...warnsparentsofdrugsdisguisedas sweets ‘candy cartel’ –completionin18months US$60 million Chateau Margot
Drugsdisguisedas candy,seizedbyCANU
parties on campaign finance transparency ANSA McAL to ship locally made products across the Caribbean Carter Center presses Mega Mall rising at
The Carter Center Observer Mission on Friday called on Guyanese political parties that contested the 2025 general and regional elections to submit their campaignfinancereports.
InastatementFriday,the mission outlined that under Guyana’s Representation of the Peoples Act (RPA),
political parties that contested the recent election are required to submit postelectionfinancialreports to the Guyana Elections Commission within 35 days ofthedeclarationofresults.
“Withpublicationofthe results in the official gazette onSept.16,thesereportsare due for submission to the chief election officer of G u y a n a E l e c t i o n s Commission (GECOM) imminently The Carter Centerencouragesallparties tocomplywiththisreporting requirementasasteptoward fostering a culture of t r a n s p a r e n c y a n d accountability,” it was stated.
The Carter Center said it w i l l i n c l u d e recommendations related to campaign finance reform in itsupcomingfinalreport.
Ahead of the September 1 elections, the international elections observation missionaccusedthePeople’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government of misusing state resources including the state media in its ongoing campaign to conjure up support for the polls.
The mission said it receivedmultipleallegations from political parties and civil society that the ruling party misused state resources.“Socialmediaand news reports are also rife withphotographssuggestive of this problem. The use of
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.
state resources for party campaigning runs contrary to Guyana’s international obligations with respect to campaign finance,” the organisationoutlined.
T h e c e n t e r h a d underscored allegations against the government abouttheuseofstate-owned vehicles to use in campaign activities The body also slammed the government’s widespread spending, which it explained puts competing political parties at a disadvantage.
When it released its preliminary findings on the elections, the mission had urged the incoming government to implement reforms aimed at fostering a more equitable electoral process and restoring public confidence in Guyana Elections Commission and thecountry’sdemocracy
Among the Center’s key recommendations are: constitutional reforms, c a m p a i g n f i n a n c e regulations, and structural changestoGECOM.
D u r i n g a p r e s s
conference held in Georgetown Guyana, Jason Carter, head of the Carter Center Mission, emphasised the urgent need for systemic reform in Guyana. He said, “Wehavecalledforyearson Guyana’sleaders,inthisnew government and parliament, whomever, they may be to
continue the crucial
discussions around constitutional reforms to implementcampaignfinance reform, it is especially important to ensure there is equal access to public information about the contracts that are about the things that affect people in theirdailylives,andthisisa
crucial issue between elections.”
He urged Canadian investors to partner with Guyana in advancing valueaddedproductioninthegold industry, noting his vision for a future where the country exports less unrefined gold and more refined, branded luxury products. The head-of-state madetheappealonThursday eveningwhileaddressingthe Canada-GuyanaChamberof Commerce’s Maple Leaf G ala 2 02 5 held in Georgetown.
“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, especiallygiventhefactthat the next two developments are heavily influenced by Canadian investment,” PresidentAlistated.
He pointed out that Guyana’s current trade relationship with Canada, valued at approximately C$272 7 million in 2023, remains largely commoditybased,withgolddominating thecountry’sexports.
Ali said that Canadian exports to Guyana totaled C$59 1 million, while
imports from Guyana stood at C$213 5 million PresidentAli noted that this structure where Canada supplies technology and machinery, and Guyana exports raw minerals must evolve.
“If there is one clear messageinthesenumbers,it is that Guyana must move frombeingasupplierofraw materialstobeingaproducer and exporter of refined and high-valuegoods,”hesaid.
Ali stressed that countries dependent on unprocessed commodity exportsremainvulnerableto global price swings and external shocks, something thatGuyanahasexperienced in the past. He underscored that value addition and industrialprocessingarekey tosustainabledevelopment.
“The path to sustainable development runs through valueadditionandindustrial processing in the global marketplace if we are to secure the gains of our new eraofgrowth,onedrivenby
banking on these projects to drive substantial growth for theirshareholders.
ArisMining –ToroparuProject Aris Mining controls the Toroparu Gold Project located in Guyana’s Region Seven, Cuyuni-Mazaruni district which boast 5 4 million ounces of gold placing it among the largest undevelopedgoldprojectsin theregion.
Aris Mining owns the project entirely through its subsidiary, ETK Inc The
oilandgasandareenergized productive sector, then we must ensure that our trade relations evolve beyond the simple exchange of unprocessed goods for imported machinery,” he said.
He further, highlighted the potential of the partnership, especially that
technology, clean energy, and manufacturing can complement Guyana’s growingopportunities.
“Guyana, in turn, is a frontier of opportunity We havevastnaturalresources,a youthful population and a government committed to modernization and diversification,”hesaid.
TheCanadiancompanies operating in Guyana’s minin
h exploration, feasibility studies, and permitting Manyofthecompanieshave praised Guyana’s miningfriendly policies and are
Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the project,whichisexpectedto be completed in the third quarterof2025.
The Toroparu gold project is an explorationstage open pit gold project. The Aris Mining team had confirmedthatToroparuisa large-scale gold-copper deposit with an updated measured and indicated resource estimate of 5 4 million ounces of gold and 118 thousand tonnes of copper, and an inferred resource estimate of 1 2 millionouncesofgold.
With key infrastructure for the project, including a camp,airstrip,andsiteroads, alreadyinplace,ArisMining is now reviewing its development strategy, hinting at possible shifts in how it will advance the site amid intensifying activities inGuyana’sgoldsector
Notably, a 2011 mineral agreement with the Government of Guyana establishedatieredgold
Continued on page 6
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Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456
Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
Overtheyears,thestorieshavebeenthesame,onlythe namesoftheschoolschange.
From the coastland to the hinterland, from Berbice to Bartica,andnowagainontheEastCoastofDemerara,our nation's schools continue to fall apart under the weight of neglect. Leaking roofs, crumbling walls, no furniture and now pigeon and bat infestations. These are not new headlines.Theyaresymptomsofasystemthathaslearned tolivecomfortablywithfailure.
Just this week, the Ministry of Education announced it wouldconductassessmentsofschoolsontheEastCoastand EastBankfollowingreportsofpigeoninfestationattheBV Primary School. This comes barely a year after a similar disgrace unfolded at Charlestown Secondary, where students and teachers were forced to endure classes alongside droppings, feathers, and the stench of disease. Parents had to step in, and only then did the authorities “investigate.”
And now, even as we write, the WIN Party has highlighted yet more cases in the hinterland — same problems,sameneglect,sameexcuses.
Howmanytimesmustthenationbeembarrassedbefore someone takes real responsibility? How can a country boasting of multi-billion-dollar bridges, highways, and gleaming new offices continue to let its children learn in filth?
Itisdisgraceful.Itisindefensible.Itisunpatriotic.
Our schools are not falling apart because of poverty or lack of resources, they are collapsing because of poor supervision, zero accountability, and a culture of bureaucraticindifference.Teachershavebeenspeakingout for years, reporting these issues through “the proper channels.”Too often, their reports go unanswered. Memos vanish. Promises are made. Then nothing happens, until parentstaketothestreetsorthemediaforcestheissueinto thespotlight.
Wehaveseenitallbefore.Parentsclosingdownschools inprotest.Childrensenthomebecausetheirclassroomsare unsafe. Teachers staging sit-outs because of unbearable conditions.Itisacycleofshame,onethatrepeatsbecauseno oneisheldtoaccountfortheneglect.
Every child deserves a clean, safe, and functional learningenvironment.Thatisnotaluxury,itisabasicright. When classrooms are overrun by pigeons and bats, when roofs leak onto blackboards, when chairs are missing and toilets are unusable, we are not just failing our children academically;wearebetrayingthemmorally.
The government boasts regularly about the number of new schools being built and yes, new infrastructure is important.Butprogressisnotonlyaboutcuttingribbons;it isaboutmaintainingwhatalreadyexists.IftheMinistryof Education cannot properly maintain its existing schools, what confidence can parents have that the new ones won't fallintodisrepairinafewshortyears?
It is time for the government to stop reacting and start governing.
Here are some solutions that go beyond the publicrelationsresponse:
Establish a Continuous School Monitoring and MaintenanceUnit.
This unit should operate under the Ministry of Education.Itsjobmustbetoconductroutineinspectionsnot onlywhenscandalserupt.Reportsshouldbemadepublic. Secondly, empower headteachers with budgetary control. Many minor repairs — a leaking pipe, a damaged door, broken desks could be fixed locally if schools were givensmalldiscretionarybudgets.Headteachersshouldnot havetobegorwaitmonthsforsimplemaintenance.
Thirdly, every Education District Officer should be requiredtosignoffquarterlyontheconditionofschoolsin their region. If a school falls into ruin under their watch, theremustbeadministrativeconsequences.
Dear Editor,
The situation unfolding attheBVPrimarySchool,as happened in the Kwakwani PrimarySchoolbefore,isnot just a minor maintenance issue; it is a profound and damning indictment of the former APNU-led Regional Democratic Council in Region4andRegion10,the Ministry of Local Government under the former leadership of Ms. Sonia Parag and the former MinistryofEducationunder the leadership of Ms. Priya Manickhand.
As a collective the PPP and APNU, failed the studentsofthiscountryinthe mostbasicdutyofcare.
The teachers' refusal to work is not an act of defiance, but a desperate, last-resortmeasuretoprotect the health of their students andthemselves
But what is most disgusting is to see the approach taken by Minister Sonia Parag; it illustrates a high degree of indifference from her and her close team If the WIN Team did not highlight this matter, would she have taken action? To the Honourable Minister, we must ask: How many children must cough themselves hoarse? How many teachers must develop respiratory infectionsbeforethiscrisis registers on your list of priorities?
Let's be unequivocal: there is no valid excuse for thisneglect.
The Ministry of Education defenses on this matterareflimsyatbest.
A health crisis of this magnitude, where the very air students breathe is toxic, demandsimmediatenational intervention. Hiding behind bureaucratic buck-passing while children's health deteriorates is an abdication of leadership, plain and simple. To hear Minister Parag saying "We are aware of the situation and are looking into it", was shocking.
The teachers and parents are not reporting a potential future problem; theyaredescribinga current and ongoing health emergency Pigeon guano dust, which contains fungi t h a t c a u s e Histoplasmosis—a serious lung infection is not somethingyou"lookinto." Itissomethingyoueradicate with urgency Pigeon droppings, which can harbour over 60 known diseases, are not a cosmetic nuisance; they are a biohazard.Your"awareness" is meaningless without decisiveaction.
And why Minister Parag cannot get off on this one? On both fronts, the Ministry of Local
Government and the Ministry of Education, she
was in the seat and did absolutely nothing to help the children, until the WIN Team brought this matter to light. To hear excuses of budgetary constraints, delay a solution, totally exposes that the Minister of Education just does not understandhermandate. As a politician, she must know that no dollar figure can be attached to the cost of a school child's lung function asaresultofapigeonandbat infestation.
Honourable Minister Parag, your title is not merelyceremonial.Itcomes with a moral and legal obligation.
You are the custodianof our nation's future our children. By allowing this infestationtopersistwithout any clear action plan that is communicated to the nation issendingachillingmessage to the people. You are not ready for national leadership.
We therefore offer the following suggestions and demand you publicly and immediatelyimplement:
1 Declare a State of Emergency for the "at risk schools" and mobilizing immediate pest control and biohazard cleaning teams. Gosh man – you can just approachRENTOKIL?
2 P r o v i d e a Transparent Timeline to this nation, for the remediation process A
specialsessionofthePTAof theschoolshouldbecalledto communicate directly to parentsandstaff.
3 Arrange Immediate Temporary Facilities to ensure education continues without compromising health, while the main buildingissanitized.
4 InstituteaNational School Sanitation Audit: Every school in Guyana mustbeinspectedforsimilar infestations and health hazards.Publishthefindings and a transparent, funded plantoaddressthem.
The teachers of BV Primary have shown more leadership by taking a stand toprotecttheirstudentsthan theMinistryhasinitsfailure toactontime.
The teachers havedone theirpart.Theballisnowin your court Minister Parag. Thenationiswatching.Will youcontinuetopresideover a ministry that allows its schools to become hazardouswastesites?
Iwanttogoonrecordto thank the WIN Team for bringing this matter to the public's attention and for visitingtheschool.
This nation salutes your good work in support of the welfare of the parents, teachers and students who were exposed to this biohazard. Keep up the good work and we shall remember
Vishnu Prashad
DearEditor,
Residents have drawn my attention to worrying defectsnowappearingonthe newly opened Buzz Bee
Dam–Craig road linkage
The surface already shows signs of warping and waviness, visible failures that no brand-new G$10 billion highway should exhibit mere weeks after commissioning.
