Brazen bandits leave filth behind after stealing $1M from teacher
Five Canadian companies in Guyana sitting on over
Atcurrent goldprice… US$62B worth of gold
Businessman Azruddin Mohamedhashitbackatthe Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) over claims that his company, Mohamed's Enterprise,understatedmore than $34 billion in income over five years — figures whichthetaxbodysayshave ballooned with interest and penalties to a staggering $191 billion. He also said that the company's attorney will respond to the GRA's letter
Inaninvitedcommenton
Wednesday Azruddin Mohamed said too that the letterofdemandbytheGRA is part of the government's “orchestratedattacksagainst him,givenhisparty's–WIN strong performance at the recent general and regional elections In a previous statement he had said that:
“my emergence into
P a r l i a m e n t a f t e r campaigning for only three
months sends a clear message of how quickly our movement has changed the political landscape in Guyana.Itwasdeclaredthat WIN has 16 seats, though that allocation does not reflect our numbers on the ground We are grateful because this result is a remarkable achievement on entry The PPP knows what is at stake in 2030, and they want no challengers in Parliament.ThePPPholdsa majority; why then are they stalling to convene the 13th Parliament and swear in the dulyelectedopposition?”
He said fearing the momentum seen at the last election and the cry of the Guyanesepeopleforchange, “they (PPP/C) are doing everything possible to stop me. The constant attacks, whether directly or indirectly,aretoweakenme, with hopes that if they hit
hard enough, I will cower andretreat.Truthbetold,ifI rid myself of my political ambitions,theseattackswill cease, but I, Azruddin Mohamed, leader of We Invest in Nationhood and Leader of the Opposition (Elect), reaffirm my commitment to you, the Guyanese people I will continue to stand up and fight,nomatterthecost.
Please know that for the love of country and on the principleofserviceoverself, Istandresolute.Iwillnotbe silenced. When the wicked cametoeatupmyflesh,they stumbled and fell. Though they encamp against me, I shall not fear To my supporters, thank you for standing with me,” the statementconcluded.
Demandletter
The GRA in a demand letter has accused the gold dealers: Nazar “Shell”
Mohamed and his son, Azruddin Mohamed, of Mohamed's Enterprise, of massive underreporting of income between 2019 and 2023,resultinginbillionsof dollarsinunpaidtaxes.
Azruddin, who leads the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Party, is already before the magistrates' court facing a multimillion-dollar tax evasion charge That case, brought by the GRA, stems from alleged false d e c l a r a t i o n s a n d underreporting of the purchase price of a luxury vehicleimportedin2020.
In a fresh move, a letter dated October 2, 2025, addressed to Nazar and Azruddin Mohamed, states that GRAis seeking billions in taxes from Mohamed's Enterprise The demand arises from $34 billion in understated income declarations for the period
2019to2023.
According to GRA, its review of the company's filingsshowedthatover$34 billioninincometaxeswere understated With accumulated interest and penalties, the total sum now owed to the state stands at morethan$191billion.“The revenue authority has conducted a review of the income and property tax returns submitted in relation to the above years of assessment. This review, together with additional information received from other tax and financial agencies, have
revealed that you failed to submit true and correct returns for the said years of assessment 2020 to 2024 (years of income 2019 to 2023),” the authority said in theletter
GRA reminded the businessmenthatsubmitting untrue and incorrect tax returns is an offence under Section 110 of the Income Tax Act. It said the false declarations directly affected the liability to income tax that should have been paid. “Accordingly, as a result of the untrue declarations made, income (Continuedonpage9)
legislation,”hesaid.
Theattorneygeneralalso rubbished claims that the government has any role to play in the allegations against the Mohameds Nandlall emphasised that Guyanacannotinfluencethe US justice system in that manner
Attorney General ( A G ) a n d Minister of LegalAffairs,AnilNandlall, SC said his government is ready to facilitate any extradition request by the United States Government for leaderof theWeInvest in Nationhood (WIN) party, Azruddin Mohamed and his father,Nazar
“Guyana has made it very clear that it is ready, willing, and most able to diligently discharge its legal dutiesandobligationsunder the current extradition framework that exists with theUnitedStatesofAmerica inrelationtothismatter,and weremaincommittedtothat course.”
Hiscomment,whichwas madeduringhis'Issuesinthe News' commentary on Tuesday, follows an announcement earlier this weekthattheMohamedsare facing charges of fraud and money laundering related to gold smuggling and have been indicted in a Florida court.
AccordingtotheAG,no extraditionrequesthassince beenmade.
“At this point and time, we are awaiting the request, once that request is made, a process which is outlined both in the Fugitive Offenders Act is triggered, and a series of legal steps have to be followed, all of which are outlined in the
Nandlall said the indictment should come as no surprise to the Guyanese public as the duo was sanctioned by the US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control(OFAC)in2024and were indicted earlier in October2025.
“No one ought to be surprised that these indictments were laid. They were long in the pipeline. TheOFACsanctionssentthe first signal, but internally workwasongoing.Thenext stepisforthegovernmentof theUnitedStatesofAmerica torequestofthegovernment ofGuyana,theextraditionof the two persons who are in Guyana and who are the subject of the indictment,” he said With regard to the extradition,theAGsaidthat Guyana has a long-standing
commitment to a treaty that establishes and supports the extraditionprocess.
He explained that “This process which will be embarkeduponisalegalone and is contained in an extradition framework between the government of the United States and the GovernmentofGuyana.”
According to Nandlall, theframeworkiscapturedin two main instruments; a treaty which dates back to 1924 between the United Kingdom and the United States and a piece of legislation known as the Fugitive Offenders Act, which was amended as recently
The AG explained that the centuries-old covenant has made it possible for Guyana to successfully extraditedozensoffugitives to the United States and otherpartsoftheworld.
“This is not a new process and Guyana as an independentcountry would have done dozens of extraditions to the United States and dozens to other countries as well,” Nandlall stated.
The Mohameds have been indicted in a U S federal court in Miami, Floridaon11chargesofwire andmailfraud,conspiracyto commit money laundering and the importation of a Lamborghini luxury car- all stemming from accusations of massive tax fraud committedagainstGuyana.
Theindictment,unsealed on October 2, 2025, accuses t h e M o h a m e d s o f orchestrating an elaborate fraudandmoney-laundering scheme involving gold exports, customs fraud, bribery, and the evasion of millions in taxes and royaltiesowedtoGuyana.
The case, captioned United States of America v Nazar Mohamed & AzruddinMohamed,isfiled intheU.S.DistrictCourtfor the Southern District of Florida under case number 2 5 - C R - 2 0 4 4 1 (WILLIAMS/LETT).
The indictment seen by this newspaper charges that Mohamed's Enterprise, the Guyana-based gold wholesaling and export companycontrolled90%by Nazarand10%byAzruddin,
is alleged to have sold gold to buyers in Miami and Dubai, while circumventing Guyana's revenue and regulatory system The indictment claims that the defendants would reuse official Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Guyana Gold Board (GGB) customs seals and export declarations, originally applied legally on one shipment on subsequent shipments for which they had not paid taxes or royalties. This, prosecutors say, created the false impression that proper paymentshadbeenmade. Additionally, the duo is alsoaccusedofbribingstate officials to facilitate their alleged corrupt acts. The indictmentsetsforththatthe Mohameds paid bribes to Guyanese government officials, including customs agents to allow the acceptance of duplicate paperwork and reused seals. Through this mechanism, the scheme allegedly enabledtheevasionofduties and royalties that should have gone to Guyana's coffers.
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Publisher:GLENNLALL-Tel:624-6456
Editor-in-Chief:NigelWilliams
Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
Today is World Post Day- an international day celebratedtomarktheanniversaryoftheUniversalPostal Union(UPU)andtohighlightthepostalservice'svitalrole in global communication and development. The day also serves as a platform to promote new postal products and services and to recognise national winners of the UPU's InternationalLetter-WritingCompetition,accordingtothe UnitedNations.
HereinGuyana,WorldPostDayinvitesustopauseand reflectonthejourneyofpostalservices,notjustasrelicsof another age, but as living institutions whose relevance, thoughchallenged,remainsvital.Hereathome,theGuyana PostOfficeCorporation(GPOC)isfarmorethanasystem for letters; it is a lifeline for many citizens, a social safety net, and a public employer and yet its future is not guaranteed without thoughtful reform, investment, and adaptation.
In past editorials such as “APostal Longevity” (2015) Kaieteur News warned that unless Guyana's postal operations modernise, its existence may be under threat. Thatpieceobservedthedropinlettervolumes,thedecline in revenue, and the mismatch between nineteenth-century structures and twenty-first-century demands. Similarly, our“Nostalgia!”column(2016)drewattentiontohownew communications technologies: e-mail, social media, mobilephoneshavetransformedthepublic'sexpectations, making instant connection the norm, and placing letter writing,andevenpostaldelivery,underpressure.
Yet, despite these warnings, the postal service in Guyana continues to serve in many indispensable ways. Utilitycompaniesstillrelyonittodistributemonthlybills. The Post Office remains a conduit for incoming and outgoing mail, handling postal packages both from and to overseas.Itservesasapaymentagencyforthegovernment, deliveringoldagepensionandNationalInsuranceScheme benefits to many citizens who might struggle otherwise to access banking services. It provides employment and has branches spread across the country, including to remote communities.
Theseservicesarenottrivial.Theytouchthelivesofthe poor,theelderly,ruraldwellers,andthosewho,forreasons ofgeography,education,orincome,arelessabletobenefit immediately from digital alternatives. Indeed, one of the strengths of the postal service is its reach: where private deliveryfirmsmaynotdeemoperationsprofitable,thePost Officestillshowsup.
But globally, the postal sector is facing existential questions.TheUniversalPostalUnion'sStateofthePostal Sector 2024 report emphasises that while postal networks haveexpandedenormouslyinreachsincetheirnineteenthcentury beginnings now serving over 7.3 billion people cross-borderlettervolumeshavefallensharply,andparcelpostgrowthhasslowedinmanyregions. TheUPUwarns that without adapting to changing patterns of communication, trade, and logistics, many postal services could lose relevance or even collapse Innovation, reliability, reach, relevance and resilience are now the metricsthatwilldecidewhichpostalsystemsendure. Therefore, the way forward for Guyana is to first, modernise the sector Investments in tracking systems, improved sorting, better delivery logistics, perhaps even digital platforms for interacting with customers (for tracking, payments, notifications) would make the Post Officemoreefficientandtrustworthyintheeyesofusers.
Secondly, diversification of services must be pursued. Just as GPOC now assists with pensions and insurance benefits,thereisroomforotherfinancial,governmental,or logistical services perhaps a role in distribution of government notices, forms, or in partnership with ecommerce. Partnering with courier services, leveraging postalnetworksfordeliveryofgoodsorderedonlinecould generate revenue. Thirdly, physical infrastructure must be
DearEditor,
The pointed question is asked,whoarethemembers that sit on GECOM's Commission,andtheanswer is three members chosen from the government alongside three members chosen from the opposition. ThisisenshrinedintheLaw that governs this statutory bodyandonethathasproven to be a workable and fair system since 1992 For decades this has been the formula,andonewhereinthe two major parties, dominatedwhicheversideof the commission that they foundthemselves.
However, all of that changed when a new opposition was elected to parliament,thatis,TheWIN Party led by Azruddin
Mohammedbecamethenew opposition. As it stands, the WIN Party is required to nominate three members to occupy the opposition benches, this has caused some disquiet and an ambience of uneasiness and unsettling in The PNC's camp. The reason for this disturbing uneasiness is that theirpartywasbootedoutof GECOMallthreeofthem
The law stipulates that three commissioners shall come from the opposition, which is the duly elected WIN party, there is no accommodation for a minority party, this is what the PNC is having difficulty accepting.Thepointisclear, there is no room for minorities on the commission, and we are not
in the business of placating them that they are entitled. Quite frankly, Guyana has had enough of them and are most delighted to see them go. If I may add, the PNC should have seen this coming, to be dethroned from a lofty position of 31 seats to the humiliating position of gaining only 12 seats, tells anyone - even if youwereequippedwithhalf a brain - that The People of this country never wanted them in government, nor in opposition. To relegate a once powerful party into a minority place speaks volumes.ThePNC/APNUis at its lowest ebb, the situation as it presents itself isdire,itshowsaloweringof thatparty'sstatus,powerand pride, how are the mighty fallen.
Some of the legal big wigsinthatpartyarecalling for a change in the constitution or an accommodation made so that their party's nominees, be allowed a seat at the commission's table. But this cannot be done, a constitution cannot be changed to suit the whims and fancies of a political entity,merelyonthebasisof themnotacceptingdefeat;it does not work that way It also speaks to the fact that commissioners are not life appointees.
