Kaieteur News

195,486 of 208,756 ounces

…exportpricepeggedatUS$2800peroz.

Guyana exported of gold declared in first half of 2025 - BOG Man dies after car slams into utility pole at Good Hope

Guyana to take ownership of assets after costs recovered by Total Energies - New PSA

...as ExxonMobil maintains grip on over US$40B in assets already paid for by Guyana

ByDavinaBagot

Guyana’s oil has been

u s e d t o r e p a y

ExxonMobilmorethan US$40Bthecontractorhasspentso far to develop the resources in the StabroekBlock,buttheseassetsare stillownedbytheoilcompany

This has been a major controversy for some time, as stakeholders argue Guyana has paidfortheassetsandaretherefore therightfulowners.

While government previously defended the arrangement with Exxon,ithasmovedtocorrectthis provision in the new oil contract it hassignedwithTotalEnergiesfora shallow water oil block, more than ten times smaller than the massive StabroekBlockconcession.

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

According to the oil deal with Total, “All assets purchased by the Contractor for use in Petroleum Operationshereundershallbecome

the property of the Minister upon recovery of costs under Article 35 notwithstandinganycoststhatmay be under dispute. The Contractor shall be liable to keep the assets in good repair and working order in accordance with the Act and Best International Industry Standards andPractices.”

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

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

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

He said, “So first of all, the assets still belong to the company Theydon’tchangeownershipfrom

the company But, so these assets are still working, so what happens isthatifyoupayoffwiththeassets, thenyouhavemoremoneyleftnow todistributeasprofits.”

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

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

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

As the value of the cost bank declines, he reasoned that the country will experience a higher

flow of revenue, although the ratio willremainthesameforcalculating profits.

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

Jagdeo previously told reporters that Exxon is free to sell the assets paid for by Guyana to handle costs related to an oil spill,

as the country is not a co-owner of theinfrastructure.

Subsequently, former head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr Vincent Adams, in a scathing response, argued that the VP’s explanation wasillogical Dr Adamssaid,“Heneedtogo read the (oil) contract. They have gottoturnoverallofthoseassetsto us, free of charge, and now he talking ‘well, we would freeze the assets and sell it.’It’s the stupidest thingIhaveeverheard.”

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

Daniel Larranaga, Vice President of Total Energies

ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge

Kaieteur News

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

Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456

Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams

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

EDITORIAL

Putting eggs in one basket

The news for Guyana from the Economic Commission from Latin American and the Caribbean (ECLAC) is both goodandbad Thegoodnewsisthat,asexpected,Guyanais atthetopoftheregion'sexportperformersrankingsfor2025 ItisnotoftenthatGuyanabeatsout33competingcountriesin theregionforthathonor,withanexportperformanceratingof 38, which edged Panama at a 36 rating, and lapped the third placedperformerHondurasthatwasassessedwitha25rating Unsurprisingly, Guyana soaring daily oil output has helped it race to the head of the regional export pack. Oil is now everything for Guyana, and even the bright numbers cannot obscurewhatlurksunderneaththegoodnews.

Guyanaistoodependentononecommodity,oil Guyana's exports and its ECLAC champion export performance ranking are overwhelming driven by oil When a country's dependency is so pronounced that creates its own vulnerabilities, an unhealthy situation The history of oil has demonstrated that it doesn't chart one course, and stick to it Oil prices can be very volatile, with long intervals of high prices, and also long periods of low and lower prices At the bottomend,oilhaswreakedhavoconcountriesthatweretied almost exclusively to oil exports and oil prices staying high. The economies of those countries fell off a cliff, leading to theircitizens,mostlythepoorerones,feelingthebruntofthe pressures. ThePPPCGovernmentishappytocelebratehow diversified Guyana's economy is, but we ask where is that diversification,andhowstringisit?

Goldpriceshaverocketedupward,butdeclarationsatthe Gold Board have not been at levels, where advantage can be takenofrecord-breakingprices Canadianminingcompanies have announced projections of millions of ounces of gold in future years, but Guyana's share of those partnerships would notbeenoughtohelpthiscountrythrougheitherasteepdrop, or a prolonged slump, in oil prices Oil prices are coming undersupplypressures,andtheimpacttothiscountrycouldbe severe. Debt servicing could become onerous, especially if Guyana's nonoil sectors, such as manufacturing, are hit by falling oil prices. How can they not be, when so much is linked in some way to oil? When too much risk is taken without too much thought, this is usually part of the consequences. Whetherattheindividualoranationallevel, putting all of one's eggs in one basket is a recipe for danger. Hard experience has taught that it either the eggs crack, or thebasketcannotholdthestrainaftertoolong.

The ECLAC report had another piece of good news adjacent to bad news Guyana's exports to the US stand at 15%, which makes it less dependent on the US market, and provides some breathing space from that superpower's unpredictable tariff swings The bad news that ECLAC reportedwasthatGuyanacannotboastofdiversifiedmarkets foritsgoods,andthatstrongbilateraltradingrelationshipsare notwheretheyshouldbe Therehasbeenaflurryofloansand deals signed since the discovery of oil made Guyana into a global name Those seem to lack the punch that binds two countriestogetherinthetypesoflong-termrelationshipthat works, because they are mutually beneficial. It seems that everyone around the globe that wants a slice of Guyana's richpromise,andarrangeitwithoutcommittingtotoomuch on their side. Guyana's leaders fool themselves into believing that it is their skills at statecraft and salesmanship that open doors for them, and prompt the world to rush here andinvest.

Oil is a game of ruthless predators Unless the leaders of Guyanamanagetheirresponsibilitiesbetter,andtakesensible precautions to protect this country, the dark side of this precious commodity can be a frightening environment in which to live Warnings on how to better manage different aspectsofthenation'soilwealthhavecomefromhigh-profile international bodies, such as the IMF and Commonwealth, withECLACnowaddingitsvoice TheGuyanaGovernment hasn't shown itself to be a good listener, and national pain usuallyresultsfromsuchtonedeafness

Kaieteur M@ilbox

We

are asked to trust the state with our lives but without protection or accountability

The recent statement attributed to Minister Zulfikar Ally, Minister of Public Service, Government E f f i c i e n c y & Implementation at Cabinet Outreach in Region Six on Friday November 21, 2025, recommending an expanded d e p e n

o n eGovernment systems to manage critical public services without first proving the security, capacity, and integrity of these platforms is both reckless and irresponsible. No responsible government ad

l reforms of this scale on political slogans Such a

demonstrable evidence that the State possesses the

technical competence, cybersecurity infrastructure, legislative foundation, and management protocols necessary to safeguard citizens' information and guarantee reliable services. Until these fundamentals are met, the Guyanese people a

unnecessary and avoidable risk.

The Minister further stated “If you don't take advantage of these opportunities that are here, you are going to be left behind Don't be left behind.”

THEPPP'SRECORD:A

NEGLECT

People's Progressive Party has never demonstrated a philosophy rooted in respect for data, system security, or competent technological oversight Their history suggests the opposite, an ap

mismanagement, weak accoun

lity, and institutionaldecay BEFORE 2015, UNDER THE PPP:

The National Data Management Authority (NDMA)wasdysfunctional. T h e n a t i o n a l eGovernment Project drifted without clear objectives, measurable outcomes, or technicalleadership.

landmark ICT breakthrough c o l l a p s e d u n d e r mismanagement.

The One Laptop programme became a symbol of waste, poor design,andpoliticaloptics.

The National Data Management Authority was underutilised, poorly secured, and left structurally vulnerable.

Even the Huawei supported initiatives were scarredbyweakgovernance, inadequatetransparency,and limited institutional capacity

This was not a momentary lapse, it was the philosophy of the PPP's governance.

d i g i t a l

For all their rhetoric a b o u t

The fibre optic cable project once marketed as a

POST-2015:

(Continued on page 6)

Kaieteur M@ilbox Kaieteur M@ilbox

The use of gas as a bridge energy is outdated in today's world

DearEditor,

As the President begins

t o l a y o u t h i s "comprehensive national economic expansion and infrastructure integration plan"forthenext5years,he must incorporate the realities of climate change and technological advances.

T h

ng achieved in battery storage has made solar energy more attractive and reliable than before.

According to Christiana Figueres (Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change during the signing of the Paris Agreement)theuseofgasas a bridge energy is outdated intoday'sworld.

This makes it an urgent necessity for Guyana to adjustitsinvestmentposture while also focusing on sellingourgasassetsassoon as possible on the open market This new norm

would have been discussed attherecentlyheldCop30/ Paris+10summitinBrazil.

Our President would be aware of this significant change in the strategy to combatclimatechange. The expectation going forward is that Guyana and members of the Guiana Shield will leverage the opportunity to incorporate more solar into the energy portfolio Currently the worldisseeingfifteentimes morethelevelofinvestment in Solar than expected, and wind energy investments havealsoexceededforecasts bythreetimes.(Reference: The Economist, November 2025) One would expect that with the technological advancements being achieved in battery storage that the rate of investmentinbothsolarand wind will continue to accelerate.

We are lucky as a nation to be able to invest at this most opportune time in

earth's history Allowing us to secure our place as a strong and sustainable global energy partner in the earth's fight against destructive climate change thatthreatensthesurvivalof low-lying countries such as Guyana.

Ours can be a secure future and the President has it within his power to make the necessary adjustments and the correct decision. CRGlooksforwardtoseeing solar energy, wind power, and natural gas sales as key elements within his 5-year plan One cannot over emphasize that the idea of gas as a bridge fuel is no longer relevant and needed in Guyana's delicate coastal situation.

Sincerely, Mr.JamilChanglee Chairman

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

F o r a s t r o n g , sustainable, and peaceful CooperativeRepublic

Guyana needs to move to medium-term fiscal framework to avoid the debt trap

DearEditor,

The government passed a budget in January 2025 when crude oil was trading around the $80/barrel mark. ButstartinginearlyMaythis year, prices started to drop intothe$60s.

Lowerpricescontinueas theyeardrawstoacloseand some major Wall Street banks see prices sliding into the $50s. So, from May through to December 2025, Guyanawasearningroughly $20/barrel less than it had anticipated or, presumably, budgeted.

That's no small variance for a petrostate that is “not awash in oil money” ― someperceptivepersonsaid that on 900,000 barrel/day,for,evenwiththe munificent 2% royalty, the “loss” was $400,000/day, or $90,000,000 for the 8 months (May-Dec of 2025). Ballpark figures, but good enoughforthepurpose.

Oil prices are volatile. On any given trading day, pricescanswingbyasmuch as $30/barrel on average.

Negative prices, albeit rare, cannotberuledout.

No one can predict oil prices, which can roar back to over $100/barrel. Place yourbets.

But ask any farmer to choose between feast and f

, and the overwhelming answer wouldbethelatter

For a petrostate that is not awash in oil money, volatile oil prices mean volatile oil revenue, economic boom-and-bust cycles Thankfully, one stabilising tool in a country's fiscal arsenal is a medium-term fiscal framework based on a rule designed to discipline government spending (I've outlined four types of fiscal rules, with case studies in my book, “From Rags to Riches: Is Guyana Ready for the Oil Bonanza”) A fiscal rule, sufficientlyflexible,enables the government to smooth spending through income fluctuations.

Further, fiscal discipline strengthensmonetarypolicy, contributes to stable prices, stable (real) exchange rate, grows the Natural Resource Fund and, not least, averts risinggovernmentdebt.

The IMF reports a Debt/GDP ratio of 24% in 2024, a deceptively low figure, but GDP doesn't capture the debt burden

WIN's Christmas toy drive is commendable

Dear Editor, I am writing

e x p r e ss pr

ound appreciation for the commendable efforts of Mr Azruddin Mohamed and the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party regarding their Annual Christmas Toy Drive. In a political climate often focused on division, it is refreshing to witness initiatives that prioritize direct, compassionate actions for our nation's children. Mind you these fundsarenottaxpayerfunds; these are funds from Mr Mohamed's private pocket and the pockets of his supporters, who continue to share with the less fortunate peopleofGuyana.

This communitydriven effort, supported by the WIN NYC Diaspora Movement, exemplifies the power of personal generosity and grassroots mobilization.

The commitment to fund and organize such a venture demonstrates a tangible investment in the well-being and happiness of Guyanese families, particularly those in need.

because almost 2/3rd of it is oil,ofwhichGuyanaretains only 2%, deposited in the Natural Resource Fund account at the Federal Reserve Bank of NewYork. Instead, a more revealing measureoftheburdenisthe Debt/Non-oil GDP, which worksoutto70%.

By this additional measure, the true burden is about the same today as it was when Guyana got

massive d

ief (reflectedin2007-2010IMF data). Note also that the external Debt/Non-oil GDP ratiohas been approaching the 30% level, inching back to the 40% plus level ofthebadolddays

Given the dominance of oil, if Guyana hopes to avoid another debt trap, it must start developing a

framework (if it hasn't yet) and focus on increasing the relative size of the non-oil economy with tradables leadinggrowth

Failing this, Guyana will not be the first oil p

and struggling to grow Back tothe1990s

Sincerely TerenceM.Yhip

This spirit of service is a proud legacy, echoing the long-standing philanthropic

contributions of Mr Mohamed's father, Mr "Shell" Mohammed, whom many citizens remember fondly for his decades of communitysupport.

T h e r e i s a n undeniable value in initiatives that arise from private sacrifice and voluntary contribution

When leaders and organizationschooseto"dip into their own pockets," it sendsapowerfulmessageof solidarity and authentic servantleadership.

What Mr Mohamed is demonstrating here is humility with strength, unlike the PPP leaders who will soon raid the Treasury formorethan$50millionto buy toys for the children with the taxpayers' money. So,thePPPtaxtheparentsof these children, then use

some of that money to buy somegiftsfortheirchildren. Why not leave the money with the parents in the first placebyloweringthePAYE rate, so that they can buy theirchildrentheirowngift?

Well, it all has to do with the PPP leaders taking their10%cutfromthefunds drawn out of the Treasury like the evil Sheriff of Nottingham.

Mr Mohamed on the other hand uses his own money to develop a personto-person approach builds a profound connection within communities and sets a benchmark for civic engagement that transcends partisanpolitics.

From the pictures he is also in communities that didnotvoteforhimsinceas the incoming Leader of the Opposition, he is the leader for all of Guyana, not some villagesonly.

(Continued on page 6)

We are asked to trust the state with our lives but...

From page 4

R E B U I L D I N G A FOUNDATION

When the Coalition

Government assumed

office, the ICT and eGovernance landscape requiredreconstructionfrom thegroundup.

The Coalition aligned the functions of the NDMA

to its constitutional

m a n d a t e , c l a r i f i e d operational workflows, and began laying the legislative

a n d i n f r a s t r u c t u r a l foundations needed for a credible digital ecosystem. Work was done to secure the data centre, restore core networks, and modernise

ICT protocols, steps necessary to align the programme with recognised international models of governance.

WHERE THE PROGRAMME IS

NOW

Today, however, the

e G o v e r n m e n t programme, especially the rollout of the National eID system has again fallen into a space of opacity and p o l i t i c a l c o n t r o l Government has produced no clear vision outlining h o w t h e d i g i t a l transformation will work,

who its institutional actors are,orwhatprotectionsexist forcitizensandtheirdata.

There is no clearly defined role for:

The NDMA

C i v i l S o c i e t y

Independent Oversight

Bodies Government

Ministries Ci

s Financial Institutions Data Protection Authorities This absence of structure exposes the entire digital architecture to political manipulation.

THE LEGISLATIVE VACUUM

The Prime Minister himself has admitted that current legislation is insufficient, yet the Government has taken no urgent steps to enact comprehensive laws to support a digital ID system and eGovernment regime. The eID initiative requires i t s o w n d e d i c a t e d legislation,covering: Protocols for access to personal data Restrictions on political interference

Institutionalaccountability Independent oversight Data retention rules

Audit trails Secured authentication Penalties for breaches Without such

legislation, citizens have no guarantees that their data will not be abused, exactly what unfolded during the 2025 elections, where citizens' information was misused for political gain.

PUBLIC SAFETY AND NATIONAL SECURITY

When the recent

bombing occurred, the Minister of Home Affairs stated that the eID system would help the Government track migrants. This raises serious national security questions:

If the Government itself does not have a secure, tested, and audited

system, how can an unprepared eID platform protectanyone?

What infrastructure exists to secure our lives once all citizens are placed onto a centralised digital identityplatform?

N o n e h a s b e e n demonstrated

N o n e h a s b e e n independently verified

N o n e h a s b e e n publicly accounted for THE RISK OF TOTAL SURVEILLANCE

With the eID system as currently designed, the

Government will gainonestop access to the private lives of every citizen Without trust, without transparency, and without oversight,Guyanesecitizens risk losing control of their mostsensitivedata.

OUTSOURCING CITIZENS DATA

It has been brought to our attention that with N D M A ' s l i m i t e d capacity, the Government has already farmed out citizens' data to external

actors/agencies Can citizens be informed if this is so and who they are? The Government proudly references Estonia's model a n d t h e H u a w e i partnership But the real q u e s t i o n s r e m a i n unanswered:

Does Guyana have the capacity to facilitate the implementation of the eID programme?

Why is the NDMA, the statutory body legally responsible for data processing and management being starved of resources while foreigners and contractors handle citizens' personaldata?

Is NDMA carrying out its constitutional mandate

WIN's

From page 5

Thejoydeliveredtochildren across Guyana through this drive by Team WIN is immeasurable. Such acts of kindness strengthen our social fabric and remind us of the core values of

and do they have the capacity to handle the G o v e r n m e n t ' s e I D programme?

W h y i s t h e Government farming out national data instead of building local capacity and strengthening national institutions?

A m o d e r n

eGovernment system must be built on a secure national foundation, not outsourced in pieces to external contractors with no parliamentaryscrutiny

THE CORE ISSUE: TRUST

We cannot trust a government that:

Failed to maintain the very infrastructure responsible for protecting citizens' data Politicised e v e r y m a j o r I C T programme Demonstrated norespectfor transparency

Continues to operate the current digital agenda without oversight

The PPP speaks loudly about digital progress, but their own history reveals a patternofdigitaldecay

THE WAY FORWARD

If this Government wants credibility on eGovernment and digital

ID,theymustfirst:

1 Show the national philosophy guiding this transformation

2 Strengthen the NDMA and empower it with resources to properly carryout its constitutional mandate.

3 E n a c t comprehensive, modern eGovernance and data protection legislation

4 Define clear institutional roles for all stakeholders

5 Establish public guarantees against misuse of citizens' data

6 P r o d u c e independently verified security audits

7 Rebuild public confidence through transparency Until then, these proposals must be rigorously challenged, not b e cause we oppose technological progress, but because the safety, privacy, and rights of the Guyanese peopledemandnothingless.

K. Sharma Solomon Member of Parliament APNU Representative

Ministry of Public Service, Government E f f i c i e n c y & Implementation

Christmas toy...

community and shared responsibility

We should all applaud these efforts. The WIN toy drive serves as a powerful reminder that the most impactful investment in our nation's future often begins

with a direct, selfless investmentinitspeople.

Well done Mr Azruddin Mohamed and Team WIN. Season's Greeting to you all, especially Ms Odessa Primus.

Vishnu Prashad

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.

SUNDAY –NOVEMBER 23, 2025

Accept your blunder and grow your balls

Guyana's oil sector is beingmanagedworsethana cake shop with a few selfappointed experts who believe their decisions cannotbequestioned.

Instead of clearly blockingoilcompaniesfrom recovering royalty payments, the Ministry of NaturalResourcesclaims“it is widely understood” that royaltycannotberecovered.

It is also “widely

understood” that oil companies should pay for damages caused by an oil spill, yet the very PSA soughttomakethisclear It is also “widely

u n d e r s t o o d ” t h a t decommissioning monies should be readily available, yettheveryPSAmakesnew requirementstoensurethisis inplace.

Likewise, it is “widely understood” that no companyshouldbeshielded fromthelawsofasovereign nation,yetthecontractsends thisclearmessage.

The ministry and government by extension shouldacceptitsblunderand seek to correct it before it is too late and Guyanese are forced to suffer the

consequences of a government that refuses to appoint experts to manage the sector through a Petroleum Commission

Thisgovernmenthasalready proven it lacks the competence and balls to not onlygoverntheindustry,but negotiate with the 'giants' that are already in our backyard.

MONDAY –NOVEMBER 24, 2025

Dangerous roadways

Guyana'sroadwayshave

p

d construction spreads across thecountry Narrowedlanes, poorly managed worksites, missing signage, and nighttime hazards have turned daily travel into a gamble. Drivers are forced into oncoming traffic or through unclear detours, creating conditions ripe for tragedy Makingmattersworseis the overwhelming presence of heavy-duty trucks ferrying sand, stone, and other materials for the construction boom. Many roads were never designed for such loads, and with encumbrancesfromongoing works, motorists are squeezed between speeding trucksandhazardousverges. Atroublingnumberofrecent

accidents have involved thesetrucks,somedrivenby very young, inexperienced operators.

The government's recent movetoimposestrictweight andspeedlimitsiswelcome, but it will only matter if the p

measures relentlessly Guyana does not lack r

gulations, it

s consistent application of them Overloaded trucks, reckless driving, and unsafe worksites must be confronted with firm, daily enforcement.

Development must not come at the cost of lives. Only disciplined oversight will make the roads safe again.

TUESDAY –NOVEMBER 25, 2025

A dangerous dereliction of duty

The continued failure of the Speaker of the National Assembly,ManzoorNadirto convene a meeting of the Opposition Members of Parliamentfortheelectionof aLeaderoftheOppositionis aninexcusableaffronttothe Constitution and to every citizen who depends on functioning democratic institutions. Guyana cannot c l a i m t o u p h o l d constitutional governance

while a key office, one that serves as a critical check on executive power remains vacant due to inaction, silence, or worse, political convenience.

TheConstitutionisnota suggestion. It mandates that this post be filled as soon as possible because the Leader of the Opposition plays an indispensable role in appointments, oversight, and safeguarding the balance of power Delays weakenthesesafeguardsand erodepublictrust.

What is unfolding is more than bureaucratic sloth; it is a dereliction that threatens democratic norms. The Speaker must fulfil his duty without further delay Failure to act promptly invites the perception of partisanshipandundermines the very system he is sworn to protect. A constitutional office cannot be left in limbo Guyana deserves better

WEDNESDAY –NOVEMBER 26, 2025

AGRA on one foot cannot guard an oil giant

Guyana's oil economy is exploding, yet the very agency tasked with protecting the nation's revenue sits dangerously understaffed.

Two years after warning of a looming manpower crisis, the GRA's Petroleum Revenue Department remains hobbled, operating at nearly half its needed strength.Thisis not a minor a d m i n i s t r a t i v e inconvenience; it is a national emergency While ExxonMobil pushes multibillion-dollar expenses across the table, Guyana's tax watchdog struggles to field the expertise required to verify, audit, and challengethoseclaims.

Acountrycannothopeto manage its biggest industry

with an agency running on fumes.Theskilledlabourthe GRA needs will not come cheap,andgovernmentmust confront that reality

Refusingtopaycompetitive, even revolutionary, compensation now will cost Guyana far more in unchallenged cost-recovery claimsandlostrevenuelater

The CommissionerGeneral cannot fight a multinational machine with a half-staffed unit and hope to win. If Guyana is serious about securing what is rightfully owed, then fixing the PRD's chronic humanresourcecrisismustbecome an urgent, unapologetic priority Thecostofinaction issimplytoohigh.

THURSDAY –NOVEMBER 27, 2025

ACybercrime Law that targets all or protects none

Over a year ago, Attorney General Anil Nandlall thundered that “something has to be done” about the weaponisation of socialmediainGuyana.

President Ali later echoed him, vowing to confront those who use online platforms to smear andabusecitizens.Now,talk of revising the cybercrime law has resurfaced, but Guyanese have heard promisesbefore The truth is simple: both sides of the political divide harbour

digital bullies The Opposition has its cyber hitmen, but the PPPC Government is equally guilty of nurturing online agents who terrorise anyone daring to criticise the administration.

That is why any new cybercrime law will mean nothing unless it applies equally to governmentl i n k e d o ff e n d e r s , opposition-aligned trolls, and independent abusers alike Section 19 of the

current law already gives the governmentpowertoact,yet enforcement has been selective and politically convenient.

A new law will be worthlessifitcontinuesthat pattern.TheCommonwealth urges reforms that protect free expression while punishing real cybercrime. Guyana needs that balance. Whatthenationdoesnotneed is another law used as a weaponagainstcriticswhile shieldingpoliticalloyalists.

FRIDAY –NOVEMBER 28, 2025

The swearing in of regional chairs and vice chairs

President Irfaan Ali's decision on Thursday to swear in chairpersons and vice chairpersons for every Regional Democratic CouncilexceptRegion10is yet another glaring display of the administration's selectivegovernance.

Region 10 remains in li

ernment acting through the Regional Executive Officer has simplyrefusedtoreconvene the lawful meeting required to elect its chair and vice chair Thisisnotanoversight; it is a deliberate political maneuver

Successive governments have treated these constitutional offices as personal property, but the present administration has taken that disregard to new heights Even more troubling is the muted response from political parties that once fiercely defended the region, including the PNC, which has historically held strong influencethere.

The PPP/C's open disdain for the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party and its leader is now manifesting in actions that skirt the law and disrespect the constitution—much like the brazen handling of the Opposition Leader appointment. The tie in the initial vote has a clear legal remedy, yet the government refuses to follow it. Region 10deservesbetter.Itspeople must stand firm, and WIN must press its case vigorously through every lawful avenue of public pressureandprotest.

Democracy on stilts

In G u y a n a , democracyhaslately been standing on stilts. It has been tottering, wavering, and looking altogether unsafe, as though one sudden breeze might sendittoppling.

A nation that only months ago dissolved its Parliament, held elections, and waited nearly two months an eternity in political time before summoning the new Assembly, now finds itself stumblingagain,asifunsure whether it still remembers how its own constitutional legsaresupposedtomove.

It is worth restating the arithmetic, if only because

the numbers are as scandalous as they are simple.The12thParliament was dissolved on 3 July 2025.Electionswereheldon 1September ButParliament did not meet until 3 November This left the countrywithoutitsprincipal law-making organ for a full third of the year In most democracies, the absence of Parliamentforsuchastretch would be treated as a national emergency an oxygen shortage in the very chamber through which a democracybreathes.

AndjustwhenGuyanese citizens might have hoped that the first

sitting would be the beginning of a return to political normalcy, they were instead greeted with a strange form of inaction.

More than a month has now passedsincethatfirstsitting, yet the political leadership has failed to convene the simplestmeetingrequiredto elect a Leader of the Opposition. This is not a clerical oversight. It is not a

appointment that can be sh

bureaucratic excuses. It is

o parliamentarydemocracy

A Parliament without a LeaderoftheOppositionisa half-builthouse.Ithaswalls but no windows, a roof but no door through which dissent may enter The Leader of the Opposition is notadecorativebaubleinthe national display case; he is

r e c o g n i z e d counterweight—the ballast without which the ship lists dangerously to one side. To postpone his election is to tamper with the keel of the vessel, to weaken its structure while insisting it continuesailing.

But the infection does notendatthenationallevel. L ocal democracy, too, has co me under the weather,

coughing and wheezing towardparalysis.Region10, has found itself deadlocked intheelectionofachairman. T h e l a w c l e a r , unambiguous, crafted precisely for such

moments provides a mechanism to continue the process of electing a chairman.