According to an independent engineer who assessedtheroad,“Whatwe
Fourthly,parentsmusthaveaformalroleinmonitoring the physical condition of schools. A simple monthly checklist—classroomcondition,sanitation,repairsneeded cankeepeveryonealertandinvolved.
And finally, each year, an independent team should assessschoolinfrastructurenationwide,rankingfacilitiesby condition. That report must be published, not hidden in ministerial drawers.These are not complicated ideas.They are basic systems of governance, the kind that any serious nation employs to safeguard its most valuable resource: its children.
Ifwecantrackoilbarrels,monitorforeigninvestors,and boastaboutGDPgrowth,wecansurelykeeptrackofleaking roofsandpigeoninfestations.
Guyana's education revolution will mean nothing if the nextgenerationlearnsunderceilingsthatdripandwallsthat crumble.Atrue“world-classeducationsystem”beginswith aclassroomthatissafe,sanitary,andworthyofourchildren.
Untilwefixthatandfixiteverywhere,notjustwhenthe cameras arrive no number of new schools will make us a bettercountry.
Ourchildrendeservebetter
see here is a failure in the wearingcourse,theasphaltic layer of the road ” He explains that this kind of failure points to deeper structural problems in the construction process, either by the contractor, the supervising engineer, or both.
In technical terms, the problem lies beneath the asphalt. The sub-base and base courses appear to have beenimproperlycompacted, falling below the ASTMrequired 95% Proctor Density When those layers move, the asphalt above them warps. The engineer further warns that a failed clay shoulder could be worseningtheinstability:“A road is only as strong as its shoulder.”
These are not cosmetic flaws; they are signs of systemic failure and require urgentinvestigation.
This road, completed hurriedly before the 2025
elections,nowraisesaseries ofquestionsthattheMinistry of Public Works must answer:
W h a t w a s t h e construction period for this project,fromstarttofinish?
Was the Practical Completion Certificate properlysignedoff?
What is the duration of theDefectsLiabilityPeriod?
Ifthatperiodhasexpired, who bears responsibility for repairs?
What engineering procedurewillbeadoptedto correctthedefects?
At whose cost will the works be redone if the contractor has already been paidinfull?
This is not the first time Guyanese taxpayers have faced such outcomes. The Schoonord-Crane four-lane highwayopenedwithcracks and crumbling concrete within days; the Heroes Highwaydrewcomplaints
(Continuedonpage5)
DearEditor,
It has been drawn to my attention that after no pushback by Lindeners of thedismantlingoftheiconic Mackenzie Sports Club's (MSC) main club house and concrete pavilion in December 2023, the Government through its Sports Minister Honourable Charles Ramson Jr and his colleagues, have now taken steps to demolish the main public swimming facility, the Mackenzie Swimming Pool from its current location on Greenheart Street.
Onewondershowsucha decision was taken and pondersonthereason(s)this Government is bent on destroyingtherichlegacyof whatwastheMSC;arguably the only true multi-purpose sports, and by extension cultural facility, ever in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.
This one of a kind MSC facilityonGreenheartStreet in Mackenzie, was built by then Canadian-owned DemeraraBauxiteCompany (DEMBA), to enhance sports across Linden, and was handed over to the community to be managed
by a Committee of Management elected by its members, dating back to 1956.
Regardless of this, DEMBA throughout its tenureintheminingtownof Linden, carried out major maintenanceofthefacility
It was derived out of a needwhichwasagreedupon by the company's management,inconsultation
Frompage4 about its uneven surface soon after completion. Yet each time, the public is told the defects are minor, while thecostsandexcusespileup.
withthehundredsofworkers who came from all parts of Guyana, namely Berbice, Georgetown and West Demerara; not forgetting those who journeyed from the 'Small Islands', to make here their home and live in the sprawling communities k n o w n t h e n a s Christianburg, Wismar and Mackenzie.
This decision to construct that main concrete facility with pavilions was one that the residents appreciated,andembracedit astheirown.
All sports were accommodated at this central location such as athletics, football, cricket, h o c k e y , b o x i n g , weightlifting, powerlifting, cycling, rugby and even motor bike racing; not forgetting lawn tennis, basketball, netball and swimming; all were accommodated, along with indoor sports like table tennis, billiards, chess, bridge, draughts, dominoes being logged as part of this nationally known and popular multipurpose sports facility No other sports venue across Guyana compares to what was the Mackenzie Sports Club, in retrospect, perhaps an enviedsportsinstitution.
In August 2020, the Minister of Sports Charles RamsonJr MP,journeyedto Linden and spoke to the Committee of Management of the Mackenzie Sports ClubheadedbyitsPresident Avery Trim, seeking its blessings to modernize the M S C T h e M S C
TheBuzzBeeDamroad cannot become another case of ribbon-cutting before readiness.
Management Committee aftercarefulthought,agreed in principle to make it an improved multipurpose facility, since there was the needtoupgradethevenue.
Government opined that the MSC would be one of threemultipurposefacilities, withthisinLindenbeingthe one in Demerara, and two others would be identified forBerbiceandEssequibo.
However, Lindeners through the Management Committee never agreed for the MSC to be renamed to what is being referred to by top Government as, the MackenzieStadium.
After that
nitial discussion in 2020 we are informed that in October 2022, Minister Ramson informedtheMSC,whenhe visited for an outreach; that Government were the new o w n e r s , a n d
t construction will start and the MSC will now have floodlightstoICCandFIFA standards.
Interestingly, when asked what will become of the Mackenzie Sports Club, MinisterRamsonassuredall that the MSC will remain as a sports facility with its members.
Since that engagement the Minister of Sports has providednoproofofhowthe MSCbecamethepropertyof the Government, which was rejected by the MSC officialsatthatmeeting.
He has also toured the venue on many occasions, unknown to the MSC's ManagementCommittee.
In fact, after that announcement the MSC
A s a n e l e c t e d representative, I call for an independent engineering review, public disclosure of test results, and clear accountability for any substandardwork.
management new owners, a letter was sent enquiring of this sudden ownership development but there was noresponse.
The MSC also pointed out that construction should only be done after meaningful consultation is completed.
The Government ignored those pleas to meet and has reneged on a promise of supplying a complete drawing of what thefacilitywouldbe,andhas never put in writing any proposaltotheMSC.
On those few occasions everythingrelatingtowhat's happening were done verbally, and to date the MSC Management has only met just about three times withGovernmentofficials.
The MSC Management Committee, according to usuallyreliablesources,had written over the years to the Minister of Sports, Director of Sports, the Prime Minister, the Vice President and President, for information on what exactly is going on at the facility, to relate to its members, to no avail.
Now that destruction of the Mackenzie Pool is
underway it means the lone centrally located swimming facilityisbeingdeniedusage by the residents of Mackenzie.
It also appears the MSC basketballhardcourtwillnot be part of Government's futureplansatthevenue.
Imagine what was a venue which facilitated two large football fields where cricket,football,hockeyand track and field sports were allowedtoplay,seeminglyis reserved for cricket, and maybe a few football games meaning domestic football controlled by the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) is among those entities devastatedbythis.
In other words, the number of sports has been reduced and cultural shows maybeathingofthepast.
Isthisdevelopment?
Whoweretheadvisersto thissadsituation?
Lindeners can now only havefondmemoriesofwhat attractedandcausedmanyto move to Linden to live over the years, like the annual MSC Fair, cultural events a n d t h e b i r t h o f MASHRAMANIevolvedat thatfacility
Many international sportswerestagedtherealso including football, cricket and track and field, and several top national athletes began their careers at the MSC.
For whatever reason this miniaturization of sports at the MSC has not resonated withthepeopleofLinden.
NeedIsaythatLindeners arenotunappreciativeofthe Government helping to develop sports at the MSC, but it should not lead to curtailing what has become theMSC.
If a cricket facility was what the Government wanted to construct, then another venue, probably in the spacious expanding Amelia's Ward community wouldhavesuffice,butleave theMSCtobeforallsports.
Again, like last year, wordisthatthefacilityisset to be completed before the endoftheyear
Still as American singer Johnny Nash wrote in a song: “There are more questionsthananswers.”
Leaders, Linden is watching!
Sincerely, VibertJoseph ResidentLinden
DearEditor,
Permitmeaspaceinyour newspaper as a concerned parent, hoping for a better and more inclusive educational environment for allourchildren.
It has come to my attention that, in some classrooms, certain teachers appear to promote one religion over another as the superiororpreferredfaith.
The people of Guyana d e s e r v e d u r a b l e infrastructure built to standard, not shortcuts for politicaltimelines.
Regards,
SherodDuncan
Asanationknownforits religious and cultural diversity,ourschoolsshould be spaces where every child feels equally respected and represented, regardless of faith or background. When
personalbeliefsaresharedin ways that elevate one religion over another, it not only contradicts the principles of equality and fairness but can also have a lasting emotional impact on youngminds.
I respectfully urge the school boards and the Ministryto:
1. Reiterate to all educators the importance of maintaining religious neutralityintheclassroom.
2. Encourage fair and balanced inclusion of all major faiths and cultural practices in the school calendarandcurriculum.
3. P r o v i d e professionaldevelopmentor guidelinestoensureteachers understandandupholdthese values.
Weresideinadiversified country of different races, beliefsandpractices.
As such, my intention in raising this matter is not to criticize but to help strengthen the values of mutualrespectandunitythat oureducationsystemshould reflect.
Thank you for your attentionandunderstanding.
Sincerely, A Concerned Parent, HopingfortheBetter
Chairman of the World Trade Center Guyana,
Komal Samaroo, is
encouraging local businesses to pursue trademarking to ensure they are protected.
Speakingduringamedia briefing on Friday, Samaroo told reporters that the entity isatradeassociationandthe focusistofacilitatebringing businesses and partners together and respond to requests from the private sector.
“Wewillreachouttoour network of World Trade Centers around the world to try and see how we can capitalise on the synergies that exist between the opportunities being offered here and the market that exists. We are a facilitator We will do our best to facilitate as much as we possiblycan,”hesaid.
Speaking on the importance of trademarks Samaroo said that each territoryandjurisdictionhas itsowntrademarklaw Once someone registers a trademark they are protected.
He explained that, “if you use a trademark in a jurisdiction where somebody else has it registered, then you have a problem.Youareinchingon their trademark. We will try as much as we can to bring the knowledge of the regulations here, and it's up to individual entrepreneurs totryandfollowthose.”
The chair reminded that Demerara Rum is the first rum in the Caribbean to be registered in the European Union under the geographic regulation He said Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL)isaheadofthecurve.
“ W h e n y o u a r e registered as a product of a particular geographic area, then that is regulated and supervised by the jurisdiction.So,ifsomebody today tries and sell them in Europe that doesn't come from here, they're committing a criminal offense,”hehighlighted. If a name is registered and someone else is going after it, that is grounds for civil action to be taken. Therefore, Samaroo and his
‘Let’s
Frompage3 royaltyof5%forpricesupto US$1,000perounceand8% above that, plus a 1 5% royalty on other minerals
ETK has also negotiated an investment agreement with GO-Invest for tax exemptions on projectrelatedimports.
GMiningVentures (GMIN)–OkoWest GoldProject
G Mining Ventures (GMIN) is the 100 percent owneroftheOkoWestGold Mine which is estimated to hold 5.4 million ounces of gold located in Region Seven(Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
Earlier this year, GMIN received an interim permit which allowed it to start earlyconstruction.
The main prospecting licence (PL) covering 44 square kilometers (10,890 acres) However, GMIN
later revealed that it expanded its land holdings inRegionSevento71square kilometers.
…chair says 'will support local business community in understanding ropes’
team have committed to do their best to impart this knowledgeontothebusiness communityinGuyana.
“We are trying to empower people, empower people and empower businesses to be more internationally trade oriented and to see the market beyond the Guyana market…our executive director here has been talking to all the private sectororganisationsbecause this concept is very new in Guyana, and we want to make sure everybody understands our role. We do not infringe in any way in whatanyotherprivatesector organisation is doing,” he added.
The World Trade Center Guyanaissettobeofficially opened on Tuesday.Around 60 delegates from other World Trade Centers and other international organisations will be in country for the week-long activities beginning Sunday with the witnessing of the Diwalimotorcade.
This will be followed by a welcome dinner on
MondayatwhichMinisterof Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd is scheduled to speak.
The following day will be spent engaging in workshops, business discussions and a class which willentailtheissuing of a certificate of completion.
President Irfaan Ali commissioned CARICOM's first World Trade Centre (WTC) in Guyana in Junean entity he hopes would leverage the country as a magnet for trade and investment.
Located on High Street, Kingston, Georgetown, the World Trade Centre Georgetown was made p o s s i b l e t h r o u g h negotiations between the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and the World Trade Centre Association (WTCA), headquartered in NewYork.