Inthemeantime,Guyana moves forward with its newly elected members of theopposition.
Respectfully NeilAdams
DearEditor, Dr Devanand Bhagwan advised that “It is time to take a long hard transparent lookatallwhoproudlycarry the academic title Doctor” (Sep7).Hehintsfraud. But the article itself did not address that thesis statement. Instead, it was about those who were awardedgovernmentgrants.
He mentioned four individuals who were awarded government scholarships to pursue doctorates (PhD) and asked whether they completed their studies As a background on academic fraud, he mentioned Ian Andre Roberts who was found to have fabricated academic credentials that he
didnotearntogainacoveted position in Des Moines, Iowa.
According to American media reports, in several newspapers and online publications, Roberts e m b e l l i s h e d a n d exaggerated his academic credentials. The New York Times (Sep 6) reported that Roberts did receive a doctorate from a (relatively unknown but accredited) on line university (Trident University International) locatedinArizona.Anonline university (with virtual classrooms) is not the same as a traditional university with a physical location and classrooms with students attending in person. Studies found that students learn
better in person than virtually Onlinedegreesisa recent phenomenon. Some on line universities are accreditedbutarenotwidely recognised and have very poorratings.Employerstend tolookdownonthem.Since Covid 19, on line programs a n d d e g r e e s h a v e proliferated with some having relatively high standards.
I am in agreement that with Dr Bhagwan that “Guyana cannot afford another generation of individuals using unverified doctorstitle”.Buthedidnot explain what he meant and the consequences of using thetitleforemploymentorof (the state and private sector) employing such (untrained,
unqualified) individuals. I think he means that those whodid(have)notearn(ed) a doctorate from an accredited university should notusethetitle.
In a traditional accrediteduniversity,atleast in USA, one has to pursue a mandatedprogramofstudies after the Bachelors (over fortycourses)tobeawarded a Masters (at least ten courses, maybe a thesis and anoralandacomprehensive exam).TobeawardedaPhD, inadditiontotheMAdegree, one has to complete another setofatleasttencourses,two comprehensive exams, at least one or two oral exams, and a lengthy dissertation anditsoraldefense).Online (Continuedonpage5)
DearEditor,
LetmebeginbysayingI am aware that construction works on the railway embankmentisstillongoing. However,theopeningofthe
roadway to vehicular traffic in this unfinished state has created a very dangerous situation,especiallyfromthe Ogle roundabout to ConversationTree.
sustained. In recent years efforts were made to spruce up some of the post offices across the country The authorities must go further, ensuring regular maintenance, adequate staffing, and appropriate technology support are essential. Finally,thegovernmentwiththeoilwealthinhandmustsee thepostalservicenotasacostcentretobetrimmedbutasan investment in national cohesion, inclusion, and communication. Citizens must also value what the Post Officestilloffers,evenastheyembracenewtechnologies.
As we mark World Post Day, let us recommit to preserving and renewing Guyana's postal service not as a dusty vestige of colonial past, but as a modern, resilient, inclusive institution that continues to serve the many who depend on it. The challenges are many, but the reward for individuals, for society, for national identity is worth the effort.
Lane markings are sporadic; there are no caution signs nor traffic controlmechanismstoguide safe usage of the roadway
Almost every night, persons are hitting into the concrete divider near the SBM office due to the absence of reflectorstoguidethetraffic.
The intersection of the embankment and UG Road, nowwithsixlanesoftraffic, has become a nightmare for bothdriversandpedestrians crossing from UG Road Without the requisite traffic control mechanism and the indiscipline nature of some drivers,thereisadailybuild up at this junction especially during the peak periods
Ifyoudon'tknowhowto 'bore', you can never get acrosstheroad. There is no pedestrian crossing to assist person wishingtotraversebyfoot. Additionally, in the absence of a road shoulders in some sections, it was observed that persons are parkingontheroadway This has reduced the expected two-laneroadwaytooneand ahalflane. Ihopethatsome attention can be given to these observations as we movetowardsthecreationof safe roadways and stressfree commute for all Guyanese.
Sincerely,
ZorinaGafoor ResidentofTurkeyen
DearEditor, Guyana'sdevelopmentis
a d v a n c i n g a t a n
unprecedented pace, showcasing remarkable strides in various sectors.
However, this progress is significantlyhinderedbythe persistent challenges within our local governance structures. The performance
of Neighbourhood
Democratic Councils (NDCs) is woefully lacking and severely compromised by unqualified and corrupt
staffing, alongside ineffective administrative systems.
Officers placed in positions of local authority often lack the necessary expertiseandcommitmentto effectively serve tax-paying citizens.
Theirpersistentfailureto address legitimate
community concerns, coupled with arrogance and an abuse of power, has createdanadditionalburden on innocent, law-abiding citizens. Compounding this problem is the absence of accessible administrative mechanisms that would allow disenfranchised citizens to seek meaningful recourse through their local NDCs.
We respectfully call u p o n y o u r d i r e c t interventiontoaddressthese critical governance failures.
A d
al government-led response is
l administrationandtoensure that democratic councils serve the interests of all Guyanese, in fulfilling their mandate.
To a s s i s t y o u r administration in crafting effective strategies, we proposetheestablishmentof a Special Unit to Monitor and Respond to Local Governance Issues This dedicatedunitwould: Provide a centralised complaint mechanism for citizens to report neglect, c o r r u p t i o n , a n d maladministration by NDC officials.
Act as an independent oversight body with the
Frequently, community members are compelled to escalate their complaints directly to the Ministry of Local Government, where they are met with silence or inaction. This cycle leaves ourcitizensfeelinghopeless anddisenfranchised,eroding trust in public institutions and threatening the social cohesion vital for Guyana's continueddevelopment.
power to investigate complaints and recommend correctiveactions.
Facilitate transparent communication between citizens, local councils, and the Ministry of Local Government.
Conduct regular audits
a n d p e r f o r m a n c e evaluationsofNDCsystems and officers to ensure accountability
professionalism.
Recommend and or provide trainingprogramsaimed at enhancing the skills and ethical conduct of local governmentpersonnel.
This initiative would alleviate the burdens on communities, foster greater
ultimately promote more fruitful and productive lives for all Guyanese citizens by streng
ning local democracy from the ground up.
We thank you for your attention to this matter of critical national importance andtrustthatyourleadership will prioritise reforms to enhance the quality of local governanceforthebenefitof ournation.
Respectfully HemduttKumar
DearEditor,
WhileItooknoteofyour recent statement made by Minister Edghill regarding the improvements made at Diamond/Grovebottleneck on the East Bank, where the removal of the bottleneck and the expansion to a fourlane road have greatly improvedtrafficflow
However,Iwouldliketo highlight that we are experiencing a similar issue alongtheEastCoastcorridor
— particularly in the areas leading into Annandale and Buxton The buildup of traffic in these areas
continues to cause significant delays and inconvenience for commuters.
I strongly believe that linking some of the surrounding communities temporarily could help ease this congestion Creating alternative routes or access pointswouldallowforbetter
traffic distribution and reducethepressurealongthe mainroad.
Thank you Minister for your continued efforts t o w a r d n a t i o n a l development. I do hope this concern will be given due consideration as similar interventions on the East Coast would bring muchneededrelieftoresidentsand dailycommutersalike.
Kindregards, JaniceBeatonShepherd
Frompage4
universities have less stringent requirements than traditional universities
Several Guyanese have on line degrees from obscure, relatively unknown online colleges or universities
Some boast ('kak' or quack) degrees from non-existent universities Some don't correct people for referring tothemas'Dr'whichtheyare not.
Those who have
doctoratefromanaccredited university are entitled to use it Those with Honorary doctorates (like Bharrat Jagdeo, Priya Manickchand, etc.)arealsoentitledtouseit as they 'earn' it for their accomplishment. But there are Guyanese (and others as well) who use or used the title Dr when they have not earned a doctorate from an accredited university; they purchased a degree from an unaccredited university that
does not exist In other words, they did not pursue anyacademicstudiesforthe degree;itisnotarecognised degree. Dr Bhagwan and other Guyanese are rightly concernedaboutscholarship recipients who have not completed their studies and who have not served the nation for the large sums of money invested in their training.
Yourstruly, VishnuBisram(PhD)
TheUnitedKingdomhas increased its export credit ceilingforGuyanafrom£2.1 billion to £3 billion,
confidence in the country's economic expansion and fiscalstability
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the UKExportFinance(UKEF) — the UK government's
official export credit agency during a meeting with President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, attended by a
DearEditor,
The recent decision to name the new Demerara River Bridge after Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo demands urgent scrutiny
The designation Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge—was made without public consultation, parliamentarydebate,orany transparentprocess.
It raises serious questionsaboutgovernance, accountability, and the politicisation of national infrastructure. This bridge is not a personal donation. It is a publicly funded project,
financed through a substantial loan from the
Chinese government one that Guyanese taxpayer will repayovergenerations.
The Constitution of Guyana, Article 13, affirms that “the principal objective ofthepoliticalsystemofthe State is to establish an inclusionary democracy” Where, then, was the inclusioninthisdecision?
Naming a national asset after a sitting government official especially one with active executive influence—undermines the principle of impartiality in public service. It suggests that state resources are subjecttopersonalbranding, rather than collective ownership. This is not just
poor optics; it is a breach of public trust. I am compelled to ask: Was there a naming committee?
Werecitizensconsulted? Was Parliament informed or involved? What precedent does this set for future infrastructure projects?
From an audit and accountability standpoint, such unilateral decisions erode the integrity of public sector governance The INTOSAI Lima Declaration emphasises that public institutions must operate with transparency and serve the public interest not politicallegacy
This is not merely about a name. It is about the
creeping normalisation of executive overreach. It is about the quiet sidelining of democraticnormsinfavorof political symbolism. And it is about the urgent need for citizens to reclaim their voiceindecisionsthatshape ournationalidentity
I urge civil society, the media, and every Guyanese citizen to seek transparency regarding the process by which this name was selected and to advocate for a more principled, inclusive approach to naming public infrastructure Let our bridges connect people, not power
Sincerely, NandranieSingh
UKEF delegation and His Majesty's Deputy Trade Commissioner for Latin AmericaandtheCaribbean.
A
statement, the higher financing capacity “reflects the UK's confidence in
and marks
bilateral relations between thetwonations.”
outlining his priorities for
UKEF support, said the announcement comes at a “pivotalmoment”asGuyana ramps up infrastructure d
m e n t a n d strengthens its position as a m
t destination.
“The British High Commission looks forward to supporting sustainable g
prosperity through this collaboration between the UK and Guyana,” the statementconcluded.
DearEditor, It is with a heart full of hopeandpridethatIjointhe nation in celebrating the commissioningoftheBharat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge This magnificent structure is more than a feat ofengineering. Itisapowerfulsymbolof a united, forward-moving Guyana opening a new chapter of connectivity and progress for generations to come.
Thenamingofthebridge isafittingtribute.Ithonours a lifetime of dedicated service to our nation by Dr Jagdeo. His Excellency the Presidentdidwelltoremind us of the importance of recognising our leaders in theirtime,notonlyafterthey aregone.
Before looking ahead, wemustalsoofferaheartfelt salute to the teams who
maintained the Old Demerara Harbour Bridge fordecades.
T h e i r g r i t a n d perseverance were a quiet, essential service to our nation, as anyone who enduredaclosurecanattest.
Iamdeeplygrateful.
Asweembracethisnew asset,aprimaryhopeforall Guyanese is that its enhanced capacity will ease the traffic congestion that tested the patience of our working people for several generations.
To truly realise this promise, we face a gentle butimportantchallenge We must match our new infrastructure with a renewed spirit of civic care.
The bridge's full potential depends not just on its lanes but on our collective commitment to road-use principles built on “care, caution,andconsideration”.
This leads me to reflect
o n o u r s h a r e d responsibility The true
value of any public treasure liesinhowitsuserspreserve it.Itwasdishearteningtosee thenewbridge,sosoonafter opening,marredbylitterand other troubling acts—a live actofpublicurinationonthe steel barriers even appeared on social media These incidents prompt a heartfelt question for our national family Aswebuildaworldclasseconomy,areweatthe same time nurturing a national character that is equallyrefined?
In this light, the recent call by Vice-President BharratJagdeoforastronger national value system is therefore not just timely—it isessential.
