookpost, shesaid,“Thisisaboutmore than an arrest — it's about protecting our borders, safeguardingourpeople,and

defending Guyana's good name on the international stage”.

“Heartfelt thanks to our brave men and women in uniformwhosetirelesswork keeps our nation safe and proud”, Minister Waldron added while stating that there will be more details to follow as the probe continues.

Ongoing works on the Mackenzie-Wismar River Bridge

Bars of cocaine discovered by CANU

WIN Lawyer to write banks over

closure of members accounts

Leader of the We

I n v e s t i n Nationhood (WIN) party and USsanctioned businessman, Azruddin Mohamed on Saturdaysaidhislawyerwill be writing the local banks that closed the accounts of his candidates and members tohavethemreinstated.

Mohamed, in an interview with Kaieteur News, said that over 70 personshavebeenaffected.

Mohamed said that the situation is devastating and heartbreaking.

The new politician said he said contacted the Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Gobind Ganga on Friday for a status on the accounts He noted that many of the persons associatedwithhispartyare to be paid by the government.

“SoIcalledtheGovernor yesterday and I asked him what is the status on the accountsandhetoldmethat weshouldgetthelawyersto write the banks Our candidates,alotofthemwill be on the RDCs serving as councillors,theywouldbeat differentBoards,theywould beworkingatGECOM,they would be Members of Parliament and they would bereceivingmoneyfromthe government," he told KaieteurNews

“Soweneedtheaccounts t o b e r e i n s t a t e d immediately,” Mohamed added.

Kaieteur News reported

that following the publication ofWIN's List of Candidates in July, local financialinstitutions,cutties with the members of WIN with some citing the OFAC sanctions imposed on Mohamed by the United States as the reason for the decision.

Last year, the U S

Treasury'sOfficeofForeign Assets Control (OFAC)

sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed and his father Nazar Mohamed, citing allegationsofdefraudingthe Guyanese government of US$50 million in taxes through gold smuggling, as well as bribing public officials.

Mohamed maintained that what happened to the supporters'accountsisacase ofvictimizationandpolitical persecution by the government.

“It's a clear case of victimization and fear mongering tactics to scare our supporters and voters away from me, it worked, it worked in the PPP's favour becausepersonswerescared to go about to throw support,”hesaid.

The businessman noted that while his supporters were affected, he claimed, “Republic Bank, they didn't close the accounts of my family,thatismymotherand sisters, they still have their accounts there and they are the family of the sanctioned man.”

He questioned why the accounts of public servants wereclosednotingthatthose affected have been experiencinghardship.

“Some of these candidates ain't even got more than $10,000 in their accounts and they (banks) wanttocallitde-risk.When you use the word de-risk by itself, it is more of a risk of closing people's account You don't operate like that, yougottoinvitethesepeople into the banks and called them in and find out. For example, if somebody's account is not operating and they only got $10,000 and thenyouseeamillion-dollar deposit, they still have the right to call them in and question them about source

WIN's parliamentary list...

Frompage11 confidence in ANUG have made this achievement possible, and ANUG looks forward to working seamlessly together in the service of the people of Guyana.

We also take this moment to thank you, our ANUG members, for your steadfast support, encouragement, and belief inANUG'smission.Without your loyalty and hard work, we could not have reached this significant milestone,” thestatementdisclosed.

WIN securedthesecond

offunds,”heexplained.

According to Mohamed, on Friday while he was at Bartica,“Aboutfourofthem [supporters]complainedthat the banks called them and toldthemthattheygottopay off the loan for their property,fortheirhouseand if they don't pay it off then next time, they would seize theproperty Also,twomore of them with their vehicles, they got a loan on their vehicles.”

Mohamed also stated that he too would need a

bank account to collect his salaryasaparliamentarian.

“I just want an account forwhatevermoneycoming in that I can do the withdrawals so that this same money can go to different community development, and different ways I can assist communities,”herelated.

The politician said it is criticalthatthoseaffectedby the bank account closures haveaccesstotheiraccounts so that they can maintain theirfamilies.

Bids opened for hinterland road projects in Reg. 10

The Ministry of Public Works has received 18 bids for its project to rehabilitate and construct several hinterland roads in Region 10. At a recent opening of bids at the office of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), it was revealedthattheprojectwill be executed in two phases, covering Lots 38 to 47 and

Lots48to55.

n understandsthattheministry has been executing similar works in a number of hinterlandregions. The upgrades are to ensure the roads are more durable and to improve c o n n e c t i v i t y T h e government in its 2025 budget had allocated a sum of$9billiontoexecutethese roadworks. Below arethecompaniesandtheirbids:

MinistryofPublicWorks

Rehabilitation/ConstructionofHinterland Roads2025Phase2BRegion10(Lots48-55).