Yet this mechanism has been treated as though it were an old bicycle in the yard: useful once, but now left in the rain, rusting, ignored.

Thefailuretotriggerthe legal procedure is not mere negligence. It is a quiet declaration that rules are optional, that democratic processes are conveniences ratherthancommitments.

Such patterns do not arise by accident Democraciesdonotdiewith gunfireortanksinthestreet; they die in the slow suffocationofprocedures,in meetings that are never called,inofficesleftvacant, inlawsthatareconveniently forgotten. They die when public officials treat constitutional duties as burdens rather than obligations. Guyana is not yetatthepointofdemocratic collapse, but it is certainly f l i r t i n g w i t h t h e symptoms shortness of b r e a t h ,

DEM BOYS SEH

Dem overseas Guyanese more anxious than we…

Dem boys seh long, long ago December had a rhythm. Yuh didn’t start buy one single bulb or a ting till Uncle Joe in Brooklyn collect he bonus and Auntie Mabel get she lil’ December paycheck Then, just so, Western Unionwouldlightuplikea Chr

families back home start shopping. That was the u

h! Christmasstart!” But today? Is like people forget who used to sponsor de season Nowadaysisnotremittance people waiting pun— is cashgrant.Andwhamekit worse? Dem boys notice is not even Guyanese home here asking the most

questions Is dem Guyanese in foreign messaging whole day like immigration officers: “Buddy, y’all get de

$200,000 yet? When it dropping? Y’all hear anything?”

Imagine that people in NewYork more anxious than people in New Amsterdam.Demboysseh someahdemoverseasfolks refreshing Facebook every fiveminuteshopingtosee, “Cash Grant Out Now!” as if they planning to apply too.

Solehwesettherecord straight before people start planning to spend money thatnevercome.Demboys seh listen carefully: There is not likely to be any cash grant for Christmas for the general population. Zero. Nada Not even a lil’ voucher to buy pepperpot meat. It too late to do that. So tek yuh mind off that. Ease yuh pressure. Free up yuhbrainstem.

Instead, go back to the

classic Guyanese Christmas tradition: Ask yuhfamilyoverseastosend

irregular heartbeat, an alarming disinterest in its ownsurvival.

Which brings us to the international community, that chorus of well-meaning institutions that speak solemnly about democratic idealswhilewritingcheques to governments that undermine them If the European Union and other bilateral partners are s i n c e r e i f t h e i r commitment to democracy ismorethandiplomat-speak polished for press releases—then now is the moment to act Guyana shouldnotreceiveoneeuro, one dollar, one cent of developmentassistanceuntil it demonstrates haste, not lethargy, in restoring the

functionsofitsdemocracy

T h e r e m u s t b e immediate summoning of themeetingtoelectaLeader of the Opposition. There must be immediate activation of the legal process to resolve the

R

A

pantomime of democracy, a puppet show with strings tangledbehindthecurtain.

Guyana stands at a precipice where democratic erosionisnottheoreticalbut visible, measurable, and worsening. To ignore this is to allow the stilts to wobble further, to indulge the fantasy that a nation can remainuprightwhiletossing aside the very instruments that steady it. Democracy,

like any living organism, must be tended. When it is not, it begins to rot from the insideout.

The warning signs are flashing.The time for polite throat-clearing is over Only d

pressure—cankeepthestilts fromsnapping.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the

t necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

the usual amounts—plus a lil’ something extrabecause, leh we be real, everythinginGuyanagone upexceptsugarproduction. Meanwhile, is a two-typeof-people season: (1) Who got money spending like if Santa on p a y r o l l (2)Who don’t havemoney borrowing like if Santa runningacreditunion.

Dem boys seh nobody should be planning a “cash grantChristmas.”Thisyear isCrashGyant-everything crash: hopes, expectations and dem lil’ private plans people done make fuh buy new fridge, new TV and new outfits fuh de children concert.

So hear wha: forget cash grant. Forget crash gyant too Go back to basics—holidayspirit,alil’ family vibes, and beg yuh overseas people nice-nice. Afterall,istradition. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.

BYGHKLALL

H@RD TRUTHS

Transformational leadership

Transformational leadership,whatisit? What does it look and feel like?

Transformationoccurswhen subtledeceptionsfade,when outright falsehoods yield to the power of leadership truths. Genuine truths that detest the frauds worked by prior leaders on trusting Guyanese. In other words, transformational leadership, though much more, is of those who stand for what Guyanese have never had before. Fairness. Justness. Steadfastness to honesty More than speaking it, but living it. Then there is no call for the slyness and shiftiness that have characterized leadership standards and postures in today'sGuyana.

When oil came to these shores, the world came as houseguests of Guyanese. I thoughtthatadifferent,high, standard would prevail Leadership dodges and bristling is no longer a local

matter, but now an international spectacle, with no continent unrepresented. Clearly,Ihaditwrong. The power of oil money only made matters worse, monstrous. Though there is much, it is not enough for hustlers and those who use them as fronts, condone them. Condone,notcurrent. And when they have to be protected, that part of the program.

Whatistransformational about this leadership that is happening before all Guyanese? Nothing is ManyGuyaneseloveit;few can stay far from it. The latter say a prayer: Lord, let menotbethatway Howto describetheleadershipethos that dominates Guyanese life? It is peculiar, fancy, crude, and the accepted norm. There is delight in playactingandattachingthe brand of transformational leadership to that practice. Leadership play acting with

m

n , misrepresentation,thatgrabs the national imagination, is itsstandingcondition. How does a country run on misinformation, political depredations, from coast-tocoast,dawntodusk?

One prince of the realm highlighted railed against m

disinformation. Whenitwas whispered to him that his own folks were the leading

disinformation, enthusiasms

disinformation, given who theprimaryagentsare. This was well known, but it's the play acting that has become so addictive. Say anything for the sake of saying something, and hoping that citizensforget,moveon. T

an

fo

ma

onal leadership entered the stratosphere when morals and civics lessons became

centerpieces of local lectures. Good, I say Very good. But a hiccup came, wouldn't go away Not so good when that permanent secretarydisappearedoffthe radar Perhaps, the Guyanese people could be madetounderstandwhythat super public servant was exempted from morals and civics boundaries drawn QuestionOne:whatwerethe standards and practices of leadershipmorals/ethicsthat led to exclusion from sanctions,exemptionfroma Federal Grand Jury indictment? Likely, a set of govt-to-govt. arrangements thatencapsulatednotwhatis moral, but what is immoral and insidious. But that's a vital segment of the play acting that enchants Guyanese. Say one thing (teach morals and civics), but then carry on like an escort service. There's a word that suits the situation perfectly, but is a little ruff

on the ears for some, so escortserviceischosen.

The essences of Guyana's transformational leadership are: a) say something, anything, that sounds inspiring publicly, but live the opposite privately; b) say something that gains traction, and not carehowpatheticonelooks, when the weight of circumstancesisagainst;and c) protect what's immoral and unethical and call it democracy, not worry about holdingthedevilbythefoot. When the abusive becomes hallmarks of leadership, t h o s e a r e i n d e e d transformational, but to where -sunlight (the best ventilator), or the underworld's darkness? Mencursetoblufftheirway outoftightcorners. Itmeans thatcursesarealltheyhave. Truth deserted them. When leadersreachthestageofnot caringthattheworldlooksat them and sees creatures tiptoeing around tough issues, then what is that: transformationalleadership? Or, a Red Plague that now infectssomuchofGuyana?

I h e a r d c i v i c s

Frompage7 with the GPF and technical expert. It was decided that, “The

he introduction of three clearly defined

ver categoriesbasedonassessed riskprofilesintheinterestof equity and to eliminate administrative delays, there willbeauniversalprovision forbasictintwithoutwaiver, which stipulates that all motor vehicles will now be allowedtintwithnolessthan 35%lightpenetration.” This measure, the minister said, will apply acrosstheboardanddoesnot require a wa

ver Nevertheless, restricted waivers for high security

introduced. The first and second categories will be

recommended. Excellent! That government official's name must feature as a case study Trust betrayed. So that Guyanese can appreciate how Guyana's champions rearrange situations to their benefit. View how they sound distorted, look ragged. It is water running downhill unimpeded in pontifications about morals and civics

Thewaterdispensedisdirty Morals and civics waters polluted by tainted politics and those that huff and puff about these attributes Leadership that personifies strong morals and devotion to the best of civics do not hide from disturbing developments; nor blaze with rage. Don't pretend at honesty Leadershiplivesby facing head-on citizens, critics,skeptics. Theyspeak to truth. When deceptions reign, this kind of transformationfoolsfew (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)

strictlyappliedtodiplomats, government officials, high profile security related persons and other specific c

ories

xpressly approved by the Minister of HomeAffairs.

“The current legislation governing tint waivers will be amended to reflect and legalizethesenewmeasures. All motor vehicle owners andoperatorsarerequiredto comply fully with these revised tint regulations These changes are intended to bring predictability, equity and fairness to the long-standing issue of tint management Failure to comply will result in the application of prescribed fines and charges under the

c and enforcement regulations,” MinisterWalrondadded.

Guyana to receive meagre US$9M more on

2M barrels of extra oil pumped ...as oil prices dip

With the early startup of the f o u r t h Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, Guyana is slated to receive two million barrels of oil more than initially anticipatedfortheyear

Despite the major spike in production this year, the expected revenue flow has only increased by a meager US$9.4M as a result of fallingoilprices.

This is according to the Mid-Year Report published by the Ministry of Finance. The document explained, “At the beginning of the year, it was anticipated that Government would have 31 lifts of profit oil from the

S t a b r o e k B l o c k

Government is now projectedtohave33liftsthis year, following the earlierthan-anticipated start-up of the One Guyana FPSO in August.”

Each lift is equivalent to one million barrels of oil.

With the additional lifts, petroleum deposits into the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) for the year are now

p r o j e c t e d t o t o t a l

US$2,512.4 million, or a meager US$9 4 million more than the US$2,503 million projected earlier this year, as a result of lower

crudeoilprices.

The report states, “Government is now expectedtoearnUS$2,171.2 million from the sale of Guyana's share of profit oil, and US$341.2 million in royalties Further, in accordance with the NRF Act 2021, US$2,463 9 million is expected to be withdrawn from the Fund this year Consequently, the NRF closing balance is estimated to stand at US$3,248.8 million at the endof2025.”

G o v e r n m e n t w a s previously warned that lower oil prices may significantly reduce the country's ability to enjoy the vast natural resources discovered offshore, as it refuses to ring-fence the projects in the Stabroek Block.

Ring-fencing would require each oil project to

pay for itself After the operator recovers all its expense relating to the development, Guyana would benefit from higher profits.

According to the Stabroek Block oil deal, Exxon can recover up to 75% of oil produced monthly for its expenses. The remaining 25% is split

betweentheGoGandExxon asprofits.

In the absence of a ringf e n c i n g p r o v i s i o n , ExxonMobil uses the oil produced from projects in operation to finance its planned developments and continue exploring the block.

To date, the country could have been receiving

full 50% profits on the four projects currently producing oil, as the contractor has already recovered over US$34Binexpenses.

Experts had warned that this could significantly affect the revenue Guyana receives in the future as oil pricescontinuetofallamida decline in demand for the commodity

President Irfaan Ali

Flagship five-year blueprint for rapid economic expansion and transformative infrastructure to be launched- Pres.

DPI - President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Friday evening announced that the government of Guyana will soon unveil a comprehensive national economic expansion and infrastructure integration plan.

Thepresidentsaiditwill include the sweeping transformation to take place overthenextfiveyears,one he described as unmatched in scale, ambition, and nationalimpact.

Delivering the feature address at the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber's AnnualAwardsPresentation

Dinner at Georgetown's MarriottHotel,PresidentAli said the plan will reflect the c o u n t r y ' s r a p i d l y accelerating development trajectory,drivenbyhistoric investments across the energysector,infrastructure, logistics, and diversified industries.

“This journey is now getting fired up,” the President told the packed gathering of industry leaders, policymakers and private-sector executives.

“In the coming days, I will open with great clarity the economic expansion, infrastructure integration a n d d e v e l o p m e n t projections for our country overthenextfiveyears.” US$10Bdevelopmentat WalesandBerbice

The president said that Guyana is entering a phase o f u n p r e c e d e n t e d investment, with Wales and Berbice emerging as the nucleus of a new national energyecosystem.

· At Wales, more than US$4 billion will be invested over five years in the gas-to-energy project, power plants, fabrication facilities, industrial zones,

marine infrastructure, and logisticsservices.

· In Berbice, a second gas project, a deepwater port, industrial expansion, and the massive gaspipeline,estimatedalone at over US$2 billion, will anchor another wave of nationaldevelopment.

· Combined, these regions will drive close to US$10 billion in new infrastructure and energylinkedinvestment.

“This is remarkable,” President Ali said. “If this does not excite us as a people, I don't know what will.”

1.3millionbarrelsofoil perdayby2030

Guyana is projected to end the year producing approximately 930,000 barrels of oil per day, up from 650,000 barrels earlier in the year. By 2030,

production is expected to reach a conservative 1 3 millionbarrelsperday

The President, however, cautioned that the global energy outlook indicates an oversupply environment between 2025 and 2030, meaning Guyana must continue to build a competitive, efficient, and technologically advanced energyecosystem.

“This industry is price, cost, technology and regulatory sensitive,” he stressed, noting that every risk associated with global commodity markets is magnified in oil and gas.

“That is why disciplined, careful planning is essential.”

Buildingaworkforceto matchexpansion

P r e s i d e n t A l i emphasisedthatthenation's (Continuedonpage44)

Man dies after car slams into utility pole at Good

A 44-year-old man is now dead after the car he wasdrivinglostcontroland slammed into a utility pole alongtheGoodHopePublic Road, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Friday morning.

The dead man has been

Edinburgh, East Bank Berbice.

According to police reports, the accident occurred around 03:38hrs on Friday, and involved motorcarPAG9310,which is owned by Paray Kuldip and was driven by Haniff and 39-year-old Yurajwatie Hussain, who is currently pregnant was the lone passenger

Reports are that the car was travelling west along the southern lane of the Good Hope Public Road

Hope

The motorcar that was involved in the accident on Good Hope Public Road.

(Photos: Radio Eve Leary/ Facebook)

whenthedriverlostcontrol on the wet roadway due to

subsequentlycrashedintoa concrete utility pole on the southerngrassparapet.

As a result of the crash, both occupants sustained injuries and were rushed to

the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital for medical attention Hussain was

discharged, while Haniff succumbedtohisinjuriesat approximately10:10hrs.on Saturday Investigationsare ongoing.

Attendees at the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber'sAnnual Awards presentation dinner at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown

President Dr. Mohamed IrfaanAli delivering the feature address at the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber'sAnnualAwards presentation

US-based Guyanese Toshauna Logan pens inspirational, uplifting children's book

Backed by a profound enthusiasm for children's

m e n t a l a n d s o c i a l development, a Guyanese writerhaspublishedherfirst bookframedaroundthesole aimofinstillingwithinboys and girls a strong sense of self appreciation and selfesteem.

The 31-year-old mother of one, spurred by her fiveyear-old son as well as children around the world, hope to arm their tender mindstonavigatechallenges that may confront them as theyjourneythroughlife.

Having weaved her ideas, Toshauna Logan in November,releasedherfirst setofthemedcoloringbooks

for children titled 'Affirmations for our sons, from God's Word', and 'Affirmations for our daughters, from God's Word',bothofwhichcarrya one-part sequel and centers on the Old Testament. The b o o k s e n t a i l drawings/illustrations of biblical characters and concepts, which are a r r a n g e d w i t h corresponding scriptures selectedspecificallytoboost confidenceandself-esteem.

TheUS-basedGuyanese wasborninGeorgetown,but had most of her upbringing inKwakwani.Shealsospent a considerable amount of time in South Ruimveldt, and Friendship on the East

Bank of Demerara, before moving permanently to the UnitedStatesofAmerica.

While abroad, she released four books, which areavailableforpurchaseon Amazon.

Speaking to this publication shortly after her first release, Logan said her bookcametogetherbyaflex of penmanship and her child-relatedfervor

"I have a deep passion for working with children. One of my aspiring goals is to become a child psychologist, which I'm currently pursuing," she shared.

A portion of this drive camefromherownpersonal experiences; Logan battled withpervasivenegativeselfperceptions, and is now dedicated to ensuring that children are better equipped to handle such challenges andovercome.

"There was also one point in my life where I struggled with my selfesteem,andIrememberhow it made me feel, like I was not enough, like I was less than.Icouldn'tdothingsthat I actually wanted to do, and so constantly I would second-guessmyself."

She related that the affirmations were extracted fromGod'sword,whichshe notedbecameherbestfriend in her trying period. As she acquired a remodeled

mindset, Logan instilled in herself the purpose to c o m p i l e p o s i t i v e affirmations for her son, which would also be extended to other children, seeking to remind them that God's perspectives of them areofmorevaluethanthose ofabully,acrudeclassmate, oranunkindindividualwho attempts to belittle them Though young, their minds couldbemoldedideallywith such notions that will carry themforwardpositively,she maintains.

"Ibelievethatoncethese things can be instilled from that early age, it reduces so many problems that they might face in their teen, or adult life, issues with their self-esteemandidentity."

The bible of itself may seem complicated to some, but each book, she posited, has a simple yet profound message for even little boys and girls As such, she endeavorstouseGod'sword tobuildandempower

"It is also my hope that boys and girls will have fun with it, stimulate their creativity, activate their imagination, and that they would also see the bible as something they can learn from even at that tender age."

Beyond the fun, Logan also aims to foster greater parent-child interaction and grow stronger connection

through her books, as parents and guardians bond over the activities She sharedthatinassemblingthe books, she and her son bonded sweetly with him attempting to call out titles, etc. This experience proved allthemorethatitwouldbe ideal for child-parent relationships.

Notwithstanding it was her first time writing and publishing, Logan told this publicationthatthefeedback has been overwhelmingly positive and "definitely encouraging " There have been enough positives via shared posts, comments and p r i v a t e m e s s a g e s , encouragingher

The books were birthed fromanidearetainedavery long time. It was initially intended to be a regular children's book, but she instead opted for coloring

Toshauna Logan, author of the children's book

b

engagementswithtwoother

ventures. T

challenges preparing the books, as it clashed with work and other obligations, including her pursuit of her

psychology "I did work very hard in thenights....Istayedupvery lateworkingwithit."

Her husband played a

major part in critiquing her work He is listed as a contributor of the materials which have been widely circulatedonsocialmedia.

"

morning I woke up, I put these things together, I had my affirmations, I had my verses. The next morning, I asked his assistance, and he helped to ensure that all of the verses aligned with the affirmations."

Muchsupportalsocame

(Continuedonpage44)

Toshauna's book

Release the 2022 census data immediately – Norton tells govt.

- says data is the backbone of national planning

Leader of the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) and Chairman ofA Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Aubrey

Norton on Friday called on thegovernmentofGuyanato immediately release the 2022 Population and Housing Census data, reminding that its release is mandatorybylaw

At his party's weekly press conference on Friday, Nortonsaidthatthedelayisa failure of transparency and national management, remindingthemediathatthe enumeration process had begun on September 15, 2022, in keeping with the standard 10-year cycle. The previous one had been conducted in 2012, this

made the 2022 exercise essentialinordertoupgrade the country's demographic, social and economic baseline.

“Under Guyana's law, the release of census data is not optional. The Statistics Act 1965, Chapter 19:09, and the Population and Housing Census Act 1998 the Bureau of Statistics to collect,analyze,andpublish n

information, including census results Publishing this data is necessary to ensure transparency, proper

stressed.

He highlighted that despite there being clear obligations, the People's

Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) government has deliberately refused to release the 2022 census results.

Norton said the situation is cause for public concern sincethe2022censusresults should have already provided Guyana with the full and accurate national profile.However,ithasbeen more than three years, and the public is yet to see a preliminaryreport.

“Census data is the backbone of national planning. Without access to reliable census results, stakeholders across Guyana cannot make informed decisions. It is the APNU's considered opinion that a census is being deliberately

withheld to give the PPP a political advantage over other parties as accurate population figures are critical for political planning, strategic decision making and ensuring a free competitive and democratic environment,” Norton added.

He said that withholding a GYD$2B taxpayer funded census for “partisan benefits amongst the institutional corrup

ion as public resources are being manipulated for the PPP's politicalpurposesratherthan f o r t h e c o u n t r y ' s development.”

He is reasoning that by refusing to have the census published the PPP has created a vacuum that is leaving“businesses,NGO's, c i v i l s o c i e t y, a n d international institution without the national data required for planning,

development.”

withholding of national sta

transparency, weakens institutional credibility, and erodes public trust Three years without census date is not a delay It is a profound failure of governance that undermines every national decision,”Nortonstated.

He maintained that a census valued $2B cannot vanish into silence adding

that Guyanese deserve answers, transparency and the immediate release of the 2022CensusReport.

Inadditiontotherelease of the report, APNU is also demanding a transparent breakdown of census expenditure, alongside a detailed explanation for the delays The combined opposition party is also demanding a timetable for completion and strong institutional safeguards for futurecensuses.

209 contractors bid to construct concrete drains for Georgetown

Head of the National Drainage and IrrigationAuthority (NDIA), Mr. Lionel Wordsworth at one of the previously held public consultations for the Georgetown Drainage Improvement

The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) h

d approximately 209 expressions of interest (EOIs) to construct concrete lined drains withinGeorgetown

Thisisaccordingtoinformationreleased by the National Procurement and Tender AdministrationBoard(NPTAB)office

Someofthe209contractorsinclude:KT New Enterprises Inc; Jettoo's Construction; D's Groumd Work Solutions; Andrect Engineering & Construction; Third Eye SecuritySolutions(TESS);Basheir&Son's ConstructionInc;TricoreSolutionsInc;DK General Services & Supplies; Applied Services; F&L Enterprise; Copifix; K&S Peetum Construction; Permaul Trading & Distribution; I&R Construction; S&J Enterprise;AJMEnterprise;ADConstruction, Procurement and General Contracting Services;PSLEngineeringAssociates;Mobile Construction Company; Howe's General Service; Liverpool Supplies and General Services;AlvinChowramootooConstruction Services;BDGeneralSupplies;ABProperty Management, Cleaning and General

Contracting; and Bhesham Mohan Land Surveying. The other contractors who are applying for the contract can be found via the link: https://wwwnpta govgy/wpcontent/uploads/Tender-EvaluationDetails-November-06-2025.pdf

This publication understands that the improvement plan form part of a broader national strategy for sustainable urban development,beginningwiththecapitaland itssurroundingregions.

President Irfaan Ali in September had unveiledtheGeorgetownCityRevivalPlan, aninitiativeaimedatrevitalisingthecapital through targeted investments in infrastructure, drainage, road works, sanitation,andurbanbeautification.

As part of this plan, he established a multi-agencyNationalDrainageTaskForce whichhassinceheld several public consultations for the GeorgetownDrainageImprovementProject, aboldinitiativetomodernisethecity'saging drainagesystemandbolsterfloodresilience AccordingtoapreviousMinistryof (Continuedonpage44)

Leader of the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) and Chairman ofAPartnership for National Unity (APNU),Aubrey Norton

Jessica L. Martinez SETS GUINNESS WORLD RECORD FOR LARGEST AFRO, CHAMPIONS NATURAL HAIR

Jessica L. Martinez has set a new Guinness World Recordforthelargestafroonalivingwoman,measuring 11.42inchestall,12.2incheswide,and6feet,2.87inches in circumference. “For me, breaking this record confirms that the things that make us different and unique should alwaysbecelebrated,”Martinez,29,toldPEOPLE.

“It amplifies what I have always known deep down: naturalhairisnotatrend,it’salifestyle.”

Martinez,a justiceadvocateand CEO of Somebody’s Auntie,describedherrelationshipwithherhairasa“longlastingfriendship,”notingthatithasevolvedovertime.

“Formanyyears,Icomparedmyhairtoothers,trying to fit in.When I stopped, I felt a freedom I didn’t know I needed,”shesaid.

She added that this shift involved rethinking beauty,

self-care, and hair care. She received the honor from formertitleholderAevinDugas,callingthemoment“very special”andpraisingDugasforpavingtheway Martinez hopes her achievement inspires others:

“Break this record will inspire someone to dream bigger, just like my afro. Be patient, kind, and gentle with your hairandnevercompareittoanyoneelse’s.”

Addressing young girls struggling with their natural hair, she advised, “You are enough. “You are beautifully andwonderfullymade,soneverfeeltheneedtohideyour curls from the world.” Martinez plans to continue advocatingfornaturalhairandfightinghairdiscrimination worldwide.

Jessica L. Martinez has set a new Guinness World Record for the largest afro on a living woman

The Waterfalls Waterfalls

Luana Primus FIRST

MAKES HISTORY FOR KARASABAI VILLAGE AS

MEDICAL DOCTOR

LOCAL SINGER RELEASES NEW SINGLE

LOCAL SINGER RELEASES NEW SINGLE

‘Tell Me Why’

‘Tell Me Why’

DURING 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM

DURING 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM

AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

Lisa Calist ro Cozier

Meetthedazzling LisaCalistroCozier,a makeupartistandentrepreneurwhohailsfrom thesmallEssequiboIslandofWakenaam.This week’sbeautyisdeeplypassionateabouthercareerpath andplanstoexpandherbrandinthecomingyears.Besides herwork,Lisalovestoshop,cook,listentogoodoldies, readinspirationalbooks,travelandbaskinthebeautyof nature.HerfavoritequotebyMayaAngelou-“Peoplewill forgetwhatyousaid,peoplewillforgetwhatyoudid,but peoplewillneverforgethowyoumadethemfeel.”

The cost of less than a cup of coffee could end world hunger in five years

BySirRonaldSanders

(Author's Note: This commentary is dedicated to Patrick Cozier of Barbados, whose probing occasioned itswriting.)

In my article last week, “Hunger and War: The OldestCrimetheWorldStill Permits,” I argued that global hunger is not caused by a lack of food but by political decisions that produce war, destroy livelihoods, and block humanitarianaccess.

That view is echoed by the United Nations: a recent briefing on food insecurity, drawing on World Food Programme(WFP)analysis, noted that ending hunger by 2030 would cost about US $93 billion a year, while governments have spent US $21 9 trillion on their militaries over the last decade.

Those figures from the UN and WFP show that US $93 billion per year—less than one per cent of that military spending would end global hunger The contrast exposes the chasm between our professed values and our actual priorities.

If the world can afford trillions for weapons, it can afford a fraction of that to feedthehungry Butoutrage alone fills no stomach. We needaction.

That is why I am suggesting here a clear, affordable way to do so: a

global humanitarian contributionofjustUS$0.75 for every barrel of oil produced, applied for five years. That task is not easy, butthearithmeticissimple.

Data based on the U.S. Energy Information Administration show that globalpetroleumandliquids supply in 2023 averaged about 101.8 million barrels per day—roughly 37 billion barrelsayear Acontribution of US $0.75 per barrel, if applied to all globally produced barrels, would

raise about US $28 billion annually—around US $140 b i l l i o n o v e r f i v e years nearly US $50 billion more than the UN's estimateofwhatisneededto eradicatehunger

For every US $100 earned from selling a barrel of oil, just 75 cents would end hunger Even at modest oil prices, such a levy amounts to well under one per cent of global oil receipts—far smaller than routine daily price swings. Yetforhundredsofmillions of people, that 75 cents wouldmeansurvival.