Without a foundation of integrity, environmental stewardship, and civic duty to each other, our steel-andconcrete achievements will be hollow monuments without an equal amount of character to showcase our humanity
Our visitors notice our conduct, and the legacy we wish to project to the w o r l d c a n b e compromised if we do not arrest these acts of public disorderurgently
W e c a n t a k e i n s p i r a t i o n f r o m initiatives like the First Lady's beaut
projects, where the simple garbage bin is reimagined not as a mere receptacle, but as a symbol of an enlightened society a daily choice to elevate our surroundings and show respect for our community Let this magnificent bridge be more than a path over water Let it become our collective pathway to a future where our national character is as strong, beautiful,andresilientasthe structureswebuild.
Yoursfaithfully, SasenarineSingh
‘Exciting times' are unfolding in Guyana for oil giant, ExxonMobil as the companyisprogressingwith the regulatory review of an eight development, mere weeks after obtaining a permit for its seventh project,Hammerhead.
GovernmentgaveExxon the nod of approval for the seventh project on September22,thisyear Be that as it may, vice president and production manager of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL), HuzefaAlirecentlyrevealed that the company's eight proposeddevelopmentinthe StabroekBlockisalso“well progressed”.
During an energy breakfast hosted by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI)lastweek,Alishared anupdateontheactivitiesin theStabroekblockaswellas those under consideration, which he described as exciting.
With seven projects already in hand, he said, “I
will highlight project number eight, which we expecttobeLongtail,isalso well progressed in terms of regulatory reviews and discussions for further discussion.”
Meanwhile, with regard to the Yellowtail project, Exxon's fourth offshore development, Ali said nameplate capacity on the 'One Guyana' Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO) is likely to be achieved in November
T h e c o m p a n y commenced production on August8.
Once Exxon hits nameplate capacity on the vessel,Guyana'sdailyrateof productionwillbepushedto 900,000barrelswithsupport fromtheotherthreeFPSOsDestiny, Unity and Prosperity OneGuyanawas designedtoproduce250,000 barrelsperday(bpd).
The production manager detailed, “The other three FPSOs that we have online, whichis,asyou'reallaware,
Extent Indicator Stabroek
Liza, Destiny, Liza Unity, and the Payara Prosperity assets today continue to produce in the order of 650,000 barrels a day you'll recall the Destiny asset starting up in
2019, that was the first oil (platform) here in Guyana, through to Unity in 2022 (and) Payara starting up late in 23 And then, as I mentioned, the Yellowtail, One Guyana asset, starting recently in August of this year.”
identify potential impacts associatedwiththeproject. Longtail T h e p r o p o s e d developmentislocatedinthe southeastern portion of the S t a b r o e k B l o c k , approximately 200 km from Georgetown and adjacent to previous Stabroek Projects. Exxonhasindicatedplansto usedrillshipstoproducethe non-associated gas and c o n d e n s a t e f r o m approximately 24 – 60 production and injection wells.Thesubseaequipment willbeinstalledatadepthof approximately1,600–2,000 metres.
Ali told the local business executives that ExxonMobil was nowhere closetothefinishlinewitha stringofotherdevelopments still on the company's horizon.
“Four projects online, three being progressed, and one further, at least under discussion, exciting times hereinGuyana.Proudtosay thattheprojectsthatwehave delivered continue to be delivered on schedule and underbudgetandsomething thatwe'reveryproudof,”he added.
Exxon's eight project seeks to develop the Longtail, Tripletail, and Turbot non-associated gas fields, and potentially additional resources, if determined to be feasible andeconomicallyviable.
In February this year, PresidentofEMGL,Alistair Routledgetoldreportersthat the eight developmentseeks to develop the gas resources attheLongtailsite.
“Wehavejustsubmitted the environmental authorisation application for an eight project, the Longtail project which will startusintodevelopingwhat are known as the nonassociatedgasresources,”he said.
The Field Development Plan(FDP)fortheprojectis likely for completion by nextyear
According to a Public Notice, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) h a d o r d e r e d a n Environmental Impact
Assessment (EI
As a non-associated gas development, the primary produced fluid is nonassociated gas, from which condensatewillbeseparated on the FPSO, prior to the remaining gas stream being reinjected into the reservoir for pressure maintenance and increased recovery of condensate.
According to the project summary, gas may be exported from the Longtail project as demand materialises. Current plans include non-associated gas productionofbetween1,000 to 1,500 million standard cubicfeet(MMscfd)perday of non-associated gas and 200 to 290 thousand barrels of condensate per day The FPSO will be able to store approximately two million barrelsofcondensate.
BlackRock Midstream describes condensate as extremely light oil The Longtail project would be the largest offshore developmentpursued by the company in Guyana to date. Other oil projects were designed to produce up to 250,000 barrels of oil per day
Like its other projects, Longtailwillinvolvedrilling of production and injection we
on, commissioning, and operations of Subsea Umbilicals, Risers, and Flowlines (SURF), and a FPSO for handling and offloading of produced hydrocarbons.
TheproposedFPSOwill be a newly built floating facilitywithdoublesideand single bottom protection, w i t h a p p r o x i m a t e dimensionsof334mlongby 60 m wide by 32.8 m deep, and will be moored on location, approximately 200 km offshore, some 39 km southeast of the Liza Unity FPSO.
When it comes totheissueof disqualificati on for election as a member of the National Assembly, Article 155 is the main clause for eligibility to election as a member of the National Assembly It reads (inpart)asfollows:
“(1) No person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assemblywho (a) is, by virtue of his or her own act, under any
acknowledgment of allegiance, obedience or adherencetoaforeignpower orstate;
(b) is of unsound mind and has been so found by a court;
(c)isunderasentenceof death or imprisonment for a term exceeding six months;
(d)holdsoractsinpublic offices enumerated (such as judges, members of commissions,etc.)…” In effects what this
means is that a person who, by their own act, has recognition (allegiance, obedience, adherence) to a foreign power or state is disqualified.Thisisinvoked i
tion
al citizenship Second, a person who is of unsound mind as declared by a court is disqualified Third, a person who is under a sentence of death or imprisonment for more than six months is disqualified. Fourth, holding certain
Frompage3
tax in the sum of $34,067,322,989 were understated for the said period 2019–2023,” itwasstated.
Further, the authority explained that the understated taxes attract interest and penalties in keeping with the financial administration and audit act and the Income Tax Act “An accumulated sum of $191,171,975,676 as per the attached computations, is due, owing and payable to therevenueauthoritybyNazarandAzruddin Mohamed,tradingasMohamed’sEnterprise. Foreaseofreference,kindlybeguidedbythe attached document, which shows a detailed breakdown of the taxes due, owing and payable,”GRAsaid.
ThetaxbodyhasgiventheMohamedsan opportunitytorespondtotheoutstandingtax liabilityandtoshowcausewhyproceedings should not be instituted against them “Pleasenote,ifyoufailtorespondwithlegal justification/s within 14 days of service of this letter, the revenue authority may be forcedtotakenecessaryactionsagainstyou, withoutfurthernotice,fortheactcommitted and to have the taxes payable recovered, in accordance with the laws administered,” GRA warned Additionally, GRA also disclosed that it is investigating Mohamed’s Enterprise prior years of income. Once the investigation is complete, the businessmen will be notified of the findings and given a reasonabletimetorespond.
TheMohamedslegaltropublesdeepened
onMondaywhenitwasrevealedthatboththe father and son were indicted in a United States federal court in Miami, Florida on 11 chargesofwireandmailfraud,conspiracyto commit money laundering and the importationofaLamborghiniluxurycar-all stemming from accusations of massive tax fraudcommittedagainstGuyana.
The indictment, unsealed on October 2, 2025, accuses the Mohameds of orchestratinganelaboratefraudandmoneylaundering scheme involving gold exports, customs fraud, bribery, and the evasion of millions in taxes and royalties owed to Guyana.
The indictment seen by this newspaper charges that Mohamed’s Enterprise, the Guyana-based gold wholesaling and export companycontrolled90percentbyNazarand 10 per cent by Azruddin, is alleged to have sold gold to buyers in Miami and Dubai, while circumventing Guyana’s revenue and regulatorysystem.
In June 2024, Nazar,Azruddin and their businesses were sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of ForeignAssets Control (OFAC).
The Mohameds were sanctioned for allegedgoldsmuggling.Azruddinearlierthis year launched WIN, and contested the 2025 General and Regional Elections that were heldinSeptember Hispartyaccumulatedthe second-highestvotes,earning16seatsinthe National Assembly which is expected to convenesoon.
One man put he three–year–old daughter to bed one night. She decide fuh pray He stand up proud-proud, listening like agoodfather
She seh, “God bless Mommy,GodblessDaddy, God bless Grandma goodbyeGrandpa.”
Demannearlydrop!He ask, “Baby girl, why yuh sehgoodbyeGrandpa?”
She seh calm-calm, “Ahdon’tknowDaddy…it justfeelright.” Next morning, who dead? Grandpa! De man
seh is just coincidence — but he start side-eye he daughterlilbit.
Couple months later, same thing happen. “God bless Mommy, God bless Daddy goodbye Grandma.”
Next day, Granny gone too! Dis time, de man start watchinghedaughterlikeif she is GPHC mortuary staff.
Few weeks after, de manbraceheselfagain.He lil girl seh, “God bless Mommy goodbye Daddy.”
public offices or acting in t h e m i s a l s o a disqualification.
Complementing the c o n s t i t u t i o n a l disqualifications, Guyana’s National Assembly (Disqualification) Act, Cap. 1:06 provides further disqualification rules (beyond the constitutional floor) A person is disqualified if they are a party to or partner in a firm, or director or manager of a company, with certain government contracts, etc. Also disqualified are persons who hold offices in foreign legislatures, or certain security or defence positions,andotherslisted.
Butwhataboutsomeone who has been indicted in a foreign jurisdiction? Is that person disqualified from becoming a member of the National Assembly? The short answer is no. But why should a person who is indictedforaseriousoffence in a foreign jurisdiction not be ineligible for election to theNationalAssembly?
I n d e m o c r a t i c jurisprudence, eligibility for legislativeofficeisaserious thresholdthatimplicatesthe rights of voters and the presumption of innocence. The constitutional design in Guyana (via Article 155) shows that not every wrongdoing, arrest, or even indictment leads to disqualification Only certain convictions, of a certain severity and duration, qualify to disqualify, and then only while the sentence is operative (or “under sentence”).
Afoundational principle in modern constitutional systemsisthatanindividual is presumed innocent until
proven guilty To disqualify someone from participating indemocraticrepresentation on the basis of mere a c c u s a t i o n o r indictment—especially in a foreign jurisdiction over which the state has no control—would violate that presumption and risk undue deprivation of political rights.
Guyana’s Constitution itself does not use the word “indictment” as a disqualifier It speaks of “sentence of death or imprisonment for a term exceeding six months” or being “under a sentence” (i.e., currently serving or liable to serve). That shows the framers intended to tie disqualification to conviction and punishment, not mere formal charges. Thus, a person indicted in a foreign court but not yet convicted, or whose conviction is not yet final andsentenced,shouldnotbe disqualified under the constitutionalscheme.
Article 155(c) provides thespecifictrigger:“isunder a sentence of death or imprisonment for a term exceeding six months” Interpretation of that phrase typically yields the following requirements: First, there must be a final judicial finding of guilt in a court of competent jurisdiction Only upon conviction does the person become “under a sentence” in a meaningful legal sense.
Second, the sentence must exceedsixmonths. A conviction with a sentence of six months or less would not disqualify under Article 155(c). Third, the person must actively be serving (or liable to serve) thatsentence,orthesentence
muststillbeinforce(i.e.,not fullydischargedorexpired). Once fully served or remitted, the person ceases tobe“under”thesentence.
BecausetheConstitution refers to “imprisonment” g e n e r a l l y , t h e disqualification applies to convictionsunderGuyanese law (or any law that is operative in Guyana) A foreign conviction will not automatically count unless recognised or enforced under Guyanese law (e.g., under treaties or domestic statutes).
Theconstitutiondoesnot explicitly provide those foreign convictions count fordisqualification.
Thus, unless or until the foreign court convicts and sentences the person to imprisonment exceeding six months(andsuchsentenceis recognised in Guyana), the mere indictment cannot constitutionally disqualify them.
If, in a foreign jurisdiction, the person is convicted and sentenced, Guyanese authorities would need to consider whether thatconvictionandsentence should be recognised domestically (e g under extradition, comity, or mutual recognition treaties). Without local recognition,it may not amount to being “undersentence”inGuyana.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
Demanwholelifeflash before he eyes. He didn’t sleep, didn’t eat, didn’t evenbathe.Hesehheain’t dying in no bed. He gone wuk early de next morning and stay deh whole day Twelve o’clock midnight come—hestillalive! Hejumpinhecar,drive homefast-fast,smilinglike he win Lotto. When he reach, he wife deh crying. She seh, “Yuh wouldn’t believe wha happen today — your boss drop dead in demiddleofameeting!” Talkhalf.Leffhalf.