Bidder

Mohamed'sExcavatingConstruction

Inc

SatorInc

HardRunningsInvestmentsInc

CrownMining&DrainageContractors

AmountTendered

Lot48$83,177,850

Lot49$56,760,900

Lot50$62,763,750

Lot51$38,024,700

Lot52$43,643,250

Lot53$55,244,700

Lot54$98,785,050

Lot55$97,939,800

Lot49$57,198,855

Lot51$50,123,115

Lot52$58,413,600

Lot48$92,820,945

Lot48$80,769,675

Lot49$52,422,300

Lot50$57,598,800

Lot51$36,123,150

Lot52$44,033,850

Lot53$51,403,800

Lot54$99,965,250

Lot55$99,912,750

VALSConstruction

ProsperityInvestmentInc

AssociatedConstructionServices

highestvotesattheelections gaining 16 seats in the NationalAssembly Among those who will be occupying the seats are Mohamed, Tabitha SaraboHaley, Dawn Hastings

Williams, General Secretary, Odessa Primus, Natasha Singh-Lewis, Duarte Hetsberger, Leslyn Gale-Lowe, Vishnu Panday, Beverly Cornelius, Gobin Harbhajan, Deon LaCruz, Nandranie Singh, Dr Gordon Barker, Janelle

Sweatnam, Dr Ryan Richards, and Dr Andre Lewis.

GoodlifeTrucking&RentalServices

Lot55$144,189,000

Lot48$89,383,875

Lot54$109,548,600

Lot55$109,664,100

Lot48$89,144,118

Lot49$61,414,710

Lot50$67,025,175

Lot51$42,437,588

Lot52$54,268,200

Lot53$58,629,270

Lot54$111,259,050

Lot55$111,259,050

Lot48$89,395,635

Lot49$58,186,485

Lot50$63,811,230

Lot51$41,073,165

Lot52$48,737,850

Lot53$57,090,075

Lot54$111,586,650

Lot55$111,586,650

McRae'sSupermarket&GeneralStore

Ray'sInfrastructureDevelopment

Lot48$88,996,950

Lot54$109,423,650

Lot55$109,435,200

Lot48$93,958,935

Lot50$65,062,725

Lot52$48,801,060

Rehabilitation/ConstructionofHinterland Roads2025Phase2ARegion10(Lots38-47).

Bidder Amount Tendered HardRunningsInvestmentsInc.InternationalImport& Supplies Lot38$173,809,125

$177,805,688

$113,463,000

$117,600,756

$170,481,150

$183,703,275

$122,850,000

$122,850,000

$75,962,250

$76,001,625 KingstonStrategicInc. Lot38$178,538,000

$130,653,000

$117,536,000

$128,343,000

$170,333,000

$185,233,000

$121,393,000

$121,393,000

$69,843,000

$74,243,000

$164,076,000

$177,636,000

$113,260,000

$113,260,000

$168,928,800

$183,984,800

$177,980,544

Leader of WIN party and businessman, Azruddin Mohamed

-Mohamed

Israel presses on with Gaza City assault, at least 60 Palestinians killed

JERUSALEM, Sept 20

(Reuters) - Israel’s military kept up its assault on Gaza City and the wider Gaza

Strip on Saturday, dismantling underground shafts and booby-trapped structures in attacks that killed at least 60 Palestinians, according to Gazanhealthauthorities.

The assault came as 10

countries, including Australia, Belgium, Britain andCanada,arescheduledto formally recognise an independent Palestinian state on Monday, ahead of theannualleaders’gathering

at the U N Gen

campaign targetinghigh-risebuildings inGazaCitybeganthisweek alongsideagroundassault. Its forces, which control GazaCity’seasternsuburbs, have been pounding the Sheikh Radwan and Tel AlHawaareasfromwherethey would be positioned to advance on central and westernpartsofthecity

Displaced Palestinians, fleeing northern Gaza due to an Israeli military operation, move southwards after Israeli forces ordered residents of Gaza City to evacuate to the south, in the central Gaza Strip, to September 20, 2025. REUTERS/DawoudAbuAlkas

Most of Gaza City’s population is sheltering in thoseparts. The military estimates it has demolished up to 20 GazaCitytowerblocksover the past two weeks. It also believes,accordingtoIsraeli

Rape suspect wanted after failing to show up in court

Police have issued a wantedbulletinforaSophia businessman accused of raping a child after he failed to show-up in court on September 17, 2025. The wanted man was identified asTimothy Fraser, 32, of 'C' Field, Sophia Squatting Area,Georgetown.

Fraser was released on station bail while investigators awaited a forensic interview to complete the case file againsthim.Initially,hewas granted $200,000 bail but remained in police custody for six days when he could notpaytheamount.

Police resorted to reducing the bail amount so that he can have pre-trial liberty

Fraser was arrested on September 6, 2025 for allegedly raping a child under the age of 16. The forensic interview was later obtained and police sent the case file for legal advice on September16.

“…Aftergaining advice for him to appear before the court on 2025-09-17 (September 17), when the matter was called, and he failedtoappear,effortswere made yesterday (Friday) to serveasummonsonhimfor court, but he could not be locatedathisSophiahome," policesaid.