The concentration of global oil production makes coordination feasible Variousinternationalenergy datasets show that a relatively small group of major producers—including the United States, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Canada, China, Iraq, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and Kuwait—accounts for mostoftheworld'soutput. From a geopolitical standpoint, the fact that so muchproductioniscentered in a small number of countries adds weight to the moralargument.

Those who extract vast value from the earth have both the capacity and, arguably, the responsibility to contribute to humanity's survival.

Oil and gas revenues have enriched producing states and their companies and helped fuel global development.

But the same fossil-fuel use has driven climate change and intensified droughts, floods and storms that destroy crops, displace people, and deepen food insecurity especially in vulnerable regions such as theSahel,theHornofAfrica, small island developing states, and parts of Central America and South Asia. UN-backed assessments now consistently identify conflict and insecurity, economic shocks and

climate-related extremes as the key converging drivers of acute food insecurity and malnutrition.

Critics will say the oil industrywillneveragreetoa 75-cent contribution from every US $100 barrel. That may be true if voluntary goodwill is the expectation. But governments can act collectively

Both oil-producing and oil-consumingnationscould adoptthissolidaritymeasure at the point of extraction or import much as France, BrazilandNorwaydidwhen they introduced a modest levyonairlineticketstofund UNITAID's lifesaving programmes.

That mechanism has functioned successfully for nearly two decades and is now a template for new globalsolidaritylevies.

Unlike military spending, which has risen forsixconsecutiveyearsand reached a record US $2.72 trillionin2024,accordingto the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute,

this humanitarian contribution would be modest, transparent and morallycompelling.

It would also allow the energy sector often c r i t i c i s e d f o r i t s environmental record and windfall profits to participate meaningfully in

o n e o f t h e g r e a t humanitarian achievements

of our century The reputational return for governmentsandcompanies wouldfaroutweighthecost.

For energy-exporting nations, such a measure could be a diplomatic asset, demonstrating global leadership and compassion at a time when trust is in shortsupply

For importing nations, it could be an act of solidarity toward a world fracturing

under the strain of inequality.

And for multilateral institutions, it would show thatcooperationcanstillcut

through an era of fracture andmistrust.

Thisproposalrecognises thathungerisnotafailureof food production but of political will. International reports show how conflict, climate extremes and economic shocks drive food crises—from Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, and climatevulnerable regions in the Caribbean,CentralAmerica,

sub-Saharan Africa and thePacific.

These crises persist not because the world lacks means, but because those withpowerchooseinaction.

A contribution of US $0.75 per barrel—far less than the cost of a single cup of coffee—to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry is not charity It is justice—long overdue, and wellwithinreach.

(The author is the Ambassador of Antigua and BarbudatotheUnitedStates and the OAS, and Dean of the OAS Ambassadors accredited to the OAS Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s :

www.sirronaldsanders.com)

Sir Ronald Sanders

Towards a better life with your psychologist

Cheating is a not the problem, it may be a symptom of…

For decades, we have been fed incorrect information on infidelity It was dished out this way to protect one gender, while shaming and guilt-tripping theothergender

This approach did not help with the relationship or with selecting the right partners It created fear of intimacy and decision paralysis. "That men are cheaters and so they stay", thiscultureswomentoaccept cheating from men or avoid men in total. While men were allowed to do as they like. If 6 of 10 men are cheaters, who are they cheatingwithanimalsorthe opposite sex? It 6 of 10 women are emotionally unfaithful, who are they unfaithful with animals or theoppositesex?

The other myth is that cheating is the problem. A partner leaving their relationship for sexual or emotional needs cannot be theproblem.

There has to be a cause whyinfidelitywaschosenas a means or option; this approach sheds light on the dynamics in the relationship leadingtoinfidelity Cheating isnottheproblem;cheatingis thebyproductofaproblem,a symptomof

What are the ofs?

Power corrupts, but so does powerlessness A 2021 study suggests that what appears to be a gender difference in cheating may reallybeaboutpower Males showedahigherincidenceof cheatingthanwomen,butthe study found that having power in the workplace, not gender, turned out to be the strongest predictor of cheating, in part because it was associated with greater confidence. There were no gender differences in actual and desired cheating. The researcherspredictedthatas women gain more power in the workplace, their rates of cheatingwouldrivalmen's.

Mostmenwillalsocheat when they lack power, especially when they feel inferior to their wives and girlfriends Men who are financially dependent on their female partners are more likely to cheat This seemstoberelatedtoasense of threatened masculinity that triggers compensatory behaviours.

Personality disorder is a mental health condition characterisedbyalong-term,

inflexible, and unhealthy pattern of thinking, feeling, and behaving that deviates significantly from cultural expectations and causes significant distress or impairment in daily functioning.

Several personality disorders,particularlywithin the Cluster B group (dramatic, emotional, or erratic disorders), are associated with a higher likelihoodofinfidelitydueto traits such as a lack of empathy, impulsivity, and a strongneedforvalidation.

Antisocial Personality

Disorder (ASPD) /

Psychopathy: Individuals with ASPD exhibit a pervasivepatternofdisregard for the rights and feelings of others and societal norms

Reasons for infidelity: They typically lack empathy and remorse, are manipulative, and prioritise their own pleasure and gain without c o n s i d e r i n g t h e consequences of their actionsontheirpartner

Narcissistic Personality

D i s o r d e r ( N P D ) : Characterisedbygrandiosity, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy Reasons for infidelity: Narcissists often feel a sense of entitlement, believing they deserve specialtreatmentandthatthe standardrulesofmonogamy donotapplytothem. They may seek external validation and ego reinforcement from new partners, especially if they feel unfulfilled in their primary relationship The gender ratio of narcissism between men and women is almostthesame

Borderline Personality Disorder(BPD):Peoplewith BPDstrugglewithemotional instability, impulsivity, and an intense fear of abandonment Reasons for infidelity: Impulsive behaviour, including sexual impulsivity, is a core symptom Infidelity might occur in an effort to seek validation, to self-soothe from painful feelings of emptiness, or as a preemptive strike if they perceive a threat of abandonment.

Avoidant Personality

Disorder (APD) is characterized by extreme shyness related to low selfesteem and sensitivity to rejection and criticism from others Individuals with

avoidantpersonalitydisorder have difficulty making friends and feel very uncomfortable in social situations. It is difficult to share personal feelings and thoughts in close relationships because of the fear of being put down. Reasonsforinfidelity:These individuals avoid close and intimate relationships are more likely to engage in casualsex.

Theyareinrelationships, fearing being close, but casual sex provides the opportunity to be intimate without sharing emotions or beingemotionallyconnected

Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) is often linkedtoinfidelity,drivenby anextremeneedforattention and approval. Individuals with HPD may engage in infidelity as a way to gain validation and feel desired, especially if they feel their primary partner is not providingenoughattention.

Reasons for infidelity: Constantattention-seeking,a profound discomfort when not the center of attention, leads them to seek it from m u l t i p l e s o u r c e s Inapprop

persistently flirtatious and provocativebehaviour,often perceiving relationships as more intimate than they actually are Emotionally shallow and rapid shifts, their emotions can change quickly, and they may use sex and seduction to solve problems or get what they want.

Attention Deficit

Hyperactivity Disorder is linked to unfaithfulness due tosymptomslikeimpulsivity and a need for noveltyseeking,whichleadstorisky behaviour. Reasons for infidelity Impulsivity: poor impulse control, which can lead to acting without fully

n g t h e consequences, potentially resulting in an affair

Novelty-seeking: The brain's search for new and stimulating experiences can make someone withADHD more attracted to the

excitement of new relationships or affairs

Dopamine-seeking:

Engaging in activities like cheating can provide a significant dopamine rush.

Emotional dysregulation: Makesitdifficulttomanage relationship problems, leading to destructive

behaviourslikeinfidelity

Two closing points

Suppose you are in a relationshipwithachronicor serialcheater

They have been caught andpromiseoverandoverto change They won't because theycannotdoitontheirown, with professional help, they need to diagnose for the real problem, which makes cheating a byproduct Then, with professional helpbehaviour modificationtheycangraduallyaltertheir lifestyle.

I f t h e y r e f u s e professional help, your self-

esteem will determine yournextdecision Love and respect yourself or Ill-treatmentandabuse

By Dr. Telford Layne

Secondly, if you are dating with the intention of getting married, focus on the person's personality traits and get to know them inside and out Avoid the detractions of looks, money, potential, focus on childhood experience, and the making ofwhothispersonis.Before setting a wedding date, sit with a psychologist, not for marital counseling but for psychotherapy

PsyD, MSc.

BSc.

To understand who you are, who your partner is and the best chances going forward

Love is very important, but love is not all This approach will help in building stable relationships and marriages that support yourpurposeandidentity

Jr.

Postgrad,

Clinical and Developmental Psychologist - Psychoanalyst Unwrapping Gift -Clinic

WEEK-IN-REVIEW

SUNDAY

HIDING RESERVES?

Keyreportexposesthreenewoil discoveriesweremadein2025 butkeptquietbyExxon,Govt.

Amid speculations that the Stabroek Block reserves are being grossly understated, a major leak has occurred sparking fresh concerns about the incestuous

ationship between the government of Guyana and Americanoilgiant,ExxonMobil.

No new oil discoveries were announced by the government for the year or its energy partner Be thatasitmay,theMid-YearReport published by the Ministry of Finance made a bombshell disclosure, a whopping three oil discoveriesreportedlymadebythe contractorfor2025.

The Mid-Year Report states, “Moreover, three discoveries were made in the Stabroek Block in 2025,includingtwointhefirsthalf oftheyear.”

The document goes on to note that the operator not only bagged newdiscoveries,butalsocontinued appraisal activity across the block toassessitsearlierfinds.According to the Mid-Year report, “Together with these new finds, focus in the first half was primarily on appraising existing discoveries to gatherfurtherinformationonthose reservoirs. The second half of this year and 2026, will see increased exploratory activities in search of newdiscoveries.”

After stumbling upon the shocking revelation, this newspaper contacted the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat and ExxonMobil to confirmwhetheranyoilfindswere made for the year. While Bharrat did not provide any clarity on the situation, EMGL’s Advocacy Communications Advisor, Kwesi Isles in a media group confirmed thatthecompanydidnotmakeany discoveries public. He said, “I just ranthroughthischatanddidn’tsee any (oil discoveries announced). I’msureitwouldhavebeeninhere ifwehad.”

This new development raises serious concerns about the management of the country’s oil resources Both government and ExxonMobilhavebeenfacingstark backlash for the secretive manner inwhichthesectorcontinuestobe managed.

Notably, stakeholders have continuously questioned how Guyana’s oil reserve remained stagnant over the past three years, despite the announcement of additionaldiscoveriesbyExxon.

ExxonMobil is the operator of Guyana’s largest oil blockStabroek- where the company first discovered oil in 2015. Since then, therehasbeenastringofsuccessful

Chief Policymaker for the oil and gas sector, Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

finds,takingthetotaldiscoveriesto 46bytheendof2024.

In April 2022, Exxon said the reserves in the Stabroek Block totaled 11 billion barrels After mounting public pressure, two yearsandeightdiscoveriesafterthe last resource update, government said this grew to 11.6B. Notably, alth

company said its estimate of the resources was lower than 11B barrels.

President of EMGL, Alistair Routledge explained, “The government released a number of 11 6B oil equivalent barrels, ExxonMobil’s estimate is lower than that number our number remains a little under 11 billion oil equivalentbarrels.”

Meanwhile, in explaining the variation between Exxon’s figures compared t

announced by government, Routledge noted that the state conducts independent studies, althoughitissuppliedwithdataby thecompany

Previously, the former Head of the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA),Dr VincentAdams explained that the American oil major could be hiding Guyana’s true oil reserves, as this would reduce the sum that could be deducted by the company for decommissioningactivities.

Decommissioning refers to the cleanup and restoration of the

ExxonMobil Guyana President, Alistair Routledge

environment following the end of thelifeofanoilproject.Itinvolves the safe plugging of wells and removal of equipment used during the operations, including the Floating Production Storage and Offloading(FPSO)vessel.

He noted, “If you read the contract, and this might be tied to somethingelse,becauseremember the issue that was raised about the money being withdrawn for decommissioning that goes into Exxon’s Bank Account? The amount that is being withdrawn is calculated and here is how that amount is being calculated: it’s beingcalculatedbydividingthe ( d e c o m m i s s i o n i n g ) budget…youdividethatnumber by the reserves and then you multiply it by the amount that hasbeenproduced.”

Consequently, the former head of the EPA noted, “Right now they are dividing by 11B barrels, if you divide it by let’s say 18B barrels you are reducing it by almost half as to what they can withdraw for decommissioning so is there a suspicionthatistiedtoit?”

Man,52,murderedat QuakersHall,Mahaicony

A 52-year-old man was on Friday killed at Quakers Hall, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara(ECD).Thedeadman has been identified as Sesupaul

Ramgobin, also known as ‘John Paul’.

Policeinastatementsaidthatat about 23:00h relatives heard what appeared to be an explosion and discovered Ramgobin lying motionless on the stairs of his home.

Areportwasmadetothepolice resulting in the launch of an investigation.

“The scene was processed by investigators where the deceased was observed with an injury to the back of the head and additional injuries to the upper body, suspected to be gunshot wounds. No spent shells were recovered at thescene,”policesaid.

Ramgobin was taken to the Mahaicony Public Hospital, where hewaspronounceddeadonarrival. HisbodywasthentakentoBailey’s Funeral Home where it awaits a post-mortemexamination.

Noarrestshavebeenmade.

Investigationsareongoing.

MONDAY

E/boteenkilledafter swervingfromrecklessrider

An18-year-oldgirllostherlife Sunday afternoon after her vehicle

collidedwithalightpolealongthe Riverstown Public Road, Region Two,Pomeroon-Supenaam.

The dead teen has been identified as Nayomi Singh of HuistT’Dieren,RegionTwo KaieteurNewsunderstandsthat the accident occurred at approximately 17:00 hrs. Reports indicate that Singh was driving along the Riverstown Public Road when a motorcyclist allegedly swervedintoherpath.Inanattempt to avoid a collision, she reportedly veeredawaybutlostcontrolofher vehicle and crashed into a nearby light pole The impact caused extensive damage to the front driver’ssideofthecar Public-spirited citizens rushed tothesceneandpulledSinghfrom the wreckage before transporting her to the Suddie Public Hospital. Unfortunately,shewaspronounced deadonarrival.Herbodywaslater taken to the Suddie Mortuary, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

Singh, a former student of the Abram Zuil Secondary school and youth parliamentarian, was renowned for excellence in debatingcompetitions.

In2023shewonbestspeakeras sheledherdebatingteamtovictory defeating the Anna Regina Secondary School to win the regional leg of the JOF Haynes debating competition for her school.Shewasreportedlytheonly daughterofherparents.

Facebook and other social mediaplatformshavebeenflooded withtributesfollowingthenewsof her tragic death. Photos have also surfacedoflovedones,andfriends gathered at a hospital in the region mourningherloss.

‘Doubletragedy’–Husband criesforjusticeafterwifeand babydieinchildbirth

The reputed husband of 36year-old Latoya Griffith, who passed away from pregnancyrelated complications last Wednesday, is adding his voice to already mounting calls by familymembersandfriendsfor athoroughinvestigationintothe deathofhispartner Griffith along with her newborn died at the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital on Wednesday, leaving behind threeotherchildren.

40-year-old Helroy Williams, with whom the now deadwomanwouldhavegotten their first child together, told Kaieteur News that he is struggling to absorb the reality, sincehelostbothhispartnerand hisnewbornbabyboy Accordingtothedevastated man,Griffith’sconditionduring pregnancy caused her to visit the high-risk clinic, following whichshewastoldtocollecther Continued on page 23

Dead: 18-year-old Nayomi Singh

Frompage22 essentialsfromhome,asshewould be admitted. Detailing a series of communication between himself and his wife, Williams recalled beinginformedbyGriffiththatshe would have to undergo cesarean section.

“When she got back and she wasinthehospital,shetoldmethat in the night they were going to cut her When I go back, nothing like that. They push up the tablets to bringdownthepain.”

Hedisclosedthatshewasgiven three pills in total. For the second pill, Griffith had maintained that she had no pain Moreover, the woman agreed to have the Csectiondone.

“The last morning, I spoke to her, she said she’s willing for the cut,sheain’tgettingnopain.”

The family on Wednesday received a call from the hospital informing them that Griffith neededblood,andthatshehadtobe rushed to the Georgetown Public HospitalCorporation(GPHC).

But Williams claimed that it wasallamovetocover Hesaidthe hospital should have moved ahead withtheC-sectionratherthantryto inducelabor

“Since Tuesday she’s in there. They know she’s a high-risk patient. Why you had to push up tablets or whatever? The next day when I went, the Wednesday morning,Iseeshe’shardlymoving. I tell she go back inside and catch her rest. That was the last word I spoke to her,” the grieving man said.

Holdinghisemotions,hecalled for more prudence and sharpness on the part of officials at the hospital At the same time, Williams is pleading for timely justice.

“I feel it, and I wish we could get justice. (The) hospital needs to do better. It’s a high-risk patient.

They’re supposed to do everything….itwassupposedtobe the best care she was to have. I’m feeling it. It’s both gone. It’s not one,andsheleavekids.It’ssosad.I wishwecouldgetjustice.”

Family members said some officials reached out to them seekingtoensurethatthematteris notmadepublic.Theinstitutionhas promised to launch an inquiry into theincident.

Griffith, one of eight siblings, workedattheNo.19HealthCenter ontheCorentyne.

TUESDAY

Govt.greenlights

Exxon’s60,000-barrelsurge …LizaUnityand Prosperitynowpumping abovesafedesignlimits

The Government of Guyana (GoG) has approved a request by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) to increase production on

two Floating Production Storage andOffloadingvessels(FPSOs)by 30,000 barrels each, pushing the projectstoproduceatotalof60,000 barrelsabovetheirdesigncapacity

According to the mid-year report, “Production from the StabroekBlock–theLizaDestiny, LizaUnity,andProsperityFPSOs–grew in the first half of 2025 Collectively, these projects achieved an average rate of nearly 640,000 bpd, exceeding the 624,000 bpd at the end of June 2024.”

Government explained that the higherproductionratesweredriven by successful optimisation activities conducted on the Liza Unity and Prosperity FPSOs Optimisation in the oil and gas sector refers to a process geared at enhancing oil recovery. The company would assess the performance of the facilities for existing limitations of the installed

equipment to determine how those couldbeimproved.

Accordingtothereport,“These scopes, largely entailing topside debottlenecking activities, will continuetoenableproductionrates averagingbeyond250,000(barrels per day) bpd at Unity and Prosperity into the second half, respectively.”

It is important to note that the Liza Unity FPSO, which produces oil at the Liza Two development, has a design capacity of 220,000 b p d , a c c o r d i n g t o t h e Environmental ImpactAssessment (EIA). The document also states that “the facilities will have the potential to safely operate at sustained peaks of oil production up to approximately 250,000 bopd”. Be that as it may the vessel is now producing over its safe operatinglimit.

Similarly, the Prosperity FPSO which produces oil at the third deepwater development offshore was designed to produce 220,000 bpd,accordingtotheEIA.

At his end of year press conference in 2024, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrattoldreportersthatarequest was received from Exxon to increase oil production on the two vessels He noted that an independent consultant was hired by the GoG to review the company’sapplication.

Additionally, he noted that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is also fully engaged in the process, since the no-objection wouldbetiedtotheenvironmental permitissuedbytheagency

He explained, “On our side to give final approval, we have

contracted a third-party

international consultant to look at this matter As soon as they would have concluded their report, we would be in a better position to either say no or yes to the optimisation.”

The minister did not say how much the company is looking to increaseproductionby Bharrat however noted, “The government is not against production.Wehavesaidthatfrom dayonebutitmustbedoneinasafe manner Itmustbedoneinamanner that will not cause any issue with equipment or with regards to the environment.”

Stakeholders have often raised concernsovertheincreasedriskof anoilspillthatcanoccurasaresult of ramped up production activities on the vessels which have specific designrates.

Both government and Exxon however maintain that the increased production activities are being conducted in a safe and responsible manner, following rigid tests and processes to the equipment.

Mohamedleadsprotest outsideParliament

Leader of the We Invest in Nationhood(WIN)partyAzruddin Mohamed has called out the government for what he alleges as the trampling on the rights of the Guyanesepeople.

In a short protest outside Parliament Buildings on Monday surrounded by his supporters, he was asked by the media what was thesignificanceofit.

The businessman turned

politician said that the government is “undermining democracy in this country The Speaker, (Manzoor Nadir) he has to convene the meeting to elect opposition leader What is taking him so long?109,000personsvotedforme that’s what they said, that’s the figure they gave me, because I know more than that voted for me andtheyaretramplingontherights ofthewillofthepeople.”

Siand Dhurjon one of the lawyers on Mohamed’s team told the media that the 14 days for the letter dispatched to the Speaker of the National Assembly Mansoor Nadir will expire on Monday “We’re drafting proceedings already Wedon’texpecthimtodo anything sensible. We’re going to be prepared to serve him soon Well, he has an obligation to facilitatetheelectionoftheLeader ofOpposition,”headded.

Dhurjon clarified that the party isnotsayingthattheelectionhasto happen during a sitting, but rather during a specifically convened meeting of non-governmental of the National Assembly “ it shouldbedoneassoonaspossible. Theveryconstitutioncontemplates that it be done as soon as possible. Therearedutiesandobligationsof the leader of the opposition which areindispensabletoourdemocracy thattheleaderofOppositionhasto do, which is as a result of the speaker’s inaction, he is deprived the ability to do those things, such as consultation or a brief consultationaboutaCommissioner of Police Right before a Commissioner of Police is appointed,youhavetoconsultwith Continued on page 24

Latoya Griffith, of Gibraltar, Corentyne, who died at the NewAmsterdam hospital

Leader of WIN, Azruddin Mohamed addresses the media outside of Parliament Buildings

Frompage23

Leader of Opposition before a ChancellororaChiefJusticecanbe confirmed or substantively appointed, the leader of the oppositionhastoagreetherewith,” theattorneyexplained.

General Secretary of the party Odessa Primus told reporters that therehasbeennoinformationasto when Parliament will be meeting and looking at the elections of the opposition leader “And for the best, to the best of our knowledge, there’s nothing that is preventing this elections outside of the government’s victimisation in terms of the election leader of the opposition,andofcourse,asmany of you would know, the Leader of the Opposition forms part of the government, and so what we are doing right now is functioning basicallyasadictatorship,because whatever the government says goes, whatever the government doesgoesandthisisnothowthings work,”Primusadded.

She reminded that there were instances in the past where the rulingpartyprofessedthattheyare standing up for democracy “However, today they are the ones who are ensuring that the democrats the democratic process doesnottakeplace,andweareinan unfortunate state, and at this point, we would like to call on all of Guyana, whether or not you supported us in these elections Thisisaboutthedemocracyofour country,andsoweallneedtostand upandweallneedtoensurethatthe Leader of the Opposition is elected.”

A Partnership for National Unity(APNU)lastFridaysaidthat the non-election of the Leader of the Opposition will result in the aiding and abetting of the government’s “undemocratic practices.” APNU’s Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul maintained that the We Invest in Nationhood(WIN)isinitsrightto demandthattheelectionofthepost of opposition leader be done with alacrity Mahipaulmadeitclearthat the post cannot be left vacant. “If we allow that to happen then it means we are aiding and abetting with the PPP to advance in undemocratic practices and the APNU is not about that It’s a constitutionalofficeandithastobe filled The action is within the hands of the Speaker and he has to know why he is behaving like this and why he’s acting like that,” Mahipaulstressed.

Last week WIN threatened to sue the Speaker for failing to convene a meeting of the opposition members of parliament fortheelectionoftheLeaderofthe Opposition.

In a letter dated November 17, 2025, WIN’s attorney Siand Dhurjon said that the 16 nongovernmental members of parliamentwhichincludeAzruddin

Mohamed, Natasha Singh-Lewis, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, Dawn Hastings-Williams, Odessa Primus, Duarte Hetsberger, Tonshana Famey-Corlette, Vishnu Panday,BeverleyCornelius,Gobin

Harbhajan, Deon La Cruz, Nandranie Singh, Dr. Gordon Barker, Janelle Sweatnam, Dr Ryan Richards and Dr. Andre Lewis, called on the Speaker to convene the meeting within 14 days.Failuretodoso,willresultin theinstitutionofproceedingsinthe Supreme Court. “On behalf of my clients,Idoherebyrequirethatyou takeallstepsnecessarytoconvene

a meeting among the nongovernmental members of the NationalAssemblyforthepurpose of electing the Leader of the OppositionunderArticle184(1)of the Constitution within fourteen (14) days failing which I shall institute proceedings in the SupremeCourttocompelyoutoact accordingly and to seek all other reliefs necessary to vindicate my clients’interests,” Dhurjon said in the letter which was received and stamped by the Speaker’s secretariat.

WEDNESDAY

Workerscryoutover ‘slave-like’conditionsat Chinesegoldmine …LabourMinistry launchesprobe,saysfirst timeconcernsraised

earning an estimated

$70billionfrom136,539ouncesof gold in 2024, workers at the Chinese-owned Zijin Gold MountainYaMeiConstructionInc. claimtheyaretreatedlikemoderndayslaves.

In a statement issued on Tuesday evening following viral videos of workers and company officials fighting, the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning has moved swiftly to address growingconcernsovertheworking conditionsatthecompany.

The video clips allege issues relating to workers’ health and safety, wages, and delayed salary increases. Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, confirmed that no formal complaintshadbeenlodgedpriorto the release of the videos. “This is the first time these concerns have been brought to our attention in such a public manner, and we will treatthemwiththeseriousnessthey deserve,”hesaid.

In response, Minister Griffith has instructed the Ministry’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations. The ministry will also consult all relevantstakeholderstoverifyfacts anddeterminethepropercourseof action. Regarding wage disputes and benefits, the minister urged both employees and employers to come forward and engage in a peacefulconciliationprocessatthe ministry, in line with the Labour Act, which is designed to ensure

fairness and resolution for all partiesinvolved.

MinisterGriffithreaffirmedthe

’s

upholding workers’ rights and ensuring that workplaces across Guyana are safe and healthy He stressed that while the LabourAct and the Occupational Safety and Health Act provide the legal frameworkforemployer-employee relations, the ministry remains

complianceacrossallsectors.

KaieteurNewsunderstandsthat the workers are assigned to the underground mine at AGM, a company owned by Zijin Mining GroupLimited. AlthoughtheZijin owns and operates the mine, the disgruntled workers are not employeddirectlywiththeChinese miningcompany

Zijin has reportedly subcontracted another Chinese companycalledGoldMountainYa MeiConstructiontoexecuteworks. However, according to its Facebook page, the company specializes in construction But workers have disclosed that they arenotinvolvedinconstructionbut instead they work as miners carrying out mining activities which include blasting with dynamitesandtheextractionofore in the underground mine They detailed that the working conditions, accommodation and foodareatrocious.

As a result, the frustrated workers petitioned their Chinese

bosses outlining their frustrations and making requests Over 93 employees signed the petition which was given to the company’s managementonFriday

Adisgruntledworkeridentified as only as Michael told Kaieteur News that the petition was given “to management and management neverattendedtous.”