President Ali had noted that the ceremony was not justaboutthecommissioning of a building, but another symbolicinvestmentthattells the story of the country and the significant growth and development that is being created
“It's also very important thatwehave(a)buildinglike the World Trade Centre to signifyGuyana'spositioning Wearetryingtopositionour countryintheglobeinaway that is going to be transformative for us and transformativeforthisregion We are very confident about the outlook of our country, but we are even more confident about the role we canplay,andwewillplayin the global economy,” he said.
The president said that with the type of investment opportunities coming Guyana's way, the World Trade Centre and similar organisationswithanetwork are critical for Guyana's c u r r e n t p h a s e o f transformation
“It'snolongeraphaseof development, it's a phase of transformation (and) it also requires transformative thinking. Our mindset must also be geared towards what isneededandwhatisrequired in this transformative environment,”herelated
According to the president, one of the issues for the country's small and medium sized enterprises, is creating an enabling environment to help them withtheircompetitiveness,to meet the standards that international market would accept, to help them to get cheap capital and to help them to get access to technology that will make their businesses viable He noted the WTC can play a crucial part in helping to address issues likethese.
goldpricesremaininghigh. OmaiGoldMinesCorp.–OmaiProject
The feasibility study for Oko West outlines a longlife, low cost, and highmarginoperation.
The company had said that the Oko West project is targeting an average annual production of 350,000 ounces of gold over a 12.3year mine life Gold production at Oko West is slatedtocommenceby2027.
GMIN’s President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO),Louis-PierreGignac last year said that if gold prices remain high when production commences at Oko West, Guyana could receive corporate taxes Gignac said that unlike his f a t h e r ’s p r e v i o u s involvement with Omai’s gold project, where the company did not pay corporate taxes to Guyana duetolowpricesatthetime, he is confident that Oko West will benefit from the currenthighgoldprices.
As such, he had expressed optimism about payingcorporatetaxestothe government, contingent on
Last month, GMIN received the environmental permit from Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the Oko West project. The five-year permit is valid through July 2030 It authorises the construction and operation of Oko West, which is expected to create an average of 1,270 direct permanent jobs during its lifetime.
Omai Gold Mines Corp. recently announced an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of 2 1 million ounces for its gold project in Guyana The company holds a 100%
producingOmaigoldproject inGuyana,locatedinRegion Seven(Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
TheOmaipropertyhosts two orogenic gold deposits: the shear-hosted Wenot Deposit and the adjacent intrusive-hosted Gilt Creek Deposit.
Once a prolific gold producerfrom1993to2005, themineyielded3.8million ounces of gold during a period when gold traded belowUS$400/oz.
The company has revitalized the property, which benefits from much existing infrastructure and willsoonbeconnectedtothe twolargestcitiesinGuyana, GeorgetownandLinden,via pavedroads.
Omai is focused on rapidly expanding the two orogenic gold deposits at its 100%-owned Omai Gold Projectin“mining-friendly” Guyana.
Since2021,thecompany has established the Omai Gold Project as one of the fastest-growing and wellendowed gold camps in the prolific Guiana Shield greenstonebelt.
An April 2024, PEA for the project outlines an open pit-only development scenario.
The PEA for the Wenot deposit outlines an open-pit operation producing 1 84 million ounces over a 13year mine life and annual production is projected to average 142,000 ounces, peakingat184,000ouncesin thebestyear.
MakoMining–Eagle MountainGoldProject
MakoMiningispushing ahead with its Eagle Mountain Gold Project in the Mahdia district, roughly 200 km south-southwest of Georgetown. Acquiring the project through its 2024 takeover of Goldsource MinesInc.,Makoinheriteda resource base of nearly 1.2 million ounces (indicated) and 582,000 ounces (inferred) The company plans to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and mining licence application to Guyana’s Environmental
Protection Agency by late 2025.
Pending approvals, Mako intends to start construction in 2026, with first gold production from Phase1targetedfor2027. A feasibility study for Phase 2, which will target deeper fresh rock resources, isalsoplanned.
Mako considers Guyana an emerging gold mining jurisdiction,citingaminingfriendly permitting environment and growing foreigninvestment.
G2GoldfieldsInc.
–OkoProject
InAugust,G2Goldfields announced that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Guyana Geology and Mines Commission approved the issuance of two large-scale ProspectingLicences(PL).
G2 PL’s includes the company’s high-grade OkoGhanie Gold Deposit. The PL encompass the Oko and GhanieDeposits,1.5million ounces indicated and 1 6 millionouncesinferred,with a combined area of approximately 17,451 acres and replace 11 separate mediu
EffectiveMarch1,2025, G2disclosedthattherewasa 60% increase in indicated gold resources, bringing its estimated recoverable gold to 1.5 million ounces, and a 49% increase in inferred resources to 1 6 million ounces.
Located within an 83,967-acre property, the OkoProjectconsistsofthree main mineralized zones: the high-grade Oko Main Zone (OMZ) in the north, the bulk-tonnage Ghanie Zone in the south, and the more recently identified Oko NorthwestZone.
cale mining permits previously held in the name of Guyanese entrepreneurs through optionagreements. Notably, the PL have a three-year term with two renewal rights for one year each and provides for the right of occupation and exclusiverighttoexplorefor gold and precious minerals. G2 noted that over the last two years, comprehensive environmental baseline studieshavebeenconducted via third party consultants. The company noted that these studies were designed to recommend actions for effective project design, regulatory compliance and tosupportthepreparationof an Environmental Social ImpactAssessment(ESIA).
CMC - Caribbean
Community (CARICOM) leaders met on Wednesday and Thursday this week, including a caucus on the United States request to G r e n a d a t o a l l o w Washington to install radar equipment and associate technical personnel at the M a u r i c e B i s h o p International Airport (MBIA), well-placed sources told the Caribbean MediaCorporation(CMC).
Accordingtothesources, the caucus meeting took place virtually on Wednesday, which lasted just over five hours and where the leaders received “anupdatefromtheGrenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell,”whoisduebackin theregionfollowingavisitto Africa.
Grenada has confirmed that the United States had written seeking permission to install radar equipment and associated technical personnel at the Maurice Bishop InternationalAirport (MBIA).
Thegovernmentsaidthat “anydecisionsonthatmatter will be made only after all technical and legal assessmentsarecompleted.
“We wish to assure our citizens that any decision taken will be guided by Grenada’s sovereignty, public safety, and national interest, including the protection of our tourism industry, the traveling public, and the country’s economic well-being,” it added.
But former Grenada Senate president and trade unionist, Chester Humphrey and former foreign affairs minister, Peter David, have publicly come out against such a request, with Humphrey saying he is prepaed to lead a peaceful protestmarch.
Humphrey said that the move by Washington is a precursor to launching a military strike against the NicolásMadurogovernment inVenezuela.
David, an independent legislator,saidinastatement thatwhileGrenadavaluesits longstanding partnerships with both the United States and Venezuela, any actions taken must be rooted in diplomacy, mutual respect, andregionalcooperation.
On Wednesday, the Commander of the United States Southern Command, Admiral Alvin Holsey, met with senior officials of the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) and according to a statement issued afterwards said the “meeting was cordial and productive, reaffirmingtheUSSouthern Command’s commitment to supporting Grenada’s nationalsecurityefforts”.
Holsey also met with Antigua and Barbuda Prime MinisterGastonBrowneand A United States Embassy statement said the meeting discussed “Caribbean securityandthedeepeningof both nations’ bilateral defensepartnership.
“This partnership is
integral to the region’s collective efforts to advance Caribbean security and stability Our efforts to strengthen partnerships in the Caribbean are vital to combat transnational criminal organizations and illicit traffickers who threaten the region and our homeland,”itadded.
Since then, there are reports in the United States media that Holsey has resigned his position in a suprise move and comes amidst tensions between himselfandtheUSSecretary of Defence Pete Hegseth over operations in the Caribbean.
There has been no official statement issued by t h e G u y a n a - b a s e d CARICOM Secretariat on the CARICOM leaders meetings this week, but on Thursday, former Jamaica prime minister, P J Patterson, described the United States (US) drone attacks on vessels in Caribbean waters as “fundamentally dangerous and a horrible erosion of r e g i o n a l l e a d e r s ’ commitment to sovereignty intheregion”.
Last month, President
Donald Trump ramped up US military presence in the Caribbean Sea ordering an amphibious squadron to the southernCaribbeanaspartof his effort to address threats from Latin American drug cartels.
A nuclear-powered attack submarine, additional P8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft, several destroyers and a guided-missile cruiser have also being allocated to US Southern Command as partofthemission.
The United States military has carried out four deadly air strikes in Caribbean waters over the pastfewweeksagainstwhat Washington alleges are Caracas-backed drug traffickers. The Venezuelan government denies the charge, accusing the administration of being a threat to the peace and securityofthewholeregion.
“At our very first meeting in 1972, in Chaguaramus, the four independent countries –Jamaica under Michael Manley, Barbados under ErrolBarrow,Guyanaunder Forbes Burnham, and under the chairmanship of Eric Williams (then prime
minister of Trinidad and Tobago) – declared the Caribbean to be a zone of peace,” Patterson told the JamaicaGleanernewspaper
“Whatwearewitnessing is a fundamentally dangerous and horrible erosion of that firm commitment to assert our collective sovereignty in the area. It is a matter which compels the heads of governments in the Caribbean,asamatterofthe greatest urgency, to be in consultations and seek to take a common position, hopefullyinreaffirmationof that inviolable position,” he added.
During their intersessional meeting on Thursday, the leaders according to a copy of the agenda obtained by CMC discussed the situation in Haitiandregionalstability
Accordingtoastatement issued by the Suriname government President Jennifer Greelings-Simons and Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation (BIS), Melvin Bouva, attended the virtualmeeting.
“TheCARICOM
Continued on page 16
There is a certain smallnesstoourimagination as a nation. It is a tragic limitation that defines our politics, our bureaucracy, even our ambitions. It is not thatwelackpeoplewhocan think, but that those who hold the levers of power are unable to think beyond the ideaofpleasingforeigners.
And so, almost 60 years after independence we are still servants in our own house — watchmen to our ownresources,bookkeepers toothermen'sfortunes.
Over post 1985 leaders have been telling us that foreign investment is the way to go. This was the message of Desmond Hoyte anditisthemantraofJagdeo and Ali. Our leaders have convinced the gullible that witheverymultinationalthat sets foot here, prosperity would follow, like a tide liftingallboats.
Instead, what we have gotten are ghost factories like Barama, exhausted mines like Omai, and the fleeting illusion of progress. What we have lost, we may never fully calculate — not only in gold and timber, in oil and bauxite, but in the quiet erosion of our sovereignty
The government, that timid beggar dressed in the costume of modernity, continues to hand out fiscal concessions like a man tossing coins at a passing parade.Duty-freeprivileges, taxholidays,importwaivers —theyarethenewlanguage ofourdependency Eachone is signed, sealed, and celebrated as “investment
promotion,” as if we are supposed to be grateful for ourownimpoverishment.
The multinationals arrive like kings. They rip open our land and sea bed, pollute our rivers, and strip our forests bare. And then, after a few years, they declare “no profits” and leave us staring at the ruins oftheirpromises. Itisasifthegovernment has never learned from the stories of our past. We have had companies before — foreign, powerful, and clever — who knew exactly how to operate in small countries. They arrive with consultants and smiles, speaking the language of partnership. They say “we will create jobs.” They say “we will bring technology.” They say “we will help you grow.” And our politicians, desperate for applause, believe them every time. In the end, the jobs vanish, the technology never comes, andtheonlythingthatgrows istheforeignfirm'soffshore bankaccount.
The idea of fiscal concessions is not new But in Guyana, it has become a disease, an addiction, an affliction. The logic is that we must “reduce the cost of investment ” But whose investment? For whose benefit? The cost we are reducing is the cost to foreigners, while the burden we increase is borne by every Guyanese taxpayer
The foregone revenue, the billions we give away each year could have built schools, hospitals, and proper roads Instead, it
builds the profit margins of companies that will soon declarebankruptcyorvanish intosomeshellcompany
Meanwhile, Donald Trump, the man often mockedforhisexcesses,has begun doing something our leaders cannot imagine. He has told companies that if they want taxpayer money, they must give taxpayers somethingtangibleinreturn. In one deal with Intel, the U.S. government received shares in exchange for public subsidies. In another, Trump demanded a “golden share” — a special kind of ownership that allows government to protect national interests, including workers, in case the company decides to close down some of its American enterprises Trump's approach is a form of reciprocity Itsaysthatifthe public supports you, the publicmustbenefit.
Why can we not do the same? Why must we be forever content to play the role of supplicant, offering upourtreasury,ourland,and ourresourcesforasmileand a handshake? Guyana's leaders have mistaken giveaways for growth. But thereisnoprogressinbeing looted efficiently There is no dignity in calling dependencydevelopment.