Reports are that the businessman left for the interior and as a result, the wanted bulletin was prepared.

media, that more than 500,000peoplehaveleftthe city since the start of September

The militant group Hamas, which controls Gaza, disputes this figure, saying just under 300,000 haveleftandaround900,000 remain, including Israeli hostages.

Displaced Palestinians

flee southwards after Israeli forces ordered residents of GazaCitytoevacuatetothe s o u t h D i s p l a c e d

northern Gaza due to an Israeli military operation, move southwards after Israeli forces ordered residents of Gaza City to evacuate to the south, in the

REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas Purchase Licensing Rights,opensnewtab On messaging site Telegram, Hamas’ military wing earlier released a montage-type image of Israeli hostages, warning that their lives were at risk due to Israel’s military operationinGazaCity

Hamas also estimates thatsinceAugust11,Israel’s military has destroyed or damaged more than 1,800 residentialbuildingsinGaza City, and destroyed more than 13,000 tents housing displacedfamilies.

In almost two years of fighting, Israel’s offensive has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians, according to Gazan health authorities, spread famine, demolished most structures and displaced most of the population, in many cases multiple times. Israel says thehungercrisisinGazahas been exaggerated and that much of the blame lies with Hamas.

COGAT, the arm of the Israelimilitarythatoversees aid flows into the enclave, saidearlierthatHamasfired at U.N. teams on Saturday andpreventedtheopeningof a new humanitarian route in thesouthernGazaStrip. Neither U.N. nor Hamas officials were immediately availabletocomment.

The war began after Hamas,whichrunstheGaza Strip,ledattacksinIsraelon October 7, 2023, killing 1,200peopleandtaking251 hostages.Atotalof48ofthe hostages remain in Gaza, andaround20arethoughtto bealive.

WANTED VACANCY

Sales Rep needed, ages 1830 years. Knowledge of vehicle model will be an asset. Contact: 619-1237.

Armed & Unarmed Security personnel with Military and previous experience would be an asset. Contact: 603-5140.

Male & female needed to work at supermarket in the Interior. Must be 18 years & older. Call: 674-9999.

One Housekeeper needed. Must be 18 years & older. Call: 699-8486.

Domestic (Live in option available), female cook and male & female workers for the interior: 660-9093 / 6749999 / 661-5992.

One Clerk for TSI Eccles office English 1, Maths 2 call 615-9132 or email application: to techserigy@yahoo.com

Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles, age 23-50, Car/ Van licence. Call: 615-9132.

One (1) Painter. Call: 6159132.

One (1) electrician for Eccles. Call: 615-9132.

Wanted one Maid. Call: 6801282.

Job openings: Truck drivers, AC Technician, Excavator and Skid Steer Operator. To apply send applications via Whatsapp: 6891111 / 608-2114.

Drivers to drive Canter & Porters to work in Warehouses. Experience will be an asset. Call : 673-7373.

Handyman to work in Eccles area. Call: 226-9492.

Maid for East Bank area. Call: 615-9132.

One (1) Male cleaner for Eccles. Call: 615-9132.

One (1) Female cleaner for Eccles office. Call: 645-8443.

General Domestic, Apply at Keyfood Mc Doom Village next to the post office. 4 day work.

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Pump Attendant / Cashier (6am-2pm & 2pm10pm).Mobil Providence E.B.D, Call: 265-7305/6. Email:Mobilramsburg@ gmai.com

Qualitea Cafe is hiring 2 Cooks & 3 Front staff at MovieTowne Mall. Apply: 618-8460 / mariellebristol @gmail.com

Vacancy at Rubis Vreed-EnVhoop Gas Station pump attendant and Cashier. Contact 645-0164

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Vacancy for Elderly Caregiver @ Republic Park. Please Call or WhatsApp: 656-1875/ 233-5160/609-6952.

Signing autographs at age 10, Chasidy...

From page 38 and challenging loving self, taking care of her younger siblings in the process.

THREE YEARS IN THE MAKING

For the senior Zoe, having a young one in her family offering such promise arouses with much pride. As a mother, her elation ran deep as the ambitious venture of publishing her child’s book, which was written when she was just seven, came to fruition. The plan to publish was not without its quota of hassles and hurdles.

“From the time she wrote it in its raw sense to finally publishing it, we had delays along the way, every step of the way we had delays, but glory (be) to God we made it,” she recalled of the venture, one which lagged for a threeyear period. The material formatting of the book, i.e., its outline, graphic designs, etc., would naturally exceed young Chasidy’s range of knowhow. Her mother sought to mobilise efforts for its undertaking, but this proved to be exasperating as persons were not particularly lining up for the task, or moving at their own pace. Coupled with that was her uncertainty of starting the task.

She also admitted her own qualms about proceeding with publishing the project.

Publishing was an idea flung to her by a woman who felt convinced by Chasidy’s potentials. It was Chasidy who buoyed her up to forge ahead with the book, having overheard her mother being advised.