Theworkersgavethecompany a48-hourultimatumortheywould down tools. After receiving no response,theworkersdownedtools forcing the company’s managementtoconveneameeting.

However, the management refused to meet the workers’ demands which also included an increase in their overtime allowance In the petition, the workersaskedforanincreasefrom $3500 to $7000 but this was rejected.

“They say the AGM company do not pay so much and they (the sub-contracted company) cannot pay their workers (them) so much, they are working with AGM Standard,” Michael said while adding, “Mind You, AGM do not dealwithundergroundmining.”

“Everytimeweaskthemabout anincrease,theyarealwayssaying AGM workers working for XYZ. So, we have to work for XYZ,” Michaelexplained.

Meanwhile, the petition which was shared with Kaieteur News included among other things, contaminatedfoodbeingservedby thecompany “Employeeshave Continued on page 32

GNBS NATIONAL QUALITY AWARDS – RECOGNISING

EXCELLENCE IN THE PUBLIC & PRIVATE SECTOR

In a c o u n t r y undergoing rapid

e c o n o m i c transformation, one message continues to echo across boardrooms, factory floors, laboratories, and public institutions: quality matters.

This year's National Quality Awards (NQA), hosted by the Guyana

National B

ureau of Standards (GNBS), saw the most significant number of

a w a r d e e s i n t h e

programme's history, demonstrating that more b u s i n e s s e s a n d organisations are becoming qualityconscious.

Since the inaugural Awards in 2017, the NQA has evolved into the most extensive quality awards

p r o g r a m m e i n t h e Caribbean.Whatbeganwith just 16 participating companies has now grown

t o 1 0 0 e l i g i b l e organisations, drawn from various sectors of the economy

T h i s y e a r ' s applications 112 in total reflect a business community eager to meet global benchmarks. Of the total, 35 companies copped awards for excellence in c u s t o m e r f o c u s , occupational health and safety, continuous i m p r o v e m e n t , a n d

e n v i r o n m e n t a l management There were also overall winners for manufacturing and services for large, small and micro businesses.

For the first time, public sectors agencies earned NQA recognition The GeorgetownPublicHospital Corporation's Pathology Laboratory, the National

Public Health Reference Laboratory (NPHRL), the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo),andtheGuyana National Shipping Corporation (GNSC) all demonstrated that quality is not exclusive to private enterprise.

Their achievements

speak directly to the Government's commitment to improving public trust, strengthening institutions, and enhancing service deliverytoallGuyanese. The 2025 programme also introduced two new awards for strong female leadership and youth participation, through the Wo m e n - L e d A g r oProcessor Award and the Young EntrepreneurAward. These awards were won by Ashdel's Enterprise and Steadfast Logistics, respectively

Thisyear,theGNBSalso certified the first cohort of businesses under its 901 P r o g r a m m e T h e

programme is premised on the National Standard GYS 901 – Quality Management System for Micro, Small, and Medium-Si

nd was developed by the GNBS to support small businesses specifically

Shortly,sevenadditional businesses will be certified undertheprogramme.

Their ach

vement demonstrates that micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises can rise to international quality standards Application forms for this programme, along with detailed requirements, can be found on the GNBS website https://gnbsgy.org/certificati on/

AnHonoraryAwardwas also presented to Ramsay Ali, Vice President of the Guyana Manufacturing and

Services Association

( G M S A ) , f o r h i s contribution to promoting quality in Guyana The

GMSA has played a significantroleinpromoting the Made in Guyana Certification Mark programme, pioneered by theGNBS.

The growth of the NQA reflects Guyana's rising standardsinallsectorsofthe economy

It showcases real, measurable progress on national development priorities aligned with Vision 2030, which is centered on building a diversified, competitive economy driven by i n n o v a t i o n a n d sustainability Further, the business community's c o m m i t m e n t t o implementing standards in their daily operations bodes well for Guyana as the country pursues greater international collaborations andpartnershipsthatrequire consistency and high standards.

P r i m e M i n i s t e r Brigadier addressed the

event (ret'd) Mark Phillips, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce

h o n o u r a b l e S u s a n Rodrigues, Chief Executive Officer of the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ), Dr Sharonmae Smith-Walker and GNBS Executive Director Trevor Bassoo.

T h e o ffi c i a l s commended the Bureau on hosting a successful awards programme and providing leadership to other National StandardsBodies(NSBs)in theregion.

M i n i s t e r S u s a n Rodrigues noted that the NQA has become Guyana's “leading platform for recognising organisations that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to quality.”

More importantly, she saiditreflectsnationalgoals

aligned with Vision

2 0 3 0 b u i l d i n g a diversified, competitive

economy driven by innovation, sustainability, andstandards.

Mr Bassoo, in his remarks, congratulated the winnersandsharedasimple reminder: Quality is never an accident; it is always the resultofintelligenteffort.

In a rapidly developing country, this is more than a motivational quote; it is a blueprint for sustainable growth.

The next NQA is scheduledforOctober2027, and more businesses are encouragedtoimprovetheir management systems and participate in the Awards ceremony.

Let quality define your productsandservices!

For further information, please contact the GNBS at 219-0065 or 219-0066, via WhatsApp at 692-4627 (GNBS

https://gnbsgyorg/nationalq u a l i t y - a w a r d sprogramme/.

Mother and son lose everything to hurricane in BVI return home to share graduation stage at UG - son cops best graduate title in pharmacy

UlanaPaul,themotheroftheBest Graduating Pharmacy Student for the University of Guyana’s (UG) College of Medical Sciences - Khalil Farrington’s academic journey is one of perseverance, discipline, resilience andGod’sfavour

Paul is a Guyanese born who migrated to the British Virgin Islands (BVI)withherfamilyasachild.Atthe age of 17, she found herself pregnant during her final year of high school. Her grades slipped, and she dropped outbutthethenteenagerwasn’tready to give up. She enrolled in the Alternative Secondary School Programme and took her final exam from a hospital bed, right after giving birth to her son, with Ms. Lauralee Mercerthereasherinvigilator

That moment revealed to her, her extraordinary strength and determination.

ThencameHurricaneIrma.Inone devastating sweep, all she knew was destroyed.Yet what felt like loss was actually clearing the path for new beginnings.

When Ms. Paul moved back to Guyanawithherfamily,thetransition was tough. In her second year of university,shelostherfather,Colonel Lawrence Paul (Ret’d). Balancing grief, motherhood, and studies felt

unbearableattimes—butherchildren reminded her, “Mummy, you can’t giveup.”

So she didn’t Instead, the ambitious mom made a promise with herson:theywouldgraduatetogether Today,they’vekeptthatpromise.And not only did she graduate she graduated beside her son on Nov 21, 2025,withtheirBScinPharmacy

Adding to the sweetness of this momentisthatPaulwalkingthestage with her son and it’s being witnessed by her mother, Fatima Muhammad, a single mother who raised her with resilience, faith, humility, and love.

The pharmacy grad knows her mother’s quiet sacrifices built the foundationtheystandontoday

Meanwhile Farrington who is top student in pharmacy said his motivationtopursuepharmacybegan duringhishighschoolyears.

“Ispentmanyafternoonswatching my mother then a pharmacy technician—prepare medications to be dispensed by pharmacists Observing her, along with the compassion and dedication shown by the pharmacists and technicians as they interacted with patients, deeply inspired me to choose this career,” he said.

The top graduate explained that

while studying for my CAPE exams, he developed a strong interest in chemistry and later discovered how heavily pharmacy is grounded in this subject.

“This realization excited me becauseitallowedmetocombinemy passion for helping others with my curiosityaboutthechemistryofdrugs andhowtheyworktohealpatients.”

“My experience at the University of Guyana came with challenges, especiallybeingawayfrommyfamily for long periods, but it also brought unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships. I’m naturally not very outgoing, but these past four years helped me build confidence, connect with others, and form meaningful relationships.”

Todayheisincrediblyproudtobe one of two graduates in his family sharing this achievement withhismother,Ulana.

“Thismilestoneisnotjustmyown, but a celebration of my family’s unwavering support throughout my academicjourney.”

He thanked his classmates and lecturers for providing academic guidanceand,personalsupport.

Farringtonsaid“UGhastaughtme lessonsthatIwillcarryforwardinto

Continued on page 46

Proud moment Ulana Paul, and her son, Khalil Farrington the Best Graduating Pharmacy Student for the University of Guyana’s (UG) College of Medical Sciences

Guyana’s Franchise Director withdraws from Miss Universe amidst 2025 pageant controversy

MissUniverse2025hascaptured globalattentionnotonlyforthe excitement of crowning a new queen but also for the wave of controversies surrounding it The 74th edition, held in Thailand, has sparked widespread conversation from Anne Jakrajutatip’s resignationasdirectorofJKNGroup,toMiss Germany giving up her crown, to Nawat Itsaragrisil’s insult toward Miss Universe Mexico, and even the resignation of two judges.

Amidst the drama, Guyana’s Universe National Director and Miss Universe Ghana Co-Director Teri Brown Walker announced her withdrawal from the pageant In a statement released last weekend, BrownWalkerexplainedthereasonforherdecision

Inastronglywordedstatement,theformer pageant director noted that after an extraordinary journey, she was ready to announce her immediate withdrawal as National Director for Universe Guyana and Co-DirectorfortheUniverseGhanafranchise

She said “Serving in those roles has been my deepest honor I will forever cherish the pure and meaningful moments from my tenure,choosingtoforgivethosethatwerenot Myguidingprinciplethroughoutthisjourney has remained: “A woman who stands for nothingwillfallforanything”

Ms Brown-Walkernotedthatthedifficult decisioncomesamidongoingconcernsabout transparencyintheselectionprocess

She continued “Rising and inconsistent franchise fees that burden smaller countries, and Challenges with organational management What became truly untenable was when democracy and free will were replacedwiththreats,restrictions,andpressure tochoosebetweentheMissUniverseandMiss Cosmo systems-without regard for my financial and business commitments. This wasbothdishearteningandunfair.”

Despite these obstacles, the businesswoman said her commitment remainedclear

“I chose to send a Cosmo delegate to Vietnam just as freely as I sent a delegate to

Thailand for Miss Universe My decisions were guided not by fear coercion, but by integrity and respect for the women [Miss Universe Ghana, Miss Universe Guyana and Miss Cosmo Guyana] who represent both brands,Pageantryshoutbeaboutopportunity, dignity, and empowerment not intimidation. My hope is that by standing firm, I can help preservethosevaluesforthefuture.Mylove for pageantry and the values of the old Miss Universe organization -where every voice mattered will always remain in my heart. Evenduringmyjourneywithkidneycancer

Thepageantdirectornotedtoothatdespite thecontroversysurroundingtheMissUniverse franchise, she remains dedicated to this industry

“My decision to remain with the Miss Cosmoorganizationin2026isoneIcontinue toreflectondeeply,Itisimportanttomethat thischoiceremainsminealone,madefreely,”

Meanwhile,thepageantcontinuestoreel from drama In addition a number of title holdershaverenouncedtheirpositionsciting the lack of transparency and allegations of corruption at the miss universe’s pageant’s organization Hereisarecapofsomeofthe issues that surrounded this year’s competition

InearlyJune,ThaibusinesswomanAnne Jakrajutatip resigned from her position as president of JKN Global Group, the parent companyofMissUniverse Herdeparturetook everyone by surprise, especially after Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission launched investigations into her andhersister,PimumaJakrajutatip

The allegations involved false statements andfailingtomaintainproperaccountingand financialrecordsfor2023andearly2024 Asa result,Anne has made no public appearances during the Miss Universe 2025 pageant, coincidentallyheldinherhomecountry

Before the pageant began in early November, media access and some content creators were restricted from early activities leadinguptothepreliminaryceremony Only on November 18 werethey allowed to attend key events without sharing any details

beforehand Officials noted that Miss Grand InternationalPublicCompanyLimited(MGI) is the official entity granting media credentials,emphasizingthatTelemundohad noauthoritytoaccreditanyonefortheevent.

At the same time, controversy erupted when makeup artists sent by Raúl Rocha—president of the Miss Universe Organization and co-owner of the brand were banned. The artists were left disorientedinThailand,unsurehowtoproceed. Contestants could only receive help from makeupartistsprovidedbythebrandChat.

TheSpecialDinnerorganizedbyNawat Itsaragrisil©IG:@nawattv

With Anne absent and Raúl Rocha in Mexico, Nawat Itsaragrisil was tasked with overseeing events during the concentration period, preparing everything for the final ThoughheholdsfranchiserightsinThailand, hedoesnotownMissUniverse Nawatisalso thedirectorofMissUniverseThailandandthe founderofMissGrandInternational(MGI) Attempting to bring MGI-style practices toMissUniverse,Nawatintroduceda Continued on page 45

shesaid.

Guyana’s Universe National Director and Miss Universe Ghana Co-Director, Teri Brown-Walker

Miss Universe Guyana, Chandini Baljor

ByKarenAbrams,MBA, AA,DoctoralCandidate

During my years in operations risk management for a major US internet service provider, one principle guided our every

decision; redundancy protects nations, not just networks. As Director of O p e r a t i o n s R i s k Management, I led a team responsible for business continuity planning across

three geographically disperseddatacentres.They were designed so that if one wentdown,theotherswould immediately take over That was standard practice because once infrastructure becomes mission-critical, failure is not just inconvenient;itisdamaging. Our data centres hosted email for five million users, webhostingforthousandsof e-commerce sites, storage and backup services, network and security services, and colocation for enterprise clients Any outage in that environment could cost our customers

Advancing Education, Technology & Innovation in Guyana…

Building a Resilient AI Data Centre Strategy for Guyana

millionsofdollarseachday I return to that lesson as Guyana now embarks on an ambitious proposal for a US$2B-plus, 100-megawatt AI data centre, one of the largest infrastructure bets in our modern history The vision is bold and it pushes Guyana into the global conversation on digital sovereignty and advanced computing. But a project of this scale also demands a clear, technically grounded blueprint for how it will deliver real returns and how itwillstandupunderstress.

A 100MW facility is enormous by global standards.Insidesuchadata centre you would expect GPUandCPUserverfarms, massive data storage systems, high-speed networking, security and governance systems, significant power and cooling infrastructure, platform and application layers, and dedicated operations and monitoring systems. It would also hold the digitized data and security infrastructure

needed to run our ministries efficiently and to manage security cameras across the nation.

For context, industry estimatesshowthat1MWof data centre power can support roughly 1,000 average US homes A 100MWAI centre therefore draws about the same electricity as 80,000 to 100,000 households (U.S. Energy In

ormation Administration, 2024) Cooling requirements are equally significant; traditionalwater-cooleddata centres often use between 3 and 5 million gallons of (pristine) water per day at this scale (Mytton, 2021; Pattersonetal.,2021).Even with more efficient cooling, resource demands remain substantial.

I applaud Guyana for aspiring to build technology capacity A country that trainsanddeploysitsownAI models (AI sovereignty) holds more control over governmental digitization, national records, education p l a t f o r m s , a n d

cybersecurity Still, even with full digitization of our public sector, expanded eservices, electronic medical records, and private-sector growth, domestic demand would likely use only a fraction of 100MW That suggests the business model mustrelyonhostingregional orinternationalworkloads.

This is where the redundancy question becomesunavoidable.

Countries that host foreign data inherit a duty that goes beyond their borders. If Guyana aims to become a digital vault for Caribbean partners, then maintaining uninterrupted services becomes a national obligation Single-site AI data centres carry concentrated risk. In 2023, an electrical incident at a MicrosoftAzure data centre in Australia took down services across parts of the country (Microsoft Incident Report, 2023). Similarly, a fire at France's OVHcloud data centre in 2021 disabled millions of websites, government portals, and

financial platforms (CNRS, 2022). These are cautionary examples of what can occur when redundancy is inadequate.

A distributed model of several smaller data centres istheglobalbestpracticefor resilience. The US, Ireland, Singapore, and South Korea all rely on multi-site architectures so that if one c

disruption, others assume the load (OECD Digital Economy Papers, 2023)

Distributed systems are also more adaptive. They reduce stress on national grids, support edge computing (allowing computing to happen closer to where people live and work), and scale in alignment with real demand.

Financial planning must also account for recurring capitalrequirements.AIdata centres rely on specialised and exorbitantly expensive GPUs such as NVIDIA's H100 or its successors These chips are on rapid upgrade cycles, often every 24–36 months (NVIDIA

InvestorBriefing,2024).Ifa facility is intended to serve international clients, staying c

continuously reinvesting hundreds of millions in

maintenance. None of this diminishes the value of the ambition of ournation'sleaders.Guyana i

l d technological capability Nations that prepare early for AI transformation becomeregionalleaders.My thoughts are to ensure that our nation's considerable investment matches global standards for resilience, for thedecadesahead. With a comprehensive plan for redundancy, clear sustainability targets, and transparent long-term financing, this project could anchor a new era of digital strengthforGuyana.Itcould elevate public services, attr

gh-va

ue technologicalindustries,and signal to the world that Guyana is ready to lead in thefutureeconomy

Frompage24 founddust,flyeggs,andwormsin meals provided. This is a serious healthandsanitationconcernandit showslackofproperfoodhandling and hygiene standards,” the petitionsaid.

The workers demanded that it becorrectedandaninvestigationbe launched.

Michael said too that workers are being forced to eat their lunch underground where they work and not in an assigned eating room away from the mines. A move he regardsasunsafeandunhealthy

Further, the workers detailed thattheyarenotpaidontimenoting that regularly they have to wait prolonged periods to receive their pay Thistheysaidisunfair,noting that they too have family responsibilities.

The workers also complained about the unsanitary conditions which they are forced to sleep in andthepoorqualityofthedrinking watertheyarebeingprovided.The lack of protective gear and masks for the underground workers is another matter raised by the workers.

Michael explained that after dynamite blasting, the dust that emanates affects the workers since they do not wear masks. Requests for masks are always denied with management saying, ‘They don’t need it because the dynamite they useisthesafekind.”

Notwithstanding the complaints,theChineseemployers refused to make any changesparticularly to the insanitary conditions or negotiate for better wagesandsalaries.

Meanwhile, in a series of press releases and videos, the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party has documented some of the alleged atrocitiesatthecompanyurgingthe government to take immediate action. The party said that the company’s underground mining operationsarehighlyprofitable,yet employees say their health, safety, andoverallwellbeingareroutinely compromised According to the party, workers report inadequate safety measures, with personal protective equipment (PPE) often old or unavailable for local staff, while Chinese workers receive proper gear The party said that equipment and vehicles, including loaders and lifting machinery, are poorly maintained, with some machinery lacking functional brakes.

Additionally, WIN says meals forlocalemployeesaretransported in unhygienic conditions, exposed to dust and contaminants, sometimes spoiled and containing wormswithnotemperaturecontrol or designated dining facilities. In contrast, WIN said Chinese staff have access to air-conditioned dining rooms. In the area of salary andotherbenefits,WINsayswage disparities and delayed payments

further aggravate the workforce

The party noted that underground personnel, working more than 1,500 feet below ground, earn roughly $500 per hour during probation, with minimal increases aftersixmonths,despitehazardous conditions. Workers say requests for fair compensation are denied, andcomplaintsaremetwiththreats of termination and replacement by foreign staff, WIN reported. The company’spractices,thepartysaid violate labour rights, safety standards, and fair treatment principles, leaving local workers vulnerableandunheard.

Noregardforlife

Stressing that the company has a history of treating Guyanese poorly,WINreferenceda2023case where it said a Guyanese was treated as second-class citizen in hisowncountry “Ahusband,father lost his life in 2023 at foreignowned gold mining operation, Aurora Gold mines after he was forced to drive a truck that had known mechanical faults. His bereaved family stated to Mr. Azruddin Mohamed that the night beforethetragicaccident,hecalled his family stating Truck#1 had brake problems and the management was aware of these issues. They further report that his body was callously dumped in a pickupandtakentoahealthfacility becausetherewasnoambulanceat the multibillion-dollar work site. The family has given permission for the story and images to be sharedpublicly,”WINsaid.WINis calling for answers and an immediate,transparentreportfrom the Ministry of Labour on these recurring issues with foreign Chinesecompanies.“NoGuyanese worker should die under questionable circumstances while their families are left without information or justice,” the party said.

“Referenceismadetoourstory posted yesterday about the largest gold mining company in Guyana,

of gold in the first half of 2025 (Source: Guyana Times, Nov 5 2025)andin2024declared434,497 ounces, earning nearly US $989.9 million (Source: Guyana Times). Yet the workers extracting that wealth earn less than $700 GYD per hour This is not investment. This is exploitation This is an unsafe work environment,” ALP said.

The ALP in its statement demanded “a full, public investigation into wages, PPE, safety, health risks, food, housing, insurance, medical care, and pay discrimination between Chinese andGuyaneseworkers.”

Thepartyhasalsoaskedforfull compensationforValladareswhere allwages,leave,benefitsowed,and pay up to the date of his dismissal begiventohim.

Chinese-owned, Zijin Gold MountainYaMeiConstructionInc.

What you see below is a local worker, who has contracted a lung infection as a result of working underground and being exposed to dust for extended periods, venting his frustration to the company’s management team, which has refusedtoprovidehimwithproper personalprotectiveequipmentsuch as masks, filters, gloves etc. The worker upon requesting PPE, was cursed at by the Chinese,” WIN said.

Similarly, The Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP) headed by former woman miner, Simona Broomes in a statement said, “Guyana cannot boast of being the “fastest-growing economyintheworld”whilesome ofourworkersfaceconditionsthat mirror labour trafficking, and are paidwagesasthoughwewerestilla third-worldcountry.”

The statement said that at the Zijin Mining Aurora Goldfield Operation, “worker Mr. Kester Valladares reports being paid $550 GYD per hour on probation and $639GYDperhourafterprobation, for 12-hour shifts in unsafe underground tunnels When he spoke out, he was fired immediately.”

According to the ALP, Valladares said that among other things, workers carry out their duties in extreme dust, smoke and toxic fumes, are forced to inhale cigarette smoke inside sealed vehicles, are told, “If you don’t want the smoke, come out and walk”, wait hours after shifts, soaked and exhausted and have developedlunginfections.

Heallegedthatnoofficialfrom the Ministry of Labour visited the worksiteinoverayear

“Most affected are young men fromRegions6and10—exploited whilethenation’swealthisshipped out.

The contrast is staggering: Guyana declared 208,757 ounces

Gold Dealers and Licenced Traders. Any gold sold otherwise, constitutes an illegal act for which such gold can be detained, charges made

emphasised.

He warned that any gold sold outside these channels constitutes an illegal act, subject to seizure, charges,andpenalties.TheGGMC has expressed concern over persistently low gold declarations despite favuorable market prices and intensified mining activities across the coun

environmental practices continue to be reported, despite ongoing efforts by the Commission to educate, guide, and enforce compliancewithinthesector

“PermanentmonitoringofZijin U n d e r g r o u n d t h r o u g h unannouncedinspectionsandstrict OSHenforcement,”ALPsaidwhile noting that “Guyana cannot claim prosperity while treating workers as expendable. Our rights are not optional—andtheALPwillnotbe silent.”

GGMCissuesstrong warningongoldtrading …reiteratescommitment onenforcingregulations

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has reiterated its commitment to enforcing mining regulations across the country, following directives from President Irfaan Ali.

The Commission emphasises that all mining operations must comply with established legislation, particularly in areas concerning gold accounting, environmentalstewardship,andthe employment of undocumented persons. According to a statement issuedbytheDepartmentofPublic Information (DPI) GGMC Commissioner Newell Dennison noted that the mining laws and associated regulations apply uniformly across Guyana, including Amerindian Titled Lands, where communities may pursue mining as an economic activity

The GGMC, he said is committed to extend to those communities and villages includingAmerindianTitledLands upon which mining is being conducted, the necessary guidance towards the application for and issuance of the prescribed documentation, which permits legitimate mining operations with legally registered equipment and the use of the proper recording stationerytoprovideaccountability forgoldproducedandsold.

“All gold recovered from mining activities must be sold to legitimate purchasers such as the Guyana Gold Board, Licenced

Dennison said in alignment with the President’s directives, the GGMCwillintensifycollaboration withotherstateagenciestoaddress unlawful mining practices Commissioner Dennison called on alloperatorstoactresponsiblyand comply with the law, underscoring thatfailuretodosowillresultinfull legal action “The GGMC calls upon all throughout the mining sector to be responsible operators orbesubjecttothefulleffectofthe law,”heconcluded.

THURSDAY

Mid-yearReport:Guyana’s taxrevenuessinkasoilgiants walkfreewith$493Bwaiver

TheGuyanaRevenueAuthority (GRA) income tax collection slippedduringthefirsthalfof2025 by 4.9 percent to $123.4 billion at theendofJune,whencomparedto the same period in 2024. This is according to the Bank of Guyana Half-YearReport.

Central Bank noted that total current revenues, excluding inflows from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF), and Carbon Credit Sales (CCS), grew by 3.6 percent to $235.4 billion. Theincreasewasdrivenmainlyby a 2.3 percent rise in tax collection, which amounted to $221 billion, sustainedbyafavourableeconomic base from both the non-oil sector and the oil and gas industry, along withtheirwidersectorallinkages.

According to the report, the decrease in income tax collection was driven mainly by lower personal income taxes, which fell by14.8percentto$33.6billion,and a 21 7 percent reduction in withholding taxes, which stood at $30.8billion.Itwasalsostatedthat taxesfrompubliccorporationsalso decreased by 12.4 percent to $1.8 billion, while private corporation taxesroseby17.1percentto$57.1 billion.

The country’s midyear income tax collection pales against what Guyanacontinuestoloseunderthe Continued on page 33

GGMC Commissioner, Newell Dennison

Frompage32

StabroekBlockProductionSharing Agreement (PSA) as it relates to income tax collection from the block’s operator ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) and its partners Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. and China National Offshore OilCorporation(CNOOC).

According to the financial statements for the three companies Guyana waived a monstrous $493 billion in income taxes for ExxonMobil,HessandCNOOCin 2024. Exxon reported an income tax expense of $260,155,788,763

w h i l e H e s s r e p o r t e d $209,668,605,000 and CNOOC another$22,933,000,000.

While Exxon, Hess, and CNOOC are not required to pay incometaxes,the2016oilcontract provides for the taxes to be paid to theGRAbytheGovernmentoutof itsshare.

According to the PSA, the Stabroek Block partners are allowed to recover 75% of the oil

produced to recover their investment costs; the remaining 25% is considered profit, which is split between Guyana and the StabroekBlockconsortium,giving each 12 5% However, the consortiumpaysa2%royaltyfrom itssharetoGuyana.Fromits14.5% Guyanathenhastopaytaxesforthe oilcompanies.

Notably, the provision of the Stabroek Block contract which givesExxonanditsaffiliatesataxfree ride in Guyana has attracted criticisms locally and internationally Despite this, the Irfaan Ali-led administration is adamant that the deal will not be renegotiatedduetotheimplications ofthesanctityofcontract.

The contract states in Article 15 1 that the Contractor (ExxonMobil Guyana Limited) as well as its affiliates shall not be subjected to tax, value-added tax, excise tax, duty, fee, charge, or impostinrespectofincomederived from petroleum operations, propertyheldortransactionsexcept asspecifiedundertheagreement.

ItgoesontostateinArticle15.4

thatthesumequivalenttothetaxes owed by the company will be paid by the Minister responsible for Petroleum to the Commissioner General of the GRA. It should be noted that the contract also allows for the issuing of a receipt to ExxonMobil, indicating that it has met the local tax requirements to avoidtheburdenofdoubletaxation intheUnitedStates.