Itisintriguingtoread the priceless truths that escape from the fertile head of Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, Guyana's second vicepresident. Withrespect to Prime Minister Mark Phillips,somethingiswrong with that counting, that ordering of the PPP hierarchy.
From de facto president to de facto first vice president, howzat for a fact inregardtotheone,theonly, the irrepressible, the honorable Bharrat Jagdeo?
See! I am keeping to my promise of good behaviour for the first 100 days in this second coming of the PPP Government. Who in the PPPcanfindfaultwithhowI am putting things together, placing them before the public?
The last priceless truth that raced from the mind of Dr Jagdeo was that
ItwasJagdeoathisbest: running to the rescue and saving Dr. Irfaan Ali from anydisgrace.
All that is noted and heartily endorsed; it was the vicepresidentdoinghisbest version of circling the wagons,asinoneforalland all for one. Nevertheless, it still mystifies how someone neglected to copy Minister Vickram Bharrat when the memo about keeping one's word was dispatched, come droughts, floods, or that worse hell, oil prices collapsing Cash grants mightbeconsideredafailed model in the minister's books,butnotinthoseofthe president.
Let the celebrations begin. LetthejoysofXmas begin from now in early
PresidentIrfaanAli,another worthy from the category of one and only, is a man who keeps his word. If he says that he will do something, then it is guaranteed with sacred seals affixed that it will be done. God bless ye merry gentlemen. Just in time for Xmas. Ye band of merrymen,bandofbrothers that stick together through cash grant promises, word given,wordhonored.
October After all, I am takingthesoothingdoctorat his word -if de prezzident sehsuhissuh. Tothispoint, I think that PPP luminaries areaskingthemselvesiftheir eyesarefailingthem,ifthey couldbereadingright. Read on and right on, brothers (sistersarenotleftout). Itis so. Unfortunately, matters will now take a turn, and some sourness likely resulting. Notfromme,but my friends, followers, and admirersinthePPP,withDr Bharrat Jagdeo in the lead seat.
I completely agree that Pres. Irfaan Ali is a man of honor Asanaside,itisthat samephrase'manofhonour' thattheinsidersintheMafia brotherhood take pride in calling one another during theirbloodoaths. Sinceallareonthesame page,withnodissentersthat Mohamed Irfaan Ali as a citizen, as a national leader, is a man that honours his word given, then what followsshouldbeeasierthan a, b, c; or P-P-P From the
mists of not-too-distant archives,Iexhumethatmost wondrous of constructions. We will “review and renegotiate” all contracts. Three words of material significance, of eternal immaculacy, and just from fiveshortyearsago. Surely, no one has developed a convenient case of either myopia or amnesia, or the early onset of dementia? Surely, those three words uttered so courageously, so powerfully, and so inspiringly by Dr Ali stand onthesamesacredfootingas the words employed by the president relative to cash grant(s)? And, no less as surely, a man of his word, a man of honour, is one that takes the greatest care to ensure that there is a rigid constancy, come what may, in fulling words once articulated with a grand flourish?
To help His Excellency along, a little primer may provetobeworthmorethan abarofgold. (Icoulduseof one of those) An oil
Guyana is set to r e c e i v e a decision in the failedparkingmeterproject
case between the governmentandSmartCity SolutionsHolding,Inc
I n 2 0 1 6 , t h e Georgetown Mayor and City Council signed the controversialparkingmeter contract with Smart City SolutionsHolding,Inc The projectwasabandoneddueto massive protest and public opposition Smart City Solutions Holding, Inc the company hired to implement theprojecthadfiledalawsuit claimingUS$100million
Providing an update on the matter on his programme 'Issues in the News,' on Tuesday night, Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, SC said hearings into the case commenced on Monday, September 29 and concluded on Saturday, October the 4, at the International Arbitration CenterofParis
Nandlall explained that “The hearings included the testimony of several witnesses, fact witnesses as well as expert witnesses
contractisanintangible,and even more so when the product itself is as far away as Mars, figuratively speaking. I could visualise Pres.Aliputtingthat(review and renegotiate) hot potato asitinvolvesoilontheback burner to cool off, and with every intention of getting back to it, and making a determined push to deliver on his word given. I will give him that, for now While the oil contract is the equivalent of the Geneva Conventions for ordinary Guyanese and compels that muchinterest,acashgrantof $100kplusisreality,andhas personalurgency,asinnow It is magnetic, it is magic.
Didn'tIsayrealmoney,right now? Compare that to fightingformoreoilcontract billions, which could be a fantasy leading to trouble andfallingoutwithpartners.
Summary: Pres Ali did
renegotiate with himself He kept his word, by his standards. I keep mine, by universalones. Notonebad wordforahundred.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinionsofthisnewspaper.)
‘HomeAffairsMinistrygoesdigital’
– new online immigration platform promises faster,smarter service
from both sides It included the examination in chief of thesewitnessesaswellasthe evidenceadducedfromthem through cross examination
After that process was concluded then both sides were invited to make their closingarguments Ofcourse, both sides presented their respective line of witnesses and upon the conclusion of the adjustment of evidence, thetribunaltheninvitedthe legal team from both sides to present their closing
Citizens protest the parking meter project back in 2016
Inamajormovetoward modernising public service delivery, the Ministry of HomeAffairs onTuesday y launched its new Digitised I
i
n
port Services (ISS) platform, developed in collaboration with the National Data Management Authority (NDMA).
arguments ” According to the AG, the tribunal has resolved its decision for a datetobeannounced
“Of course, the parties will be informed in due course of that date and that dateobviouslywillbemade public so that the public continues to be updated on this important matter,” he said
The case was registered with ICSID on December 22, 2021 Atribunal to hear the matter was constituted
on September 20, 2022, comprising Dr Campbell Alan McLachlan KC of New Zealand as president, with arbitrators Stephan
appointed by the claimant, and Marcelo Kohen of Argentina,appointedbythe respondent Guyana is
The initiative, which fulfilsakeycommitmentby President Dr Irfaan Ali to digitalise government services across Guyana, marks a significant leap forward in the country's o n g o i n g d i g i t a l transformation,theministry said in a press release. The new online platform, a c c e s s i b l e a t https://eservices iss govgy allows citizens and visitors to submit immigration applications electronically These
include applications for employment, business, student,andvisitorvisas,as well as extensions Applicants can register online, upload supporting documents, and make payments either at the Ministry or via Mobile MoneyGuyana(MMG+). Importantly, walk-in applicants will not be left behind. The Ministry said that in-person applicants can still use dedicated systems at the Immigration Support Services office, withstaffonhandtoprovide assistance Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, hailed the launch as a turning point in how citizens access government services. “For citizens, this new system offers shorter wait times, reduced congestionatservice
(Continuedonpage15)
On Tuesday, gold prices hit US$4,000 per ounce for the first time in history, as investorssoughtasafehaven from a weaker dollar, geopolitical volatility, economic uncertainty, and stubborn inflation, CNBC reported.Over the past year, gold prices have been on a steady upward trajectory At a time when gold has been recording its highest prices ever,itisworthytonotethat several gold operations across Guyana are expected tostartproductionbeforethe endofthedecade.Currently, there is only one large-scale gold producer in Guyana, ZijinMiningGroupCo.Ltd, a Chinese state-owned mining giant operating locallythroughitssubsidiary AGMInc.
There are five Canadian mining companies collectively controlling an estimated 15 5 million ounces of gold across various stages of development.
Theseprojects,spanning across Guyana's mining regions, are progressing
through exploration, feasibility studies, and permitting Many of the companies have praised Guyana's mining-friendly policies and are banking on these projects to drive substantial growth for their shareholders.
Withgoldnowfetchinga price of US$4000, the 15.5 million ounces of gold the Canadiancompany'scontrol isworthUS$62billion.
Aris Mining – Toroparu Project
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 company is currently conducting a new 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 established a tiered gold 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)–Oko WestGoldProject
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 expandeditslandholdingsin Region Seven to 71 square kilometers.
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.
The feasibility study for Oko West outlines a longlife, low cost, and highmargin operation The company had said that the OkoWestprojectistargeting 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-Pierre Gignac 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,
heisconfidentthatOkoWest willbenefitfromthecurrent highgoldprices.Assuch,he had expressed optimism aboutpayingcorporatetaxes to the government, contingent on gold prices remaininghigh.
OmaiGoldMines Corp.–OmaiProject
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% interest in the pastproducingOmaigoldproject inGuyana,locatedinRegion Seven(Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
TheOmaipropertyhosts two orogenic gold deposits: the shear-hosted Wenot Deposit and the adjacent intrusive-hosted Gilt Creek Deposit.Onceaprolificgold producerfrom1993to2005, the mine yielded 3.8 million ounces of gold during a period when gold traded belowUS$400/oz.
The company has revitalised the property, which benefits from much existing infrastructure and willsoonbeconnectedtothe twolargestcitiesinGuyana, GeorgetownandLinden,via paved roads Omai is focused on rapidly expanding the two orogenic gold deposits at its 100%ownedOmaiGoldProjectin “mining-friendly”Guyana.
Since2021,thecompany has established the Omai Gold Project as one of the fastest-growing and well-
endowed 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 13-year mine lifeandannualproductionis projectedtoaverage142,000 ounces, peaking at 184,000 ouncesinthebestyear.
Mako Mining – Eagle MountainGoldProject Mako Mining is pushing ahead with its Eagle MountainGoldProjectinthe Mahdiadistrict,roughly200 km south-southwest of Georgetown.
Acquiring the project throughits2024takeoverof Goldsource Mines Inc , Mako inherited a 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 Phase 1 targeted for 2027 A feasibilitystudyforPhase2, which will target deeper fresh rock resources, is also planned.
Mako considers Guyana an emerging gold mining (Continuedonpage16)
Thirty-five-year-old ShaleezaRamcharanandher family of Canefield Settlement, East CanjeBerbice, are tending to their trauma following a home invasion that left them counting their losses at nearlyGYD$1million.
Ramcharan, a teacher at the Viola Nursery School in New Amsterdam, told KaieteurNewsthatherhome was broken into on Tuesday while she and her husband were at work, and their two children, ages 12 and six, wereatschool.
“I came home at 2:45, and I saw that the door was looking not the way I left it. Then I called my husband and told him that the door is looking a little suspicious like somebody came in the house.”
After cautiously advancing, she pushed the door and inspected the bottom flat of her two-story house and was able to confirm that it was vandalised. “I then went in
andIsawthatallofmycash and jewellery were taken,” sherelated.
Cash amounting to just over$500,000,inadditionto several exotic fragrances, expensive liquor and brand namesneakers;allpartofher husband's collection, jewellery worth around $400,000, as well as an electronic tablet belonging to one of her sons were carted off, she detailed. The bandits were tech-savvy enough to bypass the lost or stolensafetyfeaturesforthe iPad tablet, since those are embedded with traceable features A part of that money is from her savings and earnings as a Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) agent as well as a shop owner Areportwasmadeat theReliancePoliceStation.
Ramcharan believes that the robbery was most likely committed by persons familiar with her family's movements and inner arrangementsofthehome.
Liladhar Ramcharan, a
lecturer attached to the GuySuCotrainingSchoolin Port Mourant, Corentyne, shares a similar opinion. He said during the day, the younger child attends the CumberlandPrimarySchool
nearby,whiletheireldestisa student of the New Amsterdam Secondary School. His wife usually picks them up on her way from work with her car,
The family's home
while her husband uses the other car He said he was at work when his wife contactedhimtoinformhim oftheordeal.
The 39-year-old man recalled that the home experiencedtheftalreadybut on a “petty, small, small level,” citing instances of objects around the yard
goingmissing.Thisincident, however, has left their two children fearful, his wife expressed.
Interestinglyenough,the burglars left their own haversackatthehomeofthe Ramcharans, since it could not contain all of the stolen items. They made off with the valuables using a bag found in the house In addition to their trauma, the family was shock and disgusted that the intruders defecated in their toilet and leftitunflushed.Further,the husbandtoldthisnewspaper that in order to see to carry out their robbery, the invadersscrewedinabulbto anemptysocketinthehallof thelowerflat.