MOTHERAND DAUGHTERALLIED

“Getting started sometimes is the hardest thing. Eventually I got started and we made progress. It’s a whole humbling journey….I am humbled by all of this to know that we’ve come this far, and it was really a walk of faith.”

Recounting the journey to this point, the mother shared that for many aspects of the project, they were devoid of resources at times, but God provided ultimately. As the major task got underway, the mother and daughter duo would bond over sketching and coloring throughout the August holidays, with the younger Zoe creating the concepts, and her mother aiding in bringing vividness with colors.

The blooming writer, when asked to sum up her feelings of writing a book and being supported, stated: “I feel really good, and I want to thank God because we couldn’t have published it without him.” Though unsure at the moment as to what her very next book would be

composed of, the supporting public can be assured that something is in the making.

“Let’s wait and see,” she told this newspaper.

Proud, her mother pledged every inkling of her maternal capacity towards her daughter’s success, vowing to “ensure that I continue to provide an enabling environment where she can develop.”

DREAMS FULFILLED

After determinedly navigating the journey replete with setbacks, Zoe and her young daughter were able to launch the book on September 18 at the National Park in Georgetown. The exhilaration was savored with a strong sense of appreciation and a profound notion of relief for its fruition.

The book is a creatively balanced centerpiece of children’s tales backdropped with vibrant drawings that correspond with both story and intent, making for an ideal gift to a primary-level child.

“We did not do it alone. We got help from friends and family. We got help from our church community.”

The launch was childthemed, with stories written by Chasidy coming to life through role plays and puppet shows, and for as much as could be, all activities had the trappings of characters or portion of the book authored

by the vivacious 10-year-old. And in trueness to the custom of an author, young Chasidy even affixed her autograph to copies of her book for patrons.

With the bustle over, at least for the moment where she can relax and savor the accomplishment, Zoe Grenville-Forde is grateful for the support her daughter’s public showing has garnered.

MAJOR RECOGNITION

Impressed by the up-andcoming young writer, Minister of Education, Sonia Parag gave much positives about her prospects for the future.

“I was truly touched to receive this beautiful book written by the radiant Ms. Chasidy Zoe Nadale Forde, a Grade 3 student of the New Guyana School.

I especially enjoyed her story ‘Helping at Home’, which reflects a maturity and sense of responsibility well beyond her years. With her talent, brilliance and bright smile, Chasidy has all the makings of a brilliant writer, and I look forward to seeing her shine in the years ahead,” the education minister shared following the engagement.

‘Chasidy’s fun stories for kids’ can be purchased from Amazon, and local interests can obtain theirs directly from her mother.

CENTAUR HOLDINGS – PRODUCTS MADE...

From page 38 Richmond highlighted that the journey with GNBS has been one of collaboration, growth, and transformation, and Centaur Holdings continues to raise the bar for Guyana’s agro-processing industry.

Looking ahead, Centaur Holdings is brimming with

ambition, planning to expand its product line to showcase even more of Guyana’s rich agricultural produce. Their advice to other Indigenous and small businesses? “Start with passion, dedication, and determination. Stay consistent, invest in quality systems, tell your story, and think long-term”. As we celebrate

Amerindian Heritage Month, Centaur Holdings reminds us that every product made with love, heritage, and quality is more than food, it is a piece of Guyana’s story being preserved and shared with the world.

GNBS encourages more businesses to work towards attaining the Made in Guyana

Certification of their locally manufactured products. The application form, along with the detailed requirements of the Programme, and the process of acquiring the Made in Guyana Standards Mark can be found on the GNBS website: gnbsgy.org/certification/made-in-guyana-certification (GNBS)

Journalist and newly published author, Jasmaine...

FOR SALE ACCOMMODATIONS

Aracari Hotel, WBD (Versailles, Vreed-enHoop) - A/C, all amenities & breakfast included. From $78 US. Call: 264-2946.

T RUCK TIRES 295/ 75R22.5 $40K EACH. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL/WHATSAPP: +592688-3201.

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PROPERTY FOR SALE

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From page 35 this project and saw it through. Seeing people enjoy it now makes the journey all the more rewarding.”

Balancing professional life, motherhood, and writing is no easy feat, but Payne credits her military-disciplined upbringing for helping her manage it all.

“My father, a former Army man, always stressed timeliness and discipline. That shaped me into someone who deeply respects time. I stick to deadlines, avoid lateness, and pride myself on being prompt. That skill has been a major asset in managing everything I do: juggling a nine-

to-five job, family responsibilities, and my creative pursuits. It means my days can get very full, but with a good schedule and consistency, I make it work,” she said.

Of all her roles, motherhood is the one Payne holds dearest.

“Becoming a mother has been the most significant moment of my life. It’s a huge responsibility, one filled with constant learning. I don’t always get it right, but I strive every day to grow and to be the best version of myself for my son,” she shared.

Payne also spoke about some of the values that continue to shape her journey.

“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of honesty. I tend to be honest to a fault, but I’ve learned to balance it with tact. I believe in speaking my mind while being kind and helpful to others. Kindness always comes back around when you need it most,” she said.