The irony is bitter We are sitting on resources that theworldcovets—oil,gold, bauxite, timber, freshwater Yet, for all our wealth, we behave as though we have nothing to bargain with. We arenotpoorinresources;we are poor in courage and
Islikeinvestigationnowturnfashion show Every week yuh hearing who gettinginvestigateandwhonot.
Some people getting shine light bright brightlikedeminmusicvideo,whileothers hiding behind curtain like shy bride. Dem Boyssehifwegondoinvestigation,lehwe doitproper—investigateall,notsome!
Is not only alleged gold smuggling that police and GRAshould be running behind. Dem got some big ones in government sellingoutdemduty-freeconcessionsbefore theinkdryponthepaper!
Some of dem selling faster than dem couldsay“taxholiday.”DemBoysseh,that alone need a special task force with magnifyingglassandliedetector
Andwhileyuhatit,goandcheckoutthat storyaboutdebigonewhoallegedlybuyone super-expensivepropertyinNewYork.Ifis lie that was told against the man, then he deservesdueprocesssothathecanclearhis nameratherthanbescandalized.
Then yuh got the Americans alleging things 'bout the Mohammeds. But the Americans also claim how government
imaginationandleadership.
If we had any sense of self-worth, we would demand a stake in every foreign firm that benefits fromourgenerosity Notasa token,butasaprinciple.For everytaxholiday,weshould receive equity; for every concession, a golden share. Let the foreign investor know that the people of Guyana are not mere spectators, but shareholders in their own destiny That is how small nations grow strong. They do so not by begging, but by negotiating fromstrength.
But such an idea will frightenourpolicymakers.It
requiresvision,andvisionis ararethinginacountryruled by mediocrity. We are content to boast of GDP numbers while the real wealthflowsoutthroughthe back door The government will tell us about “job creation,” but we have seen the quality of those jobs — temporary, underpaid, and vanishing the moment the investor tires of us. We are told about “technology transfer,” yet all we inherit are rusting machines and emptypromises.
The story of Guyana's concessions is one of surrender Anduntilwelearn to think differently, to
demand not gifts, but ownership, we shall remain whatwehavealwaysbeen:a rich country inhabited by poor people, a sovereign nation managed like a colony
(The views expressed in this article are those of the
t necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
officials were contaminated in the process andhowonepersonreceivedbribes.
The whole country waiting to see de outcomeandhowwidedenestgancast.But DemBoysseh,investigationcan'tstopdeh. RememberwhenViceNewscomehereand dodemlildocumentary?
Dem mek some serious allegations too. What happen to that? Or we only investigatingthingswhenitconvenientand thecamerapointingtheotherway?
DemBoyssehthegovernmentmustnot cherry-pick which pot to stir Because once yuhonlystirringonepot,therestgonbunat the bottom Transparency don't mean showingonlywhatyuhwantpeopletosee.
If yuh gon sweep, sweep the whole yard—notjustunderthematwheredeVIPs doesstand.
So, Dem Boys seh: investigate all, not some. Because once people start thinking investigation is just another political game then people will lost confidence in justice. Therefore,isbestweinvestigateeverything includingafterdecanarydonesing. Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
M o r e a n d m o r e
Guyanese accept that Guyanaisastrangeplace. It is so strange today, that it is straight out of the dark side. Consider what follows, whereconclusionslead.
A vote for the PNC is nowavoteforthePPP. That is more than strange. It is mind bending, so incredible suchastateofaffairsis. Itis saidthatallisfairinloveand war
Tothatonemaynowadd politics. Butwheredoesthat leave a section of Guyanese voters, when their own heroes and inspirations (to stretch matters to the extreme) jump in feet first with the forces of darkness?
Loyal voters tightened their belts, bore their insults and pain, in stoic silence. It has to hurt, must enrage, when thosewhosaidtothem‘trust
me’ end up looking out for themselves, taking care of themselves. Iremindfellow Guyanese of that tried-andtrueAmericanadage. There is no such creature as a free lunch. The Romans of yore had a fancy sounding termquid pro quo. The local patois leaves no room for conjecture. I look out for you;youlookoutforme. Myquestioniswhatwas thejuice,andhowmuchofit wasbargainedfor,finalized?
No matter how sweet and richitwas/is,therearethose Guyanese left openmouthed and asking how could that be. Thatis,thePNCjoining with the PPP There can be
no rationalization, particularly the one that looks most obvious
ConvertWINtoaloser The biggest loser in that move, for that or any other reason,
isthePNC. Idon’tthinkthat it has much of a standing anymore with its own people,andthatincludesthe real hardline, old-time, diehards. There could still be some holding onto the palmtreefordearlife,butfar fewer than before. The regularPNCsupportersmost likely ‘sucked their teeth’ andmutteredasilentcurseat those driving that crossover decision.
Now, I invite all Guyanese to consider some words from PPP General
Secretary and uber maneuverer, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo. “When a political party allows your hatred of the other to dominate your tactics and your strategy, you will fail.” He was speaking about the PNC. Apparently, an overnight miracleoccurred. Forthose
words were uttered on September 4th, and in the tight span of a month and a few days later, the PNC hatred for the PPP turned to love. What is there not to love about that political specimenthatisaperfect3624-36? In some form or fashion, and with the right incentives, the tactics and strategy of the defeated and dismal PNC went from one that had failure stamped all overittoonethatisalmostas victorious as the PPP It takes some fast learning, even swifter mental adjustments, to make that leap that the PNC did and which catapulted it from the ashes of obscurity to right back into the highlights of Guyana’spoliticalpicture. I have heard that those whocan’tbebeatenmustbe joined. NomatterhowItry, there is no shaking off the impression that the PNC RDC (Regional Democratic Council capers) were less of joining and more of surrenderingandsuckingup forahandholdingsomething in it. Where are those members of the Guyanese intelligentsia who insisted that shared governance has nofutureinthiscountry? It washappeninginplainsight long before the PNC crossover into the loving, forgiving arms of the PPP AndamannamedB.Jagdeo. WhenIfirstheardthatstreet protests were off the table, my first question was: what is under the table? The Guyana environment, the Guyanese political culture, drives such skepticisms, I would extend that to cynicisms. Takenothingfor granted, for the haunted is almost sure to take up residenceinthehead.
Now let us all face reality There is oil moolah by the gallons, and it makes even the pure and once untouchable have second thoughts. Recallthatbeauty
f r o m A m e
tough guy writer, Raymond Chandler, in his sizzling Farewell, my lovely novel.
“Shewasablondetomakea bishop kick a hole in a stained-glass window ”
Thinkofthelureofplentiful oil money in the hands of Jagdeo’sPPPalongthesame mouthwateringlines,andthe human political reactions suddenly make a world of sense. Who can stand, and will not fall (or negotiate)? Whoissoinfallible,thatthey can resist? Not I, for sure. Thenagain,Ijest. PNCvotersarecaughton a three-pronged horror. They can support WIN and hope it endures. Head to America, and live as undesirables. Or follow the PNC to the PPP, and accept second-class citizenship. I amwhatIam…
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
…party
The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party says it will meetovertheweekendtodecideonitsnextcourseofaction after receiving no response from the Regional Executive Officer(REO)ofRegion10,DwightJohntoitsformalletter demanding the resumption of the suspended Regional DemocraticCouncil(RDC)electionprocess.
WIN’s representative, Mark Goring, confirmed on Friday night that the REO has not replied to the correspondencesentearlierthisweek.Hesaid,“Basedonthe letterWINsenttotheREO,thereisnoresponse,hence,WIN decidedtogivehimampletimetorespondandact.Overthe weekend WIN will meet and decide on a course of action, recognisingWINgivestheREOafairopportunitytoacton the matter.” This follows WIN’s 48-hour ultimatum issued throughattorneySiandDhurjononOctober12,demanding that the REO, Dwight John, reconvene the RDC and complete the lawful election of the chairman and vice chairmanorfacelegalaction.
TheRDCelectionheldlastweek,endedinatiebetween WIN’s nominee, Mark Goring, and APNU’s Dominique Blair, with each receiving nine votes. Following the deadlock, John suspended the proceedings and said the matter would be referred to the Minister of Local Government, Priya Manickchand for deliberation and casting vote. However,WIN’s attorney has maintained that the REO’s move was “ultra vires, contrary to statute, arbitrary,unreasonableandotherwiseillegal.”
Dhurjonhadnotedinhisletterthatthelawprovidesfor successive rounds of voting. WIN has maintained that the REOactedoutsidehisauthorityandwarnedthatitwilltake the matter to the high court if REO does not reconvene the RDC.
PresidentofExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), Alistair Routledge has revealed that the company’s f o u r t h o f f s h o r e development, the Yellowtail project,islikelytofollowthe pattern of its three other Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels (FPSOs) where oil is being produced beyond nameplate capacity
Eachvesselhasaspecific design rate, known as the safe operating limit that is outlined in environmental studies and other project documents. With blessings from the Government of Guyana (GoG), Exxon has increasedproductionbeyond thosespecificratesthrougha process known as ‘debottlenecking’ This technical process involves assessing the projects for waystoincreaseproduction.
To date, Exxon has ramped up production on all threeoftheFPSOsapproved prior to the ‘One Guyana’ vessel.
According to the EMGL President, the company’s attentionatthemomentison
achievingsafeplateauofthe FPSO after which it will reassess its design for ways to push production beyond the vessel’s nameplate capacity.
The One Guyana FPSO was designed to produce 250,000barrelsofoilperday (bpd). Routledge however noted, “As with all the facilities, once it’s up and runningatitsfullcapacityas design, we’ll look at it and see what’s the first of all, is thesafewaytodebottleneck, but then secondly is it an economic proposition to further debottleneck that facility,toimprovetheearly ratesofproduction.”
He added, “That work hasn’t started yet We’re focused just now on having established the stable operation, moving forward into the ramp up to full plateaus, that initial design rate so that then we can see, is there anything else left by wayofpotentialcapacity.”
Payara, Exxon’s third project which commenced productiononNovember14, 2023, was designed to produce 220,000 (bpd) but
production to about 250,000 bpd. Similarly, both Liza One and Liza Two are producing above the design capacity The Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for the twoprojectsindicatethatthe Liza One and Liza Two projects were designed to
safelyoperateat120,000and 220,000barrelsofoilperday (bpd),respectively
Data on the Ministry of Natural Resources website for the month of September (most recent update shared) indicatesthattheprojectsare producing about 130,000 bpd and 250,000 bpd, respectively
Stakeholders have often raised concern over the increased production activitiesbeingconductedby the operator, touting the increased risk of an oil spill as a result. Beyond the environmental concerns,
A t t o r n e y - a t - L a w, Christopher Ram also pointed out previously that insurance companies will refusetooffercompensation in the event of a spill, since Guyana allowed Exxon to breachthesafetylimits.
Ram cautioned, “In petroleum production, there is a safety margin below the rated productive capacity of a well. Not only is there an increasedriskthatsomething cangowrong,butthatwhen it does, the insurance companieswillrefusetopay because you have breached thesafetylimit.”
Meanwhile, for its part, the government believes debottlenecking is safe, as technicalofficersattachedto the Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA) as well as the Ministry of Natural Resources examine theplansoftheoperator
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeoaddressedthesubject atpressaconferenceinMay 2024. He said that “Last week I dealt with that issue andIsaidthatmybriefingis that before they ramped up production beyond rated capacity, that this was cleared with the Ministry The Ministry assured me their technical officers examinedit,Ispokewiththe EPA, they said they had examined it carefully too so they are aware and it was done with their approval. Both agencies the Ministry ofNaturalResourcesandthe EPAand they believe it was doneandit’ssafe.”
To this end, Ram told Kaieteur News that he does not believe the former President understands the i m p l i c a t i o n s a n d consequences of breaching the safety limit of FPSOs. R e a d m o r e h e r e : https://kaieteurnewsonlinec om/2024/05/20/insurancecompanies-will-refuse-tocompensate-guyana-for-oilspill-damages-as-countryallowed-breach-of-safetylimits-chris-ram-warns/
A N S A M c A L
Distribution Inc., in collaboration with the GovernmentofGuyana,will construct a US$60 million shopping and recreational mallwithinthecompoundof the historic Chateau Margot Chimney on the East Coast ofDemerara.
The sod-turning ceremonyfortheprojectwas held on Friday and was attended by President Irfaan Ali,membersofthecabinet, and partners of ANSA McAL. The state-of-the-art facility, which will span 110,000 square feet, is expected to be completed within15to18months.
Delivering the feature address, President Ali described the project as a major boost for economic and social development along the East Coast corridor Heemphasisedthat the investment will generate jobs, attract local and international visitors, and redefine the area’s landscape.