WorldBanksaysroadfatalities ‘unacceptablyhigh’inGuyana - backs major push to fix deadliest corridors

As Guyana marks National Road Safety Month, under the theme “Careful Driving Saves Lives,”theWorldBankissounding the alarm that the country’s road death rate – 15 per 100,000 people remains“unacceptablyhigh.”

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips recently confirmed a staggering toll: 574 crashes and 642 deaths between 2020 and 2024, including 24 children–aroadcrisisthiscountry can no longer ignore, according to the World Bank’s Resident RepresentativeforGuyana,Diletta Doretti Writing in an OP:ED column Doretti said Guyana has now set an ambitious national target: reducing annual road fatalitiestofewerthan50by2030. That goal, she said forms part of a new national safety initiative and onethatwillbepartiallybackedby theWorldBank’slatestinvestment.

Last October Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and World Bank Vice President Susana Cordeiro Guerraformalisedfinancingforthe Integrated Transport Corridors Project a major upgrade of Guyana’s road network The project aims to strengthen key routesacrossRegions3,4,5,6and 10, improving safety, climate resilience, and access to essential servicessuchasschools,hospitals, and markets. According to the Bank, this is not a simple “roads project ” It is a public-safety intervention aimed at protecting drivers,pedestrians,cyclists,senior

citizens, children, and people with disabilities,Dorettiwrote.

Doretti said by increasing connectivityacrossRegions3,4,5, 6, and 10, the project will enhance access to markets, education and healthcare facilities, benefiting all road users, whether drivers, pedestrians, cyclists or vulnerable groups, such as children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Notably,shesaidtheprojectaligns with the Safe System approach, an internationallyacceptedvisionthat designs roads to protect lives even when mistakes happen This involves implementing practical changes, such as safer crossings, traffic calming measures, crash barriers, and sidewalks and bike lanes that enhance pedestrian safety

“These initiatives represent more than technical enhancements forGuyana;theyarecriticalsafety interventions. With speeding as a leading cause of road fatalities, measures targeting speed control, traffic calming, awareness, and safer school zones are a direct responsetothecountry’srealities,” the Bank’s representative said. According to the World Bank, between mid-2018 and mid-2023, it financed projects provided safer roads for 65 million people worldwide In Tanzania, similar corridor upgrades cut fatalities by

79%, while in Iraq, improvements along major routes reduced crash deathsby81%.

“The project also incorporates adaption measures, such as elevated embankments, enhanced drainage, and nature-based solutions, to ensure roads remain safe during extreme weather conditions Guyana’s road standards will also be updated to reflect the latest global best practices adapted to local conditions. Beyond concrete and asphalt, the project invests in people,providingcertifiedtraining forwomeninroadconstructionand maintenance, challenging stereotypes,andfosteringinclusive progress,” Doretti stated She added:“AsGuyanaobservesRoad Safety Month, it is essential to remembertheimpactinfrastructure hasonshapingsociety’sfuture.The Integrated Transport Corridors Project demonstrates Guyana’s commitment to building not only better roads, but a future where safe, inclusive, and sustainable progress is the standard. The road towardafuturewherenooneloses their life on Guyana’s roads is possible. As the Prime Minister affirmed, “Guyana’s roads should not inspire fear; they should unite communities, enable commerce, and bring families safely to their destinations.”

plyboard walls erected around the Stabroek Market tarmac She recounted that after approaching thecontractor,hetoldhertheywere carrying out a project for the ministry

“We were not informed by no government minister, the constable nobody told us anythingthatwegottomovefrom here, or nothing. They just come just so and they just operate this morning…”shesaid.

The woman said that Minister PriyaManickchandhadvisitedtwo weeks earlier and told them she intended to beautify the area. “She did not say that she moving us or anything, she said she giving us stall and that was about it…” she noted.

“I told them I am not moving fromhere,Igotmechildrenthemto sendtoschool,Igotinstallmentsto pay, I got box hand to pay…so I wanttoknowwhat’sthenextmove forweasvendors,”shesaid.

VendorCorwinBaksh,whohas been in the business for 25 years said, “I real upset too…last two weekstheywentouthereandkeep meeting. Wam this morning? Why they can’t come back and say somethingboutwe?Weisvendors, we doing small business all them yearsnowwegettingproblemwith thisgovernment.Itaintsupposedto happeninglikethis.”

“We got children to feed and family, Priya Manickchand come andtalktomeamonthago,shesaid the place lil dirty, we say man we gotta get bins to keep this place clean, they bring the bins, we see improvement we aint getting problem with the bins them no more,”headded.

While he welcomed the development, Baksh said the project should have been implemented with proper notice, especially during the peak Christmasseason.

FRIDAY

‘PLYWOODWALLS,NO

NOTICE’:StabroekMarket vendorscryfoulasGovt. blocksthemfor beautificationproject

A beautification project spearheaded by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development at the Stabroek Market Square has sparked tension as vendors say they were blindsided by the initiative, which they fear will affecttheirChristmassales.

One vendor, Ms. Osborne, said when she arrived on Thursday morning to ply her trade,shewasconfrontedbytall

Another vendor, who sells mobile credit, criticised the absence of communication. “I just come out to take my daughter to school and this is what I come to, not even a notice not even a nothing,howPriyacouldworklike that…people gah live is Christmas time…”shesaid.

Another vendor added, “this is very ridiculous, I have bills to pay and if I can’t sell what gon really happen…January they could do it, theycan’tdoitnowpeopleinvesta lotofmoneytodotheirbusinessout here and it’s not fair to invest now Christmas time and they didn’t even notify people, well this thing gonhappensopeoplewon’tinvest theirmoney…”

Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore, speaking to reporters on Thursdaysaidhewasonlyawareof thedisplacementviamediareports. While he supports people being able to earn, he expressed concern abouttheimplementationofthe Continued on page 34

Diletta Doretti, World Bank Group Resident Representative for Guyana

Frompage33 project without prior notice. He said the concept of a beautified Stabroek Square and Christmas tree was presented to the council, but “the implementation

particularly without notification,iswhatIhavea problem with and the timing… at Christmas time tobeabletohavethisdone.”

Mentore said he is now working to determine how many vendors are affected

and how they can be accommodated. “If it is that this development has to be suspended, we will have to doso,”hestated.

Mentore said he was troubled that works began during the night without allowing city authorities to notify vendors “I am uncomfortableasthemayor, understanding what is happening here and I will

have the necessary

discussions with the M i n i s t r y o f L o c a l Government so we can find a common ground and find a way in which we can addressthisissue,”hesaid.

He acknowledged the vendors’ concerns, adding, “It’s my responsibility to be able to find, the most compromising arrangement so that I can address this issuemovingforward.”

In a Facebook post on Thursday morning, Minister Manickchandcontendedthat no vendors are being displaced,andtheworksare being carried out only in areas where vending does notcurrentlyoccur

She said, “The Ministry of Local Government is beautifying the Stabroek area by creating a space similartothespaceopposite Parliament Buildings that will be wholly accessible to the public, including vendors, shoppers and commuters.Thefloorwillbe raised, park benches will be put down, decorations will goupandaspaceforartistes toperformwillbeavailable. To be clear, NO vendor is being moved from the Stabroek Market area at this pointandforthisreason.”

However, Thursday n i g h t , M i n i s t e r Manickchand in follow-up statement on her Facebook pagesaidthatshevisitedthe Stabroek Market vendors “who understand what is about to happen but had

justified reservations

b e c a u s e o f miscommunication and because opportunists looking for some relevance

and relying on the ever-old bigoted language, tried to stokedivisions.”

On Thursday also, the M i n i s t r y o f L o c a l Government issued a statement defending the project and detailing prior engagements. The ministry saidthatMayorMentoreand severalcitycouncillorswere shown a video of what the StabroekSquarewouldlook like and what that would entail and involve The ministry said the council’s response was, “lovely, lovely This is what is needed.”

The ministry added that the concept was also shared at a public engagement with stakeholdersandnoted,“We u n d e r s t a n d a n d acknowledge that the erection of the ply board around the area may have caused some alarm, but we are advised that this is necessary for the safety of those in the vicinity and is commonpracticewhencivil works of this nature is ongoing.”

According to the ministry, the construction will finish in under two weeks and despite several vendors complaining of being displaced, “We are further advised that two vendors could be displaced temporarily by this constructionandinstructions have been given that will minimizethateffect.”

Itwasalsostatedthatthe ministry will also engage thosevendorsdirectly “We ask that parties external to this process not be opportunistic and stoke divisionsfornarrowpolitical gain At the end of this processwillbeaplacewhere vendors, shoppers and commuters alike will benefit. Where families and

children, tourists and

artistes, can enjoy their shopping experience and where more sales are likely to happen Toward an improvedStabroekSquare,” itwasstated.

Pres.Alisidesteps questiononChristmas cashgrant -nowpromising broadersuiteof benefitsforGuyanese

A m i d g r o w i n g

anticipation for the Christmas cash grant promised during the recent elections, President Irfaan AlionThursdayappearedto sidest

n

is administration plans to roll out a suite of initiatives aimedatimprovingthelives of Guyanese beyond a oneoffhandout.

Answering a reporter’s question on the cash grant, which citizens had hoped would assist with holiday expenses, President Ali

s t r e s s e d t h a t t h e government’s focus is on long-term development and prosperity He said government will shortly roll out several significant initiativesthatwillbetterthe lives of citizens “Our government always delivers,”whenaskedforan update on a commitment to distribute a cash grant to

Guyanese in time for Christmas.Infact,President Ali said there will be a suite of initiatives that will be announced in the coming days.

“And whilst you may restrict your thoughts to just a cash bonus, this government has a very elaborate agenda for the upliftment of your life—for the improvement of your

life, for building prosperity for you, for building

prosperity for your community,forempowering you, for giving you the opportunity to live a life in whichyouhaveaccesstothe best health care, best education, home ownership, reducedinterestrates,access to low-interest business development loans and grants with no collateral, access to textbooks, expanded school feeding programmes, expanded infrastructure, community infrastructure, building out facilitiestosupportwomen’s health, (and) cancer treatment detection|,” the president confidently stated. President Ali appeared unfazed in his conviction that Guyanese will benefit not only from development but also from additional investments that will drive their overall economic growth. “So, it’s beyond — beyond. Don’t narrow your thinking. Don’t narrow your approach to life to just one facetofwhatthegovernment will deliver There are many facets of what your government will deliver to you ” the president insisted.

BackinOctoberwhenhe was asked for an update on the cash grant distribution Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said that whatever President Ali promised he willdeliver Athisfirstpress conference since the People’s Progressive Party (PPPC) was re-elected to office, Jagdeo sought to assure reporters that “WhateverthePresidentsaid onthecampaigntrailwillbe done ” Jagdeo declined to statewhetherthecashgrants willbedistributedintimefor Christmas only stating that his party makes good on all

than when it started producing oil. “Oil and Gas will end at some point in time,andthatiswhywehave used the revenue from oil and gas sector to continue building out forestry, mining, manufacturing, ecotourism, construction and the new sectors that are emerging now, agriculture expandingbecauseweknow wehavetoprepareforafteroil, like Dubai did, and we have seen their success. So, theseareresourcesthatdon’t last forever,” the minister reminded.

itspromises.

Back in October as well Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat saidthatgivingcitizenscash transfers from oil funds is a failed model, and if the government focuses on this Guyana will end up poorer than it started. “It’s a failed model.It’samodelthatdoes not work in any part of the world. Now let’s look at a few countries. Let’s look at the US Many of these people who have called for cash transfer, most some of them live in the US ” He explained that a lot of these persons live in the United States, and he would like them to tell him if cash transfers are offered to citizens in the US, even though it is one of the most powerful countries on earth.

“The US produces probably the most oil in the world

among oil producing countries. I’ve never heard of any cash transfer in the US, Qatar I’ve never heard ofanycashtransferinQatar, the UAE, which is Dubai…I’ve never heard of any cash transfer given Look at Ghana, look at Angola, and those African countries that produce oil,” he said “Who will go to school after that? Because if I’m a student and I’m a Guyanese, I would say I’m collecting our money Why should I go to school? Why shouldIstudy?WhyshouldI getdegree?WhyshouldIgo work? Because I’m collecting this money So, it’stheculture,istheculture thatwecreate,ortheculture behind that,” the minister reasoned.

Minister Bharrat explained that it will not be an incentive and it will be short-lived, resulting in the countrybeinginaworststate

“We will end up poorer than where we start from. It simply means that we will end up with a country with peoplewhoarenoteducated because they didn’t see the need to go to school and for their education and to study and to build a professional career, because they’re receiving these cash transfers,andthepeoplewho have not invested in businesses and who are not working,andwewillsimply haveacountrywhereexpats and for

m

gners will

nate, obv

ously, because our locals are just sitting back and waiting on their cash transfer at the end of the month,” Bharrat stressed Notwithstanding, theministerclarifiedthatthe government does intend to provide cash transfers, but emphasised that, as President Irfaan Ali has stated, this is not the only waytheadministrationplans tospendoilrevenues.

SATURDAY

449youngadults contractedHIV in2024–MOH

The Ministry of Health has recorded 449 new cases o f H u m a n Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in 2024, with most infections occurring among young adults between the agesof20and29.

Minister of Health, Dr FrankAnthony,saidthedata shows that many young

infection,weareseeingalot ofpeoplebetween20and29 who are becoming infected because of not paying attention,probablynotusing theprecautionsthatarethere andsoforth,”heexplained.

The minister stated that although the number of new caseshasdecreased Continued on page 35

An artist’s impression of the Stabroek Market Square beautification project

Frompage34 compared to previous years, Dr Anthony said the figure remains concerning “The numbers are down. In the past, we used to get many more people becoming infected The numbers are not alarming, it’s coming down.Evenwith449people lastyeargettinginfected,we stillfeelthatthat’stoomuch. So, we are working to bring that down even more We don’twanttohavetoomany transmissions,”hesaid.

The minister noted that advancements in treatment nowallowpeoplelivingwith HIVtosurvivemuchlonger, and with proper medication and viral load monitoring, transmission risks can be greatlyreduced.

Dr Anthony also highlighted the ministry’s continued efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission Although these cases occur at a low rate, he said the goal is to reach zero. “Usually, we see one or two cases of motherto-childtransmission,butwe want to reduce that to zero. If during the pregnancy, an HIV mother shows up, and we treat that mother with antiretrovirals(AVs)thenthe child would be born free of HIV So, we want to make surethatthemotherisvirally suppressed during the pregnancysothatthechildis not affected. At least that’s ourdesire,”hestated.

Giventhehighnumberof cases among young people, the minister stressed the urgent need for stronger prevention efforts. “The main thing here for new cases is to work on prevention. One, its education, talking to people …makingthemawareabout HIV,howyoucangetit,and so forth But two, once people become aware, they ensurethattheyalsopractice what they know Very often, thatdoesn’thappen.Thirdly, iftheybelievethattheyareat risk, because they have multiple partners, then they shouldbeabletocomeinand g e t p r e - e x p o s u r e prophylaxis (PrEP), which they’re using the tablets and anticipation that if they get infected, then these tablets would work to prevent them from developing HIVs,” the ministersaid.

He noted that PrEP tablets are available locally and he encouraged persons tousethem.

Dr Anthony further revealedthattheMinistryof Health is working to secure

long-acting injectable PrEP, which provides protection for up to six months with a singledose. “Whenyouget oneinjection,thatwouldlast forsixmonths So,youdon’t have to drink tablets separately,everyday,orevery otherday So,weareworking on that, but that’s very expensive But again, it’s, with the injectable, I guess people adhere more to that, becausewithoneinjection,it lasts for six months. We are working on partnerships to accessit,”hesaid.

Theministeremphasized that the ministry will be intensifying its educational outreach to young people, the age group most affected byrisinginfections.

His concerns echo a September2024reportfrom the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), which noted a 14% increase in the proportionofnewHIVcases among young people in Guyana. UNAIDS Multi-

Country Director, Dr. Richard Amenyah, warned that the slow decline in i n f e c t i o n s a m o n g adolescents and youth remains a major public health issue “This rising proportion of total HIV incidence among young people which ranges from 14% in Suriname and Guyanato37%inBarbados, is concerning and warrants further investigation and seriousattention,ifweareto endAIDS as a public health threat by 2030, ” Dr Amenyahsaid.

Walrondclampsdown ondarktints-35% limitacrosstheboard -driversgetuntil December31tocomply

Drivers are now allowed to have up to a 35% light penetrationontheirvehicles without a waiver issued by the Ministry of Home

Minister of HomeAffairs, Oneidge Walrond

Affairs. The announcement was made by subject minister Oneidge Walrond on Friday amid public concern over the Guyana PoliceForce’stintcampaign.

Earlier this week, the ministerorderedranksofthe GPF to remove the illegal tintfromtheirvehicles.

In a short Facebook live stream via her Facebook page, Minister Walrond said that it was observed that there was an exponential increase in requests for tint waivers with simultaneous complaints in relation to “unscrupulous practices and individuals” who are abusingthecurrentsystemin place. She said that it has becomeclearthatthesystem is burdensome, inconsistent a n d v u l n e r a b l e t o manipulation. The minister disclosed that after taking this into consideration, a comprehensiveevaluationof thesystemwasconductedin addition to consultations with the GPF and technical expert. It was decided that, “There will be the introduction of three clearly defined tint waiver categoriesbasedonassessed riskprofilesintheinterestof equity and to eliminate administrative delays, there willbeauniversalprovision forbasictintwithoutwaiver, which stipulates that all motor vehicles will now be allowedtintwithnolessthan 35%lightpenetration.”

This measure, the minister said, will apply acrosstheboardanddoesnot r e q u i r e a w a i v e r Nevertheless, restricted waivers for high security categories are to be introduced The first and second categories will be strictlyappliedtodiplomats, government officials, high profile security related persons and other specific

categories expressly approved by the Minister of HomeAffairs.

“The current legislation governing tint waivers will be amended to reflect and legalizethesenewmeasures. All motor vehicle owners andoperatorsarerequiredto comply fully with these revised tint regulations These changes are intended tobringpredictability,equity and fairness to the longstanding issue of tint management Failure to comply will result in the application of prescribed fines and charges under the relevant traffic and enforcement regulations,” MinisterWalrondadded.

The minister highlighted t h a t p r i o r t o t h e implementation of this new tint management regime, if driverswerenottheholderof a tint waiver granted by the Ministry tinted windows on vehicles whether factory or personallyinstalledwerenot allowed. She made it clear thatiftheyhadatintwaiverit was for a degree of no less than 65% light penetration tintwhichwasallowed.

“In stark contrast, this new regime introduces an

across the board, 35% light penetration for all motor vehicles to support an orderly transition Motor vehicleoperatorsaregranted a compliance period up to December 31, 2025, after this date, the Guyana Police Force will commence aggressive nationwide enforcement operations,” shesaid.

Nodirectivegiven toceasetintoperations

Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force on Friday in a statement on its Facebook page denied giving any directive to cease any tint related operations, warning the public to beware of false information It said in the statementthatithasobserved withseriousconcernthereare several online statements asserting that the Force has been given directions to discontinue all tint related enforcementexercises.

“The GPF categorically refutes these claims, as no such directive has been issued at any level of command Regional Commanders are hereby

remindedthatallmembersof the public are required to comply with the Laws of Guyana, including the extraction and regulation of motor-vehicle window tint as prescribed under the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act Ranks are expected to continue enforcing all relevant statutory provisions in accordance with established operational protocols,” it said.The Force said that the unfounded publications constitute clear actions of public mischief, having the potential to mislead rightthinking citizens, erode public confidence and distract from the lawful mandateoftheForce.

“The GPF cautions members of the public against circulating unverified information which may compromise public order or impede legitimate law-enforcement operations and encourages citizens to rely exclusively on official communication channels for accurate information,”itadded.

Emily loved Christmas more than anything in the world the lights, the music, the snowflakes

dancing outside her window But that year, she had only one wish in her heart. She wanted a puppy Everynightshe lookedout her bedroom window, found the brightest star, squeezedhereyesshutand w h i s p e r e d , ”Please, please, please let me have a puppy for Christmas ” Emily’s parents, Mr and Mrs Larrian, already knew about her wish. They saw thewayshestoppedinfront of the pet shop window, smiling at the tiny fluffy puppies They heard her pretend conversations while she hugged her stuffed animals. They also knew that getting a puppy wasnotjustfun—itwasa bigresponsibility.

One chilly night, just a week before Christmas, Emily sat with her parents by the crackling fireplace. With courage bubbling insideher,sheaskedsoftly: “Mom…Dad…doyou thinkSantacouldbringme apuppy?”

Her parents looked at each other Then her dad smiledgently

“Apuppyiswonderful, Emily,” he said “But a puppy needs food, walks, playtime, and training That’salotofwork.”

Emily sat up straighter “I’ll do it! I promise I’ll takecareofthepuppywith a l l myheart!”

A Puppy for Christmas Pinecone Christmas trees

Her mom brushed a hand over Emily’s hair

”We believe you But responsibility isn’t just sayingit—it’slearningit.”

She thought for a moment and then said, ”How about we write a letter to Santa together? And while we wait for Christmas, you can learn everythingthereistoknow about puppies. That way, Santa will know you’re ready.”

Emily nodded eagerly

“Yes!Let’sdothat!”

So that night, they wrote to Santa Emily explained her wish and promised to learn how to care for a puppy They placed the letter under the glowing Christmas tree, andEmilywhisperedtothe t w i n k l i n g l i g h t s , ”I hope Santa believes in me.”

Over the next days, Emily worked harder than ever She borrowed b

Doingtherightthing

ByUncleRoy

TherearetimeswhenIdosomething Thathurtssomeoneinsomeway, Itusuallymakesthemwanttoact Tomakemefeelbadandpay

SonowIknowthatImustalways Trytodowhatisright, Butthenthisismanytimeshardto tell,EventhoughItrywithallmy might.

AftermuchthoughtIhavefoundthe answerTohowIshouldalways be–BeforeIactmakesureitwill nothurtothers, Andtheywill surelydothesameforme.

ooksfromthelibraryabout dog care She watched videos about feeding and grooming She even practicedwalkingastuffed animal on a leash. Every time her parents peeked into her room, she was studying, practicing, or takingnotes.

Christmas Eve finally arrived. Emily placed cookies and milk out for Santa — and beside them, she placed the list she had madetitled“ThingsIKnow About Taking Care of a Puppy.” Then she hugged her parents goodnight and fellasleepdreamingoftiny waggingtails.

OnChristmasmorning, Emily rushed to the tree. There, in front of all the presents, sat a big box wrapped in red and gold paper Ashinytagread:

ToEmily—Withlove, fromSanta

Her hands shook with excitement as she untied the bow When she lifted thelid,herbreathcaught.

Alittlebrownpuppylay inside on a soft blanket — fluffy, warm, and blinking upatherwithcuriouseyes.

E m i l y g a s p e d ”Apuppy!Arealpuppy!”

She lifted the puppy gently and held him close. Thepuppylickedhercheek andwaggedhistinytaillike healreadylovedher

Her parents smiled ”You worked so hard to learn how to care for a puppy,” her mom said softly “Youearnedthis.”

Emily hugged the p u p p y a g a i n

”I’ll name him CoCo,” she whispered “Because he lookslikehotcocoa.”

From that day on, Emily did everything she promised She fed CoCo every day, brushed his fur, walkedhiminthecoldand in the sunshine, and gave him more love than anythingintheworld.

And CoCo gave it all back—withcuddles,

(Continued on page 46)

MATERIALS/ SUPPLIES:

-Pinecone

-Cottonwool

-Pompoms

-Greenpaint

-Glitterfoam

-Glitter

-Circularpieceofwood

Createyourown Christmastreeoutofa pinecone!

Startbypaintingthe

pineconewithgreen acrylicpaint.

Beforeit dries,addgreen,goldor silverglittertothe pineconecoveredin paint.

Nextgluethepompoms astinyornaments.

Alternatively,youcanroll softtissuepaperintotiny balls.

Tomakethebase,

smooth thepieceofwoodand thenaddthecotton wooltomimmicsnow

Nowaddyourstar,you cancutoutstarshapeon glitterfoamoryoucan useatinystarornament.

Lastly,youglueyour pineconetreeontothe base,andyouhaveyour ownlittlepinecone Christmastree

Determine the Principles to Govern your Life

We hope that you have beenseriouslyfollowingthe advice being given for the past few weeks about inculcating the right principles to steer your life. Thefollowingaretherestof these, that you will do well to make a special effort to a d o p t i n t o y o u r personality:- Growth–this istheprocessofprogressive development in all aspects of one’s life; growth is a natural phenomenon in all beings, but you have to make a special effort to ensure that you are developing in the right direction.

Tolerance–sympathyor indulgence for beliefs, practices or qualities differingfromorconflicting with one’s own; capacity of abodytoendureorbecome less responsive to an insult orotherexpressiondifferent

from one’s own. It also includes a positive characteristic of empathy for others who are less endowedthatoneself.

Peacefulness – the state of being devoid of any desireforviolenceorforce; it encourages calmness or

When you live your life guided by right principles, you set a great example to those around you, and so help them to live their best life.

state of being untroubled when confronted by conflict, agitation or commotion One who desirestoliveinpeacemust alsoaccepttheobligationto make a positive effort to restore harmony and goodwill when any violent situationisencountered. Respect for nature – a high regard for natural things, inculcating a desire tolivealifewhichisattuned to nature’s cycles; conservatism in dealing

with or using the creatures and things that nature provides. This will also involve avoiding waste in all that one uses in living one’s life, and trying to prevent this whenever witnessed.

Loyalty – the quality of being unswerving in allegiance; faithfulness to a person, cause, ideal, custom, product or institution to which fidelity is due. It will always be necessary for one to decide to whom or to what one owes this loyalty, in which choice one must try to determine who or what is rightinanysituation. It is absolutely necessary that all young adults at this stage in their lives see the need to adopt and maintain these principles so as to make their lives fulfilled and the best they can be. Please make the effort to keep a copyofthesesoastoreferto themasyougothroughlife, as principles are timeless andaffectusinallsituations andatallages.

Be the Best of whatever you are

Ifyoucan’tbeatreeatthetopofthehill, Beabushdowninthevalley, Butbethebestlittlebushbythesideofthehill, Beabushifyoucan’tbeatree.

Ifyoucan’tbeabushbeagrass, Andsomehighwayhappiermake; Ifyoucan’tbeasnapper,justbeapatwa, Butbetheliveliestpatwainthelake.

Wecan’tallbecaptain,somehavegottobecrew, There’ssomethingforallofushere, There’ssomuchworktodo,andlessertodo, Andthetaskyoumustdoisquiteclear

Ifyoucan’tbeahighway,thenjustbeatrail, Ifyoucan’tbethesun,thenbeastar; Itisn’tbysizethatwewinorwefail, Justbethebestofwhateveryouare.

UncleRoyisonceagainappealingtoallteenstowriteto himaboutanyproblemyoumaybefacingforwhichyouneed asolution.

He would also like you to contribute to this Page by submittingothermaterialthathecanincludehere.

Theseinclude:

1.Apoem,shortstoryorbitofadvicethatyouhavewritten andwouldliketosharewithyourfellowteens.

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

3.Acommentaryaboutwhereyoulivetoacquaintothers about it. As mentioned before, you can email me at: uncleroy1992@yahoo.com

Solutions to last week’s Puzzle

From where I stand...