“I try not to be judgmental. Everyone has their own struggles and makes mistakes—I’m no different. That openness helps me build strong relationships; people tend to feel comfortable coming to me.”

Looking ahead, Payne revealed that she is already working on her next two nov-

els. “Leech is my debut, but my second and third books are already in development. My next novel is a modern retelling of the Moongazer myth from Guyana, and I’ve already started working on it. I hope to finish it much faster than the first,” she said enthusiastically.

As she continues to carve her path in literature, Payne remains passionate about contributing to Guyana’s literary culture. “I’m so excited to write more books so that Guyanese can enjoy published fiction by writers right at home. Here’s to many more stories!” she said with a smile.

BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT BLUNT

Police in a sorry state

A young woman is terribly scarred in an acid attack.The police say it has video but cannot produce it in court. A man is arrested and the police say he confessed to the attack.

The man claims that his wife was detained, used to coerce him into that confession. Now the man is out on bail. The police are in a shabby and sorry state. It is time that it gets its act together. There is a new minister In charge of the police.

The question is how much improvement she can deliver. That's how bad the Guyana Police Force is. How far the police have fallen?

Verstappen takes pole after record six red

(BBCSport)-RedBull’s Max Verstappen took pole position ahead of Williams’ Carlos Sainz after an extraordinary qualifying sessionfeaturingarecordsix red flags at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix McLaren’s championship rivals Oscar PiastriandLandoNorriswill start seventh and ninth, the Australian after crashing in the final part of qualifying andNorrisfailingtoproduce agoodfinallap.

Sainz was on course for pole position after being the fastestofthreedriverstoset a time before Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc crashed early in the final part of qualifying. Piastri then crashed shortly after the session was restarted, and Verstappen was the only driver able to improve on Sainz’s time when the session restarted for the final time with just o

remaining.

Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawsonwillstartthird,with the lap time he set behind Sainz in the first part of the session.

Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell managed fifth and sixthfastesttime.TheItalian

overtaking under yellow flags but was only given a reprimand.

Ferrari’sLewisHamilton

wasfastestinFridaypractice but will start 12th after failing to progress from the secondpartofqualifying.

Sunday September 21, 2025

ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)

Today you will have all the energy you need to deal with long-term family problems. Indeed, you'll probably clash with some of your relatives. But this situation won't cause anyseriousissues.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

You enjoy caring for others andyouinterveneregularlyin their lives to guide them. Ironically, today you're the one who needs advice. You'll probably need to get away from it all in order to get a clearviewofyourownlife.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

We all have to make compromises in order to live in contemporary society.You may have strong beliefs, but it's difficult to combine your idealsandasociallife.

CANCER(June21–July22)

You'vealwaysfelttheneedto free yourself from society You need to feel independent at any cost. You may need to face certain relationship problemsatthistime.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

You may feel annoyed about the attitude of some of your groupoffriends.Unlikethese people, you're very openmindedandyoucandealwith situations as they arise Indeed, you have a natural ability to adapt to every situation.

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

Today, Virgo, you'll be submerged under a lot of emotions. In a way, you'll be revisiting your childhood

Youmaybeveryedgy Thisis agooddispositioninwhichto analyzeyourlife.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

You really know how to seduce,Libra.Thereisaspark inside of you that spreads naturally to those around you. You have a big reservoir of sensitivity and emotion that couldgrowtoday

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)

You're a very active person, Scorpio, but today you'll probably be disappointed. If you ask those around you to help with your activities, they most likely won't understand yourneeds.

SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)

Nothing much is happening today, yet you seem worried and tense. You'll have to use this day to your advantage. Think about your life. You'll also think about the needs of yourrelativesintheyears.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

You often need to thrive on personal emotions.Today will benoexceptiontotherule.For instance, you could try to captivate the attention of peopleyouadmire.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) You shouldn't try to fight the feelings that run through you today Don't even try to rationalize them These feelingsareprobablyrelatedto emotions dating back to your childhood You shouldn't avoidoranalyzethem.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)

You'll be lost in your thoughts today, analyzing your life and relationships.You'll be asking yourself if your existence is meeting your standards. You will ponder what to expect from the future and from the peoplearoundyou.

Norris‘needstodosome overtaking’

Norris had a golden opportunity to make up groundonPiastri,whohasa 31-point advantage in the championship, after the Australian’s crash at Turn Three in the middle of the finalsession.

But the Briton had a scrappyfinallap,withlotsof moments on the exits of corners and could only manage a time 1.122secs slower than Verstappen. He was also beaten by the second Red Bull of Yuki Tsunoda.

“Just wasn’t quick enough in the final run,” Norris said. “Was always good before and think we took the risk of trying to go firstoutthinkingthatifthere wasanothercrashatleastI’d getthelapin,butitwasjusta lot worse for the track becauseitwasstillraininga littlebit.

“I’m not disappointed because I made a small mistake and hit the wall on the final lap, just a trickier track for me being the first one out and I paid the price forthat.