“One of our mottos is to redefine the landscape, and
thisinvestmentwillredefine our landscape on the east coast,” the president said.
“ANSA McAL has done its homework and its studies; theywillnotbuildamallthat will not in years ahead hold significant returns. This is not a charity project. This projectisthroughaforwardlooking investment that recognisingGuyanaisgoing
places and ANSA McAL wouldliketobeapartofthis journey The decision to buildisavoteofconfidence in our people, in our economy and in a bright futurethatliesaheadforthis region and for Guyana as a whole. ANSA McAL has done its research and due diligence.”
The president noted that
ANSA McAL Distribution Inc announced that it will partner with local agencies like the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) to coordinate the export of several containers of locally producedgoodstoitsregionalmarkets.
This announcement was made on Friday by the company’s Chairman Anthony Norman Sabga immediately after President Irfaan Ali urged the regional company to ensure that Guyanese products are available across allitsregionalmarkets.
President Ali, who joined the company at a sod-turning ceremony for the company’s new mall at Chateau Margot, East Coast Demerara, emphasized that local entrepreneurs and farmers deserve greater recognition and opportunitiesfortheirproduce.
The president expressed disappointment that Guyanese products are often missing from supermarket shelves across the Caribbean. He noted that while Guyana allows free access to regional imports,distributorsoperatinginthecountry mustalsocontributetoitseconomicgrowth.
In his address, President Ali noted that ANSA McAL possesses one of the largest distribution networks in the region. He challenged the company to use its influence topromoteGuyanesegoods,stating,“ANSA McALhas the greatest distribution footprint in the region. Their products are in every supermarket;youhavethreemallsoutsideof thisonewouldmakefour Guyanahastaken the deliberate decision to invest heavily in agro processing, in packaging. I challenge ANSA McAL today with the support of the Guyana Marketing Corporation to distribute ineveryoneofyoursupermarketsGuyanese product.”
Thepresidentstressedthathehasadutyto advocate for Guyanese producers and expressed disappointment in their limited market access “I have a duty and responsibility as president to look out for Guyanese.AndIamdisappointed,everytime Idon’tseeGuyaneseproductsontheshelves. We have made our fair contribution to this region, we have made a remarkable contributiontothisregionandeverythingthat wearedoingisforthisregion,”hesaid. Removetradebarriers inTrinidadandTobago Addressing trade restrictions, President AlicalledonTrinidadandTobagotoremove barriers that prevent Guyanese goods from enteringtheirmarket.
“You must remove those barriers in TrinidadandTobagothatkeepourgoodsout ofyourshelves.Wehavesimplifieddoing Continued on page 17
Sod-turning of the Chateau Margot mall.
the mall represents more than a commercial venture. Hestatedthatitwillserveas a modern community hub.
“The mall brings together multiple businesses, creates jobsduringconstructionand operation, stimulates surrounding businesses, attracts new services, and provides a space for relaxation,shopping,dining,
and spend time with family and friends while all at the same time, adding tourism productofourcountry Itisa modern market place,” he said.
transformation taking place on the East Coast of Demerara, which he said is rapidlyevolvingfromarural
area into a hub of national development.“Decadesago, most of the east coast was consideredruralGuyana,but that has changed and continues to change rapidly. Theeastcoastisnowpoised to become a major axis of national development,” he stated.
Meanwhile,Chairmanof ANSAMcAL, Mr Anthony Sabga, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to preserving the Chateau Margot Chimney as part of Guyana’s heritage and e n s u r i n g t h a t t h e development provides employment opportunities forlocals.
“This project is a testament to what regional expertise and local collaborationcanachieve— creatingspacesthatenhance the lives of both tenants and customers. Chateau Margot isspecialbecauseitstandsas a bridge between Guyana’s richheritageanditsexciting future. We will preserve the chimney;itisiconic,andwe respect what it stands for,” Sabgasaid.
Two weeks after he struck down seven-year-old Tiequan Scarville with his canter on the Fyrish Public Road, Calvin Chisholm, the man behind the wheel, was charged with dangerous drivingandfined$50,000,or an alternative three-month jailtime.
The child’s mother and other family members who mounted calls for justice since the accident on October 3, are disappointed with Friday’s outcome Towanna Yorrick, said the fine is just a “slap on the wrist ” At the Albion Magistrates’ Court, Yorrick, ofFyrishVillage,Corentyne related that Chisholm pleaded not guilty to the chargeswhentheywereread tohim.
Anofferwasmadebythe driver to her family to have themattersettled.Thatoffer wasdeclined.
“Thesettlementthatthey wantedtoofferwasaslapin theface,aslapinthefaceof my child who is uncertain whattheroadtohisfutureis going to look like, given the fact that he would’ve sufferedseverebraininjury.”
One of the bones in her son’s head, she disclosed, had to be removed during surgery Despite his
remarkable recovery within suchashorttime,thereisthe possibility that he could be affectedinsomewayfurther down the line, as injuries to the head, specifically the brain can cause crippling effects.
She said based on what thepolicereadintheirreport to the court, Chisholm had cited brakes failure The magistrate then re-read the charges and asked if the accused would like to maintain his plea. He did change it to guilty, with the explanation that his steering
wheel got stuck, then proceeded to say that it was themirrorofthevehiclethat hit the child. She disputed that,withthefactthatdueto theimpactofthevehicle,her son suffered a fractured skull, with his bones protruding.
“Howcanamirrorfroma canter hit somebody in the head, causing that person’s bones to be broken in multiple pieces?” She reasoned, suggesting that footage be acquired from points near the accident scenes,wherepossible.
The Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) on Friday said it has seized a quantity of narcotics packaged in a deceptive,childfriendlymanner
Inastatementtothepress,CANUsaid “the packaging, designed to resemble a colourful candy or dessert wrapper, appears to be a deliberate attempt by traffickers to attract children and unsuspectingindividuals.”
“CANU is warning the public, particularly parents, teachers, and guardians,toremainvigilant.Thecartoon style graphics, and playful imagery used onthesepackagesareintendedtodisguise the drugs as harmless treats. CANU emphasizes that the contents of these packages are highly dangerous and can cause serious harm or even death if consumed,”thenarcoticsunitsaid.
Further, CANU maintained its commitment to protecting citizens, especially children, from the dangers posedbynarcotics.
Police Force.
Severalpersonshavebeenarrestedbythe law enforcement and investigation division officers of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Friday following the seizure of a large quantity of firecrackers and other uncustomed goods at the Stabroek Market, Georgetown and Leonora Market, West CoastDemerara.
Accordingtoapressreleaseissuedbythe GRA, several persons are assisting the Customs Law Enforcement officers with the ongoinginvestigations.
Friday’sseizurefollowsanoperationtwo days ago in the Berbice area, where another large quantity of firecrackers was seized, persons arrested, and handed over to the police.
In keeping with protocol, all such explosive items (the said firecrackers) were handed over to the police for eventual disposalandtherelevantchargestobemade.
GRA restated its “zero tolerance” approachagainstsmugglingandotherillegal activities and “takes this opportunity to encouragepersonsinvolvedinsuchactivities to cease and desist therefrom, and bring themselvesintocompliancewiththenation’s Tax,TradeandBorderlaws.”
TheAuthoritysaidthatfailuretocomply may result in charges being instituted for breachoftheprovisionsoftheCustomsAct, Chapter82:01orinaccordancewiththelaws administered therein. Persons can report smugglingactivitiesbycalling227-6060ext. 3201,3204,3205,3208or3216.
Meanwhile,theGuyanaPoliceForceina statement on Friday, said ranks from the Leonora Police Station, conducted searches forexplosivesandfirecrackersattheLeonora Marketandonthestallbelongingto45-yearoldFizulSanichar,avendorofZeelught,East Bank Essequibo where several explosives werefound.
Among the explosives are 188 packs of five shot Pegasus fireworks, 600 packs of magic shots 30 each, 182 packs of magic shots20each,25packsofcracklingwaves,3 packs of dream team fireworks, 36 8 ball Romancandleand10packsofsmallRoman candle.
Sanichar was arrested and taken to the Leonora Police Station with the explosives. The items have since been lodged at the policestation.
Following reports that a section of the recentlycommissionedBuzzBeeDamRoad, East Bank Demerara (EBD) has failed, the Ministry of Housing on Friday announced thatthecontractorwillcorrectthedefects.
Inastatement,theministrystatedthatthe Buzz Bee Dam Road remains under its oneyeardefectsliabilityperiod.
Back inAugust, President IrfaanAli had declared open the newly constructed $10.1 billionDiamondtoBuzzBeeDamfour-lane highway The project was done in lots by contractors GuyAmerica Construction, VALS Construction, China Railway First Group,NABI,andH.NauthandSons.
“The projects department of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) wishestomakeitclearthatduringthisperiod, any defects identified must be addressed by the contractor within the stipulated timeframe. Recently, the project engineer observed some deflection along a section of the road constructed by H Nauth Contracting. In keeping with the contract terms, the contractor was instructed to carry out the necessary corrective works,” the ministryexplained.
Theministrysharedthattheseworkshave been scheduled in coordination with the site engineers and are expected to be completed withinthenextfourdays.
“The contractor has also been cautioned
that failure to remedy the defects within the required period will result in the company being recommended for penalties, in accordance with the contract,” the housing ministrywarned.
Meanwhile, highlighting the defects in a publicstatement,oppositionmemberSherod Duncanstatedthatresidentssharedwithhim thattheroadsurfacealreadyshows“signsof warping and waviness,” which should not exhibitmereweeksaftercommissioning.
Duncanclaimedthattheroadwhichwas “completed hurriedly” before the 2025 elections,raisesaseriesofquestions.
“This is not the first time Guyanese taxpayers have faced such outcomes. The Schoonord–Cranefour-lanehighwayopened with cracks and crumbling concrete within days; the Heroes Highway drew complaints about its uneven surface soon after completion.Yet each time, the public is told the defects are minor, while the costs and excusespileup,”hesaidinhisstatement.
He said the Buzz Bee Dam road cannot becomeanothercaseofribbon-cuttingbefore readiness.“Ithereforecallforanindependent engineering review, public disclosure of test results, and clear accountability for any substandard work. The people of Guyana deserve durable infrastructure built to standard, not shortcuts for political timelines,”Duncansaid.
Section of Buzz Bee Dam road on the East Bank which shows sign of defects. (Photos, Sherod Duncan/ Facebook)
The ExxonMobil Corp building is pictured in Georgetown, Guyana February 18, 2022.
REUTERS/ Sabrina Valle
(Reuters) - The U S military is holding two survivorsaboardanavyship after rescuing them from a suspected drug vessel in the CaribbeanhitbyaU.S.strike that killed two others, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday
Oct 17
(Reuters)-TwoIndianrefinershavebought4 million barrels of Guyanese crude oil from U.S. major Exxon Mobil (XOM.N), opens newtabtobedeliveredattheendof2025or inearly2026,inrareimportsfromtheSouth American producer, trade sources said on Friday
IndianOilCorp(IOC.NS)opensnewtab, the country’s largest refiner by capacity, has bought 2 million barrels of Golden Arrowhead(GAH)crude,itsfirstpurchaseof thegrade,whichwillarriveinlateDecember orinearlyJanuary,theysaidonconditionof anonymity
Another refiner, Hindustan Petroleum Corp(HPCL.NS),opensnewtab,hasbought LizaandUnityGoldcrudeforthefirsttime, with2millionbarrelssetfordeliveryduring
thesameperiod,thesourcessaid.
Indiaisdiversifyingitscrudesuppliesby trying out new grades from South America whereproductionisgrowing.
Adding more crude sources would also help refiners to replace some imports of Russianoil.TheU.S.ispressuringNewDelhi tostopbuyingRussiancrudetohelpendthe warinUkraine.
Guyana is ramping up exports as its oil production from a consortium led by Exxon has risen to 770,000 barrels per day (bpd) following the start-up of the group’s fourth floatingoutputfacility
The country’s crude exports reached an all-timehighof938,000bpdinOctober,data from analytics firm Kpler showed, since it started exports of the latest grade GAH in July
The disclosure, which has not been previously reported, raises the possibilitythatthesurvivors from Thursday’s strike are thefirstprisonersofwarina conflict declared by President Donald Trump against a “narcoterrorist” threat he says is emanating fromVenezuela.
The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a requestforcomment.Trump told reporters that the strike wasagainst“adrug-carrying submarine built specifically for the transportation of massive amounts of drugs.” Hedidnotcommentonhow manywerekilledorsurvived thestrike.
One of the sources said the vessel struck on Thursday moved below the water and was possibly a semi-submersible,whichisa submarine-like vessel used by drug traffickers to avoid detection.
Five sources familiar withthemattersaidtheU.S.
military staged a helicopter rescue to pick up the survivors of the attack and bring them back to the U.S. warship.