Development must be done with us,not to us

By JanelleA.N Persaud

Some of you might r e c a l l m y encounter with a homeless man I later came to know as UncleAndrew I met him while walking one morning on the seawall. He toldmeofhislifeandwhenI offered to help him reconnect with family, I had good intentions. But I didn't pause to ask the right questions. I simply leaped intoactionbecauseIwasina

positionto“help”.Whenwe got to his hometown, I discovered he had some unresolved legal issues, and in trying to help, I ended up putting him in a more vulnerablesituation.

That moment taught a lessonthatlingers,evenasI think of policy and development.

I now appreciate that help offered without understanding context can be harmful and good intentionsarenotasubstitute

for informed and respectful engagement. I think of it now as I observerecentdevelopment initiativessweepingpartsof Guyana.

Earlier this month, the governmentannouncedthat Tiger Bay is set to become Georgetown's first “model neighbourhood,” under its Rescue Georgetown Plan. There were walk-abouts, interactions with residents, and a commitment to establish what was called a

“neighbourhood of love.”

The initiative, according to media reports, would be “ownedbythepeople”.This all sounds very encouraging as it represents a shift away from the top-down approach But it invites deeper questions: How is ownership defined? Who gets to decide what changes are made and how? Will residents be co-designers of these initiatives or just recipientsofdecisionsmade elsewhere?

I read that three plots of land have already been allocated for a futsal and basketball facility and while sport can play a powerful roleinyouthdevelopment,I wonder: how was that particular intervention decidedon?

Do we know how many young people live in the area, have dropped out of school, and are unemployed or struggling with other social challenges? What are the residents themselves askingforandtowhatextent do these decisions reflect their lived realities-or are these merely our ideas of what development should looklike?

To be clear, I'm not dismissing the new efforts MaybetheTigerBaymodel will get it right. Perhaps there are meaningful consultations already underway that we don't knowabout.Ifso,that'sgood news. Nonetheless, I find myself returning to the wordsofFrantzFanon,who warned that “imperialism leaves behind germs of rot which we must clinically detect and remove from our land and from our minds.”

Even after political independence, many postcolonial states continue toadopttop-downmodelsof g o v e r n a n c e a n d development that mimicked theircolonisers.

Arturo Escobar deepens thisargumentbysuggesting that “development” itself is notaneutralconcept.

It has often been a s y s t e m o f i d e a s , i n s t i t u t i o n s , a n d interventions imposed from above; what he calls a “regime of representation” that defines poor people as passive beneficiaries rather than active subjects of change.

We see remnants of this in Guyana's own trajectory The Carter Centre helped the recently expired 10-year National Development

Strategy Foreigncompanies with the ability to influence the pace and structure of l o c a l e c o n o m i c transformation. Even wellmeaningleadersmaydefault to inherited systems; unwittingly continuing the cycle of doing development to people instead of with them.

This isn't a partisan critique It is a structural issue that transcends governments.

Burnham's postindependencepushforselfreliance, cooperativism and cultural reclamation; however controversial, was an early attempt to break away from the development paradigms handed down by externalpowers.

The Cooperative

Republic model, the promotion of Guyanese history and cultural studies in schools and even the nationalisation of key industries were framed as part of an effort to allow Guyanese the agency to define progress on our own terms While arguably imperfect, the underlying pulseisworthrevisiting.

That's not to say, we haven'ttriedsince I'veseen moments where President Ali and VP Jagdeo, on the internationalstage,defended Guyana'srighttodevelopits oil and gas resources in the face of growing global pressuretoreducefossilfuel reliance They both unapologetically declared that Guyana will develop its oil, while pointing out the hypocrisy of now wealthy nations that have long benefitted from their own resource extraction and are attempting to curtail others fromdoingthesame.

Theseactsofresistance, however symbolic, suggest that the desire to define our ownpathremainsalive.Still, trueself-determinationisnot simply a function of bold speeches or nationalist slogans.

I t r e q u i r e s a confrontation of some difficultquestions;whichof the systems we inherited continue to bind us? Where haveweinternalisedmodels

By Janelle Persaud

that don't serve us? Which policies and postures must webegintochipaway,bitby bit,tofreeourselves?

I'm not being naive I'm fullyawarethatsuchalevel of self-determination is not costless Many of the structures that hold us in place, whether loan agreements, grant obligations or indeed international financial institutions, limit the extent to which we can act freely While breaking from these structures won't be easy, we must be willing to first see them and name them. And importantly, we must be honest about the fact that evenaswegovernourselves, weoftencontinuetoplayby the rules that were never madeforus.

Unless, of course, some already do see them and choose to preserve them Because the uncomfortable truth is that these, though colonial in origin, now possibly serve new masters. Perhaps, a new elite has emerged, clustered around the fast-growing economy, political proximity and accesstostatepower Inthis framing, development becomes less about dismantling inherited injustice and more a matter of redistributing its benefits to a different class of beneficiaries.

And so the system survives not necessarily because we are blind to it, butbecausesomearedeeply investedtokeepitintact.

I n a n y c a s e , development that truly transformslivesmustbegin with the people it claims to serve by listening with humility and the kind of posture that asks the right questionsbeforeitacts.

From where I stand, that's the only kind of progress that matters Just likeUncleAndrew,manyof our citizens are navigating hidden complexities. Before werushinwithsolutions,we would do well to ask first: Whatdoeshelplooklike,for you?

And then perhaps, we might begin to build a truly inclusivepathforward

MAKES HISTORY FOR KARASABAI VILLAGE AS Luana Primus FIRST MEDICAL DOCTOR

After officially

graduating from the University of Guyana (UG)withaBachelorofMedicine, and Bachelor of Surgery from the College of Medical Sciences, Luana Primus who hails from the beautiful village of Karasabai in RegionNine,recentlymadehistory as being the village’s first ever medicaldoctor

Daughter of hardworking parents Roxanne Marshall and WaynePrimus,Dr Primus’journey is one filled with sacrifice, resilienceanddetermination.

Sharingabitaboutthisjourney, Dr Primus recalled that she was just a little girl, when her family movedtoLethem,whereshebegan her educational journey at Arapaima Nursery and Primary Schools.

From there she and her family then moved to Kaicumbay Village where she wrote her National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). Despite limited resources and the sudden loss of her father, she had earned a place at St. Ignatius Secondary Soon after, she was transferred to New Campbellville Secondaryashermotherwentonto pursuedheruniversitystudies.

Dr.Primussharedthatin2016, shewrotetheCaribbeanSecondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations where she earned nine subjects, and graduated as v a l e d i c t o r i a n o f N e w

Campbellville Secondary Afterward, she returned to Lethem beforeleavingonceagaintoattend St. Rose’s High School where she completed two years of Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). There she earned her Associate Degree in Natural Sciences with the support of her mother, her brother Russel andherlategrandmotherAgnes.

Aftertakingayearofffromher studiesfollowingthecompletionof CAPE, Dr Primus began working at the Lethem Power Company From there, she remembered applying to pursue studies in medicinebutdidnotgetin.

Not one to give up easily, Dr Primusthenmovedandgotherself enrolled in a one-year pre-med course and started her university journeyin2019.

What led her to the medical field,Dr Primusstatedthatitwasa simple desire to help the people aroundherandherownexperience played a part. She noted that growing up in the hinterland, she saw how hard it was for families when proper healthcare was not available. “Fast forward to my workstudyattheLethemRegional Hospital, where I gained firsthand experience in patient care and

clinical medicine, that was an experience that shaped my career decision,”sherelated.

Shementionedtoothatthepush to serve her community/ Region eventuallygrewintoareallovefor medicine, especially after seeing how comforting and life-changing good clinical practice can be. “So for me, medicine isn’t just a job I chose,it’ssomethingthatchoseme too,”sheadded.

“Getting into medical school was a dream come true, though I soon realized that surviving it would be an entirely different journey,”sheshared.

This journey she mentioned began during the COVID period, and it was a sacrifice she never imaged because classes were done in isolation and had moved to online.

Speaking of the sacrifice she related that she studied alone for months, pushed through exhaustion, and balanced school with tutoring and small business ventures to support herself. “My clinical years were emotionally, mentally, and physically demanding, yet those very

challenges strengthened my resilience,”sheexpressed.

Enduringitall,Dr.Primussaid thehardworkandsacrificepaidoff, because she has now gained the skills, knowledge, purpose, and compassion needed to save lives, andforthat,shecouldnotbemore grateful.

Further, when asked what is

next and how she plans on providinghealthcareservicestothe people of her community, Dr Primus explained that in the short term, her goal is to be accessible and supportive as she plans to specialize very soon. “I want to conduct health education sessions focusingonchronicdiseases,early Continued on page 44

Dr. Luana Primus of Karasabai Village, Region Nine

Dr. Primus and her family at the recently held White Coat Ceremony

DURING 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM

‘Tell Me Why’

AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

As G u y a n a observes the annual 16 Days ofActivismAgainstGenderBased Violence, the nation reflectsonthemanywomen whohavetragicallylosttheir livestodomesticabuse.

For young, vibrant, and talented local singer Cassie Adams, the continuous reports of violence weighed heavily on her heart. Moved by the stories of these women, Adams decided to use her artistry to honor them, releasing a powerful new single titled “Tell Me Why.”

Speaking with The Waterfalls,Adamssharedthe emotional story behind her compelling lyrics. She explainedthatoneparticular incident touched her deeply and ultimately inspired the song. “Tell Me Why” was i n s p i r e d b y t h e heartbreaking story of KeneshaVaughn.

“I have never personally experienced domestic violence, but seeing the videoofhermurderchanged me. It hurt watching her son runtoher,notknowingthatit would become his final memorywithhismother As a mother myself, that visual triggered me deeply,” she said.

Sheaddedthatshefeltthe weight of the tragedy from every angle: “I also felt the weight of her father’s pain

Guyanese Singer, CassieAdams has released a new single titled ‘Tell Me Why’ during 16 days of activism

because of the close bond I share with my dad. Hearing people speak about her light and her spirit was hard to processknowinghersonwill grow up never experiencing herlove.”

Adams also reflected on the alarming reality of domestic violence within Guyana. “In Guyana, there aremorethan1,800reported domestic violence cases That number does not include the many cases that go unreported I felt a responsibilitytospeakonit,” shesaid.

Accordingtoher,thesong is meant to promote unity and awareness, not division.

“This song is not meant to dividemenandwomen.Itis acallforcompassionandfor accountability.Iwantmento understand that if a relationship is not working, theanswerisneverviolence

but to walk away from the relationship Violence destroys two families at the same time. One life is lost and the other is taken by the justice system No child deservesthatoutcome.”

Thesingeralsoopenedup about her journey toward becoming an independent artiste, describing both the challenges and the blessings that have shaped her path. “Becoming an independent artiste has been both rewarding and challenging. It takes time, money, sacrifice, and a strong supportsystem.Iamblessed tohavethat.Mysonandhis dadaremyfoundation.Both of our families help us in every way they can. People alwayssayittakesavillage, and I am grateful that my little family truly has one.

Their support makes motherhoodeasierandmore enjoyable, even while I chasemydreams.”

Herloveformusicbegan athome.Sheexplained,“My father had a family band called Live Wire, so I grew up watching rehearsals and absorbing music like oxygen. My mother played gospelmusiceverymorning before school and filled our weekends with church and praise songs. I sang in the churchchoir,andlateratThe Bishops’ High School I fell inlovewiththesteelpan.”

“These experiences shaped me. Music became myescapewhenlifebecame hard but now it has become myvoice.Itrulybelievethis ismypurposeonthisearth.It is how I tell my own story andhowIhopetotellstories rooted in Guyanese culture andfolklore.”

Adams expressed gratitude to the many

individuals who helped bring“TellMeWhy”tolife. “Tell Me Why would not existwithoutthepeoplewho helped bring the vision to life. I want to thank Vijay Deolal, Earl Bishop, Ruth Wilson and Joshua Dennis. They took my ideas and created something powerful through their musicianship, technique and creativity,” she said She also acknowledgedthesupportof her sponsors, adding, “I am alsogratefultomysponsors, Demerara Mutual Life AssuranceCompanyandthe Ministry of Social Security and Human Services, for theirbeliefinthisproject.”

When describing her sound, Adams noted, “My musical style blends soul, R&B and reggae. These sounds reflect my upbringing, my culture and my emotional truth. And now I am preparing for the nextchapter.”

LOOKING AHEADTO2026

With the New Year approaching, Adams is focused on her artistic evolution. She shared that music continues to be an e m o t i o n a l a n d transformative journey “Musichasitsgooddaysand itsharddays.Somedaysyou feel inspired, and other days you question everything. I have learned that in order to makerealmusic,youhaveto actuallylivelife.Youhaveto feeljoy,heartbreak,healing, pain, love, fear, courage, loss—andallofthesethings contribute to growth as an individual Every song I create now comes from somethingreal.”

Hergoalsfor2026marka

major milestone in her career “This is why 2026 willbeanimportantyearfor me.Iampreparingtorelease my debut EP It is a short album that captures the journeyIhavebeenonsofar It reflects on the struggles, the lessons, the culture, motherhood and the woman I am becoming,” she revealed. She added that the upcoming EPwill be deeply personal and expressive: “The EP will include music that tells my story honestly andboldly,whilecelebrating myrootsandtheexperiences thatshapedme.”

Adamsseesthisprojectas more than a musical

release—it is her artistic introduction to the wider world.

“This project will be my introduction to the world as anartistewhoismorethana singer Iamastoryteller Iam someonewhoisnotafraidto speak on the difficult topics and highlight the beautiful ones.“TellMeWhy,”isonly the beginning of what is to come.”

CONNECTWITH CASSIEADAMS

You can follow her journey, stream her music, andreachouttoherthrough herLinktree:

https://linktr.ee/CassieV oxMusic

GreatFalls&SilverHillgetnewwatersupplysystems

Two new water supplysystemsat Great Falls, Region 10 and Silver Hill, Soesdyke-Linden Highway

w e r e o n F r i d a y commissioned.

According to the

Ministry of Public Utilities andAviation, approximately 250 residents of Great Falls will now have improved wateraccessfromanew$15 million water supply system.

This new system includes the development of the existing water well, the installation of a new photovoltaic pumping systemandtherehabilitation of both the well and trestle site.

“Withtheseadjustments, residents now receive water directly to their taps, providingparticularreliefto personnel working at the

village primary school and health centre,” subject ministerDeodatIndarsaidat the commissioning ceremony

Minister Indar said the provision of safe, clean water is a fundamental part of the government’s broader vision of closing the gap between the coast and the hinterland, with the aim of achieving 100% access to potablewaternationwide.

“This is about making surethatwedelivertopeople inthehinterlandcommunity, accesstowaterthattheycan use to cook and drink,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, at Silver Hill, the minister and his team joined residents in commissioning a new $30 million water system. The commissioning of the water supplysystemmarkstheend of strenuous walks to the

creek for approximately 90%ofitsresidents. This publication understandsthatthescopeof

works included three major components-thedrillingofa n

e installation of a sustainable photovoltaic pumping system, and the laying of approximately 3km of distributionnetwork.

Minister Indar told residentsthatthewaterbeing produced from the well is low in iron content, which means it is safe for consumption.

He said too that over the last five year

government through the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) drilled about 131 similar wells in remote and hinterland communities, underscoring a commitment to expanding potable water accessacrossthecountry

The new $30 million water supply system which was commissioned at Silver Hill on Friday

Minister of Public Utilities andAviation, Deodat Indar and his team joined residents at the commissioning of the new water supply system at Great Falls.

Brickdam Cathedral

MARKS 100 YEARS OLD WITH A FESTIVAL OF TREES

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on

Brickdam recently

Theodore Galton in December of 1925, after more that ten years of construction.

Organizer of the 100th yearobservance,Mr Francis Canzius explained that the

celebrated100yearssinceits opening in 1925 with a Festival of Trees The Cathedral was blessed and opened by Bishop Compton

idea of a Festival was brought up a few years ago butnevermaterializedsothis year it was thought fit to bringittomaterialeffect.

However to mark, the 100 years of existence, 13 individualsparticipated.

This is a tree by Marian Academy shows the role of education in the life of children.

A Catholic theme tree adorned with flags of the Vatican.

Canzius noted that catholic organizations and professionals alike made the display possible on Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 November2025.

He said “The displays were open to the general public who wanted to visit, each day from nine in the morning to five in the afternoon.Severalmusicians includingthePoliceMilitary Band and the Police Steel Band played music at various intervals during the twodays.Theeventwaswell received by visitors as it provided a relaxing atmosphere, many of the visitors after viewing the Trees would sit for a while and enjoy the music and the

beautiful ambiance of the Cathedral.”

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, also known as the Brickdam Cathedral, is located on Brickdam Stabroek, Georgetown.

The cathedral is one of the first Ferro-concrete structures to be built in the then British colony The church replaced St. Mary’s Cathedral which was destroyed by fire in 1913. Mere hours after the cathedral was completely destroyedtherewerecallsto haveitrebuilt.

Fundraisingactivitiesfor the new church commenced on March 9, 1913, when the Mayor of Georgetown, Mr

Broad Street squatting area a “humanitarian disaster” -Dr.Campbell

- calls on Govt., city council to address crisis

Member of Parliament for A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Dr Terrence Campbell on Saturday issued a call to the Government of Guyana to partner with the City Council to addressthe“humanitariancrisis” situation at the Broad Street Squattingarea.

In a brief interview with this publication, Dr Campbell said thathewasonanoutreachinthe

area, when his attention was directedtothematter

“This is a humanitarian disasteronseverallevels,health, poverty, human services, educationandwe(M&CC)don’t have the resources.What we are doingasAPNUiscominginand doing a cleanup. We’re going to clean the area. We have bought stuff like Jay’s fluid and bleach. We’regoingtosanitizethearea,”

hesaid.

The businessman turned politician explained that if time permits there were plans to transport a load of sand to the area to cover the soil, which he believes may have all kinds of strange bacteria In the meantime, he issued a call to governmental agencies to lend theirsupport.“Weneedtoseethe Continued on page 46

convened a meeting at the Town Hall chambers. It was at this meetingitwassuggestedthat the new building be built of stone, steel or reinforced concrete.

The design of English architectMr LeonardStokes was selected after his and several other British architects’ designs were submitted. Construction of the new church started in 1914 and its foundation was a large Ferro-concrete raft which also served as the floor.

The materials used to construct the structure were mostly from Guyana; the granitecamefromtheDalga Continued on page 47

Francis Dias

The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception.

Scenes from the squatting area on Broad Street.

Demerara Bank launches ‘Switch Your Mortgage’ promotion

…promises customers a complete financial upgrade

Demerara Bank Limited(DBL), Guyana's only

100% locally owned commercial bank, has launched a 'Switch Your

Mortgage' promotion where it is removing every

barrier that has kept homeowners tied to costly and outdated mortgage arrangement

In a press release, the

bank said that the

promotion will also transform this Christmas intotheperfectopportunity forfinancialfreedom

“For the first time in Guyana, customers can transfer their mortgage

from a n y financial institution to Demerara Bank at absolutely no cost

The Bank will cover 100% ofalllegalfees,courtfiling fees, and processing costs, allowing customers to switch freely and with complete confidence. There are no hidden charges, no external attorney visits, and no long delays, ” the statementsaid.

The bank said that customers who switch will also benefit from a marketleading 5% mortgage interest rate, repayment termsofupto30years,and a fast approval turnaround ofjust48to72hours “The process is designed to be seamless, efficient, and stress-freesavingcustomers both time and money,” the bankassured.

Further, the bank says the promotion goes beyond amortgageandoffersevery approved customer the opportunity to qualify for a “complete financial upgrade package” which includes:

• AVisaCreditCard

• AConsumerLoan

• A Car Loan at just 7%interest

• No additional processingfees

“This powerful product bundle offers families

unmatched financial

flexibility enabling homeowners not only to refinance their mortgage but also to furnish their homes, upgrade their vehicles, and manage everyday expenses with ease all through onetrusted

Chief Executive Officer of Demerara Bank Limited Dowlat Parbhu

bank It's more than refinancing; it's a financial resetbuiltaroundrealgoals, real families, and real peace ofmind.”

The bank said that for nearly three decades, it has stood at the center of Guyana's housing and national development noting that the SwitchYour Mortgage Campaign is “a powerful extension of that commitment a clear demonstration that

Demerara Bank listens, innovates, and delivers solutionsthattrulymatter.”

“Our mission has always been to make home ownership easier and more affordable for every Guyanese,” said the Chief Executive Officer of Demerara Bank Limited

Dowlat Parbu “This promotion is our way of saying you don't have to stay where you are if it's no longer serving you We'll handle your fees, simplify the process, and ensure a fast, secure, and worry-free transition.”

The bank said it is provingthatitisabankthat offers not just loans, but l i f e l o n g fi n a n c i a l relationships built on trust, accessibility, and genuine care “Homeownership is more than a transaction It is a dream, a legacy, and a responsibility that shapes a family'sfuture.

At DBL, customers are not treated as numbers they are treated as people: parents, teachers, entrepreneurs, dreamers Every step of the journey is guided by a dedicated and knowledgeable team that putscustomersfirst.”

Customers who make theswitchwillbenefitfrom Zero Legal Fees, Zero Court Filing Fees, Zero Processing Fees, 5% Mortgage Interest Rate, Up to 30-Year Repayment

Term, 48–72 Hour Approvals, 7% Car Loan, Visa Credit Card & ConsumerLoanIncluded

Luana Primus makes history for...

Frompage39 detection,andpreventivecare

Ialsohopetocollaboratewith local health workers to strengthen existing services and help bridge the gap betweenpatientsandthewider healthcaresystem,”shestated

Additionally, in the long term, she envisioned advocating for improved healthcare facilities, reliable medical supplies, and the necessary equipment needed to make accurate diagnoses andguidepropertreatmentfor patients in Karasabai and surrounding communities in RegionNine.

Also, she wants to create mentorship pathways for young students interested in medicine or healthcare, so they can see a future for themselves in these fields.

“Most importantly, I want to

use my education and experience to ensure that no one in my village feels left behind when it comes to accessing quality care,” she explained.

Having come alone from the hinterland to the capital citytopursueherdreams,Dr Primus commented that her story is proof that it does not matter where you come from orwhichschoolyouattended; what matters is your drive, faith,andhardwork “Godhas guided me every step of the way.”

Beingthefirstdoctorfrom Karasabaiissomethingsheis very proud of, noting it feels humblingandsurreal “While it's my achievement, it also feelslikeitbelongstoallofus It's an honour to carry my village with me in this way,” Dr Primussaid

US-basedGuyaneseToshauna...

Frompage13 from mother, sister, and pastor, while pictures were chosen with the help of her son, to reach the appeal of the3-10agerange. "Someone should ask why should they invest in purchasing this book for their child. What I will say is, I can see first-hand how these things can benefit children.

We've purchased so

Frompage12 success depends heavily on humancapitalreadiness

“The greatest complaint intheprivatesectortodayisa shortage of human capital,” he said, urging workers to embrace upskilling, higher productivity,andacultureof excellencetomatchthepace ofnationaltransformation.

A lack of workforce maturity or inefficiency, he

Despite Guyana's rapid ascent, the President urged discipline

Frompage14

Housingpressrelease,Head oftheNationalDrainageand I

a consultationhadpresenteda

, highlightingthattheexisting network, developed years ago,isseverelystrainedand inadequate for present-day demands Mr Wordsworth noted that increased urban

percentagesofimpermeable

compounding effects of c

exacerbated the problem

many toys for our son, like cars and all of these things.Sometimeshecomes home and play with it for a few and then he would go andplaywithabottle.

It is so easy to get them these things as parents, but being able to affirm; remindingthemthattheyare strong, that they can do it.... that God is your help and things like that, it really helpsalot.”

andlong-termthinking

“We cannot afford to be swept away by the tide of optimism,” he cautioned “Our future is glorious, but w e m u s t t e m p e r expectations.”

He reaffirmed that the Government's approach is to convert oil wealth into productive assets such as

capital development, and diversifiedindustries.

“The economy is in safe hands, your hands, our hands, the nation's hands,” heaffirmed

Data indicates a significant increase in average rainfall, which has moved from approximately three inches 50-60 years ago to between sixandeightinchestoday.

To combat these issues, thegovernmentispursuinga strategy focused on a c o m b i n a t i o n o f rehabilitation works, new drainage infrastructure, increased maintenance protocols, and the deployment of additional pumps to improve overall efficiency This project is a core component of

Region warned that climate change is putting a strain on global food systems

CMC - The former president of theAlliance for aGreenRevolutioninAfrica (AGRA), Dr Agnes Kalibata, says climate change will continue to strain global food systems, and that small island developing states (SIDS) must be prepared for the resultinginstability

She told the audience th attending the 50 Sir Winston Scott Memorial Lecture that many regions are experiencing weather extremes that are disrupting harvests and driving unpredictability in food supply

ShesaidAfricanfarmers havebeenforcedtoadjustto changing rainfall patterns and prolonged dry spells, with direct implications for p r o d u c t i v i t y a n d livelihoods.

Thelecture,organisedby the Central Bank of Barbados, and Kalibata, speaking on the topic,

“Feeding Tomorrow: Innovation Meets Climate Reality” said global trends were already reshaping how countriesfeedthemselves.

She said that climaterelated disruptions in major food-producing regions can reduceglobalsupply,elevate prices, and create ripple effects that reach importdependent nations such as Barbados.

She noted that world f o o d m a r k e t s a r e increasingly sensitive to shocks, and countries without buffers are most exposed.

Responding to the suggestion that young people are not interested in agriculture, Kalibata said

The former president of theAlliance for a Green Revolution inAfrica (AGRA), Dr.Agnes Kalibata

financing for the sector is key

“It's only a backyard activity when we can't harness it. It's only a backyard thing when we can't invest in it. It's only an area where young people don't go because it doesn't make sense. So, we have an opportunity to make this

sectorproductive.”

The former agriculture and animal resources minister in Rwanda said Barbados had already taken some policy decisions that other countries could learn from.

She cited the country's investment in greenhouse production,thetaxonsugarsweetened bev

improvements in school meals, and the protection of agriculturalland.

I

Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Nutritional S

government'seffortstobuild

agriculture, and reduce reliance on open-field

increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather. He spoke of key initiatives involving aquaponics, the training of you

, the introduction of greenhouses in schools, and new vertical farming systems developed withinternationalpartners.

Weir said these efforts were already showing early gains and stressed the need

involvement and a stronger f

d products.

Central Bank Governor Dr Kevin Greenidge said food security and climate resilience are intertwined with our economic stability andourqualityoflife.

“They affect everything fromhouseholdbudgetsand public health to trade, tourism, and social equity. As a central bank, we recognise that climate risks ca

y bec

e financial risks that affect production, investment, and long-term growth. In recent times, including just last week, we've seen first-hand how the unpredictable weather – drought followed by heavy rainfall – has impacted our agricultural outturn,”hesaid.

Guyana's Franchise Director withdraws from Miss Universe...

Frompage30 popularity contest in which ten contestants could win a special dinner with him.

Under the name Top 10 Special Dinner & Talk Show with Queen Victoria and Mr Nawat, he posted photos of more than 120

contestants on Miss Universe Thailand's social platforms, asking the public to like and share. The ten contestants with the most engagementwouldwin.