Frompage49 Men’s and Women’s Open finals. The Guyana Hockey Boardhassetthestagefora thrilling conclusion, with local powerhouses ready to clash for national bragging rights.

WithsupportfromIgloo Ice Cream and Sunshine Sna

Six of the 20 drivers crashed during

in Baku (Reuters)

“Max has been on the pace all weekend so to try and win may be a bit unrealistic but want maximumpointsandneedto dosomeovertaking.”

The second Racing Bull of Isack Hadjar, the other drivertosetatimeatthestart of the session, was eighth, ahead of the crash drivers PiastriandLeclerc. Verstappen said: “It was a very difficult session and on the last lap you just have to send it. I wasn’t even on the best tyres I wanted because you just run out of tyres.”

Georgetown Turf Club roars back to life with exciting six-race meet today

The thundering sound of hooves will echo once againacrosstheGeorgetown Turf Club (GTC) as the legendary venue ignites today with the electrifying ‘Clash of the Horse’, a sixracespectaclebroughttolife byThreeMenPromotion.

It’smorethanjustarace meet, it’s a full-throttle return to form for Guyana’s horseracingscene,andfans are already brimming with excitement.

Gates open, spirits rise, and from 1:00 PM, the turf comesalive.

Attheheartoftheaction lies the J-Class Feature Event, a high-stakes showdownwherethebestof the best will battle for a

whopping $300,000 cash prize. With $150,000 up for second, $75,000 for third, and $37,000 for fourth, expect nothing short of fiercecompetitionfromstart tofinish.

The full race card is stacked and diverse, featuring:L-Open, TwoYear Guyana Bred (Unclassified), Unclassed, SmallHorsesRaceandFirst TimeStartersRace. And if that’s not enough to stir the adrenaline, the lineup of horses promises fireworks.

Fan favourites like Top Gun, NiceTime, andTop of the Cloud are set to clash with tenacious challengers including Ben Laden, Lion Heart, Kiss Coco, Randy

Filly,TopRankingDR,Dray Adapted Son, and the everquickLittleTictack.

Alleyesarealsoonthe Top Ranking Stable, whose camp is exuding unshakableconfidence

Withtheirsightsseton the Champion Jockey title, they’re galloping in with grit, hunger, and horsepowertospare

Will your favourite take the crown? Or will a dark horse surge from the shadows to steal the show? Come for the sport Stayforthespectacle

Feel the earth tremble, hear the crowd roar, and witness glory in motion

The GTC Meet is back, and it’s going to be electric

- Top Ranking DR,Kiss Coco, Lion Heart will be in action

Top Ranking will take the line today as Three Men Promotion host ultimate six-race card at Georgetown Turf Club today

Deputy Mayor’s Cup crowns champions this Sunday at Eve Leary …eight teams to battle for crown

The race to the 2025 Deputy Mayor’s Cup crown explodes into action this Sunday, September 28, as eight of the best InterWardSeven-a-Sideteamsgo head-to-head at the Police Sports Ground (Eve Leary) in an electrifying knockout showdown.

With just one night to prove their worth, teams will battle through four quarterfinals and two semifinals, all in a bid to reach the highly anticipated final and claim bragging rights, big cash, and a championshiptrophy

O n S u n d a y , Quarterfinal Line-up i n c l u d e s ; Albouystowntaking onStabroek Ballers6:00 Then at PM6:30 PM, Back Circle ‘B’will face off with Pele.

Following that at 7:00 PM, the mighty Uitvlugt Stars will take on Bent Street in the ultimate challenge and round out the quarter final fixture see Soesdyke Warriors challenge Liliendaal Strikers for the final spot

intothesemifinals.

Proceeding the quarter finals phase, winners of these clashes will return later that nightfor the semifinals. See the winner between Albouystown and Stabroekbattlevictorsofthe Uitvlugt-Bent Street clash for a spot into the finals. Back Circle and Pele will also go head-to-head to secure spot in the second semifinal.

They will take on the winners between Soesdyke andLiliendaal

Expect fireworks on the pitch as top-tier talent and fierce rivalries collide underthelights

Thetournament,heavily supported by the Guyana Police Force, boasts a massive $1 million prize pool: Firstplace will receive $500,000aswellasRicks& Sari hampers and championship trophy

Second place will secure $300,000 in cash and runner-uptrophy while third and fourth place will take home $200,000 and $100,000 in cash as well as placementtrophy

Trophies will also be

awarded to the Most Disciplined Team and the Most Valuable Player (MVP) who will ride away withabrand-newsuperbike courtesy of Commissioner CliftonHicken.

Deputy Mayor of Georgetown, Denise Miller, willbepresentforthefinals, endorsing what promises to be a night of football excellence.

This year’s edition has receivedbackingfromahost of corporate sponsors i n c l u d i n g ; O n e Communications, Reunion Gold, Pegasus Hotel, SuperBet, Ricks & Sari, Toolsie Persaud Ltd., John Fernandes Ltd , C&CL, N A M I L C O , B K International, Busta, Caribbean Container, Gafoors, Kings Liquor Store, Massy Distribution, andmanymore.