Prior to Thursday’s operation, U.S. military strikes against suspected drugboatsoffVenezuelahad notleftanyknownsurvivors and videos presented by the Trump administration showed vessels being destroyed.
T h e T r u m p administration has said the
A U.S. warship off the coast of Colombia during exercises last year. (REUTERS/ Luisa Gonzalez)
previous strikes killed 27 people, raising alarms among some legal experts and Democratic lawmakers, who question whether they adheretothelawsofwar.
Thestrikescomeagainst the backdrop of a U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean that includes guidedmissiledestroyers,F35 fighter jets, a nuclear submarineandaround6,500 troops as Trump escalates a standoffwiththeVenezuelan Continued on page 16
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IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL
JURISDICTION FAMILY
DIVISION
Application No. FD-308 BETWEEN:(SINGH)ANEESA AMANDAneeAGARD
Petitioner/Applicant -and(SINGH) BILLY RAJ
Respondent TO: BILLY RAJ SINGH
Formerly of 95-26 92nd Street, Apartment #1 Jamaica NY 11416 United States of America
agent or Attorney-at-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry), Answer and/or Cross Petition via the e-litigation portal https://ejudiciary. supremecourt.gy within 35 (thirty-five) days from the date of the final public ation of this Notice. Your access code is 9bw3eo TAKE NOTICE that the Divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Friday the 14th dav of November, 2025 at 9:00am before the Honourable Justice NIGEL NILES in person and/or via Zoom Meeting ID: 685 665 7142 & Passcode; court123 IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend. Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed. Dated the 20th day of August, 2025.
In the matter of an Applic ation by DEVANIE MAHADEO Applicant-andGOWMATTIE PERSAUD Respondent NOTICETO: GOWMATTIE PERSAUD Lot 6 Public Road Hous ton East Bank Demerara Guyana TAKE NOTICE that the Fixed Date Application was filed on the 9th day of September, 2025 in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature of Guyana at Georgetown, Demerara by DEVANIE MAHADEO in which the Applicant seeks the following orders: H10H dOrder permitting that the Respondent be passed over in favor of the Applicant for the purpose of applying for Letters of Administration in respect of the Estate of MUINESHWAR MAHADEO, deceased. OF THE SUPREME COURT OF b) An Order permitting the Applicant to apply for Letters of Administration in respect of the Estate of MUNESHWARMAHADEO, deceased. c) Alternatively, an Order that the Applicant and the Respondent be appointed jointed Administratrix of the Estate of MUNESHWAR MAHADEO, deceased.
d)the Applicant be appointed Administratrix ad colligenda bona in respect of the Estate of MUNESHWARMAHADEO, deceased pending the determination of the proceedings herein and the substantive Grante of Administration.
From page 14 government. On Wednesday, Trump disclosed he had authorized the Central Intelligence Agency to conduct covertoperationsinsideVenezuela,addingtospeculation in Caracas that the United States is attempting to topple VenezuelanPresidentNicolas Maduro.
Inaletterthisweektothe United Nations’ 15-member Security Council, seen by Reuters, Venezuela’s U.N. Ambassador Samuel Moncada asked for a U.N. determination that the U.S. strikesoffitscoastareillegal andtoissueastatementbackingVenezuela’s sovereignty
Earlier this month, the Pentagon disclosed to Congress in a notification reviewed by Reuters that Trump has determined the United States is engaged in “a non-international armed conflict.”
The document aimed to explain the Trump
administration’s legal rationaleforunleashingU.S.military force in the Caribbean. Lessthanaweekago,the Pentagon announced its counter-narcotics operations intheregionwouldnotbeled bytheMiami-basedSouthern Command, which oversees U.S.militaryactivitiesinLatin America. Instead, the Pentagon said a task force was being created that would be led by II Marine Expeditionary Force,aunitcapableofrapid overseas operations that is based at Camp Lejeune in NorthCarolina.
That decision came as a surprise to U.S. militarywatchers, since a combatant commandlikeSouthernCommandwouldnormallyleadany high-profileoperations.
On Thursday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the admiral who leads U.S. SouthernCommandwillstep down at the end of this year, two years ahead of schedule, in a surprise move.
CARICOM leaders meet to...
From page 8 countries discussed the ongoingcrisisinHaitiatlength. Suriname expressed its solidaritywiththeHaitianpeople and supports efforts aimed at restoring democracy, human rights, and security in the country
andTobagoTelevision(TTT) in a story posted on its website,showed Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar, alongside the Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Sean Sobers, at the virtual intersessional meeting.
“During the session, the PrimeMinisterreaffirmedher commitment to building a safer,stronger,andmoreproductive Caribbean region for allitscitizens,”thetelevision station reported.
TAKE NOTICE that on the 27th day of March, 2025 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by ANEESAAMANDASINGH nee AGARD the Petitioner/ Applicant in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara.AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 20th day of August, 2025 the Petitioner/Applicant was directed to effect service of her Petition on JOHIGH COUtenion of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issues of the Kaieteur New daily newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on Worldwide Web. AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized LEGALNOTICE2
IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF GUYANA COMMERCIAL
JURISDICTION 2025/826-41-EDA-DEM-CIV
e) Such further or other orders as may be just. UPON APPLICATION in person or by letter to Mr Sohan J. Poonai, whose address for service and place of business is at Lot 153 Charlotte Street, Lacytown, Georgetown, Guyana, copies of the Fixed Date Application, filed herein, will be delivered or sent to you. AND TAKE NOTICE if you desire to defend this action you must prepare an Affidavit in Defence in Form 10C prescribed in the Civil Procedure Rules 2016, serve it on the Applicant’s Attorney-atLaw, to Mr. Sohan J Poonai, whose address for service and place of business is at Lot 153 Charlotte Street, Lacytown, Georgetown, Guyana, and file it with proof of service at the Registry at Georgetown, Demerara, not later than 4 (four) days before that couped for hearing of the application, and you or your Attorneyat-Law must appear at the hearing of the Fixed Date Application on Monday 1ª day of December 2025, at 9:15 am before the Honourable
“Minister Bouva stated that Suriname, within the frameworkofUNresolutions, is prepared to contribute to further stabilizing measures, in consultation with the governmentandotherpartnersin the region.
“Attention was also paid totheincreasingtensionsand securitychallengesinpartsof the Caribbean, including incidents at sea and drug trafficking.PresidentSimonsemphasized the importance of peace through dialogue and regional cooperation,” the statement noted.
Thestate-ownedTrinidad
via Zoom, Meeting ID 703 085 9517
Passcode: DKCfamet1 AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you fail to file such Affidavit and or if you fail to appear at the hearing, final judgment may be given against you notwithstanding your absence.
Dated this 3rd day of October, 2025
Persad Bissessar is on record as saying she is “happy that the US naval deployment is having success in their mission,” and that “the pain and suffering the cartels have inflicted on our nation is immense. I have no sympathy for traffickers; the US military should kill them allviolently”.
Amid the national d e b a t e surrounding the use of secret balloting in the
recent elections for chairpersons and vice chairpersons of the Regional
Democratic Councils (RDCs), Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, hasclarifiedthattheprocess is entirely lawful and standardpractice.
During the election of RDC chairpersons and vice chairpersons across the regions,therespectiveclerks
of council instructed that the voting be conducted by secret ballot rather than the usual show-of-hands method used in previous elections This change sparked uproar among several newly sworn-in councillors,whoaccusedthe councils of lacking transparencyandarguedthat the decision to use secret ballots should have been discussedamongmembers. However, in his weekly Iss
dismissed the criticisms,
Frompage12 business in Guyana, let’s work with you.The Guyana Marketing Corporation will consolidate. If we have to start with one or two containers, we will consolidate the containers, but let the small man get a chance to breathe and grow andbuild,”hestressed.
The president also encouragedANSAMcALto integrate Guyanese raw materials into its production anddistributionchains.
“We are producing honey at unbelievable scale now, we wantANSAMcAL to use our honey in your processing, in your value creation. And I say this as friends and partners so I would like to see a clear strategy as to how ANSA McAL distribution arm will allow our agro-processors andproductsofGuyanatobe on your distribution chain. And we can start with your three malls, if you can dedicate spaces for Guyana products We have now started origins a fashion show and we want our products, our clothing, our indigenous products which has a high social value because the markets are social sensitive, and social conscious is an aspect pf buying.”
President Ali urged the company to lead by example, contributing more visibly to Guyana’s development.“Wewantyou toleadtheway Wewantyou to show every Guyanese physicallythatyouwilltake us on this journey of expansion and product positioning,”hesaid,noting thatGuyanamustbeseennot merelyasaretailhub,butas an integral part of regional valuecreation.
He further outlined
emphasizing that secret balloting is a universally accepted and legitimate methodofvoting.
“Questions being raised abouttheuseofsecretballot asthemethodofelectingthe chair Letmesaythat,firstof all, secret balloting is a standard operational procedure for elections of almost every type The relevant legislation, the Local Democratic Organs Act, Section 20 (2), vests in the clerk who is the regional executiveofficerthepowerto conduct the elections of the chair and the power and authority to determine any question arising at the meeting during the election ofthechairperson,”hesaid.
Guyana’s growing potential to supply the Caribbean market. “We want ANSA McAL to take all of our prawns that we are producing and take it in all their supermarkets around theCaribbean.Wewantyou to take the meat that the modern abattoir that is capable of processing 100 animals per day, the meat from there and distribute it from across the region Thesearenotabstractideas. We are already building these things. Red beans and black eye. No longer do we have to ship that in the Caribbean The next 18 months we must be in a position through Guyana to supply the entire region but for that to happen you have to embrace the vision. The major distributors in the regionmustbealertedofthis plan and if we don’t get the support, we’ll have no other choice than to build infrastructurebyourselves,” presidentAlistated.
In immediate response, Sabga declared that ANSA McAl will work with local agencies to expand its distribution of Guyanese products.
“I would like to suggest that team with your people look at developing jointly in a farmers’market, andmaybeboothsandstores totheindigenouspeoplecan showcase theirproducts and so forth. We already have rice from Guyana in our distribution system and I think we are the largest rice distributors in the Caribbean. I am requesting t h a t t h e c o m p a n y immediately work with the agencies, the president says organize a few containers of Guyanese m a d e g o o d s a n d immediatelyshipit,”hesaid.
Council, Donald Gajraj, announcedthatvotingwould be done by secret ballot instead of a show of hands.
The decision drew objections from APNU and the Forward Guyana M o v e m e n t ( F G M )
representatives, who protestedthemove,accusing the clerk of acting undemocratically Despite their objections, the clerk stood firm, and the council proceeded with the secret ballot. Nandlall, who was present during the Region Four elections, reinforced that the clerk has the full legal authority to decide on themethodofvoting.
Referring specifically to the Region Four RDC elections, Nandlall addressed the controversy that erupted when Clerk of
None of these persons are councillorsatthetimewhen that question arises, so they can't exercise any powers, they are not members of the RDCasyet.”
He further explained that,atthetimeofvoting,the only person with official authority is the clerk, who may delegate certain duties to assistants, all of whom derive their authority from him.
At the conclusion of the Region Four elections, APNU's candidate, Shanika Haynes,whowasnominated forbothchairandvicechair
“The clerk of the Regional Democratic Council, in my presence, determinedthatsecretballot wouldbethemethodusedto elect the chairman. There is nothing unlawful, irregular, u n r e a s o n a b l e , o r undemocratic about that process,”hesaid.“Ifwevote by secret ballot to elect a government and a president ofthecountry,whatiswrong with using the same method to elect the chairman of a municipal district council?
positions, was unsuccessful after receiving significantly fewervotesthanthePeople's Progressive Party Civic's (PPP/C) candidate Following her loss, Haynes expressed dissatisfaction withtheuseofsecretballots, claiming it undermined transparency in the democraticprocess “Usually, the provision ismadewheretheclerkwho carryingouttheREO,hewill request of the council has beenelected,howtheyvote, whether it be a secret ballot or by the show of hand, he didnotdothat.Heproceeded tosaythatithastobeasecret ballotand,inmyview,thatis where we have issues within ourdemocracybecausewhen you revert to that, knowing that you're doing the underhandbusinesshere and there, these are the results,” Haynesstated.
TheMinistryofEducationis planning to spend approximately$123,885,300 to rehabilitate the library building at Cyril Potter College of Education
(CPCE) Nin
een contractorssubmittedbidsto the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office for theproject.
RegionalDemocraticCouncilofRegionTwo ConstructionandfurnishingofhealthpostatManawarin.
Bidder AmountTendered
Consultingservicesforthepreparationofdetailed designsandtechnicalspecificationforenergyefficiency measuresanddistributedsolarPVsystemforsecondbatch ofpublicbuildinginGuyana.