“Laziness made me not change it (the light for the emptysocket),reasonbeing: in the night, the solar light bright up in here, but in the
day,youwon'thavethesolar light (on), so them men come them men change the bulb to get light in here. Last night when I see the bulb deh on…I know that this light was not on couple daysnow,”heshared.
An iron bar which was usedtoprythedoorwasleft on the scene. “The entered the fridge, they took chocolate, they took XL, theytookdrink…theyhada grandfeast…”
The teacher disclosed that her children's names, Emma and Adien, are individually inscribed on several pieces of the stolen jewellery, and she is imploring that anyone who may be approached to do businesswiththeindividuals endeavouring to market the items should report them to the police, and assist her in recoveringhervaluables.
Amassivefour-dayantinarcotics operation by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in the Upper Berbice River has left a trail of destruction for drug cultivators — with three large ganja farms wiped out, a boat, two outboard engines, firearms andammunition,andseveral cellphonesseized.
The intense eradication exercise,conductedbetween Friday, October 3 and Monday, October 6, 2025, targeted remote locations in the Ebini Savannahs and Wiruniareas.
According to police reports, ranks uncovered a three-acre marijuana farm with plants ranging between three and six feet tall, along witha20x20-footmakeshift camp. Both the camp and plantsweresetablaze.
U s i n g d r o n e surveillance, officers later located a second six-acre plot, already cleared and prepared for cultivation
Nearby,theydiscoveredfour nursery beds containing some 5,000 cannabis seedlings, a 30x20-foot camp, a 12-gauge doublebarrel shotgun, a Stihl chainsaw, a Samsung
camp with an estimated street value of over $5 million was destroyed by fire.No arrests were made, but acting on further intelligence, the ranks uncovered 30 pounds of
cellphone, and roughly 34 poundsofdriedcannabis,the policesaid.
Police said the items, including the firearm, were lodged at the Kwakwani Police Station, while the
PoliceStation.
InanotherWirunisearch, police unearthed three 20gauge shotgun cartridges inside a one-storey 15x10foothouse,aswellasseveral cannabis plants growing under a black tarpaulin nearby The plants were p h o t o g r a p h e d a n d destroyed, and a 15HP Yamaha outboard engine wasseized.
seedlings and a 15x20-foot camp equipped with an agriculturemower Thefarm andequipmentwereburned, while a 50HP engine and wooden boat were seized and taken to the Kwakwani PoliceStation.
cannabis hidden inside an abandoned church building atEbini.
The operation then shifted to Wiruni, where officers discovered a twostorey wooden house
containing 90 pounds of
s photographed and burned on-site. A .32 pistol with an empty magazine and two cellphones were also found andlodgedattheKwakwani
Rankslaterfoundathird ganja farm spanning three acres, with two seed beds containing about 3,000
Police said the four-day operation was part of an ongoing effort to stamp out large-scale marijuana cultivation in remote riverinecommunities.While no arrests were made, investigators are said to be followingseveralleads.
The Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) onWednesday inked a US$15.6 million contract with the InterEnergy Group for Supervisory, Engineering, and Project Management Consultancy Services, marking a major step in the government's drive to modernise Guyana's power infrastructure and buildasmarter,morereliablegrid.
The two-year agreement following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in January 2024 is designed to accelerate the country's energy transition, improve grid reliability, and strengthen technical capacitywithinGPL.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, under the deal, InterEnergy will provide project management
oversight for GPL's major infrastructure projects, technical advisory support for operations and maintenance of generation assets, and smart grid integration planning including the development of a fullscale digital roadmap for Guyana's electricitynetwork.
The company will also support capacity building through training, expert consultation, and technical audits to enhance GPL's decisionmakingandlong-termsustainability
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister of Public Utilities, Deodat Indar, hailed the agreement as a breakthrough for GPL and a reflection of the government's push to strengthen
overhaul grid, drive
Rolando González Bunster, Chairmanof the InterEnergy Group and Head of Executive Management at GPL, Kesh Nandlall during the signing.
institutionalcapacity
“Itwasaveryrigorousnegotiation process. This contract reflects the best interests of both the Government of Guyana and InterEnergy Holdings,” Indar said. “I look forward to seeing tangibleimprovementsintheelectricity sectoroverthenexttwoyears.”
GPL Chairman, Maurice Gajadhar, called the partnership a “historic step forward”inGuyana'sdevelopmentand adeepeningoftieswiththeDominican Republic.
“This collaboration is proof that Guyana is matching words with action as one of the world's fastest-growing economies,”Gajadharsaid.
InterEnergy Group Chairman, Rolando González Bunster, described the partnership as both strategic and
symbolic.
“Thisgoesbeyondthevalueofthe contract—it'sacommitmenttohelping Guyana build a modern power system. Electricity is vital, and we assure you that our work will make you proud,” Bunstersaid.
GPL's Head of Executive Management,KeshNandlall,notedthat the collaboration represents a transformationalmomentfortheutility “This partnership will strengthen service delivery, improve reliability, andbringusclosertoour2030goalofa smartgrid,”hesaid.
The GPL–InterEnergy partnership signals another bold move in Guyana's mission to power its rapid growth with modern, efficient, and future-ready energysystems.
Professional Responsibility (OPR) is investigating an alleged assault by a police rankonacivilianwhichwas caught on video and has been making rounds on socialmedia.
In the video, the police rank attached to the Traffic Departmentisseenscuffling with the civilian, pinning him against a burgundy car
Theyoungmanretaliatesby shoving the rank off him, who then proceeds to hold himbythecollarofhisshirt, dealinghimseveralpunches andslapstotheface.
He then holds onto the civilian's pants waist and continues to rough him up before two other ranks intervene.Subsequently,the traffic ranks release the man'spants,walkingaway
A screenshot of the video.
Despite the construction of several new regional
hospitals aimed at improving access to healthcare across the country, many citizens still prefer to seek medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).
Thehospitalcontinuesto record a high number of patient transfers from regionalfacilities.
Addressing this issue, GPHC's Chief Executive Officer, Robbie Rambarran, explained that the trend is notduetostaffingshortages, but rather a matter of public perceptionandhabit.“Idon't think it's a staffing issue, I think it is still a culture that somepeoplewanttocometo the Georgetown hospital than the bypass system. I think people would go to thesehospitalsintheinterim as a first stop and would request to be transferred to
Georgetownpublichospital. It will take some time for people to build the confidence, get good stories outofthem,”hesaid. Rambarran added that the GPHC has received positive feedback for its ongoing efforts to enhance servicedelivery “Peopleare complimenting me for the effortsthatwearemakingat the Georgetown hospital. It takes a commitment and with time, they will get that at their facilities and the people's confidence,” he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Dr Karen Cummings, and former MinisterwithintheMinistry of Public Health, told Kaieteur News that patients may still be uncertain about the services offered at regional hospitals. “I think people are not sure on the services that are being offered at those hospitals.
The Ministry of Home Affairs will be spending anadditional$118millionto complete works on the new Juvenile Holding Centre at Sophia, Georgetown.
A c c o r d i n g t o information provided on the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) website, the contract has since been awarded to Pacific ServiceSystemtothetuneof $118,518,613.
Thereconstructionofthe holdingcentrebeganin2024 to the tune of $243.1 million.
T his publication understands that the centre was established on May 1, 2011 with an emphasis on
Frompage10
counters,
nd the convenience of applying anytime, anywhere — from home or office,” Minister Walrond said. “It's about improving accessibility, transparency, and efficiency inhowweservethepublic.”
Additionally, it would be lack of resources. there are still things that the GPHC offers that the regional hospitals are not offering. They also perceived that the GPHC has more qualified persons there, and have better management of the
hospital. They have to win the compliments of the patient,”shesaid.
C u r r e n t l y, t h e government is advancing projects to construct 12 regionalhospitalsaspartofa $38 billion initiative to expand healthcare access and improve service quality nationwide. Among the 12 newhospitals,thesixnewly commissioned facilities are the Diamond Regional Hospital, Enmore Regional Hospital, De Kinderen Regional Hospital (commissioned on August 11, 2025), Lima Regional Hospital (commissioned on August 22, 2025), CorrivertonNo.75Regional Hospital (commissioned on July 4, 2025), and Bath Regional Hospital (commissioned on July 30, 2025).
The Ministry of
Agriculture is gearing up to e x e c
t e d r a i n a g e interventioninRegionsFour and Six by rehabilitating a
numberofsluices.
This is according to the recentopeningofbidsatthe office of the National Procurement and Tender
Administration Board (NPTAB). According to the board, the project is divided intotwolots.
$909,625,463,
$295,031,478.
Below are the companies and their bids:
MinistryofAgriculture
Lot1:DrainageInterventionRehabilitationofSluices,RegionSix.
Bidder
S.A.H Construction
rehabilitation and reintegration of juveniles intohisorhercommunity I t also provides opportunities for youth offenderstodeveloppositive changes in their behaviour andattitudes;toallowforthe development of skills to reduce recidivism and to help juveniles lead productive and lawabiding lifestyles, upon reintegrationintosociety
Persaud Engineering &Hydraulic Services
K&SPeetum Construction
C.Sohan Construction Services
AdvanceEngineering
AlphaConstruction Services
Jettoo’sConstruction
GopieInvestmentsInc
Alvin Chowramootoo Construction Services
Urban EdgeBuildersInc
Rockey & Son Construction -
Roopan RamotarInvestment
Delon J.BagotConstruction& Drainage Development -
BluePrintBuildersInc
Amount Tendered
Lot1(A)
$242,459,857
Lot1(B)
$126,844,599
Lot1(C) $118,768,398
Lot1(D)$214,261,236
Lot1(E)$178,955,406
Lot1(A)$252,642,925
Lot1(B) $125,380,836
Lot1(C) $112,876,701
Lot1(D)$210,341,124
Lot1(E)$177,779,679
$821,704,643(Lotsnot indicated)
Lot1(A)
$236,763,891
Lot1(B) $122,006,451
Lot1(C) $125,186,639
Lot1(D)$210,507,486
Lot1(E)$248,160,171
$1,010,113,849(Lots notindicated)
Lot1(A)$303,879,870
Lot1(B) $174,794,613
Lot1(C) $155,345,463
Lot1(D)$278,438,202
Lot1(E)$242,738,412
Lot1(A)$263,268,022
Lot1(A)$297,377,870
Lot1(B) $170,443,813
Lot1(C) $152,443,263
Lot2:DrainageIntervention -RehabilitationofSluices,RegionFour
ConstructionRoopan Ramotar Investment
$34,252,050
$222,557,769
$149,501,100
$17,049,060
$167,666,226 Lot2(C) $75,719,385 Lot2(D) $15,259,566
$19,337,241
Lot1(D)$273,326,802
Lot1(E)$237,383,442
Birdman Construction Service
Lot1(A)$242,451,850
Lot1(B) $126,844,599
TheMinistrysaidtheISS platformwillnotonlyreduce paperwork and processing delays but also enhance accountability through digital tracking and record management. Thelaunchofthesystem u n d e r s c o r e s t h e government's broader commitment to building a smarter, more connected public service, in line with Guyana's national digital transformationgoals.
She noted that the platform represents a wider government drive to create technology-driven public institutions that meet the needs of a rapidly evolving society “The Ministry is bridging traditional service delivery with modern technologytocreateafuture where digital solutions simplifylivesandstrengthen institutions,” the Minister added.
ShardaNaraineConstruction
Kascon Engineering Services
Shamir
Lot1(C) $118,768,398
Lot1(D)$214,261,736
Lot1(E)$178,955,406
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Guyana’s National ElectronicCare(eCare)systemat the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is expectedtobefullyrolledout by the end of this month.
The system, which replaces paper-based medical records with secure, cloudbased files, is fully operational at the Festival City Polyclinic,whilethemainhospital is currently undergoing process mapping to facilitate the rollout of the online patient booking system and other e-health systems.
GPHC’s Chief Executive Officer, Robbie Rambarran, told journalists Wednesday, that the first phase of the eCare system - the online patient booking platform—has been progressing well at its testsite.“E-Caresystemsare
VacancyforHotel&Restaurant Manager and Accountant.ApplyinpersonLot29 SussexStreet,Georgetown. Tele:757-8231.
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rollingoutwell.Irecentlyreceivedupdatesfromtheteam, and as you know, we rolled out the patient online bookingatFestivalCity.It’sgoing well. It’s not the uptake we wouldhaveliked,butweknow it’s a culture, people like going to the health centres and hospitals, people are still going but there are quite a few doing it from the comfort of their own home. It will take some time,” Rambarran explained.