This Sunday, all roads leadtoEveLeary Fourepic quarterfinals, two thrilling semis, and one final- all happeningonenight.Anight packed with passion, pride, and pure football fire.Be there to witness history in themaking.

Igloo-Sunshine National JuniorHockey Tournament concludes today

- Old FortWarriors cling to U13 title

The 2025 National Juniors Hockey

U n d e r - 1 7 Championship, sponsored by IglooIceCreamandSunshine Snacks, reached a boiling point on Friday as SHC Sensations and Old Fort powered their way closer to the finals with emphatic victories at the National Gymnasium With the tournament set to wrap up today, anticipation is high for an action-packed finale featuring the top young hockeytalentinthecountry SHC Sensations delivered a clinical performance in the Boys’ Under-17 division, dispatching their opponents with confidence as they eye a place in the championship match.Nottobeoutdone,Old Fortflexedtheirstrengthwith adominantdisplay,cementing their position as serious contendersforthetitle.

In the Girls’ Under-17 division,theHikersJuniorJets

soared to a 6-3 victory over SHC Sensations in their final preliminary match, stamping their authority ahead of the titleclash.

The Boys’ Under-21 divisionsawOldFortdelivera resounding3-0winoverSHC S’Team,climbingtothetopof the standings in impressive fashion.Thehigh-tempoclash demonstratedOldFort’ssharp attacking play and defensive discipline,astheytookcontrol of the division heading into thefinalshowdown.

Friday evening’s spotlight shifted to the Men’s and Women’s Open semifinals, where the drama hit new heights.

Saints stormed into the Men’sfinalwithaconvincing 5-2 win over Bounty GCC, while Old Fort edged past GCC Spare Parts in a heartstopping penalty shootout after a thrilling 5-5 regulation draw

IntheWomen’ssemifinal,

Saints Women showed their class by overcoming Old Fort 3-1, booking their spot in the final with a composed performance.

TheUnder-13phaseofthe tournament concluded yesterday with Old Fort Warriors capturing the championship title. GCC War Dogsbattledbravelytosecure

Gladiators (Old Fort) claimed third,closingofftheyoungest divisioninspiritedfashion.As the tournament concludes today,alleyesareonthefinals across multiple categories: Boys’ and Girls’ Under-17, Boys’ and Girls’ Under-21, andthehighlyanticipated (Continuedonpage43)

Old Fort Warriors claimed National Junior U13 title

National stalwarts, Tekeisha Deleon in possession and Carolyn Deane retreating for Saints and Old Fort, respectively (GHB photo)

DoS confirms Guyana prepared to host IGG Games 2025

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, meets with Suriname’s Minister of Sport, Lalinie Gopal, after being introduced by Suriname’s School Sport Federation President, Aniel Ghisaidoobe (centre).

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle,

discussions surrounding the staging of the Inter Guiana G a m e s ( I G G ) Championships, where he was joined by Sophia Darlington Browne, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Guyana in Suriname.

Ninvalle has hailed the recent trilateral meeting between Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana as a resounding success, describing it as a major step forward in preparations for this year’s Inter Guiana Games(IGG).

TheGames,whichbring together the best young athletes from the three territories, will be staged in Guyana from December 5–7. This year’s IGG will focus on student-athletes between the ages of 14 and 18.

“The meeting, by all indications, was a success. There’s a high degree of enthusiasm for the IGG by allthreecountries,andthatis important,”Ninvallesaid.

He added, “As you know, Suriname has a new Minister of Sport, and I’m happy to see that they came in understanding the importanceoftheIGG.They are fully committed to supportingtheGames.”

According to Ninvalle, the three countries not only mappedoutaframeworkfor the upcoming Games but also reviewed last year’s edition,whichwashostedin Cayenne,FrenchGuiana.

French Guiana’s delegationwasledbyGilles Le Gall, CTG Elected Official in charge of Sports, alongside CTG Director of Sports Tatiana Tisserand, CTG Administration representative Johann Lafontaine, interpreter Abby-Gill Acton, and

Suriname’s contingent featured Minister of Youth Development and Sports, Lalinie Gopal, Director of Sport Enrique Ralim, and senior members of the country’s School Sport Federation.

Meanwhile, the sporting disciplines are yet to be finalized, with Ninvalle pointing out that the countries agreed to give their respective federations time to decide which sports will be included

At last year’s Games, the athletes competed in athletics, basketball, beach volleyball, chess, futsal, swimming, and table tennis. Afollow-up virtual meeting of the Organising Committee is set for Wednesday, where further outstanding matters will be addressed.

First staged in Suriname in 1967, the Inter Guiana Games were designed to strengthen ties and foster friendships b e t w e e n G u y a n a , Suriname, and French Guianathroughsport

Over the years, the event has become a vital platform for young athletes to showcase their talent while promoting unity and cultural exchange

The Government of Guyana, under the leadership of President Irfaan Ali, has reaffirmed its commitment to the Games, recognising their role in building character among youth and in promoting sport as a vehicle for social development

With Guyana as the host in 2025, Ninvalle expressed confidence that the country will deliver a memorable editionoftheIGG.