Bidder AmountTendered
SylvesterEngineeringLimited (Technical&Financialproposalsubmitted)
RehabilitationoflibrarybuildingatCPCE. Bidder
GuyanaEnergyAgency SupplyanddeliveryofoneelectricvehiclefortheGEA.
atSt.StanislausCollege.
(AL-JAZEERA) Hamas has urged mediators and the international community to pressure Israel to open the Rafah crossing, connecting
Gaza and Egypt, as stipulated by the ceasefire agreement.
TheUNsaysitstillfaces roadblocks from Israel in deliveringaidtohundredsof thousands of Palestinians in Gaza, still desperate for the necessities of life one week intotheceasefire.
Hamas has called on international mediators to push for the Gaza ceasefire
d e a l t o b e f u l l y implemented, as Israel
continues to restrict deliveries of humanitarian aidtotheenclave.
A t l e a s t 1 , 0 0 1 Palestinianshavebeenkilled inIsraelisettlerandmilitary attacksintheoccupiedWest BanksinceOctober7,2023, the UN says. One in five of those killed was a Palestinianchild.
Trump'sGazaplan 'normalised'Israeli genocideinGaza
D i a n a B u t t u , a Palestinian lawyer and
politicalanalyst,haslikened Trump's Gaza plan to holding “a knife to [the] throat” of Palestinians
“That's what this agreement isentirelyabout,”Buttusaid duringtheIMEUwebinar
Sheexplainedthatthisis becausetheagreementgives alloftheguaranteestoIsrael, “a country that has never respected any international agreement” or UN resolution, and has been accused of committing g e n o c i d e a g a i n s t Palestinians.
“Butbeyondthat…[the deal]givingIsraelthevetoin termsofwhatgetsintoGaza, andwe'realreadyseeingthat Israel has already decided what is going into Gaza and whatisnotgoingintoGaza,” said Buttu, who noted that Israel is blocking portable housing and construction materials from reaching the Strip.
She added that the agreement ultimately has “normalisedgenocide”.
'Wearestillafraid': Palestiniansdonottrust
Trump,Netanyahu
AbeerBarakat,alecturer
in English at University College of Gaza, says Palestinians in the enclave are still living in dire conditions despite the ceasefire – with a search for supp
, dominatingtheirdailylives.
Speaking during a webinar organised by the US-based Institute for Middle East Understanding
(IMEU), Barakat said many people are “still afraid” that theywillbedisplacedagain.
“Peopleheredonottrust Trump or Netanyahu, althoughpeoplekeeptelling themselvesthatthistimethe ceasefireisdifferentbecause we have many countries supporting it,” said Barakat, who recently returned to GazaCitywithherfamily
“I should have come
back to Gaza [City] the moment I heard about the ceasefire, but like many Palestinians, we decided to wait until the first phase of the ceasefire is done,” she added.
“But we are still afraid. Like many other families, we have kept many of our belongings in the south, in safe places We are afraid that Netanyahu will [take]
any kind of pretext, or any kind of excuse, to break this ceasefire and Trump will endorseit.”
The Palestinian group, Hamas,hasexpressed“deep appreciation for the sincere efforts” made by Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye over the past two years to reach an agreement to stop Israel's waronGaza.
“This effort included hosting meetings, working to bring viewpoints closer together, bridging the gap between positions, and their insistence on overcoming obstacles, which ultimately resultedinendingtheinsane waronGaza,”astatementon Telegramsaid.
The group called on the mediating countries Egypt, Qatar and Turkiye to follow upontheimplementationof the remaining provisions of theagreement. Accordingly, Hamas calledfortheentryofaidinto Gaza in the required quantities,theopeningofthe Rafah crossing in both directions,andthebeginning of the reconstruction of the enclave.
(Trinidad Express) The United States flew three B52bombersonmissionsnear the coast of Venezuela on Wednesday, in the latest showofmilitarystrengthby the Trump administration amid heightened tensions with President Nicolás Maduro'sgovernment.
A c c o r d i n g t o a spokesperson for the Air
Force Global Strike Command, the long-range
bombers conducted
operations over the Caribbean Sea, roughly 150 miles north of Venezuela's coast. Flight-tracking data
o n t h e w e b s i t e Flightradar24, first reported by ABC News, confirmed theaircraftcircledtheregion beforereturningtobase.
The B-52, a Cold Warera bomber capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons, has seen decades of service in U S military campaigns fromIraqtoAfghanistan.Its presence near Venezuelan
approximately 10,000
troops are currently deployed in the region, operating across a fleet that includes eight warships, a nuclear-poweredsubmarine, and several fighter jets stationedinPuertoRico.The military has carried out at least five airstrikes on alleged drug-carrying vesselsoffVenezuela'scoast since September, leaving nearly30peopledead.
M r T r u m p o n Wednesday also confirmed that he has authorized covert CIA operations inside Venezuela and said his administration is weighing further “landbased strikes” on drug traffickers.
denounced the growing U S military presence as an act of aggression and rejected allegations that his government is tied to regional cartels or criminal networks.
The U S Justice Dep
ment indicted Maduro in 2020 on narcoterrorismchargesandearlier this year increased the rewardforhiscaptureto$50 million.
The expanded campaign has sparked unease in Washington, with some lawmakers warning that Mr Trump is bypassing Congress in authorizing militaryforce. Members of both parties have called for more transparency about the legal basis for the strikes and for the growing U.S. buildup in Caribbeanwaters. A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, takes off for a mission in support of Red Flag-Nellis 25-1, Feb. 6, 2025. (Airman 1st Class Michael Sanders/Nellis Air Force Base)
airspace underscores a monthslong escalation of Americanmilitaryactivityin the Caribbean, part of what PresidentDonaldTrumphas
described as a campaign against regional narcotics trafficking and “narcostates.”
U.S.defenseofficialssay
Venezuelan President Maduro, who has long accused Washington of seeking regime change,
Independent - The Six Kings Slam finalists have
been revealed after Thursday'ssemi-finals.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will face each other in yet another decider
after the pair easily navigated their ties in the last-four
Thetop-twointheworld will renew acquaintances
today, Saturday, and organisers of the exhibition tournament in Saudi Arabia will hope for another fine
instalment after stellar battles at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and at the US Openearlierthisyear.
Six-time grand-slam
champion Alcaraz comfortably beat Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-2 and Sinner claimed victory by the same score over an ailing Novak Djokoviclateronthesecond dayofthecontentiousevent, whichisnotATP-sanctioned andhasattractedcriticism.
Top seed Alcaraz, who argued pre-match that
players can be vocal against the packed tennis calendar and play short exhibitions, never looked back against Fritzafterabreaktomove32up.
After Alcaraz clinched the opener with his second set point, a superb drop shot sealed the first break of the second set in the fifth game andfivegamesinarowsent the Spaniard into Saturday's showpiece where a reported sixmilliondollarsisonoffer forthewinner
Sinner made light work of Djokovic after similar one-sidebattlesoverthepast 12 months with the 24-time majorchampion.
The Italian was able to break Djokovic in the third gameafteranexcellentrally and two aces closed out set one.
When Djokovic was broken at the start of the second set, the writing was on the wall for the 38-yearold who suffered a seventh successivedefeattoSinner
ARIES(Mar.21–Apr.19)
In a philosophical or political conversation,youdon'thesitate to offer your thoughts Your examplesmaybeextreme,but yourprinciplesaresound
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20)
Youshouldbeinagoodmood, although you might have a hard time fully expressing yourself.Perhapsyoufeellike there is someone keeping an eyeonyoureverymove.
GEMINI(May21–June20)
You may get the feeling that despite all the hard work you've accomplished, something is still missing, Gemini. There's still a long road ahead, regardless of the goalsyou'veattainedsofar.
CANCER(June21–July22)
Freedom may be a theme for youtoday You'rebeginningto question what it is you're tryingtofreeyourselffrom.A person? Job? Commitment? These may be the very things youstarttosearchforassoon asyou'refreeofthem.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
You'retheliquidthattakesthe shape of its container, Leo. Even though this may seem like the most nonconfrontational way to do things, you may find that it's actually a cause of great frustrationforyouandothers
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
Youmayfeellikeapuppythat has been let outside for the first time, Virgo. The air is warm and you're full of energy You're ready to run over the fields and hills Unfortunately,you'retiedtoa stake and you can't move beyondaten-footradius.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Youmayfeelastrangetension. Itseemsthatnothingyousayor do is quite right, Libra. As much as you may try to do the correct thing, you can't make thingsclickthewayyou'dlike.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov 21)
It may be hard for you to maintain your self-discipline. Your childlike nature wants to go out and play Emotionally, you're anxious to let loose and followyourplayful,instinctual nature.
SAGITTARIUS(Nov22–Dec21)
Ifyou'reunclearaboutthetopic of discussion, say so Asking questionsisanimportantpartof learning You shouldn't be afraid to ask. Communication maytakeonaserioustone,and intellectual discussions are likelytogetheated.
CAPRICORN(Dec22–Jan19)
Youmaybeshywhenitcomes to expressing your emotions today,Capricorn.Thiscouldbe a rare thing for you. Other people may wonder if somethingiswrong.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18)
Youmaynotknowwhichway to turn,Aquarius. You may be emotionally weighed down by sentimental feelings and memories that bind you to the past You may also feel restrictedbyauthorityfigures.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Your mind may be going in manydifferentdirections,with fantastic ideas about how things should be done, Pisces.
T h e d i f f i c u l t y i s communicatingtheseideasina way that makes sense. Others mayseeyouasathreattotheir authority
Alcaraz overcame America's Taylor Fritz. (FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images)
Frompage20
Regal of region 4 in the finals at the Bath Community Centre Ground on the West Coast Berbice, as they walk away with the inaugural title, the MVP, best bowler, best batsman andmanofthefinalprizes.
The organisers said that softball cricket is the grassroots of all forms of cricket, and it nurtures our youthstomoveoninplaying all forms of the game at the veryhighestlevel,anditalso brings families, friends, and communitiestogether.
The tournament is being coordinated by RS Sports. A c c o r d i n g t o t h e coordinators, all regional winning teams will be awardedcashincentivesand trophies,whileprizeswillbe given to the runners-up, regional MVPs, Best bowlers, Best Batter, Player of the finals, and Player of the matches. While in the national playoffs, the national winners will be given more lucrative cash incentives to walk away with. Prizes will also be awardedtothetournament's MVPs, Best Bowler, Best Batter,andPlayerofFinals.
The winner of each region will battle in the national playoffs at a venue to be named. It's the true belief of the organizers that the tournament once again will bring our people together across various villages/communities/regio ns in unity through sports and strengthen the game of softballcricketlocally
The tournament will continue to use supreme balls, and it's a one-game knockout competition that will use round-arm bowling withextrasinplace.
Supporting this second edition of the One Guyana Inter-Region Tournament areKhan'sConstructionand TransportationServices,KT Fabrication, N. Balgobin &
Sons Electrical Contracting and General Supplies, GMIN Ventures Guyana Inc., and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, which has already indicated its support towards the tournament under its One Guyanabrand.
Interested teams across the country can register by contacting Brian (Region 2)
651-0358, Sedik (Region 3) 698-6406, Darmin (Region 4) 668-2783, Mahesh (Region 5&6) 6689993, Female Ms. Akaze (Regions 3&4) 717-5577 and for other regions, send team name, region, and category to RS Sports WhatsApp726-1386. Registration closes on October25th.
Plans are moving apace for what is considered to be the country's biggest open softballtournament,the2nd One Guyana Inter-Region Ten10SoftballCricketCup, whichisslatedtotakeplace from 2nd to 30th November 2025 at various venues acrosstheregions,withboth maleandfemaleteamsbeing in action as KT Fabrication andGMINVenturesGuyana
Inc.arethelatestbusinesses tosupportthetournament.
Inasimplehandingover of sponsorship country manager for GMIN Ventures, Mr Bjorn Jeune, said that he is very pleased that his entity was called upon to support this second edition of the tournament, and he sees it as part of his company's way of supporting the development
of sports, especially softball cricketincommunities.
The country manager went on to say that grassroots games like these bring out the potential in young,upcomingcricketers. He further said that youths have an opportunity to be part of cricket at the lowest levelandtoshowtheirskills andabilitiestheyhaveinthe game.
Mr Jeune said not only do cricketers get to be involved, but also the entire communitybygoingoutand supporting their village teams and players. He sees this as a stepping stone in bringingtogetherourpeople acrossthedivide.
Meanwhile,Mr Thomas of KT Fabrication said that he is very happy that his company was given the opportunity in helping to helpdevelopthissportatthe lowest level because not many competitions like these are being held for anyone at any age to be part ofoneteam,butmanytimes it has various levels where playerscanbepartofateam.
Both gentlemen went on to wish all the players the verybestforthetournament.