When Miss Universe learned of this contest, the

organization issued a statement distancing itself from the activity, declaring it inconsistent with the values upheld for over 70 years and forbidding its continuation Nawat responded with a statement claimingthecontestwaspart

of their commercial agreementwithThailand.

The offense toward MissUniverseMexico

Miss Universe Fatima Bosch was at the center of one of the biggest Miss Universe controversies in recent memory During the sash ceremony, tensions

peaked when Nawat criticized some contestants fornotpromotingthedinner HedirectlycalledoutFátima Bosch, Miss Universe Mexico, who said she needed approval from her national directors to avoid conflicts of interest This angered Nawat, who called her a “dumb head.” Fátima defendedherself,prompting Nawat to call security to

removeherfromtheroom. Fátima left voluntarily. When some contestants attempted to follow her, Nawat threatened to remove them from the competition

Rocha later sent a team toThailand,includingMario Búcaro, the new CEO of MissUniverseOrganization, and Ronald Day Despite their arrival, Nawat hosted the presentation ceremony Before the event started,

Nawat held a press conference where he issued another apology through tears Still, he never addressed Fátima directly Shortly after his statement, traces of the controversial popularity contest disappeared from Miss Universe Thailand's social pages Later when Miss Mexicowascrownedthenew Miss Universe allegations surfaced that the entire issue mighthavebeenasetup

Allegedmistreatmentof Miss Grand International's queen

During the presentation ceremony, Nawat brought EmmaTiglao MissGrand International to the stage Observers highlighted his aggressive grip on her arm. Fans also disliked that MGI elements were being mixed into Miss Universe, arguing that the standards were different Past accusations resurfaced,includingclaims by Rachel Gupta, Miss Grand International 2024, who resigned from the organization after alleging

physical,psychological,and emotional abuse from Nawat'scircle.

Low ticket sales for the final

This year's Miss

Universe competition has been met with late ticket

s a l e s a m i d s t t h e controversies

Duetothecontroversies, ticket sales for both the preliminary events and the finalpageant,heldatImpact

Arena in Pak Kret, Thailand, on November 21, were significantly affected.

Because of the time difference, the event will air on Thursday evening in the AmericasviaTelemundo.

Miss Universe Germany givesuphercrown

Oncecontestantsarrived in Thailand, Diana Fast, Miss Universe Germany, was noticeably absent. She chose to remove herself fromthecompetitiontostay home with her five-year-old son and spend time with her family Shesaidthat,hadshe won,shewouldhavespenta year traveling away from home.

Her decision sparked mixed reactions: many supported her choice, while others said she should have made the decision sooner, allowing another contestant torepresentGermany

The organization allowedhertokeephertitle without competing To show her goodwill, Fast made donations to an animalshelterinThailand

Osmel Sousa retires

fromMissUniverse

Osmel Sousa is one of Miss Universe's largest figures He resigned from hispostearlierthisyear

Osmel Sousa, known as the “Beauty Czar,” had workedwithMissUniverse for over 50 years But amid rumors of conflict, he announced his resignation

at the start of the concentration He denied d i s p u t e s w i t h t h e organizationandsaidthathe wanted to spend more time withlovedones.

Miss Universe Chile andhercontroversialvideo

D u r i n g t h e concentration, Inna Moll, Miss Universe Chile, sparked backlash after posting a video where she appeared to pretend to inhale white powder during a makeup session while Shakira's“AddictedtoYou” playedinthebackground.

Critics said the video madelightofdruguse Inna later apologized, claiming the idea came from a persistentmakeupartist

Miss Universe Iceland dropsout

Helena O'Connor, considered one of the competition's frontrunners, withdrewfromtheeventfor personal reasons after feelingill Herorganization confirmed she was recovering but unable to continue.

Food poisoning at Miss Universe Kincsõ Dezsényi, Miss Universe Hungary, was

hospitalizedforseverefood poisoning. Several contestants, including Miss Panama, Miss Honduras, and Miss Estonia, also reported similar symptoms and paused activities while recovering.

Miss Universe Estonia expressesdissatisfaction

After her closed-door

interview, Brigitta Schaback criticized the invasive questions she was asked, saying they reminded her of a job interview where she was rejectedforpersonalreasons. She later reaffirmed her belief that all women deserve equal opportunities and explained that her advocacyplatform“Voiceof Change”wasbornfromthat principle.

W i t h i n a d a y , controversies popped up again, with Harfouch resigning as a judge He cited irregularities, specifically, a secret “improvised jury” that allegedly selected the Top 30 without consulting the eight officialjudges. He also denounced a conflict of interest involvingjudgeJamesIrvin Healy and Miss Universe Paraguay, Yanina Gómez

Harfouch refused to participate further or to performhismusic French football coach Claude Makélélé also resigned without giving details, citing personal reasons

Two new judges, Dr

Nok Chalida (Miss Thailand 1998) and musician Louie Heredia, wereappointed Accidents during the preliminarycompetition Miss Universe Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, suffered a severe fall from the stage during the evening gown portion and was taken out on a stretcher Rocha accompanied her to the hospital,confirmingshehad no broken bones but still required tests Her participation in the final remainsuncertain.

Miss Universe Great Britain, Danielle Latimer, also tripped during her n a t i o n a l c o s t u m e performance but quickly recoveredandcontinued

Fátima Bosch revealed she stepped on glass in her hotel room, injuring her foot She chose to postpone medical care until after the final Miss Universe Persia 2025exposesirregularities

In October, Sahar Biniaz withdrew from the pageant in solidarity with GolshanBarazesh,whowas arrested during a trip to Iran Days ago, Sahar revealed that someone within the organization told her she needed to generate significant financial gains for MUO to advance in the competition.

This marked her second time qualifying for Miss Universe; she previously won Miss Universe Canada 2012 but withdrew due to a hikinginjury

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Broad Street squatting area a “humanitarian disaster”

From page 42 minister of housing here on the ground. We need to see the Minister of Education on the ground. We need to see the Minister of Health on the ground. We need to see the Minister of Human Services on the ground. We need to

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see the Minister of Local Government on the ground,” he pleaded.

He reminded that the City Council is run by the APNU and the party has spoken to its representatives to solicit bins for the area. Additionally, Dr. Campbell said he was contacting Solid Waste Manager at the Georgetown City Council Walter Narine on the matter.

“You have over 300 people apparently living here so you could imagine the amount of solid waste coming out of this [place], and so they will need regular cleanup. So, we really need to put politics aside.

We need the government and the city council to come together, first of all, and bring immediate relief to these people and a long-term solution to their problems, and that’s what we’re looking for,” he added.

Venturing to the area which is a stone’s throw away from the Kaietuer News building, it was observed that a lot of the persons there were cramped into little spaces or residing in dilapidated struc-

From page 36 kisses, and silly puppy zoomies that made everyone laugh.

One snowy afternoon, Emily was playing with CoCo in the backyard when her parents and her brother Daniel joined her.

“Emily,” her dad said, smil-

tures.

A narrow pathway leading to the back of the area was made up of slushy soil and bits of wood. There were also foul smelling garbage heaps piled high and exposed.

One elderly man was ob-

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served living in a structure that is being supported by a flimsy piece of wood.

Up to the time this publication left the scene, the workers attached to the M&CC were on the scene with a bobcat and a garbage truck working their way through the debris.

A Puppy for Christmas...

ing proudly, “you’ve taken such good care of CoCo. You’ve shown us how responsible you really are.”

Her mom added, “We’re so proud of you, sweetheart.”

Emily’s cheeks glowed with happiness — from the cold and from love.

“CoCo is the best Christ-

mas gift ever,” she said. “Not because he’s a present… but because he’s family.”

That Christmas — and every Christmas after — the Larrian family didn’t just celebrate presents under the tree.

They celebrated love, responsibility, and the furry

Attempts to contact Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand and other government officials proved futile.

friend who made their hearts even fuller.

And from that magical Christmas morning forward, Emily never stopped believing that wishes really can come true — when you work hard and love with your whole heart.

The end.

Mother and son lose everything to hurricane...

From page 28 both my personal and professional life. When I first started university, I felt over-

whelmed—not by the workload, but by the expectations I placed on myself and the expectations I be-

lieved others had of me. My advice to future pharmacy students—and students everywhere—is this: do not

let the dreams or aspirations of others dictate your path.” He continued “If you choose your programme because it’s what you truly want, let every effort, decision, and success reflect your goals.

Being a student is challenging, and if your heart isn’t in what you’re pursuing, the journey becomes even harder.”

“Follow your passions, work diligently, celebrate your victories, and learn from every challenge. Growth will follow. A quote that guided me throughout my secondary and tertiary education is by Will Durant: ‘We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”

From the British Virgin Islands to Guyana, this mother and son; story reminds us: no matter the setback, no matter the storm—your spirit defines your victory.

Keep going. Your breakthrough is coming.

(Source: University of Guyana’s (UG) College of Medical Sciences) FOR SALE“Two Fielder Wagons (2012 – 2014),“One Pitbull minibus,“One Toyota Takuma pickup,“Call: Mr. Ralph @ 220-4203 or “WhatsApp 917-287-2767

Maliyah’s Kitchen: A taste of tradition meeting excellent standard requirements

Mithai, Sal Sev and Fudge are b e l o v e d

Guyanese staples nostalgic snacks many of us first enjoyed during our school days and still reach

for today, whether

homemade or neatly packaged on supermarket shelves. It is this enduring lovefortraditionaltreatsthat inspired Maliyah’s Kitchen, aGuyanesebusinesslocated

on Pike Street in Georgetown. Born during the stillness of the COVID19 pandemic, the venture began when founders Mark and Alyssa Singh turned their passion for authentic local snacks into a new income stream, ultimately transforming it into a thrivingenterprise.

Now, the business is

Maliyah’s Kitchen’s GNBS Approved Made in Guyana Certified

successfully certified under theGuyanaNationalBureau of Standards (GNBS) Made in Guyana Certification Mark programme and the GYS 901 Certification programme.

Mr Singh recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic which led to the closureofbusinesses,public transportation and more, the idea was born. “Most of the time was spent at home duringthepandemicandwe wouldwatchmoviesandeat. While purchasing items like mithai, Sal Sev, and fudge, we started paying attention tohowotheragro-processors and businesses packaged their products. We then said toourselves,‘Whydon’twe try making and enhancing theseproductstomakethem more attractive and into a business?”

Brickdam Cathedral...

Frompage42 and Wolga quarries in the Essequibo River and the sand came from Leguan The steel and cement were importedintothecolony. By 1921, the external wallsofthecathedralwhich rose to the height of 24.4 metres (80 feet) were completed The new church,thoughincomplete, was blessed on March 13, 1921. The eastern portion of the building was opened for public worship on December 13, 1925 On April 30, 1927, the church was completed with a heightof60.96metres(200 feet), and a width of 30.48 metres (100 feet) There were plans to have a tower with a rise of 43.9 metres (144 feet) and a spire of 10 97 metres (36 feet), however this never materialized. Thesoleremnantofthe originalcathedral,isaniron statueofOurLady. This was mounted on the western façade of the new structure. The interior ofthechurchisaccentuated by a marble high altar, whichwaserectedin1930; it was a gift to Bishop Galton from Pope Pius XI. In 1938, three other permanent altars, the SacredHeart,OurLadyand St.Joseph,wereinstalled. In 1939, a marble pulpit, a memorial to the Fogarty’s family, was donatedtothecathedral. On October 10, 1960, Reverend Richard Lester Guilly consecrated the C a t h e d r a l o f t h e ImmaculateConception.

the decision to pursue it came naturally Following a rigorous process, the business received its certification on April 22, 2024.

“When people, both locally and regionally, hear that you are vetted by the GNBS, they know you have gone through a rigorous process. We always wanted to stand out from everyone else,”thebusinessmansaid.

The Made in Guyana standards mark is a registered mark that aims to provide recognition to locally manufactured products.

They then decided to startproducingMithai,Milk Powder Fudge, and Sal Sev, aiming to make their snacks stand out from others on the market.

But transforming a cherished passion into a credible business was no easy feat, he emphasised, highlightingthatthelearning curve was both steep and rewarding As the entrepreneurs worked to scale up production without compromising flavour, securing funds from banks and other financial institutions, accessing markets, and understanding foodsafetyregulationswere among their biggest challenges. However, with constant work, he said, “whatinspiredustostartthis venture is to have proper, local, authentic and traditional snacks wellp a c k a g e d i n t h e supermarketsandshops.”

Determined to preserve authenticity,theyadheredto traditional recipes while incorporating modern production techniques to ensure their snacks remain authentic and meet market demands.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) played a pivotal role in their journey As the family worked to transition fromhomemadelunchesand snacks for parties and other customers to supermarket shelves,theylearntaboutthe GNBS and its Made in GuyanaStandardsMarkata GuyExpoevent.

Mr Singh said after learning about the p r o g r a m m

understandingthebenefitsit couldbringtotheirproducts,

It focuses on enhancing thenationalcompetitiveness of authentic Guyanese products certified under the programme, while also building and promoting brand recognition for those products.

Achieving the Made in Guyana Standards Mark boosted the business’s visibility, strengthened consumer confidence, and opened new business opportunities. “It gives you morevisibility Itgivesmore assurance to the consumers and retailers that this is a good product We feel privileged to know that we havebeenrecognisedatthat level. We are very proud,” Singhexplained.

As the business continued to evolve, Alyssa decided to take another significant step, pursuing certification under the GNBS 901 programme. To her, this programme represented more than compliance; it was a strategic investment in the company’s internal foundation.

Thisprogrammeisbased on the National Standard “GYS 901 – Quality Management System for Micro, Small, and MediumSized Enterprises (MSMEs) ” It outlines a quality management system tailored to MSMEs, incorporates essential occupational safety and health requirements, and servesasasteppingstoneto ISO9001:2015certification.

A c h i e v i n g t h i s certification, she said, is a milestone that reflects the brand’s maturity and direction.

“I think it is a very positive development for us and MSMEs. It is a proud moment It is a great accomplishment I feel honoured to have it. I will

adhere to the rules you have to follow to keep the standards. It is something I wanttodobecauseithelpsto makemybusinessbetterand manage paperwork ” Alyssasaid.

Thebusinessreceivedits certification on November 26 at the GNBS’ National Quality Awards (NQA) ceremony The certificate was handed over by Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips toAlyssa and MarkSingh.

Having worked with the Bureau on two certification programmes, she noted that the agency’s staff were very encouraging “You guys helped us 100 per cent Whenever we needed help, we could have called anytime and were provided with assistance. The team guided us every step of the way,”sheshared.

For other small businesses considering certificationwiththeGNBS, she offers simple yet powerfuladvice:“startearly, stay committed, and don’t

shyawayfromtheprocess.”

L o o k i n g a h e a d , Maliyah’s Kitchen GY has no intention of slowing down Plans include expanding the product line, increasing production capacity, building a more substantial online presence, and entering regional markets,whilecontinuingto serve authentic Guyanese flavours and uphold the highest standards of excellence.

Businesses thinking aboutapplyingfortheMade in Guyana Standards Mark or any other GNBS Certification can contact the GNBS’s Certification Services Department. The application forms, along with detailed requirements, can be found on the GNBS w e b s i t e https://gnbsgy.org/certificati on/ (GNBSfeature) For further information, please contact GNBS on telephone numbers: 2190064-66 orWhatsApp: 6924627 or visit the GNBS website:www.gnbsgy.org

Founders, Mark Singh andAlyssa Singh, pose with the GNBS Made in Guyana certificate.

Alyssa Singh receiving the GYS901 certificate from Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips

Gaza death toll surpasses 70,000 as Israel keeps up attacks despite truce

Aljazeera - The death toll from Israel’s genocidal war against the Palestinian peopleinGazahassurpassed 70,000, the Health Ministry intheenclavesays,asIsraeli militaryattackscontinue.

The ministry said on Saturdaythatatleast70,100 people have been killed across the Gaza Strip since Israel’s genocidal war against the Palestinian people in Gaza began on October 7, 2023. More than 170,900 others have been wounded.

The grim milestone

comes as Israel has continued to launch attacks on Gaza despite a United States-brokered ceasefire with Hamas that came into effectlastmonth.

Medics reported earlier on Saturday that two Palestinian children were killed in an Israeli drone attack on the town of Bani Suheila,eastofKhanYounis insouthernGaza.

they were later pronounced dead,medicalsourcessaid.

The area targeted by the attack lies beyond the socalled Yellow Line marking

redeployment boundary agreed under the ceasefire agreement, which took effectonOctober10,sources said.

Also on Saturday, the Israeli military launched ground, naval, and air attacks on several parts of Gaza. M

Palestinians were injured as a result of Israeli

Saturdaymorning

Additionally, attacks hit the eastern areas of Rafah city in southern Gaza

The attacks come a day after Nasser Medical Complex announced the killing of a Palestinian by Israeli drone fire beyond theYellowLineinthetown ofBaniSuheila.

Ismail al-Thawabta,

o

Gaza’s GovernmentMediaOffice, said on Friday that 535 Israeli violations had been documented since the ceasefiretookhold.

“The humanitarian

n Gaza

s d

Al Jazeera that drones dropped a bomb on a group of civilians near al-Farabi

TamerAbuAssi.

y morning, killing two brothers, Juma and Fadi

Thetwoboysweretaken to the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis with critical injuries, where

bombardment in the town of al-Qarara, northeast of KhanYounis.

Israeli aircraft also launched raids in the Tuffah neighbourhood, in the east of Gaza City, on

eriorating at an unprecedented rate, and the Israeli aggression has destroyed infrastructure and essential services,” alThawabta said in a statement.

Trump says Venezuela's airspace should be considered closed as tensions surge

WASHINGTON, Nov

29 (Reuters) - U S

President Donald Trump saidonSaturdaytheairspace above and surrounding Venezuela should be considered “closed in its entirety,”butgavenofurther details, stirring anxiety and confusion in Caracas as his administration ramps up pressure on President N i c o l a s M a d u r o ’s government.

“To all Airlines, Pilots, Drug Dealers, and Human Traffickers, please consider THE AIRSPACE ABOVE AND SURROUNDING

VENEZUELA TO BE

C L O S E D I N I T S ENTIRETY,”Trump said in aTruthSocialpost.

U.S. officials contacted byReutersweresurprisedby Trump’s announcement and unawareofanyongoingU.S. military operations to enforce a closure of Venezuelanairspace.

The Pentagon did not respond to requests for comment and the White House did not provide any furtherexplanation.

In a statement Saturday

afternoon, Venezuela’s government condemned

Trump’s comments, describing them as a “colonialist threat” against the South American country’s sovereignty and incompatible with internationallaw

TheU.S.president’spost “represents a hostile, unilateral and arbitrary act, incompatible with the principles of international law,”thestatementsaid.

MASSIVEMILITARY BUILDUPIN CARIBBEAN

David Deptula, a retired lieutenant general who commanded a no-fly zone over northern Iraq in 1998 and 1999, said Trump’s announcement raises more questions than it answers. Imposingano-flyzoneover Venezuela could require significant resources and planning, depending on the goalsoftheairspaceclosure, he said. “The devil’s in the details,”Deptulasaid.

T h e T r u m p administration has been weighing Venezuela-related optionstocombatwhatithas

portrayed as Maduro’s role in supplying illegal drugs that have killed Americans.

The socialist Venezuelan president has denied having any links to the illegal drug trade.

Reuters has reported the options under U S consideration include an attempt to overthrow Maduro, and that the U.S. military is poised for a new phase of operations after a massive military buildup in the Caribbean and nearly three months of strikes on suspected drug boats off Venezuela’scoast.

Trump also has authorized covert CIA operationsinthecountry.

Maduro, in power since 2013, has contended that Trumpisseekingtoousthim andthatVenezuelancitizens and the country’s military willresistanysuchattempt.

Trump told military service members earlier this week that the U.S. would “very soon” begin land operations to stop suspected Venezuelandrugtraffickers.

VENEZUELAACCUSES U.S.OF‘COLONIAL

AMBITIONS’

Caracas residents who spoke to Reuters criticized Trump’sannouncement.

“I think it’s unfair because people need to travel to work, to do business,toseetheirfamily, andusVenezuelansaren’tat fault for these situations,” said Manuel Romero, a cookingassistant.

Carmen Castillo, a lawyer,saidsheworriedthat manypeoplewon’tbeableto visit their families outside Venezuelafortheholidays.

“We’re confined, here in Caracas, in Venezuela. Of course, it affects us,” she said.

The Venezuelan governmentsaidtheU.S.was demonstrating “colonial ambitions”inLatinAmerica

and called on the international community to reject what it described as an immoral act of aggression

Iran a Venezuelan allythatwasbombedbythe United States earlier this year denouncedTrump’s announcementas“aserious breach of international law

andathreattoglobalaviation safety,” according to Iranian state news agency IRNA Trump’s announcement also amounted to a unilateral suspension of the migrant deportation flights on which nearly 14,000 Venezuelans have recently returned home fromtheUS,theVenezuelan government’s statement added

Flights have been taking place twice a week in recent months amid the Trump

a d m i n i s t r a t i o n ’ s immigrationcrackdown

Maduro and highranking officials in his government, some combination of whom appear almost daily on state television, have decried U S imperialism in their recent comments, butdonotsingleoutTrump byname,astheVenezuelan government may be trying to de-escalate tensions, according to security and diplomaticsources U S SecretaryofStateMarco Rubio had previously been the focus of Venezuelan government ire, but even references to him have

decreasedinrecentweeks. T h e U S b o a t bombings have led to stepped-up surveillance by authorities in the remote northeastern Venezuelan st

s by security agencies and ruling-party supporters stoking fear among locals, four residents and one recentvisitorsaid G P S s i g n a l s i n Venezuela also have been affected in recent weeks amidtheU.S.buildup. Trump’s announcement on Saturday followed a warning last week from the U.S.

Federal Aviation Administration that major airlines faced a “potentially hazardous situation” when flyingoverVenezueladueto a “worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around”thecountry Venezuela revoked operatingrightsforsixmajor international airlines that had suspended flights to the country after the FAA warning.

APalestinian girl carries bread as she walks past destruction left by Israeli air and ground operations in Gaza City on November 29, 2025 [Abdel Kareem Hana/APPhoto]

APNU questions legality of 'tint policy' despite welcoming broad-based implementation

APartnership for National Unity

(APNU) has raised concerns about the government's new 'tint policy', questioning its legality and the readiness of the government to this new approach.

On Saturday, APNU's Member of Parliament

Sherod Duncan said the partywelcomesthedirection thegovernmentismovingon the matter, citizensdeserve a server that is free from

i n c o n s i s t e n c i e s , i s predictable and not vulnerabletoabuse,whether by motorists, enforcement ranks or administrative officers.

However, the party has expressed concern about the “enforcement of tint regulations and the introduction of a new national “tint policy…

Efforts aimed at improving clarity and fairness in tint governance are in principle, welcome.”

Nevertheless,thepartyis arguing, that what is being witnessed is not a sequenced, well- planned reform, but it is instead a string of piecemeal announcements. According to Duncan, Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Waldron first issued instructions that targeted police ranks and the tint on their private vehicles, which invokedthemesofdiscipline andequity

“Only days later, she unveiled a far broader and more sweeping national tint policy, complete with new t h r e s h o l d s , “ r i s k categories,” compliance deadlines, and promises of upcoming legislative amendments. This sequence

and traffic regulation has confirmed that there is “no legislation in Guyana prescribing specific tint percentages. The commonly referenced 65% or 35% light-penetration thresholds

evolved as internal operational practices within theGuyanaPoliceForceand wereneverformallyinserted into the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Regulations

through the required legislativemechanism.”

effect, as enforcement cannotprecedelegislation.A policy cannot outrun the law thatismeanttoempowerit,” hereminded.

Additionally, Duncan pointed to the digital governance architecture noting pointing to two major pieces of legislation: the DigitalIdentityCardActand the Data Protection Act, which have been passed in the National Assembly but havenotbeenenforced.

Vehicles and Road Traffic Regulations, and also undertake the publishing of the technical basis for any proposed standards, while e n s u r i n g t h a t t h e enforcement measures are implemented only after the House had debated on and approved the required changes.

does not reflect a structured policymaking process Instead,itappearsreactive,a string of directives meant to respond to public pressure rather than the product of d

statement.

”

Duncansaidthathisown technicaladvisoronpolicing

The MP explained that the relevant legislation that refers to tinted windows does not reflect any percentages. With this being a crucial point, the Minister acknowledges that the “tint law” must be updated “Therefore,shecannotatthe same time declare that there will be new standards, new allowances, and new waiver systems take immediate

Guyana exported 195,486 of 208,756 ounces of gold declared in first half of 2025 – BOG

…export price pegged at US$2800 per oz.

Of the 208,756.8 troy ounces of gold declared in Guyana for the first six months of 2025, the total volumeofgoldexportedwas 195,486 ounces This is according to the Bank of Guyana's 2025 Half-Year Report.

Central bank reported that gold export receipts amounted to US$556 3 million, a 36.1 percent or US$147.5 million increase compared to the end-June 2024 level of US$408 9 million. This performance was attributed to higher export volumes as well as a significant rise in global prices, with the average export price per ounce climbing by 35.6 percent or US$746.91 to US$2,845.95, up from US$2,099.04 one yearearlier

Thisrevelationcomeson the heels of comments made by President Irfaan Ali, in relationtogoldbeingrefined here.

With five Canadian m i n i n g c o m p a n i e s collectively controlling an estimated 15 5 million ounces of gold across v a r i o u s s t a g e s o f development in Guyana and these projects expected to come onstream before the end of the decade, President Irfaan Ali is hoping that the future entails less gold

leaving Guyana's shore unrefined.

During an event held back in October, President

Ali urged Canadian investors to partner with Guyana in advancing valueadded production in the gold industry, noting his vision for a future where the country exports less unrefined gold and more refined, branded luxury products.

“You must look towards a future in where less gold leaves our shores unrefined, and more leaves as refined gold crafted jewelry and branded luxury goods. And we can do this together, especially given the fact that the next two developments are heavily influenced by Canadian investment,” PresidentAlistated.

Moreover, Guyana recordeda14.9%increasein

gold declarations within the first half of 2025, driven by small and medium-scale miners, who declared 137,440.6ounces.

Central Bank attributed this performance to recent government relief measures, includinga10%reductionin tributors'taxandtheremoval of the 14% VAT on mining equipment and lubricating oil.Thebankalsocreditedan increaseinthedistributionof concessions to small and medium scale miners, leading to a reduction in illegalminingpractices,thus positively affecting the sector

Further, it stated that the sole foreign company, Aurora Gold Mines (AGM) declaration grew by 4 percent to 71,316 2 troy ounces, as the company's

favourable.

AGM is owned by Chinese state-run Zijin Mining Group and is the only foreign company operating a large-scale gold mine in Guyana. TheAurora Gold Project, located in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), is wholly owned by AGM. It holds estimated reserves of 184 tonnes (approximately six million ounces)ofgold.

I n A u g u s t , t h i s publication reported that AGM earned RMB1.4789 billion (over US$200 million) from the Aurora Gold Mine during the first half of 2025. The company's interim report valued the mine's total assets at RMB4 5287 billion and disclosed that it produced 2,039 kilograms (over 71,000 ounces) of gold betweenJanuaryandJune.

“YettheGovernmenthas already begun registering public servants, collecting biometric data, and issuing digital ID cards Senior officials have gone further, indicatingthattheDigitalID will soon be mandatory for employment, banking, remittances, and access to government services, all without the legal protections those Acts were designed to provide,” he said in the statement.