ChristianBrosseron,Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of France in Suriname.

2025 Republic Bank CPL Finals...

Arch rivals Amazon Warriors,TKR chase history in star-studded showdown tonight

BYCLIFTONROSS

Tonight’schapterinthe storied rivalry between the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the Trinbago Knight Riders could easily be considered as the biggest showdowninthehistoryof the tournament; with players and franchises alike seeking to etch their names in the history books ofCPL

Guyana and T&T have a deep history when it comes to cricket, and with both franchises having met in two finals before tonight’s game, this battle will not only be based on bragging rights, but will prove to be clinical in establishing who enters next season as champs and a 2-1 lead in their miniCPLfinalswar

The Warriors have battledtheTKRformerlythe Red Steel, some 14 times at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, winning 10 of those

encounters, with a

memorable one-over eliminatorbackin2014.

Now current CPL leading wicket-taker Sunil Narine, an Amazon Warrior

back in his younger days, wasthebadguyofthe2014 battle, having bowled a historic maiden Super Over withaPrimeRossTaylorand a young Nicholas Pooran, faced with taking the game homefortheRedSteel.

Fast-forward to a decade and somehow a few of the key players from back in the early y e a r s o f t h e Warriors/TKR rivalry, have either retired, transitionedtodifferentroles or simply have just found themselvesontheotherside but in the same situation; adds fuel to the rich past sharedbythesetwoteams.

Second on the leading batsmen chart, with 425 runs under his belt this season Pooran, who is also an ex- Amazon Warrior will be keen on etchinghisnameintheCPL historybooksasTKRwillbe gunningtheirfifthtitle.

Warriors will be mindful of Pooran’s big-game form, as his scores of 90* and 50 in the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 are big reasons for Trinbago’s 6thfinalsappearance.

His opposite though, t h e t o u r n a m e n t s ’ leading batsman Shai Hope solidified the

number 3 spot with his aggregate of 479 runs from just 11 innings, with top scores of 82* 62 and53;theright-handerwill be looking to sign off this season with a bang while keeping his former Windies teammatePooranawayfrom bagging that prestigious award; of Batsman with the Most Runs for the tournament.

Leading wickettaker this season with 20 victims, Warriors skipper Imran Tahir himself at the age of 46, will be seeking to add to his ownbitofhistory,a double-title,havingwonthe 2025 GSL title prior to the startofthisyear’sCPL.

The Warriors won their first title under Tahir against TKR a few years ago, adding to the storied rivalry between these two franchises

Another key factor for the Warriors with 18 wickets and third on the list of leading bowlers, Gudakesh Motie has reminded doubters of his abilityasastrikebowler

The left-arm spinner has

madeamendsforaslowstart with a 5-fer and 4 wickets from his last two games; bothhaulswhichensuredthe Warriorsspotinthefinals.

Along with Tahir and MoeenAli,thetriowilllook tocancelouttheTKRbig-3.

In Pakistan mystery spinner andnumber2onthebowling charts this season, Usman Tariq

Tariq has already bagged some 19 wickets ensuring either him or Tahir ending the season with the most wickets. CPL leading wicket-taker (133 wickets)spinlegendNarine and left-arm strike spinner Akeal Hosein; will further add to tonight’s battle being a straight shootout between two world-class spin bowlingunits.

The ‘Wild-Card’ players could also turn the game on its head, should the likes of in-form touchplayerKeacyCartyor TKR’s power-hitting duo of Andre Russell or Kieron Pollard, fire on the same cylinders on which they have been on recently.

Dwaine Pretorius and Romario Shepherd

alongside the in-form Quentin Sampson are the Warriors main components of the engine-room, with theirabilitiestofindthelong boundary with relative ease being a key aspect of taking Trinbago’s bowling attack out of their comfort zone

One huge difference is the stability and runs provided by the TKR opening pair of Colin Munro and Alex Hales, when compared to the last minute scurry by the Warriors to find the right man to partner alongside a struggling Ben McDermott atthetopoftheorder

With the dust settled and both sides having already been in this situation,TKRwillbekeen onbreakingtheheartsofthe Guyanese fans as they seek to hoist their 5th title, while the Warriors have a golden opportunity at creating history in their backyard by winning both of their CPL titles, under the same Captainonhometurf.

Tonight’s match at the Guyana National Stadium, is set to bowl off from20:00h.

Shai Hope is this season’s leading run scorer (Getty Images)

(L-R) French Guiana’s Director of Sport, Tatiana Tisserand; Gilles Le Gall; President of Suriname’s School Sport Federation, Aniel Ghisaidoobe; and Guyana’s Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle.

The Trinbago Knight Riders will be trying to secure their fifth CPLTitle. (Getty Images)

The GuyanaAmazon Warriors will be in the hunt for their second CPLtitle on home turf. (Getty Images)