Heemphasisedtheimportance of the new system in
improving efficiency and reducing overcrowding. “The idea is so that people don’t havetocomesteady,because when you go to the hospital or health centre most likely whenyougo,youmaygetan appointment date that means you have to come back and that is what we are trying to avoid. People have to go to thefacilitiesseveraltimes,so they have to go get an appointment and then come backfortheappointmentand when they come back for theirappointment,theymight
have to wait a long time before they see a doctor We instead want you to go online, book your appointment, get a date and you come one time and you get a block time. So that’s going good,” he said.
Bymonth-end,GPHCwill implement the full national electronichealthrecord(EHR) system, which will replace paperfileswithsecuredigital records accessible across hospital departments.
“Everything is one stream,thenfromtherewewill gotootherhospitalswhilewe simultaneously working on the Georgetown Public Hospital such as process mapping,seewherearerebuttals, how we can eliminate them, because with a manual system there are a lot of redundancies.
So, lots of redundancies are being cleared out so we are on track with that,” he said,”Rambarranstated.
Earlierthisyear,theMin-
istry of Health signed a US$3.3millioncontractwith RioMedLimitedtoimplement thenationalelectronichealth record system. The project willmodernisehealthcaredelivery,improveefficiency,and enhancecoordinationamong medicalprofessionals.
In August, the online patient booking system went liveattheFestivalCityPolyclinic—thefirstsiteunderthe ehealth initiative led by the MinistryofHealth.
Thepolyclinic,locatedat Blue Mountain and Aubrey Barker Road, Georgetown, offersarangeofservices,including adult vaccinations, family planning, asthma and COPD clinics, counselling, STI testing, and dental care.
Alongside the EHR rollout, investments are also beingmadeinAI-assisteddiagnostics, robotic surgery, and global partnerships connecting local hospitals to international imaging and lab servicesavailable24/7.
The Ministry of Health will be con structing a new health centre in Paruima Village,RegionSeventothetune ofapproximately$120million.
The project, which went throughthenationalcompetitivebiddingprocess,hasbeen awarded to contractor, Andrect Engineering and Construction. The contract sumis$120,891,500.
Kaieteur News understands that the village has an old health post and a doctor’s quarters where persons go to seekmedicalcare.Priortothis however, residents traveled either to Georgetown or the nearest health facility in Kamarang to receive further healthcare.
Speaking with this newspaper on Wednesday, Toshao Lee Williams said the new projectwouldbeverybenefi-
cialtothevillage,notingthat thehealthcentrewouldbethe first of its kind there.
HesaidParuimahasbeen one of the remote communitiestohaveatelemedicinesite providing specialised care.
“When this health centre is completed, at least we will have all the facilities inside there,whetheritispharmacy, dental, malaria (services). Thisprojectisgoingtobring alotofpositiveimpacttothe village,”herelated.
With a population of 900
persons, the village has a medex,mid-wifeandcommunity health workers who provide care to residents.
Thecontractorisexpected tobeginworknextweek.
Thegovernmenthasbeen upgrading health facilities across the country with the key objective of improving access through the introductionoftelemedicinecapabilities in remote communities, acquiring certain specialised capabilities, and deploying moremoderntechnology
Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony said the government has been constructing health centres and posts acrossthecountrytocomplement the regional hospitals and ensure modern facilities forhealthcareworkersacross the regions. This is aimed at decentralisingandexpanding therangeofpublichealthcare
servicesprovidedtocitizens, enhancing accessibility for communitiesnationwide.
The government has enhanced healthcare access through the construction of 25 new health centres and health posts across the country. Notably, close to 380 healthfacilitiesareoperating in the country ensuring that efficientmedicalcareisavailabletoallcitizens.
Kaieteur News understands that the health centres being constructed offer a wide range of services, including maternal and child healthcare,family planning, general outpatient services, chronic disease management, school health programmes, pharmacy services, and home visits, ensuring comprehensive health support for all residents.
From page 07 jurisdiction, citing a miningfriendly permitting environmentandgrowingforeigninvestment.
G2 Goldfields Inc. – Oko Project
In August, G2 Goldfields announced that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Guyana Geology and Mines Commissionapprovedtheissuance of two large-scale ProspectingLicences(PL).
G2 PL’s includes the
Upperflat3bedroomforrent, Located Herstelling New SchemeEastBankDemerara. Contact:265-3095/696-1994.
company’s high-grade OkoGhanieGoldDeposit.ThePL encompass the Oko and Ghanie Deposits, 1.5 million ouncesindicatedand1.6million ounces inferred, with a combined area of approximately 17,451 acres and replace 11 separate mediumscale mining permits previously held in the name of Guyanese entrepreneurs through option agreements. Notably, the PL have a three-year term with two re-
newalrightsforoneyeareach and provides for the right of occupation and exclusive right to explore for gold and precious minerals. G2 noted that over the last two years, comprehensive environmentalbaselinestudieshavebeen conducted via third party consultants. The company noted that these studies were designed to recommend actionsforeffectiveprojectdesign, regulatory compliance and to support the prepara-
tionofanEnvironmentalSocial Impact Assessment (ESIA).
Effective March 1, 2025, G2disclosedthattherewasa 60% increase in indicated gold resources, bringing its estimatedrecoverablegoldto 1.5millionounces,anda49% increaseininferredresources to1.6millionounces.Located within an 83,967-acre property,theOkoProjectconsists of three main mineralised zones: the high-grade Oko Main Zone (OMZ) in the north, the bulk-tonnage Ghanie Zone in the south, and the more recently identifiedOkoNorthwestZone.
The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has so far recorded nine maternal deaths for the year, surpassing the total eightrecordedin2024.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GPHC, Robbie Rambarran,revealedthatthe majority of these deaths occurred among critical patients who were transferred from private hospitalsatthelastmoment.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Rambarran explained that most of the womenwhodiedwerenever underGPHC'scareuntilthey
were referred in extremely critical condition “From January to now, I recall we have nine deaths, it's an increase from last year The thing is that we have more referral this year and admissions as well. A lot of thosepatientsthatdiedcame from other hospitals, they were never under our care andtheywerereferredtous. They were referred in some criticalstate,”hesaid. He also noted a rise in neonatalreferrals,withmore new-borns being transferred from private institutions to theGPHC.
Rambarran criticised the practice of private hospitals transferring severely ill patients only when their conditions become dire “Sometimes they send them to us and there is nothing different that we can do for them.Therearecaseswhere they send patients that are incubated I believe that private hospitals like doing this because the death don't fall on their numbers, it comes under our numbers,” he stated. Rambarran added that he has raised the issue with the Minister of Health and the hospital board,
suggesting a review of the reporting criteria for maternal deaths recorded at GPHC. He emphasised that while the GPHC is the nationalreferralhospitaland should receive high-risk cases, many of the transfers arrive too late for effective intervention Rambarran furtherdisclosedthatseveral oftherecentcasesareunder review and will be forwarded to the Guyana Medical Council for further deliberation.“Manyofthose reviews are being completed. I will discuss them with my medical team
and send some to the Medical Council for deliberation.Wealsoplanto have some discussion with the private hospitals since some of these cases clearly needintervention,”hesaid.
According to previous reports, it has long been a trendforprivatehospitalsto transfer patients to the GeorgetownPublicHospital Corporation (GPHC) only when they are in critical condition.
The Civil Defence
Commission (CDC) fully supported a two-day major multi-agency oil spill response exercise which concluded yesterday at the GuyanaMarriottHotel.
The event, hosted by ExxonMobil Guyana and facilitated by The Response Group (TRG) was aimed at bringing together national and sectoral stakeholders to
test coordination,
m
incident command procedures under simulated offshoreincidentconditions.
The CDC's participation reinforces its mandate as
Guyana's Competent National Authority for Disaster Risk Management (DRM)and particularly for
oilspillresponseanditskey coordinatingroleinensuring an integrated and effective responsetopotentialoilspill incidents The CDC is supported by the attendance of other key Government Agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Guyana Fire Service (GFS), Guyana Defence Force
( G D F ) , M a r i t i m e Administration Department (MARAD) Guyana Fire Service (GFS), Guyana PoliceForce(GPF).
CDC Director General, Colonel Nazrul Hussain, noted that this exercise forms part of Guyana's broadereffortstostrengthen preparedness and interagency coordination in alignment with the New Oil
Participants at the agency oil spill response exercise
For 2024, the GPHC recorded a total of eight maternal deaths and 41 neonatal deaths - the lowest figures in the hospital's recent history During the institution's end-of-year press conference, Rambarran noted that those numbers reflected a continued improvement in maternal and neonatal outcomes, surpassing last year's record-breaking performance.
Pollution Prevention, Preparedness,Responseand Responsibility Act, 2025, and the National Oil Spill
C o n t i n g e n c y P l a n (NOSCP) CDC remains committed to supporting all national and regional partners in developing a cohesive, well-trained response network that protectspeople,ecosystems, andeconomicassets.
Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Shirley Botchwey (third left) is joined by President Irfaan Ali (third right standing), members of his government as well as other Commonwealth officials at State House. (OP)
Commonwealth Shirley Botchwey is visiting Guyana for the first time since herelectiontoofficeonApril1,2025. According to a statement issued on the Office of the President's Facebook page, President Irfaan Ali hosted a luncheononWednesdayatStateHouse inherhonour During the meeting, Ms Botchwey
thanked President Ali for his support during her election and for his stewardship and leadership on global issues.PresidentAliemphasisedthatthe Government of Guyana and the Commonwealth are aligned in advancing key issues within an everchanging and dynamic global environment, such as climate change and biodiversity; and sustainable
development, particularly with a focus on women, children, and persons with disabilities Ms Botchwey was presented with a painting titled 'The Koker', created by local artist Merlene Ellis.Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, along with other Ministers of Government, also attendedtheluncheon.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GPHC, Robbie Rambarran
However, Rambarran emphasised that all eight maternal deaths involved patientsthatweretransferred and were already in severe condition.“Thisyear(2024), we can boast that we have achieved even further Last year we had 10 maternal deaths, this year we have eight Of those eight maternal deaths, each and everyonewasreferredtous in a very critical state,” he said. Supporting this point, Dr. Radha Sookraj, ConsultantinObstetricsand Gynaecology, highlighted that most of the maternal deaths were indirect and involvedpatientstransferred from other healthcare institutions. “We offered the best care possible with the collaboration of other doctorswhowereinvolved,” Dr Sookrajsaid.
Attorney General (AG), and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, has denied the allegation of his involvement in money laundering.
The AG was forced to addresstheallegationafterit was brought up by Team Mohameds.
In a Facebook post, Team Mohamed, led by leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) Azruddin Mohamed, called outtheAttorneyGeneralfor his alleged involvement in money laundering through casinos in Guyana and Suriname.
The post was made shortlyafterNandlallonhis programme, 'Issues in the News,' addressed questions concerning Mohamed's and hisfather,Nazar'indictment byagrandjuryintheUnited States for money laundering, gold smuggling andfraud.
In response, AG called out the party leader, noting that his views on the Mohameds, were, factual andlegal,andnotpersonal.
The AG explained, “They were made in response to questions from numerous reporters of various press outfits in the country I spoke not a word about or concerning money laundering. I own, neither wholly nor in part, any casinooperationsinGuyana or Suriname. I am not in partnershipwithanyperson orentity.”
The Attorney General explained further that his friend, whom he believes is being described as his 'business partner', was indeed questioned once by US law enforcement authorities at an airport in theUnitedStates. “I am informed that many of the questions related to whether he had any business relationship with the Mohameds. He answered in the negative. I have no reason to doubt him,”Nandlallstated.
(AL-JAZEERA) - The third day of Gaza ceasefire talks got underway on Wednesday in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm elSheikhtofinalisethedetails of US President Donald Trump’s20-pointplan.
While talks were ongoing, Gaza’s health ministryreportedthatatleast eight Palestinians were killed and 61 others injured in Israeli attacks across the enclave.
Two bodies have also been recovered from the rubbleofthepreviousIsraeli attacks in the same time frame,theministryadded.
Israel’s war on Gaza has killed a total of 67,183 Palestinians and injured 169,841 others since October 7, 2023, the statement published on Telegramsaid.
After more than two years of devastating Israeli attacksonGaza,Palestinians arehopingthelatestroundof ceasefire negotiations bears fruit.
“We hope from God that a ceasefire would take place as soon as possible, because people can’t bear the suffering anymore,” Jehad al-Shagnobi, whose house was destroyed in the Sabra districtofGazaCity,toldthe
Reutersnewsagency
“The suffering is great; people can’t breathe any more. We hope from God that the negotiations take place today and are successful ” Adnan Hayajneh, professor of international relations at Qatar University, says the big question around the ceasefire relates to whether Israel will live up to what it agrees.