Duncan said too that there is a similar situation with the migration policy, where announcements have been made in relation to new residency requirements, penalties for employers, and biometric tracking of migrants, but there has been no Migration Bill, White Paper, or policy framework has been laid before the House.

“These are not isolated instances of administrative zeal They represent a troubling model of govern

nce in which national systems are launched through public announcements while the legislation needed to regulate and legitimize them i s t r e a t e d a s a n afterthought,”hesaid.

Duncan posited that the tint policy, though not inherently objectionable in its stated goals, cannot be viewed in isolation He argued that the policy fits intoalargerandincreasingly familiar pattern whereby the executive branch is governingbydirectiverather than by statute; “where public compliance is d e m a n d e d b e f o r e parliamentaryoversight;and where the rights and protections of citizens are treated as secondary to a d m i n i s t r a t i v e convenience.”

N e v e r t h e l e s s , i f Government is serious about modernizing the tint regulation, then it should take the correct path by tabling the required amendments to the Motor

“The same principle must apply across all national systems, digital identification, migration governance, election administration, and every other sector where the rights of citizens are affected,” Duncanstressed.

He saidAPNU continues to remain ready to support reforms that improve fairness, transparency, and public safety, but it will “continue to insist that such reforms be grounded in law, not improvisation; in Parliament, not press conferences; and in a governance model that respects the rights and dignity of every Guyanese. Guyana deserves a tint policy, and a digital policy, andamigrationpolicythatis anchored in lawful process, democratic oversight, and respect for the rule of law Is Parliament open for the people'sbusiness?”

Kaieteur News on November29,2025reported that drivers are now allowed to have up to a 35% light penetration on their vehicles without a waiver issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The announcement was made by subject minister Oneidge Walrond amidpublicconcernoverthe Guyana Police Force's tint campaign.

Earlier this week, the ministerorderedranksofthe GPF to remove the illegal tintfromtheirvehicles.

In a short Facebook live stream via her Facebook page, Minister Walrond said that it was observed that there was an exponential increase in requests for tint waivers with simultaneous complaints in relation to “unscrupulous practices and individuals” who are abusingthecurrentsystemin place.

She said that it has becomeclearthatthesystem is burdensome, inconsistent a n d v u l n e r a b l e t o manipulation. The minister disclosed that after taking this into consideration, a comprehensive evaluation of the system was conducted inadditiontoconsultations (Continued on page 10)

APNU Member of Parliament Sherod Duncan.

An aerial view of the Aurora Gold Mine located in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni)

Du Plessis withdraws from IPL 2026 auction to play PSL

(Cricinfo) - Former South Africa batter Faf du Plessis has opted not to put his name in the IPL 2026 auction, choosing instead to play the Pakistan Super League(PSL).

“After 14 seasons in the IPL, I’ve decided not to put my name into the auction this year It’s a big decision, andonethatcomeswithalot of gratitude when I look back,” du Plessis wrote in a statement on his social mediahandles.

“This league has been a massive part of my journey I’ve been lucky to play with world-class teammates, for amazing franchises, and in front of fans whose passion islikenothingelse.Indiahas given me friendships, lessons, and memories that have shaped me as a cricketerandasaperson.”

Du Plessis, who has 154 IPLappearances,didnotrule out a return to the competitioninthefuture.

“Fourteenyearsisalong

time, and I’m proud of what thischapterhasmeanttome. India has a special place in my heart, and this certainly isn’tgoodbye-you’llseeme again,”hesaid.

“This year, I’ve chosen to take on a new challenge and will be playing in the upcoming PSL season,” du Plessissaid.“It’sanexciting step for me - a chance to experience something new, to grow as a player, and to embracealeaguefilledwith incredible talent and energy

A new country A new environment A new challenge I’m looking forward to the Pakistan hospitality.”

In IPL 2025, du Plessis made 202 runs from nine games for Delhi Capitals, andevencaptainedtheteam in two games when their regular captain Axar Patel was injured. However, he wasreleasedbythefranchise aheadoftheauction.

Sunday November 30, 2025

ARIES(Mar 21–Apr 19)

Tension may arise today, Aries.It'spossiblethatyou're either too dreamy or too practical to deal effectively with the issue. It's important to strike a balance The toughest part will be finding otherswhoagreewithyou.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)

Yesterday's trajectory may runintotroubletoday,Taurus. Your intrinsically dreamy nature is dragging down the action you initiated This conflict could create tension that will be difficult to resolve.

GEMINI(May21–June20)

Try to align your mind with youremotionstoday,Gemini. It's possible that a powerful yet subtle force is slowly pullingyouofftrack.

CANCER(June21–July22)

An emotional issue could be rubbing you the wrong way, Cancer Your impulse is to escape. Try to do so in a healthy manner Go see a movie or read a book. Don't fall prey to the temptation to indulgeinalcoholorfood.

LEO(July23–Aug.22)

Yourartisticsidewantstotake to the airwaves in some way, Leo Perhaps you should considerbuildingawebsiteor becomingacommentatorona localradioshow

VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)

It may be apparent that what was so light and active yesterday is running into a few roadblocks today, Virgo. You're suddenly heading into a brick wall with some of the projects you've been working on.

LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)

There may be dreaminess about your emotions today, Scorpio,whichcouldkeepyou from focusing on the task at hand. The aspects dictate that people may be stubborn and confused-andyou'relikelyto beoneofthem.

SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov.21)

Little voices whisper in your ear and ask you to take flight and join them in the clouds, Sagittarius There's tension between what your heart and mind tell you. They're pulling you in very different directions.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21)

Recentspiritualbreakthroughs might have you feeling both exhilarated and downcast, Scorpio. Your sensitive side tells you that this is a definite step forward on your spiritual path.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)

Something or someone may prod you to take action today, Capricorn. It may be best if you beat them to it and motivateyourself.Breakaway fromtheherdandgowherever youwanttogo.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20–Feb 18) You might experience a great deal of emotional confusion,Aquarius.There'sa debatebrewinginsideyou,and you're having a hard time deciding whether to be practicalormorefanciful.

PISCES(Feb.19–Mar 20) It will be a challenge to keep youremotionsonanevenkeel today,Pisces.Conflictmaybe brewing and you might fear it could get out of hand Everythingwillworkout.

Overall,duPlessisisthe fourth-highest run-scorer among overseas players in the IPL. Apart from DC, he has played for Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rising Pune Supergiants, winning the title twice with CSK.

Du Plessis has played in the PSL before, making six

appearances between 2019 and 2021 for Peshawar

Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators.

While the IPL season will be played between March and May, it overlaps with the PSL, which is scheduledbetweenApriland May

11/29/2025

11/29/2025

Du Plessis has 154 IPL appearances and has won two titles with Chennai Super Kings (Associated Press)

Guyana, Barbados Cricket Boards Sign Historic

U-13 Youth Exchange Agreement

In a landmark move for youth cricket in the Caribbean, Head oftheGuyanaCricketBoard (GCB), Bissoondyal Singh, and Head of the Barbados

Cricket Association (BCA), Mr Calvin Hope, have signed a historic

agreement to facilitate an Under-13 (U13) cricket tour to Guyana.

The tournament is scheduledtotakeplacefrom 12th December to 20th Decemberandwillfeaturea five-match series, providing young players from both countries with early exposure to competitive c r i c k e t a n d t h e opportunity to develop t h e i r s k i l l s i n a structured, cross-territory environment.

“The exchange program between Guyana and Barbadosismorethanjusta series of matches,” said Bissoondyal Singh, Head of theGCB.

“It represents a shared vision of nurturing talent, fostering camaraderie, a n d c r e a t i n g opportunities for our young cricketers to thrive

By engaging players at the Under-13 level, we are laying the groundwork for a sustainable and competitive future for cricketintheCaribbean ”

Commenting on the agreement, Mr Calvin Hope, Head of the BCA, said, “This exchange program offers massive benefits for our young cricketers

It provides them with invaluable experience, exposure to different playing conditions, and an opportunity to build friendships and networks beyond our borders Initiatives like this are critical for developing the next generation of talent andensuringthelong-term growth of cricket in the Caribbean”

The GCB emphasized thatthisinitiativeispartof a comprehensive, longterm strategy aimed at strengthening grassroots cricket across Guyana and the Caribbean By providing structured opportunities for young players to compete in international age-group competitions, the program

seeks to identify and nurture emerging talent from an early age, equip them with the skills, discipline,andcompetitive experience needed to excel, and create clear development pathways that lead from grassroots cricket to national and regional representation

Furthermore, the initiative reflects the GCB’s commitment to enhancing collaboration between cricket boards across the Caribbean, fostering knowledge-sharing, best practices in coaching and administration, and a united approach to developingcricketatevery level, thereby securing a strong and sustainable

future for the sport regionally

Itmustbenotedthatthe GCB, in the recent past, h a d s u c c e s s f u l l y conducted an Under-13 exchange program with Trinidad and Tobago, further demonstrating its commitment to providing young players with exposure to competitive cricketacrosstheregion Lookingahead,theGCB is excited to welcome the Barbados team, as together we ignite the dreams and talents of our young cricketers, shaping the next generation of West Indies cricketsuperstarsandsetting a new benchmark for youth development in the Caribbean.

BCApresident Calvin Hope

GCB president Bissoondyal Singh

Match MVPTramaine Marks accepts her award from GCB executive Shaun Massiah after leading with bat and ball for her side yesterday

2025 GCB Senior Women’s Super50 tournament… Essequibo pulls off daring 1-wicket heist on Demerara

Retemiah who grabbed 3-11 as Shonette Belgrave chippedinwith2-12.

Opener Naomi Barkoye (12), Cianna Barkoye (11) and Latisha Johnson (11) weretheprimaryscorersfor Demerara, who imploded during their batting innings, with eight of their players failing to reach doublefigures.

After match MVP

Tramaine Marks was dismissedforabreezy26off 27 (4x4) and Kumarie Persaud’s grueling13 off 41 deliveries helping to somewhatanchorthemiddle passage of the innings; it took a brave fightback from the last pair of Belgraveand YonetteWelcome to pull off adaringheist.

brilliant bowling outcome fromDemeraratoendon789inthe23rdover Skipper and off-spinner

Essequibo held their nerves yesterday to steal nail-biter at the Lusignan Ground,upsettingDemerara by 1 wicket in an exciting Women’s ODI encounter as action continued across the EastCoastyesterday Demerara found themselves in a rough spot afterbeingrestrictedforjust 77 runs in 32 overs, after a brilliant spell from former youth player Cyanna

Belgrave finished unbeaten on 9 while Welcome had 4*, but more importantly showing their composure as they chipped away a double-digit lead in order to scratch past a

KieronPollardtocaptain MIEmiratesinILT20

(Cricinfo) - Kieron

Pollard has been announced as the MI Emirates captain for the upcoming season of the ILT20, which will kick offonDecember2.

Pollard, 38, was unveiled by MIE as a wildcard, along with Nicholas Pooran, after the league’sinauguralauction.

Pollard takes over from Pooran as captain in the ILT20,withthelatteralsoset toplayforMICapeTownin the SA20, with the two leagues clashing in part Havingplayed720matches, Pollard is the most capped player in T20 cricket and is 326 runs away from surpassing Chris Gayle as the highest run-getter in the format. Pollard has scored 14,237runsatanaverageof 31.85 and strike rate of 151.23. Pollard will work withformerIndiaallrounder Robin Singh, the coach, at MIE.

AndreFletcher,Romario Shepherd and Ackeem Auguste lend more West Indian flavour to MIE

W

Kieron Pollard has represented the MI franchise around the world (BCCI)

Fletcher had fetched the highestbidofUSD260,000 at the inaugural ILT20 auctioninOctober

The ILT20’s fourth season, to be held in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, begins on December 2 and will run until January 4, featuringsixteamswhowill playatotalof34matches. MIE will open their campaign against Gulf Giants on December 4 in Dubai. MI Emirates Auction

Signings: Muhammad Rohid (USD 140,000), Jordan Thompson (USD 48,000), Naveen-ul-Haq (USD 100,000), Andre

Fletcher (USD 260,000), Nosthush Kenjige (USD 10,000), Mohamed Shafeeq (USD 10,000), Zain Ul Abidin (USD 10,000), UsmanKhan(USD10,000), Ackeem Auguste (USD 10,000), Arab Gul (USD 10,000), Tajinder Dhillon (USD10,000),ZahoorKhan (USD 10,000), Shakib Al Hasan(USD40,000).

Retentions + Direct Signings: FazalhaqFarooqi, Tom Banton, Romario Shepherd, Chris Woakes, Jonny Bairstow, AM Ghazanfar, Muhammad Waseem,KaminduMendis. Wildcards: Nicholas Pooran,KieronPollard.

Kaysia Schultz returned 225from9oversbutitwasthe brilliance of another spinner in Latisha Jordan, who bagged 4-25 from just 6 overs which almost pulled thingsbackforDemerara.

Women’s 50-Over cricket continues today with a double-header, featuring Essequibo and Berbice at LBI Ground while the

Hinterland Women will be looking to continue their growth when they face Demerara at the Lusignan Ground;withbothgamesset to bowl off from 9:00h resp

permitting.(CliftonRoss)

West Indies eye historic breakthrough in New Zealand after three decades

(CNN Sports) – West Indies head coach Daren Sammy insists his team will enter their upcoming Test series against New Zealand

with confidence and

purpose, buoyed by competitive displays in the recentlyconcludedT20Iand One Day International contests.

Theregionalsidehasnot claimedaTestseriesvictory overtheKiwissince2012in the Caribbean, and a series win in New Zealand has eluded them for more than threedecades.

Their last Test match triumphonNewZealandsoil datesbackto1987,whenthe teams drew a three-match series1-1.

Confidence despite h i s t o r y : S a m m y acknowledged the daunting statisticsbutstressedthatthe team’s mentality has shifted inapositivedirection.

“In the [T20I and ODI] series, we created so many opportunitiestowin.WhenI lookatthesevengamesthat were played, we were in contention to win five of them,butweletitslipaway,

but credit must go to New Zealand on how they’ve madehomeafortress.”

He added that the encouraging performances providedastrongfoundation heading into the red-ball format.

“I was quite impressed with the positives that we had coming out of that seriesandnowwe’reinthe Testmatcharena

We haven’t won here since1995–that’s30years –sowehaveachallengeon ourhands ”

Preparation and

intensity: The West Indies will first contest a two-day warm-up match against a NewZealandXIbeginning Wednesday, and Sammy has already been pleased with the focus shown duringtraining

“I was just watching these guys prepare and the intensity at training today is something that we’ve spoken about, and to see the immediate reaction to the things that we want to see, I’m quite happy with the way preparations are going,” he said following

Monday’spracticesession

Targeting a statement finish-Sammymadeitclear that the objective extends beyond merely competing, West Indies want to leave New Zealand with a series victoryandclosetheyearon apositivenote.

He pointed to their most recent Test against India as evidence of the team’s ability to push elite opposition.

“First, in order to win, you must be able to compete, and we have to compete,”hestressed

“We came from India, and we pushed them into a fifth day in a Test match, something that has not been done in a while in India ”

Mindset over numbers: While acknowledging that statistics may not favor his side, Sammy remains

encouraged by the internal beliefandgrowingidentity withinthesquad

“We might not have the numbers behind us coming into New Zealand, but I think the mindset that we have here and what we’re trying to create here is good, and it boils down to execution One thing we’ve shown over here is that we challenge them. In the T20I series, in the ODI series, I don’t think the results reflected on how we played.”

, Sammy believes the West Indies are poised to challenge New Zealand in the longest format, and perhaps rewrite a stubborn chapter of their cricketing history

Daren Sammy

Waramuri,SantaRosatoclashforMVPGirlsU-11Footballcrown

The stage is set for a thrilling finale

in the MVP

Sports Girls Under-11 Pee

W e e F o o t b a l l Championship,asWaramuri and Santa Rosa advanced to the title match after hardfought semifinal victories yesterday at the Ministry of EducationGround.

The two finalists secured their spots in

contrasting fashion, setting up a compelling battle for the coveted Under-11 crown In the first semifinal, Waramuri delivered a disciplined performance to defeat St John the Baptist 2-0 After a tightly contested first half, Waramuri broke the deadlock late in the game. Alina Lewis opened the scoring in the 37th minute, and teammate Altia

Markssealedthevictoryjust three minutes later with a crucial second goal in the 40thminute.

The second semifinal provided high drama, requi

g

p

nalty shootout to decide the finalist

Santa Rosa and Marian Academywerelockedat11 after regulation time, forcingspot-kicks.

Santa Rosa ultimately triumphed 5-4 from the penaltymark.

Marian Academy had taken an early lead with a strikefromEllaFernandes in the 12th minute However, Santa Rosa displayed resilience and fought back, with Rovena

Johnson netting the equalizer in the 46th minute to force th

dramaticconclusion

Earlier Quarterfinal Action The semifinalists built their momentum

quarterfinals Santa Rosa announced their intent with a resounding 15-0 victory over St Aloysius, while Marian Academy secured a comfortable 3-0 winagainstWestRuimveldt. Whil

defensive strength with a 2-0 win over Potaro, and

S

narrowly edged Agatash 1-0 to book their place in thefinalfour

Thechampionshipfinal between Waramuri and Santa Rosa will be the highlight of the upcoming matchday, which will also see Marian Academy and StJohntheBaptistcontest

the third-place playoff

Belowisthecomplete listofresults.

CompleteResults

Semifinal1

StJohntheBaptist-0vs. Waramuri-2

AlinaLewis-37th

AltiaMarks-40th

Semifinal2

MarianAcademy-1vs. SantaRosa-1

SantaRosawon5-4on penaltykicks

SantaRosascorer

RovenaJohnson-46th

Marianscorer

EllaFernandes-12th

Quarterfinal1

Potaro-2vs.Genesis-0

DeavannaSpencer-1st and26th

Quarterfinal2

StJohntheBaptist-1vs. Agatash-0

AmiraEdwards-7th

Quarterfinal3

SantaRosa-15vs.St

Alouysius-0

RovenaJohnson-4th, 11th,12th,13th,16th, 30th,35th,39th,40th, and41stBreAtkinson6th,10th,and17th

AavaWilson-2nd

NaomiHenry-37th

Quarterfinal4

WestRuimveldt-0vs MarianAcademy-3

HaleyHaberkorn-38th and40th

EllaFernandes-35th

Preparations underway for KMTC Boxing Day Horse Race Meet 2025

BySamuelWhyte

The event, which is one of the biggest for the Christmas season, is slated for December 26 at the prestigious Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) venue at Bush Lot Farm,Corentyne,Berbice.

Preparations are well on the way, and an actionpacked day of racing is anticipated.

The KMTC is dubbed one of the premiere horse racing facilities in the country with several amenities for proper horse racemeetsinplace.

There are seven races listed on the day, with the feature event billed for all horses over one mile for a winner’s take of $2M and a trophy

Another top race will be the sprint classic over five furlongs for a pole position take of $700,000 and a trophy

TheGandloweranimals willbattleoverfivefurlongs for a first prize of $500.000 andatrophy

The 2 years old maiden Guyana-bred animals will race over five furlongs for a winner’s prize of $350,000 andatrophy

Animals in the “I” and lower category will match stride for a top prize of $350,000andatrophyover7 furlongs.

TheLandKclasshorses are set to compete over 6 furlongs for a $350,000

Mrs. Chand Kennard

winner’stakeandtrophy

The final event listed is for horses classified L and lowerthathaveneverearned any prize money over 6 furlongs for a reward of $350,000andatrophy.

The Boxing Day meet is one of the biggest meets organisedbytheclub.

Theoutstandingjockeys, trainers and stable will all receive trophies and other accolades compliments of Businessman Ramesh Sunich of the Trophy Stall Guyanafame.

According to Mrs. Chan

Kennard, preparations are going well and several owners and sponsors have already indicated a willingnesstobeapartofthe day’saction.

Mrs. Kennard has been associated with the sport of horse racing for close to 60 years, since the days of DurbanPark.

The meet will be held using the rules of the Kennard Memorial Turf Club.

Interested persons can contact any executive of the clubforfurtherdetails.

West Ruimveldt, Charlestown to battle in virtual final as Republic Bank Football ends today Nawaz and Afridi blow

Sri Lanka away to seal tri-series for Pakistan

(Cricinfo) - Pakistan thundered to victory in the final of the tri-series, their attack blazing through the last nine Sri Lanka wickets for 30 runs, before their batters carried them without major drama to a target of 115. The victory cameinthe19thover

Earlier, it had been three-wicket hauls for Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz, and two wickets for Abrar Ahmed, that had seen Pakistan produce the definitive passage of the game - the second half of SriLanka’sinnings.

Sri Lanka had been 84 for 1 in the 11th over when Nawaz had Kusal Mendis caught athletically by Babar Azam, on the boundary

They would nosedive spectacularly from there, losing wickets to spin mainly, but pace too, until they were all out for 114 in 19.1overs.

The chase was lowtempo, but mostly smooth.

Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub put on 46 together Babar then produced a

steady 37 not out to guide the team home in plenty of time.They never hit a high gear. But they didn’t need to.

How do you go from a 64-run second-wicket partnership to 114 all out?

Let Sri Lanka show you how

The spinners drove the collapse After Nawaz dismissed Mendis, Abrar and Ayub ran riot, Abrar having Kusal Perera and Pavan Rathnayake caught attemptingbigshotswithin three balls of each other Ayub had Sri Lanka’s topscorer Kamil Mishara caught,beforeNawazcame back to rattle the stumps of Janith Liyanage and WaninduHasaranga.

To give you an idea of how quickly wickets were falling,SriLankahadseven consecutive partnerships worthsixrunsorfewer

Ascoreof37notoutoff 34isn’texactlystellarT20I material, but in the context ofhavingtoguidetheteam to a low target, Babar’s innings was sensiblypaced. It may not deter his critics exactly, but it might holdthemoff.

In a stretch in which Babar has been suggesting that the best version of himself might be back, it was also significant that he had such a good outing in thefieldinthismatch.

The catch to dismiss Mendis was a nicelyjudged overhead take, balancing to keep himself inside the boundary The catch to dismiss Mishara was taken on the run, cominginfromthestraight boundary, diving forward.

TogetRathnayake,heleapt up inside the circle to hold the catch with outstretched fingers.

Although Sri Lanka would fail spectacularly to build on it, their young opener Mishara had set a launching pad with his 59 off47balls.

He had a powerful aerial game inside the powerplay, his three sixes in that phase coming in the arc between long off and deepmidwicket.

After the field went back, he settled into a rhythmofsingles.Withthis beinghissecondsuccessive half-century, Sri Lanka are likelytopersistwithhim.

The league trophy may bespokenfor,butadifferent kind of glory is on the line today at the Ministry of Education Ground. As the Republic Bank Under-18 Secondary Schools Football Leage (SSFL) reaches its climax, the spotlight falls squarelyonWestRuimveldt SecondaryandCharlestown, who face off in a winnertake-allbattleforachanceto r e p r e s e n t G u y a n a internationally Wi t h d e f e n d i n g champions Chase Academy having secured the title and one qualification spot, this

decisive matchup will determinewhojoinsthemat the KFC International Goodwill Schools Football Championship.

The prize elevates this encounter from a mere fixture to a season-defining quest.

On one side stands West Ruimveldt, a model of consistency and defensive grit. Their path has been carved through resilience and a unwavering sense of purpose,provingtheirmettle whenthepressureishighest.

Opposing them is a Charlestown side fueled by

Some of the action from Saturday's card

offensive firepower and creative flair Their journey has been electrifying, filled with breathtaking goals and abeliefthathascarriedthem through tight contests. For their players, the dream of playingontheregionalstage provides a powerful emotionalcharge.

This is the final, captivating storyline of the RBL SSFL season. For 70 minutes, two contrasting philosophies will collide, withaplaceintheCaribbean spotlightawaitingthevictor The threshold of glory awaits.

Norris ‘will try everything’ to win title in Qatar

(BBC Sport) - Qualifying did notgohowLandoNorriswantedit toontheweekendonwhichhecan clinch the Formula 1 drivers’ title forthefirsttime.

TheBritonsaidhewentintothe finalsessionthatsetthegridforthe Qatar Grand Prix feeling “convinced I would have been on pole”.

From there, the McLaren driver’s chances of winning the race - the result he needs to be absolutelysureofbecomingworld championonSunday-wouldhave beenhigh.

Instead, Norris was beaten into second place by his team-mate OscarPiastri.IftheAustralianwins therace-ashedidthesprintbefore grandprixqualifyingonSaturdaythetitlebattlegoestothefinalrace inAbuDhabinextweekend.

ThereisalsoMaxVerstappento take into account, a driver who instils such fear in his rivals that McLaren’s chief executive officer Zak Brown described the Dutchman as like the villain in a

horror

The the together race N penu season Lusail 22-point over T many simple champion; do,theracegoeson.

Which is why starting second, on the dirty side of the track, from which he is likely to make a lessgood start than Piastri and Verstappen, is not exactly what Norrisneeded.

How does Norris rate his title chances?

Norris, who qualified and finished third in the sprint, said:

“Yesterday,Ididn’treallyfeellikeI hadthepaceforpole.Today,Ifelta lot more comfortable and

convinced I would have been on pole. But I’m not now I’m pretty disappointed with myself because ofthat.”

Norris was on provisional pole after the first runs in the final sessionofqualifying,havingedged Piastribyjust0.035seconds. ThroughTurnOneontheirfinal runs, Norris believed he had already gained 0 1secs on his

previous best, and was feeling good. But the lap went awry at the nextcorner

The front of the car lost grip, keptlosinggrip,andNorrishad abort to prevent going off the track.

That opened the door for Piastri, who ran thorough it with gustototakepoleby0.108secs.

“Turn Two, I’m not sure,” Norris said. “I don’t know if the d changed a touch or something. I just pushed into a small understeer and that cost me, basically

“Ihadtoabort.Iwasgoingtogo off the track. The understeer got worseasIwentthroughthecorner AndIdamagedaflooryesterday.I didn’twanttodamageanotherone today

“I was confident today that I could have been on pole, but I’m not.Thatofcoursemakesitaworse feeling.

“ButOscardidagoodjob,soI can’t take anything away from the fact that he’s driven well all weekend.

“I paid the price for my mistakes.It’sstillnotabadday I’m stillsecond.Istillfeltalothappier with the car, so I’m definitely feelingbetteraboutthings.Imissed my opportunity to make my life a loteasier(fortherace).”

Why was Norris so perturbed? Afterall,hewasjustaplacebehind oneofhistitlerivals,andoneahead oftheother

It’s because overtaking is so difficultatQatar,whichmeansthat if Piastri gets into the first corner first,heislikelytowintherace.

Norris pretty much said as much.

“Probably just the start (is my opportunity), yes,” Norris said. “JusttherundowntoTurnOne,but I’monthedirtysideofthegrid.SoI don’t have the highest expectations,butwe’llseewhatwe cando.

“I probably can’t take risks from the dirty side of the grid. I’ll make the decision when I arrive intoTurnOne.”

Norriswillhavetostart onthedirtysideofthe Lusailtrack(GettyImages)

Santa Rosa to clash for MVP Girls U-11 Football crown

Mohammad Nawaz picked up 3 for 17 in his four overs (Getty Images)

Charlestown and West Ruimveldt captains face-off with the championship trophy ahead of their battle for second place in the Republic Bank League.