Ms.JamaciaThomsonof RS Sports thanked both entities for supporting the
Country Manager of GMIN Ventures Guyana Inc. Mr. Bjorn Jeune handing over sponsorship to Ms. Jamacia Thomson of RS Sports.
tournament and assured the sponsors that the organisers are going to ensure that this year's tournament, which is expected to be bigger and better, will be run smoothly aslastyear
Last year's inaugural tournament which was played in the male open categoryandsawHypePark of Parika in region 3 got betteroftheiropponents
(Continuedonpage19)
Exciting action in the Georgetown Cricket
Association (GCA) Georgetown/ City Mayor and Friends Under-17 100over competition continues todaywithtwogamesacross thecity
The lads of Transport Sports Club will be hosting the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) while Malteenoes, playing at home, will welcome the Everest youths; with both encountersbowlingofffrom 9:00hrespectively
In last weekend's round, Bel Air Rubis defeated Malteenoes by 66 runs after posting 154 all out, led by the dynamic Arun Gainda wholedwith69.
Support came from Antonio Chan (18) and Ashton Collins (17), as the trio of Kyle Gibson (2-18), Akeem Persaud (2-18) and Deshawn Ramnauth (2-25) led Malteenoes' bowling attack.
In reply, Malteenoes were skittled out for just 87 in 25 5 overs Persaud returned to score 21, as no otherplayergotgoing.
Gainda wrapped up a
Arun Gainda, Nathan Bishop
brilliantgamebyclaiming26 while Munesh Outar (215), Narindra Isurdeen (215)andShaeedSeymour(224) chipped in beautifully forBelAirRubis.
Over at Bourda Ground, Malteenoes snatched a one wicket victory to upset the hometeamGCCwhoposted 180alloutfrom41.2overs. OmarianCummings(43) missed a fifty while Shahid Ramzan (25), Trilok Nanan
(25) and Shane Shivbarran (23) all chipped in with usefulruns.
Bowling for Malteenoes was spearheaded by Joshua Budhramwhoreturned5-42 with help coming from DeshawnRamnauth(4-35). In a shaky effort, Malteenoes managed to reach 181-9 thanks to a match-winning knock from Nathaniel Ramkhelwan, who scored 57, with Kyle Gibsonadding31.
The young sensation Ramzan claimed 3-7, as Ravaldo Pereira (2-12) and an experienced Nanan (231) and Nathaniel Sukhnanan (2-32) sliced throughtheopposition.
Meanwhile, in a rainaffected game at Bourda, a visiting Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) posted 130-3 from 21 overs after the national youth core of NathanBishop(48*),Makai Dowlin (23), Kishawn Silas (19)carriedthebatting.
The pair of Bradley DaSilva who grabbed 2-27 and Jooziah Singh 1-25 looked threatening before thematchwascalledoffdue tobadweather
BBC Sport - South Africa moved up to second in the Women'sWorldCuptablewithacomprehensive10-wicket winoverSriLankainarain-shortenedgameinColombo.
Set a Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) adjusted target of 121towinin20overs,theProteascruisedtovictoryinside 15 overs with captain LauraWolvaardt hitting a superb 60 notoutfrom47balls.
The classy right-hander shared an unbroken opening stand of 125 with Tazmin Brits, who hit the winning runs withasixtofinishunbeatenon55from42.
SouthAfrica'sfourthstraightwinmovesthemaboveof EnglandandjustonepointbehindleadersAustralia.
Alengthydownpour12oversintothematchhadlooked settoresultinafourthwashoutatRPremadasaStadiumbut the rain stopped just in time for a 20-over contest to take place.
SriLanka,whowere46-2whentheplayerswereforced off,battledupto105-7butevenaftertheDLSboost,itnever threatenedtoreallychallengeSouthAfrica.
Opener Vishmi Gunaratne was stretched off before the rainafterashyatthestumpsstruckherontheinsideofthe knee as she sprinted through for a quick single and forced hertoretirehurt.
But no serious damage was done and she came in after therainbreaktotop-scoreforthetournamentco-hostswith 34from33balls.
Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba took 3-30 for South Africa, with seamer Masabata Klaas claiming 2-18 beforetherain.
Defeat leaves Sri Lanka winless and, with just two gameslefttoplay,theirhopesofreachingthesemi-finalsare increasinglyslim.
ProteasmarchonbutSriLankaruetossdecision
The game began with the floodlights on, leaden skies overheadandtheexpectationthatrainwasinevitable,soit was something of a surprise when Sri Lanka opted to bat first.
Although they started well, by the time the heavens open, Gunaratne had retired hurt and Klaas had bowled Hasini Perera with a beauty and trapped Chamari Athapaththulbw
Itmeant,havingstartedtheirinningspreparingtobat50 overs, they came back with less than 50 on the board and onlyeightoversmoretobat.
Had they bowled first it would have been SouthAfrica forcedintoamajorrecalibrationbutinsteadtheProteaswere able to get away with some sloppy fielding, still keep Sri Lanka to an insufficient total and have the luxury of knowing exactly what they needed to do from ball one of theirinnings.
SouthAfrica made the most of the advantage they had, though,andthereturntoformofWolvaardtandBrits-the skipperafteraslowstarttothetournamentandheropening partnerafterback-to-backducks-willbemostwelcome.
There was no need for the drama of their wins against India and Bangladesh, this was a thrashing with their openerstakingoutthefrustrationoffive-hourraindelayon theSriLankabowlers.
A semi-final place is just a point away and that harrowinglosstoEnglandseemsalong,longtimeagonow foraSouthAfricasidebrimmingwithconfidence.
Scores: South Africa 121 for 0 (Wolvaardt 60*, Brits 55*) beat Sri Lanka 105 for 7 (Gunaratne 34, Mlaba 3-30, Klaas2-18)bytenwickets(DLSmethod)20-overs-a-side.
Naomi Osaka's last Grand Slam trophy came at the Australian Open in 2021. [Getty Images]
BBC Sport - Naomi Osaka has pulled out of the Japan Open before Friday's quarter-finalbecauseofaleg injury sustained in the secondround.
The former world number one held back tears and needed painkillers to
come through a three-set last-16 win over defending champion Suzan Lamens on Wednesday
Top seed Osaka, who completed the match with strapping on her left thigh, was due to face Jaqueline Cristian in the last eight but the Romanian will instead progresstothesemi-finals.
The Japan Open made the announcement on X, saying: "We regret to announce that Naomi Osaka hasnotrecoveredfromaleft
leg injury sustained during the second round of this tournament and has withdrawn from the quarterfinalsscheduledfortoday."
It is not yet known whether Osaka will play in the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyolaterthismonth.
The four-time Grand Slam champion is the latest high-profile player to suffer late-seasoninjuryissues.
In September, Iga Swiatek complained the season is "too long and too
intense"followingastringof injuriesamongplayersatthe China Open. British number one Emma Raducanu called time on her season on Thursday after retiring from her two previous matches with illness Australia's Daria Kasatkina, Ukraine's Elina Svitolina and Spain's Paula Badosa also ended their seasons early in recent weeks.
Across two tournaments in China last week, five playersretiredinjured.
Play in the Big Man Cricket (BMC) tournament continuesthisweekendwith fifth and sixth round matches.
The event is sponsored by Peter Lewis Contracting & Asphalting Services, Diamond Fire & General Insurance, Readymix
Concrete and Permaul Trading & Distribution and will see game at venues on the East Coast, East Bank andBerbicebeingcontested.
Evenasteamshave
reached the semifinalstageof the ongoing Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) two days first divisioncricketcompetition, the BCB has decided to continuewiththeplayingoff of some preliminary round matches.TheBCBinrelease stated that the competition willresumeshortlywithtwo games: Rose Hall Community Centre playing
West Berbice at the Rose Hall Community Centre, EastCanjeandPortMourant Community Centre verses Police CC at the Port Mourant Community Centre. Italsostatedthatthe two Semifinals will be played on Saturday 1st and Sunday2ndNovember
The matches will see Group 'A' winners Young Warriors CC playing Rose HallTownYouthandSports
Club (RHTYSC) at the YoungWarriorsGround.The other game will involve Group B winner Albion Community Centre against Group 'A' runner-up Tucber Park CC at the Albion CommunityCentreGround. Meanwhile, the Lalsa Second Division 40 overs cricket competition will continue with a number of matches across Berbice (SamuelWhyte)
The chase for Pee Wee football glory intensifies today as the Courts Optical Boys' Under-11 Schools FootballTournament storms into its Round of 16 at the Ministry of Education (MoE)ground.
After weeks of thrilling clashes and surprise upsets, thecompetitionentersdo-ordie territory. Sixteen teams return to the pitch with one goalinmind:acovetedspot in the quarterfinals. It's win orgohome.
Powerhouses like St John the Baptist, West Ruimveldt Primary, Potaro Primary, and Tucville Primary remain unbeaten, but fearless challengers are circling Teams such as Marian Academy, St Pius Primary, St Gabriel's, St Theresa, and Stella Maris have shown they're not intimidated by reputations, having already pulled off major upsets in the previous round. Over the past three weeks, the tournament has delivered nonstop action, and today's eight Round of 16 matchups promise even morefireworks.
The day kicks off with a blockbuster:StPiusPrimary takes on undefeated Potaro Primaryinwhat'sshapingup
St Gabriel's hunt round of 16 win today. This question is: Can Zion Hickerson and his boys get pass Charity Primary?
to be a fierce battle. Both teamsareinform,butcanSt Piuspulloffanotherupset? Next up, Stella Maris facesoffagainstawell-oiled St John the Baptist side firing on all cylinders. The big question: can St John
maintaintheirmomentum?
Inoneofthemostevenly matched ties of the round, North Georgetown clashes with Agatash Primary in what's expected to be a tightlycontestedaffair Then it's Charity
Primary, boasting an unbeaten run, against the disciplined defense of St Gabriel's.Expectfireworks.
Later, St Theresa meet West Ruimveldt in a game thathasalltheingredientsof aclassic.Withbothteamsin
goodform,match#44could beoneforthebooks. At 2:00 PM, the unpredictable Georgetown International Academy (GIA)takesthefieldagainst the always dangerous T
Meanwhile, dark horses Marian Academy and Leonora square off, each looking to extend their dreamrun.Roundingoutthe day's fixtures is a highstakes encounter between Santa Rosa and Redeemer Primary. With the reigning champions back to defend theirtitle,alleyeswillbeon whether they can rise to the challenge.
Launched on September 27, this year's tournament has delivered drama,
promisesevenmore.
Now in its 12th year of support, Courts Optical continuestoleadthecharge, with vital backing from MVP Sports, Demerara Mutual, Sky Tec Enterprise, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and Sterling Products Limited. The tournament is officially sanctioned by the Ministry ofEducation.
Quarterfinalspotsareup for grabs Rivalries will flare New heroes will e
tournament coordinators, p
o m i s e
a n o t h e r unforgettable day of Pee Weefootballmagic.
The GCB Select XI will have their work cut out today when they square off against a scary-looking Essequibo team when the two sides collide today at theLusignanGround
After practically
dismantling a strong Berbice unit, GCB Select XI will have their hands
filled today against
Essequibo who seems to havefoundtheirlane
Shouldthemiddle-order in skipper Kemol Savory, Kanhayia Ramkaran and p
showing glimpses up the
order; Essequibo should easily topple their opponents Opener Kevon Boodie fresh off his cool halfcentury alongside power-
hitter Quentin Sampson's brutal fifty could possibly addtotoday'smatchastheir respective form will play a rolegoingforward GCBSelectXIwillalso
need to be mindful of the host of all-rounders in the Essequibo team, with Anthony Adams, Keemo Paul, the other Adams in Ricardo and Thaddeus Lovell all had double-digit scoresinthelastgame.
One huge factor is the depth of Essequibo's bowling unit, with the leftarm trio of spinners in GolcharranChulaiandboth Anthony Adams sharing 7 wickets to help wrap up an easy win against a far superior opponent in Berbice.
With seamers Paul,
containing most batting attacks, the likes of
, Rampersaud Ramnauth, C a p
R
m a r i o Deonarain, Afraz Ali Budhoo and Kwesi Mickle will have to step their game upfortheSelectXI.
The Select XI seems to be finding their way as the tournament builds, posting almost 200 against the defending champs in their last match, but failed to contain Demerara who won by9wickets
Pacers Darwin Joseph, Joshua Jones and veteran first class pacer Carlos Larose will need to keep
Essequibounder250,given their almost 300-run total against a star-studded Berbicebowlingattack
Facing a must win situation as crunch times approaches, the GCB XI will need to win this match with the bat and hope their bowlerscankeepEssequibo at bay Action bowls off from9:00 (Clifton Ross)
St Pius Primary will face off with Potaro Primary for a spot into next week's quarterfinals.