“Thereisahugeproblem over the trust of Netanyahu. He does not follow through with agreements. He does
notbelieveinpeaceanddoes not believe in a Palestinian state,” Hayajneh told Al Jazeera. Hayajneh says it is necessary to ensure the US shows a commitment to using its leverage over Netanyahu; otherwise, Hamaswilllikelynotaccept thedeal.
“They know from past experience that they will agreetosomething,theywill return the hostages, there willbeanexchangeorswap ofthecaptives,butafterthat, Netanyahu will find any excuse,”Hayajnehsaid.
M e a n w h i l e , a s negotiationsfortheceasefire deal continued, the situation on the ground looked extremely bleak as Israeli drones were still targeting residentialbuildings.
The Israeli military operation did not expand to reach further urban centres, butwasstillstationedintheir centralised positions that enable forces to have operationalsupportbyusing quadcopter drones and heavyartillerytotargetwhat remains of structures, particularlyinGazaCity
Civilians have said the scale of bombardment sounds less intense in comparison with the days preceding the onset of the c u r r e n t r o u n d o f negotiations.
For them, they say that might be a sign that mediators are exerting further pressure on Israel to at least mitigate the scale of its bombardment on Gaza, for one reason, it’s to allow for Hamas’s fighters to retrieve bodies of Israeli captives as part of the first phaseoftheceasefiredeal.
Despite Israeli official orders to halt offensive operations and stick to defensiveones,thesituation onthegroundtellsadifferent story Israel is relatively expanding its ground movements inside the urban centres in Gaza City throughout the night and Wednesdaymorning.
Loud explosions are still heard coming from Gaza City, resulting from the extensive use of remotely controlled armoured vehiclesladenwithtonnesof explosives.Isthatenoughto d e s t r o y e n t i r e neighbourhoods? Red and orange lights were coming out from these destroyed sites as a sign of a
continuation of ground activities.
Thefamiliesstilltrapped there are reporting horrific useofquadcopterdronesand extensive destruction of civilianinfrastructure.
YettheIsraelimovement has pulled back in certain geographical locations, but theyarestilltighteningtheir grip over significant intersections in Gaza City and deploying further bridgesintheeasternpartsof theStrip.
ZeevElkin,amemberof Israel’s cabinet, has restated hisexpectationsofanyGaza ceasefire deal, telling the country’s public broadcaster thatthegovernmentwill“set therulesforendingthewar” and that the final picture must see Hamas disarmed and no longer in charge of Gaza
Hamas previously said disarming was a “red line”. SpeakingtoDropSiteNews, senior Hamas figure Mousa Abu Marzouk called on Israel to “lower their expectations a lot in this regard”.
Abu Marzouk told the US outlet that a pledge of a “truceoraceasefire”should be “more important than searching for how many riflesHamashas.”
The government of Guyana is exploring the possibility of having a commercial railway to link the East Coast and Bank of Demerara This was announced by President IrfaanAlionTuesdayduring avisittotheBuzzBeeDam, East Bank Demerara (EBD) area.
The president revealed that a feasibility study is underway for a commercial railway. He said that the proposed line is expected to run along the high dam near thefour-laneBuzzBeeDam highway. That study is expected to be completed withinsixweeks.
Meanwhile, President Ali also announced that the design for theoverpass road across the Heroes Highway
has been completed, marking a major step forward in linking the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara.
During an inspection of ongoing works at Buzz Bee Dam on the East Bank of Demerara on Tuesday, the
president explained that the overpass will connect directlytotheEastCoaston the eastern end and then to Vreed-en-Hoop on the westernend.
“This is going to be a major game changer, this highway,becauseitisgoing to open up thousands of acres of land, farmland, commercial land, industrial land. It’s going to put to use assets that were idled,” PresidentAlistated.
The overpass forms part ofPhaseIIofthepresident’s national traffic management plan, which also includes a major new interconnection linkingBuzzBeeDamtothe Eccles dumpsite road, then to Aubrey Barker Street, Ogle, and eventually Enmore.
When completed, this route will create a total of sixteenlanesfromBuzzBee Dam to Ogle, significantly improving travel time and easingcongestionacrossthe East Bank and East Coast corridors.
P r e
underscored that precise engineering and modern drainage design are central toallthenewroadworks.
“The water conservancy is in close proximity to where we are. The drainage canal will now be inte
redirected around the roundabout so that we don’t lose any drainage capacity,
but gain drainage capacity becauseofthedesignsofthe drainagecanalsonbothsides of the road that we’re doing,”heexplained.
The head of state noted that all advanced drainage and excavation works are expectedtobecompletedby March of next year, weather permitting. Meanwhile, design and
preparation for the Land of Canaan to Soesdyke highwayaretobecompleted beforetheendof2025.
This project will require innovative construction techniques due to the swampyandsandyterrain.
“If you notice how they build flyovers in certain parts of the Everglades and places around the world,
where they build through swamps, they use a lot of overpass-type designs so thatisoneoftheoptionswe are looking at in terms of cost efficiency,” the presidentsaid.
Additionally, the road network linking Cummings Lodge to Aubrey Barker Street is on track for completion by midNovember
With the new Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge (BJDRB) now operational, commuters are alreadybenefitingfromfour newlanes,twoleadingback to Georgetown and two linking traffic from the Ogle–Eccles roundabout ontothebridge.
Collectively, these infrastructure initiatives are reshaping the East Bank–East Coast corridor, enhancing mobility, expanding housing and economic zones, and positioning the corridor as a key driver of Guyana’s national development (ModifiedfromDPI)
Several classes of action havebeensortedastheclock countsdowntothefirstever Drag race event in the AncientCounty Dubbed the Berbice Drag Invasion, the event, organised and run by the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) is setforSundayOctober12.
“Weheldameetingwith all the drivers and other stakeholders of sport last night(Monday)andwehave outlined several classes of competition.Weagreedalso thattherewilltrophiesforall theseclassesaswellasafew other special prizes to be won.”
Theclasseswillbebased
G M R & S C Vi c ePresidentShairazRoshandin inarecentinterviewsaidthat they have already outlined several classes that will run ontheday
on engine CC according to Roshandin with action starting from the 1500cc class, 1600cc, 1800cc, 2000cc,2500cc,3000ccand unlimitedalongwithbikes.
“We’ve also noted that a lot of cars these days come with a forced induction system whether it be a turbocha
r or a supercharger and for that w
a multiplying factor of 1.5 to
offsetthis.Thismeansthatif you’redrivinga1300ccwith a turbo charged engine, you’ll automatically be placed in the 2000cc class. Thiswillalsobethesamefor cars using Nitrous Oxide (NOS).”
Grudgematches,amust
Meanwhile the VP underscoredthatclassbased action will not be the only treatfanscanlookforwardto ontheday
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If people hassle you or give you a hard time about your appearance today, pay them nomind,Cancer Youhavethe righttoliveyourlifeanyway youwantto.
LEO(July23–Aug.22)
Reachforthepotofgoldatthe end of the rainbow, Leo. It's closerthanyouthink.Indeed, your dreams are completely within your reach, and there are huge forces at work helping you achieve your goals.
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22)
Today is your day to dream and dream big, Virgo. Think aboutwhatitisthatyouwant most out of life. Aim your arrow to the stars and pull back your bow as far as possible. There's no limit to howfaryoucango.
LIBRA(Sept.23–Oct.22)
Expand your mind to its furthest reaches today, Libra. There's an incredible opportunity opening up for you in which you can make great strides in a creative realm.Followthemusic.
SCORPIO(Oct.23–Nov 21)
Your mind may seem rather cloudy today, Scorpio, but don't let this hinder you. In fact, you'll find that you can use this feeling of fantasy to your advantage. Try to bring moremagicintoyourlife.
SAGIT(Nov 22–Dec.21)
Today is an excellent day for you,oneinwhichyou'llfinda great deal of strength in your emotions, Sagittarius Trust that your instincts are serving youwell.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19)
Things might get a bit confusing for you today, Capricorn. Don't feel like you needtomakesenseofitall.In fact, this task may be impossible. Just be yourself. Let your creative nature shine through.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18)Mixyourrealitywithabit of fantasy today, Aquarius. Allowyourfeettocomeoffthe ground for a little while. Give yourselfarest.Takesometime to meditate and clear your mindofyourdailyworries.
PISCES(Feb.19–Mar.20)
Let yourself go into high creative mode and drift into a whole other world, Pisces. Escape your present reality and explore your fantasies through any sort of artistic endeavor Dreamasbigasyour mindallows.
Frompage24 developing boxing in Guyana.
The event is among the GBA’s most prestigious fixtures and is expected to attract top fighters from clubs across the country, all vyingfornationalglory
goingtobetoughtopickthe final lineup because they’re all performing well,” he admitted.
“Once we complete the classes of action, we have a sectionforgrudgeruns.This basically means that if two competitors from different classeslet’ssaya1600ccand an 1800cc want to have a race, that’s the time where it’sdone.Wefindthistobea crowd favorite because it createsthatunderdoginalot ofcasesandfanslovethat.”
This will of course be outside of the actual competition results and will ofcoursenotbefortrophies butbraggingrights.Andthat means a lot to some of the guysherebecausewithinthe fraternity, there are a lot of little‘beefs’remainingfrom ourlastencounter.”
Roshandin added that based on the packed day of activity, they want to start promptlyat11:00hrs.
Tickets for adults are 2000dollarswithkidsbeing charged1000forentrytothe venueandtheeventisbeing held at the Rose Hall Canje Airstrip.
Marques, who boasts an impressive19winsandfour losses in his professional career, his most recent victory coming against Colombia’s Sammy Ramos inAugust, said his team has been in fighting shape for weeks. “Theguyshavebeen showing up to training with real commitment, and I admiretheenergytheybring in the gym. It’s actually
T h e f o r m e r bantamweight standout added,“Itoldtheboxers,go outthereanddowhatwe’ve practiced. Stick to the game plan. If they do that, along with the other little things we’ve worked on, we’re goingtocomeoutontop.”
However, Marques said hehaswarnedhisboxersthat there’s no room for complacency, adding that he’s expecting a tough challenge from their rivals, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the upcoming boxingfromBerbice.
As the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup winds down for some nations, the Golden Jaguars are embracing a new path forward, one focused on development, cohesion, and long-term competitive success.ThisNovember,the Golden Jaguars, Guyana nationalsidewillembarkon t
e Concacaf Friendly Series (CFS), a newly introduced platform designed to keep non-World Cup-bound teamsactiveandevolving.
Drawn into Group C, Guyana will go head-to-head with regional counterparts
Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bonaire, and Aruba The group’s opening fixtures will be held in St John’s,AntiguaandBarbuda, with Guyana set to face
Bonaire on November 15, followed by a clash against hostsAntiguaandBarbudaon November 18, both fixtures willbeplayedattheSirVivian RichardsStadium
Unlike trad
ional tournaments, the CFS isn’t just about competition, it’s aboutcontinuity Createdby Concacaf to ensure that all its Member Associations remain active during FIFA international windows, the series provides a valuable opportunity to improve FIFA rankings, fine-tune tactics, and foster squad development outside of the intense pressure of qualificationcampaigns.
Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President WayneFordeunderscoredthe importance of the CFS as more than just friendly
matches “Thisseriespresents an excellent opportunity for the Golden Jaguars to strengthen team chemistry, test our tactical approaches, andbuildmomentumheading into next year’s competitive calendar,” he said “Every match counts as we continue to raise our standards and representGuyanawithpride”
Meanwhile, Golden JaguarsHeadCoachThomas
Dooley echoed the sentiment,viewingtheseries asanessentialsteppingstone in building a cohesive and competitiveunit
“These matches are a criticalchanceforustobegin embedding our playing philosophyandaligningasa team,” he said “It’s about understanding the players, shaping our identity, and building a foundation for
futur
ss particularly as we prepare fortheNationsLeague.”
Dooley also made a heartfelt appeal to the Guyanese football community: “We need our fans, the media, and all stakeholders behind us This journey requires unity, belief, and hard work With those elementsinplace,Ibelievewe canachievesomethingspecial together”
With eyes firmly set on growth and preparation, the Golden Jaguars are entering thisnewcompetitionnotjust to play but also to evolve.
The Guyana Football
Federation remains committedtosupportingthe team’s preparations to ensure competitive performances throughout theseries.
The Guyana Police Force are bent on not taking prisoners when they step into the ring at the Guyana Boxing Association’s (GBA) National Open and I n t e r m e d i a t e Championships, set for October25–27.
The lawmen, behind
coach Dexter Marques, said no punches will be pulled when the bell rings at the NationalGymnasium.
“We’re coming really strong this year,” declared Marques, himself a decorated former national andprofessionalboxer Marques revealed that the Force plans to field at least 15 boxers, all eager to make a statement across variousweightdivisions.
“We’ve been putting in the rounds, and the guys are hungry.Thisyear, we’re not aiming for second, we’re comingforthetitle,”hesaid withconfidence.
This year’s tournament will be staged in honour of thelateTerrencePoole,MS, the revered National Coach whodedicatedhislifeto
(Continuedonpage23)
DearCricketWestIndies (CWI) could you please explain:-
1. Why NONE of the top-25 batsmen from the 2025 West Indies Championship was given a RetainerContract?
2.Whyonlythreeofthe batsmenchosentotourIndia werefromamongthetop-25 Batsmenof2025?
3. Why only one of the BatsmanfortheFirstTestvs India, was from among the top-25of2025?
Thankyou.
WestIndiesCricket
Performancebasedon WestIndies
Championshipstatistics
JNMohammed–679 runs/10innings
JDaSilva–583runs/10
inningsKevlonA.\ Anderson–573runs/11innings
JNHamilton–573 runs/13innings
SDParris–546runs//13 innings
TevinImlach–538/10
innings
JohnCampbell–517/11
innings
JADrakes–515/12
innings
JFJeremiah–495/13
innings
JGlen–478/12
innings
JAndrew–476/13
innings
CCooper–452/11
innings
DEvelyn–451/14
nningsMikyleLouis–429/11
nningsCBowen
Tuckett–412/11innings
KHenry–398
MWForde–396 KraiggCBrathwaite393JBishop–381
KSAMcKenzie–370 JBlackwood–366 SDescarte–346
TJBishop-340 MNandu–338
KSavory–331
KGore–329
JustinGreaves-320 SWAmbris–316
KARHodge–314
KeacyCarty-313
AAJangoo–311
RPPerez–302
*BrandonKing–242/8 innings=30.25
* Roston Chase – 174/3 innings
AlickAthanaze
ShaiHope
AkealHosein
AlzarriJoseph
ShamarJoseph GudakeshMotie
RovmanPowell
SherfaneRutherford
JaydenSeales
RomarioShepherd
JomelWarrican Bowling, in West Indies
ByRawleToney
Imagine winning your country’s top football league, with two games still left to play, and not even receiving a whisper of recognition from the very administrators who are supposed to celebrate the g a m e ’ s h i g h e s t achievements.
Imagin
ine, professionalism, and heavy investment, only to be met withsilence
Imagine being Slingerz FootballClub
Thisisn’tjustamatterof a missing social media post ordelayedpressrelease;it’s ablatantinsult It’saslapin the face to a club that has doneeverythingrightonthe pitch,andevenmoreoffit.
Slingerz FC has mathematically sealed the
2024–2025 GFF Elite League title, but the G u y a n a F o o t b a l l Federation (GFF) and its league administrators have failed to so much as acknowledgethefactthata new champion has emerged
I consider that poor
communication and institutionalnegligence. No one is asking for the
trophy presentation right now That can wait until the final whistle of the final match. But to completely ignore the league’s most dominant team, to not even p u b l i s h a s i n g l e congratulatory post or mention that the title race is officially over, is shameful. Itexposestherotinhowthe league is managed and marketed.
To be honest, the GFF Elite League has been a ghost on the marketing front There’s no data, no storytelling no statistics, noplayerhighlights
Fans can’t tell who leads in goals, assists, or cleansheets
There’s zero content c e l e b r a t i n g t h e performances that should drive the narrative of a nationalleague.
It’s like watching a competition that doesn’t
want to be seen.And that’s thetragedy
Because Slingerz FC is a professional setup; a clubpoweredbycorporate support, run with structure, and led by visionaries who believe in raising the bar for Guyanesefootball
However, they are forcedtooperatewithinan amateur framework that clearly doesn’t value
professionalism or transparency
The fed
lls ev
y potential investor, every fan, and every young f o o t b a l l e r t h a t e x c e l l e n c e m e
nothing if you’re not in theirgoodbooks
O n e m u s t a l s o question the glaring conflict of interest that continues to plague the league
How can the person responsible for marketing and promoting the competition be the president of a competing teamintheleague?
Keepinmind,thatclub, once the pride of football development in Guyana, now find themselves
currently fighting
relegation under the presidencyandleadershipof thepersoncurrentlyrunning the Elite League…see my point?
How can objectivity and fairness exist under those conditions? It’s an e m b a r r a s s m e n t o f governance and an indictment of the GFF’s leadership.
This isn’t just about Slingerz FC being ignored It’s about respect respect for the clubs, their sponsors,theirfans,andthe gameitself.
league points,
When a league refuses to recognize its own champions, it undermines its credibility and alienates the very stakeholders keepingitalive.
The Elite League deserves better The players deserve better Thefansdeservebetter
It takes nothing, absolutely nothing, to celebratethesport
A simple highlight reel,apostacknowledging the champions, or a list of the top scorers and creators would make a worldofdifference
Buthereweare,in2025, still begging for basic recognition from those entrusted with advancing footballinGuyana
TheGFFmustdobetter, not for Slingerz alone, but for the integrity of the league and the future of the sport in this country
pettinessdressedaspride.
Flashback! A peek into the final day of the 2024 Jamboree, as Vergenoegen Secondary dominate at Tuschen Primary.
Basketballfeveris set to return to Region Three as the second annual Region Three Secondary Schools
Basketball Jamboree bounces off this Saturday, October 11, at the Leonora SecondarySchool.
With 95 games scheduled to be played over a two-month stretch, the tournament promises not only high-level youth competition but also a meaningful impact on students’ lives beyond the court Spearheaded by
A n t h o n y K a n d a r, Chairman of the D-Up Basketball Academy, this year’s jamboree has e x p a n d e d i n b o t h participationandvision.
Atotaloftensecondary schools, including eight from region three and two prestigious institutions from Georgetown will battle it out for the 2025 titleinwhat’sshapingupto
D-Up Basketball Academy Chairman, Anthony Kandar (right) sharing photo-op with sponsor during last year’s edition.
be a thrilling showcase of emerging talent and communityspirit
Teams chasing the 2025 titlewillbe;D-UpBasketball
Academy, Leonora Secondary, Stewartville Secondary, De Willem Secondary, West Demerara Secondary, Vergenoegen Secondary (defending champions), Tuschen Secondary and Qaayim Academy Theseschoolswill be joined by guest powerhouses from Georgetown, namely St Stanislaus College and The Bishops’ High School (institutions known for their sporting excellence), who are expected to inject added flair and intensity into the competition Last year’s
Under-15 champions, Vergenoegen Secondary, will return to defend their title, setting the stage for a possible repeat or a new contender to rise in what is expected to be a hotly contestedtournament.
The Region Three SchoolBasketballJamboree is more than just basketball. According to Kandar, the purpose of the jamboree transcends wins and trophies.
“The tournament is muchbiggerthansports,”he said. “It’s about staying in school, staying away from drugs and alcohol… at least fornow,that’sthepurposeof thesetournaments.
It’s about instilling good qualities like discipline, teamwork, and consistency” That vision is echoed through the mission of the D - U p B a s k e t b a l l
Academy, which has been a vital force in the revival
dormant, the sport is now experiencing a resurgence a direct result of Kandar’s efforts to create structured opportunities foryoungathletes
“What we do at D-Up is simple, we’re consistent,” Kandar explained “Discipline, respect, and hard work are nonnegotiables. With those qualities, young people can achieve anything. Our goal istomoldthemintothebest versionsofthemselves.”
The tournament also
coaches, and the wider community “Coaches and teachers have accepted our vision, and together we aim to instill these values into our students, to shape them into productive members of society,”Kandaradded.
This year’s event is proudly supported by the MinistryofEducation,along with generous contributions from sponsors such as West Indian Friends that Care (Toronto,Canada),Ellieand Rihanna’sClothing Outlet, Century Springs, A l e e m
d S o n s Construction, and several other local businesses and individuals who believe in t
of youth developmentthroughsports.
The 2025 Region Three Basketball Jamboree runs from October 11 through December13. Tip-offisset for 12 noon this Saturday at LeonoraSecondarySchool.
T(GFF)–BlueWaterShipping Under-15 Girls’ Secondary
S c h o o l F o o t b a l l Championship continues to serve as a crucial platform for the development of young female footballers
across the country Backed by FIFA’s Football for Schools (F4S) programme, and with support from Blue Water Shipping, the
Victoria Kings Football Club(VKFC)hasreceiveda timely boost ahead of their participation in the upcoming East Demerara
Football Association (EDFA) Under-17 League, thanks to a generous donation from Industrial SuppliesandServices.
The Georgetown-based company presented a quantity of Diadora football cleats to the club during a simple ceremony held at its head office, located at 21 RobbandAlbertStreets.
The footwear will be distributedamongtheclub’s junior players as they continuepreparationsforthe highly anticipated youth competition, which is expectedtokickoffsoon.
De Freitas of Industrial Supplies and Services.
Speaking on behalf of Victoria Kings FC, Secretary Calvin Marks
expr
appreciation to Managing Director Nolan Lancaster and his team for their continued support of the club’s development programmes.
competition showcases emerging talent while reinforcing the GFF’s commitment to growing girls’ and women’s football nationwide.
Resuming just two weeksago,thetournamentis already heating up, with President’s College and Bush Lot Secondary securing their spots in the quarterfinals after finishing in the top two positions of GroupA.
Actionunfoldedatthe#5 GroundontheWestCoastof Berbice, where fans were treated to six exciting matchups featuring President’s College, Bush Lot Secondary, Canje Secondary, and New CampbellvilleSecondary Bush Lot Secondary kickedoffthedaywitha2–0 win over Canje Secondary, thanks to a brace from informstrikerAshantiScott.In
the following fixture, President’s College made a s t a t e m e n t w i t h a commanding 7–0 victory over New Campbellville Secondary Goalscamefrom Shermel Blake (2), Reyana
Gounga (2), Kimora Edwards (2), and an own goal President’s College then raised the bar even further, dismantling Canje Secondary 12–0 Kimora Edwards was unstoppable, netting six goals, while Gounga(3),Blake(1),Neisa Lewis (1), and Nalini LaRose(1)addedtothetally inadominantteamdisplay.
BushLotSecondaryalso r
Campbellville Secondary 2–0, once again with both goals from Ashanti Scott.
Canje Secondary later picked up their first win of the tournament, overcoming NewCampbellville2–0with
goalsfromLaToyaWilliams andKishannaFyffe.
In the day’s final match, President’sCollegewrapped up their group stage campaigninstylewitha9–0 rout of Bush Lot Secondary Hat-tricks from Blake and Gounga, along with goals fromLuizaPugsley,LaRose, and Lewis, secured a flawless record for the East Coastside.
At the end of the day’s action, President’s College topped Group A, followed by Bush Lot Secondary in second place. Both teams now advance to the quarterfinal round of the nationalchampionship.
With more matches ahead, the GFF-Blue Water U15 Girls’ Championship continuestoshineaspotlight on the rising stars of local football and the promising future of the women’s game inGuyana.
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is pleased to announce that Executive CommitteeMember,Andrea Johnson,hasbeenappointed to serve on FIFA’sWomen’s Football Development
Committee for the 2025–2029term.
The appointment was confirmed by FIFA following decisions recently takenbytheFIFACouncil.
Ms.Johnsonwillserveas a member of the committee, which is responsible for advancing the development, growth,andglobalprofileof women’sfootball.
Marks noted that contributions such as these play a vital role in ensuring young footballers are properly equipped to performattheirbest.
“Victoria Kings has always been committed to nurturing young talent, and partnershipslikethishelpus to keep that vision alive,” Markssaid.
Industrial Supplies and Services has been a longtime supporter of the
commitment to community developmentthroughsport.
FIFA expressed its pleasure and honour in extending this appointment, which is in line with the relevant provisions of the FIFA Statutes and GovernanceRegulations.
M s J o h n s o n ’ s appointment represents a significant achievement for both her and the Federation, particularly at a time when the GFF has been placing increased emphasis on the growth and development of women’sfootballinGuyana. Her new role provides Guyana with an important seatatthetable,allowingher to contribute to shaping
global strategies and decisions that can further influence and support the localwomen’sgame. The Guyana Football Federation extends its
President College Girl’s U15 to battle for semifinals spots in the 2025 GFF-Blue Water Shipping Schools’Football Championship.
